Connections - August 2014 newsletter

AUGUST 2014 // www.fbcgso.org // 336.274.3286

Join us for outdoor worship Sunday, August 3 p4

first baptist church greensboro Emphasizing worship, spiritual development, fellowship, and ministry to our city and our world.

Baptism & Barbecue @ the lake The continuing story of an FBC tradition...

Sunday, August 24 Camp Weaver p4

www.fbcgso.org // 336.274.3286 1000 West Friendly Avenue Greensboro, NC 27401

August2014 3 Insight | by Alan Sherouse 4 Connect with Worship

September Connections Deadline: August 15 Email news to kelly@fbcgso.org or bring it to the church office.

Kelly Stephens, Managing Editor Communications Director kelly@fbcgso.org / x223 Gloria Koster, Design Manager Administrative Assistant: Learning gloria@fbcgso.org / x288 Steve Sumerel, Supervising Editor Associate Pastor: Adult Learning steves@fbcgso.org / x233 Teresa Allen, Media Library Director teresaa@fbcgso.org / x229 Ginny Carpenter, Weekday School Director ginny@fbcgso.org / x240 Steve Cothran, Associate Pastor: Students and Family Life / stevec@fbcgso.org / x235 Dolores Donahue, Administrative Assistant: Finance / dolores@fbcgso.org / x226 Jane Anne Hayber, Administrative Assistant: Music and Worship / janeanne@fbcgso.org / x239 Marty Kellam, Food Services Director marty@fbcgso.org / x245 Rosemary Kellam, Operations Director rosemary@fbcgso.org / x225 Kate Kitchen, Homebound Ministry Director katek@fbcgso.org / 202-5757 Scott North, Church Administrator scott@fbcgso.org / x222 Josh Owens, Youth Intern josh@fbcgso.org / x236 Steve Pressley, Associate Pastor stevep@fbcgso.org / x231 Kim Priddy, Assistant Pastor: Missions kim@fbcgso.org / x295 Alan Sherouse, Senior Pastor pastor@fbcgso.org / x231 Marion Smith, Facilities Supervisor, x243 Susanna Trotter, Summer Children’s Coordinator susanna@fbcgso.org Doug Vancil, Associate Pastor: Music and Worship doug@fbcgso.org / x237 Terri Vancil, Assistant Pastor: Music and Worship terri@fbcgso.org / x238 2 | Connections

–August 3 Outdoor Worship Service –Baptism & Barbecue at the Lake

5 Connect with Music

–Reflections from All State Youth Choir

6 Connect with Adults

–Associate Pastor Steve Pressley’s Sabbatical –Friends Day Luncheon –Divorce Recovery

7 Connect with Access

–New Wednesday Night Access Classes

8-9 Connect with Missions

–On Mission at FBC–Moving Outside the Walls!

–“Steps to Success” Kindergarten Camp –Backpacks and Worship with Bessemer Elementary –Family Promises –Calling All Knitters –Grace Community Fellowship Dinner –Be a Woman with a Mission –Downtown Discernment Update

10 Connect with Children

–Thank You from Susanna Trotter –Want to Help Children’s Ministry Grow?

–Promotion Sunday is August 24 –Second Time Around Consignment Sale –Weekday School News

11 Connect with Youth

–Thank You from Josh Owens –August Youth Calendar –Middle School Fall Retreat –Summer Youth Photos

12 Connect with Business 13 Connect with One Another 14 August @ FBC

–What’s Cooking...a note from Chef K –Explore 1st Class

15 Upcoming Calendar

–Includes this Fall @ FBC

16 Upcoming FBC Trips The art on the cover was illustrated by FBC staff member Tyrone Smith. A talented artist, Tyrone also hand drew and painted a mural in the FBC Children’s Library in memory of Lois Pritchard. We featured the mural in the March issue of Connections.

BY ALAN SHEROUSE

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hroughout the summer, members and friends of First Baptist have joined together on Tuesday nights for Downtown Prayer Walks, organized by our Deacon Chair, Laura Lomax. In addition to providing a time for corporate prayer and fellowship, the walks have helped to expose us further to some of Greensboro’s distinct downtown spots – places like Elsewhere, which describes itself as a “living museum in a former thrift store.”

Located on the 600 block of South Elm, across from Mellow Mushroom, Elsewhere is an eye-catching storefront with funky signage and an open front where hanging swings invite passersby to sit. Once inside, Elsewhere becomes a fascinating model of creativity and imagination.

In 2003, Elsewhere director George Scheer was traveling through Greensboro while on spring break during his senior year of college. He stopped to check on the abandoned thrift store that had been operated by his late grandmother, Sylvia Gray. What he found was three stories packed full of materials and goods, collected over decades and arranged precisely to his grandmother’s specifications. To many, it looked like endless clutter, hoarded and held together by an idiosyncratic woman. But George and his friends saw an opportunity to use all of Sylvia’s collected goods as the raw material for creative projects. So for the last decade, Elsewhere has functioned as a living art museum and workshop, drawing artists from all over the world to come work with the materials and collaborate with one another.

Each artist stays for a time and adds her or his touch, sometimes building on the work of another who came before them. There’s only one rule: nothing leaves.

Nothing is sold. Nothing is thrown out.

I recently took a tour of Elsewhere with a group of friends, and as I listened to George describe its vision, I was struck by the insights it offers to those of us in institutional life – particularly church life. So many leaders want to start from scratch. Church leaders, in particular, can be tempted by the arrogance that can convince us we are making it up as we go along.

But that’s not the work of the church. We are artists, not inventors. There is an inheritance that we find.

