First Baptist Owensboro
February 2017
STORIES OF ADOPTION
THE LORD'S SUPPER
UPDATES FROM ALL OVER
Adoption has touched many lives at
Derry Billingsley explains the Lord's
Find updates from the Scotts, VBS, our
FBC. Read their stories inside.
Supper from a different perspective.
construction project, and more!
TABLE OF CONTENTS A Word from Paul ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1
Loved by Jean Byrd ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������2–3 In 1984, the Byrds adopted their son, Zach, from South Korea. Jean tells their story of adoption and how believers have been adopted into the family of God.
God at Work: Adopting Grayson by Alison Christ ��������������������������������������4–6 Gavin and Alison Christ's lives were changed forever when they flew to Utah to adopt their sweet son, Grayson. Alison recounts their story of love in this month's God at Work.
Pg. 2
A Meal That Identifies Us by Derry Billingsley ������������������������������������������������� 7 We will celebrate the Lord's Supper on Sunday, February 26th. Many of us know the meaning behind this symbolic act, but what does it mean to the unbeliever?
First on Mission Update from the Scotts ���������������������������������������������������������� 8 They're moving to a new loation, learning a new language, and making new friends, among many other things. There is so much "new" in the life of the Scotts!
VBS 2017 by Suzie Horner ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 9 You may believe it's too soon to even think about Vacation Bible School, but Suzie is here to tell you it's not! See how you can pray for and help with VBS this June and even sooner.
Pg. 5
Discover FBC by Wesley Dunn �������������������������������������������������������������������������� 9 It's that time again! If you are new to FBC or just wanting to learn more, Wesley talks about our class, Discover FBC, meeting on January 26th.
Construction Update ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 10–11 Construction is really kicking into gear now with walls going up, concrete being poured, and a roof soon to be built. Check out the latest pictures and updates from the 1920s building.
Connect Follow-Up Committee Update by Virgil Barker ����������������������������11
Pg. 14
Virgil shares about love, sacrifice, and how we should remain faithful in giving in 2017.
On the Cover: The cover Calendar of Events ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������12 depicts a few FBC families that have been touched by January: A Month in Review ����������������������������������������������������������������������������13 adoption, including the Praying the Bible Recap ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������13 Byrd, Strahan, and Christ On January 21–22, Dr. Donald S. Whitney came to First Baptist to share with us a method of families. praying the Bible. Here are a few pictures from that event.
MEET OUR STAFF PASTOR
Paul Strahan PStrahan@fbcowb.org
WORSHIP
Derry Billingsley DBillingsley@fbcowb.org
DISCIPLESHIP
Wesley Dunn WDunn@fbcowb.org
ADMINISTRATION & SENIOR ADULTS
Bob Farmer BFarmer@fbcowb.org
CHILDREN
Suzie Horner SHorner@fbcowb.org
INTERIM RECREATION & COLLEGE Brent Phillips BPhillips@fbcowb.org
STUDENTS & MISSIONS
FINANCIAL SUPERVISOR
PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS
Will Smith WSmith@fbcowb.org
Alisha Williams AWilliams@fbcowb.org
OFFICE MANAGER Judi West JWest@fbcowb.org
Barbara Wright BWright@fbcowb.org
Maeghan Adams MAdams@fbcowb.org Michele Burton MBurton@fbcowb.org Susan Dant SDant@fbcowb.org
by Paul Strahan, Pastor
ADOPTED! What comes to your mind when you hear the word “adopted”? For most of us, it is the adoption of children into families. When I grew up in the sixties, we didn’t hear of people adopting chil-
twins. The process of adopting the girls
before He laid down earth’s founda-
began, and I had a baby sister. Even
tions, He had us in mind, had settled
though the girls grew up in different
on us as the focus of His love, to be
homes, they have remained close to this
made whole and holy by His love. Long,
day. Adoption for our family was not a
long ago He decided to adopt us into
hard choice, and I love my sister.
