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Here...for Life! Prayer
Father, we join together as members and friends of FBC to pray seriously for our church and the future of your work at FBC. We acknowledge our need for you to help us in this capital campaign, for you to be at the heart of what we are about and for our hearts and minds to be teachable and open to you.

We pray that this will be a time if unity and joy, work and sacrifice, growth and transformation, as we serve you together to strengthen the ministry of this church for generations to come.

Father, what do you want to do through me for the future of FBC?

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Lifestyle StewardshipTM Bible Study SeriesSunday, April 20, 2008
Lesson Three
The Symbolism of Giving,“Why Money Matters”

This week we learn that nothing is more historically and biblically significant in worship as when we present our gifts to God. We give of ourselves. The gift represents what is important to us. The more valuable the gift is to us, the greater its value to God. To experience the genuine joy of giving, we must give so that the mission of the church is accomplished.

Questions to consider for this Sunday:
Have I appreciated what I give as the first and best expression of my worship?
Do I see myself as being in my offering?
Is my giving a true expression of my life, labor, and love, or is it a token?
Have I given to God only those things I will never miss?

Sunday, April 27, 2008
Lesson Four
The Practice of Stewardship, “Lifestyle Stewardship”

How Can I Make a Gift “Over and Above”?
Stewardship campaigns rely on church members making gifts “over and above” their current giving. Many people have been amazed at their ability to give by using one or more of these seven strategies.
1. PRACTICE PRIORITY BUDGETING
Priority budgeting means bringing your spending and giving in line with your highest values and priorities in life. Ask yourself the question: Does my checking account reflect how important my faith and my church are to me? Priority budgeting may require postponing expenditures and/or reducing expenses.
2. REDIRECT PRESENT EXPENDITURES
As current obligations expire during the giving period of the capital campaign, it is often feasible to redirect those expenditures to the capital campaign. Ask yourself the question: What reduction in expenses do I see coming that could be redirected in order to make a larger gift than I might have thought?
3. INCREASE GIVING WITH INCREASED INCOME
For people who receive periodic salary increases or bonuses from their employers, increasing giving as income increases is an excellent strategy for committing to a multi-year campaign (and helping with the increased tax obligations in addition).
4. GIVE FROM YOUR EXCESS
Sometimes we actually have more than we need. Ask yourself the question: What do I have that I no longer use or need that I could translate into a contribution to my church’s capital stewardship campaign?
5. COMMIT UNEXPECTED CASH
Occasionally, unexpected windfalls happen. Ask yourself the question: Have I received money I didn’t expect that I could commit to the campaign?
6. SACRIFICE YOUR EXTRA TIME
“Time is money,” it is said, and some of us have more time than money! Are there enjoyable and meaningful income-producing opportunities available to you that would enhance your gift?
7. DONATE APPRECIATED ASSETS
By transferring ownership of appreciated assets to the church, the donor avoids capital gains tax on the sale of the asset. In addition, the donor receives an income tax charitable deduction for the full market value of the asset.

How to Decide on a
Lifestyle Stewardship Commitment
PRAY—Seek God’s leadership in determining the specific amount God would have you give. Pray individually and with family or a close friend.
DISCUSS—with family or a friend. Talk about your prayer experiences regarding your gift. Reassess your lifestyle to find the gift that God wants you to give.
PRIORITIZE—Evaluate all the ways you invest your financial resources. What priority should your church and its ministries have at this time? How will you re-order priorities in order to make your commitment?
COMMIT—Trust God to sustain you in your giving decision, just as you trusted Him to lead you in this decision. Reallocate your resources and give a gift that has value for you.

Leadership Commitment Event
Thursday, April 24, 2008, 6:30pm, Capital City Country Club
This event is for church leaders who wish to make a lead gift to the Capital Campaign. The total of these gifts will be announced on Sunday, April 27, as an encouragement to the congregation.

Silent Auction - Commitment Sunday
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Daylilies will be on display on the sidewalk under the CLC from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm May 4. Please look at the plants and place your bids on the bid sheets. The daylilies are named for people in the church and proceeds from the auction will go to our “Here...for Life!” Capital Campaign.

