Connections - December 2013 newsletter

DECEMBER 2013 // www.fbcgso.org // 336.274.3286

Advent @FBC first baptist church greensboro

Waiting for the birth of Christ

p 4-5

Emphasizing worship, spiritual development, fellowship, and ministry to our city and our world.

The true light that gives light was coming into the world.

John 1.9 NIV

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

December 2013 3 Fireside Chats with Alan Sherouse

January Connections Deadline: December 16 Email news to kelly@fbcgso.org or bring it to the church office.

Kelly Stephens, Managing Editor Communications Director kelly@fbcgso.org / x223

Greensboro Urban Ministry Holiday Honor Cards Global Missions Offering Christmas Eve Offering

4-5 FBC Advent Calendar

Gloria Koster, Design Manager Education Ministry Assistant gloria@fbcgso.org / x288

6 Connect with Missions

Steve Sumerel, Supervising Editor Associate Pastor - Adult Learning steves@fbcgso.org / x233

7 Connect with Business

Teresa Allen, Media Library Director teresaa@fbcgso.org / x229 Ginny Carpenter, Weekday School Director ginny@fbcgso.org / x240 Steve Cothran, Associate Pastor - Youth/Families stevec@fbcgso.org / x235 Dolores Donahue, Administrative Assistant - Finance dolores@fbcgso.org / x226 Jane Anne Hayber, Music/Worship Assistant janeanne@fbcgso.org / x239

– WE! Shelter Needs Volunteers

– FBC 2014 Budget Narrative

8-9 Connect with One Another

10 Coming Up in January 2014 11 December Calendar 12 November Church Conference Update October 2013 Financial Update

Monica Hix, Pastoral Assistant monica@fbcgso.org / x231 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, Business Administrator scott@fbcgso.org / x222 Steve Pressley, Associate Pastor stevep@fbcgso.org / x231 Virginia Reynolds, Assistant Pastor - Preschool/Children virginia@fbcgso.org / x241 Alan Sherouse, Senior Pastor alan@fbcgso.org / x231 Marion Smith, Facilities Supervisor, x243 Doug Vancil, Associate Pastor - Music/Worship doug@fbcgso.org / x237 Terri Vancil, Assistant Pastor - Music/Worship terri@fbcgso.org / x238 Shelly Worsley, Childcare Director shelly@fbcgso.org / x293 2 | Connections

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2.10-12)

firesidechats

with Alan

Fireside Chats are one hour gatherings of 10-20 people for the purpose of conversation with Alan (and Jenny too, when possible). Alan is interested in getting to know our congregation better and hearing about our experiences and hopes related to First Baptist. These chats will occur throughout the fall and winter months within Alan’s first six months as Pastor.

Chats can occur in a variety of settings - in a home, at the church, in the First Baptist cafe, etc. You might host a dessert or pre-dinner gathering on a weeknight, order lunch on a Sunday post-service, coordinate an early Sunday evening gathering, hold a conversation after Wednesday evening activities, etc.

If you’re interested in hosting a Fireside Chat in conjunction with your Sunday School class or another interested group, email Pastoral Assistant Monica Hix ( monica@fbcgso.org ) with potential dates/times.

Give Greensboro Urban Ministry Holiday Honor Cards for Christmas!

The Honor Card is a marvelous way to recognize a friend, family member, client or employee, while at the same time giving a meaningful gift to someone in need. Your minimum donation of $5 per card allows you to show your support for the community while acknowledging others during the holidays. What better way to show you care during the holiday season than to show your support of the community? What greater gift than to help those in need? Cards are available for purchase in the church office.

Make checks payable to: Greensboro Urban Ministry.

Global Missions Offering The special offering for December is the CBF Global Missions Offering.

From Bali, Canada, Malaysia, and dozens of places in between, you will find God working and changing lives through CBF ministries. The CBF Offering for Global Missions provides funding for the powerful ministries of more than 130 CBF field personnel. Your gifts to the Offering are what sends them to the mission field and allows them to remain there to be and share the presence of Christ. CBF has an Offering Goal of $4.8 million this year, and you are a vital part of reaching that goal and keeping field personnel in ministry.

If you believe in the unique Baptist approach of keeping workers on the mission field, spreading the gospel through words and works, then please give generously to the CBF Offering for Global Missions during December. Send checks to the FBC finance office with “Global Missions” in the memo field or give online.

