ISSUE 03.07.2013firstbaptistnashville.org loving God, loving people

the

CHURCH FAMILY Tuesdays Men @ PrayerThursdays TBLFridays Celebrate RecoveryMarch 7 First Women DinnerMarch 10 Daylight Saving Time March 11 Missions in the Morning March 15 - 17 WMU Annual Meeting March 19 Missions Alive March 20 Business Meeting March 21 SAALT Game Day March 23 Churchwide Spring Cleaning March 24 Palm Sunday March 27 Lord’s Supper March 29 Good Friday/ Church Offices closed March 31 Easter Sunday Final Room in the Inn April 1 Deacons Meeting April 5 Worship | 1st April 5 - 6 First Women Craft & Crop

CHILdRen March 15 Parents Night Out Bible Drill Down March 17 Church Bible Drill

StUdentSMarch 14, 28 CWJC Childcare March 17 Youth to nashville Food Project

StAFF BIRtHdAYSMarch 26 Nathan Green March 28 Brandon Owen

StAFF AnnIVeRSARIeSMarch 27 Lori Towns , 6 Years

COMING UP...

CD SDiscover Connect Serve

First Kids, Get ready For summer!

b y D r. Fra n k R . L e w i s , s e n i o r p a s t o rFrank & to the Point

Members of First Baptist Nashville voted to sell a portion of our property to provide space to the city for a new hotel to support the Music City Center, Nashville’s new Convention Center expected to open in May of this year.

Pending City approval and TIF financing, the vote to sell provides an influx of cash that will be used to offset the cost of a new building on our campus. Our Master Plan Implementation Committee is in

the process of determining what that first phase will include. We continue to lift this committee in our prayers so that they will have the insight needed to best understand the needs we face as a congregation in

our attempt to minister faithfully to Nashville, especially those in the changing urban core of our city.

The vote also impacts two ministries currently occupying the Downtown Ministry Center. The Christian Women’s Job Corps and The Next Door have both been partner ministries with First Baptist Nashville for several

years. The vote brings them into our spotlight for additional prayer support, financial investment, and perhaps a more intentional effort on our part to interface with them as a part of our shared mission to transform lives in our city. Expect to hear more about how we hope to do this in the days ahead.

In a series of recent conversations, members of First Baptist have added their voices to a conversation started among our staff. The result is a sense of clarity that we have never had before. I’m encouraged by the unity reflected by our church. Here are some of the things we have heard our members affirm:

1. We exist to be a gospel presence in a post-Christian urban culture.

2. We want our church to grow:

• Numerically larger by strengthening our traditional worship identity while offering worship and Bible study options that will attract and retain a younger and more diverse congregation.

• Spiritually deeper by discerning God’s will in prayer and then being obedient to do what He shows us. We are hungry for spiritual renewal!

• Influentially broader as we experience spiritual renewal and use the gifts and abilities of our membership to continue the life and work of Christ from our downtown location.

3. In the coming twelve months, we think the most important thing to do is move forward with our Campus Master Plan, especially as it relates to the Recreation Center and a Community Ministry Center. We also think it is crucial for us to reach more Young Adults.

4. By a four-to-one response, our members are willing to support a new worship service as one of the ways we will accomplish the hopes for our future as a congregation.

All of this is very encouraging! With the proceeds of the property sale and the unity of purpose expressed by our congregation, we can significantly assist The Next Door with their transition to a new home; jump-start the capital campaign for our campus renovation; make the best use of our staff and people resources to minister to the spiritual needs of our city; and experience something deeper in the spiritual realm. I can’t think of a more open door for ministry in any church’s future than ours.

As we continue to pray and seek God’s will for our church, I close with the precious affirmation of Dr. Powell, pastor of our church 1921–1955: “The past is prologue, the present is unparalleled, and the future is as bright as our faith in God!”

CWelcome to the Family!

Fred & Kathleen DeWeese Andrew Shaver

Sam TalleyJoe & Linda Nave

Celebrating Grace Hymnal

The day when we will be able to sing from our new Celebrating Grace Hymnal is on the horizon.