Here...for Life! Commitment Sunday and Celebration Lunch
May 4, 2008, Combined Service at 10:30am
NOTE: SMBS will NOT meet on May 4.
We will have a combined church service that will begin at 10:30am followed by a celebration lunch in the park at 12:00pm. During the service we will ask you to make your commitments to the Capital Campaign. We will accomplish what God has in store for us by God’s help and by the combined efforts of every person!

The Two Tenors - A Sacred Concert in White Tie and Jeans
Sunday, April 20, 2008, 5:00pm
We are delighted to welcome The Two Tenors, Barry Craft and Ben Owens to our worship services today. This morning is just a foretaste of the wonderful music you will enjoy when they present their full concert this evening at 5:00. Admission is free so invite your friends and neighbors! There will be a love offering collected.

Builders For Christ Informational Meeting
Sunday, April 27, 2008, 4:00-5:00pm, Conference Room
The Gulf Coast area has a long way to go in order to recover from the devastation from Hurricane Katrina. During the week of June 23-27, 2008, a team of volunteers from First Baptist Church of Tallahassee is going to help the First Baptist Church of Chalmette, Louisiana (near New Orleans) rebuild its church building. We started this project last summer and it is time to “git ‘er done!” Contact Richard Tudor at 386-5424 or tudorrn@yahoo.com.

First Step Coffee
Sunday, April 27, 10:15am,
College Avenue Foyer
All guests and new members are invited to an informal gathering to talk with our pastoral staff and discover how you can connect and serve at First Baptist! The next First Step Coffee will be Sunday, May 18, 2008.

Feed the Homeless
Sunday, April 27, 2008, 11:00am
First Baptist will be joining in a community effort to feed the homeless. The group will meet at First Presbyterian at 11:00am to prepare the meal. For more information or to volunteer, contact Glen Wright at 893-0042 or Keith Gaskins at 850-599-1919.

First Baptist Church Olan Mills Directory!
Olan Mills directories will continue to be available in the church office from 8:30am to 5:00pm, Monday thru Friday. One copy of the directory is free for all pictured families. Additional copies are availabe to all for $10 each.

First Love
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Every year over 500 people join us in a community ministry effort that aids our neighbors, local non-profit and missions organizations, healthcare and retirement facilities and more!

3rd Annual ECHO BBQ Benefit
Friday, April 25, 2008, 5:00 - 7:00pm
John Chafin will be making his famous BBQ! Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children under 12. Take-out is available. All proceeds will benefit The Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO).Call 850-224-3246 ext212 for information.

55+ Club Trip
Ridgecrest Conference Center in North Carolina, October 20-24
Travel to Ridgecrest, North Carolina with your First Baptist Church Friends!
Five days and four nights to see the fall leaves change, learn something new and create wonderful memories!
Tour Price- Approximately $550 per person (double occupancy).
Register with $200 deposit by contacting Lenoir in the Music Office this week. Final balance due by September 15. Contact Lenoir at 222-5470 x201 or LBrewer@fbctlh.org.

Need a Hand?
Our college students are looking for odd jobs (yard work, window cleaning, raking leaves, etc.) to earn scholarship money for upcoming college ministry activities such as Spring Retreat, Challenge and Mission Trips. If you are interested and need an extra hand contact the Student Ministry Office at 222-5470 x421. Thank you for your help and support of our college students.

Florida Baptist Children’s Home
APRIL REQUEST: BATTERIES
Thank you for the generous supply of kitchen linens you donated last month. We appreciate our First Baptist friends who are always faithful in their love and support of our program. We will enjoy your gifts as we complete our kitchen chores.
This month our special request is batteries. We can use all sizes for various needs. The AA size is probably required most often. We find many ways to use batteries!
Collection bins are in the College Avenue foyer, the Welcome Center, and by the elevator on the first floor.

Save the Date!
Vacation Bible School
Beach Party - "Surfin' Through The Scriptures"
June 16-20, 2008

Summer Youth Camp in Ridgecrest, NC
This summer, the youth are attending Centrifuge in Ridgecrest, NC for youth camp from June 9th - 14th, but you need to sign-up ASAP if you are interested in going because there are only a few spots still available. For more information, contact Brett Brandewie at 933-8665.

Youth Choir Fundraiser
The Youth Choir is available for any job that you may have such as yard work, window cleaning, raking leaves, etc. to earn money for their upcoming Youth Choir Tour to Miami, Florida. If you are interested and need extra help, contact Amy Baker at 671-3754. Thank you for your support.

