ReflectionsDr. Paul Baxley

In the Spotlight

(Continued on page 4)

Reflections In the Spotlight

VOLUME LV NOVEMBER, 2011 NO. 11

It is hard to believe, but the Advent season is almost here! In just a few weeks, we will begin our four week journey of preparation for the coming of Jesus. This year’s Advent season will include many of the services that we have come to know and eagerly anticipate: a Hanging of the Green service on November 27, a service filled with choral music on December 11, our Children’s Choirs’ Program and Christmas Banquet on December 14, and our Christmas Eve Communion Service December 24. Beyond these services of worship and times of fellowship, we will also have many opportunities for local mission involvement. In the coming weeks, we’ll have much to say about all of these things.

For now, though, I want to make you aware of a new opportunity in our congregation this Advent season. Because the weeks leading up to Christmas are so busy and so filled with things that can distract us from a focus on the coming Christ, our ministers and Deacons have sensed a calling to offer a new worship opportunity during the four weeks of Advent. Each Tuesday at noon, we will hold a brief service of worship in our Sanctuary, and we will follow that service with a luncheon in our Fellowship Hall. Each of the services will focus on one of the four great themes of Advent–hope, peace, joy, and love. We will sing carols of the season, give time for prayer, offer a brief meditation, and receive an offering each week to benefit one of our local mission partners. We have planned the services this way, so that those of us who get a lunch hour daily at noon could participate in the service and have a meal at midday before returning to work. If you are able to come earlier for more reflection or stay longer to enjoy the fellowship, those opportunities will exist as well.

Why are we offering these services? Here are several reasons:

We believe it is part of the ministry of our church to offer our congregation and community opportunities during the Advent season to focus on what matters most; to step out of the distractions and the fatigue of the season and experience the presence of God in the fellowship of fellow believers. These services, and the meals that follow, will give us a chance to do that.

Some of you have said how much you’ve missed the weekly Lenten services that were previously offered in downtown Athens. These services should provide a similar opportunity for worship during the Advent season.

These services are also an outreach opportunity for our church. Just as we did before First Sunday, I want to encourage you to pray about who you might invite to join

THANKSGIVING

UNION SERVICE

Sunday, November 20, 2011

6:00 p.m.

Beech Haven Baptist Church

Dr. Stewart Simms, Preaching

MUSIC BY THE

COMBINED CHOIRS OF:

First Baptist Church

Milledge Avenue Baptist Church

Beech Haven Baptist Church

Hanging $ the GreenSunday, November 27, 2011

11:00 a.m.

The Sunday of Hope

MUSIC BY:

Music Makers, Joyful Singers,

Youth Choir, Sanctuary Choir

MINISTRY AREAS

YouthHannah Coe

ChildrenHannah Coe

CollegeFrank Granger

November 1Deadline to sign up and pay $50 deposit

Passport Kids, Wingate UniversityJuly 15-18, 2012

December 11, 12:00 noonSpecial rehearsal for Children’s Choirs’ Christmas Program

December 14Christmas Banquet and Children’s Choirs’ Program

Fantastic Fall FestivalThanks to the incredible Children’s, Youth and Recreation

teams, parents and grandparents who helped make the Fall Festival such a success! It was truly a fun event for all generations. The cakewalk was extremely popular–thank you, bakers. And, of course, hearing the giggles/screams as the children enjoyed the Trunk or Treat was a highlight of the evening. A special thanks to God for the lovely weather, Doug Dillard for providing the snack supper, Recreation Team for organizing the Chili Cook-Off, Lois Gibbs for calling Bingo, and GiGi Lastinger for decorating.

In gratitude,Linda LacyChildren’s Ministry Team Leader

During our Sunday night youth activities in September and October, we studied several of Jesus’ parables in Matthew. We learned that a parable is a short story that uses everyday objects and themes to teach us something about God and something about ourselves. Parables help us know who God is, who we are as God’s children, and what that means about the way we live.