Every family is encouraged to contribute to our Hymnal Fund by placing copies in memory of or in honor of individuals at a cost of $25 per designation. You will find available throughout our facilities a specially designed envelope for you to make your contributions. You can also make contributions utilizing a credit card via our website. The deadline for acknowledgement to be included in the Hymnal Dedication Commemorative Program is Sunday, March 24. We plan to unveil our new hymnals on Easter Sunday and produce a Hymnal Dedication Service and Hymn Sing on the evening of Sunday, April 21.

Thank you for investing in the future worship of the First Baptist Nashville Family of Faith. A new and very exciting opportunity is drawing nigh as we together celebrate God’s abundant and enduring grace through the vibrant singing of timeless hymns and new expressions of the Christian faith all to the glory of God!

Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with

grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Colossians 3:16

Celebrating Grace HymnalDEDICATION SERVICE

& HYMN SING

SUNDAY EVENING, APRIL 21, 2013

March CollectionWhat a great ministry we have for women

in The Next Door! Its incredible impact and growth amaze us all. One of the small ways that we help is through a collection once a year of needed items. Suggestions include deodorant, toothbrushes, towels, washcloths and umbrellas. Bring your items and deposit them in the collection bins at the Main Entrance of the church.

( Rus Roach, rus.roach@firstbaptistnashville.org

Student Ministry Spring RetreatSpring Retreat is fast approaching! Make plans to join your friends April 19 – 21 for

an exciting weekend of fun and fellowship. We will spend invaluable time together in God’s Word as we continue to learn about the UPSIDE DOWN nature of God’s Kingdom. This year’s retreat will be at Barefoot Republic Camp in Fountain Run, Kentucky.

Cost is $75 for one student, $125 for two students, and a family maximum of $150. Please bring a friend. Friends count as “siblings” to earn the discounted prices.

( To register, contact Marissa Moore at marissa.moore@firstbaptistnashville.org or register online at firstbaptistnashville.org.

S

C

Crow’s CornerTom Crow, executive pastor

Media Center Spotlight by Scott Schrecker

We were blessed for many, many years with the leadership of Jackie Anderson in our Media Center/

Library. The impact of Jackie’s life and leadership will last in the lives of children and adults she blessed so richly. Our volunteer librarians continue the good work and operation of our Library (located on the Second Floor of our Main Building) and many of you enjoy the benefits of the varied reading and study opportunities. Stop by soon, any Wednesday evening or Sunday morning, to familiarize yourself with this nice facility.

Our church library is wonderful and rare among church libraries. One of the most unique books in our collection is A Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady, by Edith Holden. In 1906, the author spent one year creating a nature diary, with beautiful drawings and handwritten entries. The author hid the book, and told no one about it. It lay undiscovered for 70 years, until someone found it stored in an old house in 1976. Yes, men, this sounds like a book only to interest women—but that is not the case. A beautiful example of literary art is worth your time, man or woman!

Other treasures include:

THE GREAT CiTiEs/VEniCE, BY TIME-LIFE BOOKSThis book is a collection of photographs by Ernst Haas. One of the 20th century’s greatest photographers, Ernst Haas was born in 1921 in Vienna. This coffee table book has photographs of Venice, Italy, taken by Haas in the early 1970s. The pictures are fabulous, and other than an Ansel Adams book also in our library, probably the highest quality photography to be seen in any of our library books. Ernst Haas became famous in the 1950s doing the Marlboro Man ad campaign photos. Cigarette smoking is naughty, but Haas’ cowboy photos are iconic and timeless. In 1986, while I was in college in Rochester, NY, Haas gave a lecture and a gallery exhibit at my college. He showed some of his famous images of Europe during World War II and many others. He entitled his lecture To see, To Be. He died just a few years later.

THAT THE WoRLD MAy KnoW VIDEO SERIESThese remarkable VHS videos were filmed on location in Israel, and feature well-known Christian teacher Ray Vander Laan, speaking to groups at sites of important biblical events. In a relaxed teaching style, Vander Laan opens up the history of ancient Israel, and connects those people, times, places, and events to our faith today. The teaching and content is interesting, unique, fascinating, and very informative. Parents, these tapes are an educational treasure for your child. Adults, you will also enjoy and learn from Vander Laan’s teachings.

