The MESSENGER (USPS 591-280) is published weekly except the week of Christmas by

First Baptist Church, 600 Governors Drive, Huntsville, AL 35801. Periodical postage

paid at Huntsville, Alabama 31801-5178. POSTMASTER send change of address to THE

MESSENGER, 600 Governors Drive, Huntsville, AL 35801.

office: 256-428-9400

weekend minister on call: 256-428-9457

24-hour prayer line: 256-428-9460

The Messengerfbchsv.org

firsT bapTisT hunTsville

this sunday

knowing, lov ing, serv ing Christ...together

First Baptist Church

600 Governors Drive

Huntsville, AL 35801

Easter Lilies

Orders are being taken now for Easter lilies to be placed in the Sanctuary on Easter

Sunday. If you would like to purchase a lily in memory of or in honor of someone, you will find order envelopes at the welcome

centers and in the Church Office. You may also order online at

www.fbchsv.org/easterlilies. Cost is $12.00.

Deadline to purchase is Sunday, March 25. Please turn in envelope and payment to

Kristi Taylor in the Church Office.

ESL Needs Your Help!

The ESL Ministry is in great need of nursery volunteers, especially with the 3-5 year olds. ESL meets Thursdays at 8:45-9:15 a.m. You can work weekly, monthly, or as

often as you wish. Please contact Tina Darby at 256-837-5699.

Table Cloths

Please check and see if you have any of the church’s table cloths. If so, please call

Pat Williams at 256-518-9262.

Volume 63 / Week Number 11 / March 15, 2012

March 18, 2012The Fourth Sunday in Lent

Sermon“A Bump in the Road”

Numbers 21:4-9

First Fellowship Worship - 8:15 a.m.Music from the First Fellowship Band

Let Me Sing (#13)*No One Higher/The Stand (#10)*

and special selection from the Music Makers Choir*denotes selection from the FF Songs CD

Morning Bible Study - 9:15 a.m.Bible Study for all ages

Sanctuary Worship - 10:30 a.m.Sanctuary Choir Anthem -

Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs - Handelfrom MESSIAH

Evening ActivitiesFoundations for Life Classes

www.fbchsv.org/foundationsforlife

FIRST THOuGHTSDavid Hull, Pastor

I need to share some very important news with you. You will notice from the offering information section in the newsletter that we are running about $220,000 behind budget. Our Faith Steps to the Future giving to our building program is actually ahead of schedule, but our offering in support of the ministries and missions of the church is lagging behind what it should be at this time in the year.

So far we have managed this shortfall in giving by spending less than we receive. Our current trend in giving cannot continue for long without causing difficult decisions to be made about our ministry plans for the year. Let me say it another way. So far, we have managed the shortfall without any noticeable “pain” to the system. You probably have not been aware of anything different about what we are (or are not) doing as a church. In order for us to be responsible stewards as we move forward, our Finance Committee and staff are now putting in place some measures that will start to impact the scope of our ministry and missions. I commend them for working closely together to ensure that we will not get into a deficit position with our budget. Different budget areas will plan to “hold back” and not spend an agreed-upon amount of money. The total of these spending reductions will meet any projected budget shortfalls for the year. However, these spending cuts will start to limit the work of ministry and the reach of missions through our church.

Now you know about our financial challenge. I hope that you know three important things – we are running behind on budget giving and we have a careful plan to control expenses and there is something that we can all do to improve the situation. The purpose of this article is to share that information.

So what can we do about this challenge? Our Stewardship Committee is already working on plans for our annual special giving Sunday that will be the first Sunday in May. Each spring we encourage extra giving on one particular Sunday. In the meantime, let me ask you to prayerfully consider your giving to God through the ministry of our church. If you are behind in your giving for this year will you use these next few weeks to catch up? If you have received an unexpected financial blessing, would you consider giving an extra gift to allow ministries to flourish and missions to be extended around the world? With God’s help, let’s all work together in generosity so that missions and ministries will continue to grow through First Baptist Church.

Saturday, April 21We invite you to help us make a dramatic statement about God’s enduring love to our community by serving on Saturday, April 21. Serving the City is a wonderful way for each of us to share God’s love with the people of Madison County. For details or to register online, visit www.servingthecityonline.com or complete the form on the back side of the brochure. Sign up soon as some opportunities have limited space. On-site childcare for birth through kindergarten is available only through reservation by calling the Children’s Ministry at 256-428-9411. We have a Serving the City Facebook page that also has updated information.