His family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure He took in planning this!) He
dren as much as we do now. Adoption
Leigh Ann has a connection to adop-
today is much more commonplace in
tion as well through her sister, Leslie.
our culture. However, even in Poplar-
Leslie discovered after her marriage that
ville, Mississippi in the sixties, my own
she and her husband would be unable
family was touched by adoption. Some
to have children. About 18 years ago
This month we highlight the privilege
of you know my story, but I want to
they began the process of adopting a
of being the focus of God’s love through
share it with you. In 1968, my mom’s
baby. Their journey would take them
adoption into His family. We, like my
sister, my aunt, had twin girls. My aunt
to the Marshall Islands on two separate
adopted sister, Paulette, and Leslie’s two
had been battling some health prob-
occasions, and today they have two
sons, have been given the rights and
lems, and at the time the twins were
sons. The boys are close in age to my
privileges of the adopted family. That
born, she was struggling. When the
girls, and my girls love them to death.
means, as Christ followers, we have all
twins were four months old, the decision was made to get my aunt some help. My family would temporarily take one of the twins and another sister of my mom’s would take the other baby. It wasn’t long before my aunt realized that she would be unable to care for her
SPIRITUAL ADOPTION! As followers of Jesus Christ, the Bible teaches that we are “adopted” children of God! Listen to the way it is described in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. The Message paraphrases it like this: “Long
wanted us to enter into the celebration of His lavish gift-giving by the hand of His beloved Son.”
the rights and privileges of being in God’s family. PRAISE THE LORD! Let’s live as children of the King!!
LOVED
W
my Father, and I have adopted sisters and brothers in the family of believers. by Jean Byrd
hat were we thinking?
condemned to death. But Christ stands
Adopting a baby when
before His Father at the judgment bar,
our girls were 10 and 11
and offers His perfect righteousness—
years old? I could leave them alone for
His full atonement for our sins and His
short periods of time, they could help
perfect keeping of God’s law—as our
around the house, and get themselves
substitute. So God the Father declares
ready for school! It was January of 1984
us “not guilty” through the perfect and
when God put the thought of adoption
complete work of His Son Jesus Christ
into our hearts and minds.
on our behalf. Galatians 4:4-5 says, “But
This wasn’t the first time He had planted this idea. God began preparing our hearts years before He brought His plan to fruition. In 1971 we talked about adopting a child. Jerry was finishing pharmacy school, we had been married seven years, and had no baby. At this time I was not even a believer, but God
Romans 8:14 says, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.”
when the fullness of time had come,
And so Zach began a new relationship
God sent forth His Son, born of a wom-
with a new family (his forever family),
an, born under the law, to redeem those
in a new land, with a new language, and
who were under the law, that we might
a new culture. He thrived in his new
receive the adoption as sons.” Not only
home. He began to learn about what
have we been declared “not guilty” by
it meant to be in America. He learned
God the Judge, but God the Judge has
how to speak English, how to dress like
adopted us as His own sons!
an American, and, most importantly, he learned that he was loved by each of us.
was already preparing me to become
The adoption process for us took
His adopted child and for Zachary to
eight months, beginning February 14
When I became a believer, I began
become our adopted son. “The mind of
and ending October 18, 1984, when
learning about what it meant to be a
man plans his way, but the Lord directs
a three-month-old baby—a beautiful
Christ-follower. I began learning how to
his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9) It was not
black-haired, dark-eyed ‘China’ doll
imitate Christ, how to read His Word,
until February 14, 1984 that the Lord
from Seoul, South Korea came into our
and how to treat others like Christ
put His plan into place.
hearts and lives. He flew with a Korean
would have me treat them. But most
escort from South Korea to Greenville,
of all, I began learning how much God
SC. We decided that Jerry would be the
really loved me.
What does it mean to be adopted? Adoption is the process through which a person—the adoptive parent—assumes permanent legal responsibility for a child. Once adopted, there is no legal difference between an adopted child and one born into a biological family. So what does it mean to be adopted by God? Adoption is a legal act of God on our behalf. We come before the judgment bar of God as hopeless sinners, 2 | Connect Magazine
first one to hold him. When the case worker brought Zach off the plane and put him in Jerry's arms, Zach looked up and smiled the most beautiful smile, as if to say, “I am finally home!”
