I hope you had a great Christmas with family and friends! 2013 is

upon us and we are going to start off the New Year

by going back to the basics. That’s the title of our January

preaching series – “The Basics.” For the four Sundays in January, we are going to talk about the basics of First Baptist Denton. Sometimes we need to be reminded what we are all about in a plain and

simple way. That’s what we will learn in this series. If you know of someone who is thinking about becoming part of First Denton, this would be a great series for them to hear. Invite them to come with you all four Sundays in January.

We have a unique opportunity for all hunters and fishermen on Saturday, February 23: our first ever Men’s Wild Game Dinner. It’s going to be a great night of eating some good food and some great fellowship, but most of all it’s an opportunity for you to invite your fishing and hunting buddies to come. Dr. Paige Patterson, who has hunted wild game all over the world, including the jungles of Africa, will be our speaker. No guy will want to miss this night and no guy will want to come alone so invite a friend and bring them with you.

In His Love, Jeff

First Look is for those who have recently joined First Denton and for those considering becoming members. The next “First Look” is Wednesday, February 6, at 6 pm in room S-111. Dinner will be served and our pastor will give you a “First Look” at First Baptist. You will be given the opportunity to join if you so desire. For more information or to RSVP, contact Judy Murphy at 940.382.2577, x150 or judym@firstdenton.org.

Bob Boydston ........................... January 2, 1993Maintenance Supervisor

Doug Giles ................................ January 1, 2012Minister of Missions

StaffAnniversaries

Page 2 FirstDenton.org

From the

Pastor’s What’s going on at

Heart First Denton

Our Wednesday Evening Bible Study starts again on Wednesday, January 16 led by the Pastor. We will complete our study of Genesis and begin Exodus this semester. If you are interested in a more in-depth study of God’s Word, this is the study for you. Join us for dinner at 5pm and then for the study beginning at 6pm every Wednesday night in Fellowship Hall.

There will be a deacon’s meeting on Tuesday, January 8 at 6:45 pm in Fellowship Hall. Dessert and coffee will be served.

Spent, A Biblically Based Look at Personal Finances Beginning February 10, this study led by Dr. Jim Markle, will take an in-depth look at personal and family finances from a Christian perspective. There is no charge for this class. We will meet for seven consecutive Sunday evenings at 5 pm.

WEBS

Deacon’s Meeting

Spent

Page 3BEACON

What’s going on atFirst Denton

Get Connected to LIFE– LIFE Groups help adults become fully-developing followers of Christ by providing small groups of adults with similar ages, interests, and/or family structures meeting for interactive Bible study, connected through fellowship, organized for care, involved in ministry service, and growing through accountability. LIFE Groups meet every Sunday at 8:15, 9:30, & 11am. Get plugged in to a LIFE Group at First Denton. Go to FirstDenton.org/lifegroups for a complete listing of LIFE Groups or email jeffd@firstdenton.org.LIFE Group Connection Sunday– Mark your calendar for LIFE Group Connection Day, Sunday, January 20. This is an event for anyone interested in getting connected to a LIFE Group. Come meet leaders, hear about new LIFE Groups and learn how to get connected to one. Join us for door prizes, fellowship, snacks and a LIFE Group connection for you!

Coats for Christ is a ministry of First Denton that helps collect coats to donate to the Salvation Army. The coats you donate are used to help keep the homeless of Denton warm. Right now you have the opportunity to show Christ to someone by helping them stay warm at night and throughout the winter. Your donations can be accepted at the “Coats for Christ” drop box in the main foyer or in the church office.

will be sold in the front foyer and by the library beginning Sunday, January 6. They will also be available throughout the week in the main office. You don’t want to miss a great meal and top notch entertainment.

The Valentine Banquet will be on Sunday, February 10 at 6 pm in Fellowship Hall. Dinner will be catered by Old House BBQ and Mark Klentzman will provide the entertainment. Tickets are $10 and

LIFE Groups

Coats For Christ

Valentine Banquet

Band of Brothers– Connecting men to God, His Word and other men for the purpose of winning, growing and training God’s men in Christ. Band of Brothers [1] meets each Wednesday night at 7pm in S-109 and [3] meets each Monday night at 7pm in the Conference Room. Come and join a group. For more information visit fbcdbandofbrothers.com.