Some of it might look like clutter – hidden away in a corner, or tucked away in a drawer – but to those with vision and awareness, it is a vast resource of material that can be utilized for the creative work of the Spirit.

We artists pass through for a time, make our own mark together and individually, and then leave the work to those who come after us, trusting that they will receive what we leave and repurpose it into something new: hopefully an ever more bold and compelling presentation of the grace of God. Next time you’re downtown in the 600 block, or waiting for a table at Mellow Mushroom, wander to Elsewhere. You’ll be welcomed warmly. You can sit on the swings, walk around, or interact with the items you find inside. As you do, you might even see something that looks familiar. As George has said, “This is a place where existing things continually find new life.”

We know a place like that, too.

August 2014 | 3

Connect with Worship Sunday, August 3

Outdoor Worship, Brunch and Bible Study We are changing our schedule around a little and hope you will be present to experience our worship and communion outside our walls with our special musical guests, The Healing Force.

9 am

Communion service on the lawn - Meet on the side lawn near the Chapel for worship.

Sermon: The Power of the Small - Leaven (Matthew 13.33) 10 am Brunch on the lawn – Fellowship together at our FBC Sunday brunch. Bring your favorite breakfast/brunch dishes to share (grits, sausage balls, fruit, muffins, sweet rolls, etc.) and FBC will provide ham & rolls with beverages and paper products.

6 pm Bible Study with three different options - attend the lesson/ group that interests you.

• Formations lesson - room 108 (Fellowship Hall) • Oasis - room 102 • Nurturing Faith lesson - room 108-C

Musical guests The Healing Force of Winston-Salem

Baptism and Barbecue at the Lake Sunday, August 24, 4 - 7 pm, Camp Weaver

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ur official end-of-summer celebration is coming up and all are invited to attend our annual Baptism and Barbecue at Camp Weaver. For dinner, Lee King and Co. will provide mouth-watering BBQ which is the main course. We ask everyone attending to provide a side dish or two to share for the meal.

There is a shaded outdoor amphitheater area for seating, but you can bring a chair or blanket. The Y does allow swimming in the lake and that is always fun whether you are swimming or watching! There is a roped off beach entry area for small children. The rest of the lake is open and everyone has fun bouncing on the water trampoline or jumping off the platform onto the blob and sending a friend flying into the lake or just sliding down the water slide! Life guards will be on duty and life vests are required and provided, but if you have your own please bring it.

This is a wonderful afternoon of fellowship and fun whether you are swimming in the lake or relaxing and enjoying some great conversation and fellowship with friends and family. So mark you calendar to be a part of this FBC tradition!

Directions to Camp Weaver: Lee Street east until it ends, turn right onto Youngs Mill Road, make a left onto Mill Point Road and the camp is 3/4 mile on the right on Tapawingo Trail. Follow signs to lake.

What to Bring . . .

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Side Dishes - enough for your family and to share $2/person for BBQ Money to purchase any leftover BBQ Lawn Chair / Blankets Bug spray - - just in case Swimsuit/towel - if you want to enjoy the lake!

Life jacket if you have one - - Camp Weaver does provide them too!

Friends and neighbors

Connect with Music

Reflections of “All State”

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his summer I attended the 2014 N.C. Baptist All State Youth Choir tour. The music was amazing, but I would rather write about the impact this week had on my life.

On Sunday morning, July 20, my grandmother passed away.

This was the last day of our tour.

When I got off of the phone with my mom, I immediately began weeping because I could not even think of the last words that I had said to her and now she has been taken from me forever. I was scared and felt alone and found myself rushing out of the lunchroom to go sit alone on the floor of the restroom. I truly believe that God gave me this traumatic news while I was at “All State” because in no less than three minutes my roommate came in to check on me.

Two minutes later the counselor that I was closest to came looking for me. Mr. Vancil met us in a room down the hall where we could all just talk. I was able to gather myself and returned to the lunchroom.

I decided not to talk about it because I did not want to detract from the rest of the day or make anyone else sad. As I checked my phone I found countless text messages from friends who noticed that something was wrong, all stating that they loved me, cared for me, and if I needed anything they were there. I was in awe at the amount of positive encouragement that was able to lift me up in my time of need. “All State” is not just a week-long choir tour; it is a hospital for the weary and broken. My soul was broken. I was in shock and despair and the love that God has shown me through all of the young faces there has healed me and made me feel whole again. The lyrics to one of our songs went like this . . .

I ha hand God your hand.

Holding ha ffelt have elt lt th the h and d off G od d iin ny our h and. d H old ldiing g me me you gave me strength to stand. When I was all alone, alo one, you came and met my need. And when I lostt my my way, your hand was there to lead. Through your touch, tou uch, God’s hand reached out to me. I have heard d the the e voice of God in your voice. Singing praise you taught tau ught me to rejoice. Your voice of comfort caused my my grief to end. And when my faith was gone you called called me home again. When you spoke, God’s voice voic ce surrounded surrrounded me. I have seen the face of God in your face.

And fac ce. Giving all, you shared with me God’s grace. An nd you you were faithful to guide me as I grew. I saw your love smiled, llo ove for God and I saw God in you. When you smiled d, God’s God’ d s love surrounded me. I have felt the hand of God through you.

God th Go thro roug ug gh yo y u.

I have truly felt God, heard God, and seen God in each and every member of our choir. The question now is how can we be God to others? - Bryce Starnes

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y “All State” experience is ultimately indescribable.

I have no words for what these past three years have meant because they were a gift from God and have changed my life.