A few Sunday nights ago, our youth group wrote their own parables. They drew an object out of a bag and wrote a parable based on that object. The task was to write short stories that revealed something about God, about us, and about the way God dreams for us to be in the world. The students wrote very creative parables. The Kingdom of God is like a phone book because it is full of many types of people, each with unique gifts to offer. Our relationship with God is like craft cement because it grows stronger over time. God is like a lamp that shines on our pathway and shows us where to go.

I was reminded that we, as a community, narrate for each other our story of faith. We share with one another God’s work in our lives. We share with one another God’s work in each other’s lives. We share with one another God’s dreams for the world. Together, we write a story of faith.

Please be in prayer for our youth group as we prepare to go on our Fall Retreat. Our retreat theme is missional community. We will explore what it means to open our lives in their fullness to God’s mission in the world. We will explore what it looks like to do so in the community of which we are a part.

Sunday, November 66:00-7:30 p.m.

Our Missions Moment for November involves putting together bags of school supplies and snacks for the children of our IHNA guest families later in November. Please bring school supplies (including pencils, paper, crayons, coloring books, etc.) on or before this night to put in our bags. We will do 12 bags, so please bring 12 of whatever item you choose.

November 18-20 Friday to Sunday

Youth Fall RetreatCopperhill, Tennessee

“Endow a Chair” Campaign ContinuesOver 10% Donated to Date

We have received a number of donations for our college room furnishings. Thank you for your interest and investment. Individuals may choose to make a specific donation, or an entire class or other group within the church might like to make a donation for a specific item or items in our list.

Area Rug, Sofa, Love Seat, 2 Table Lamps, Floor Lamp, 4 End Tables, Reading Lounge Chair,

2 Study Chairs, Small Fridge, Coffee Table, 2 Ottomans

If you are interested in making a donation to help purchase these items, you can send your donation directly to the church office, marked “Endow a Chair,” or you may contact me for more information at frank@firstbaptistathens.org, 706-548-1359.

College Ministry Progressive DinnerThanks to Our Hosts and Helpers

We had a great time at our College Ministry Progressive Dinner on Sunday evening, October 16. Nine of our students and six adults gathered and traveled and ate! The food was fabulous, and the fellowship together was grand. Much thanks to our host homes (and cooks) – Phil and Marcia Caskey and John Knowlton. Thanks also to Kim Rogers, leader of the College Ministry Team for coordination, serving, and cooking! Our “thank yous” extend to Jay and Lori Ragsdale as well. They serve as our College class teachers and leaders and provided transportation for our evening.

Music MinistryRandy Brittain

Hymnals to Ricks Institute in Liberia

The Music Ministry of First Baptist Church Athens partnered with sister CBF Georgia congregations in October to send recycled Sunday School materials, Bibles, and hymnals to churches in Liberia. Our church donated 200 of our previous hymnal (Baptist Hymnal, 1991) to Principal Olu Menjay at the Ricks Institute in Liberia for use at the institute and also for use in churches in Liberia. If you would like a keepsake copy of the 1991 Baptist Hymnal imprinted with FBC Athens, Georgia, there are still copies available. Please call Randy or Suzy at the church office.

WEEK 1—NOVEMBER 1-5

Tuesday, November 17:30 pm Boy Scouts Troop 22 Meeting - Youth Area

Wednesday, November 27:30 am Prayer Breakfast - Covenant Carpenter

5:00-6:00 pm Wednesday Evening Dinner - Fellowship Hall 5:45 pm Gather for Prayer and Announcements

5:45-7:15 pm Children’s Choirs & Missions 5:45-6:25 p.m. Children’s Choirs 6:35-7:15 p.m. Mission Kids

6:00-6:50 pm Adult Christian Formation Option 1: Journeys in Exodus: Reorganization and Visitation

(18-19) - Fellowship Hall, Led by Paul Baxley Option 2: Small Group Bible Study: God Is Faithful - E-113 Led by Mary Colley

6:00-7:00 pm Youth Activities (Grades 7-12) - Youth Area7:00-8:15 pm Sanctuary Choir - Choir Room

Thursday, November 310:00-11:30 am Yoga Class - Fellowship Hall (Rotunda)