There are exciting new opportunities for serving in Little City!• Family Door Greeters• Bulletin Board Designer• Spiritual Development team for

parents and preschool children• Resource Ministry Team to assess

families in need and create meal calendars

• Newborn Ministry Team• Kids Praise Drama Team• Teachers for Bible Discovery

Room at 11amContact Shirley Jones at 940.382.2577, x161 or shirleyj@firstdenton.org to learn more about how to become a team member.Kindergarten Connection– Starting in January, during the 11am teaching hour, we are expanding learning opportunities for our Kindergarteners. At 10:45am children will be combined in a central location for Bible Lab, followed by Kids Praise in the chapel. Children will learn the books of the Bible, how to locate several key books, names of the 12 disciples and why the Bible is such an important book. They will also learn how the Bible came to be. Parents’ Night Out– In 2013, we will be reducing the frequency of Parents’ Night Out. The next PNO will be February 8 from 6-10pm. Please register online or at the preschool desk no later than Sunday, February 3. Cost is $8 per child/$26 max.

Ministry to Men

Women’s Ministry

Adult 55+ MinistryPreschool Ministry

Dallas Baptist University is presenting “Fiddler on the Roof” at Mountain View College. We plan to go to the matinee on Friday, February 1 at 2pm.Our Southern Caribbean Cruise on April 6-14 is full. However, if you are interested, we will attempt to secure space for you.On March 17, we will celebrate all our couples that have been married 50 years or more. Please Note: Any couple that will reach 50 years of marriage in 2013 will be allowed to participate even if your anniversary is after March 17. Presently, we have 73 couples that are available. Hopefully you will help us contact every couple that is a member of FBCD, so they can join in the celebration!January is a great time to check your Will as an annual evaluation to be sure all your wishes have been expressed.

Spring Bible Study– Starts January 13Are you in a prayer rut? Has prayer gotten flat or off track as you transition through the seasons? Or is prayer just frustrating? Then join us for Sacred Echo as we walk with Margret Feinberg and reignite our prayer life. This is a 6 week study offered Sundays from 5-7pm, Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30pm or Wednesdays from 6-8pm all in South Hall.Does life need more meaning or purpose? Are you looking to know more about God’s character or who He really is? Join us for Holy Habits by Mimi Wilson on Sundays from 5-7pm in South Hall.Sign up for these studies by emailing the Women’s Ministry at wmvol@firstdenton.org. Please include the day of the week and name of the study in your email. Childcare for the studies is available by reservation; call Jerry Ann at 940.382.2577, x164 with your child’s name & age, your name & phone number and the day and name of the study.Lunch Bunch– Join us for new beginnings on January 8. Bring a new friend or chat with old, as we have lunch and welcome the New Year. RSVP to Jodean by January 2, at jodean.earney@verizon.net. Childcare available by reservation, call Jerry Ann at 940.382.2577, x164 with your child’s name & age, your name & phone number and the day and name of the event. Spirited Scrappers– January 18 & 19 is for those who want to leave a legacy through scrapbooking. Join our Spirited Scrappers group for a great time of fellowship, inspiring ideas, and preserving those precious memories. Friday, 6pm-midnight, and Saturday, 9am-6pm. Lunch is provided with reservation, email Deanna Blackmon at blackmond@verizon.net.For more details please visit FirstDenton.org/women

Elevate Kids Worship– Join us on Sunday, January 6, for our new unit: Ten Hut! During the eight weeks, we will learn how to keep in step with the life of Joshua from the Old Testament.Kids LIFE Groups– Join us as we begin the New Year together in Kids LIFE Groups on Sunday, January 6. Small group Bible study is the key to growing in the Lord for 2013.Preteen Extreme Weekend: R U Seeking Him? • Who’s Invited? This is a lock-in for Preteens

(currently in 3rd, 4th & 5th grades). • When & Where? We will have drop-off at the First Denton

Fellowship Hall at 10:45pm on Friday, February 22. We will shuttle over to Strikz Entertainment at 8789 Lebanon Rd. in Frisco by midnight. We will shuttle back to First Denton on Saturday, February 23 by 6:40am. Pick-up will follow until 7am in the Fellowship Hall.