Every year there is a theme for the week and a Bible verse that corresponds to the theme. My first year the theme was “Love God” and 1 John 4:12 - “No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” From that week of constant singing and laughing and loving and every week that has followed I have understood the meaning behind God’s sacrifice and I found God’s presence in my life through the people he surrounded me with. “For God so loved the world, he gave his only Son” and Christ died on the cross to save us from our sin. I would never be able to sacrifice my loved ones, but I would sacrifice my life for any of them at a moment’s notice.

“All State” has done so much for me and I am in eternal debt to everyone who influenced my journey. Thank you for your prayers, your support and most importantly your love. Without it I don’t know where I would be. - Leah Frost

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eluctanty I auditioned for All State Youth Choir as a 9th grader and I MADE IT! That summer I was on my way to Campbell for a one week camp to meet 80 plus teens who shared my same beliefs. As I ate my first meal there, I realized it would be one of the best weeks of my life. I would definitely go again.

This July I returned for my second year at “All State” and feeling more comfortable. ASYC introduced me to numerous friends that I stayed in touch with over the past year, and when we met again it was like no time had passed.

Our theme this year was “The Image of God.” Our family group leaders asked us, “Have you seen the image of God today?”, and almost always my answer was “no.” Midweek we learned a song titled, “I Have Felt the Hand of God,” and I realized that I was trying too hard to see the image of God. The lyrics of this song became a constant reminder that God is not just one person, but all people. We should feel the hand, hear the voice, and see face of God in everyone. I have seen the image of God through all of the people I have met, and I hope the image of God shines through those I will meet in the future. - Anna Stephens August 2014 | 5

Connect with Adults

Associate Pastor Steve Pressley’s Sabbatical Begins in September

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n Sunday, September 7, Steve Pressley will begin a three-month, church-approved sabbatical. The setting for this ministry leave will be Tantur Ecumenical Institute for Theological Studies, located south of the Old City of Jerusalem, near Bethlehem.

Under the supervision of the Institute’s Scholars and Research Program, Steve will undertake an independent study of the funeral and burial practices of the three Abrahamic faiths—Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Because Israel and Palestine are revered by all three traditions, whose adherents encounter one another daily in the streets of the ancient cities, this “holy land” is an ideal venue for the inquiry that Steve proposes.

Tantur (an Arabic word meaning “hilltop”) was founded in 1967, following the Second Vatican Council, when Pope Paul VI implemented a vision of an international ecumenical institute for theological research and pastoral studies. Today the property continues to be Vatican-owned, and programs are administered through the University of Notre Dame.

In 2005 Steve took part in the Institute’s Continuing Education Program.

Since its beginning, more than 5,000 Anglican, Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant pastors and scholars have participated in Tantur’s programs.

Photos from the top: View of Bethlehem from Tantur Ecumenical Institute, Tantur’s Entrance Gate.

Friends Day Luncheon to Celebrate Our Homebound Members Tuesday, September 23, 12 noon, Fellowship Hall

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t’s time to honor our homebound members with our special annual luncheon. Lunch will be served by the FBC staff. Church members are encouraged to provide transportation and host a homebound member (see below). If they require handicapped access, you may park behind the church and use that entrance. Our church bus will pick up folks at Friends Homes Guilford and West, but reservations still need to be made.

We promise an excellent program. We have recruited entertainment from the church’s own talent pool! Steve Sumerel, our associate pastor of Adult Learning, will be offering his delightful rendition of Ishmael’s travels—and your senior pastor Alan Sherouse has promised to bring his guitar, so we guarantee it will be a fun event!

RSVP to Rosemary: 274-3286, ext. 225 by September 19. (If you are not aware of anyone who is homebound, please call Kate Kitchen at 202-5757 and she will help identify those whom you might invite.) And if you are homebound, and able to make your own reservation or need transportation assistance, please call in your RSVP to Rosemary.

If a family member or caregiver can bring you, they are invited to our luncheon!

Friends Day Volunteer Drivers Needed: Our homebound members are no longer able to drive and several will need a ride. The majority are on walkers and some walkers are fairly bulky or heavy. If you can bring someone, you will be treated to lunch as well. If you are willing and able, call Kate Kitchen (202-5757) and she will help you with logistics.

Divorce Recovery a ministry of First Baptist Church The next group begins on September 3 – $25 (includes materials) Divorce Recovery is for adults coping with divorce or separation and meets for 9 weeks on Wednesday nights from 6:15 - 7:45 pm. The program is structured with large/small group interaction, video presentations, and the book Growing Through Divorce, by Jim Smoke.

If you know of anyone who would benefit from the program, contact FBC: www.fbcgso.org/divorce_ministry / 284.3286, x288.

6 | Connections

Connect with Access Wednesday, September 3 is our Fall Kick-off Celebration with Food, Fun & Family Games, 5 - 7 pm

New Wednesday Night Access Classes begin September 10 at 6:15 pm

Below the leader/facilitator of each group extends their personal invitation for you to take part.

Bible Study:

Women’s Book Study:

Revelation as Drama

Lysa TerKeurst’ “Unglued: Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotions”

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ramatic! No one word can really describe the last book of our Bible, The Revelation of John.

However, as we study “Revelation as Drama” we will gain much insight into the meaning of this powerful book then (First Century) and now! Please join me for this two month journey through one of the most misunderstood books of the Bible. Our task will be, in part, to acclimate ourselves to Apocalyptic Literature, a medium developed by Israelites in captivity during the centuries prior to Christ. A study notebook will be available and, of course, you will bring your Bible (possibly one in which you can take some notes).

Where will this lead us? Into a very frank, straightforward grasp of the workings of God in the face of the evil perpetrated by The Evil One and humankind.

