fi rst bapti st church greensboro

DECEMBER 2014 // www.fb cgso.org // 336.274.3286

The Longest Night…The Brightest Day

Arti st: Ric Daly

One Lighted Window

Emphasizing worship, spiritual development, fellowship, and ministry to our city and our world.

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DecemberDecember20142014

Kelly Stephens, Managing EditorCommunications Directorkelly@fbcgso.org / x223

Gloria Koster, Design ManagerAdministrative Assistant: Learning

gloria@fbcgso.org / x288Steve Sumerel, Supervising EditorAssociate Pastor: Adult Learning

steves@fbcgso.org / x233Teresa Allen, Media Library Director

teresaa@fbcgso.org / x229Ginny Carpenter, Weekday School Director

ginny@fbcgso.org / x240Steve Cothran, Associate Pastor: Students and

Family Life / stevec@fbcgso.org / x235Dolores Donahue, Administrative Assistant:

Finance / dolores@fbcgso.org / x226Ashley Gill Harrington, Interim Minister for Children

and Families / ashley@fbcgso.org / x241Jessica Hartman, Pastoral Administrator

jessica@fbcgso.org / x231Jane Anne Hayber, Administrative Assistant:

Music and Worship / janeanne@fbcgso.org / x239Marty Kellam, Food Services Director

marty@fbcgso.org / x245Rosemary Kellam, Operations Director

rosemary@fbcgso.org / x225Kate Kitchen, Homebound Ministry Director

katek@fbcgso.org / 202-5757Scott North, Church Administrator

scott@fbcgso.org / x222Steve Pressley, Associate Pastor

stevep@fbcgso.org / x231Kim Priddy, Associate Pastor: Missions

kim@fbcgso.org / x295Alan Sherouse, Senior Pastor

pastor@fbcgso.org / x231Marion Smith, Facilities Supervisor, x243

Doug Vancil, Associate Pastor: Music and Worshipdoug@fbcgso.org / x237

Terri Vancil, Assistant Pastor: Music and Worship

terri@fbcgso.org / x238

www.fbcgso.org | 336.274.32861000 West Friendly Avenue

Greensboro, NC 27401

January Connections Deadline: December 15Email news to kelly@fbcgso.org or bring it to the church offi ce.

3 Insight

4-5 Advent 2014

6 Connect with Giving –December Special Offering – CBF Global Missions –Christmas Eve Offering –Greensboro Urban Ministry Holiday Honor Cards

Connect & Read –New Books in the Main Library

7 Connect with Adults –Drinking from the Wells of God’s Good Grace –Scripture and Stage Invites Others to Participate in “Celebrate Life” Class –First Care Team Update

8 Connect with Missions –WE! Shelter Ministry: An Opportunity for Everyone –Bell Ringers Are Needed! –Shalom!

9 Connect with Business –November Church Conference –October 2014 Financial Update –FBC 2015 Budget Presentation

10 Connect with One Another

11 December Calendar

12 Connect with Youth & College –Youth Christmas Party –Winter Ski Retreat –College Birthdays

December 2014 | 3

BY ALAN SHEROUSE

Walking in Darkness

The prophet Isaiah – whom we might call the prophet of Advent – knew the light of God’s presence. But he also knew darkness. One of the

reasons Isaiah speaks so deeply to us in the Advent season is because we know both of those things, too.

In Isaiah 9, the prophet describes the righteous reign of the coming king visiting “people who have walked in darkness.”

That’s us. We have known not only the light of God’s presence, but also the dimness when God appears to be absent. We have walked through it and lived through it. We have fumbled about in the dark, trying to fi nd the light switch. And we have cried out with the prophet, “God, why don’t you open the heaven and come down?” (Isaiah 64:1).

Our instinct when we fi nd ourselves in the midst of such darkness is to search for the light. We can’t fi nd it quickly enough. In some ways, we’re all still afraid of the dark.

