Volume 45 Number 8 March 1, 2017 First Baptist Church Monroe: Family, Friends, Faith

Ware It Is Dr. Todd Ware, Associate Pastor

Wednesday, March 8 Supper 5:00 p.m.

Menu: Ham, mashed sweet potatoes, black-eyed peas, pineapple casserole, salad bar, cornbread, and dessert. Children: Ham, macaroni and cheese Helpers: Jane Pettus, Gayle Smith, and Sue Kamienski

March 8 First Presbyterian Church March 15 Rivers of Mercy March 22 First Baptist Church March 29 St. Anna’s Catholic Church April 5 First United Methodist Church

The service begins at noon with lunch following at 12:30.

An offering for F.I.S.H. will be accepted.

We have several Master Gardeners in our church, but I ain’t one of them! Our yard isn’t the result of a grand plan but simply the compi-lation of gifts from across the years. As you

roll into our driveway you’ll notice a crepe myrtle on the left. It’s been there for 18 years and was given and planted by our friend Tommy Odum. Close to the front door is a camellia bush. It was a gift from Robert & Nancy King. You can’t see them yet, but it won’t be long before my Granny’s hostas will begin to sneak through the bark in front of our house and in the pine straw in the back. On both sides of our house are oak trees which rise far above the roof line. Five of the oaks, along with the cedars on the back of our property, are constant reminders of our friend Bill Inabinet who passed away last year. Bill gave us a truckload of trees, and centi-pede grass from his yard, soon after we settled in. On the backside of our property you’ll find blueberry bushes that came from my berry-picking buddy Russell Jackson; and on the edge of our front yard are a couple of azaleas from Jack “Mad Dawg” Zeller. Next to his azaleas is a shrub I transplanted from Gordon’s yard and an Easter lily Peggy Seymour sent my way. And while they never seemed to get the right amount of sun-light, you can catch an occasional glimpse of Sara Powell’s daylil-lies and Tommy Aycock’s elephant ear plant. So, that’s our yard. It ain’t the best looking landscape on the block, but it’s ours. And while most will never know its history, the yard will always have sentimental value because of those who have touched it in some way throughout the years. And as you know, the same is true for us. While we can do a lot of planning, much — if not most — of what shapes and adds beauty to our lives is simply a gift. As I watch nature begin to unfold around us, I am reminded of the many people among whom I have been planted. For while I could have never planned such a life, I know there is a Master Gar-dener who is able to place us exactly where He wants us to be. I have the privilege of being part of a beautiful landscape of family and friends — and for that, I am thankful.

Serving Jesus Together,

Todd

PAGE 2 March 1, 2017

Youth News Gordon Davidson

Minister to

Students & Families

First Baptist Church Monroe: Family, Friends, Faith

Visit FBC online now at www.fbcmonroe.com and follow us on Twitter @FBCMonroeGA

The Parent/Child Dedication Service

has been rescheduled for Sunday, March 19.

Mickey Blevins - Home, following heart attack Nancy Brown (Royce McNeal’s sister) - Home Terry Doughty (Meleta White’s cousin) - Emory Ellen Ellison (Christie and Steve Ellison’s daughter-in-law) - Complications with pregnancy Elizabeth Freeman (Wanda Hickman’s mother) - Broken arm, hip surgery 2/28, St. Mary’s Marcy Haymans - Home Amy McCollum (Charlie & Sara Powell’s daughter) - Home, chemo Danny Miller - Home Denise Newman - Home, following outpatient hand surgery on 2/23 Chuck Pratt (Amy Prine’s father) - Hospital with heart issues Michael Reddish (Marvin and Donna Reddish’s nephew) - Cancer - home, following kidney removal on 2/21 in Texas Elaine Reese - Home Suzanne Ruggiers - Home with shingles and kidney procedures Bill Segraves - Home Rosemarie Sells - Home, following outpatient hand surgery on 2/23 Sandy Smith - Home, following hospital visit Ben Stephens - Home, following back surgery Frances Stokes - Home, following surgery Shirley Strickland - Home, following knee replacement Linda Treat (Tommy Aycock’s fiancée) - Home, following surgery Matthew Young (Shannon Dominy’s brother) - Home, cancer

Explorers: What does it mean to be a Christian? For children in grades 1-6

March 5, 12, and 19 9:45 each Sunday in Room 201 (Children's Area)

RSVP to shannon@fbcmonroe.com .

