Join us as we celebrate Sheila Hinds and thank her for her fifteen years of service as our preschool minister. A reception will be held following the evening service in the fellowship hall. Baskets will be available for you to drop cards and expressions of thankfulness for her ministry at First Baptist.

Retirement Reception for

Sheila Hinds

Sunday, April 19 7:15 pm Fellowship Hall

Volume 68 | Week of April 19, 2015 | Number 16

First Baptist Church MontgomeryBeaconbring them in...build them up...send them out

www.montgomeryfbc.org | Office: 334.834.6310 | Prayer Line: 334.834.4585

FBC Goal: $110,000Given to Date: $95,905.22

M.I.C. (Membership Information Class)Sunday, April 19 | 12:15 pm | Fellowship HallThinking of joining First Baptist? The Membership Information Class explains what is involved in becoming effective members of FBC. The class is led by our pastor, Jay, and is an excellent opportunity to ask questions and make new friends. Be our guest for lunch and discover how to become a part of the First Family. For more information or to register, call Patty Roper at 241.5133.

FBC Faithfulness | Sunday, April 12, 2015ATTENDANCEBible Fellowship Enrollment 4965 | Bible Fellowship Attendance 1956Weekly Attendance 2478 | Discipleship Attendance 1134

OFFERINGRequired Weekly $123,557.69 | Received Sunday $141,977.51Required To Date $1,853,365.35 | Received To Date $1,669,062.06Building Fund Sunday $465.40 | Building Fund to Date $10,982.50Annie Armstrong Easter Offering $95,905.22

Under Budget | $184,303.29

The Final AppointmentIt is appointed once for a man to die and then comes judgment. (Hebrews 9:27)

During the week leading to Easter, I helped with four funerals. I stood with grieving families as we celebrated life on earth and eternal life through Jesus Christ for Bill Dismuke,

Michael Blades, Dr. David George, and Dr. Al Stumpe.

Everyone makes appointments for meeting friends, doing business, fixing things, receiving information, and for managing our health and wealth. Every day contains appointments. One day we will have a final appointment with death. This appointment is not optional but inevitable so we should be prepared for it. The ultimate preparation for deaths appointment is found in connecting yourself to Jesus Christ because He is the giver of eternal life. Jesus greatest proclamation came against the backdrop of death when He instructed, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me even if he dies, yet shall he live. (John 11:25) Jesus marched to the tomb of Lazarus and demonstrated His power over death by commanding His friends reinstatement into earthly existence. The raising of Lazarus prefigures the resurrection of Jesus. Christs empty tomb declares that death has been defeated. Our greatest fear can now be reliably replaced with Gods promise of resurrection hope!

Most people do not know the day or hour of their appointment with death. Although one young man told his pals, My grandfather was an extraordinary person and he knew the precise time and place of his death. His friends inquired, How did your granddad know the time of his death? The young man revealed, The Judge told him!

For most of us, death will arrive at the end of an illness or through the sudden crash of a car or by a cardiac arrest. One day, I will take my last ride, eat my last meal and take my last breath. What happens next? Gods Word explains, To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8) The experience of the repentant thief and Stephen affirms that death ushers us into Gods presence. Jesus explained in Matthew 25 that there are sheep and goats in this world. Some people are saved. Others are lost. Those who reject Jesus will not live in His presence for eternity. Those who embrace Christ as their Savior will experience His presence and the indescribable joys of heaven forever. (Revelation 21:1-8)

Get ready for your final appointment by getting your relationships right. With humble, child-like faith commit yourself to Jesus. Next, seek to be at peace with all people. (Romans 12:18) Store up treasures in heaven. (Matthew 6:19-21) Additionally, wise people will craft a legacy/estate plan to honor God and bless people by using earthly resources to make an eternal difference!

Living ready for Hisappointments TOGETHER,

CONNEC IONS from your Pastors Heart

Ministry AnnouncementsChildrens Ministry

ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, GO!! Dont miss the RA/GA Pinewood Derby on Sunday, April 26. Registration begins at 3:30 pm and the race starts at 4:00 pm. Cars are available for purchase during GAs/RAs for $10. Everyone is invited to attend! For more information, contact Glen Leathers at 241.5164 or gleathers@montgomeryfbc.org.

Student MinistryJoin Tommy McGregor as he takes you through his new book, Selfie: A Parents Guide To Social Media on Sunday, April 19 at 5:00 pm in the youth center. Come learn more about the influence of social media on kids and grasp how to lead your children to become healthier and more responsible online. Books ($10) will be available for purchase in the main sanctuary foyer on Sunday morning as well as at the seminar.

Graduate Recognition is Sunday, May 3. Photos are DUE NOW! Register online at www.montgomeryfbc.org/event-registration. If you have any questions, contact Russell McCrory at 241.5163.