Barbara Brown Taylor, the noted author and preacher that many of us enjoy and appreciate, has urged another approach. In her recent book, Learning to Walk in the Dark, Taylor offers a spirituality of the dark, asking, “Doesn’t God work in the nighttime as well?” After all, it was God who created day and night (light and dark) and

declared the whole of it “good.” Night can give us courage. It can help us see the world in new ways. It can offer us quiet space for refl ection on things unseen and uncertain. As Taylor reminds, “Often, it is while we are in the dark that we grow the most.”

This is the origin of our Advent theme, “The Longest Night.” While everything around us rushes toward the light of Christmas, we will take the time and space to remember the nighttime of Advent. Instead of being preoccupied with fl ipping the switch and turning the

lights on, we’re taking time through worship, community and service to come to know the God who is present and working in the night as well. Multiple opportunities for involvement are found on the following pages, and we hope you and yours will plan to be a part of this Advent season, “The Longest Night.”

Faith is a long night, especially for those of us waiting and anticipating the hope of the coming Christ. At times this waiting is, as St. John of the Cross has written, a “dark night of the soul.” It’s like “whistling in the dark,” Frederick Buechner

describes. Or, as the prophet Isaiah described before any of the rest, it’s like “walking in the darkness.” Once you’ve walked through the darkness, you know how much light can mean. So this Advent we echo Isaiah’s hope and faith, and anticipate the coming Christmas:

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;

those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. (Isaiah 9:2)

Commitment Season

November was Commitment Season at First Baptist, as we all considered our commitments of time, talent and resources to the ministry of our church in the year ahead, as we seek to be

an Open Church that is open and responsive to the Spirit of God in our midst.

Thanks to ALL who have completed Commitment Cards, which will help us to plan our ministries in the coming year. If you have not yet completed your Commitment Card, please fi nd one on informational tables at the church, or complete the online Commitment Card found on our homepage.

4 | Connections

One Lighted Window by Ric Daly

ADVENT 2014The Longest Night…The Brightest Day

King of justice, true Lord of light,Hope that shines in the world’s darkest night,

Seize our hearts, reign within, cast out fear, cast out sin,Help us walk by your love and might.

Peace and righteousness now embrace,-Lovingkindness and truth, face to face-

Heaven’s high, looking down, Bethlehem, little town,Where is born Jesus, Lord of grace.

Glory be to our God on High, Through His Son our salvation is nigh,

By His Spirit we live, we rejoice, we forgive,For our faults did this Christ-child die.

Now He reigns, this the Living Word!By true faith, hope and love -not the sword-

Shall we know and be known,One day kneel at His throne, with all voices in one accord.

Alleluia, Christ is come, King of justice, true Lord of light!

The Advent song for 2014 was composed by Margaret Petty for First Baptist Church. A verse was written specifi cally for each Sunday of Advent.

It begins with Scripture, reading daily, to ponder the life-giving, eternal message thoughtfully, prayerfully. A text takes shape, then, a melody, and fi nally, harmony and instruments, musical elements to carry the words into time and space.

To be honest, we must recognize: all the creative efforts in the world are not enough to give God the honor He is due. The Father who reigns in the heavens, because of His boundless love, sent His only Son, Jesus, to save us from our sins. For that reason alone... But He also gives us the Spirit of Christ, to take residence in us, patiently transforming our lives by the brightness of His light: eternal hope, peace, joy, love.

Why would the Lord accept my feeble human efforts? But gracious God that He is, not only does He welcome our sacrifi ces of praise, He rejoices over us, with singing! In this season of Advent anticipation, may it be in our hearts, as it is in heaven: Soli Deo Gloria!

How to Write an Advent Hymn by Margaret Petty

King of JusticeMargaret Petty, Advent Song 2014

Advent Devotion Guide

Our very own devotion guide is ready and available to you. It contains over 20 devotions written by FBC members and mission partners.

In addition, member produced art, photos, and refl ections can be found throughout the book. The Longest Night…The Brightest Day Devotion Guide is available to pick up at the church in the Education Offi ce and will also be available online beginning November 30, the fi rst Sunday of Advent. Each week provides fi ve devotions: Day One focuses on weekly theme as it is refl ected in a work of art. Day Two focuses on the week’s biblical passage. Day Three provides a devotional thought that centers on a key events of the Christmas story. Day Four provides a personal Christmas story or refl ection. Day Five is a personal experience that brings to life the “Longest Night…Brightest Day” theme. We hope you and your family will use this devotion guide and set aside time, along your church community, as we share in this churchwide time of refl ection during Advent.

