Pilgrims and Thanksgiving

As we prepare for the wonderful time of Thanksgiving, we remember those Pilgrims who came to our country and established the tradition. They were at Scrooby in England in a congregation of Separatists. In 1608, in order to escape persecution they fled to Holland, where there was more religious liberty than in England. They and other latter refugees knew that if they stayed there that their children would become Dutchmen. So they decided to go to America and land in New Jersey, but instead they settled in Cape Cod. More than half of their number, including Governor Carver, died in that first cold winter. They were not landed aristocrats, but were farmers, merchants, yeomen, hired hands, and servants. Six were homeless orphaned children picked off the streets of London. Our heritage did not begin in a palace, but in log cabins in a wilderness. What would those early Pilgrims think of our modern lifestyle and celebration of Thanksgiving? One of the few things that we will have in common with them is that bowl of popcorn which was introduced by the Indians (Native Americans). They would be shocked if they walked into one of our modern supermarkets in November. A pilgrim woman would hardly believe her eyes if she went into Publix and saw a plump turkey. All clean, drawn, perhaps even stuffed, and plastic wrapped in the meat cabinet; a far cry from her wild boney forest bird. She would be shocked at the rows of processed vegetables and fresh produce, as well as the frozen pumpkin pie waiting to be popped into an oven. They were of hardy stock, used to hard manual labor and great sacrifice. Frankly, Im grateful for our conveniences. The primary motive for the Pilgrims first Thanksgiving was to offer profound thanks to God for the crops which had flourished from their first spring planting in the new world. The main ingredients of that first Thanksgiving dinner were faith and gratitude, but these are often missing in our holidays. Our celebrations are often savorless and meaningless compared to theirs. We may have the fixins, but not the faith. In the midst of our great wealth and comfort, we have forgotten how to be grateful and have prospered too fast for our souls. The Pilgrims were somehow able to sit down with the Native Americans, a strong indictment of the racial tension and stereotyping which continues to stifle dialogue and unity in modern America. Most importantly, they knew it was God who had given them that land, liberty, and provision. Today we do not thank the government, or mother nature, but only God. May all of us say this Thanksgiving season: I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples, and I will sing praises to You among the nations. For Your lovingkindness is great above the Heavens, and Your truth reaches to the skies (Psalm 108:3, 4). Actually, we have to become Separatists from the worlds values to give such thanks and praise.

Living Christmas Trees Purchase tickets online at www.fbcn.org

beginning Oct. 1 or call 888-795-1559 (9am-6pm/mon-fri) for ticket information

Friday, Dec. 9 @ 7pm NEW: Saturday, Dec. 10 @ 1 pm Sunday, Dec. 11 @ 4 & 7pm

Tickets Still Available

Purchase tickets online at www.fbcn.org/lct, byEVENTS 888-795-1559 calling OMING (9am-6pm/Mon-Fri), vices, Dec. 24, 4 & 6 pm or in the Commons Hope and FBCN Choir/ after all January 15, 6pm worship services.

pril 6, 7pm, Choir/Orchestra Performances:

Friday, Dec. 2 @ 7pm L1, C1, C2, and R1 = $12.50 Sunday, Dec. 4 @ 4 & 7pm Thursday, Dec. 8 @ 7pm L2, R2, and front rows of L4, L3, Friday, Dec. 9 @ 7pm C3, C4, R3, and R4 = $10.00 NEW: Saturday, Dec. 10 @ 1pm All else = $8.50 Sunday, Dec. 11 @ 4 & 7pm First Baptist Church Naples

OMING EVENTS

THE LIVING The Greatest Story is a funfilled, heart-stirring TREES CHRISTMAS production that features classic and Friday, Dec. 2 @ 7pm modern Christmas music with Sunday, Dec. 4 @ 4 & 7 from various dramatic scenespm Thursday, Dec. 8 Christmas some of our favorite@ 7pm Friday, Dec. 9 @ 7pm movie classics including NEW: Saturday, Dec.Wonderful Scrooge and Its a 10 @ 1 pm Life. The Dec. 11 @ 4 & 7pm Sunday, production is highenergy with Broadway style Purchase tickets online at www.fbcn.org choreography and various beginning Oct. 1 technological features that we or call 888-795-1559 (9am-6pm/mon-fri) are using for the first time. Our for ticket information aim is to help you to enjoy this wonderful season of the year, and to remind you of the good news that The Greatest Story still changes lives today!