• What to bring? All preteens will need to bring their Bible, a pen, a sleeping bag and a pillow (for those kids who wish to take a nap during the event).

• What to expect? Join us for a night of seeking Him! We will have two large group sessions, four small group breakouts, food

Kids Ministry

Page 4 FirstDenton.org

AdultMinistries

and plenty of Fun! Fun! Fun! During our sessions, expect to be challenged as we discover what the Bible says about how Christ followers are to act in a dark and sinful world.

• Cost & Deadlines? The cost is $50 per preteen. This payment will cover: unlimited attractions - bowling and laser tag, mostly unlimited games, 2 slices of pizza & a drink, and a T-shirt.

Please register online at FirstDenton.org/rush or bring your check in a P.E.W. Registration envelope (2nd floor communication rack), to the Kids Ministry Office by Sunday, February 17 to reserve your preteen’s spot. Don’t go so fast that you miss it!

Student Life for Kids Camp: Hide & SeekWho’s Invited? All current preteens in 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grades When & Where? July 10–13, 2013; Austin College, Sherman, TXWhat to expect? Come and join us for an incredible week of Hide & Seek! At Student Life for Kids camp, we will dive into the Word and study the glorious truths and the good news of the Kingdom of God. This year’s Camp Pastor will be Chris Kinsley. Taylor Anderson will lead worship along with the SL4K Band.Key Verse: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)Cost & Deadlines? $275**A non-refundable deposit of $75 is due ASAP. For an available spot, a deposit must be received either online after completing the registration screens or by using our Preteen Camp payment envelopes, which are located on the Kids Floor. Once your preteen’s deposit is received, your preteen will be set up on a monthly installment payment plan of $50 per month due January – April of 2013. Sonic cards will be available to sell to help your preteen pay their own way. However, they will only be available to sell, AFTER the initial deposit is submitted. Please register online at firstdenton.org/kids-summer or bring your check in a Preteen Camp registration envelope (2nd floor communication rack), to the Kids Ministry Office ASAP to reserve your preteen’s spot. Space is limited.

DNOW– This event will begin Friday, January 18 at 7 pm in the Youth Hall. We will eat dinner and then disperse to your host homes for Bible study and fun! DNOW will conclude on Sunday, January 20 at noon in the Youth Hall. Mark your calendars and don’t miss this amazing weekend. In order to play, you have to learn how to PAUSE.Hurricane Island is kicking off January 6 from 2-4 pm in the Youth Hall. What is this Hurricane Island, you ask? It was formerly known as House of Judgement. We have brand new scripts, sets and enthusiastic students participating in this First Denton Students Production. Even though we are changing the name, we are still seeking the same evangelistic goals: to bring people to Jesus. If you are looking for a great opportunity to serve with this ministry, adults and students alike, contact us at markc@firstdenton.org. Each year we have amazing cooks, set decorators, actors, counselors and hall monitors contributing to this outreach opportunity. Plan on being a part of this exciting new adventure in 2013!Spaghetti Cook-Off– Who cooks the best spaghetti at First Baptist Denton? If you think your spaghetti dish tops them all, then enter it in the annual Student Ministry Spaghetti Cook-off fundraiser Sunday, February 3. Our official judges will be taste testing and award the best dish. This is a great opportunity to eat some awesome food and raise money for our students to go on summer mission trips and to camps. Spaghetti lunch will be served following both worship services. The cost for lunch is a donation of your choice. If you would like to provide spaghetti, please contact us at laurac@firstdenton.org.Spring Garage Sale– The Student Ministry is preparing for a Spring Garage Sale fundraiser and would love to have your donations. We can arrange to pick up your items or you may bring them to us. We also have opportunities to assist with pricing, organization or set-up. If you have, or know of any available storage near the church that we could use for this event, please let us know. All proceeds go to a helping a student attend a mission trip or camp. We will be taking donations until April 3. For questions email Laura Collier at laurac@firstdenton.org.