My adoption into the family of God means I have a new relationship with other people. I not only have new relationships in my local church, but I also have new relationships with the people
When I accepted Christ and was adopt-
in this community, other states, other
ed into the family of God, I knew I was
countries, as well as with the ones who
finally home in my Father’s arms. Now
have gone on to glory. Even though all
I have a new relationship with God as
believers become one with Christ in the
same way, we are still individuals. We
chose him. We chose him just like God
disobeyed. But when I ask for forgive-
don’t look, dress, or talk alike. God uses
chooses us. God says that there is no
ness, He forgives, just as I have forgiven
our unique personalities and gifts in the
difference. Colossians 3:11 states, “Here
my own children. The difference is
body of Christ to edify His church.
there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or
that He forgives and forgets my sins.
uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian,
He removes them as far as the east is
slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in
from the west. Praise the Lord that He
all.” God also says in Ephesians 1:5, “In
forgives and forgets.
In addition, even though Zach was now a member of the Byrd family, we didn’t look the same. Our biological children were blondes, Zach was Asian, and for a year we had a beautiful little foster son with ebony skin. The Byrd family got
love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will.”
Being a member of God’s family also means I have a new relationship with unbelievers. I am no longer part of that
lots of looks from others. There were
Some people asked us if Zach was “like
family. I am no longer of the world. Jesus
many sweet comments, but some were
our own child.” I always reply, “No, he
prayed for us in John 17:14-16, “for they
not so sweet. We hurt for our children.
isn’t like our own child. He IS our own
are not of this world any more than I am
They didn’t understand why people
child.” Zach will inherit the same as our
of this world. My prayer is not that you
would say such ugly things, nor did we
biological children. There is no differ-
take them out of the world, but that you
as parents. One comment Zach received
ence in the way we treat Zach, in the
protect them from the evil one.” I have
when he was older was, “Why don’t you
way we love Zach, nor in his inheri-
a different family name, the name of
go back where you belong?” Seriously?
tance. God does not treat His children
Christ. I am to be a witness to the world.
We are a family, by love, whether by
any differently. He loves us all the same,
Just as God the Father loves the whole
blood or not. I carried my biological
God’s own children. We are joint heirs
world, I am to imitate that love. God’s
children in my body. I carried Zach in
with His only Son. There is nothing that
love is not self-centered. It reaches out
my heart.
can make God love us more or less. He
and draws others in. Our love must be
loves us unconditionally! Nor is there
like this. I must be willing to give up my
anything my children can do to make
own comfort and security so that others
me love them more or less.
might join us in receiving God’s love.
Now, there have been times when we
Adopting Zach was one of the high-
have been disappointed in their ac-
lights of our lives. We live in a time
tions. There have been times when
where a world full of orphans need
they misbehaved or didn’t do what we
to be adopted by loving families. God
asked them to do. And there have been
guided us every step of the way. He
so many times that I have disappoint-
brought just the right son into our lives
ed my Heavenly Father when I have
at just the right time.
We have always told Zach that we
24 hours old
6 years old
The Byrd Family
by Alison Christ
G
avin and I met at a church
Our involvement has even led Gavin to
We grew closer to the Lord, because He
youth event and began dating
help with iPlay soccer and go on mis-
was our only hope for Gavin’s healing
shortly after that. At the time,
sion to Seattle with a team from FBC.
and a future together. After surgery and
I was a senior in high school and Gavin was a freshman at KWC. We didn’t discuss it until much later in our relationship, but the first night we met, we both had the feeling that this was the person we could spend our life with. We dated through college—Gavin at KWC and me at Murray State. We were engaged the summer after college graduation and married a year later. We started attending FBC before we were married and quickly became involved in worship and Sunday School. Gavin soon began playing with the praise band and working with youth on Wednesday evenings, while I began teaching the middle school girls Sunday School class.
4 | Connect Magazine
In college, we often worked with youth at Third Baptist Church, chaperoning many events. At one of our favorite events—Xtreme Winter Retreat—we heard presentations by Holt International about supporting adoption. As a young dating couple, we discussed the beauty of adoption, and I shared with Gavin my desire to adopt someday. In hindsight, we believe this was one of God’s avenues for introducing us to the opportunities of adoption. At the age of 21, Gavin was diagnosed with cancer. Through times of fear and questioning, our relationship grew stronger as our faith was challenged.