We can be brave in our pursuit of the truth of Revelation because we already know how the story ends. In the end, after all the struggles, God Wins!

Led by Dr. Jim Wayne, in 102

Discipleship Study:

14 Disciplines of Faithful Disciples

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ur journey of spiritual discovery will be open to everyone who seeks to find new ways in which they can live well and faithfully in their Christian pilgrimage. These disciplines cannot be seen as remote or arcane concepts. We must come to recognize them every day, and embrace them in mind, body and spirit.

Therefore, the ways in which we shall engage these rubrics of discipleship will be varied. We will use scenes from movies or TV shows to start the discussion. Personal stories and literature will provide some launch pads into our group time. Our process will not depend on lecture, but will be totally dependent on our honest encounter with the weekly themes and with one another. Study guides will be available to all who participate. These guides will provide the biblical context from which this faith process shall spring.

Young Christians who are figuring things out for the first time are encouraged to sign up. Folks whose way has fallen into a rut will find ways back to their path. Those who are doing “just fine” but wish to take a faith journey to new and exciting places will find encouragement and practical suggestions to just that.

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omen of all ages are invited to join us in an open discussion and time of sharing as we learn from each other as well as the insight provided in the wonderful book, “Unglued.”

As women we all recognize that we are emotional beings. We know that throughout life our emotions are often more present in how we respond to situations than we realize. “Unglued” will help us realize that “God gave us emotions to experience life, not destroy it!” Lysa TerKeurst admits that she, like most women, has had experiences where others invade her sense of happiness and she becomes emotionally unglued. Is it really possible to make emotions work for us instead of against us? Yes…and in her inspiring and practical way, Lysa will show you how.

Filled with gut-honest personal examples and biblical teaching, “Unglued” will equip you to, “Know with confidence how to resolve conflict in your important relationships. Find peace in your most difficult relationships as you learn to be honest but kind when offended. Identify what type of reactor you are and how to significantly improve your communication.

Respond with no regrets by managing your tendencies to stuff, explode, or react somewhere in between. Gain a deep sense of calm by responding to situations out of your control without acting out of control.”

Each week we will focus on a different chapter in “Unglued” to guide our discussions.

Led by Kelly Cornett and Becky Starnes, in the Café

Led by Steve Sumerel, in 108-C

August 2014 | 7

Connect with Missions

On Mission at FBC Moving Outside the Walls!

by Kim Priddy

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irst Baptist is a church outside its walls! There are MANY opportunities in August to be involved with food and children. It is difficult for me to imagine as I look inside my food pantry and drive by numerous grocery stores to grasp that there are children in our community who go hungry or do not know where their next meal is coming from. It is a tragedy to believe that people go hungry when I have plenty on my table, but it is our reality. It is a blessing for me to be a witness of our faith community who has a desire and heart to serve all people in our area - especially the littlest ones.

Bag Hunger Project 2014

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or the past two summers, a group of 21 - 22 area churches has provided bag lunches at the schools serving as sites for the USDA’s Summer Nutrition Program after that program ends. This year the program ends on July 31 leaving the first three weeks of August as a time of uncertainty for children that depend on the school cafeteria for their main meal of the day. Rankin currently has about 150 children coming each day for lunch. First Baptist has agreed to provide and serve lunches on Monday, August 18 and Wednesday, August 20. We will need volunteers to help pack lunches and then to serve at Rankin Elementary from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm on those two days. If you are interested in volunteering, email Kim Priddy ( kim@fbcgso.org ).

“Steps to Success” Kindergarten Camp Bessemer Elementary School We need Volunteers!

August 4 - 7 & 11 - 14 (Monday-Thursday ONLY), 9 am - 1 pm

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ur FBC/Bessemer Elementary “Steps to Success” Kindergarten Camp is underway the first two weeks of August and it is never too late to volunteer! We are in need of “Classroom Buddies” to assist children throughout their day of learning. “Buddies” will have the opportunity to play learning games, read books, help teach basic learning strategies and have fun with the children. High School students participating in this opportunity can earn up to 36 hours for community service and Service Learning Award Hours.

Starting school can be a significant transition and challenge. It is the aim of this camp to provide young children with an experience and necessary skills to be successful in the beginning of their academic career. Volunteers are needed to serve and to just have fun and love on these children!

If you are interested in learning more, contact Virginia Reynolds - 337-9087 / reynoldsrap91@gmail.com or Kim Priddy kim@fbcgso.org / 274,3286, x295.

Backpacks & Worship with Bessemer Elementary August 24 at 10:30 am Worship

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e have invited Bessemer Elementary to join us for Worship on Sunday, August 24. We will take time to recognize our teachers, school administrators, and students as they get ready to return to school. Students of all ages should bring their backpacks to worship. Please bring notebook paper, pencils, glue sticks, and school supplies to donate!

8 | Connections

Connect with Missions

Family Promises

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amily Promise of Greater Guilford County mobilizes the community to assist homeless children and their families by providing shelter, compassionate care, and counseling with the goal of sustained independence.

Volunteers are needed to help Check in and greet families, provide an evening meal, extend fellowship through games, puzzles and fun, and overnight stay. If you are interested in volunteering at Family Promises with your family, friends, or Sunday School classes you can sign up through their www.familypromiseguilford.org .

Calling all Knitters!

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or an upcoming mission project, we are collecting any knitting supplies you are able to donate. Drop your donated items by Kim Priddy’s office or contact Kristie Ellis ( 508-2274 / kgellis@triad.rr.com ). There will be more information to come for anyone interested in sharing their experienced knitting skills and support! All ages will be welcome.

