F i r s t Ta k eVol. 2 • Issue 10 October 2019Lydia’s Market

The Magazine of First Baptist Church, Dalton, Georgia

Witnesses Mission OfferingPage 3

I n T h i s I s s u eLydia’s Market

Page 4Youth News

Page 7

Lydia’s MarketOctober 31- November 2

G i f t s o f E m p o w e r m e n t

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From the Pastor

fbcdalton.org

And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father

and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’

Matthew 28:18-20

Our October theme is Do: Mission. On October 20th we will take up a special offering for the Global Mission Offering. Be praying about what God wants to give over and above your other tithes and offerings.

The Gospel goes out every day. I have a pastor friend in Miami that preaches online and shares the Gospel in twenty-two different countries each Sunday. Facebook shares updates from friends who are serving as missionaries in Japan, China, Uganda, and the Middle East. Each time I attend a state-wide or nationwide Baptist event, I am reminded of the powerful work happening around the world through mission partnerships and dedicated followers of Jesus.

I have done a poor job of promoting and explaining our Witnesses Mission Offering. In the first two years, I have chosen to focus on our town—our local mission—and the church going to do mission work. I don’t regret this decision. It is important for us to start our mission work at home, but we shouldn’t neglect those who are serving faithfully in the larger Baptist world.

The Witnesses Mission Offering goes to our local, state, and national partners. When you make a gift to the Witnesses Mission Offering, you are giving to support the missionaries and mission endeavors that happen outside of First Baptist’s direct influence, but occasionally our First Baptist chooses to engage with at a later date. When you give to the Witnesses Mission Offering you are supporting the infrastructure that cultivates and nourishes mission opportunities. It is often the local, state, and mission partners that

serve as incubators for new mission ideas, strategies, and endeavors. When the successful ones take root, then churches like ours learn more deeply about them and we choose to connect.

An example are my friends Lauren and Carson Foushee. They are serving in Japan. They have been there for the past three years. I imagine they will be there another three or four years before they will be ready for mission teams from the states to come to make a difference where they are serving. It can take that long to cultivate relationships, learn about the need, find churches that can connect, and begin to establish partnerships. If it weren’t for mission offerings, the Foushee’s wouldn’t be able to lay the groundwork for mission work to happen.

Our October theme is “Do: Mission.” On October 20th we will take up a special offering for the Witnesses Mission Offering. Be praying about what God wants you to give over and above your other tithes and offerings.

On the Journey!

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The Witnesses Mission Offering has been around since 2000, when First Baptist made the decision to get serious about giving to mission projects locally, on the state level, nationally, and internationally. It has been quite some time since we have promoted the Witnesses Mission Offering. You may not have even seen the special offering envelope for Witnesses. Witnesses Mission Offering

Below is how the Witnesses Mission Offering is divided.

• 50% goes to Local Missions• 10% goes to State Offerings• 40% goes to International and Global Offerings through our Baptist partnerships

The bottom line is that a gift to the Witnesses Mission Offering directly supports local, state, national, and international missions. Remember, if you participate in our church’s online giving platform, SecureGive, simply note the amount of your gift in the missions tab.

Please note that we will be taking up a special Witnesses Mission Offering on Sunday, October 20!

Prayers of a Missions Minister

Suzanne Hooie

Ministers need prayer. I need your prayer. First Baptist Church Missions Ministry needs your prayer. C. Peter Wagner states that “the most underutilized source of spiritual power in our churches today is intercession for Christian leaders.” In every one of Paul’s letters to the new churches he requests prayer for himself and his ministry.

Our focus for October is to ‘Do Mission,’ and I cannot think of a more powerful way to begin to do that than to be in prayer together over the Mission Ministry of FBCD. We have the resources, talent, heart and desire to help ease the suffering of those in our community and around the world. Our opportunities to serve are endless and can be overwhelming. We must seek God’s guidance and plans for FBCD. Will you join me this month in praying for God’s will for this ministry?

Dear Father,Keep our hearts tender toward those in need. Don’t let us become calloused or

cynical by the things we see and hear. Let our hearts continue to be broken.

Use this congregation as Your hands and feet; order our steps on the path You have chosen for this church. Forgive us when we want to do things

our way without first seeking You.

Give us the courage to pursue the difficult projects and reach those people who are not always easy to love.