You've probably noticed we've been promoting a DiscipleNow (DNow) Weekend, March 31-April 2. You may be asking "What is a DiscipleNow Weekend?" Good question. A DNow Weekend is simply an in-town retreat. DiscipleNow is a discipleship event held in homes over a weekend with the pur-pose of beginning or continuing the process of discipleship de-velopment in the lives of youth. Small groups of youth meet in the homes of church members for studies in discipleship. The studies are led by trained college students with the goal of begin-ning or strengthening the ongoing process of discipleship in each youth's life. The college students are provided by SWAT Minis-tries, an organization birthed over 25 years ago for the sole pur-pose of helping churches plan and implement successful DNow Weekends. Even though in-depth Bible study small groups com-prise a major component of a DNow Weekend, they are not the only component. We will also meet together in corporate worship several times during the weekend in our Fellowship Hall. Leading those times will be Riley Smith and Travis Crim. Riley led our musical worship during last summer's Love Where You Live week. He hails from Lilburn, a student at Parkview High School and a member at Grace Snellville. Travis (traviscrim.com), although born and raised in the south, now lives in California and is an in-demand speaker, comedian, and former football player at the school which shall not be named but is in Tuscaloosa, Ala-bama. And what's a retreat weekend without a little recreation? College students from SWAT Ministries will also lead us in games during the weekend. There are several ways the church family can participate. First and most importantly, pray for the students who will attend. Second, make sure your youth, your neighbors, friends, and relatives are signed up to participate. Third, if you would like to host students in your home, send Laura Thompson an email (thompson0673@windstream.net). And fourth, you can't have a youth event without food. If you would like to help provide a meal or snacks, send Margie Briscoe an email (cottages1@windstream.net). Everyone is welcome to join us Friday evening and Saturday evening in the Fellowship Hall for the worship times. I look forward to this life-changing weekend and the impact it will have on our students, our church, and even our community.

Gordon

PAGE 3 First Baptist Church Monroe: Family, Friends, Faith March 1, 2017

Visit FBC online now at www.fbcmonroe.com and follow us on Twitter @FBCMonroeGA

Last call!!! The Wayfarers are travelling again!

What: Overnight trip to Augusta! When: March 16-17 Cost: $85/per person (two per room) Guided tour of the city and the home of Woodrow Wilson, visit to Augusta museum, charter boat ride on canal (1 hour), transportation and accommodations.

We have rooms left for this over-night adventure. You do not have to be a senior to go with us. You may invite a friend who is not a church member if you wish. Join us for a good time. Call if you have questions.

HELP!

The kitchen is missing a stockpot. If anyone has borrowed it,

please return it to the kitchen.

A Three-Week Parent Bible Study

Sundays,

March 5, 12, and 19 in the Chapel at 9:45 a.m.

RSVP to shannon@fbcmonroe.com .

Shut-In of the Week

Ruby Reeves 2434 Broach Road Monroe, GA 30656

5 Tariq Shakoor 9 Kathryn Sanders 5 John Wilson 9 Katelyn Phelps 5 John Thompson 10 Gerald Hale 6 Cliff Peters 10 Paul Mullins 7 Meredith Malcom 10 Laura Rowe 7 Wesley Webb 10 Will Bailey 8 Lilly Doster 10 Slade Wilson 8 Benjamin Ellerbee 11 Rita Millians 8 Kolton Sargent 11 Noah Head 9 Verma Ellington 11 Mallory Carson 9 Laverne Simmons

Congratulations to Jim and Barbara Hood upon the February 21 arrival of their new great-granddaughter! Harper Drew Suenaga is the daughter of Tori and Chris Suenaga of Smyrna, Georgia.

