BULLETIN First Baptist NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI Dr. Doug Broome Senior Pastor VOL. 61 APRIL 3, 2013 NO. 7 PASTOR’S PARAGRAPHS In II Thessalonians 1:3 Paul penned these words to a group of believers who were members of a local church located in the city of Thessalonica, “We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.” The contents of this verse should be true of every person who professes faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. That is, our faith should be consistently developing and the love we have for one another should be increasing. The presence of these two factors are indicators of spiritual grown and maturity. However, the opposite is equally true. If our faith and love are not increasing there is cause for concern. When we stop growing we become vulnerable to temptation, our production of spiritual fruit is diminished, and our level of commitment to Christ and His church is compromised. A sign of spiritual stagnation is that we begin to focus on our own personal preferences, plans, and pursuits rather than focus on fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives. Growing older and growing up are not synonymous. In order to maintain a consistent pattern of spiritual growth we must devote ourselves to the Lord and not allow anything or anyone to detract us from giving priority to our relationship with God. This includes Bible study, prayer, and worship. We are fortunate to be members of a local church that provides multiple opportunities for us to engage in the study of God’s Word, to pray, and to engage in corporate worship. It is my prayer that every member would take advantage of these opportunities and that our participation in them would enable us to grow in both our faith and love. Such spiritual growth will enrich our lives and bring greater glory to God. Let’s collectively determine that we are going to grow together in such a way that God will be honored. May our expressions of faith and love be so strong and sincere that others will be drawn not just to our church but more importantly to our Lord! Living for Jesus! Bro. Doug www.fbcnatchez.org • 601-442-1464 SENIOR ADULT ENRICHMENT RALLY THEME: “Life Is Hard, God Is Good” THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013 9:00 A.M. – NOON Sweet rolls, Coffee, & Juice served at 8:15 a.m. in the Reception Room ** Registration fee: $1.00 per person at the door** Program Personalities: Mickey Dalrymple- Inspirational Speaker from Brandon, MS The Ragaroos Comedy from Raymond, MS Other Personalities: Hubert Greer, Musical Evangelist, Wesson; Carl Smith, Washington Baptist Church; Glenn Shows, Family Ministry Consultant; Daniel Hall, Mississippi Baptist Foundation; Alton Foster, AMD, MS Association and Talmadge Smith, Area VII Senior Adult Director. ADULT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! We need volunteers to assist our guests in parking and navigating our facilities, as well as host our registration and refreshment areas. We expect around 250-300 people to attend this meeting. Volunteers should be able to serve from 8:00am through Registration, and throughout the morning during breaks in the Rally schedule. Interested persons are encouraged to contact the church office. MISSION’S DAY APRIL 13, 2013 BLUFF BEAUTIFICATION THE MOVEMENT The Bulletin of the First Baptist Church (USPS 192-600) is published biweekly except for Christmas and Fourth of July week. The Bulletin is published by the First Baptist Church 150 D’Evereaux Dr. Natchez, MS 39120 Periodical postage is paid at Natchez, MS 39120-9998 Postmaster: Send address changes to The Bulletin of the First Baptist Church 150 D’Evereaux Dr. Natchez, MS 39120-3750 CHILDREN’S CONNECTION Dear Church family, Thank you for the privilege of serving and being part of the church family here in Natchez. (There is no place like Natchez in the spring: the white dogwoods, the azaleas in their multiple shades of pink, and the purple irises take my breath away.) I am so excited to be preparing to spend another summer here: loving the children, teaching them to follow Jesus, and helping to strengthen families. Thank you for that privilege. I look forward to getting to know all of y’all (babies, children, moms, dads, and grandparents) more. Here are some highlights of our summer schedule; I hope that you will attend as often as possible! Summer Kick-Off Parties: These parties are for the children to have fun and to remind us that summer is not the time to take a break from Jesus! Tuesday, June 4: Grades 1-4; Location: TBA Friday, June 7: Grades 5-6; Location: TBA Playground Play Dates: These play dates are for preschoolers and their mothers. Beginning June 4, every Tuesday morning from 9-11am, come to the playground (or the gym if it is raining) for good activity for the preschoolers and refreshment and fellowship for the parents. Parents’ Date Nights: fun nights planned for the children so that the parents can enjoy some quality time. Friday, May 17: Birth- 4th grade Friday, June 21: Birth-4th grade VBS (Vacation Bible School): June 10-14: Grades: Kindergarten-6th completed Grow Retreat: an overnight adventure filled with Bible study and fun. Saturday June 29- Sunday June 30: Grades 5-6 Day Camp: four days of adventure where the children will study the Bible, ride horses, learn archery, do crafts, have recreation, and swim. July 22-25: Grades 1-4 Blessings Marlee Howard Youth Spring Movement Wednesday, April 3rd at 6: 15 p.m. The Cross!!!! All 7th – 12th Graders meet together – Invite your friends to join us! Upstairs Youth Department Videos/Humor & Serious Contemporary Worship and Bible Study Youth Breakfast Sunday School Sunday, April 7th, 2013 at 9:15 a.m. Everyone bring a breakfast food and a friend to Sunday School. Youth Led Worship Service Sunday, April 7th at 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary 5:00 p.m. – All teens to meet for rehearsal 7:00 p.m. – All teens/parents to go out to eat!! MISSIONS DAY 2013 Saturday, April 13 beginning at 8:00 a.m. – 12 noon. Several Beautification Projects along the Mississippi River Sign up in the Family Life Center Youth will receive mission hours for their participation. Youth Guys and Girls Bible Studies We will meet on Sunday Night, April 14, 2013 5:45 p.m. – Meet upstairs in the Youth Department FBC Natchez Youth group: COMBOFUGE 2013 Summer Camp at North Greenville University Tigersville, South Carolina Saturday, July 6 – Saturday, July 13 Cost: $460 - $50 Deposit has been Due! It is very important that you let me know if you are seriously interested in going on this trip. Mandatory meeting on Sunday Evening, April 21 at 6:45 p.m. in the Youth Department for all teens going on this trip and at least one parent . Youth on Missions Canned Goods for Stewpot CONTINUES 7th & 8ths graders bring Canned Fruit 9th & 10th graders bring Canned Vegetables 11th & 12th graders bring Canned Soup or Tomato Paste Please bring these to the youth department by Wednesday, April 3rd. Bring cans to get hours toward summer mission trip!