WEEK 2—NOVEMBER 6-12

Sunday, November 6 ALL SAINTS SUNDAY Daylight Saving Time Ends CBF of Georgia Assembly (Nov. 6-7) - John’s Creek Baptist Church

8:30-9:30 am Teacher Breakfast - Fellowship Hall9:00 am Outreach Team - Farrall Conference Room

9:45-10:45 am Sunday School and Bible Study11:00 am-12:00 noon Worship Service - Sanctuary

Children’s Church12:00 noon Children’s Ministry Team Meeting - Farrall Conference Room

2:30 pm Sunday School at Denney Tower6:00-7:00 pm Adult Handbells - Handbell Room6:00-7:30 pm Youth Activities - Fellowship Hall6:00-7:00 pm IHN Volunteer Training - E108/109

Monday, November 72:00 pm Staff Meeting - Farrall Conference Room

Tuesday, November 810:30-12:00 noon IHN Board Meeting - Fellowship Hall

7:30 pm Boy Scouts Troop 22 Meeting - Youth AreaWednesday, November 9

5:00-6:00 pm Wednesday Evening Dinner - Fellowship Hall5:15 pm Property Management Meeting - Farrall Conference Room

5:45 pm Gather for Prayer and Announcements5:45-7:15 pm Children’s Choirs & Missions

5:45-6:25 p.m. Children’s Choirs 6:35-7:15 p.m. Mission Kids

6:00-6:50 pm Adult Christian Formation Option 1: Journeys in Exodus: The Giving of the Law (20-26,

selections) - Fellowship Hall, Led by Paul Baxley Option 2: Small Group Bible Study: God Is Faithful - E-113 Led by Mary Colley

6:00-7:00 pm Youth Activities (Grades 7-12) - Youth Area7:00-8:15 pm Sanctuary Choir - Choir Room

Thursday, November 1010:00-11:30 am Yoga Class - Fellowship Hall (Rotunda)

7:00 pm IHN Coordinators’ Meeting - Fellowship Hall

WEEK 3—NOVEMBER 13 - 19

Sunday, November 13 Canned Goods Collection IHN Host Week Begins (November 13-20) - Youth Area

8:30 am College Ministry Team Meeting - E-1139:45-10:45 am Sunday School and Bible Study

11:00 am-12:00 noon Worship Service - Sanctuary Children’s Church

12:00-1:00 pm College Luncheon - Fellowship Hall2:30 pm Sunday School at Denney Tower3:30 pm Stephen Ministry Meeting/Supervision Dates - E108/109

5:15-6:00 pm Youth Choir - F-3166:00-7:00 pm Adult Handbells - Handbell Room6:00-7:30 pm Youth Activities - Fellowship Hall

Monday, November 1410:00 am AIM Board Meeting - Fellowship Hall2:00 pm Staff Meeting - Farrall Conference Room2:00 pm 50+ Committee Meeting - E113

Tuesday, November 1511:45 am AIM Board Salad Luncheon (All Circles) - Fellowship Hall6:00 pm Virginia Appleton Meeting with Sisters on a Mission -

Fellowship Hall6:00-8:00 pm Sisters on a Mission Pizza Supper - Fellowship Hall

7:30 pm Boy Scouts Troop 22 Meeting - Youth AreaWednesday, November 16

5:00-6:00 pm Wednesday Evening Dinner - Fellowship Hall5:15 pm Finance Committee - E110

5:45 pm Gather for Prayer and Announcements 5:45-7:15 pm Children’s Choirs & Missions

5:45-6:25 p.m. Children’s Choirs 6:35-7:15 p.m. Mission Kids

6:00-6:50 pm Adult Christian Formation Option 1: Journeys in Exodus: Rebellion, Intercession,

Renewal (32-34) - Fellowship Hall Led by Paul Baxley Option 2: Small Group Bible Study: God Is Faithful - E-113 Led by Mary Colley

6:00-7:00 pm Youth Activities (Grades 7-12) - Youth Area 7:00-8:15 pm Sanctuary Choir - Choir Room

