THE CELEBRATIONS

First Baptist Church

Evansville, Indiana

  Vol. 56, No. 51                                                         March 26, 2008

Vision Statement

We are building on our heritage and approaching the future with a vision relevant to our changing world while creating an atmosphere where Christ can bring healing, hope, and joy to all.

April 19, 2008, I hope you have that date marked on your calendar. At 3:00 PM we will be having a Service of Installation where I will be installed as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Evansville. This service is to celebrate the work of the pulpit committee and the movement to the Holy Spirit that has guided our mutual selection process. This service is to claim that we believe that we are God’s gift to one another to be pastor and congregation in ministry together to accomplish God’s will. 

I look forward to introducing you to some of my family and friends. My parents, George and Gertrude Huffsmith, will be here. They are great Christian parents who live out their faith in very real ways. They brought me to First Baptist Church, Hornell, NY to hear the stories of how God loves me before I was able to walk or talk. Their love and support has had a profound influence in shaping my life. 

Rev. Ralph Wagner will be preaching at that service. Ralph was pastor at my home church when I accepted the call to ministry. He baptized Joanne and officiated at our wedding, and last year as part of the celebration of our 31^st anniversary he officiated at a service of renewal of our wedding vows. Ralph has been a mentor to me for many years, and he and his wife Susan have been special friends to Joanne and me. 

Our daughters, Tasha, Chelsea and Janelle, will be here and participating in the service. Each of them is very special to Joanne and me. They have each grown up to be very unique, special, and talented young women. Many of you got to meet them here at Christmas time and I am excited that they will be here for this special event.

We have also invited other family members and special friends and hope that some of them will be able to join us. Keep them in your prayers as they travel to Evansville and then come and celebrate together with us. You are part of the special family we have become here at First Baptist Evansville. My hope is that you will be celebrating with us.

QUARTERLY BUSINESS MEETING

Sunday, March 30^th

6:00pm dinner

(Carry-in dinner

 with meat, bread, & drinks provided)

7:00pm meeting

REGION MISSION CONFERENCE

Saturday, April 5^th

Alexandria First Baptist Church

Alexandria, Indiana

Registration forms are in the church office.

FOOD PANTRY TABLE

If you’re coming to the church for any reason through-out the week, bring a non-perishable food item and put it on one of the tables in the Sanctuary. The food items are taken to Patchwork Central which distributes it to those in need. Hunger is not a seasonal or random thing, it’s an on going thing.  FBC CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!

FELLOWSHIP FUND

The Fellowship Fund is in need of donations.  This is a very worthy endeavor that FBC uses to help our community.  Please pray about any donations.

COUNT ON ME

A monetary gift was given to “Count On Me” in honor of Jenny Fenwick, Virginia Gore, Angela Grable, and Rose Williams.

APARTMENT FOR RENT – FBC has the apartment which was rented for Pastor Dixon until the lease runs out in Aug.  It rents for $500 a month with utilities at $105. Call the church office (425-8296), if you are interested in renting it.

BEN HASTINGS RETURNS HOME

It is with great happiness for us to report that our son-in-law, Major Ben Hastings, has completed his time in Iraq and is home with his family in El Dorado, Arkansas.  We appreciate all the prayers which were offered for him during his tour of duty.  Ben was a Civil Affairs Officer, along with his regular military duties, he was able to help set up medical clinics for Iraqi citizens and distribute food to the needy.  He met with the local Sheiks and helped to bring resolution to problems in the area. Thanks again to our church family for your prayers.                               Bob and Doris Hollis

PRAYER FOR TEACHERS

Lord, thank you for teachers that have . . .

WISDOM to teach principles as well as facts;

COURAGE to stand firm when challenged by parent or child;

PERSISTENCE to teach again and again and then again;

VISION to know what results will show far down the years;

LOVE for the unlovable as well as the lovely child;

PATIENCE Lord, patience, forever and unending.

                                                        -Author Unknown

SOCCER SHAK SEASON

It’s time for the spring Soccer Shak Season.  Our youth group provides concessions for the soccer teams that play on Vann Avenue each Spring and Fall.  The 6-week season begins on April 7^th.  We need volunteers to help us staff the Soccer Shak each day. Volunteers can sign up on the poster in the lobby.  This is a great way to support the youth group and have fun! 

CONGRATULATIONS to Judy Schneider’s daughter, Heidi, on the birth of Kreistin who weighed in at 4 lbs. 2 ozs.  

HIGH SCHOOL POW

All high school students are invited to a POW (programs on weekends) on Saturday, April 5^th at 6:00pm at the church.  It’s a pizza and movie night. Bring your friends! 

MIDDLE SCHOOL POW

All middle school students are invited to their POW on Friday, April 25^th.  Meet at the church at 6:00pm and bring your friends! 

