This Issue
 

Come “Ring in the Season!”
Saturday, December 1, 3:00 pm

You won’t want to miss the 10th annual gathering of handbell choirs from around the community to “Ring in the Season.” Treat yourself, your friends and your family to a visual and musical delight as six bell choirs combine to fill the FBC sanctuary with the songs of the season. This is a perfect opportunity to bring a guest to church. Come early - Winter Festival will also be starting at 3:00 and you will need to park off-campus.

Hanging of the Green
Sunday, December 2, 6:00 pm

Join the First Baptist family as we begin the season with an inspirational and interactive service. As we prepare our own hearts and lives for the coming of the Christ child, we will participate in helping to prepare our church building for the celebration. The congregation will be asked to place the Chrismon ornaments on the tree, hang wreaths on the doors, place poinsettias in the sanctuary, and much, much more. Don’t miss this fun-filled evening of hands-on worship! And be sure to plan to stay for the fellowship after the service. Bring your favorite Christmas goodies to share!

 

Sermon Series:
"How Great Our Joy!"

We speak of joy a lot in faith, but too often we confuse it with mere happiness. There’s a big difference. Ironically, many people don’t greet this season with either, but the promise of Immanuel reminds us that while happiness may come and go, joy stays with us because of all that God has brought to pass in Jesus.

December 2:
9:00 am - Speaker Richard Phipps
11:15 am -
"Joy at His Judgment" 1 Chronicles 16:23-33

December 9:
"Strength in His Joy" Scripture: Nehemiah 8:10-12
December 16: "His Consolation Brings Joy" Scripture: Psalm 94:16-19
December 23:"The Wells of Joy" Scripture: Isaiah 12:1-6
 

Christmas at a Glance
Saturday, December 1

First Baptist Serves at the Winter Festival
3:00 pm “Ring in the Season” Handbell Concert


Sunday, December 2 (First Sunday in Advent)

Week of Prayer for Winter Missions
9:00 am - Guest Speaker Richard Phipps, Former SBC Missionary
11:15 am - “Joy at His Judgment.” Scripture: 1 Chronicles 16:23-33
6:00 pm - Hanging of the Green


Monday, December 3

12:00 pm - Women on Mission Luncheon with Richard Phipps

Sunday, December 9 (Second Sunday in Advent)

9:00 & 11:15 am - “Strength in His Joy.” Scripture: Nehemiah 8:10-12

Sunday, December 16 (Third Sunday in Advent)

9:00 & 11:15 am - “His Consolation Brings Joy.” Scripture: Psalm 94:16-19
6:00 pm - 2007 First Baptist Church Christmas Festival


Sunday, December 23 (Fourth Sunday in Advent)

10:00 am - No Sunday Morning Bible Study
10:30 am - Combined Worship, “The Wells of Joy.” Isaiah 12:1-6


Monday, December 24 (Christmas Eve)

4:00 pm - Family Christmas Eve Service
6:00 pm - Candelight Christmas Eve Service


Sunday, December 30
10:00 am - No Sunday Morning Bible Study
10:30 am - Combined Worship

 

Winter Offering for International Missions
2007 Goal: $45,000

Missionaries across the globe are in need of your support to continue sharing the Good News of Christ! First Baptist supports both the Southern Baptist Convention’s Lottie Moon International Missions Offering and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s Global Missions Offering. Offering envelopes will be available in the pews through December.

Christmas Cards for Leon County
Jail Inmates

“I was in prison and you came to me...” (Matthew 25:36)

We need 2400 religious Christmas cards that include a meaningful Christian witness to give to the 1200 inmates in the Leon County jail. Each inmate will be provided two cards to send, along with a tract telling them of God's gift of love to them. Collection boxes are in the church welcome center and church office. Collection bags will also be provided in Sunday School classes. Bring your cards by December 9 to help bring hope to those in our local prison.

Order Poinsettias Now!
It’s time again to order poinsettias to be placed during the Hanging of the Green in honor or memory of your loved ones. If you would like to purchase a poinsettia, envelopes will be available in the pews on Sunday morning or you can contact Lenoir at x201, lenoir@fbctlh.org. The cost is $8/plant.

Make a Change with Soup Labels!
For many years First Baptist members have been collecting Campbell’s soup labels to send to our missionaries. The missionaries use these to receive various items for their work from the Campbell’s Soup Company -- after school supplies, games, computers, sports equipment, even much needed buses!
Campbell’s Soup Company still plans to continue this program, but they are now requiring that the UPC Bar Code symbol on the back of the soup label be sent in instead of the front label. Be sure to save your bar codes and give them to Jean Fernald or leave them in the church office. This is such an easy way to make a huge difference!