3rd Sunday of Advent JOY |december 14Worship will be led by our children and preschoolers.

Caroling to the Homebound | 3 - 5 pmWe will start out in the Atrium and each caroling group will determine their carpool needs and head out with song sheet and food bag in hand!

Open House at the Sherouse Home|following Caroling, 204 Isabel Street

Wednesday, December 17Bake-Off | 5 pm, 108Announcing the 1st annual FBC Bake-Off! Compete in any of three categories: Cookies, Cupcakes and Cakes, or Brownies and Bars. Ten entries per category. Sign-up online: www.fbcgso.org

Carol Sing with Orchestra | 6:30 pm

Saturday, December 20Blessing of the Family | 5 pmFor FBC Families with Preschoolers and Weekday School Families. A special evening of dinner, activities, and visiting the Holy Family at the manger as we ask for God’s blessing on young families.

4th Sunday of Advent LOVE |december 21Our combined choirs will lead a service of lessons and carols emphasizing the Love of Christ.

Longest Night Service | 5 pmRev. Monica Hix will be preacher.

december 24 | Christmas EveCarols and Communion by Candlelight – 5 pm

january 4College Day at Christmas Epiphany Service | 7 pmJoin us for this service of renewal.

December 2014 | 5

1st Sunday of Advent HOPE |november 30We will be reminded this day that the month-long journey to the manger will require time, patience, seeking, listening, following, and anticipation. The celebration comes at the end!

Friday, December 5Festival of Lights | Youth Bell Choirs 6 - 7:30 pmCome downtown to the 300 block of South Elm Street to hear our youth bell choirs play for the Greensboro community.

2nd Sunday of Advent PEACE |december 7Our youth will lead us in worship. We will hear their unique perspective through music, witness, and scripture of the Peace that Christ brings. We will share communion, served by our High School Senior class of 2015.

Advent Workshop | 12 noon, 108An Advent Workshop with lunch and Advent learning stations for children and families will follow worship. $5/person and $20 max per family.

NC A & T University Choir Concert | 4 pm, SanctuaryFBC is hosting the A & T University Choir. The community is invited to attend.

Connect with Advent

FBC Chapel | 8:30 amNovember 30, December 7, 14, 21A time of contemplation, stillness, and meditation that will allow us to draw close to others and God during Advent.

Morning Meditation

during Sundays in

Advent

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Connect & ReadNew Books in the Main Library• Angels Walking by Karen Kingsbury• Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for

Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown• Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers• The Daniel Plan Cookbook: Healthy Eating for Life

by Rick Warren, et al• Distortion by Terri Blackstock• Edge of Eternity (Book 3 of the Century Trilogy) by Ken Follett• The Long Way Home by Louise Penny• All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr• The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg• Yankee Doodle Dixie by Lisa Patton• The Hurricane Sisters by Dorothea Benton Frank• The World’s Strongest Librarian by Josh Hanagarne• Somewhere Safe With Somebody Good by Jan Karon• The Inn at Rose Harbor by Debbie Macomber

• Rose Harbor in Bloom by Debbie Macomber• Whistlin’ Dixie in a Nor’easter by Lisa Patton• The Boomer Burden by Julie Hall• Dirty Little Secrets of World War II: Military Information

No One Told You About the Greatest, Most Terrible War in History* by James F. Dunnigan and Albert A. Nofi

• To Life! A Celebration of Jewish Being and Thinking* by Harold S. Kushner

• 800 Days on the Easter Front: A Russian Soldier Remembers World War II* by Nikolai Litvin

• One, by One, by One: Facing the Holocaust* by Judith Miller

• Turning the Tide of War: 50 Battles that Changed the Course of Modern History* by Tim Newark