Senior Adult MinistrySenior Adults, get ready to Journey off the Map for Vacation Bible School. Our study will be held Monday, April 27 through Wednesday, April 29 from 10:00 am to noon in room 413.

Senior Adult Day is Sunday, May 17. Our JOY Singers will be singing in the morning services and all senior adults will be recognized. Plan to attend and support our seniors. During the evening service our JOY Singers will lead us in a special musical presentation called Windows on the Word. The service will be held in Stakely Sanctuary and feature the story of the stain glass windows of Stakely Sanctuary.

Missions MinistryThe Japan Mission Team will be taking some extra bags to help the Loomis with their Homeless Ministry in Nagoya. We are asking our members to bring the following and place in the bins at the missions wall in the main foyer or the reception area at Scott Street Entrance. Items needed include: new socks (both

First Family Dinner | Wednesday, April 22No reservations required!

Adult & Childrens Meal: BBQ Chicken, Vegetable, Salad, Dessert

Adult Family Meal $5; Childs Meal (12 & under) $3Maximum Family Amount $20 (immediate family only)

Pictorial Directories are here!They can be picked up at the reception desk at Scott Street during the week.

If there are mistakes, changes, or additions that need to be made, please email those to Amanda Smith at asmith@montgomeryfbc.org.

warm weather and cold weather-ladies and mens); new ladies underclothing (mostly small and medium sizes); new boxers (mostly small and medium sizes, very few large); new undershirts (both short-sleeve and tanks); used sleeping bags; toothbrush, toothpaste, disposable razor, comb, bar soap, travel-size hand sanitizer or small packets of antiseptic wipes; used shoes in good condition (Japanese wear smaller sizes, nothing above a mens 9-10 or ladies 8); used jackets and coats; new or used cold weather gloves. For more information, call Kathy Cooper at 241.5125.

Music MinistryAll ladies are invited to sing in our Mothers Day Choir on Sunday, May 10. We invite mothers, daughters, grandmothers, and all ladies to be in the choir loft that morning. Just come to the Roper Music Studio (behind the fellowship hall) at 8:00 am and well be singing a very easy and familiar song together. Dont miss the opportunity to sit with your mom, daughter or granddaughter. Even if other family members are not here, come sing with usall ladies are welcome! The all-ladies choir will exit the choir loft after they sing in both the 8:30 & 11:00 am services.

Childrens HopeChildrens Hope is in need of child sponsorships! For just $35/month, you can provide a child with housing, clothes, food, education, and a place to learn about Gods love. To sponsor a child, you can go to www.children-hope.com, make a check payable to Childrens Hope, or contact Ann Amster at teamamster@mac.com.

Community MinistriesCheck out the Nehemiah Center Blog at nehemiahcenterblog.blogspot.com.

New MembersBy Letter

Mr. Jeff Clark3505 Audubon Road | Montgomery, AL 36111

Mr. Robert McKayMrs. Robert McKay (Elaine)9319 Bristlecone Drive | Montgomery, AL 36117

Mr. David Oliver1212 Hallwood Lane | Montgomery, AL 36117

Miss Lynlee Tobias88 Jasmine Drive | Millbrook, AL 36054

Our Church FamilyIf you would like to add someone to the prayer list, contact Carolyn Bryan at 241.5120.

Sympathy Extended toDr. & Mrs. Mike Dean (Kay) in the death of her motherRev. & Mrs. Ed Cleveland (Sharon) in the death of his grandmother, Nita PittmanMr. & Mrs. Don Cook (Diane) in the death of his uncle, Billy TaylorMr. & Mrs. Steve Oswalt (Tina) in the death of his father, Bill Oswalt Hollis and Caton Oswalt in the death of their grandfatherMr. & Mrs. Leon Shirley (Gail) in the death of her uncle,

Baptist SouthMichael Stewart Frank Montgomery

JacksonBob Sellers

HealthSouthHugh Maddox Alice Lott Faye Clements

Childrens HospitalCamp Hughes

Central Alabama Veterans HealthcareChad Lynn

Aspire Physical Recovery CenterAnn Cushing

Hillview TerraceDot Robinson

Congratulations Extended toMr. & Mrs. Eric Leatherwood (Elizabeth Nan) in the birth of a son; Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Leatherwood (Jane) in the birth of a grandson; Mr. and Mrs. Bob Roberts (Linda) in the birth of a grandsonMr. & Mrs. Rob McGowin (Emily) in the birth of a daughter; Mr. & Mrs. Bucky Ferrell (Teressa) in the birth of a granddaughterMs. Priscilla Southall in the birth of a grandson

Volunteer Opportunity of the Week:

Broadcast MinistryThe Broadcast Ministry is looking for individuals interested in volunteering their time

in this exciting ministry. Training is provided, so experience is not a requirement. Broadcast volunteers work 1 to 2 Sundays per month in the worship services (am & pm) and for special events. For more information, contact Mike Kyser (315.5599 or kyserm@gmail.com) or Amanda Smith (241.5122 or asmith@montgomeryfbc.org).