To help support the projects of Serving the City, financial donations will be accepted throughout the next few weeks. Place your gift in an envelope marked Serving the City and place it in the offering plate or in your Sunday school box.

fbchsv.org

ministry calendar

knowing, lov ing, serv ing Christ...together

Family Matters

WELCOME NEW MEMBERSToney Antoine96 Lakeshore DriveLaceys Spring, AL 35754

Library Hours Sunday 9-9:15 AM | 10:10-10:45 AM | 11:40-12:00 PMTuesday 10:00 AM-12:00 PMWednesday 4:00-5:00 PM

Wednesday Night Dinner MenuWednesday, March 21

AdultsCitrus Grilled Chicken

Mixed VegetablesRoasted Potatoes

Rolls

SaladGrilled Chicken Salad

(Reservations for salad must be turned in by noon on Wednesday.)

STEWARDSHIP REPORT

03/11/12

Year-to-Date Goal $ 2,082,150.00

Offering

This Week $ 54,165.61

YTD $ 1,861,991.14

Debt Retirement

This Week $ 1,620.00

YTD $ 26,766.50

Faith Steps to the Future:

This Week $ 13,906.50

YTD $ 1,021,866.82

To Date: $ 3,428,597.77

www.fbchsv.org/give

ATTENDANCE

Sunday SchoolPreschool 67

Children 88

Students 132

Adults 617

Brookdale 13

Visitors 28

TOTAL 949

Worship ServicesFirst Fellowship 246

Sanctuary Worship 674

TOTAL 920

THANK YOu

Thank you notes have been received from Suzanne, Keith, Jillian, and Anna Clair

Hefner and from the Griner family. They have been placed on the bulletin board across

from the church office.

Sunday, Mar. 18First Fellowship 8:15 AMSunday Morning Bible Study 9:15 AMSanctuary Worship 10:30 AMStephen Ministry/118 3:00 PM“Stretch Out” Bible St/242 3:00 PMChildren’s Handbells 4:00 PMFinancial Peace/Parlor 4:00 PMChildren’s Bible Drill/Chapel 5:00 PMYouth Choir/CR 5:00 PMFoundations for Life Classes 5:00 PMYouth Choir Snacks/241 6:00 PM Monday, Mar. 19Letter Writing/242 9:00 AMHallelujah Choir/CR 10:30 AM Tuesday, Mar. 20Student Prayer Breakfast Little Rosie’s 6:45 AMTues. Morn. Intercess./242 7:00 AMWomen’s Bible St./343 9:00 AMWMu/118 9:30 AMGrief Share/Parlor 6:00 PMForum/118 6:30 PMAdult Handbells 7:00 PM

Wednesday, Mar. 21Precept Bible St./342 9:00 AMWriting Your Life St./118 11:00 AMSupper/FH 4:45 PMY.A. Missions & More/229 5:45 PMMusic & Missions/2nd FL 5:45 PMPrayer Meeting/FH 5:45 PMLift Off/309-310 6:00 PMOrchestra/Sanct. 6:00 PMSanctuary Choir/CR 7:00 PM Thursday, Mar. 22Newcomers/242 10:00 AM

Friday, Feb. Mar. 23Scrapbooking Workshop/118 8:00 AM

March 24-28STuDENT SPRING CAMP

World Water Day is March 22nd

Drink water on this day!

Clean water is the difference between good health and boad health for many villages and communitites around the world. World Water Day is held annually on March 22 as a means of focusing attention on the importance of fresh water and advocating for the sustainable management of fresh water resources.

A goal for Student MInistry mission trip to the Dominican Republic this summer is to provide a water purification system. This system will give clean water to 400+ people. Imagine the difference this purification system will make for these people. We want everyone to drink water and pray on March 22nd for the Dominican Republic mission trip.

Renovation Update - March 2012The project is progressing very well and remains within budget and on track for November 2012 completion. Brick work has started on the front of the administrative area, and the light steel framing in that upper area by the chapel has almost been completed. The new front entry is connected to the existing structure, and the second floor leading to the new worship space is ready for concrete. Once the admin brick work is complete, the “store-front” glass and entry doors will be installed. Roofing work over the admin suite is underway.

Speaking of roofing, the gym is now in the dry! You may have noticed the big stacks of white insulation board. The roof system specified by our roofing consultant contains sandwich layers of that foam board, rubber membranes that are chemically fused together, and asphalt sheets that are mopped with hot tar. Once the various areas are “dried-in”, additional inside work can be started in those areas. The light steel framing in the gym is almost complete, and the electricians are installing conduit and cabling. Our audio

consultant specified that certain walls in the gym be “shaped” (curved out at the top) for better acoustics. Acoustic panels will be installed in the areas specified by the consultant once drywall is completed and will further enhance the acoustics of the worship space.