Grace Community Fellowship Meal Expanding the Grace Fellowship Meal Ministry beginning in September 1st & 5th Wednesdays of the month (Tuesdays is prep day)

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e will be providing dinner for the Grace Community Fellowship meal on a monthly basis on the 1st Wednesday nights, as well as continuing with the 5th Wednesday nights of the month.

We are in need of volunteers to help prepare dinner on Tuesdays and deliver dinner on Wednesdays. We are excited about the opportunity to deepen our partnership with Grace Community and to provide meals for friends in the community.

Please contact Jim Frost frostyone4@earthlink.net / 282-8551 or Gayle Wylie - 8522768 / gayle@richardlwiley.com if you would like more information and would like to serve alongside others in our church in this ministry.

Be a Woman with a Mission!

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re you interested in monthly fellowship with a lovely group of ladies?

Are you interested in learning of and participating in mission opportunities in our church and community? If so, consider joining WMU Circle 2! We plan to meet on September 9 for our first meeting.

We will meet on first Tuesday evenings during October - May in FBC room 102 at 7 pm. We would love for you to join this fun group.

To learn more: Martha Hicks mphicks1030@gmail.com / 3375647 or Libby Shull – 312-5444 / lshull@accordant.net .

Downtown Discernment Update

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fter 3 months of prayer and discernment, First Baptist is continuing to pursue the unfolding vision of a ministry site in Downtown Greensboro.

So far, our months of discernment, roundtable discussion, prayer walking, and dreaming have helped us to move toward sharpening the vision and mission of a downtown ministry. We have identified core values, potential programs, and congregational energy for the project. During this period, key questions have also been identified that will guide our continued consideration.

At our July church conference, Alan presented several factors that motivate our continued discernment.

It is a moment of opportunity for our congregation, given our growing emphasis on community ministry and the resources available to support such ministry. It is, further, a moment of opportunity in our city, on the cusp of development in the heart of Greensboro. Additionally, the idea has received support from key community partners and friends, intrigued by the prospect of a faith presence downtown. This has been matched by curiosity, energy, and support from the congregation, and a general sense of the movement of the Spirit throughout our discernment. Finally, our congregation is ready to move past brainstorming and toward concretizing a vision, so that we can carefully consider feasibility and strategy.

From the foundation of the factors above, our Ad Hoc Committee will step forward in the next 3 months to develop a plan around 5 key areas: Vision/Mission, Program/Staff, Partners, Building and Finances. Throughout the next 3 months, we will provide forums for conversation and presentation of the developing plan. At our October church conference, we will present a plan for congregational consideration.

Thank you for your continued prayers and energies as we continue to seek the guidance of the Spirit that helps us see visions and dream dreams.

August 2014 | 9

Connect with Children Thank You FBC:

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hen I graduated from high school in 2012, I gave my senior speech to this congregation thanking you for all the love and support that you gave me as I grew up and prepared to move on to a new chapter in my life. Now, two years later, I want to say thank you for all the love and support that you have given me the past few months as I have had the opportunity to work as the Summer Children’s Coordinator. I never thought that I could be any more thankful for such a generous and caring congregation but this summer has proved me wrong. I have had an incredible summer working with children, parents, staff, and everyone in between. Thank you so much for blessing me with this opportunity to grow in my faith and in my work experience. I cannot wait to see the future of the Children’s Ministry continue to strengthen and grow with new leadership!

Sincerely, Susanna Trotter

Want to help Children’s Ministry grow?

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f you have recently felt called to assist with youngest members of our congregation, we invite you to consider being a Sunday School teacher, Worship Education leader, or a Child Care volunteer! Each of these positions is very important in helping our children learn about God’s love as well as providing them a safe and supportive environment. Your commitment as a Sunday School teacher is as much or as little as you want, any amount of time is greatly appreciated! Worship Education leaders will enjoy leading an alternate worship that is catered to our children. Child Care volunteers will serve the youngest of our church during the worship service.

If you want more information on each of these leadership roles, please contact Susanna Trotter ( susanna@fbcgso.org ), Cathy Wells ( ccwells@ncgm.com ), or Christy Jones ( christy.jones@purolator-facet.com ).

“Back to School” Sunday is August 24

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e will begin a new Sunday School year and we are very excited for all that is in store! Christian Education is an important way to grow as disciples and begin laying down a foundation for faith.

We have a wonderful group of teachers and volunteers that use creative and interactive stories to teach our children. Our lives are busy and summer is often a time of travel and rest, but “Back to School” Sunday will be a chance to center ourselves back on our faith journey. It will be a fresh start for a new school year! We look forward to seeing you in your new Sunday School class each week at 9:15 am!

Weekday School News

Mark Your Calendar First Baptist Church Weekday School

Second Time Around Consignment Sale

Consign • Shop • Volunteer

September 26 - 27

Friday - 9 am - 7 pm Saturday - 8 am - 1 pm (Half Price Day) Shop, consign, and volunteer...be a part of this fundraiser for the Weekday School Via Scholarship fund! www.fbcgso.org/consignment_sale / fbcsecondtimearound@gmail.com 10 | Connections

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any thanks to all who have linked their Harris Teeter cards to the Weekday School.

Last quarter, we received $237.00 (free money) from your purchases. We are not quite to the $16,000 payout for Grimsley High School, but our scholarship fund benefits from every penny that comes from this, so again - Thank you! Remember that if you will send your HT rewards card number to Dr. Carpenter at the preschool, we can link your card for you.

Registration for 2014-2015 is continuing and classes are filling up. We have a few spots, so please tell your friends to take advantage of this wonderful ministry.

We are so blessed by this church and by the work that we have been given to do. God is so good!

