As we face the coming of a new year, all of us need a change of pace, but the pace of change is what troubles us the most. All change - even the good - is hard. It involves moving from the familiar to the unfamiliar, from the settled past to an unknown future. Whatever comes at us in the year ahead, it is comforting to know that our heavenly Father promises to watch over us -- “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV)

Before I challenge you to greater faithfulness, I want to thank you for ministering to me in so many ways during 2015. When I was in the hospital with pneumonia, you prayed for me and asked God to take care of your pastor. When my friend and co-minister Je� Ingram died, you were there to stand with me as we gave him a heavenly send o� . When my father passed away, you comforted my heart with your encouragement.

Thank you for being a church family that reached out to me in love, support and Christian concern. I can’ t thank you enough. Thank you for the many who poured out love on Susan and me during Christmas. You are a kind congregation and I am blessed to be your pastor. I praise God for each of you.

As we begin this new year, we look forward to new beginnings and new possibilities. The children’s bulding is something I long to see come to pass. I also long to see more people accept Christ as their Savior, growing in unity, and reaching our community for Christ.

We each have a fresh year given to us - a brand new year and a brand new start. The Lord has a special purpose for each of us (Jeremiah 29:11). May we walk closer to Him in the coming year than ever before and experience the joy that only those who stay close enjoy.

My sermons in the coming Sundays will emphasize a faith that goes the distance. So many have a good start in the Christian life but end up with a � nish that fades. We will look at 2 Corinthians and follow the guidance of Paul - a Christian who kept on keeping on. Come, bring your Bible, and open your heart.

We need to � nish our goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas O� ering. We are close, but have not arrived. The work of our International Missionaries look to our support. Give to God’s program of reaching this world for Christ.

May God bless each of you.Your pastor, Jerry

From YourPastor’s

Heart

Welcome to theFamily

Karen Hamilton*Joins by Statement8254 Co. Rd. 64 Apr 1803205.515.2950

Betty Blakeney*Joins by Letter124 Cypress Lane, FH654.4026

Janna and Daniel Williams*Join by Letterand Emma (by Baptism)107 Sedge� eld Ave., FHHis: 510.2818Hers: 509.3110

Ella Traylor,Daughter of Jodi and Bryant TraylorJoins by Profession of Faith

William GibsonJoin by Letter811 Morphy Ave., FHPH: 599.1806

Pamela and Jack GodwinJoin by Letter11120 Niblick Loop, FHHis: 979.5531Hers: 979.7594

Christy and Michael GattisJoin by Letter9622 Watkins Dr., FHHis: 847.9376Hers: 423.7039

*-Their photo turned out very blurry, and not suitable for print. We will print new ones in next issue.

Jerry M. Henry, Ph.DPastor

jhenry@fbcfairhope.org

traylor

GIBSON

Godwin

GATTIS

2016 Mission Trips Maybe this is the year God is calling you to consider being a part of one of our Mission Teams as we seek to ful� ll the Acts 1:8 Challenge. Here are the trips that are planned so far and the dates. For more info, please contact the appropriate Team Leader.

Victoria, Canada| on May 18-25 to work with North American Missionary Ashley Austin and the Canvas Church as part of their annual Family Fest outreach event. Team Leader: Brent Shaw (928.8685 bshaw@fbcfairhope.org). NOTE: A $300 non-refundable deposit is due by January 13 for air fare. Victoria Interest Meeting 1/13 at 7:00pm

Green� eld, Wisconsin| May 28 – June 4 with our Builders for Christ Team to help build a new worship building for a growing church. Builders for Christ Interest Meeting, Wednesday, January 20 @ 7:00 PM. Attend this inter-est meeting to learn more about this year’s trip. Team Leader: Don Hill (604-2574 or hill@zebra.net).

Brazil Mission Trip | June 17 – 26to work with Pioneer Missions in helping build a chapel, conduct VBS, health assessment clinic and more. Team Leader: Bubba Bosarge (Paula: 510.2487, or arthurbosarge@bellsouth.net).If you are an active member of FBC the cost of the trip is $2250. If you are not an active member of the church the cost is $3250. There will be a yard sale and golf tournament to help with the cost of the trip. A $200 non-refundable deposit is due 1/18/2016.We will continue to receive this o� ering

through the end of January if you would still like to give.

GOAL: $ 56,000GIVEN: $38,450.41 NEEDED: $17,549.59

CONNECTIONSOUTREACHSunday, January 24 @ 4:00 PMFor the next few months CONNECTIONS OUTREACH will be moving to Sunday afternoons. Join us in the Social Hall as we go out to deliver fresh-baked cookies and information about our church to recent guests and newcomers to our area.