Save the Datefor the

National Day of Prayer

Thursday, May 2 | 6:30 a.m.Renaissance Nashville Hotel

Tickets: $25/each or $250/ table (10)

( Lori Towns, 615.664.6010, lori.towns@firstbaptistnashville.org D

Volunteer Opportunity: Worship Care

Our Nursery is growing, and it is time for us to add another classroom for our little ones

that have turned one. We need to add at least 16 volunteers to teach during the worship hour once every other month through August. Help us meet this need by making this opportunity to serve known in your circles. If you are not currently serving in our nursery on Sunday mornings, please consider volunteering. If you or someone you know is interested, we can begin the volunteer screening process asap. Our goal is to be ready for this room to open by Easter.

( shannon Meadors, 615.664.6019, shannon.meadors@firstbaptistnashville.org

S

a worship experience for young adultsevery first Friday of the month | 7 p.m.

ADULT CAST

by Sam Sanders, minister of recreation and senior adults

We have just finished the 16th show by the First Baptist Nashville Broadway Dinner Theatre

cast and crew. Beginning in 1992 with The Sound of Music, we’ve done most of the great Broadway family musicals—in fact, they’re probably folks who have been to every performance. Virtually every show has been a sellout, the exceptions have usually been weather- related. The musicals have paid for themselves, with little effect on the budget.

It takes a lot of dedication not only to be in the cast, but in the crew that operates out of the spotlight. There is a list of folks who worked very hard to make Oklahoma! happen on our stage. The list has to begin with our director, Pam Raney, who has been a part of our shows as director or actor, beginning with the title role in Hello, Dolly! Two other veterans of our shows were tireless day and night assistants to Pam, covering the incredible amount of details essential to pulling off a big show. There was Laurie Hall, drama coach, painter, set designer, curtain puller, and organizer extraordinaire.

Her husband, Tim, and youngest son, Patrick, were also in the cast. Gayle Loflin, whose work with props, vocal coaching, and set design (Jud’s house on small stage) was also tirelessly generous with her time and talent. Thanks also to Susan Owens who can absolutely take a pile of clothing scraps and put together a great costume to make anyone look good.

Special thanks are due to Joe Fitzpatrick and the orchestra for solid, lovely accompaniment. There is a list that would take more room than we have of people who worked hard on every aspect of this production: building and painting sets, ticket design and sales, art work, costumes, and props. These groups, combined with some very talented and dedicated actor/singers, made this show possible.

And did I mention how good the dinner was? We’re so grateful to our kitchen staff for such a fantastic meal!

Thank you, church, for giving us the opportunity to do this show and supporting us.

YOUTH CAST

all photos byScott Schrecker

POSTMASTER: PlEASE dElivER On OR bEfORE MARch 7, 2013.

facebook.com/firstbaptistnashville @fbcnashville flickr.com/firstbaptistnashville

FIRST BAPTIST NASHVILLE108 7th Avenue Southnashville, Tn 37203615.664.6000firstbaptistnashville.org

PublicATiOn infORMATiOnThe Evangel is published once a month by first baptist nashville. layout design by Jennifer Tramel, edited by Sandra Gentry and laurie hall.

update your subscription information by calling 615.664.6000 or emailing evangel@firstbaptistnashville.org.

Parents Night Out is not only fun for mom and dad—it’s a Kids Night Out, too! March’s PNO will include corn dogs for dinner,

games, crafts, and the premiere of the newest Veggie Tales movie: The Little House that Stood!

RSVP and payment are due to Marissa Moore, children’s ministry as-sistant, by 12 p.m. noon on the Thursday before Parents Night Out. You may register online at firstbaptistnashville.org or email Marissa at marissa.moore@firstbaptistnashville.org.

MaRcH 15Check-in at 6 p.m. Pick-up at 10 p.m.

$15/one child $25/two children $30 max/family

Ages: Birth - 6th

C