There is also a special offering envelope in your monthly envelope packet.

Christmas Eve Offering will support Greensboro’s StepUp Ministry FBC has a strong missional history of caring for the homeless in our community. We have passionately met the immediate needs of the homeless through our WE Shelter and providing meals at Grace Fellowship. Our Christmas Eve Offering will go towards Step Up Ministry, an organization that provides hope and promise of a more stable future by focusing on a long term solution for homelessness through job training and life skills classes for homeless, unemployed and low income people. Job training workshops are provided the first full week of each month and they have a 50% job placement rate for participants.

December 2013 | 3

Advent Credo It is not true that creation and the human family are doomed to destruction and loss— THIS IS TRUE: For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life; It is not true that we must accept inhumanity and discrimination, hunger and poverty, death and destruction— THIS IS TRUE: I have come that they may have life, and that abundantly.

It is not true that violence and hatred should have the last word, and that war and destruction rule forever— THIS IS TRUE: Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, his name shall be called wonderful councilor, mighty God, the Everlasting, the Prince of peace.

It is not true that we are simply victims of the powers of evil who seek to rule the world— THIS IS TRUE: To me is given authority in heaven and on earth, and lo I am with you, even until the end of the world.

It is not true that we have to wait for those who are specially gifted, who are the prophets of the Church before we can be peacemakers— THIS IS TRUE: I will pour out my spirit on all flesh and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions and your old men shall have dreams.

It is not true that our hopes for liberation of humankind, of justice, of human dignity of peace are not meant for this earth and for this history— THIS IS TRUE: The hour comes, and it is now, that the true worshipers shall worship God in spirit and in truth.

So let us enter Advent in hope, even hope against hope. Let us see visions of love and peace and justice. Let us affirm with humility, with joy, with faith, with courage: Jesus Christ — the life of the world.

4 | Connections

C

redo

At the close of of Advent my installation service in Isa. October First Sunday 2.1-5I shared a benediction from William Sloane Coffin that includes the Psalm 122 line, “This world is too dangerous now for anything but truth.”

Romans We know all too well the danger that 13.11-14 exists in our world.

Matt.

24.36-44 We have experienced loss, grief, and heartbreak. We have hoped for peace and looked for the day when soldiers are Second 11.1-10 home and swords Isa. become ploughshares. We have worked for a community where basic needs are met,18-19 even as so many Ps. 72.1-7, of our neighbors remain vulnerable.

We 15.4-13 have prayed for the Rom. kingdom of God to come to earth, Matt. all while watching 24-hr 3.1-12 news and sometimes feeling the kingdom is a distant dream.

And sometimes, the danger overwhelms. Sometimes the Third Isa 35.1-10 despair can seem the only truth.

Ps. 146.5-10 We are entering a season – Advent – where we declare or Luke 1.47-55 again a deeper truth. We will sing and speak and worship 5.7-10the truth of together the greatest truth we haveJames to proclaim: Matt. 11.2-11 Immanuel. God-with-us.

This truth is captured beautifully in the poem Advent Credo

by Father Daniel Berrigan. Fr.Isa Berrigan Fourth 7.10-16is an American Catholic priest, peacePs. activist, and17-19 poet. His poem 80.1-7, acknowledges full well the danger we seeMatt. and the despair we Rom. 1.1-7, 1.18-25 can feel, but it also urges us to remember what is true. A credo is a statement of belief, and Fr. Berrigan’s Advent Credo urges us to state our belief in the hope of Advent. I encourage you to read it as we enter this season. His words will serve as a theme and guide for us throughout worship this Advent season as we proclaim together, this is true.

This Advent season at First Baptist Greensboro provides us many chances to focus our hearts and minds on what is true. Multiple opportunities stretch before us and the pages of this newsletter provide the details. We have opportunities to love our neighbors through service, to gather with our friends and small groups for holiday cheer, to participate in annual traditions like the Love Feast and the Family Christmas Sing.

Our calendars are full.

But in all that we do as a community of faith, we are not simply enjoying warm traditions or embracing holiday nostalgia. We are proclaiming and declaring a much deeper and older truth: the light shines in the darkness and it is not overcome.

This is true.

From Testimony: The Word Made Flesh

by Daniel Berrigan

Advent Worship, Services & Opportunities First Sunday of ADVENT

December 1

10:30 a.m. Worship - Youth Choir

Festival of Lights

Friday, December 6

6-7:30 pm - Youth Bell Choirs Come downtown to the 300 block of South Elm Street (parking lot beside Ham’s Restaurant) to hear our youth bell choirs play for the Greensboro community.