Close the doors to the areas you do not want us serving; slam them if necessary to get our attention.

Give us wisdom to help those in need. Help us to find the right balance between easing the suffering and enabling the behavior.

Forgive us when we get it wrong.

Help us to get outside of the walls of the church so we can see those in need.

Give us the courage to try something new and to not let past failures prevent us from trying again.

Help us to be good stewards of all of the resources that we have so graciously been given.

Guide us in the process of becoming an Encourager Church as we seek to find a new global mission partner.

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On a hot July morning, seven women sit around a conference

table at First Baptist Church in Dalton, watching images scroll on the screen on the wall. One of the women sits at a laptop, searching through pictures of colorful woven handbags.

As each bag comes up on the screen, the women look over the details with practiced eyes.

“That one is new this year.”

“Oh, I really like that small one.”

“We sold out of that last time.”

The women are not shopping for bargains on Amazon’s Prime Day website, but putting together an order for the upcoming Lydia’s Market. The members of the steering committee start planning early for the holiday sale that has impacted lives in Dalton and throughout the world since its inception in 2013.

By the time all of the ordering, unpacking, labeling, promoting, set-up, selling and clean up is finished, the church will have raised over $80,000 for mission and non-profit organizations around the globe.

The name ‘Lydia’s Market’ comes from Acts 16, where a woman named Lydia is mentioned as an early Christian follower and a “seller of purple cloth”. She was able to contribute to the missionary journeys of Paul and others through her successful business dealings.

Heather Donahue has been member of the committee since its inception.

“There is an amazing synergy that comes from starting something, being totally swept away in the thing and then later realizing - that was GOD!” she shares. “Everything about Lydia’s Market happened that way... the number of people involved, the relationships between members in our church, our relationship with Dalton, the amount of merchandise we could sell, the bonds between us as the missions partners involved and of course, the time and labor commitment. We worked on educating our congregation and community with the issues facing each craftsperson represented. We introduced new terms and defined them – fair trade, empowerment, human trafficking, environmentally

sustainable, marginalized. We read stories and described profiles of every group represented at the market. It was just like giving yourself wholly and completely to a mission trip - except we were at home.”

Excitement is building for the return of Lydia’s Market on October 31. Over fifteen organizations will be sending goods to the church to be sorted, priced and artfully arranged by the committee members. All shipping and advertising will be paid for by the church so that only profits go back to the men and women who make the Nativity sets, ornaments, baskets, jewelry, handbags, and

scarves and who package the coffee, olive oil and chocolate that is sold.

Suzanne Hooie emphasizes the uniqueness of Lydia’s Market. “We will raise $60,000 to $80,000 for our vendors. Every dollar goes right back to them. It’s like our whole church gets to take a mission trip.” Everyone from children to teens to senior adults is involved and feels a part.

Freedom’s Promise is a mission organization that has been selling handmade bags, scarves and Christmas ornaments at Lydia’s Market since the first year. Freedom’s Promise works to help women in Cambodia who have been involved in the sex trafficking trade.

Other ministry groups represented at Lydia’s Market include those working with indigenous people in Guatemala, marginalized women in Africa, impoverished people in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, chronically unemployed women in Colorado and the homeless in Atlanta.

Jonathan Barlow sees the market as an outgrowth of the church’s call to spread the gospel around the world. “We are called to go to the ends of the earth in Matthew 28. This is the great commission. Each partner First Baptist works with is already proclaiming the gospel to the ends of the earth. First Baptist and the surrounding community get to fan the flames of their endeavor.”

Beyond the financial support Lydia’s Market gives the ministries involved, the goal is to spread awareness of the plights of many individuals around the world and

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The story of Freedom’s Promise is one of God working through ordinary people

to do extraordinary things. What was purposed long ago began to breathe in 2006 as Amber Cunningham read an article on the epidemic of child slavery and human trafficking in a nation called Cambodia. Human trafficking was not a word in her vocabulary. And Cambodia was not on her radar. But God had a plan that was bigger than her own.

“One tentative step in faith can lead to a mighty shift in the Kingdom of God,” Amber reflects. “Saying yes to God led us on a journey to fight for justice, freedom and the hearts of people.” Freedom’s Promise was founded in 2007. Amber knew Freedom’s Promise was called to fight human trafficking in Cambodia from a prevention angle. Freedom’s Promise stands as a front-guard to keep people from ever becoming victims.