Summer Addresses
We would like to have a “summer address list” so if you would like to include your info, please email your Name, Email Address, Summer Address and Phone Number, Cell Phone Number, Summer Plans and When you will be back to clint@fbctlh.org.

“CBS!” College Bible Study
Wednesday, May 14, Summer “CBS!” begins in the Chapel.

Single Parent Ministry
Wednesday Night Parent Gathering
6:30pm in A-315
All single parents are invited to join us for a time of caring & sharing at 6:30pm on Wednesdays beginning April 9. For more information, contact the Singles Ministry office at 222-5470 x221.

Bible Study for Young Single Adults
Wednesdays, 7:30 pm, A-317
This study will take you on a journey and give you a taste of the life God created you to live in a community of faith. Doing Life Together will help you discover what God created you for as you are Seeking, Sharing, Serving Christ.

First Ladies Monday Morning Bible Study
He Speaks to Me, Preparing to Hear from God by Priscilla Shirer
Mondays at 9:45am beginning April 14 in Cafe Praise
All ladies are invited to join this Monday morning Bible study. The study “He Speaks to Me, Preparing to Hear from God” is an exciting six week adventure. You will discover how God spoke to Samuel, Samuel’s response, and how He speaks to believers today; be encouraged to listen and respond to God’s voice; and by listening to God’s voice and obeying Him, experience spiritual growth, Christian discipline, and the desire to serve. Childcare is available beginning at 9:30am,by making reservations through the Children’s Ministry office at 222-5470 x501.

First Ladies Study
Living Beyond Yourself by Beth Moore
Wednesdays, 9:00am - 11:00am
Please join us at the home of Betty Lewis (2345 Armistead Road) for this wonderful study from Beth Moore. For more information, contact Patsy Faircloth at 893-3440.

First Ladies Bible Studies
"Defining Moments"
Wednesdays, 6:00 pm, A-302
All ladies are invited to join this DVD driven, discussion based study by Andy Stanley. The study is being facilitated by Tracy Edewarrd and will meet in A-302. For more information contact Kelly at x221 or email kharrington@fbctlh.org.

"Stepping Up"
Wednesdays, 6:00 pm, A-301
All ladies are invited to join this new study by Beth Moore. The study is being facilitated by Linda Smith and will meet in Cafe Praise. For more information contact Kelly at x221 or email kharrington@fbctlh.org.

“A Women’s Guide to True Contentment”
Mondays, 10:00 am, Cafe Praise
A Bible study by Rhonda Kelley which explores the concept of contentment and focuses on who God is and who women are in their roles in God’s plan. Childcare is available by reservation by calling the Children’s Ministry office at x510.

THE WOMEN’S DEVOTIONAL GUIDE TO THE BIBLE by Jean E. Syswerda, given in memory of Alice and Tom Van Brunt, mother and father of Bonnie Snyder, by JoAnn Hunt.

BARNES NOTES ON THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS, by Dr. Albert Barnes, 14 Volumes of conservative verse-by-verse commentary for personal study and Sunday School teacher preparation, given in Honor of Miriam Bowen on her 100th birthday by her grandchildren: Glenn and Debbie Haywood, Sue and David Harlan, Ben and Kelly Bowen and Jeff and Daphne Bowen.

CROSS PURPOSES by Dr. James Kennedy, given in memory of Mabel Foster by Esther-Faith S.S. Class.

WALKING WITH CHRIST EVERY DAY, Devotionals for Men, given in memory of Alvin Harper, Sr., father of Mark Harper, by Adult III, Pathfinders S.S. Class.

SIGNS OF LIFE, BACK TO THE BASICS OF AUTHENTIC CHRISTIANITY, by David Jeremiah, by Adult III, Pathfinders S.S. Class.

WHAT JESUS DEMANDS FROM THE WORLD by John Piper, given in memory of Alice Van Brunt, mother of Bonnie and Bob Snyder, by Adult III, Pathfinders S.S. Class.

A gift for Library expense was given in Honor of Frances Roberts by Mary and Roy Watford.

AWAY IN A MANGER by Melinda Rathjen given in Honor of Gerry Garland by Mary Gandy.