Student Ministry

Page 5BEACON

GenerationalMinistries

For

Pret�Camp

*** Hide & S�k****** ***

Over the holiday season, we helped close to two thousand with our Elves Shelves/Blessing Tree program, provided food for hundreds, and gave away over two thousand tickets to our Christmas Celebration. So while we reached out to our community by providing many needs, we more importantly were able to tell the story of Jesus to them. Please be praying for salvation for all those who heard about Jesus during this time.Elves Shelves– A big thank you to everyone who shopped, cooked, set up, cleaned up, and gave of their time and money to Elves Shelves this year. We were able to help 1814 children have a Merry Christmas. This year we also were able to share the gospel with the parents/guardians as they waited their turn to shop. Please be in prayer that the seeds that have been planted will be fruitful!2013 Mission Trips– In 2013, there are mission trips planned for Panama City, Honduras, Ethiopia, Haiti, Key West, Alaska, Chicago, Jamaica, McAllen, Kenya, and India. Please visit FirstDenton.org/missiontrips to get details on all the trips and download an application.World Mission Offering Emphasis– In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells the disciples “you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” In 2013, First Denton is embarking on fulfilling this scripture by revamping our World Mission Offering to include a plan to reach others in Jerusalem (Denton), Judea (Texas), Samaria (North America), and the ends of the earth (International). Our giving goal to accomplish our plans for 2013 is $225,000. As of December 17, $36,000 has already been given to our 2013 goal. You can see a complete list of goals at FirstDenton.org/missionsgiving.

First Refuge Food Pantry– First Refuge Food Pantry has an opportunity for strong men and women that would like the opportunity to serve families in our community. Shipments of food arrive in Denton on the first Monday and third Tuesday of each month. Opportunities are available to pick up food and unload it at First Refuge. If you are interested in joining our Food Pantry Team, please contact Jodi Massey at 940.484.4384 or jodim@firstdenton.org.In November, the Food Pantry was able to serve 106 families, which consisted of 129 children, 200 adults, and 29 senior adults. We had 22 volunteers serve in November. The volunteers are getting to know the clients who are visiting the pantry on a regular basis. Our goal is to not only meet their physical needs with food, but to also feed them spiritually. If you would like the opportunity to help share the love of Christ with some wonderful people, please stop by the church office or First Refuge Ministry Center and fill out a volunteer application.

First Refuge Ministries is continuing to take volunteers as we expand the ministry. Those wanting to volunteer at First Refuge can get an application from the church office or from First Refuge. Those who want to give directly to the ministry can designate “First Refuge” on their offering. You can see more information about First Refuge Ministries at FirstDenton.org/ministrycenter.First Refuge Cancer Support Group– First Refuge Ministries has started Cancer Support Group ministry. If you are a cancer survivor, newly diagnosed, or in the middle of the storm, come and see what God has in store for you. This month we will meet on Tuesday, January 8 and Tuesday, January 22 at 6:30pm. The meetings are at First Refuge Ministry Building located at 1701 Broadway (Two blocks south of First Baptist Denton at corner of Malone and Broadway. For more information, contact Clint Blackmon at 469.222.4575 or clint@temsco.com. Spring First Refuge Recovery Support Groups:• Making Peace with Your Past Women’s Group• Making Peace with Your Past Men’s Group• Moving Beyond Your Past Support Group• Introduction to Celebrate Recovery and Facilitator TrainingPlease contact Shirley Jones at 940.382.2577, x161 for detailed information. Register at the tables outside worship center.

WMU Bible Study– On January 22, at 9:30 am, Nancy Pannell will be leading a Bible Study for the WMU at the First Refuge Center, 1701 Broadway. The group will also be touring the building and learning more about First Refuge Ministry programs. Denton Association of Christian Women– Ladies, are you interested in fellowshipping with other ladies from Denton area churches? You are invited to participate in the quarterly meeting of the Denton Association of Christian Women, on January 29 at First United Methodist, 200 South Locust. Fellowship begins at 9:30 am and the program starts at 10am. First Denton will be hosting the DACW in April.For more information, contact Rynell Novak, WMU Director, at 940.368.6672 or rsnovak27@gmail.com.First Refuge Ministries

WMU

Our next worship service will be January 5, at 3 pm in the Fellowship Hall. We welcome all families, friends, and caregivers affected by a disability to join us. Our worship service will last about an hour

followed by a time of fellowship and refreshments. Come join us at GPS and remember, there are no disabled souls! If you would like more information contact Jim Markle at jimm@firstdenton.org.