Second Sunday of ADVENT

December 8

10:30 a.m. Worship - Adult Handbell Choirs, Young Musicians and Sanctuary Choir

Hanging of the Green

December 8

6 p.m. Youth Choirs and Youth Handbell Choirs A relaxed, family friendly service to decorate the Sanctuary and ready our hearts and minds for the Advent season. Contact Terri Vancil (274-3286, ext 238, terri@fbcgso.org) if you would like to participate in decorating or readings in the service.

Third Sunday of ADVENT

December 15

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary Choir

Christmas Caroling and LoveFeast

December 15

3 p.m. Everyone is invited on Sunday afternoon to carol to our shut-ins and those in retirement communities and nursing facilities. Sign-up on Sunday School department lists or by contacting Terri Vancil (274-3286, ext 238, terri@fbcgso.org ). Carolers will meet in the Atrium at 3 pm to gather into groups and receive routes. After caroling, return to the Chapel for a special performance by the Grimsley High School Madrigals as we celebrate and share our stories in the Moravian LoveFeast tradition.

Family Christmas Sing

Wednesday, December 18

6:15 pm Service - Children’s Choirs The whole church family gathers at the manger as children’s choirs present the Christmas story through song, costume and scripture.

Fourth Sunday of ADVENT

December 22

10:30 a.m. Christmas Oratorio by J. S. Bach - Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra

Christmas Eve Worship

Tuesday, December 24

5 p.m. Carols, Communion and Candlelight

December 2013 | 5

Connect with Missions

WE! Shelter Ministry: An Opportunity for Everyone us carry out our calling, and they have a chance to contribute to the ministry “Oh, the weather outside is”…cold, too. The Porter family volunteers and members of our community are together, including Hannah (age 8) homeless. Our church stepped forward and Alex (age 6). Carla sees the shelter five years ago to provide shelter and ministry as a great opportunity teach food for women, and once again we our children about Christ’s call for us have the opportunity to work with the to minister to the poor. She writes, YWCA and other congregations to “Volunteering sets a good example support the Winter Emergency! (WE!) for my children. I bring my daughter, Shelter for Women. This year the Hannah, and am reminded through shelter will host 20 women, and there The Porter family volunteers together, her to be child-like. The women there is an opportunity for everyone to be love her because she is not judgmental including Hannah (age 8) and Alex (age 6). involved. and not scared. She loves them You may wonder why our unconditionally with child-like love.”

So, pray about how you and your congregation has committed to Hannah agrees with family can support the shelter. Singles, this ministry. First her mom that working couples, youth, and even children— Serving through and foremost, it’s an at the Shelter is an there’s an opportunity for everyone. opportunity to follow the shelter ministry opportunity to bless We need to fill approximately 130 Christ’s command to can truly be a and to be blessed. volunteer slots each month (December feed the hungry and When asked about her blessing. through March) to provide food and provide shelter to those time at the shelter, she shelter for our guests. Won’t you in need. In addition, said, “I like helping at the WE! Shelter answer the call to be involved—just it is a way for us to be involved in because you meet a lot of people and see how you can bless and be blessed our community’s effort to provide a can make new friends! Helping people through this ministry! safety net for our fellow community is just something I like to do!“ members.

It is also an opportunity for us to share in blessing while we seek to bless others with Christ’s love.

WE! Shelter Volunteer Opportunities Carla and Stephen Porter have FBC is responsible for Sunday, Tuesday & Friday nights from December thru March 31: been actively involved in the shelter ministry, serving food and providing Check-in/Greeter (1/night): Open the shelter and welcome each resident (5:30-7:30 pm) volunteer support. Carla writes, “The Hospitality Volunteers (2/night): Greet residents and assist with various needs WE! Shelter is a way to share and (5:30-9:30 pm) experience Christ’s love. I do not Dinner Hosts (2-3/night): Prepare dinner off site, deliver and serve dinner for 25-30 volunteer to receive gratitude from the (arrive 6:15) women. Instead I volunteer because it Breakfast/Lunch Bags (20/night): Prepare a picnic-style lunch bag for up to 20 puts me in a position to fellowship not (deliver by 8:00 pm) with someone I choose but whom God has chosen. I also get to know other Morning Encourager (1-2/night): (optional) Assist with greeting residents and church members.” Serving through the closing shelter (6:00-7:30 am) shelter ministry can truly be a blessing.