Florida Baptist Children’s Home
Gingerbread Tree Project

The Gingerbread Tree Project will begin October 22! Christmas gifts are needed for approximately 65 children, and you can help make the holidays special for them by purchasing a requested gift off the gingerbread tree. Gifts are needed in the price range of small ($10-20), medium ($20-50) and large ($50-75). Select a requested gift by stopping by the Children’s Home office, calling 878-1458 or emailing ckellogg@fbchomes.org. Gift cards or monetary donations are also accepted. Gifts are needed no later than December 17.

Florida Baptist Children's Home
DECEMBER REQUEST: WHITE SPORT SOCKS

FBC members donate items each month to the Tallahassee campus of the Florida Baptist Children’s Home (fbchomes.org), which has been helping children and families since 1904.
It’s time for socks! Cooler weather is here and the children are wearing socks more often. We are requesting white sport socks for both boys and girls, children and adult sizes, ankle or low cut. We would welcome your help in replenishing our sock supply. Collection bins are in the College Avenue foyer, the Welcome Center, and by the elevator on the first floor.

 

DivorceCare
Wednesdays, 6:00 pm, A-315

Find help and healing for the hurt of separation and divorce. DivorceCare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Don’t go through separation or divorce alone. DivorceCare seminars and support groups are led by people who understand what you are going through and want to help. You’ll gain access to valuable DivorceCare resources to help you deal with the pain of the past and look forward to rebuilding your life. For location and/or more information, contact the Singles Ministry office at x221 or email singles@fbctlh.org.

Sign Language Classes
Sundays, 4:30 pm, C-2202
Beginner and Intermediate Classes are now being offered! For more information contact Nelda Tedder at 877-4825.

 
Breakfast in Bethlehem
Saturday, December 8, 9:00 am
 
Celebrate the season with a special family breakfast and dramatic presentation of the Christmas story! Cost is $10 per family. Make your reservations in the Children’s Ministry office by Sunday, December 2! Call the Children’s Ministry office at x501 for more information.
 
Youth and Parent Meeting
Wednesday, November 28, 8:15 pm
 
The youth and parents of youth will have a meeting discussing plans for Youth Camp 2008, Youth Choir Tour 2008, Winter Ski Trip and DNW 2008. Anyone who is interested in attending these events should be there! The meeting will be held in the CLC immediately following Youth Xtreme. If you have any questions, please contact Brett Brandewie at 933-8665.
 

Sophomores and Seniors
Skating and Sweets Social

Saturday, December 8, Late afternoon

Be thinking of your favorite holiday sweet treat and plan to bring it to share! For more information contact Tina Mason at 878-4462 or Lea Marshall at 385-0606.

College Bible Study Series
Wednesdays, 8:20 pm

Join us for a 4 week study led by Clint Purvis on Jonah, a story not about a BIG FISH but about a BIG GOD!!! This week's message: “You're GOD'S priority -- Do NOT Waste Your Life!”

College Girls Discipleship Group
Thursdays, 7:30 pm, CLC Upper Room

 
Crossroads Christmas Party
Saturday, December 15 6:30-9 pm, Fellowship Hall

All young couples are invited to join us for dinner, fellowship, and plenty of fun! $10 per couple; child care provided. RSVP by December 2 to Melissa Powers at 907-0753.
 

Week of Prayer for Global Missions Luncheon
Monday, December 3, Noon

This year’s Winter Mission Emphasis and Week of Prayer for International and Global Missions will be held December 2-9. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Phipps, former missionaries to Japan, will speak at both Sunday morning services and during the luncheon on December 3. Reservations are $5 and may be made through Women on Mission group leaders or by calling the church office at 222-5470. Everyone is welcome. This year’s offering goal is $45,000.

 

Fall Activities at the CLC!
Visit www.fbctlh.org/clc.htm for more information!

Wellness Program:

  • Aerobic Classes
  • Pilates
  • Water Aerobics
  • Strength & Toning Classes
  • Workout Room w/ Nautilus Equipment, Free Weights and Cardio Equipment.

Sports & Leagues:

  • Winter Basketball League
  • Winter Inter-Church Volleyball League
  • Upward Basketball & Cheerleading
  • Basketball for Youth & College
    Thursday Evenings, 6 - 9 pm
  • Coed Volleyball
    Tuesday Evenings, 6 - 9 pm

Aquatics (in season):

  • Water Aerobics

Arts & Crafts:

  • Hobby Ceramics
    Tuesdays, 9 am - 2 pm & 6 - 9 pm
    Thursdays, 9 am - 2 pm
 
Christmas Open House
December 9, 2:00-4:00 pm, Thompson’s Home

Coleman and Elizabeth Thompson invite you to stop by their home for a celebration of friendship during the Christmas season. Their home is located at 1312 Woodgate Way. Please RSVP to Laura at x0 or lhope@fbctlh.org.
 