presents

asks You to pLease joIn us as we gIve a gIft of hope to a famILY thIs chrIstmas season
we have a box for You to take home and fILL wIth food to heLp meet the famILIYs phYsIcaL needs wrIte a note of hope and encouragement to the famILY have the kIds decorate It then praY over the box as a famILY! You can aLso sponsor a box for $40.00 (It IncLudes toYs and a bIbLe). You can joIn us to deLIver It on saturdaY, dec. 17th at the coLLIer countY faIr grounds at 9:00am or drop It off saturdaY, dec. 10th at 529 commercIaL bLvd between 9:00am & 3:00pm and we wILL deLIver It for You! for more InformatIon, vIsIt our web sIte at bLessIngchrIst.org or caLL chao at 239-353-5909. donatIon checks can be made out to awestruck mInIstrIes.

bLessIng chrIst mInIstrIes

February 28, 29, & March 1, 2012

Deposit: $75/per person DUE BY THIS SUNDAY, NOV 20
Balance due by January 15, 2012 Sign-up at our table in the Fellowship Hallway (youll find more information there as well) and bring your deposit to the church office or see Vada. For more information, please call 596-8600 x268. Cost: $225/per person

PrimeTimer Ministry 3-Day Trip to Orlando

This trip includes lodging, motorcoach transportation, admission to the Holy Land Experience, admission to the Arabian Nights Dinner, a visit to Bok Tower Gardens, and a visit to the Morse Museum.

to be delivered by our HIGH SCHOOL MISSIONS TEAM to the people of Argentina

Sponsor A Bible

A gift of $10 will provide for the purchase & delivery of a Spanish Bible. To sponsor a Bible, please contact the Student Ministry office at 239-449-4480. Our High School Ministry will be traveling to Argentina on March 31- April 6. Please be in prayer for them as they go forth and tell.

The 3rd Annual FBA High School J-Term

January 3 -17
We are launching a new Job Internship Program for our Juniors and Seniors!

If you or your company would be interested in hosting an intern during this time, please email Mrs. Crain (scrain@fbalions.org) or call the High School Guidance Office at 239.597.2233, ext. 658.

Our mission is to develop students with Christian character and a Biblical worldview, equipping them for life, learning, and leadership.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

She was a businesswoman in Kabul, Afghanistan. She was also a mom and wife, married to a man with a prestigious government job. Then the Taliban showed up. They mercilessly killed her husband. Her children were taken from her. Shirin eventually left Afghanistan, joining thousands of other refugees migrating through Iran, Turkey and Greece toward the hope of a better life. Thanks to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, Shirin found a refugee center in Europe run by Southern Baptist workers. The center provides showers, meals and groceries to 275 people a week. Each refugees story is unique, yet all share common threads. Shirin wants freedom to live as she chooses. She wants

Refugees find Jesus

rest from the battles that have shredded her home and her family. She wants respect as a Hazara, a marginalized minority in Afghanistan. She is also spiritually hungry. Southern Baptist workers find that many refugees like Shirin are ready to hear the news that Jesus loves them. Many have not had the opportunity, living in places where the Gospel message is not welcomed. A Persian pastor who was once a refugee himself speaks of the hope Shirins looking for. Jesus made it possible for people to run into the arms of God, the pastor explains. Jesus came to give life, not war.
See full coverage on refugees in Europe in the winter edition of CommissionStories.

iamsbmissions.com

Please remember that we have our very own social media site to connect with our very own local and North American Mission Board missionaries. If you havent received an invitation to join this site, or if your invitation link has expired, please email Rhonda Wright at rwright@fbcn.org and she will send you the invitation link to join. Once on this site, you have access to over 200 missionaries to pray for, connect with, share pictures and videos with, etc. This site is also guaranteed to be 100% safe, secure, and totally unsearchable (the only way to see anything on this site is to be invited).