From the beginning, Freedom’s Promise has existed to fight for justice and freedom. It happens through the restoration of communities. The Freedom’s Promise story is really about a group of heroes – supporters who desire to see lives transformed; Cambodian leaders who are bringing life to their communities; the overcomers we serve who are full of hope; and our God who relentlessly pursues and restores.

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to support them prayerfully as well. “Ultimately, Lydia’s Market is a chance for you and for me to see how God is creatively working in the world to bring about the gospel,” continues Dr. Barlow. “The items at the Market are beautiful, many of them treasures in their own right. Purchasing one is a way to connect yourself to the ministry that is happening around the world. Each time you see it, wear it, display it, my prayer is you remember where it is from and commit to praying that God is working in that part of the world. And, hopefully that encourages you to share the gospel in your hometown.”

-Millicent FlakeFirst published in Dalton Living Magazine

September/October 2019 edition

The story of Rahab’s Rope by Vicki Moore

In January of 2004, I came across a story on the internet about women in India that got my attention and broke my heart. The story told how every day in India, about two hundred girls and women are forced into the commercial sex trade. I began to search for more information and learned that every

year, over four million women and children around the globe are trafficked into prostitution and slave labor. I had no idea. The more I searched, the more atrocity I found. I could not get this newfound knowledge out of my mind, and I questioned God - “Why isn’t someone doing something about this?” As usual, when we ask, He replied, “I would like for you to do something.”

Rahab’s Rope is a place that provides food, shelter, and protection; a place of education and training; and a place where the whole person is ministered to spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and financially. It is a place of hope, a place of transformed lives. Ultimately, we exist to provide alternatives to sex work and restore hope and purpose to the lives of women and children in India. Since our founding in 2004, our all-encompassing focus has been on the victims of sex trafficking in India by providing aftercare housing. However, as we have grown, so have our points of focus. We have added a prevention program for children and teenage girls as well as direct intervention in red light areas. These projects have different objectives but are all in line with our vision and mission and the desire to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this world.

This year we would like to introduce you to two of our Lydia’s Market Vendors. We sell products from over 22 different vendors from all over the world. We want you to hear the beautiful stories behind the goods that we are able to sell. Our featured vendors this year are Freedom’s Promise and Rahab’s Rope. Please take a moment to read the stories of how the products you purchase at Lydia’s Market can change a life.

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Words of Encouragementfrom Some of our Mission Partners

Stephen GreggWestwood Elementary Teacher Saturday SacksAs teachers, we get to share time together with our students during the school day, which is such a joy. Yet, we are aware that often, we are not aware of issues some of our students encounter when they are away from school. One issue we see many face is the issue of hunger. Even in this day and age, this is a real issue. I have six recipients of Saturday Sacks in my classroom this year. I cannot put into words the joy they have....the expression they show on

their face....when they get their sacks. It DOES make a difference in their life. It lets them know that people care about them. It lets them know of goodness and kindness in our world, and especially in this community. To me, that is the best lesson they could ever learn from school...that they are loved.

Danny NuckollsRegion 1 Director, Georgia Department of Family and Children’s ServicesI wanted to express my gratitude and appreciation to you and your church for your involvement in our community; specifically your involvement in the residential areas that are “in most need of outreach.” Prior to my recent promotion, I served as Whitfield County DFCS Director since July 1, 2014. During that time, I have recognized many areas of our community that need outreach and support. Two of the most needed areas have been the Cliffs Apartment complex and the Housing Authority complexes on Beechland Avenue. Both of these residential settings were identified by our local Community of Hope as target areas because of the number of children from these areas that enter foster care. We have poured

various types of outreach into these communities over the past few years. With FBC coming on board over the last year, we’ve been able to greatly improve our efforts. Your church’s involvement has brought about much needed support in these communities and a place that they can connect with. Whether it’s been serving lunches, reading to children, transporting kids for Vacation Bible School, or doing manual labor through beautification projects, these communities have embraced the support provided through your church.