Dates to remember: September 2 - Weekday School Orientation September 3 - First day of school September 26 & 27 - Fall Consignment Sale

Connect with Youth

Youth August Calendar Keep this list of events to reference. Times are subject to change. Also see the youth summer calendar online which will reflect current updates: fbcgso.org/youth

Youth Summer Fun!

Youth Department Contact Info: 274.3286 • Steve Cothran: stevec@fbcgso.org / x235 • Gloria Koster: gloria@fbcgso.org / x288 • Josh Owens: josh@fbcgso.org / #236

> August 4-7 & 11-14: Steps to Success Kindergarten Camp, Bessemer Elementary School > Tuesday, August 5, 7 am: Arise! at Grace UMC > Tuesday, August 12, 7 am: Arise! at Grace UMC > Tuesday, August 12, 1-6 pm: High School Water Skiing @ Belews Lake > Tuesday, August 19, 7 am: Arise! at Grace UMC > Wednesday, August 20: Youth Party, Hamilton Lakes (time TBA)

FIrst Baptist Church Family,

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hat a great summer it has been! Having the opportunity to grow as a minister while also being surrounded by some of the greatest students ever has been an experience that I will treasure for the rest of my ministry. I have been reminded why I love ministering to and with students, and I continue to be encouraged for the future success of the Church with congregations like FBC raising up such well-rounded young people! I am forever grateful for your love, support, encouragement, and prayers throughout our time together, and I look forward to what is next in my ministry with great anticipation. Though I am saddened to leave such a loving fellowship, I am better for my time here, and appreciate your investment in my ministry. I hope to be a good steward of the Spirit you have shown to me over these past months. My prayer for you all is that you would continue instilling the strong spiritual foundation in the hearts of your students, and that God would continue to shower His favor upon you.

Thanks again for the ways you serve our Lord!

In Christ, Joshua Owens

Middle School Fall Retreat September 12-14, 2014

Middle School youth will discover a deeper walk with God. $85/person covers food, lodging, t-shirt.

Register now: www.fbcgso.org/youth

August 2014 | 11

Connect with Business Personnel Update

I

n June, Alan Tutterow reported to the Deacons and Congregation that the FBC Personnel Committee was in the process of forming a search committee for Children’s Ministry leadership. We thank you for your input into that process. As a committee we had many excellent persons to consider to serve on the search committee.

As we shared at our July church conference, we are pleased to announce that a committee has now been formed representing a wide cross section of our church. Personnel will be working with the search committee to get them started on their important work, with an initial meeting scheduled for early August.

Alongside of our search for permanent leadership, Personnel is working with Alan Sherouse to establish interim leadership of our Children's Ministry. We expect to have leadership established by the start of the school year. The interim position will be full-time (30-40 hours, depending on availability) and last through the duration of the search process.

Your prayers and support through this process so far and in the future are most appreciated, especially for the members of our Search Committee: Sharon Tutterow Barlow, Kip Blakely, Kelly Cornett, Cooper Harrell, Elaine McRae, Emiley Turner, Diane Watkins, Cathy Caldwell Wells, Alan Sherouse, ex officio

July Church Conference

T

he monthly Church Conference took place on Sunday afternoon, July 20, 2014 in the Fellowship Hall.

Deacon Chair, Dr. Laura Lomax, presided. The following actions were taken– Blake Absher made the following motions:

• Motion 1: On behalf of the Building and Grounds Committee, the Finance Committee, and the Deacons, I move that an expenditure of $29,700 be made from the Major Repair/Capital Expense Fund (account 310276) for the preparation and painting of the exterior trim of the church buildings except for the doors and windows, as specified by the Building and Grounds Committee. Action: The motion was approved.

• Motion 2: Upon the recommendation of the Youth Advisory Council, and with the approval of the Endowment Trust Committee, the Finance Committee, and the Deacons, I move that $2,000 be released from the Bowen Endowment Fund to grant scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each to Robyn Cothran and Leah Frost to help with their college expenses. I further move that scholarships in the amount of $750 each from a designated donation to the church be granted to Lindsey Kalish and Kelly Kennedy to help with their college expenses.

Action: The motion was approved.

• Motion 3: On behalf of the Missions Committee, the Finance Committee, and the Deacons, I move that $1,500 from the Great Commission Fund be approved for supplies and other materials to be used at the Steps to Success Kindergarten Camp, a camp for children about to enter kindergarten, which will be held at Bessemer Elementary School between August 4 and August 14 and will be jointly sponsored by that school and First Baptist Church. Action: The motion was approved.

June 2014 Financial Update Receipts & Distributions

Actual

Budget

Last Year

June Budget Receipts $ 160,521 $ 125,401 $ 149,763 YTD Budget Receipts $ 837,822 $ 870,005 $ 814,044 YTD Budget Disbursements $ 886,930 $ 895,931 $ 846,495 YTD Differential $ (49,109) $ (25,926) $ (32,450)

12 | Connections

Upcoming Church Conferences: There will be no planned Church Conference in August.

The next Church Conference is scheduled for Sunday, September 14.

There will be a vote on Standing Committee nominees as presented by the Committee on Committees.

Connecting with One Another If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. (1st Corinthians 12:26)

Responding to the Invitation

Stay Connected with Your FBC Family!

M Jeannie Jones

(on July 20) By Statement “I was immediately impressed with the physical beauty of First Baptist, but I remember thinking that this church is too big and is probably not going to feel welcoming. After visiting a few times, I realized that the situation was quite the opposite. People actually spoke to me and acted glad that I was there. I felt very welcomed... FBC is starting to feel like my home and I look forward to getting more involved and meeting more members.”