If you arent part of the Great Commission Connection, but would still like to connect with missionaries on our social media site (100% safe, secure, and totally unsearchable), please email Rhonda Wright at rwright@fbcn.org and she will send you a link to sign-up. You will have access to over 200 missionaries to pray for, connect with, share pictures and videos with, etc.
If your Change the World bank is full, you may make your deposit at the Lighthouse Bookstore (during regular operating hours), the Media Ministry Counter (during regular operating hours), or the Fellowship Hallway Depository (available at all times during the week, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and before/after all worship services and events). Simply use the black marker provided and enter your name and your change bank number on the plastic deposit bag label provided, open the change bank from the bottom and deposit the change into the plastic deposit bag, remove adhesive strip from the back of the plastic deposit bag, close the flap making sure bag is sealed, and drop the plastic deposit bag into the depository at your selected location. After making your deposit, KEEP THE BANK and continue to collect your change for the Great Commission Connection. We thank you for your participation!

Sat. Dec. 3rd - 9 to 12

10th Annual Children Shopping Outing

For Children of Single Parents

Call 596-8600 x 242

Children (4 to 17) of single parents will be able to go shopping and purchase a gift for their parent. We give the child $10, help them wrap the gift, and feed them lunch.

Sign-up in a single parent BLG!

Sat. Dec. 3rd - 9 to 12

10th Annual Children Shopping Outing

For Children of Single Parents

Call 596-8600 x 242

Children (4 to 17) of single parents will be able to go shopping and purchase a gift for their parent. We give the child $10, help them wrap the gift, and feed them lunch.

Sign-up in a single parent BLG!

Operation Christmas Child Results

Thank you, First Baptist Church Naples, for your generous support this year of Operation Christmas Child. With your help, we shipped 2,360 shoe boxes from our church. We exceeded our goal! Thank you for helping us send the love of Jesus to hurting children around the world through the power of a simple gift. God bless you all and have a very Merry Christmas!

Help for the divorced and separated during the holidays.

Surviving the Holidays

If youre separated or divorced, the holidays can be a lonely, stressful, depressing time. But theres hope. Join us for an encouraging seminar that will help you survive the holidays and discover new ways to enjoy them again.

December 8, 2011 6:30 to 8:30 PM Room DC107 Call 596-8600 ext. 242

New Arrival At FBCN

Maryrose Pearl Whitlock was born on November 14, 2011 weighing 5 pounds, 10 ounces, and measuring 18 inches long. Proud parents are Kubby & Karina Whitlock. Congratulations!

Paper Towel Rolls and Toilet Tissue

Please dont toss them! Our Preschool Department needs paper towel rolls and toilet tissue rolls for art projects. Please bring donations to the Preschool kiosk in the Education Building.

Invest Your Life!

Invest your life in something that will outlive you! We are growing, and many new children (who need teachers to love and care for them) are coming to our church. Teachers and assistants are needed to serve with young children on Saturday nights and Sunday mornings during Worship and Bible & Life Groups. You will have fun and make a difference in the lives of children and their families. For more information, please call Beverly in the Preschool Office at 596-8600 x351.

Now Hiring Several Part-Time Positions

FBCN is now hiring part-time staff for several positions with the Premises Keepers. If you enjoy cleaning and have a heart to serve, we would like to talk with you. Ask for an application in the main church office, or go online to www.fbcn.org and select About Us and then Employment Openings. You can also call Bob at 596-8600 x237 for more information. Looking for a part-time job? We have some openings at the Lighthouse Cafe. This is your opportunity to put a few dollars in your pocket while serving the members and guests at FBCN. Call Bob at 596-8600 x237 for details.

Volunteer Opportunity
If you are seeking a fulfilling ministry, then you will enjoy this volunteer opportunity. We are seeking an energetic individual to assist Chef Herb and the Food Service staff on Wednesday evenings. To receive detailed information, please direct your calls to Chef Herb at 596-8600 x212 or email hsmall@fbcn.org.

Is Your Bible in our Lost and Found?