Harper has a big brother, Cade.

A thank you note has been received from Team Up Mentoring for the Sunday School classes who are providing meals. “To the Sunday School Classes at First Baptist….

Thank you to each and every one of you who have provided food for us! The dinners are always delicious and make the night so much better. One meal is always such a big blessing to us, and it’s even more amazing when it tastes so yummy.” Alli Carton Team Up Mentoring Intern

Welcome

New Members!

Pat & Vickie Gasaway 1165 Penland Road

Covington, GA 30014

Terry McCart 800 Criswell Road SE Monroe, GA 30655

Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Friday

Office 770-267-5904 Fax 770-207-7383

Todd Ware ............................................................... Associate Pastor Greg DeLoach ......................................................... Interim Preacher Alex Boskoff ...................................................... 8:30 Worship Leader Lynn Brown ............................................................. Ministry Assistant Chris Bryan ..................................................... 11:11 Worship Leader Darlene Christie ................................ Director of Preschool Ministries Gordon Davidson .............................. Minister to Students & Families Lisa Garrett .......................................................... Financial Secretary Teri Head ................................................................ Ministry Assistant Royce McNeal ............................................ Minister to Senior Adults Curtis Murdock .............................................. 11:00 Worship Leader Shannon Radosevich .......................................... Minister to Children Amy Smeltzer ............................................. Family Ministry Assistant Elizabeth Young...................................................... Ministry Assistant

TIME-SENSITIVE MATERIAL FOR

MARCH 5, 2017

NON-PROFIT

ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE

P A I D

PERMIT #56

First Baptist Church 202 McDaniel Street PO Box 351 Monroe, Georgia 30655 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Nursery

8:30 Leader - Donna Colquitt

Babies: Linda Head Maria Brannen 3- to 5-Year-Olds: Amy Prine Christie Benton

11:00 Babies: Volunteer Needed!

Volunteer Needed! 3- to 5-Year-Olds: Steve Colquitt Ginny Hughes Elaine Dillard

SUNDAY SCHOOL

ATTENDANCE

Adults ............................. 258 Students ........................... 46 Children ........................... 38 Preschool ......................... 31 Total: 373 Our Attendance Goal: 450

Last Week at

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

February 26, 2017

Next Week, March 5, at

First Baptist Church

Deacons : Adam Kimelman and Keith Prather

GIVING FOR WEEK

Weekly Budget Required .......................... $ 30,141.00 Budget Received ...................................... $ 16,276.60 Designated Gifts ....................................... $ 9,185.00 Budget Required to Date .......................... $ 271,269.00 Budget Received to Date.......................... $ 201,353.53

Give to Go: $27,758

Visitors’ Welcome

8:30 Wade Millians Bruce Millians Teri Ware 11:00 Robert & Carolyn Crane Jennie Bowick Jane Pettus

Sunday, March 5

Morning Worship ................................................................. 8:30 a.m. Sunday School ..................................................................... 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship ................................................................ 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship ................................................................ 11:11 a.m.

Wednesday, March 8

Handbells ............................................................................. 5:00 p.m. Supper ................................................................................. 5:00 p.m. Bible Drill (3rd-12th Grades) ................................................ 5:30 p.m. Adult Bible Studies ............................................................... 6:00 p.m. Preschool Activities (3- to 5-Year-Olds) .............................. 6:00 p.m. Children’s Activities (1st-6th Grades) .................................. 6:00 p.m. Mid-Week Youth Bible Study (7th-12th Grades) ................. 6:30 p.m. Praise Band .......................................................................... 6:30 p.m. Sanctuary Choir ................................................................... 7:15 p.m.

F.I.S.H. In memory of Troy Preston given by: Mr. & Mrs. Rick Gove Barnabas Fund In memory of Buddy Howard given by: Johnny & Helen Dunn Give to Go In memory of Frances Bates given by: The 2:42 Sunday School Class Music Ministry In memory of Van Kitchens given by: Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Millians

Our Goal:

$67,500

Given to

Date:

$27,758

Memorials Received

this Week