Thursday, November 179:00 am Flower/Decorations Team - Flower Room

10:00-11:30 am Yoga Classes - Fellowship HallFriday, November 18

Youth Fall Retreat to Copperhill, TN (November 18-20)

WEEK 4—NOVEMBER 20 - 26Sunday, November 20

IHN Host Week Ends9:00 am Missions Team Meeting - Farrall Conference Room

9:45-10:45 am Sunday School and Bible Study11:00 am-12:00 noon Worship Service - Sanctuary

Children’s Church2:30 pm Sunday School at Denney Tower6:00 pm Thanksgiving Union Service - Beech Haven Baptist Church

Monday, November 2110:00 am Quilters - S-1042:00 pm Staff Meeting - Farrall Conference Room6:00 pm Deacons’ Meeting - Fellowship Hall

Tuesday, November 2212:00 noon December Newsletter Deadline

5:15 pm Personnel Meeting - Farrall Conference Room7:30 pm Boy Scouts Troop 22 Meeting - Youth Area

Wednesday, November 23 Church Office Closes at 12:00 Noon No Wednesday Night Activities

Thursday, November 24 Thanksgiving Holiday - Church Office Closed

Friday, November 25 Thanksgiving Holiday - Church Office Closed

9:00 am Flower/Decorations Team - Sanctuary

WEEK 5—NOVEMBER 27 - 30Sunday, November 27 First Sunday in Advent

9:45-10:45 am Sunday School and Bible Study11:00 am-12:00 noon Worship Service - Sanctuary

Hanging of the Green Service2:30 pm Sunday School at Denney Tower

6:00-7:00 pm Adult Handbells - Handbell Room6:00-7:30 pm Youth Activities - Fellowship Hall

Monday, November 282:00 pm Staff Meeting - Farrall Conference Room

Tuesday, November 2912:00 noon Advent Service - Sanctuary

Lunch to follow in Fellowship Hall7:30-9:30 pm Boy Scouts Troop 22 Meeting - Youth Area

Wednesday, November 309:00 am Flower/Decorations Team - Sanctuary

5:00-6:00 pm Wednesday Evening Dinner - Fellowship Hall 5:45 pm Gather for Prayer and Announcements

5:45-7:15 pm Children’s Choirs & Missions 5:45-6:25 p.m. Children’s Choirs

6:35-7:15 p.m. Mission Kids 6:00-6:50 pm Adult Study - Fellowship Hall

Handel’s Messiah: The Text, The Story, The Music6:00-7:00 pm Youth Activities (Grades 7-12) - Youth Area7:00-8:15 pm Sanctuary Choir - Choir Room

SERVING TOGETHER

CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY SUPPER

Please call the church office by noon on Monday to cancel or change your reservation. On Wednesday evening, please choose the meal for which you have a reservation so that there is enough food for everyone. Price is $6 for adult meal/salad bar and $3.50 for children’s meal.

November 2 HOT MEAL: Baked Chicken, Squash Casserole, Butter Beans, Sliced Peaches, Biscuit,

Dessert CHILDREN: Pizza

SALAD BAR: Baked Potato, Taco Salad Fixings

November 9 HOT MEAL: Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Peas, Pear Salad, Biscuit,

Dessert CHILDREN: Hot Meal

SALAD BAR: Baked Potato, Broccoli Cheese Soup

November 16 HOT MEAL: Turkey and Gravy, Rice or Dressing, Broccoli, Fruit, Rolls, Dessert

CHILDREN: Pizza SALAD BAR: Baked Potato, Taco Salad Fixings

November 23 NO MEAL

November 30 HOT MEAL: Oven Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Fruit Salad, Biscuit,

DessertCHILDREN: Hot Meal

SALAD BAR: Baked Potato, Vegetable Soup

DEADLINE FOR INCLUSION IN THE DECEMBER NEWSLETTER IS NOVEMBER 22 AT NOON.

Send all news items to Donna Smith, donna@firstbaptistathens.org

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Prayer Breakfast Covenant Carpenter

Wednesday, November 2, 7:30 a.m. Everyone is invited.