Churchwide News & EventsOn Easter Sunday, April 5, we had 2,446 people present for Bible Fellowship Classes, setting a new attendance record. What a team effort, all the classes did a great job. Thanks to everyone for showing up on Easter. Lets make this a habit! If you keep calling and inviting people to come well continue growing and serving!

Save the date for the Missions Auction and Cookout to benefit the Single Adult Missions Scholarship Fund on Friday, May 15 at 5:30 pm in the fellowship hall. More details coming soon! If you would like to donate to the auction, please contact Kathy Cooper at kcooper@montgomeryfbc.com or 241.5125.

2015 VBS Journey off the Map is scheduled for Monday, June 22 through Friday, June 26 from 9:00 am to noon. Volunteers are needed to guide our children on a journey to uncharted territory where they will begin to understand that obedience to God can lead them beyond the expected. Contact Tiffany Alewine (241.5165) if you are interested in helping with preschoolers or Glen Leathers (241.5164) if you are interested in helping with children.

Spring 2015 FBC Discipleship ClassesFor a complete list visit www.montgomeryfbc.org.

Smart Money, Smart Kids Wednesdays, April 8 April 29 | 5:45 pm | B402Come join us on Wednesday nights while your kids are in choir for a class designed to help equip parents to teach their kids how to handle money wisely. This brand new video study is taught by Dave Ramsey and his daughter Rachel Cruze. Throughout the class, parents will receive a step-by-step approach to teaching their kids the key principles of money, along with easy, interactive activities and ways to use teachable moments. Facilitated by Jody McClinton and his daughter Rachel Webb.

Deacon Nominations Due By Sunday, April 26!Forms are available in the main sanctuary foyers or

online at www.montgomeryfbc.org/event-registration.

Tuesday, May 56:30 to 8:00 pm | Fellowship Hall

The guest speaker will be Ruthie Carlson. Email your mother/daughter photo and any questions to Sharon Windham at sbwindham@aol.com.

Ticket sale dates will be April 19 and 26.

Sunday, April 19 :: 8:30 & 11:00 am

dedicationParent/Child

This week at FBC MontgomeryFor the complete calendar, visit www.montgomeryfbc.org.

5:30 Tutoring Picnic Sanctuary Orchestra5:45 Graded Childrens Choirs Smart Money, Smart Kids6:00 First Family Prayer Time6:30 Student Ministry: Powerhouse6:35 Sanctuary Choir6:45 Ejamat Prayer TimeThursday, April 23 Mission Project: Central Asia Mens Golf Retreat9:00 Conversational English10:00 Caregivers Support Group JOY Singers Rehearsal6:00 English as a Second LanguageFriday, April 24 Mission Project: Central Asia Mens Golf Retreat Women of Joy Conference6:45 Friday Morning Mens Group5:30 Celebrate RecoverySaturday, April 25 Mission Project: Central Asia Mens Golf Retreat Women of Joy Conference6:00 Narcotics Anonymous

Sunday, April 198:30 Worship Service9:45 Bible Fellowship Classes11:00 Worship Service12:15 Membership Information Class5:00 Childrens Missions Discipleship Classes Japan Mission Project Meeting One Voice One Heart Choir Visitation6:15 Worship Service7:15 Fellowship for Sheila HindsMonday, April 209:00 English as a Second Language Senior Adult Ministry Council Retreat12:00 Judgment House Leadership Meeting5:30 Mens Bible StudyTuesday, April 219:00 English as a Second Language9:30 Ladies Bible Study10:00 Senior Adult Game Day11:00 GriefShare6:00 Narcotics Anonymous College Ministry: GROW Bible StudyWednesday, April 229:00 English as a Second Language2:15 Baldwin Bible Study4:45 First Family Dinner

The Beacon (USPS #046-620) is published and printed weekly by First Baptist Church, 305 South Perry Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104-4292. Periodical postage paid at Montgomery, Alabama. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Beacon, 305 South Perry Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104-4292.

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Morning Worship (8:30 & 11:00 am)Parent/Child DedicationPrelude | Sanctuary OrchestraBy the Gentle Waters | Sanctuary ChoirMessage | Jay Wolf

Evening Worship (6:15 pm)Bible Drill DemonstrationMessage | Jay Wolf

In Home Ministry Member :: Gurnia Moore6517 Monmouth Mews | Montgomery, Alabama 36117-3646

CrossRoads Broadcast Schedule

Watch the sermon at the time below or online at www.montgomeryfbc.org.

Frazer Channel 13 (Montgomery & Prattville)Brighthouse Channel 122 (Elmore County)Sunday, 1:30 pm (full hour) & 6:00 pmTuesday, 7:30 pm Thursday, 9:30 am & 6:00 pm

WSFA-TV Channel 12 | Sunday, 10:30 am