• Stalin’s Folly: The Tragic First Ten Days of World War II on the Eastern Front* by Konstantine Pleshakov

*= Gift Books

December’s Special Offering: CBF GLOBAL MISSIONS

We Baptists have a long history of giving a gift for world missions in honor of Jesus’ birth. Many of us grew up giving through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for Foreign Missions. In many parts of the world believers call it their “Birthday Gift for Jesus”. In December we will give our special offering for

Global Missions which supports CBF fi eld personnel (missionaries) such as Ralph and Tammy Stocks who serve in Romania. Jesus told his followers to “go forth and make all nations my disciples, baptizing people everywhere…and teach them.” (Matt 28:18-20 NEB) God has called some people to leave home and family to take the gospel into all the world, but God has called the rest of us to pray for them and to give so that they can serve where God has called them. Would you pray about the gift you and your family will give this December to take the Gospel around the world.

Connect with Giving

Give Greensboro Urban Ministry Holiday Honor Cards for Christmas

The Honor Card is a marvelous way to recognize a friend, family member, client or employee, while at the same time giving a meaningful gift to someone in need. Your minimum donation of

$5 per card allows you to show your support for the community while acknowledging others during the holidays. What better way to show you care during the holiday season than to show your support of the community? What greater gift than to help those in need? Cards are available for purchase in the church offi ce. Make checks payable to: Greensboro Urban Ministry.

Christmas Eve Offering

Our Christmas Eve Offering this year is traveling overseas! This past spring we sent our youth and chaperones to sing and serve in Romania. Many of our youth

described this missions trip as life changing. We have the opportunity to change lives in Romania through our Christmas Eve offering by providing monies to help at Project Ruth and purchase transportation for Alex Ghitsa. Alex, who visited us with the Stocks in October, serves as the Pastor of the Baptist Church in Stoborasti along with three additional mission churches and helps with Project Ruth. He is in desperate need of his own transportation to help him serve the people in his area. The Christmas Eve offering will help support the ministry of our missionary friends in Romania.

December 2014 | 7

Connect with Adults

Scripture and Stage Invites Others to Participate in “Celebrate Life” Class

The Scripture and Stage Sunday School Class will be providing the narration for the upcoming “Celebrate Life!” presentation on Sunday evening, March 1, 2015.

We invite those who are interested in participating in the narration to join Scripture and Stage during the Sunday School time from December through March as we prepare. All preparation will take place during the Sunday School time; minimal time will be needed beyond class time.Participants should plan to: • Attend most of the Scripture and Stage Sunday

School classes from December through March• Be familiar with and/or memorize much

of the narration • Bring their creativity and enthusiasmQuestions/Information:Alan Tutterow, Scripture & Stage classatutterow@well-spring.org | 545-5418

Over the past few weeks, our church has focused on what it means to be committed – to each other, to our community, to God. And

over the course of the Old Testament, we are told the story of God’s commitment to the people of Israel, a story told by many voices. One such voice heard at the beginning of Deuteronomy foretells the splendor of the Promised Land to which God is leading the people. It is “a land with large, fl ourishing cities you did not build, houses fi lled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant…” (Deut. 6:11). And over the past few weeks here at FBC Greensboro, I have been drinking from wells I did not dig. When Alan and I fi rst started imagining what my internship experience here would look like, we agreed that one place I could fi t well would be in the homebound ministry. With visits organized by Kate Kitchen, I have been able to visit some of our most experienced members of the church, learning from a man 80 years my senior (D.B. Cobb) to “live and let live,” admiring a retired newspaper writer (Martha Long) who still keeps an eye on her beloved city of Greensboro, and being

(FBC’s homebound) have allowed me to drink deeply

from the wells that they have spent a lifetime digging.