Co-Deacons for the Weeks of:October 30-November 5: John Knowlton and Linda Lacy

November 6-12: GiGi Lastinger and Doug Martin

November 13-19: David Matheny and Evelyn McNair

November 20-26: Helen Mills and Carl Monk

November 27-December 3: Van Morris and Don Nelson

Fellowship Team for NovemberChes Smith, Wilson Denney, Don Nelson, Mary Barton

Usher Team for NovemberGlenn Alex, Randan Ashmore, Sharon Bower, Jerry Gouge,

Carl Hedrick, Bert Hill, Brad Lastinger

Welcome Center Team

November 6 Branyon Foyer: Andy Ullrich and Carol HuffFanning Foyer: Al Henderson and Julie Hanna

November 13 Branyon Foyer: Christine Lo and Claire TardyFanning Foyer: Jana Thompson and Kris Wilson

November 20 Branyon Foyer: Andy Ullrich and Carol HuffFanning Foyer: Al Henderson and Julie Hanna

November 27 Branyon Foyer: Christine Lo and Claire TardyFanning Foyer: Jana Thompson and Kris Wilson

Welcome New MembersWe welcome Myron Paulk who joined with us on October 2, 2011,

by transfer of letter from Sylvester First Baptist Church, Sylvester, GA.We welcome Christie Hallman who joined with us on October 2,

2011, by statement of faith.We welcome Stephanie VanDyck who joined with us on

October 16, 2011, by transfer of letter from Church of the Hills, Johns Creek, GA.

SympathyWe extend our Christian love and sympathy to Joe and Lucy Clark

in the loss of Lucy’s nephew, Eddie Collins, on October 8.

SAVE THE DATE…

for a churchwide

Christmas Open House

at the home of

The Baxleys

December 17, 2011

Details to follow.

Subscribe to Our Weekly E-NewsIf you would like to receive our Weekly E-News,

please send us your e-mail to sign up. Send your e-mail address to Donna Smith in the church o#ce,

donna@%rstbaptistathens. org.

you at one or all of these services. A midday service during Advent may be a perfect first opportunity for a friend or co-worker to visit First Baptist and worship with you. These services also give us another way of strengthening our local mission partnerships. As we receive an offering each week for a different local mission partner, we will be affirming the importance of these ministries and providing them additional financial help at a time such help is desperately needed. In the coming weeks, we’ll have much more to say about these weekly Advent worship services. For now, I encourage you to put the four Tuesdays of Advent on your calendar. Plan to join us at noon on November 29, December 6, December 13, and December 20. Prayerfully consider who you will invite. And watch all of our publications in the coming weeks for more information!

Reflections(Continued from page 1)

by Dr. Paul Baxley

CONTRIBUTIONS & PARTICIPATION

Weekly Needs: $22,256.25 Received week of October 2, 2011 $23,375.25 Received week of October 9, 2011 $18,421.45 Received week of October 16, 2011 $21,487.65 Received week of October 23, 2011 $11,963.34

Year to Date September 30, 2011 Received $701,990.21 Needed $829,516.50 Expenses $774,970.24 Balance ($72,980.03)

FINANCIAL UPDATE

As we enter the final months of 2011, we want to provide you an update on our church’s financial condition and ask for your response in several ways. First, there is good news! First Baptist Church entered the final quarter of 2011 in really good shape compared to previous years. We finished September with an operating deficit of $73,000, which was the lowest it has been at this time in the last six years. We reached this comparatively good position because our income is higher this year than last year, and our expenditures are lower than at the same time last year. Furthermore, our offerings for the first several Sundays in October were extremely good, meaning that our fourth quarter had a very good beginning. Even though we have that good news, the reality is that the next two months will determine how well we finish 2011. Historically, our congregation receives more than 20% of its annual income in the month of December alone. So, if we want to erase the deficit we are currently carrying and enter 2012 in a really strong position, it is important that we all do several things:

1) If you made a pledge for 2011, please do everything you can to finish that pledge. If you have any question about where your giving is for 2011, please contact Cheri in the church office, and she can answer any question you have.