Tremendous progress has been made on the St Clair side. The “heavy” steel for the gathering space, student center and connections to the existing building is nearly complete. Light steel framing has been completed in the restrooms, and is beginning in the gathering space and student center. The metal roofing has been installed over the gathering space, and will begin in the other areas once the heavy steel work is complete. Metal is also used on the elevated floors as a base for the concrete. Concrete pumper trucks will place that concrete once the metal work is finished.

There has also been progress on less visible (but very important) mechanical work. The pumps on our existing chillers were replaced with larger units to accommodate the new facilities. A fire sprinkler system “pit” was built near St Clair. It is an in-ground concrete box that contains valves and shutoffs for fire department use. The main sprinkler water line has been run from that box to a mechanical room by the student center, and all the sprinkler pipes are being routed to that room. The mechanical team is also working on HVAC duct-work, and will install the air handling equipment and chiller water lines once roof work is complete.

The “footprint” for the entire project is now in place and walls will soon define the spaces. The building is taking shape! Continue to pray that God will use this new facility for His glory.

FBC Building Committee

Note: You can follow the weekly progress on the church website: www.fbchsv.org. Look under “Connections/Construction Update” for the most recent photos.

Beginning Handbell Ringing Class

Several adults have expressed an interest in basic handbell ringing skills. If you would like to have a short, introductory class in bell ringing, please contact the Music Office at 256-428-9421, musicministries@fbchsv.org or let Emily Parker know. This is not a long term commitment. A class time has not been set until we know who is interested and the availability.

Holy Week Worship Opportunities

Palm Sunday April 1 - Regular schedule in the morning and the evening

Maundy Thursday Communion Service April 5 at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship HallMeditation from our pastor, congregational singing and prayer, and special music from the First Fellowship Band and the Adult Handbell Choir.

Good Friday Tenebrae ServiceApril 6 at 7:00 p.m. in the SanctuarySanctuary Choir, Orchestra and ministers will lead us in a Tenebrae observance that includes several choruses from Handel’s MESSIAH and Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber. The scripture readings and gradual darkening of the room will be vivid reminders of the meaning of Jesus’ death on the cross.

Easter SundayApril 8 - First Fellowship Worship at 8:15Bible Study at 9:15Sanctuary Worship at 10:30No Evening Activities

fbchsv.org

ministry calendar

knowing, lov ing, serv ing Christ...together

Family Matters

WELCOME NEW MEMBERSToney Antoine96 Lakeshore DriveLaceys Spring, AL 35754

Library Hours Sunday 9-9:15 AM | 10:10-10:45 AM | 11:40-12:00 PMTuesday 10:00 AM-12:00 PMWednesday 4:00-5:00 PM

Wednesday Night Dinner MenuWednesday, March 21

AdultsCitrus Grilled Chicken

Mixed VegetablesRoasted Potatoes

Rolls

SaladGrilled Chicken Salad

(Reservations for salad must be turned in by noon on Wednesday.)

STEWARDSHIP REPORT

03/11/12

Year-to-Date Goal $ 2,082,150.00

Offering

This Week $ 54,165.61

YTD $ 1,861,991.14

Debt Retirement

This Week $ 1,620.00

YTD $ 26,766.50

Faith Steps to the Future:

This Week $ 13,906.50

YTD $ 1,021,866.82

To Date: $ 3,428,597.77

www.fbchsv.org/give

ATTENDANCE

Sunday SchoolPreschool 67

Children 88

Students 132

Adults 617

Brookdale 13

Visitors 28

TOTAL 949

Worship ServicesFirst Fellowship 246

Sanctuary Worship 674

TOTAL 920

THANK YOu

Thank you notes have been received from Suzanne, Keith, Jillian, and Anna Clair

Hefner and from the Griner family. They have been placed on the bulletin board across

from the church office.

Sunday, Mar. 18First Fellowship 8:15 AMSunday Morning Bible Study 9:15 AMSanctuary Worship 10:30 AMStephen Ministry/118 3:00 PM“Stretch Out” Bible St/242 3:00 PMChildren’s Handbells 4:00 PMFinancial Peace/Parlor 4:00 PMChildren’s Bible Drill/Chapel 5:00 PMYouth Choir/CR 5:00 PMFoundations for Life Classes 5:00 PMYouth Choir Snacks/241 6:00 PM Monday, Mar. 19Letter Writing/242 9:00 AMHallelujah Choir/CR 10:30 AM Tuesday, Mar. 20Student Prayer Breakfast Little Rosie’s 6:45 AMTues. Morn. Intercess./242 7:00 AMWomen’s Bible St./343 9:00 AMWMu/118 9:30 AMGrief Share/Parlor 6:00 PMForum/118 6:30 PMAdult Handbells 7:00 PM