Special Needs Ministry

God’sPerfectSouls

GPSfirst denton’s special needs ministy

Page 6 FirstDenton.org

Additional

Mission

Ministries

News

Celebration Choir– Rehearsals for Celebration Choir will begin again Wednesday, January 16 at 6 pm in the Choir Room. If you are called to be a worship leader, this is a great time to come join the Celebration Choir of First Denton.Kids Choir Resumes– Kids Choir will begin Sunday, January 13 at 5 pm for Preschool (4 yrs) – 5th Grade. Does your child have an interest in singing? If so, they will love this opportunity to practice with other kids having the same passion for music while learning new techniques. Kids Choir meets throughout the school year, ending in the spring with a musical presentation. For more information, contact the Music Office.Sunday Media Ministry Opportunity– If you are interested in the Sunday Media Ministry, we have an opportunity for you to volunteer to run our sound board, Pro-Presenter, lights, and video. We will train you on all of our equipment, so you don’t have to be an expert to volunteer. If you are interested, please call the music office at 940.382.2577, x140 or e-mail Sandy Burke at sandyb@firstdenton.org.

Family Spring Break Ski Trip– The Family Spring Break Ski Trip to Winter Park, Colorado will be March 10-15, 2013. The cost for the trip is as follows: Adults $498; Students $474; Children $438. Cost includes transportation, lodging, ski rentals, and lift tickets. Lodging will be at Frasier Crossing and is ski-in/ski-out. The lodges have full kitchens, 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, and sleeps up to 6. Initial deposit of $200 per person is due by December 1. For questions, please contact Brad Cockrell at bradc@firstdenton.org.Family Fun Night with Christian comedian Tim HawkinsDate: Saturday, January 12, 2013Time: 4 pm and 7 pm showsCost: General admission - $20 advance purchase; $25 at the doorPremium admission (4 pm show only) - $30 advance purchase; $35 at the doorVIP– includes dinner with Tim at 6 pm and premium seating (7 pm show only) - $40 advance purchase onlyOnly general admission tickets may be purchased in the CLC. All premium and VIP tickets as well as general admission tickets can be purchased online. Go to FirstDenton.org/timhawkins to purchase tickets.

Music & Worship Ministry

Family MinistryOutdoors Ministry– If you are interested in hunting or fishing and have a passion for the outdoors, we are beginning a new ministry called “Outdoors.” Using the resources available through members of our church, we want to teach young people how to fish using public and private small lakes or ponds. We also want to teach young persons (of proper age or with parental supervision) as well as adults, the responsibilities of hunting, fishing and camping. We envision having youth fishing contests, Open Bass Tournaments, and hunting trips that will reach out to our community and give us a chance to share Jesus. If you are interested in helping get this ministry started, we would like to have the opportunity to meet with you. We will have a meeting in the Christian Life Center on Wednesday, January 23 at 6 pm. For more information you can contact James Thomason at 940.390.0101 or Brad Cockrell at 940.382.2577, x171. Hunting and Fishing ExpoOn February 23 at 6pm, we will be hosting our first annual Hunting and Fishing Expo in the Fellowship Hall. Outdoor vendors will have booths set up for you to view merchandise and demonstrate their products. A wild game and fish dinner will be served along with door prizes and giveaways. Start saving your wild game and bring it already cooked to share. Wild game can include, but is not limited to, fish, deer, elk, dove, quail, boar, squirrel, duck, turkey, etc. Our special guest speaker will be Paige Patterson, President of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Paige will be sharing about some of his big game hunts as well as presenting the gospel. The whole purpose behind the Hunting and Fishing Expo is to reach out to people within our church and our community who are hunters and fisherman and who have a love for the outdoors.