2) If you did not pledge for 2011, but plan to give, we encourage you to give prayerful consideration to giving generously in these final weeks. We are grateful for the support we receive each year from members who do not pledge but who feel led to give.

3) Be mindful that the last Sunday of 2011 will be Christmas Day, so if you plan to be away that Sunday, please make arrangements to make contributions through offerings earlier in December. Or, you may give in person at the church office or by mail.

4) Every year, some gifts are received by stock transfer. If you plan to give in this way, please set the gift in motion by early December so that there is time for the transaction to be received before the year ends.

5) All gifts for 2011 must be received in the church office no later than Friday, December 30 at noon, or postmarked by Saturday, December 31.

If we all give as we are able in the closing weeks of this year, we will have much to celebrate when January comes. This has been a wonderful year in our life together. Let’s finish strong!

11:00 a.m. Worship Attendance

October 2, 2011 220 October 9, 2011 292 October 16, 2011 208 October 23, 2011 227

First Baptist Church of Athens Foundation, Inc.

The First Baptist Church of Athens Foundation, Inc. is a separate legal entity from the First Baptist Church. The Foundation’s funds were established through bequests, memorials, and contributions. The funds held by the Foundation are segregated into three areas: Benevolent Funds, Building & Improvement Funds, and Memorial Funds.

The governance of the Foundation is vested in six members who include the Senior Minister, Chair of the Board of Deacons, Chair of the Finance Committee, and three at-large members elected by the church congregation. The current trustees are Paul Baxley, Lamar Houston, Lewis Shropshire, Pam Dillard, Helen Mills, and Fred Young.

The Benevolent Fund, which had a balance of approximately $244,000 as of 9/30/11, is used by the foundation for special benevolent needs inside and outside of the congregation.

The Building & Improvement Funds, which had a balance of approximately $27,000 as of 9/30/11, is reserved by the Foundation as a contingency of last resort if the church had an unexpected building need or expense for which the church is unable to fund. This fund provided approximately $500,000 in seed money to the church facility expansion in the early 1990s.

Memorials or other Restricted Funds consist of nine current funds with balances. These funds had approximate balances of $682,000 as of 9/30/11. The directed purposes of these funds range from annual college scholarships, financial assistance for temporary personal needs, the publishing of the church history, kitchen and food service capital needs, and the maintenance of the Hancock property. Memorial funds were used in 2009 to repay the church’s debt on the Hancock property.

The Foundation would respectfully ask that you consider the naming of the Foundation in some manner in your will. A gift to the Foundation will provide a lasting contribution to First Baptist Church.

First Baptist Church of Athens Foundation, Inc.Financial Summary for

Fiscal Year 10/1/10 - 9/30/11

Benevolent Funds

Beginning balance $244,486.62Contributions 235.00Interest 2,556.18Disbursements (3,010.00) Ending balance $244,267.80

Building & Improvement Funds

Beginning balance $ 30,039.83Contributions 0.00Interest 484.36Disbursements (3,000.00) Ending balance $ 27,524.19

Memorials/ Other Restricted Funds

Beginning balance $695,374.82Contributions 745.00Interest & Dividends 12,010.83Market value adjustment (2,463.40)Disbursements (23,146.12) Ending balance $682,521.13 Ending FBC Foundation Funds $954,313.12 Beginning FBC Foundation Funds ($969,901.27) Change in Fund Position ($ 15,588.14)

Fresh Greenery and Volunteers Needed The Flower/Decorations Team needs fresh greenery for decorating the church for the Advent season. Please bring your greenery to the church by 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 30. Leave greenery at the utility entrance to the kitchen. In addition, if you enjoy decorating for Christmas or just want to be part of the team, we could use your help at any or all of the following times:

Thursday, November 17, 9:00 a.m. Meet in the Flower Room, basement level, to prepare supplies for decorating.

Friday, November 25, 9:00 a.m. Meet in the Sanctuary to prepare for the Hanging of the Green service.

Wednesday, November 30 and Thursday, December 1, 9:00 a.m. Meet in the Sanctuary to complete the Sanctuary and the church- wide decorations.