offered the generous treat of listening to a music box fashioned in 1886 (Charlie and Kathryn Hewitt). All these individuals have received me into their homes, welcomed me into the church they helped build, and allowed me to drink deeply from the wells that they have spent a lifetime digging. I’m grateful for

these people, these saints who have gone before, who have carried on the tradition of commitment to their faith, to this church, to ensuring a future in ministry for people listening to the call of God. May we be as committed to God’s continued work as they have been. So as we are refl ecting on what it means to be committed, let’s also remember to be committed still to those

who have been committed to us, even before we were here. Let’s remember to be committed to our homebound members who have committed themselves to the dream of a church fi lled with all kinds of good things. A church that reaches out to a fl ourishing

city in need of a drink of water from the wells of God’s good grace. And as my fi rst semester wraps up at 1000 W. Friendly Avenue, I’m left with a feeling of genuine gratitude for the blessings poured out by this church into my life. I’m grateful for these wells I did not dig, for the sweet water of God’s grace, and for the opportunity to share it with others.

Drinking from the Wells of God’s Good Grace by Patrick Cardwell, Pastoral Intern

First Care Team Update

First Care is a team that contacts members who have been recently dismissed from

the hospital by providing a follow-up ministry through a phone call or a card. Serving on the team is rewarding and only requires about an hour per month. If you would like to become a member of the First Care Team, contact Norma Tutterow at 299-2930. Norma is serving as the new team coordinator of First C.A.R.E. Our heartfelt thanks go to Phyllis and Mack Conway for their many years of excellent leadership of this team.

8 | Connections

Connect with Missions

WE! Shelter Ministry: An Opportunity for Everyone“The longest night.”

For homeless women in our community, those words are not a focal point for Advent, but something they experience every night. With nowhere to stay, the nights are long. Our church stepped forward six

years ago to provide shelter and food for women, and once again we have the opportunity to work with the YWCA and other congregations to support the Winter Emergency! (WE!) Shelter for Women. This year the shelter will host approximately 18 women, and there is an opportunity for everyone to be involved to provide warmth, rest and companionship to our homeless neighbors. You may wonder why our congregation has committed to this ministry. First and foremost, it’s an opportunity to follow Christ’s command to feed the hungry and provide shelter to those in need. In addition, it is a way for us to be involved in our community’s effort to provide a safety net for our fellow neighbors. Pray about how you and your family can support the shelter. Singles, couples, youth, and even children – there’s an opportunity for everyone. We need to fi ll approximately 130 volunteer slots each month (December through March) to provide food and shelter for our guests. Won’t you answer the call to be involved – just see how you can bless and be blessed through this ministry!

Bell Ringers Are Needed!Grab your family or a friend join

us for ringing the Salvation Army Bell at Belk (entrance facing Harper’s restaurant) at Friendly Shopping Center.

Shifts Needed: Volunteer bell ringers are needed on December 18 and 19 from 10 am - 8 pm in two hour shifts.

Online Sign-up:bit.ly/fbc-SAbellringers

Shalom!by Kim Priddy

Peace is not something that we often feel or experience amidst the Christmas Season

but it is my prayer for you and your family this year. Lately I have found myself refl ecting on my childhood during Christmas and comparing it to my adulthood Christmas seasons. Although the Season of Advent felt like eternity and Christmas Eve felt even longer as a child, I remember being more at peace and present in the moment. As a child I can remember the joy, anticipation, smells, decorations, and celebrations that surrounded Christmas and now I seem to rush through the season—there is shopping to do, Christmas cards to write, wrapping presents, Christmas cards to mail, and going to Christmas gatherings—oh—and do not forget the tree! So this season I am going to challenge myself and anyone else to take a deep breath and fi nd peace and presence this Christmas. I pray for keen awareness to the smells, sights, sounds, and feelings of Christmas. Merry Christmas!

WE! Shelter Volunteer OpportunitiesFBC is responsible for Sunday, Tuesday & Friday nights from December thru March 31:

Check-in/Greeter (2/night): Open the shelter and welcome each resident (5:30-7:30 pm)

Hospitality Volunteers (2/night): Greet residents and assist with various needs (5:30-9:30 pm)

Dinner Hosts (2-3/night): Prepare dinner off site, deliver and serve dinner for 25-30 (arrive 6:15 pm)

Lunch Bags (up to 20/night): Prepare a picnic-style lunch bag for (deliver by 8 pm on Tuesday, Friday or Sunday night)

Shelter Location: 1807 E. Wendover Avenue (east of Hwy 29 before English Street)

Training for volunteers is available.