Wednesday, Mar. 21Precept Bible St./342 9:00 AMWriting Your Life St./118 11:00 AMSupper/FH 4:45 PMY.A. Missions & More/229 5:45 PMMusic & Missions/2nd FL 5:45 PMPrayer Meeting/FH 5:45 PMLift Off/309-310 6:00 PMOrchestra/Sanct. 6:00 PMSanctuary Choir/CR 7:00 PM Thursday, Mar. 22Newcomers/242 10:00 AM

Friday, Feb. Mar. 23Scrapbooking Workshop/118 8:00 AM

March 24-28STuDENT SPRING CAMP

World Water Day is March 22nd

Drink water on this day!

Clean water is the difference between good health and boad health for many villages and communitites around the world. World Water Day is held annually on March 22 as a means of focusing attention on the importance of fresh water and advocating for the sustainable management of fresh water resources.

A goal for Student MInistry mission trip to the Dominican Republic this summer is to provide a water purification system. This system will give clean water to 400+ people. Imagine the difference this purification system will make for these people. We want everyone to drink water and pray on March 22nd for the Dominican Republic mission trip.

Renovation Update - March 2012The project is progressing very well and remains within budget and on track for November 2012 completion. Brick work has started on the front of the administrative area, and the light steel framing in that upper area by the chapel has almost been completed. The new front entry is connected to the existing structure, and the second floor leading to the new worship space is ready for concrete. Once the admin brick work is complete, the “store-front” glass and entry doors will be installed. Roofing work over the admin suite is underway.

Speaking of roofing, the gym is now in the dry! You may have noticed the big stacks of white insulation board. The roof system specified by our roofing consultant contains sandwich layers of that foam board, rubber membranes that are chemically fused together, and asphalt sheets that are mopped with hot tar. Once the various areas are “dried-in”, additional inside work can be started in those areas. The light steel framing in the gym is almost complete, and the electricians are installing conduit and cabling. Our audio

consultant specified that certain walls in the gym be “shaped” (curved out at the top) for better acoustics. Acoustic panels will be installed in the areas specified by the consultant once drywall is completed and will further enhance the acoustics of the worship space.

Tremendous progress has been made on the St Clair side. The “heavy” steel for the gathering space, student center and connections to the existing building is nearly complete. Light steel framing has been completed in the restrooms, and is beginning in the gathering space and student center. The metal roofing has been installed over the gathering space, and will begin in the other areas once the heavy steel work is complete. Metal is also used on the elevated floors as a base for the concrete. Concrete pumper trucks will place that concrete once the metal work is finished.

There has also been progress on less visible (but very important) mechanical work. The pumps on our existing chillers were replaced with larger units to accommodate the new facilities. A fire sprinkler system “pit” was built near St Clair. It is an in-ground concrete box that contains valves and shutoffs for fire department use. The main sprinkler water line has been run from that box to a mechanical room by the student center, and all the sprinkler pipes are being routed to that room. The mechanical team is also working on HVAC duct-work, and will install the air handling equipment and chiller water lines once roof work is complete.

The “footprint” for the entire project is now in place and walls will soon define the spaces. The building is taking shape! Continue to pray that God will use this new facility for His glory.

FBC Building Committee

Note: You can follow the weekly progress on the church website: www.fbchsv.org. Look under “Connections/Construction Update” for the most recent photos.

Beginning Handbell Ringing Class

Several adults have expressed an interest in basic handbell ringing skills. If you would like to have a short, introductory class in bell ringing, please contact the Music Office at 256-428-9421, musicministries@fbchsv.org or let Emily Parker know. This is not a long term commitment. A class time has not been set until we know who is interested and the availability.

Holy Week Worship Opportunities

Palm Sunday April 1 - Regular schedule in the morning and the evening

Maundy Thursday Communion Service April 5 at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship HallMeditation from our pastor, congregational singing and prayer, and special music from the First Fellowship Band and the Adult Handbell Choir.

Good Friday Tenebrae ServiceApril 6 at 7:00 p.m. in the SanctuarySanctuary Choir, Orchestra and ministers will lead us in a Tenebrae observance that includes several choruses from Handel’s MESSIAH and Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber. The scripture readings and gradual darkening of the room will be vivid reminders of the meaning of Jesus’ death on the cross.