Shelter Location: 1807 E. Wendover Avenue (east of Hwy. 29 before English Street) But the shelter ministry is not just for adult members of our Training for volunteers is available. congregation. Working at the shelter See the FBC website for additional information. Click on WE! Shelter and use the gives families an opportunity to SignUp Genus hot buttons to sign up to serve. minister together. Parents can show Contact Catherine Little (856-0623 or CatherineScottLittle@gmail.com ) or their children what ministry is like and Geneva Metzger (288-1877 or mizzometzger@yahoo.com ) for further information. why it’s important. Children see all of

BY CATHERINE SCOTT-LITTLE

6 | Connections

Connect with Business FBC 2014 Budget Narrative The proposed budget is being considered by the Diaconate and will be voted on at their regular meeting on December 9. Any changes to this published information will be communicated to the congregation in advance of the budget vote on Sunday, December 15, 2013. The following is a summary of changes in the proposed 2014 budget compared with the 2013 budget.

GENERAL • The total budget stays level at $1,765,000 from 2013 to 2014.

• The personnel committee recommends a 2.1% increase in staff salaries. Along with an 8.37% increase in group insurance premiums, the total compensation and benefits is project to increase from $1,054,362 to $1,082,187, or $27,825.

Changes other than compensation and benefits from 2013 to 2014 are noted below: PASTORAL CARE • Although there were many adjustments in line items due to the pastoral transition, overall expenses in this section remained almost level. Expenses were transferred out of the salary line in the past and will now be transferred back to the salary line in 2014.

MUSIC & WORSHIP • The increase in this section is related to the High School Choir Romania mission trip and the Middle School and Children’s Choir musical collaboration with Ken Medema and youth of FBC Asheville in March and June.

CHRISTIAN DEVELOPMENT • Most of the changes in this section were related to line item reallocation. A significant reduction was made to the Literature line item in Adult Education. Increases in youth, children’s ministry, and recreation relate to increases for the Romania trip, professional development, and small increases in curriculum and maintenance of equipment.

COMMUNICATIONS • The net increase in the line items is related to continuing promotional efforts on television advertising.

PROPERTY • Expenses for general building maintenance and equipment repair have exceeded our expectations in 2013.

Thus, we have increased those line items for 2014. Utility costs should remain relatively constant budget to budget as we manage usage compared with increasing rates. The major maintenance/capital expense account was reduced in order to allow needed increases in ministry areas. This account will still receive an additional $20,800 in 2014 from previously scheduled special fund allocations.

ADMINISTRATION & FOOD SERVICES • Costs in the administrative areas are slightly lower due to continued savings in postage and office supplies and printing.

MISSION PARTNERSHIPS • Total allocation to our Mission Partnerships increased by $4,000.

• Significant changes in the missions’ accounts included the addition of Backpack Beginnings for $4,000, Hope Academy for $5,000 and Baptist Children’s Home for $2,000. Changes also included an increase in spending of $2,500 for Grace Community Fellowship and a decrease in the amount of transfer to the Great Commission Fund of $5,100, and a decrease in the Church Construction account in the amount of $4,300.

December 2013 | 7

Connect with One Another

New Library Books

Keep up with FBC through social media:

BY TERESA ALLEN

YOUTH SECTION in MAIN • Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett • The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall • Three Days by Donna Jo Napoli

CHILDREN’S LIBRARY MAIN LIBRARY • The Canopy by Angela Elwell Hunt • The Distant Hours by Kate Morton The House at Riverton

by Kate Morton The Longest Road by Philip Caputo • The Queen Mother: The Official Biography by William Shawcross The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton • Teacher Man: A Memoir

by Frank McCourt • A Test of Wills by Charles Todd • V Is for Vengeance by Sue Grafton • Winter of the World (Book Two of the Century Trilogy) by Ken Follett

• Little Doe by Angela McAllister • Muddypaws and the Birthday Party

by Deborah Chancellor • Muddypaws Goes to School

by Peter Bently • Muddypaws’ New Friends

by Steve Smallman

The FBC Library is open to everyone to check out books, DVDs, audio books, and magazines.

Stop by - Check it out!

