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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.

Your Commitment!
Commitment Cards were mailed on April 28 to First Baptist Members and Friends. We will ask you then to sign your commitment card, seal it in the privacy envelope provided and return it to First Baptist on Sunday, May 4. It is important that everyone participate. The success of the Campaign is the result of proportional giving in which families give from what they have and that the level of participation is high. We do not ask or expect that every family give the same. We trust and hope every family will give an amount that is determined by prayer and a sense of God’s leadership.

Commitment Card Questions & Answers
Q. What is the purpose of the commitment cards?
A. Our church is facing a very large financial endeavor. To use our financial resources wisely we must have an accurate indication of our cash flow for the immediate future. Completed commitment cards enable our church leaders to make wise decisions.
Q. When do commitments begin?
A. We are asking everyone to give something of their three-year commitment on First Fruits Sunday, June 1, 2008.
Q. I don’t know the future, what if I can’t fulfill my commitment?
A. You are right. None of us know the future. We ask only that you pray and let God lead you to a sacrificial commitment. If your circumstances change, you may revise your commitment accordingly. This is not an invitation to bondage but to faith and commitment.
Q. Will my commitment be made public?
A. No! As with all church receipts, commitments will be confidential.
Q. How can I know what to commit?
A. The key ingredients of a worthy commitment are prayer, sacrifice, and faith. These three guideposts will lead you to the right decision.
Q. How should I give my offerings over the next three years?
A. That is your decision. Most of our people will give weekly or monthly, and some will give quarterly or annually.
Q. Can I give something other than cash?
A. There can be significant tax benefits to giving property, stocks, bonds, or other appreciated assets. Our church can provide professional guidance for you at your request. Please talk with Steve Wofford, 222-5470 x140, for assistance.

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.

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 graciously donated by Maryzell Roberts and 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! After lunch, you are invited to stay for the College Challenge Worship Service in the Sanctuary at 1:00pm.

College Challenge Worship Service
Sunday, May 4, 2008, 1:00pm (Following Picnic)
Our college students are on their annual CHALLENGE trip and this year they are biking in North Carolina on their “Outer Banks Tour”. On Sunday, May 4, they will return to lead a special worship service and share their experiences from this spiritual trek.

First Fruits Sunday
June 1, 2008
We are asking that every family give something of their three-year commitment on First Fruits Sunday!

55+ Club Luncheon
Friday, May 9, 2008, 12:00pm, Fellowship Hall
Please bring a friend to enjoy a delicious meal, fellowship and fun, all for just $5.00 per person. It will be no fun without you! Contact Lenoir for reservations at 222-5470 x 201.

First Step Coffee
Sunday, May 18, 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

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!

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.

ECHO Food Drive
May 18, Sacks Passed Out on May 11
The annual ECHO Food Drive is coming! Sacks will be passed out after both services on May 11 and trucks will be waiting in the parking lot on Sunday, May 18, to pick up your non-perishable food items. Help support this important ministry that feeds the hungry and homeless in our area.

Mother’s Day Offering For the Florida Baptist Children’s Home
Children are one of our most precious resources and the Florida Baptist Children’s Home has been providing loving care for over 100 years to children who have been orphaned, abused, abandoned or neglected. The Mother’s Day Offering is a crucial source of funding for Florida Bapist Children’s Homes. Collection envelopes will be in the pews through May. Plan to support this important ministry in our area!

Builders For Christ Needs a Freezer!
Builders For Christ will be working to rebuild the Katrina-damaged First Baptist Church of Chalmette, LA this summer and will be preparing our own meals. To do that we have need of the loan of a freezer for about a week. If you have a freezer that we could use during the week of June 22 - 28, please contact Richard Tudor at 386-5424 or tudorrn@yahoo.com.

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
MAY REQUEST: PLASTIC HANGERS
Our special need this month is white plastic clothes hangers. Our many children have many clothes! The hangers would help us keep well-organized closets.
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

High School Senior Sunday 2008 - May 18
All seniors and parents need to look on the “Online Forms” page of the youth website to download the “Senior Sunday Info Sheet,” fill it out and return it to the youth office ASAP. Also, you need to submit 5-8 pictures of your child that document their life and RSVP for the Senior Sunday Luncheon.

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.

College Challenge Worship Service
Sunday, May 4, 2008, 1:00pm (Following Picnic)
Our college students are on their annual CHALLENGE trip and this year they are biking in North Carolina on their “Outer Banks Tour”. On Sunday, May 4, they will return to lead a special worship service and share their experiences from this spiritual trek.

Congratulations College Graduates!
Your First Baptist family will pray for you as you step out towards this stage in your life.
Andrea Jean Ablordeppey, graduating Magna Cum Laude from FAMU with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
Edem Koho Ablordeppey, graduating from FSU with a degree in Exercise Science.
Catalina Jelkh-Day, graduating from FSU with a M.S in Social Science-Executive Management, plans to become an Entrepreneur/Consultant.
Ashley Miracle, graduating from FSU with a degree in Communications, plans to find a job at a PR or Advertising firm in Tallahassee or Jacksonville.
Trudy Roland, graduating from FSU with a degree in Elementary Education, plans to teach in Tallahassee.
Clint Scott, graduating from FSU with a degree in Business: Finance/Real Estate, plans to do God’s will. John 10:10
Nick Sroka, graduating from FSU with a degree in Information Technology, plans to attend seminary with wife, Amber.
Maggie Statler, graduating from FSU with a degree in Physical Education, plans to attend grad school at FSU for Sports Administration.

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.

Dear Church Family,
In recent months we have changed “hats” from being a caregiver to being ministered to. Not an easy task, but you have been with us every step of the way. Saying goodbye to my two sisters and several surgeries has been difficult, but your many expressions of love has been a source of strength we needed. You are truly a church that cares.
In Christian Love, Coleman and Elizabeth Thompson.