Contact Lyn Hill (706-543-6204 or 706-540-6294, cell) if you have greenery to share and/or if you would like to join the team during the holiday season.

Honor or Memorialize a Loved One

This year there are two ways you may honor or memorialize a loved one while beautifying our church building during the Advent and Christmas seasons. If you would like to make a donation toward a poinsettia or for general decorations for our church, just complete the form below. Return the form with payment to Suzy Moon in the church office, no later than Friday, December 2. All requests must be in writing on this form. Honorees will be listed in the church bulletin on Sunday, December 18. Poinsettias are $10 each and donations for general decorations are unlimited. A minimum donation of $10 is requested.

Poinsettia or General Decorations Form

Donor’s Name _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

In MEMORY of (Name) ______________________________________________________________________________________________

In MEMORY of (Name) ______________________________________________________________________________________________

In MEMORY of (Name) ______________________________________________________________________________________________

In HONOR of (Name) _______________________________________________________________________________________________

In HONOR of (Name) _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Please check one:

____ My donation is for poinsettia(s) - $10 each

____ My donation is for general Advent and Christmas decorations.

Total Amount Submitted $ ______________

MINISTRY AREAS

HOLIDAY BENEVOLENCE MARKETSunday, December 4, 2011

12:00 noon – 3:00 p.m.

at First Presbyterian Church, Athens

Shop for Christmas and Holiday gifts that make a difference and help thirty-four non-profit agencies in Athens to better serve others, while honoring those on your gift list in a unique, meaningful way. First Presbyterian Youth will serve lunch–soups, sandwiches, and sides! Donations will be cheerfully accepted for their 2012 Haiti Mission Trip.

MINISTRY AREAS

Adult DiscipleshipFrank Granger

(50+)

Adopt-A- Shut-In

50+ is once again sponsoring Thanksgiving baskets for our church’s shut-ins. Any of our members who are not able to attend unless someone brings them is considered a shut-in and we want to honor them at this time. Please see the 50+ bulletin board for names, and then follow the directions posted there. Thank you.

CANNED GOODS COLLECTIONSunday, November 13, 2011

Benefiting the Athens Area Food Bank

Boxes will be placed at the three church entrances.The need is especially great during the holiday season.

Items needed at this time:

All types of breakfast foodCanned fruit

Peanut butterAny non-perishable items

Your help is greatly appreciated.Sponsored by the Missions Team and 50+.

Wednesday Discipleship Opportunitiesfor Adults at 6:00 P.M.

HANDEL’S MESSIAH: THE TEXT, THE STORY, THE MUSIC

NOVEMBER 30 AND DECEMBER 7

Our Sanctuary Choir is preparing to present the Advent portion of Handel’s Messiah in December. Our two Wednesday evening sessions for Adult Discipleship following Thanksgiving will focus on Handel’s Messiah. Join us in Fellowship Hall as we explore the Biblical texts and Handel’s use of them in his musical masterpiece.

New YOGA Class BeginsA 4-Week Session Begins November 17

Breathe into BalanceLed by Michelle Arington, RYT, CHC

Thursdays, 10:00-11:30 a.m.FIRST BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP HALL

$40 for 4 weeks/$35 for church members

The 4-week session will begin on November 17, will skip the week of Thanksgiving, and then continue on December 1, 8, and 15.

and restoring emotional balance.

depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction.

health, vitality and outlook on life.

You may register through the church office or through Samaritan. To register or for more info:

Samaritan Counseling Center 706-369-7911, First Baptist Church 706-548-1359, Michelle@samaritannega.org.

Friendship Class Offers Advent StudyDietrich Bonhoeffer’s God Is in the Manger

Sessions Led by Frank Granger

The Friendship Sunday School class will be offering an Advent series using the book entitled God Is in the Manger: Reflections on Advent and Christmas. This is a daily reading piece that contains the writings and reflections of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. There are daily scripture readings accompanied with a selection from Bonhoeffer’s works, then a specific Advent or Christmas excerpt from his letters or other writings located in the time of being in prison. Class meets on Sunday mornings at 9:45 a.m. in room S-304 on the third floor. Guests are welcome. If you are interested in purchasing a book, please contact Frank Granger.