Amber BordenAssistant Director of the City of Dalton Housing AuthorityFBC has had a great impact on our Beechland neighborhood. After hearing about our round building, FBC asked if it could be one of their missions for 3/23/19. They assisted with the interior demolition of paneling, sheetrock, and cabinets. Without the efforts of FBC’s volunteers, the demolition would have taken much longer and would have taken away funding that can now be used towards other areas of renovating the building. This was a very organized and impressive effort that went incredibly smooth. No matter how many times we say thank you, it will never be enough. FBC has been very motivating and helpful for HACD and our residents.

Whitfield DFCS was also honored that your members chose to revamp, clean, and reorganize our own clothing supply closet as a part of your recent Serve Day. Now, we can better serve our children and families who are in need. The fact that you and your members serve with a servant’s heart makes all the difference and I just wanted you to know how much value I place in this partnership. Thank you.

After the demolition, FBC provided games and food for residents in the area. Our residents were welcomed with open arms and treated to a fun day – no pressure, no agenda. Our residents feel comforted and safe with the FBC group. First Baptist Church also provided a dumpster for an additional week for our residents to use – not only for the Beechland property, but for all HACD properties! This was a huge relief for the residents as this would normally be a cost that their income may not be able to afford. Furthermore, FBC reliably attended weekly summer lunch feedings to read and play with the children in the Beechland area. This was well received. FBC also provided a Vacation Bible School with transportation, which helped remove two huge barriers for our residents. Assisting our residents with summer arrangements as well as providing the transportation is something that came to them as a shock. It was very sweet to hear from a few of the children who attended VBS about how much fun they had!

Melanie HammontreeDirector of Development, Chattanooga Area Food BankFirst Baptist Church (Dalton) partners with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank in various ways to address hunger in Whitfield County. They have a sack pack program that addresses weekend hunger for children and an agency food box program that serves families struggling with hunger. The church has also allowed the Food Bank to have the community wide food drive, WRCB Channel 3 Share Your Christmas, at their location for many years. In January of 2019, during the government shutdown, First Baptist graciously donated $4,000.00 to the Food Bank providing 145 food boxes to federal employees within our service area. We deeply appreciate the continued support of First Baptist and their willingness to partner with us in the fight against hunger in our community.

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Ministerial Staff Support Staff

Emergency On Call NumberIn the event of an after hours emergency, please call:(706) 278-2911

First Baptist Church311 North Thornton Ave.Dalton, GA 30720At the corner of Waugh Street and Thornton Avenue

Dr. Jonathan Barlow Senior Pastorjbarlow@fbcdalton.org(706) 980-9510

Phillip CannonExecutive Pastorpcannon@fbcdalton.org(706) 537-5705

Susan DealMinister of Music and Worshipsdeal@fbcdalton.org(706) 980-8033

Brenda DedmonChildren’s Learning Center Directorbdedmon@fbcdalton.org

Derrell GranthamMinister of Recreation and Senior Adultsdgrantham@fbcdalton.org(706) 270-2868

Jan AndersonFinancial Managerjanderson@fbcdalton.org

Sandra BlackwellMusic Associate/Organist

Patti CannonMusic Associate/Pianistpatticannon@fbcdalton.org

Alexis ClarkFood Services Assistant

Charles EvansChurch Custodial Staff

Julie FisherExecutive Assistantjfisher@fbcdalton.org

Bubba GriggsFacilities Managercgriggs@fbcdalton.org

Beverly HallAdministrative Assistantbhall@fbcdalton.org

Margie KregelChurch Custodial Staff

Teresa LemmingOffice ManagerChristian Counseling Center

Cindy PetwayMusic Associate/Children’s Choir Coordinator

Lynn RoseFood Services Managerlrose@fbcdalton.org

Janet Steele Assistant to the Financial Manager jsteele@fbcdalton.org

Do you have questions or suggestions for First Take? Contact Phillip Cannon at pcannon@fbcdalton.org or connections@fbcdalton.org.

Suzanne HooieMinister of Missions and Community Ministryshooie@fbcdalton.org(706)271-6585

Justin SafleyMinister to Youth and Their Familiesjsafley@fbcdalton.org(601) 540-2026

fbcdalton.org

Church Office: (706) 278-2911

C o n t a c t

The Youth have started back on Wednesday and Sunday Nights! On Wednesday night we have large group time before we break into small groups. Small group is where the magic (discipleship) happens. The students are getting to engage with their classmates and a trusted adult as they discuss and share with the lesson from large group.