See the FBC website for additional information. Click on WE! Shelter and use the SignUp Genus hot buttons to sign up to serve.

Contact Catherine Little (856-0623 or CatherineScottLittle@gmail.com) or Geneva Metzger (288-1877 or geveva.metzger@outlook.com) for further information.

December 2014 | 9

November Church ConferenceThe monthly Church Conference took place on Sunday afternoon, November 9, 2014 in the Fellowship Hall. Church Moderator, Hazel Fisher presided. The following actions were taken–

Pat Wilson, Missions Committee Chair made the following motions:

• Motion 1 – On behalf of the Missions Committee, the Finance Committee and the Deacons, I move that an expenditure of $3,500 be approved to purchase technology for Bessemer Elementary School, monies to come from the Great Commission Fund. Items to be included are laptops, camera and LCD projector.

• Motion 2 – On behalf of the Missions Committee, the Finance Committee and the Deacons, I move that an expenditure of $4,000 be approved to assist in general operating expenses for the Zimbabwe Theological Seminary, monies to come from the Great Commission Fund.

Connect with Business

Financial UpdateThe October fi nancial summary is below.

Receipts & Distributions YTD Budget Last YearYTD Budget Receipts $ 1,300,068 $ 1,398,178 $ 1,278,122YTD Budget Disbursements $ 1,481,909 $ 1,482,049 $ 1,469,507YTD Budget Defi cit $ (181,841) $ (83,871) $ (191,385)

FBC 2015 Budget Presentation

The proposed budget was approved by the Finance Committee and the Diaconate at their November meetings. The summary presentation below indicates that a small change in the Mission Committee budget will be made prior to the congregational vote on December 14, 2014.

A signifi cant change in presentation is that the budget shows total cash coming in and total cash going out rather than just showing the net expenditures as we have done in prior years. The reason for the change is to provide greater understanding in how the church fi nances operate to support the ministry of the church. The Revenue section shows tithes and offerings, ministry activity income, and net asset reserves releases. In addition to tithes and offerings, the church receives activity fees, mission trip payments, facilities use and parking fees, and other income. This other income has been labeled “Ministry Activity Income” in the proposed budget. In addition, the church receives regular undesignated memorial gifts and bequests and temporarily restricted donations that are deposited into reserve accounts. For 2015, the church plans to use $140,030 of reserve funds as follows:

• $90,000 to fund major repair/capital improvements items from undesignated bequests.

• $9,500 to fund WE! Shelter expenses ($4,000), and Grace Community Fellowship meals ($5,500) from mission reserve accounts.

• $40,530 to fund the expanded missions program pastoral compensation from the Gawthrop reserve account.

Detailed budget information was made available at the November church conference, is available at the church, and will be communicated by email and will be available on the church website. Questions can be directed to Larry Putnam, Finance Committee chair, Scott North, Church Administrator, or any member of the fi nance committee.

Sunday, December 14–Community Lunch followed by Church Conference12 noon, Fellowship Hall. No reservations are required. $6/person – $20/family max.

10 | Connections

Connect with One Another

1. Jennie Counts, Lucy King, Millie Power, Ethan Schneider, Vivian Schneider, Cynthia Stone

2. Beth Absher, Robyn Cothran, Ann Leonard, Mary Rakestraw, Betty Stockton, Ann Vaden

3. Holden Biffl e, Jerri Edwards, Scott Lyle

4. Todd Garcia 5. Andrew Marsh 6. Blanche Hodge, Ryan Powell,

Kathy Simmons 7. Nancy Gee 8. Dot Melton, Autumn Rainey,

Ann Teague, Anthony Webb, Gayle Wiley

9. Sandra Canipe, Don Cunningham, Jim Fogleman, Steven Key

10. David Garrett, Timothy Newman, Nelle Wimbs

11. Lee Blakely, Casey Cranford, Marietta Mobley

12. Ray Anderson, Andrea Harrell, Ginny Young

13. Morgan Hall 14. Sue Bias, Betsy McLean,

Coolidge Porterfi eld, Ruth Ward,Holly Messick, McKenna Stutts,

December BirthdaysResponding to the Invitation

Molly SuggsBorn October 22

Parents: Scott & Sarah SuggsFBC Grandparents:

John and Susan Suggs

Jack Noland Putnam Born October 22

Parents: Larry & Heather Putnam

FBC Grandparents: Larry and Carol Putnam

Anna McLeod(on November 2) By Statement

Ben Woody(on November 2) By Statement

Bereaved• Larry Canter in the loss of his brother, Clyde Canter, on October 18• Dan Kennedy in the loss of his mother, Irene Kennedy, on October 26• Jeff Duckworth in the loss of his mother, Kay Duckworth, on October 31• Martha Hicks in the loss of her uncle, John Patterson, on November 3• Doris Edmonds in the loss of her son, Chris Edmonds, on November 7• Neal Persinger in the loss of her father, Don Phillips, on November 7• Gina Waters in the loss of her cousin, Nick Hardgrove, on November 13• Joyce English in the loss of her sister, Colleen Orndorf, on November 14

15. Tobie Pierce, Joshua Sumner 16. Beverly Broach, Raleigh

Cothran, Margaret Wilson 17. Kate Stephens 18. Shirley Headspeth, Lois

Hutchison, Ty Lindsay 19. Emerson Culbreth 20. Patrice Justafort, Dianne

Nickles, Hannah Porter 21. Clyde Collins, Erin Stephens 22. Lynn Donovan, Randi Harned,

Reid Hix 23. Ted Barlow, Agnes Moore,

Ann Powell, Elias Rainey, Tony Rider

24. Mary Apple, Catherine Pressley 25. Jack Cagle, Ed Parkerson,

Jeff Smith 26. Phillip Barbee, Melissa Sample,

Janelle Snider 27. No FBC Birthdays 28. Gladys Boroughs, Richard Hardy 29. Pamela Baggett, Luke Lynch,

Rick Schneider, Everett Sheffi eld30. Sylvia Ledford, Polly Norris,

KatyBeth Schmid31. Steve Cothran, Larry Pegram,

Rachel Shackelford, Wilson Vo

Amber Haith(on October 26) By Baptism

A loving church family is important to me and I had been looking for one where I can be a part of that body, yet my own unique servant leader.

After having jogged past FBC for years, I decided to sit in on a service. The scripture readings, hymns, and sermons of the fi rst handful of services I attended seemed almost tailored specifi cally to my life. So, I joined, because it’s where I feel like I have been called to be.

Emma Frances GooceyBorn October 27

Parents: Joshua & Rozanna Vancil Goocey

FBC Grandparents: Doug and Terri Vancil

Lucy Josephine CulbrethBorn November 1

FBC Parents: Chris & Autumn Culbreth

Eliana Quinn WatersBorn November 11

Parents: Josh & Erika WatersFBC Grandparents:

William & Gina Waters

Welcome New Babies!

December 2014 | 11

•Adults •All Ages •Children •Seniors •Weekday School •Worship •Youth

Regular Weekly Schedule

Sunday AM @FBC• Bible Study - 9:15 am• Worship - 10:30 am•Guest Reception - 11:45 am (209)

Sunday PM @FBC•Youth Handbells: Grades 6-12,

4 pm, Sanctuary/319-D•Youth Choir: Grades 6-12, 5 pm,

311•Children’s Handbells: Grades 4-5,

5 pm, 319-D•Youth Discipleship, 6:20 pm, 301•Adult Bells I, 6 pm•Sanctuary Choir, 7 pm, 311•Instrumental Ensemble

(3rd Sundays), 7 pm, Sanctuary

Wednesdays@FBC•Fellowship Meal - Dinner is served between 5-6:30 pm /

Reservations: Due Tuesday at 12 noon – 274.3286 or www.fbcgso.org/fellowshipmeal•Kids’ Access - 6 pm•Youth Forum - 6:15 pm•Adult Access Classes - 6:15 pm• Sanctuary Choir - 7:15 pm, 311December 3: Pecan Encrusted Tilapia, Baked Potato and Cole Slaw

