December 19, 2013

Church Leadership
Our ministers and lay leaders are available to answer any questions you may have to help you connect with the ministries of First Baptist Church. Rev. Matt Sturtevant Senior Pastor, x. 202 matt@firstbaptistlawrence.com Rev. Dr. Meredith Holladay Associate Pastor of Spiritual Formation, x. 204 meredith@firstbaptistlawrence.com Jenny Purvis Office Manager, x.203 jenny@firstbaptistlawrence.com Nathan Benfield Volunteer Building Manager, x.201 nathan@firstbaptistlawrence.com Jim Davidson Chancel Choir Director jamesrdavidson@ku.edu Holly Grassy Bookkeeper grassyclan@att.net John Pauls Moderator jphawk@yahoo.com Evelyn Falen Organist Buddy Langford Custodian Church Office: 785/843.0020 office@firstbaptistlawrence.com www.firstbaptistlawrence.com

Preparing for Worship December 22, 2013 fourth Sunday in advent

A festival of lessons & carols
One service only at 11:00 a.m.

Advent Worship:
Sunday, Dec. 22

One service at 11:00 a.m.

Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols
Led by FBC Chancel Choir The Service of Lessons and Carols was first developed in the late nineteenth century by Archbishop Benson for use in Kings College Chapel, Cambridge. The service which has as its focal point the coming of Christ is characterized by a very simple pattern. It is ordered around Scripture readings that pertain to Christs coming, followed by songs (both choral and congregational) and prayers. Since its first use and subsequent spread throughout the world, the service has been adapted in many ways, ranging from a very simple service of readings and congregational songs to an elaborate production. Though usually a Christmas Eve service, it may be used on any Advent Sunday. In keeping with this tradition, we celebrate on the Fourth Sunday in Advent, the story of the season. In word and in song, we gather in anticipation and hope for the coming of our Lord.

Additional Support Needed for Dezo

Dear friends of First Baptist, We need additional support for Dezo. The church as a whole is committed to raise funds for her education. However her daily needs require immediate and ongoing support. She will continue to stay at Travis and Dava Coopers in 2014, and they are (generously) committed to feeding her. But. We are hoping to collect at least $600 to help provide for daily living costs and incidentals. The money will be provided incrementally in Visa gift cards. Below is just a representative list, and certainly a list that $600 would not begin to cover fully; think about all the stuff where you spend money. We can (and should) help Dezo with these kinds of expenses. Doctors visits Medication if needed Toiletries and hygiene products Shampoos Body soap Hair products Toothpaste & new brush Salon visits Going out with friends Lunches at school (when she doesnt have time to pack a lunch or Dava is out of lunch type food) Gas money T-Bus fare Cards for friends and family back home & here Postage (Please do not go out and purchase these items! Many things she will need to pick out herself, and only when she is ready for them.) For those of you who already generously support Dezo both financially and prayerfully, we give thanks. Please be aware that these needs are above and beyond the costs of Dezos education. Because of the type of Visa she has we have to be careful as to how monetary gifts are given to her. You may give either cash or check written out to Dava Cooper, and she will be sure the funds are allocated to Dezo via the gift cards. We will be anxious to hear how her trip to New Jersey was (she left Dec. 18) where she shared her mission and testimony with some churches there via connections made at this years Biennial meeting. On behalf of the Dezo Support Team, Dava Cooper.

Remember in Prayer
Lois Reeves, recovering from heart surgery at KU Medical Center, ICU. Susan Jones, as she begins a new round of radiation therapy. The Shelley family in the wake of the death of their son Robbie (Galva, IL) on Dec. 15. A funeral service will be held at FBC on Sat. Dec. 21 at 11:00 a.m. International Ministries Missionary: Cheryl Jones, serving in South Africa. Regional Minister: ABC of Connecticut, Ms. Sonia Gonzalez, serving in South Windsor, Connecticut. Local congregation: Vintage Church of Lawrence

Wednesday Nights in January Mark your weekly calendars now!