PRIMETIME WEDNESDAYS

All children and youth are invited to join us on PrimeTime Wednesdays. Children from Kindergarten to 5^th grade are welcome in our Children’s Choir as they begin work on their spring musical. Middle School, High School, and College aged youth have a choice between basketball or youth choir. Dinner is served at 5:00pm and programs begin at 5:45pm. (When EVSC is closed, our  youth activities are cancelled.) Adult choir, as always, beings at 7:00pm. Everyone welcome! 

CONTEST

We would like to have a contest for entries to help us re-design our church letterhead.  If you are creative and would like to submit your idea, please do so by e-mail, mail, or by bringing it to the office. Be sure to include your name on your entry with the deadline of April 13^th. The following is information that needs to be on the letterhead, along with whatever graphics you deem appropriate.

First Baptist Church
320 Cherry Street
Evansville, IN 47713

Rev. Dr. George A. Huffsmith, Pastor

Office Phone:  (812) 425-8296
Fax:  (812) 425-4445

Email:  firstbaptistchurch@fbcevansville.org
Website:  www.fbcevansville.org

THE WIND AND THE COLD didn't stop almost 50 children from First Baptist and Forest Hills from finding over 600 eggs last Saturday!  Special thanks to Bob and Doris Hollis for sharing their yard (and warm garage) and for all the folks who donated candy, eggs and prizes, helped stuff eggs, hid eggs, drove the van and helped with the children at the hunt.  It was a fun day!

SUNDAY MORNING BREAKFAST FOR CHILDREN  APRIL 06        Cream of Wheat, bacon, fruit, milk & juice 13        Eggs, Sausage, toast, fruit & juice 20        Dry cereal, fruit, milk & juice 27        Oatmeal, Toast, fruit & juice

NO ONE FAILS

WHO DOES THEIR BEST

FOR GOD!! 

HEALTHY EATERS & EXERCISERS

It’s not too late to join our FBC Healthy Eaters Group. We still have 8 weeks to go with our 12 week program. Our group is for men and women of all ages that want to focus on a change a week to be a healthier eater. We meet in the Fellowship Hall, weigh-in from 6:00-6:30pm and then meet from 6:30-7:15pm. Call Joannie at 985-7555 if you have questions. 

We have added several opportunities for exercising too. Everyone is welcome join us. You don’t have to be a member of the Healthy Eaters group to be a part of the exercise groups. Monday – Exercise class at 6:00pm; Tuesday – Walking at 11:00am and 6:00pm; Thursday – Walking at 11:00am and exercise class at 5:15pm.

Playtime for Me

Parents and guardians of 4 years olds and younger are invited to this new group as they gather each month to play, fellowship and share. They will meet the first Thursday of each month from 9:30-11:00am. Their next gathering is on Thursday, April 3^rd at 9:30am for “Fun on Wheels”. Bring your favorite riding toys and join us. Snacks are provided and sippy cups are encouraged. For more information call Jessie at 471-8702.

Everyone is invited to join us for our next Free Movie Night on Saturday, April 5^th at 7:00pm in the Fellowship Hall. We’ll be showing “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium”. Free popcorn and drinks are provided.

I SAW JESUS LAST WEEK 

I Saw Jesus Last Week. He was wearing blue jeans and an old shirt. He was at the church building; He was alone and working hard. For just a minute he looked a little like one of our church members. But it was Jesus, I could tell by his smile.

I saw Jesus last Sunday. He was teaching a Bible class. He didn't talk real loud or use long words, But you could tell he believed what he said. For just a minute, he looked like my Sunday School teacher. But it was Jesus, I could tell by his loving voice.

I saw Jesus yesterday. He was at the hospital visiting a friend who was sick. They prayed together quietly. For just a minute he looked like our preacher. But it was Jesus, I could tell by the tears in his eyes.

I saw Jesus this morning. He was in my kitchen making my breakfast He then fixed me a special lunch to take with me. For just a minute he looked like my Mom. But it was Jesus, I could feel the love from his heart.

I saw Jesus today. He was praying on his knees all alone. He then began to cry for those he prayed for. For just a minute he looked like a lady from our church. But it was Jesus, I could see the compassion that poured out of his prayer.

I saw Jesus the other day. He was at the grocery store talking to a friend. He then put his arms around them to comfort them.  For just a minute he looked like a young mother in our ladies class.  But it was Jesus, I could see the concern for others who hurt.

I see Jesus everywhere, Taking food to the sick, Welcoming others to his home, Being friendly to a newcomer. And for just a minute I think he's someone I know. But it's always Jesus, I can tell by the way he serves.

May someone see Jesus in you today.

Remember to encourage those you see living for Jesus!  

"You are My witnesses," says the Lord."

 (Isaiah 43:5)

Church Staff:    Dr. George Huffsmith - Reverend,  H. Posey Gaines - Pastor Emeritus, Julie Lauer - Music Director, Olivia Yates - Organist, Marge Baker - Pianist, Beth Bloss/Sarah Bloss - Nursery Attendants,Tom Kinner - Sexton,  Rhonda Wilson - Financial Secretary, Vada Chrockrem  - Church Secretary, Donna Waller - Saturday Secretary, Nelya Palamarchuk - Custodian