Recreation Ministry

Page 7BEACON

AdditionalMinistries

This Month’s Giving

Wednesday Menu

Alton & Kay Trull on the death of her father, Jack Brashear, grandfather of Tim Trull and Lora McCall, and great-grandfather of Dalton, Quinn, Rowan and Zara

Ray & Pam Leake on the death of her father, Hubert Ray; grandfather of Cody Leake

Jeanette & Nasser Eydani on the death of her brother, Jesse Lee Towers, Jr.

FIRST BAPTIST BEACON (USPS571400) is published monthly by First Baptist Church, 1100 Malone Street, Denton, Texas 76201-2799.

Periodical Postage Paid at Denton,Texas.

Following Christ: How to Become a Christian

Christian SympathyLIFE Group Average Attendance December 2012Adult ..................................................................264 Adults 55+ ......................................................... 237Single Adults..........................................................2College .............................................................. 96International .......................................................... 5Youth ................................................................. 148Kids ................................................................... 139Preschool ..........................................................158Other ................................................................... 39TOTAL (Average) ............................................. 1086

Budget & Designated Funds*Annual Budget.......................................$3,400,000Budget Received This Month....................433,530 Budget Needed, YTD................................3,400,000 Budget Received, YTD...........................3,658,309Building Fund, Total....................................682,632Over/Under Budget.....................................258,309

World Missions*Annie Armstrong .......................................... 13,257 Lottie Moon ..................................................14,500Mary Hill Davis ...............................................5,718World Hunger ................................................. 2,369TOTAL World Missions, YTD.......................35,844*Final year end numbers not available at time of print

Homebound Report: November 2012Visits: 93 • Cards/calls: 59

Magazines: 34 • CD’s/DVD’s: 8 • Favors: 21

Jan. 16 – Chicken strips, mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies & rolls

Jan. 23 – Lasagna, green beans, garlic bread & pizza for the kids

Jan. 30 – Hamburgers, hot dogs & fries

All items for our Wednesday evening meals are available on a first come, first serve basis.Prices: Age 0-3, Free Age 4-12, $2

Age 13-up $4

We joyfully share this information with you in anticipation of meeting you personally. Whether you are new to the community or have been here awhile, we have a place for you. But even more importantly, God has a place for you and wants to change your life! If you want to accept Christ as your Savior and have certainty of eternal life, then pray this prayer from your heart:“Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and have displeased You in many ways. I believe You died for my sin and only through faith in Your death and resurrection can I be forgiven. I want to turn from my sin and ask you to come into my life as my Savior and Lord. From this day on, I will follow You by living a life that pleases You. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for saving me. Amen.”After you have received Jesus Christ into your life, tell a Christian friend about the important decision you have made. Follow Christ in believer’s baptism and church membership. Grow in faith and enjoy new friends in Christ by becoming part of His church and attending the Bible study class the church has just for you. You’ll find others who will love and support you.

Dr. Jeff Williams, Senior Pastor...........................150 Jeff Dooley, Senior Associate Pastor .................111Keith McGee, Minister of Music/Worship.............141 Jim Markle, Minister of Business Admin.............. 121 Brad Cockrell, Associate Pastor......................171 Cliff Feeler, Minister to Adults 55+......................155 Chris Barfield, Minister to Kids ..........................131 Shirley Jones, Min. of Preschool Education.......161 Mark Caswell, Minister to Students ................ 191 Austin Wadlow,University Minister.................... 181 Todd Spurgin, Facilities Manager........................127Lisa Lee, Senior Accountant...............................120 Judy Murphy, Pastoral Ministry Asst...................150 Brad Hill, Communications Director......................112Doug Giles, Missions Minister ...... 940.484.4384 Maegan Woodard, CDC Director ...................... 167

Denton, TX • 940.382.2577 • FirstDenton.org

Sunday Schedule8:15 am.............................Adults 55+ LIFE Groups9:30 am...........................LIFE Groups and Worship 11:00 am.........................LIFE Groups and Worship

FBCD Staff

First Baptist Church

Congratulations!

Allan & April Kuykendall on the birth of their daughter, Gentry Paige Kuykendall and to grandparents Jim & Sue Kuykendall, Truitt Leake and Sharon Turner

BeaconFirstBaptist