December Birthdays 1. Jennie Counts, Lucy King, Millie Power, Ethan Schneider, Vivian Schneider, Cynthia Stone 2. Beth Absher, Robyn Cothran, Ann Leonard, Mary Rakestraw, Betty Stockton, Ann Vaden 3. Holden Biffle, Jerri Edwards, Scott Lyle 4. Leary Davis, Todd Garcia, Helen Gardner 5. Andrew Marsh 6. Blanche Hodge, Ryan Powell, Kathy Simmons 7. Nancy Gee 8. Dot Melton, Autumn Rainey, Ann Teague, Anthony Webb, Gayle Wiley 9. Sandra Canipe, Don Cunningham, Jim Fogleman, Steven Key 10. David Garrett, Timothy Newman, Nelle Wimbs 11. Lee Blakely, Casey Cranford, Marietta Mobley 12. Ray Anderson, Ginny Young 13. Evelyn Anderson, Morgan Hall 14. Sue Bias, Robert Curlee, Sr., Betsy McLean, Holly Messick, Coolidge Porterfield, McKenna Stutts, Ruth Ward 8 | Connections

First Baptist Church Greensboro FBC Greensboro Youth

Important Notice to Facebook Group Members: FBC will be consolidating our Facebook presence at the beginning of the new year and will only have a Facebook Page. Please “LIKE” our Page so you are able to stay in touch with what’s happeing. Thank you for working with us on this transition to more efficiently communicate with you.

NOTE: The Group will be deleted after the new year and we cannot transfer members from the Group to the Page.

FBCGreensboro @fbcgso

EMAIL - - Make sure the church office has your up-to-date email and contact information so you can receive important and timely news about what’s happening in the life of FBC! Send any contact changes to Rosemary Kellam at rosemary@fbcgso.org .

15. Tobie Pierce, Josh Sumner 16. Beverly Broach, Raleigh Cothran, Margaret Wilson 17. Kate Stephens 18. Shirley Headspeth, Lois Hutchison, Ty Lindsay, Susanna Trotter 19. Emerson Culbreth 20. Patrice Justafort, Dianne Nickles, Hannah Porter 21. Clyde Collins, Erin Stephens 22. Lynn Donovan, Randi Harned, Reid Hix 23. Ted Barlow, Agnes Moore, Ann Powell, Elias Rainey, Tony Rider 24. Mary Apple, Catherine Pressley 25. Jack Cagle, Ed Parkerson, Jeff Smith 26. Phil Barbee, Melissa Sample, Janelle Snider 27. No FBC Birthdays 28. Gladys Boroughs, Richard Hardy 29. Pamela Baggett, Curtis Griffin, Rick Schneider, Everett Sheffield 30. Polly Norris, KatyBeth Schmid 31. Steve Cothran, Larry Pegram, Rachel Shackelford

Connect with One Another

Responding to the Invitation

Ginny Barnes

Mason Lewis

Kyleigh Pegram

(on November 10)

By Profession of Faith and Baptism

(on November 10)

By Profession of Faith and Baptism

(on November 10)

By Profession of Faith and Baptism

Jenny Milynn

Fridin Mihindou

Stephen Rich

(on November 17)

By Statement

(on November 17)

By Profession of Faith and Baptism

(on November 17)

By Profession of Faith and Baptism

College Birthdays Autumn Rainey

12/8

2209 Lannigan Drive, Greensboro, 27406 elias12@hotmail.com

Raleigh Cothran

12/16

4 Country Woods Court, Greensboro, 27410 / raleighguy@me.com

Susanna Trotter 12/18 109 Stadium Drive, Parker - Room 218 Chapel Hill, NC 27514 sctdeac@gmail.com

Reid Hix

12/22

Unit 2040, 2730 Wolf Village Way Raleigh, NC 27607 jrhix91@gmail.com

Welcome New Babies! Bereaved Graycen Rebekah Venable

Born October 28 Stephen & Danielle Venable Grandparents: Richie & Lori Barmer Great Grandparents: Danny & Kathy Edwards Great Great Grandparents: Cecil &Becky Livengood

Julie Gray Williams Born November 11 Ragan & Allison (Upchurch) Williams Grandparents: Gary & Frances Upchurch

Declan Hicks Born: November 11 Michael & Jessica Hicks Grandparent: Martha Hicks

• Judy Ryan in the loss of her brother, Willis Lockamy, on October 26 • The family of Tom Fuqua, on October 28 • The family of Betty Thorne, on October 29 • The family of Tom Luper, on November 1 • Dale Bias in the loss of his father, Charles Bias, on November 3 • Becky Livengood in the loss of her niece, Lisa McNeely, on November 16