Advent Devotional GuideAvailable for Advent

The Discipleship Team is finishing up the Advent Guide for 2011. Copies will be available as Advent begins on Sunday, November 27.

Sunday School Teacher Breakfast

Sunday morning, November 6

8:30-9:30 a.m.

We will be hosting a breakfast for all Sunday School teachers on Sunday morning, November 6 in the Fellowship Hall.

(Teachers, remember to RSVP if you have not already done so).

First Baptist News(USPS 193-040)First Baptist Church355 Pulaski StreetAthens, Georgia 30601-2860

MINISTERS Paul A. Baxley Frank Granger Randy Brittain Senior Minister Minister of Education Minister of Music

Anne Brittain Hannah Coe Jon Appleton Organist/Music Associate Minister of Youth Pastor Emeritus

Periodicals

POSTAGE PAID

Athens, GA 30601

FIRST BAPTIST NEWS (USPS 193-040) is published monthly at no charge by First Baptist Church, 355 Pulaski St., Athens, GA 30601-2860. Periodicals postage paid at Athens, GA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to FIRST BAPTIST NEWS, 355 Pulaski St., Athens, GA 30601-2860.

706-548-1359 www.firstbaptistathens.org

Worshipping Together

OUR CHURCH ON MISSION

Sundays at 11:00 a.m. - Sanctuary

Our Daily Bread Soup KitchenThe Callaway-Wilcox Class to serve on November 10.

Athens Area Emergency Food Bank The Karen Class to serve on November 8/9 and 22/23.

The Food Bank desperately needs “pop-top” cans for the homeless. Any kind of pop-top food that can be opened without a can opener and eaten directly from the can would be much appreciated. Please bring your donations to the Missions Room.

Interfaith Hospitality Network

Sunday, November 6 at 6:00 p.m. in Rooms E108-109. A light dinner will be served. Please sign up on the IHN Board in the main hallway if you are interested. Questions? Please call Sherri Divers at 706-543-0607.

Sunday, November 13 - Sunday, November 20 Volunteers please sign up on the IHN Board in the hallway.

Second Annual Sisters on a Mission Event(Members of both FBC and Ebenezer)

Tuesday, November 15, 6:00 p.m., Fellowship HallRSVP to the church office by Friday, November 11

We will be collecting items and assembling personal hygiene kits for patients of the Athens Nurses’ Clinic.

Items needed are:Washcloth, soap, toothbrush (4 oz.), toothpaste (4 oz.),

deodorant (2 oz.), shampoo (16 oz.), conditioner (16 oz.), hand/body lotion (10 oz.), razor/shaving cream

Dinner will be served and a nursery will be provided. When you RSVP, please let the church office know how many children you will be bringing.

Donations are welcomed. Make checks to “First Baptist Church” designated for Sisters on a Mission.

Bins are in the church for collecting items.

LUNCHEON FOR THOSEINTERESTED IN MISSIONS

All church members, men and women, who are interested in missions are invited to a covered dish salad luncheon on Tuesday, November 15, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the church Fellowship Hall. Joe and Jeanie Benfield, who served as missionaries for about 30 years (20 years as Music Coordinator for the Baptist Convention in Uruguay and 10 years as volunteer workers in Thailand) will be with us. Lunch will begin at 12 noon. This luncheon is sponsored by the Adults in Mission Board and circles. Visitors are welcome to bring a salad and join us.

Sunday, November 6, 2011ALL SAINTS SUNDAY

Twenty-First Sunday After PentecostSermon: About Those Who Have Died

Texts: Revelation 7:9-17, I Thessalonians 4:13-18

Sunday, November 13, 2011Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost

Sermon: Last Things: What We Know and What We DoTexts: I Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:1-13

Sunday, November 20, 2011Christ the King Sunday

Twenty-Third Sunday After PentecostSermon: Seeing Christ: Now and Then!

Texts: Psalm 95:1-7, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46

Sunday, November 27, 2011The First Sunday of Advent

Sermon: Where Advent BeginsTexts: Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, Mark 13:24-37