chemotherapy, Gavin was declared cancer free. We married knowing that God could give us natural-born children, but also aware that He may choose to grow our family and make us parents through adoption. After several years of childless marriage, we felt God’s leadership in pursuing adoption, both being encouraged by friends and family in our decision. Adoption was never an option that one of us wanted and the other didn’t. It was in both of our hearts and minds to ask God for guidance and action in pursuing an adoption. Because of the overwhelming number of adoption agencies and being new
to the adoption process, we knew we
God would select the right family for
situation. A couple hours later, while at
needed a support system. We were
them. Each phone call, email, or text
Kendal Quinton’s home preparing for
made aware of an adoption consulting
telling us we were not selected by the
a baby shower for another dear friend,
group from other local families. We
birth parent(s) was heartbreaking for
Rachel Knott, I received the call that the
took a leap of faith in contacting Faith-
us. However, even through our disap-
birth mother had selected us to be par-
ful Adoption Consultants (FAC), know-
pointment, we trusted that God had the
ents! We didn’t know if it was a boy or
ing they take only a limited number of
perfect situation awaiting us.
girl, but that didn’t matter in the least—
clients. We wanted to talk to someone about the requirements, timeframe, and waitlist time. Surprisingly, when I called, there wasn’t a waitlist and I immediately felt at peace with the foundation and purpose of FAC. God was working out the details before we even called. After completing the extensive paperwork, our profile book, and our
Each time we chose to present to a birth family, our profile book was sent to the birth mother and/or birth father. They could have multiple profile books to review to ultimately select an adoptive family for their baby. On November 12, Jessica called suggesting we make revisions to our digital profile book and
Gavin and I were chosen to be parents, and the baby, our baby, was due at the end of December! We learned the following day that we were having a boy! While going from “active” to “matched” seemed like forever, in reality it was only six short months of waiting for the fulfillment of God’s precious gift.
updates for our home study to be open
After being selected, we began our
to more situations. She also brought
relationship with the adoption agency,
up a last-minute situation. With very
which was located in Utah. We learned
few details, she needed to know if we
enough about our birth mother to pray
wanted to present to the birth mother
for her by name, send her a care pack-
who would review profiles in the next
age, and pray that she would have peace
hour. I went with my heart and told her
in her decision. We prayed that God
“yes” we would present, praying that
would comfort her, knowing that this
The hardest part of the adoption pro-
God would lead this birth mother to se-
would likely be the most difficult thing
cess for both of us was analyzing each
lect the perfect family for her baby and
she would ever have to do. We prayed
adoption situation. We were sometimes
that He would calm my anxieties about
for the health of our sweet baby boy and
given very little information and other
everything we had discussed. I called
continued to pray that God’s perfect
times knew quite a bit about the birth
Gavin after talking with Jessica to give
will would be accomplished.
parents, and had to decide if we wanted
him what little I knew about this latest
home study, we became “active” with the consultants in July 2015. Our FAC consultant, Jessica, provided guidance and motivation through the home study process, through each adoption situation presented, after being matched, and during the finalization process.
our profile presented for consideration as future parents of their child. We definitely relied upon God for His guidance in showing us what would be best for us as a future family. Each time we presented, we prayed God would put it in the heart of the birth mother to choose us only if it was His will. Over each situation we prayed that God would give the mother comfort and peace, that the baby would be healthy, and that
Continued on the next page...
On November 29, while in Sunday
We also had the awesome opportunity
with his grandparents, cousins, aunts,
School, our adoption and agency
to meet Grayson’s birth mother and
uncles, etc. who will love him and be
consultant texted that our baby boy
express our love and gratitude for her
positive, Christ-like influences for him.
had arrived. About four weeks early, he
choice to allow Grayson to be our son.
Our families have not only prayed for
weighed only 4 pounds, 1 ounce, and
We knew that our greatest joy was her
us every step along the way, but have
was being examined and evaluated for
greatest sorrow, and while we hoped to
also helped us in caring for Grayson
any complications from his early birth.
comfort her, she brought such comfort
when needed, offered advice and wis-
We were shocked, scared, and excited…
to us by expressing her peace at know-
dom, and helped financially. We are also
so many emotions all at once. With
ing we would be Grayson’s parents.
so grateful for our church friends. We
help from family, we packed our bags, booked plane tickets for the next day, reserved a hotel room, rental car, and quickly gathered together the long list of items recommended and/or required
Grayson has brought so much joy to our lives. He is such a happy little boy. He has a great big smile and is so sweet and loving. We never get tired of hear-
are blessed by the friendships we have developed and nurtured through our Sunday School class and involvement with the youth and music ministries.