Easter SundayApril 8 - First Fellowship Worship at 8:15Bible Study at 9:15Sanctuary Worship at 10:30No Evening Activities

The MESSENGER (USPS 591-280) is published weekly except the week of Christmas by

First Baptist Church, 600 Governors Drive, Huntsville, AL 35801. Periodical postage

paid at Huntsville, Alabama 31801-5178. POSTMASTER send change of address to THE

MESSENGER, 600 Governors Drive, Huntsville, AL 35801.

office: 256-428-9400

weekend minister on call: 256-428-9457

24-hour prayer line: 256-428-9460

The Messengerfbchsv.org

firsT bapTisT hunTsville

this sunday

knowing, lov ing, serv ing Christ...together

First Baptist Church

600 Governors Drive

Huntsville, AL 35801

Easter Lilies

Orders are being taken now for Easter lilies to be placed in the Sanctuary on Easter

Sunday. If you would like to purchase a lily in memory of or in honor of someone, you will find order envelopes at the welcome

centers and in the Church Office. You may also order online at

www.fbchsv.org/easterlilies. Cost is $12.00.

Deadline to purchase is Sunday, March 25. Please turn in envelope and payment to

Kristi Taylor in the Church Office.

ESL Needs Your Help!

The ESL Ministry is in great need of nursery volunteers, especially with the 3-5 year olds. ESL meets Thursdays at 8:45-9:15 a.m. You can work weekly, monthly, or as

often as you wish. Please contact Tina Darby at 256-837-5699.

Table Cloths

Please check and see if you have any of the church’s table cloths. If so, please call

Pat Williams at 256-518-9262.

Volume 63 / Week Number 11 / March 15, 2012

March 18, 2012The Fourth Sunday in Lent

Sermon“A Bump in the Road”

Numbers 21:4-9

First Fellowship Worship - 8:15 a.m.Music from the First Fellowship Band

Let Me Sing (#13)*No One Higher/The Stand (#10)*

and special selection from the Music Makers Choir*denotes selection from the FF Songs CD

Morning Bible Study - 9:15 a.m.Bible Study for all ages

Sanctuary Worship - 10:30 a.m.Sanctuary Choir Anthem -

Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs - Handelfrom MESSIAH

Evening ActivitiesFoundations for Life Classes

www.fbchsv.org/foundationsforlife

FIRST THOuGHTSDavid Hull, Pastor

I need to share some very important news with you. You will notice from the offering information section in the newsletter that we are running about $220,000 behind budget. Our Faith Steps to the Future giving to our building program is actually ahead of schedule, but our offering in support of the ministries and missions of the church is lagging behind what it should be at this time in the year.

So far we have managed this shortfall in giving by spending less than we receive. Our current trend in giving cannot continue for long without causing difficult decisions to be made about our ministry plans for the year. Let me say it another way. So far, we have managed the shortfall without any noticeable “pain” to the system. You probably have not been aware of anything different about what we are (or are not) doing as a church. In order for us to be responsible stewards as we move forward, our Finance Committee and staff are now putting in place some measures that will start to impact the scope of our ministry and missions. I commend them for working closely together to ensure that we will not get into a deficit position with our budget. Different budget areas will plan to “hold back” and not spend an agreed-upon amount of money. The total of these spending reductions will meet any projected budget shortfalls for the year. However, these spending cuts will start to limit the work of ministry and the reach of missions through our church.

Now you know about our financial challenge. I hope that you know three important things – we are running behind on budget giving and we have a careful plan to control expenses and there is something that we can all do to improve the situation. The purpose of this article is to share that information.

So what can we do about this challenge? Our Stewardship Committee is already working on plans for our annual special giving Sunday that will be the first Sunday in May. Each spring we encourage extra giving on one particular Sunday. In the meantime, let me ask you to prayerfully consider your giving to God through the ministry of our church. If you are behind in your giving for this year will you use these next few weeks to catch up? If you have received an unexpected financial blessing, would you consider giving an extra gift to allow ministries to flourish and missions to be extended around the world? With God’s help, let’s all work together in generosity so that missions and ministries will continue to grow through First Baptist Church.

Saturday, April 21We invite you to help us make a dramatic statement about God’s enduring love to our community by serving on Saturday, April 21. Serving the City is a wonderful way for each of us to share God’s love with the people of Madison County. For details or to register online, visit www.servingthecityonline.com or complete the form on the back side of the brochure. Sign up soon as some opportunities have limited space. On-site childcare for birth through kindergarten is available only through reservation by calling the Children’s Ministry at 256-428-9411. We have a Serving the City Facebook page that also has updated information.

To help support the projects of Serving the City, financial donations will be accepted throughout the next few weeks. Place your gift in an envelope marked Serving the City and place it in the offering plate or in your Sunday school box.