This Issue
 

2007 Christmas Festival
Sunday, December 16, 6:00 pm

Join us as the Festival Choir and Orchestra, the Praise Team, Youth Choir, Children’s Choir and Bells of Praise present the greatest story ever told in a program that will seamlessly intertwine traditional and contemporary music for the season. There should be something for everyone...so come early and bring your friends! This a great opportunity to invite your unchurched friends and neighbors! The program will be approximately ninety minutes in length. Childcare is provided for preschool children.

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 Eve Worship
Monday, December 24
Family Christmas Eve Worship, 4:00 pm

Interactive worship is perfect for children of all ages as they discover the Christmas story through music and stories presented by the Children’s Ministry.
Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship, 6:00 pm
A long-standing tradition at First Baptist, our candlelight Christmas Eve worship is an evening of music and reflection on the birth of our Savior. Preschool childcare is available.

 

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 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 8

9:00 am - Breakfast in Bethlehem

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

Florida Baptist Children’s Home
Open House

Sunday, December 9, 2:00 - 4:00 pm

The staff of the Florida Baptist Children’s Home invites you to stop by and see their campus and visit with the children! First Baptist helps to sponsor this endeavor and it’s a great opportunity to see how your support is making a difference in the lives of these children. Their campus is located at 8415 Buck Lake Road.

 

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 this Sunday, December 9 to help bring hope to those in our local prison.

Christmas Fruit Baskets
Picked Up or Delivered Monday, December 17

Big, beautiful fruit baskets just in time for Christmas! You may purchase from any college student on Sundays or Wednesday or for more information contact Sarah at ICLONDON57@aol.com or Karyn in the Student Ministry Office at 222-5470 ext 421. Baskets are $25 if picked up, $30 if delivered by a student.

Towels for the Homeless

The CLC is collecting towels and washcloths to be distributed on Christmas day to the homeless.

The CLC will be open for showers on Christmas day prior to dinner served by Trinity United Methodist. Towel donations can be dropped off at the CLC. For more info or to volunteer, contact x401 or preston@fbctlh.org.

Order Poinsettias Now!
It’s time again to order poinsettias 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

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. Call the Children’s Ministry office at x501 for more information.
 
Finals Study Session
Wednesday, December 19, 7:00 pm

There will be NO Xtreme on December 19; however, at 7:00 pm, Youth Associaties will be here to help any students who come to the CLC that want help studying for exams.
 

Sophomores and Seniors
Skating and Sweets Social

Saturday, December 8, 3:00 pm

Meet at Skate World for an afternoon of fun and then head over to the Masons for food, dessert and a bonfire! 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.

Graduating from College?
Are you graduating this semester? Please let us know your name, the school you are graduating from, your degree and future plans! Email them to the Student Ministry at karyn@fbctlh.org so we can recognize your achievement!

“CHALLENGE 2008!”

Meeting Sunday, December 9, 4:00 pm, Conference Room

College Students -- If you are interested – you need to be present!!! What we do this year is dependent on your interest!!! We are looking at our route from the past biking from Gettysburg, PA to Philadelphia, PA or the Outer Banks of North Carolina!!!

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.
 

December Group Meetings
Group 3 will meet Tuesday, December 11 at 9:30 am at the home of Vernice McDonald (2802 St. Leonard Dr).

All other groups will resume meeting in January.

 

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
 
Senior Adult 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.
 

 

First Focus
A weekly note from our Pastor

This Week :
"Joy to
the World!"

Click here to read

 

Fellowship Meal
December 12
Fried Chicken Tenders, Fries, Gravy, Green Beans, Salad Bar, Biscuit, Dessert

Finance Statement
Budget Needs
Year to Date:

$2,608,472.
Budget Receipts
On 12/02/07:
$116,557.
Total Receipts
Year To Date:

$2,331,211.
Total Winter Missions Offering As Of 12/2:
$4,849.00.


Security Schedule
Sunday,
December 9

8:30 - 10:00
Charles Maynard
10:00 - 11:15
Roger Merriam
11:15 - 12:30
Wayne Conner

Wednesday,
December 12

6:00 - 8:00
Jim Wheeler


This Week

Sunday,
December 9


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

2:00 PM, Senior Adult Open House, Thompson's House

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, Anchor Group Bible Study, Chapel


Monday,
December 10

11:30 AM, First Joy Luncheon, Away

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

6:00 PM, Deacons Christmas Banquet, Fellowship Hall


Tuesday,
December 11

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 12

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

8:20 PM, NO CBS! "College Bible Study"


Thursday,
December 13

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

7:00 PM, Praise Team Rehearsal, Sanctuary

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


Friday,
December 14

5:00 PM, Upward Basketball Practice, CLC Gym


Saturday,
December 15

6:30 PM, Crossroads SMBS Christmas Party, 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.