ing from family, friends, and other care-
Through the years our prayers for
givers what a good-natured, contented
Grayson will change as he grows and
We arrived in Utah to meet our sweet
baby he is. What fun to watch him grow
changes. He will of course know that he
Grayson when he was one day old.
and learn! And he is such a smart little
is adopted, but we want him to know
Words are inadequate to explain the
boy—only one year old and knows
that we are all adopted as sons and
moment we saw our tiny son. Love,
how to play air guitar! Like his mom,
daughters of our Heavenly Father. We
hope, joy, gratitude—these are some
he loves to push buttons—most spe-
pray that he will always know that we
words that come close. And God had
cifically buttons that make music play.
love and treasure him, but even more
every little detail worked out. Across the
Like his dad, any small toy can become
that he will know the love of Jesus
country and away from our families, we
a soccer ball to be kicked around the
Christ and his worth as a child of God.
felt pretty inadequate to care for a new-
room. Gavin and I are brought closer as
We pray that Grayson will come to
born. He was so small and the doctors
we share in caring for him, praying for
know Jesus as Savior and Lord of his
wanted him to stay in the hospital until
him, and deciding together what is best
life and that his life will point others
he was gaining weight. This gave us the
for him.
to Him. He will have a witness differ-
by the adoption agency for our baby.
opportunity to learn from the neonatal nurses how to feed, change, and bathe him. We got to watch and learn from them how to meet his every need. They were so helpful, patient, and supportive. 6 | Connect Magazine
We have spent more time with our families since bringing Grayson home. We want him to always know how loved and wanted he is, and what better way than to allow him close relationships
ent from ours—his adoption into our family will give him an opening to share with others their opportunity for adoption into God’s family.
A MEAL THAT IDENTIFIES US by Derry Billingsley, Worship When I was a child, I longed to sit at the
of God; they are without God and hope
us with Christ, and more than that, it
adult table. It wasn’t that the food was
in this world. Consequently, the Lord’s
defines our own identity as His beloved
better, or anything about the table itself.
Supper invites unbelievers to consider
children. Even so, we are called to exam-
I simply wanted to be in the group. I
their own need for grace. In a visible way,
ine our hearts to consider whether our
didn’t want to be left out. Being exclud-
it shows them they are outside the gates
lives affirm or deny this identity.”
ed from something you want to be a
of Christ, but that the invitation remains
part of is no fun.
to come to dine at the table if they will
I often write on what the Lord’s Supper
but trust Christ and turn from sin.
Every Christian should celebrate the fact that we are included! We should also feel the urgency of letting those
means to those of us who believe in
At the same time, the Lord’s Supper
without Christ in their lives know that
Christ, who are included. But what does
marks the believer. The world defines us
they also have a place if they confess,
it mean to the person who hasn’t put his
by skin color, social standing, education,
repent, and believe. On Sunday, Feb-
or her faith in Christ? David Schrock
or working profession. The Lord’s Supper
ruary 26, we will observe the Lord’s
states it well: “For the unbeliever, the
defines us as blood-bought children of
Supper during both morning worship
Lord’s Supper is a reminder that they re-
God. It defines us as the Lord’s covenant
services. As the day approaches, exam-
main outside of the covenant blessings of
people, and it calls us to stop identifying
ine and prepare your heart, and thank
God. Like Gentiles in Ephesians 2:11-13,
ourselves by our past history, our per-
God for your place at the table.
those who do not take the Lord’s Supper
sonal problems, or our sinful living. We
are strangers and aliens to the promises
believe that eating the meal identifies
February 2017 | 7
guage #1, the base language. Now, as we
for our family! Pray that we would
move on, language studies will contin-
adjust well and have good attitudes with
ue. Please pray for us as we transfer to
all of the changes.
this second language, building upon the
New Schools
first.
New People & Culture While we are familiar with Southeast
New Year…LOTS & LOTS of New! The past couple of years have brought many transitions to our lives, and this year holds many, as well. We are in the process of moving to a new location, with a new language/dialect, and a new culture. That is a lot of new at once. We would truly appreciate your prayers as we embark on this new step. Here are some ways you can intercede for us and our people group as we transition.
New Location It is hard to believe that we are moving again. This time, to a nearby country. Pray that we would be able to find a home that would be in an area where we can develop relationships.