Welcome New Babies!

Davis and Kathy Troxler new foster daughter, Evelyn Grace Cooper and Andrea Harrell James Lincoln Harrell born: July 4

Bereaved • Family of Carole Darnell, June 4 • Family of A.B. Creed, June 28 • Bill Lusk in the loss of his sister, Phyllis Hickok, July 5 • Family of Mary Markham, July 7 • Tommy Starnes in the loss of his mother, Alice Nash, July 20 • Millie Power and Helen Stinson in the loss of their nephew, Don Hutchins, July 20

College Birthdays John Hardy 8/10

1500 Rock Creek Dairy Rd, Whitsett, 27377 / 446.6773 / jhardy@ncsu.edu

Caleb Rainey 8/29

2209 Lannigan Dr, Greensboro 27406 698.9040 / elias12@hotmail.com

ake sure your contact information at FBC is up-to-date! If you have had any changes to any contact information: phone, email, address, etc., remember to let us know. Send all updates and changes to Rosemary Kellam ( rosemary@fbcgso.org /274-3286, x225). You can also update your member information via the private FBC Member website — click the “Sign In” button at the top of the website.

All FBC members can create a login/password and have online access to your giving summary, church calendar, online registrations, search information, etc. Go online and check it out: www.fbcgso.org We are continually trying to find the best ways to communicate what is happening to you and we do this through email, phone tree text messaging, newsletter, website, Facebook, and Twitter!

August Birthdays 1. Lindsey Kalish 2. Sherwood Chesson, Wilma Fortune, Eleanor Patterson, Carol Putnam 3. Eloise Curlee 4. Amanda Manning, Amy Overman, Sarah Pearce, Cassie Starnes 5. Debbie Huneycutt, Susan Smith 6. Martha Talley 7. Steven Myers, Lollie White 8. Karl Lewis, Janet Mosely 9. Terri Battle, Dan Kennedy, Phyllis Parkerson 10. John Hardy 11. Martin Waitherero 12. Blake Absher, Doug Childs, Barrett Stanley, Sue Weddle 13. Jim Frost, Marggie Samuel 14. Barbara Ingold, Earlean Price, Harrison Roberts 15. Betsy Absher, Warren Bass, Keith Burroughs, Penny Rowe 16. Geneva Metzger, Bill Simmons 17. Jean Bundy, Betty Case, Mike Elliott, Jeff Frazier, Bob Godfrey, Pam Randleman, Joanna Sample

18. Kip Blakely, David Crews, Avery Payne 19. Dale Caldwell, Evelyn Polk 20. Paul Brady, David Gilliland, Randi Hathcock, Hal Koger, Elmer Puryear, Jenny Sherouse, Dolores Wayt 21. Bill Sessoms, Adair Suggs 22. Kim Bolton, Patrick Cashwell, Dot Collins, Eddie Wooten 23. Miriam Boroughs, Elizabeth Gibson, David Page, Jo Anne Thompson 24. Delmas Bearden, Lorna Lanning, Becky Parham, Mary Pearce, Joshua Reynolds, Charles Rierson, Jr. 25. Martha Chandler, Amy Knight, Martha Spangler, Alex Wells 26. Christopher Luper 27. Parrish Clodfelter, Rita Harrell, Dot Norris, Willie Pitts, Margaret Raines 28. Rob Young 29. Shelley Garrett, Lucille Hixon, Jeanette Mitchell, Billy Patterson, Caleb Rainey, Judy Ryan, Lauren Worsley 30. Kathy Sample 31. Larry Burroughs, Adair Garner August 2014 | 13

august@FBC Regular Weekly Schedule: Sunday @ FBC

•Bible Study - 9:15 am •Worship - 10:30 am •Guest Reception - 11:45 am (209) August 3 we will have an outdoor worship service.

There will be no Wednesday night meals/activities in August.

There will be no planned Church Conference in August.

•August 1 – Worship in the Arts Closing Concert. 1 pm, Sanctuary •Saturdays, August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 – Shower Ministry. 3 pm, Gym •Sunday, August 3 – Outdoor Worship, 9 am; Brunch, 10 am;

Bible Study, 6 pm (page 4) •August 4-7 & 11-14 – “Steps to Success” Kindergarten Camp.

Bessemer Elementary School (page 8) •Thursday, August 7 – Rosewood VBS •Sundays, August 10, 17, 24 – Explore 1st •Sunday, August 24 – “Back to School Sunday.” Children & Youth Sunday School Promotion (page 10) Sunday, August 24 – Baptism & BBQ. 4-7 pm, Camp Weaver (page 4) •

What’s Cooking...

S Are you interested in learning more about FBC? Sundays: August 10, 17 & 24 9:15-10:15 am Our Explore First class is for those interested in learning more about First Baptist and church membership. Attend any or all of the gatherings. All are invited, from recent visitors to regular attendees. You will meet staff, learn about our Baptist beliefs, and get to know others who are also “exploring 1st.”

Key: 14 | Connections

ince last September our kitchen staff has prepared nearly 13,000 meals.

Considering that the only full time employee is Theo, that’s quite an accomplishment. Most of you have heard me say that I would not do this job without him and I wouldn’t. Along with our other part-time staff and kitchen volunteers, we somehow keep all of our plates spinning.

I want to say a special thank you to Joyce and David English who will be leaving our ranks. They both have been faithful “cashiers” for many years and we will miss having them in our rotation. I also want to welcome some new faces that have joined us over the past year in Betty Ray Troxler, Martha Hicks, Joan Ratliff and Ann Powell.