 

First Focus
A weekly note from our Pastor

This Week :
"How Great
Our Joy!"

Click here to read

 

Fellowship Meal
December 5
Country Fried Steak, Rice and Gravy, Peas, Salad Bar, Rolls, Dessert

Finance Statement
Budget Needs
Year to Date:

$2,499,786.
Budget Receipts
On 11/25/07:
$31,286.
Total Receipts
Year To Date:

$2,189,954.

Security Schedule
Sunday,
December 2

8:30 - 10:00
Roy Story
10:00 - 11:15
Steve Williams
11:15 - 12:30
Eric Palm

Wednesday,
December 5

6:00 - 8:00
Clay Mason


This Week

Sunday,
December 2


8:00 AM, Median Adult III Bible Study Options, Adams Ground Floor

9:00 AM, Traditional Worship, Sanctuary

10:00 AM, Bible Study Options for All Ages, Churchwide

11:15 AM, Contemporary Worship, Sanctuary

11:15 AM, Preschool M&M's (Music & Missions), Duval

3:15 PM, Youth Handbells, A-211

4:30 PM
, Bells of Praise, A-211

4:30 PM
, Sign Language Classes,
A-200

6:00 PM, Youth Small Groups & Activities, CLC

6:00 PM, Hanging of the Green, Sanctuary

7:00 PM, Churchwide Reception, Fellowship Hall


Monday,
December 3

10:30 AM, First Joy Choir, A-200

12:00 PM, WOM Week of Prayer Luncheon, Fellowship Hall

5:45 PM, Self Defense Class, CLC Aerobics Room

6:00 PM, Personnel Committee, Conference Room


Tuesday,
December 4

9:00 AM, Ceramics Classes, CLC Ceramics Room

5:30 PM, Ceramics Classes, CLC Ceramics Room

6:00 PM, Open Volleyball, CLC Gym

6:30 PM, Internationals English Classes, Chason 2nd Floor



Wednesday,
December 5

9:30 AM, First Ladies "Heart Like His" Study, Away

4:45 PM
, Fellowship Meal, Fellowship Hall

5:15 PM, Youth Snack Rack Opens, CLC

6:00 PM, Adult Prayer & Bible Study, Chapel

6:00 PM, Preschool Childcare & Learning Activities, Duval

6:00 PM, Transformers (Grades 1-5), Duval 2nd Floor

6:00 PM, First Ladies Daniel Bible Study,
A-301

6:00 PM, First Ladies Creative Correction,
A-302

6:00 PM, First Ladies Life Management,
C-2201A

6:00 PM, Youth Choir, A-211

6:00 PM, Youth Games, CLC Gym

6:15 PM, Chamber Players, A-200

7:00 PM, Sanctuary Choir, A-200

7:15 PM, Singles MP Bible Study, A-317

7:25 PM, Youth XTreme, CLC Quad

8:15 PM, Youth and Parent Meeting, CLC

8:20 PM, CBS! "College Bible Study," Sanctuary


Thursday,
December 6

9:00 AM, Ceramics Classes, CLC Ceramics Room

9:30 AM, Internationals English Classes, Chason 2nd Floor

5:00 PM, Upward Basketball Practice, CLC Gym

6:00 PM, Finance Committee, Conference Room

7:00 PM, Praise Team Rehearsal, Sanctuary

7:00 PM, College Girls Discipleship Group, CLC Upper Room


Friday,
December 7

5:00 PM, Upward Basketball Practice, CLC Gym


Saturday,
December 8

9:00 AM, Breakfast in Bethlehem, Fellowship Hall

Click here for the full weekly schedule!

 

TV Services
WTBC 65/
Comcast Channel 99
Sundays at 6 pm and Wednesdays at 9 pm

FBC Staff
To reach a member of our staff, call
(850) 222-5470
and then dial the extension.

Pastor
J. Douglas Dortch, Jr., Ph,D
x121

Associate Pastor
Fran Buhler
x131

Minister of Music
Michael R. Norris
x201

Associate Minister
of Music

Penny Folsom
x201

Minister of
Christian Life

Preston Odom
x401

Minister to Students
Clint Purvis
x421

Minister to Internationals
Marty Smith
x111

Minister to Children
Rhonda Smith
x501

Interim Minister
to Youth

Jane Wofford
x413

Minister to Singles
Jenna Young
x221

Administrator
Steve Wofford
x140

Communications Coordinator
Mandy Webb
x132


Submissions
Submissions can be dropped off at the church office,
emailed to mwebb@fbctlh.org,
or mailed to:
The VISION,
108 W College Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32301.
Deadline for submissions is 10 days before published Sunday date.
All submissions are subject to editorial revision.