New Position This is a pressing area of need, one of important concern for us to be in our new location. As of right now, we are still waiting on some answers for finalizing this position. Please pray for us
Asia, each area is different. This new location has some different barriers and strongholds. It is very conservative and devout. Please pray for the Spirit’s continued work here, and for people to have a desire to seek the Truth.
New Teammates Over the past year and a half, we have had the privilege of getting to know our teammates. They are very special! Now we will get to work with them in person. Please pray for them as they continue investing in a place which is fairly new to them, too. Ask the Father to give us true unity as a team.
New Friends As we move to a new place, please intercede that we would make meaningful friendships. Pray this for our children, as well. As far as we know, they will be the only native English-speaking children in our city. This will be a big change for them.
and our leadership.
New Schedules
New Language
The area we are moving to has a hot
We praise the Father that we were able to reach language proficiency in lan8 | Connect Magazine
climate. People tend to eat dinner and socialize very late at night. If you know us, that is going to be a difficult change
C1 has had the privilege to attend a great international school in our first location. However, she will not have that option in our second. Pray for us all as we begin homeschooling her while also studying language and working. With our language studies, we will also have a new form of schooling/tutoring. SAME GOAL: To bring Him glory by making His name known among the nations! Thank you for joining us in this desire, for allowing us the opportunity to serve here, and for encouraging us along the way. FBC, we are deeply thankful for you!
VBS 2017
by Suzie Horner, Children
This year as Galactic Starveyors, kids will search the skies and God’s Word to uncover God’s truth etched in His handiwork. They will discover that the God who created everything had a plan to restore the relationship He knew we would break. God sent His Son, Jesus, to be our Savior and His Holy Spirit to be our Helper. From the very beginning, to the furthest reaches of space (and beyond), nothing is outside of God’s control or beyond His grasp. God loves us and will never leave us. As a church it is our responsibility to reach as many children and their families with the Gospel during VBS. Everyone can begin praying now as we prepare for this very important week. Below are five things that you can add to your prayers each day. •
Pray that God will stir up excitement in those attending the VBS preview as they plan and prepare.
•
Pray for the VBS Planning Team as they meet and assign responsibilities.
•
Pray that the people of FBC desire to get involved and fill every VBS need.
•
Pray for our first ever churchwide VBS involvement day on May 7th.
•
Pray that the Holy Spirit will begin to work in the hearts of children, parents, and all at FBC to fulfill His desires during VBS week (June 12–16).
DISCOVER FBC by Wesley Dunn, Discipleship I want to take the opportunity to personally invite you to our upcoming Discover FBC class. The purpose of this class is to help people understand exactly who First Baptist Church is, what it means to be a member of FBC, and why it even matters to be a member. First Baptist is a wonderful church! Personally, I am blessed to be considered a member of this faith family! Often, it is quite difficult to learn about the church. The people, the leaders, the programs, the ministries, the mission, the purpose, the building…all of this is so new and confusing. So as a means of trying to help those who are interested in FBC,
Our next Discover FBC class will meet on Sunday, Febru-
we want to take an afternoon and meet as a group, face to
ary 26th. The class will be held from 3-7 PM in Room 202
face, and talk about these things. The class is open to anyone
(located on the second floor next to the ramp). Dinner and
with a desire to know more about the church and the mem-
childcare will be available, so register online at fbcowb.org/
bership process.
discoverfbc. February 2017 | 9
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE Pictured above: Our new addition is being framed in now. Soon, the roof will be installed. This area will become our new weekday entrance and is located off the back parking lot on Daviess Street. Pictured below: The pictures below show our basement area before and after the concrete was poured to complete the new floor. This area is the future home of our new office suite for ministerial, administrative, and maintenance staffs.