Ways You canSupport the

First Baptist Church is a � rm supporter of the work being done by the Women’s Care Medical Center located in Robertsdale. For 25 years Women’s Care Medical Center has been � ghting for the dignity and sanctity of all human life. This year our church is increasing its monthly � nancial support for this wonderful local organization. Here are some ways that you can personally be involved as well: (1) Volunteer! Opportunities Include… -Pregnancy Consultants -Man-to-Man Mentors -Nurses -O� ce Assistants -Abstinence Presenters *Visit their website for a volunteer application (www.FriendsofWCMC.org). (2) Join the WCMC Online Prayer Community. (3) Give a gift that could save a life. -Make an online donation at www.FriendsofWCMC.org or mail your gift to: Women’s Care Medical Center, P.O. Box 1610, Robertsdale, AL 36567

Regular Wednesday schedule resumes this week!Supper and regular activities for Preschoolers, Children and Youth resume this coming Wednesday, January 6:6:00AM Men’s Morning Madness, College House4:30 PM Handbells 4:45 PM Family Supper5:30 PM Childrens Choirs (ages 3-5th Grade) RE:Mix (Students) until 7:306:00 PM Sanctuary Orchestra Pastor’s Bible Study - Fellowship Hall6:15 PM Refresh Young Adult Bible Study6:30 PM Preschool / Children’s Missions Adult Choir Rehearsal7:30 PM Praise Band Practice

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A “single”

NEWTHING

BEGINS thisNEW YEAR

NEW Young Singles Class Begins January 17!This class is targeting Single Young Professionals in their 20’s / 30’s and will begin on Sunday, January 17.The class will meet in 208 West Bldg. The teachers are Andy & Poenta Luckie. For more information, contact Poenta Luckie at: 928-3498 (H), 295.8430 (Cell), or at Poenta@icloud.com. Invite your Single friends to be a part of this exciting new class!

Wednesday, January 27, 20165:45 -7:30 PM / Choir RoomHave your been considering membership at First Baptist? Have you recently joined? Then, FIRST CLASS is for you! This orientation class is designed to help you know more about First Baptist and how you can be more involved. You will have the opportunity to meet our Pastor and Ministerial sta� , learn about our key doctrinal beliefs, � nd out how to get “plugged in”, where things are located and more. Children and Students may join in the regular activities. FREE SUPPER is included and begins serving at 4:45 PM.TO SIGN UP: Sign up online or by contacting LaSha Powell in the church o� ce: 928-8685 or lpowell@fbcfairhope.org) by noon on Wednesday, January 27.

Andy & Poenta Luckie

Join our FBC Church Group TextFor realtime text alerts on church wide news/events.Text @fbcfh TO 81010 and you’ll be added to the group (you cannot reply to these texts) You may opt-out of messages at anytime by replying, “unsubscribe @fbcfh”.

Take the edge off of “new”, attend...

@fbcfh

R.A. Annual Battleship Trip On Friday night, January 22 all boys 1st-5th grade (1st and 2nd with parent/guardian please) are invited to our annual Overnight Adventure on Battleship USS Alabama on Mobile Bay. We will leave the church by bus at 5:00 pm Friday night, January 22 and return to the church by 7:00 am Saturday morning the 23rd. Cost is $10 per attendee and includes reservation aboard ship, transportation, pizza party upon arrival, and drinks and snacks throughout night. I know…. Awesome, right? All participants must � ll out FBC KIDS annual consent form as well as a participant agreement from USS Alabama mgmt. These forms can be found on the FBC website. You may sign up online and the deadline for participating in this event is Wednesday January 20. There are only 50 spaces available so reserve yours today. ALL ABOARD!! See you there mate!

Bible Drill resumes this Sunday, January 10th from 5-7 pm. We are excited your child has chosen to be a part of what I consider one of the best things we do… to help kids store God’s Word in their hearts. With this opportunity comes a high responsibility on the part of the participant, as well as on you the parent. Truth is, without parental support at home during the week, drillers are rarely successful on the competition stage. I can spot a child who practices at home from a mile away. It makes such a di� erence. Please invest in the best – God’s Word and your greatest gift, your child as you model scriptural discipline alongside them by helping them learn God’s word. Thanks parents for all you do in making todays children look like Jesus. Our � rst competition will be Wednesday, March 23rd at 5:00 pm in the sanctuary. Associational drill will follow on Wednesday, April 6th at FBC Foley, and District Bible drill will be Monday, April18th at College Park Baptist in Mobile. (Times for Foley and Mobile TBD) See you at Bible drill this week!

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We were blessed when the Jubileer Puppeteers shared the Christmas story and our hearts were � lled when the children sang in the Sanctuary, “Where is the baby Jesus?”Thank you Puppeteers and Mrs Dee for your Christ-like service in 2015. We love you! TLT sta� and kids

Infant/child dedication will be Sunday, January 24th. If you would like your family to participate, please email dlund@fbcfairhope.org or call 251-928-8685 before January 17th.

A Sound Meeting...January 23 There will be an all day training meeting (9:00am-2:00pm in the Sanctuary) for ourAudio Technicians. If you are interested in being in on that meeting to see if this is an avenue of ministry for you, Contact Anthony Kidd, Audio-Lighting Director at akidd@fbcfairhope.org

Learning Tree NewsLynn Carroll, Director | tlt@fbcfairhope.org

january 24

Legacy Builders for Young AdultsBegins Sunday, January 105:00 – 7:00 PM in 206/ 208 WestJoin other Young Adults for this time of fellowship, Bible study and mentoring by several of our “seasoned” married couples who will share their life experience with you while your Children and Students are also growing in their walk with the Lord. Feel free to invite other Young Adults.

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