January 8 6:00 Church-wide Dinner 7:00 Meeting Night

Womens Retreat March 7-9 January 15 6:00 Church-wide Dinner

Perhaps you, too, are lost in the holiday frenzy! If you meant to register for the womens retreat (March 7-9) its not too late! Turn in your $50 deposit ASAP to the church office, Womens Retreat on the memo of your check. You may also register via e-mail, jenny@firstbaptistlawrence.com. The total cost for the weekend is $130. If you have any further questions, let Dava Cooper know (davacoop@gmail.com, 766-6786). The retreat will be at the Heartland Retreat Center, Parkville, Missouri: www.heartlandcenter.org

January 22 6:00 Church-wide Dinner 7:00 Children Matter

January 29 6:00 Church-wide Dinner and Winter Party

Sermon Series in January:

January 5 and 12.

Altar Flowers
A new 2014 altar flower chart is located on the window near the front office door. You are invited to write-in names of those youd like to honor or memorialize throughout this coming year. You will be reminded by postcard that your Sunday is coming up and to place a $25 check in the offering plate to cover cost of the flowers, which you will then be able to take home following the service. There are several dates still open for January 2014. Please call Shorty Yost, 842-4132 or the church office if you have questions.

Beginning at the End: The Book of Revelation in 2014

As we usher in the new year, you are invited to worship with us as we begin at the end with the last book in the Bible: the book of Revelation. Often confusing and ambiguous, the book of Revelation is often associated with its terrifying visions and descriptions of the end. But it is really a book of new beginnings, and the perfect way to bring in 2014, as we together celebrate Gods vision for our future and our present. Explore together with us as we begin the new year celebrating the grace of God!

First Baptist Church 1330 Kasold Drive Lawrence, Kansas 66049 785/843-0020 785/843-0021 (fax) www.firstbaptistlawrence.com

Life of the Church

Sunday, Dec. 22, One service at 11 a.m. 8:30 a.m.no worship service 9:30 a.m.Sunday School 11:00 a.m.A service of Nine Lessons & Carols. Tuesday, Dec. 24 Next newsletter will be sent Jan. 2. Send announcements via e-mail by Jan. 1 Church office closes at Noon Wednesday, Dec. 25 Church office closed thru Jan. 1 Sunday, Dec. 29 One service at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 2 Church office open Sunday, Jan. 5 8:30 a.m.Worship 9:30 a.m.Sunday School 11:00 a.m.Worship

Sunday Morning Volunteers

Dec. 22 Nursery Extended Care Dec. 29 Nursery Extended Care Amy Munsterman Sherry Bernhardt Amy Munsterman Jim or Melisa Lord

Wednesday Night
Beginning January 8th! Wednesday meals are back at 6 p.m.

Staff Whereabouts
Pastor Meredith returns this weekend and will be with us for Christmas Eve and throughout the holiday week. Pastor Matt and family leave Dec. 25 to spend the Christmas holiday with family in Kentucky and will return on Jan. 5. The church office will be closed Dec. 25-Jan. 1. Emergency numbers: Pastor Meredith: 856-0029, Building/Facilities, Nathan: 633-3309 Jenny: 841-4556

Tuesday, Dec. 24, 7:00 pm

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Worship Service with Communion and Candlelighting Rev. Matthew Sturtevant preaching Sunday, Dec. 29, One Service at 11:00 am Christmastide Service Cody Knapik, pulpit guest Special music sung by Bokhee Lee Christmas Carol Sunday (all the carols youve been waiting for!)

New Years Eve Gathering

By the Numbers All are invited! RWR, 4:00 p.m. ? Bring snacks and board games.
GENERAL OPERATING Weekly Receipts: 3,261.00 YTD Receipts: 329,458.00 YTD Expenses: 353,984.00

As of Dec. 8th : CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Weekly Receipts: 15,771.00 Cumulative Giving: 191,937.00