10 | Connect Magazine
CONNECT UPDATE
by Virgil Barker, Follow-Up Committee Love. What is it? A quick Google search will produce several billion answers. Yes, that's Billions— with a capital B for emphasis. Yet if you were to read just a few of those websites, you would end up extremely confused about this thing called love. With Valentines Day right around the corner, I thought it appropriate to invite you to consider love once again. Instead of Googling the answer, let's look to the source of all Truth, God's Word. Many scripture passages deal with love and tell Pictured above: The third floor has been framed in for Sunday School classrooms, and (temporarily purple) drywall is currently being installed.
us what it is and what it is not. 1 John 3:18 says: "Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action." Reviewing the results of
Pictured below: The youth area, located in the basement, will have mov-
our FBC Connect: For Future Generations giving,
able partitions to create classrooms and large gathering space.
we see a great example of love in action. The cam-
Floor support for the partitions
paign total as of December 31, 2016 was in excess of $2.4 million. Considering the examples of love in the Bible, we realize the God of Love invites us to love others in the same way He loves us. It is an invitation unlike any other. God's Word tells us LOVE IS...the willingness to make regular and costly sacrifices for the sake of others, without asking for anything in return or using our sacrifices to place the other person in our debt. I think we can agree, Connect: For Future Generations giving fits this definition. Thank you for your gifts of LOVE. I encourage you to continue seeking God's guidance and blessings as we journey through 2017. I pray that we all remain faithful as we seek to determine what God
Support beam for the partitions
would have us give this year. February 2017 | 11
FEBRUARY Calendar of Events
1 WEDNESDAY
15 WEDNESDAY
2 THURSDAY 5 SUNDAY
16 THURSDAY 19SUNDAY
12:00 PM 4:45 PM 6:00 PM
Prayer Meeting (FH) Family Supper Bible Studies & SS Review
6:00 PM Seekers Prayer Group
8:30 AM 9:45 AM 11:00 AM 4:30 PM
Classic Worship Sunday School Elevate Worship Evening Worship
5:00 PM Big Bowl Party
8 WEDNESDAY 12:00 PM 4:45 PM 6:00 PM
Prayer Meeting (FH) Family Supper Bible Studies & SS Review
8:30 AM 9:45 AM 11:00 AM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM
Classic Worship Sunday School Elevate Worship Evening Worship Deacons Meeting
12SUNDAY
14TUESDAY
9:30 AM Jo Nelson Bible Study
12:00 PM Prayer Meeting (FH) 4:45 PM Family Supper 6:00 PM Bible Studies & SS Review 6:00 PM Seekers Prayer Group No Children's Church
8:30 AM 9:45 AM 11:00 AM 6:00 PM
Classic Worship Sunday School Elevate Worship Evening Worship
12:00 PM 4:45 PM 6:00 PM
Prayer Meeting (FH) Family Supper Bible Studies & SS Review
22WEDNESDAY 26SUNDAY
Lord's Supper
8:30 AM Classic Worship 9:45 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Elevate Worship
3:00 PM Discover FBC 6:00 PM
Evening Worship
CLC HOURS
OFFICE HOURS
BROADCAST INFO
Monday—Thursday
Monday—Thursday
Friday
Friday
Our service is broadcast on 90.3 WKWC on Sundays at 10 AM and Channel 72 Tuesdays at 7 PM and Wednesdays at 9 AM. Services are on a one week delay.
6:30 AM - 9 PM 6:30 AM - 1 PM
Saturday
9 AM - 3 PM
12 | Connect Magazine
8 AM - 4:30 PM 8 AM - 1 PM
Note: If sensitive information is mentioned in a service, it cannot be broadcast. An older service will be aired in its place.
MINISTER ON CALL If you have an after hours emergency, please call 270.683.3505 and press 9 to reach the minister on call.
JANUARY: A MONTH IN REVIEW "If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together." —1 Corinthians 12:26
CHURCH FAMILY REPORTS
DECEMBER 28–JANUARY 20
SYMPATHY We offer Christian love and sympathy to to Earl (Mary) Thomas in the death of his brother, Bill Clark Thomas; to Steve (Sharon) Johnson & family in the death of his father, George ‘Pete’ Johnson; to David Malone & family in the death of his wife, Joy Mefford Malone; to Lois Wells & family in the death of her husband, Carl Wells.
Lillie Keiningham Joined January 15th by Letter
Mark Maddox Joined January 15th by Letter
PRAYING THE BIBLE CONFERENCE On January 21–22, Dr. Donald Whitney joined us for "Praying the Bible Conference". He also led a joint youth and adult Sunday School class and preached in our 11 AM service on Sunday. What a great weekend of learning and being in God's house!
230 JR Miller Blvd • Owensboro, KY 42303 • 270.683.3505 • fbcowb.org