Kids: Fish StixDecember 10: Grilled Chicken Breast Quarter, Au Gratin Potatoes and Broccoli Florets / Kids: Chicken TendersDecember 17: Country Style Steak, Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans / Kids: Mini BurgersNo December 24 & 31 meals

Fellowship Meal Menus

What’s happening @ FBC this

December•1 (Mon): PrimeTime. 108, 9 am - Lunch•2 (Tues): Widow’s Support Group. 209, 2 - 3:30 pm•2 (Tues): WMU Group 2. 102, 7 pm•5 (Fri): Festival of Lights. 6 - 7:30 pm•6, 13, 20, 27 (Sat): Shower Ministry. Gym, 3 - 5 pm•7 (Sun): Advent II | Peace. Worship led by FBC youth•7 (Sun): Advent Workshop. Featuring lunch and Advent learning stations for children and their families after Worship, 12 noon•7 (Sun): NC A & T University Choir. Sanctuary, 4 pm•9 (Tues): WMU Group 3. 102, 9:30 am•9 (Tues): WMU Group 4. Café, 10:30 am•14 (Sun): StepUp Ministry Clothing Collection. Atrium, 9 am•14 (Sun): Advent III | Joy. Worship led by FBC children/preschool•14 (Sun): Community Lunch followed by Church Conference.

Fellowship Hall, 12 noon•14 (Sun): Caroling to the Homebound. 3 - 5 pm & Open House at the Sherouse home•14 (Sun): Youth Christmas Party. 6 pm, (see back page)•16 (Tues): Widow’s Support Group. 209, 2 - 3:30 pm•17 (Wed): Bake-Off. 108, 5:00 pm•17 (Wed): Carol Sing with Orchestra. 6:30 pm•20 (Sat): Blessing of the Family. 108/Sanctuary, 5 pm•21 (Sun): Advent IV | Love. Lessons and Carols led by FBC Choirs•21 (Sun): Longest Night Service. Sanctuary, 5 pm•24 (Wed): Christmas Eve. Carols and Communion by Candlelight, Sanctuary, 5 pm•25 (Thur) & 26 (Fri): Church offi ces closed | Christmas holiday

There will be no Wednesday night activities on December 31.

First Baptist Church Greensboro1000 West Friendly AvenueGreensboro, NC 27401www.fbcgso.org

NON-PROFIT

ORGANIZATION

US POSTAGE PAID

GREENSBORO, NC

NO. 179

Connect with Youth & College

Youth Christmas Party

Our youth Christmas party will be at the home of Joshua and Jacob Knight: 1712 Forest Valley Road (315-5419).

• High Schoolers bring an appetizer

• Middle Schoolers bring a dessert

Sunday, December 146 - 8 pm

(Want to participate in our White Elephant gift exchange? Please bring a gift from home for less than $5.)

Winter Ski RetreatJanuary 23-25Snowshoe, WV

Cost: Approx. $185/personMake sure to include a lift ticket and skis on your Christmas list so you can join us for our annual Winter Ski Retreat! This is always a time for fellowship and fun in the great outdoors so don’t miss it. A $75 deposit reserves your spot so register online today.

College Birthdays:Robyn Cothran 12/2 | Flagler College Campus Box 234, 3300 Poinsett Hwy, PO 1027, St. Augustine, FL 32085-1027 RCothran725@fl agler.edu

Raleigh Cothran 12/16 | 4 Country Woods Court, Greensboro, NC 27410raleighguy@me.com

Erin Stephens 12/21 |P.O. Box #8535, 1834 Wake Forest Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27109 / erinstephens21@aol.com

Randi Harned 12/22 | 16 Snowgoose Cove, Greensboro, NC 27455 ormagirl@hotmail.com

Elias Rainey 12/23 | 1601 E. Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27411-0002

Susanna Trotter 12/28 | 109 Stadium Drive, Parker Form - Room 107, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 trotters@live.unc.edu