December 2013 | 9

January 2014

Coming Up in

New Wednesday Night Access Classes:

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Acting on Our Faith–Our congregation got a taste of the vast amount of mission activity we engage in during the October Mission Fair. In January we will begin the journey to understand these ministries in greater depth. The “Acting on Our Faith” seminars will seek to put a face on the major societal diseases of our community, such as poverty, addiction, hunger, and homelessness; and then move to the mission activity of our congregation to combat these social ills. Week after week you will be invited to come alongside and touch the many ministries that are being conducted by our people. Plan to be a part of this time of education, support, and prayer. (January 8, 15, 22, 29)

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Winter Youth Ski Retreat

January 10-12, 2014, Winterplace, WV Remember to ask Santa to make your reservation for the Youth Ski Retreat!

A $75 deposit saves your spot. Total cost is $165/person and includes skiing Saturday/Sunday and 4 meals.

Register online: www.fbcgso.org/youth .

Deadline to sign-up: December 27.

Bible Study: The Three Kings of the Old Testament–

From January through March the Wednesday Chapel Bible Study will focus on selected passages from the Old Testament books of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles. “Good Kings, Bad Kings” will consider what may be learned about the three monarchs of Israel’s United Monarchy—Saul, David and Solomon. What were their spiritual legacies? What went wrong with King January 24-26 Saul? In what ways was David both great and weak? Was Solomon as wise Baylor University’s Todd D. Still will join as his reputation suggests? Steve Pressley will serve as Bible teacher and us on the weekend of January 24-26 for session leader. a congregational study of Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. Dr. Still serves Baylor’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary as Professor of New Testament.

A specialist in Pauline studies, Todd spoke of the Apostle to a standing-roomonly breakout session during this past summer’s Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Formations–“Encounters with the Living God” is the name General Assembly meeting in Greensboro. given to the five Formations Bible Study lessons for January. Pastoral He finds Paul’s letter to the church at Counselor, Chris O’Rear, develops this theme as he takes you through the Philippi especially noteworthy, in that its rich textured stories of I Samuel. According to O’Rear the student will author claims to have discovered the secret encounter God “throughout these passages (as we) learn much about of contentment—even while enduring the God’s priorities, our responsibilities, and a proper attitude toward God.” rigors of imprisonment.

Tentative plans call for Friday and Nurturing Faith–Dr. Cartledge moves from a Christmas theme Saturday evening study sessions, preceded to a series on the Epiphany in a unit called “Things That Matter.” by dinner in the Fellowship Hall. Todd Dr. Cartledge will take participants through a study of I Corinthians, as will speak twice more on Sunday, once to Paul addresses key elements of the faith in which Christians should be a plenary adult and youth Sunday School fully invested. gathering, and then during the morning worship service.

A Gathering Community–January will be a month of First Baptist members and friends transition for the Gathering Community class. As they end their should mark their calendars now, and plan discussion on prayer, they will begin their study of Willard and Locy’s to “Warm Up to Winter Bible Study”—and book, Veneer: Living Deeply in a Surface Society. Watch for the exact date overcome the post-holiday blues! of the start of this study.

Sunday School Studies for January:

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10 | Connections

Warm Up to Winter Bible Study with Todd Still

•Monday, December 2– PrimeTime. 9 am - Lunch (See ad below) •Friday, December 6– Festival of Lights. 6 - 7:30 pm (See pages 4-5) •Sunday, December 8– Hanging of the Green. 6 pm (See pages 4-5) •Sunday, December 15– Special Called/Regular Church Conference. 10:30 am Worship •Sunday, December 15– Churchwide Caroling. 3 - 5 pm & LoveFeast. 5 - 5:45 pm (See pages 4-5)

• • • • •

Wednesday, December 18– Family Christmas Sing. 6:15 pm (See pages 4-5) Sunday, December 22– Christmas Oratorio/Bach. 10:30 am (See pages 4-5) Sunday, December 22– Youth Christmas Party. 6 - 8 pm (See ad below) Tuesday, December 24– Christmas Eve Worship. 5 pm (See pages 4-5) December 25-26– Church offices closed.