On our Sunday Color War kick off we had the largest group of students at one event since I started in October

of last year: 39! This is great! We had a great time and could not have done it without the adult volunteers.

The next week students purchased the supplies for the Life Packs. Thank you for allowing us to partner

with so many of you in this awesome ministry!

Volunteer in Youth Group! The more positive examples of Christian adults the students have, the greater the chance they will be a committed Christian as an adult.

Fall RetreatThe youth are going to Skyland Camp in Mentone, AL on October 13-15. We ask for your prayers as the students play games, spend time in small groups, and hear from our guest speaker, Josh Scott. The theme is “Frequency”—tuning into God’s Frequency (voice) and tuning out all the things that distract us from focusing on God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

Scavenger Hunt and Progressive SupperOn Sunday, November 10, the students are having a progressive supper and scavenger hunt. If you are interested in hosting the students and their drivers for desserts, please let me know! Appetizers and the main course are already covered.

Sign Up for FBC Text AlertsStay informed of all announcements related to the ministries and activities of First Baptist Church by signing up for FBCD Text Alert.Text FBCD to 313131 to join!

First Take (Second Class Postage Paid/USPS 671-940) is published monthly by First Baptist Church of Dalton, GA. Periodicals postage paid at Dalton, GA 30722 Postmaster: Send Address Changes to: First Take c/o First Baptist Church P.O. Box 827 Dalton, GA 30722-0827P.O. Box 827

Dalton, GA 30722-0827

Listen to our Sunday Services10:30 a.m. every SundayLive on 98.3 FM (Bulldog Country)

Watch our Sunday Services(Live Stream)fbcdalton.org/streaming

First Baptist Church Staff Members Announce Retirement PlansThe Staff Committee would like to announce that two of our valued staff members, Derrell Grantham and Carl Griggs, Jr., have submitted their plans to retire from active service at the Church at the end of July 2020.

Derrell Grantham has served at First Baptist Church for thirty (30)

years. Derrell has served faithfully as our minister in the areas of recreation, activities, and senior adults during his ministry at First Baptist. “Derrell has

brought a kind and gentle spirit to our Church’s ministry during my tenure here. The attention that he gives to our senior adults has been enriching

to those in our Church and around our community.” Under Derrell’s leadership in our activities and recreation program, First Baptist grew its FirstKids program to include not only our outstanding basketball program, but also now fall and spring soccer leagues and a summer golf camp. Derrell and his wife, Susan, look forward to travelling and spending more time with their children and grandchildren. They will reside in Dalton (Tunnel Hill). The Staff

Committee is currently developing a plan of transition for our senior adult and activities ministries.

Carl Griggs, Jr. (we know him as Bubba) has worked as our Facilities

Engineer at First Baptist for the last twelve years. Bubba led our Church’s on-site work as a gift to the Church during our entire rebuilding and renovation program.

Following the completion of that work, he assumed full-time duties as our Facilities Engineer. “Bubba’s knowledge of our Church plant in its entirety is irreplaceable,” noted Phillip Cannon. “He brings not only a knowledge of all of our operations, but knows exactly who to contact when something is beyond his expertise,” Phillip added. “In addition his masterful skill set, Bubba is also beloved by our entire congregation

and serves each member with such remarkable compassion and care.” Bubba and Karen look forward to spending more time together on their farm in LaFayette, with their children, and doting over their grandchildren, along with travelling together. The Staff Committee will be advertising the Facilities Manager position for employment immediately, with hopes to hire Bubba’s replacement at, or immediately after, the first of the year. The goal will be to hire Bubba’s replacement (for ease of transition) well in advance of his actual retirement in July.

Special events are being planned by the Staff Committee to recognize these retirements.

First Baptist Staff Members Celebrate Significant AnniversariesOver the past several months, four (4) First Baptist Church staff members celebrated significant staff anniversaries. Please offer your congratulations to the following:Cindy Petway—10 years, Children’s Choir CoordinatorLynn Rose—10 years, Food Services Cook and ManagerCharles Evans—30 years, Church CustodianBetty Hale—20 years, Children’s Learning Center, Assistant Director

Thank you to all of these for your faithful service!