This year the kitchen will be closed for the month of August for our annual cleaning. We will resume our Wednesday night meals on September 3.

The return of our salad bar seemed to be well received and we will continue to offer it next year along with the kid’s meal.

One problem we continue to have is those who have reservations and fail to attend the meal. Please be mindful of your reservations status and help us to save on our food costs which continue to increase annually.

Sincerely, Chef K

•Adults •All Ages •Children •Seniors •Weekday School •Worship •Youth

Important Upcoming Events…Mark Your Calendars!

SEPTEMBER

• 1: Church offices closed for Labor Day • 3: Fall Kick-off Celebration: Food, Fun & Family Games, 5 - 7 pm • 7: Deacon Ordination Service, 6 pm • 12-14: Middle School Fall Retreat, Camp Caraway • 14, 21, 28: Adult Teacher Education, 6 - 7:30 pm • 21: State of the Church Luncheon, 12 noon • 23: Friends Day Luncheon, 12 noon • 26-27: FBC Weekday School Consignment Sale, Fri. 9 am 7 pm, Sat. 8 am - 1 pm

OCTOBER

• Upward: Oct. 1-5: Pre-sign-up for FBC members; After Oct. 5: Open sign-ups • 5: World Communion Sunday • 6: PrimeTime, 9 am - 1 pm

OCTOBER (continued)

• 19: Missions Day & Fair, 12 noon, Fellowship Hall • 19: Crop Walk, 2:30 pm

NOVEMBER

• 1: Fall Fun Fest, 3 - 5 pm • 2: Luminé Service, 6 pm • 3-7: Upward Evaluations • 3: PrimeTime, 9 am - 1 pm • 3,10,17, 24: FRONT, 6 - 7 pm • 14: Happy Hearts Thanksgiving Dinner, 6 pm • 16: Upward Prayer Breakfast, 8 am • 17-21: Trip to New York City • 20: Feast of Caring, 5 - 7 pm • 23: Flag Football Game on Church Lawn, 2 pm • 25: Thanksgiving Dinner, 6 pm • 26: No Wednesday night activities • 27-28: Church offices closed • 30: 1st Sunday of Advent

DECEMBER

• 7: 2nd Sunday of Advent • 7: A & T University Choir Concert, 3 pm, Sanctuary • 14: 3rd Sunday of Advent • 14: Church-wide Caroling, 3 - 5 pm / Open House at the Sherouses • 20: Christmas Preparation, 10 am - 4 pm, Sanctuary • 20: Christmas Celebration for Preschool Families, 5 pm, 108 • 21: 4th Sunday of Advent / Lessons and Carols, 10:30 am • 21: Longest Night Service, 6 pm • 24: Christmas Eve Service, 5 pm • 25-26: Church offices closed • 28: College Student Day at Christmas, 10:30 am • 31: New Year’s Eve Communion

this fall@FBC Begins after Labor Day

SUNDAYS 9:15 am: Bible Study 10:30 am: Worship 11:45 am: Guest Reception, 209 4 pm: Youth Handbells: Grades 6-12 (by placement), Sanctuary/319 5 pm: Youth Choir Grades 6-12, 311 5 pm: Children’s Handbells: Grades 4-5, 319-B 6 pm: Children’s Bible Drill 6 pm: Youth Discipleship, 301 6 pm: Adult Handbells I: (Advanced ringers by placement, Sanctuary

SUNDAYS (continued) 6 pm: Sunday School Teacher Training (Sept. 14, 21, 28) 7 pm: Sanctuary Choir: (Adults), 311 7 pm: Instrumental Ensemble: (Youth and Adults, 3rd Sundays), Sanctuary WEDNESDAYS 5 pm: Fellowship Meal, 108 (meals served until 6:30 pm/reservations required) 6 pm: Music Activities/ Story Time: 3-4s, 129 6 pm: Rhythm Ensembles: K-1st Grades, 132

Wednesdays (continued) 6 pm: Orff Ensembles: 2nd-5th Grades, 223/225 6:15 pm: Adult Access Classes 6:15 pm: Divorce Recovery 6:15 pm: Youth Forum 6:15 pm: Music Makers Choir*: Grades K-1, 132 6:15 pm: Young Musicians Choir*: Grades 2-5, 223/225 7:15 pm: Sanctuary Choir: (Adults), 311 *Part of Kids’ Access For more information about the programs at FBC: www.fbcgso.org

August 2014 | 15

First Bapt ist Church Greensboro

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID GREENSBORO, NC

1000 West Friendly Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27401 www.fbcgso.org

Everyone is invited to go on this day trip to the

National D-Day Memorial, Bedford, VA

NO. 179

New York City An FBC Travel Opportunity

November 17-21, 2014

Thursday, October 23, 2014 Leave FBC: 8 am - Return: 6 pm Bedford, VA lost more soldiers per captita than anywhere in the United States on D-Day. That is why it was chosen to be home to the national memorial. Travel will be on a Holiday Tour bus with a guided tour of the memorial.

Cost: $49/person.

Lunch will be at Old Liberty Station in Bedford.

To sign up for this trip: Dolly Chesson ( swchesson1@gmail.com / 545.7712) or Monica Vaughan (edwinv550@aol.com /402.1144).

This trip includes motor coach transportation from Greensboro to New York City and lodging in the Theatre District in Times Square. To find out more, flyers are located on the information walls at First Baptist Church or you can receive a brochure with complete details by contacting: Dolly Chesson: 545.7712 / swchesson1@gmail.com Cliff Lowery: 210.6923 / lowerycc@aol.com Monica Vaughan: 402.1144 / edwinv550@aol.com

Take a bbite oof the Big Apple!