PrimeTime December 2

“Christmas at the Organ” with Doug Vancil 9 am: Ceramics, Gym; 9:30 am - Prayer Shawl Knitting, 108-A; 11 am - Bible Study “Prayers of the Bible” with Dr. Pressley, 218; 12 noon - Lunch, 108

Youth Christmas Party Sunday, December 22, 6 - 8 pm

Our Youth Christmas Party will be at the home of Emily and Elliott Bennett: 1605 Red Forest Road (314.7783).

• High Schoolers bring an appetizer • Middle Schoolers bring a dessert (If you want to participate in our White Elephant gift exchange, please bring a gift from home for less than $5.)

December Fellowship Meals Wednesdays, 5-6:30 pm 4: Theo’s Famous Fried Chicken, Baked Sweet Potato, Squash Casserole, Salad Bar Kids: Chicken Leg 11: Grilled Pork Loin, Mac & Cheese, Stewed Apples, Salad Bar Kids: Chicken Fingers 18: Pecan Encrusted Tilapia, Baked Potato, Cole Slaw, Salad Bar Kids: Fish Stix

Regular Weekly Schedule Sunday AM @FBC

•Bible Study - 9:15 am •Worship - 10:30 am •Guest Reception - 11:45 am (209) Wednesdays@FBC (No Wednesday night activities December 25)

•Fellowship Meal - Dinner is served between 5-6:30 pm •Kids’ Access - 6 pm •Youth Forum - 6:15 pm •Adult Access Classes - 6:15 pm •Sanctuary Choir - 7:15 pm Sunday PM @FBC (No Sunday night activities December 22 & 29)

•Following Christ, 3:30 pm • Youth Bells I & II, 4 pm • Children’s Bells, 5 pm • Children’s Bible Drill, 6 pm • Youth: MS Discipleship & HS Choir, 5 pm • Youth Snack Supper • Youth: MS Choir & HS Discipleship, 6 pm • Adult Bells I, 6 pm • Sanctuary Choir, 7 pm • Instrumental Ensemble (3rd Sundays), 7 pm

Key:

•Adults •All Ages •Children •Seniors •Weekday School •Worship •Youth December 2013 | 11

First Bapt ist Church Greensboro 1000 West Friendly Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27401 www.fbcgso.org

November Church Conference

T

he monthly Church Conference took place on Sunday afternoon, November 10, 2013 in the Fellowship Hall. Church Moderator, Jack Swanson, presided. The following actions were taken– Blake Absher, Finance Committee Chair, made the following motions: • Motion #1: On behalf of the Missions Committee, the Finance Committee, and the Deacons, I move that up to $200 be distributed from the Great Commission Fund to buy hot dogs for a cookout that the New Arrivals Institute is sponsoring. Action: The motion was approved.

• Motion #2: On behalf of the Missions Committee, the Finance Committee, and the Deacons, I move that $6,000 be distributed from the Great Commission Fund to support a mission trip to Los Laureles, Chile to rebuild a church there, with $3,000 being used to help pay for the costs of food, travel, and other incidentals for the 3 members of First Baptist Church who will be making the trip and $3,000 to pay part of the cost of the construction materials for the church building. Action: The motion was approved. (Note: The three FBC members going on this mission trip are Scott and Molly Lyle, and Fred Binder)

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID GREENSBORO, NC NO. 179

• Motion #3: On behalf of the Missions Committee, the Finance Committee, and the Deacons, I move that the Missions Committee be given authorization to approve expenditures of up to $750 from the Great Commission Fund without requiring any additional approvals from the Finance Committee, Deacons, or the congregation, with the condition that all such expenditures shall be reported to these groups. Action: The motion was approved.

Dr. Laura Lomax, Deacon Chair, made the following motion: • Motion #4: On behalf of the Deacons, and with the prior approval of the Personnel Committee, Rev. Sherouse, and the Pastoral Discernment Council, I move that Dr. Steve Pressley be granted a sabbatical leave of 12 weeks and 3 days from September to December, 2014, and that the funding of approximately $15,000 for this sabbatical is to come from Account 2036, Sabbatical Fund. Action: The motion was approved.

October 2013 Financial Update Receipts & Distributions Actual Budget Last Year October Budget Receipts $98,539 $130,328 $118,725 YTD Budget Receipts $1,278,122 $1,404,299 $1,411,701 YTD Budget Disbursements $1,491,311 $1,460,613 $1,379,432 YTD Differential ($213,189) ($87,012) $32,269