Have you lost a Bible lately? Please check our Lost and Found as we have lots of Bibles that have been left. Lost and Found is located in the foyer of the Worship Center inside Door #43.

Upcoming Events
Saturday, November 19
6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Worship Service/Worship Center KidzTown Childrens Worship/DC120 Hispanic Worship Service/Chapel Bible and Life Groups/Various Rooms on Campus Bible and Life Groups/Various Rooms on Campus Worship Service/Worship Center Bible and Life Groups/Various Rooms on Campus KidzTown Childrens Worship/DC120 Romanian Baptist/Modulars 3 & 4/SC117 Haitian Bible Study & Worship/ED222 Vietnamese Bible Study and Worship/DC220 Worship Service/Worship Center Bible and Life Groups/Various Rooms on Campus Hispanic Worship Service/Student Center Romanian Baptist Congregation/Modulars 3 & 4 Thanksgiving Lords Supper Service/Worship Center

Sunday, November 20
8:15 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 23 Thursday, November 24

Happy Thanksgiving! Church Offices Closed Church Offices Closed

No Wednesday Evening Activities

Friday, November 25

KidzTown Worship
Each week at KidzTown, our children in 1st through 4th grades have the opportunity to worship the Lord Kid Style. We have a great time studying His Word, singing His praises, and seeking His will. With songs, skits, and games, the lessons learned each day are enforced. For the next eight weeks, we will be looking at the great detective stories of the Bible and learning the lessons that God has for each of us. Your child will not want to miss this weeks excitement and mystery as we look at the mystery of the floating axe head. KidzTown meets Saturday at 6:00 p.m. or Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in Room DC120.

Last Weekend
Decisions For Christ
Profession of Faith Mike Cooper Rededication Randy Jeffrey Baptisms Teodocia Acuna Diana Bertron Mike Bertron Kelly Breuler Kyle Chandler M. Elisa Chung Lauren Corder Christopher Cote Hadley Crawford Christopher Crossan Baptisms Jennifer Crossan Anna Fisher Bill Hanson Carol Hanson Samantha Jones Alicia Kreifels Lorena LaMacchio Chloe McGuire Caroline Robertson Patton Robertson Savanna Tillman Mari Veliz Patsy Veliz Carrie Williamson

Worship Attendance
November 12 & 13
Saturday Night Sunday 9:30 a.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. Total 1,276 1,757 961 3,994

Bible & Life Attendance

November 12 & 13
Saturday Night Sunday 8:15 a.m. Sunday 9:30 a.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. Home Groups 863 115 390 795 443

July 1, 2011 - November 13, 2011 Budget Actual Variance $2,469,048 $2,340,631 ($128,417)

2010-2011 Operating Revenues

Debt balance as of November 13 $9,393,018

Next Week

If you need assistance, please call the church deacon hotline at 800-732-9573. For Spanish, call 601-6051.

Ned Kendall & Donald R. Johnson

Cafe Hours
Monday - Friday Saturday Sunday

Bookstore Hours

Monday, Tuesday Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Saturday Sunday

`
`

Financial Stewardship

Total

2,606

Deacon of the Week

November 21 - 27

Dr. Wicker on the Radio

You can hear Dr. Wicker every day at 1:00 p.m. on 91.5 Kingdom FM WJYO. Dr. Wicker is also on WSOR 90.9 FM at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday evenings, and on Praise FM 89.5 at 1:30 p.m. Sunday `afternoons.

Wednesday Family Meal

No Meal This Wednesday
Closed 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Closed 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Sermon Notes

Staying strong for God is an area where every believer struggles. The story of Daniel is encouraging because he settled Who he would worship and obey before he was tested, and the results were amazing. Learn how to follow God in an ungodly world by watching Daniel. Sunday - Daniel 1:1-8 / Monday - Daniel 1:9-21 Tuesday - Daniel 2:1-13 / Wednesday - Daniel 2:14-23 Thursday - Daniel 2:24-30 / Friday - Daniel 2:31-43 Saturday - Daniel 2:44-49

Pastoral Staff
Dr. Hayes Wicker ................................................................................................ Senior Pastor Miguel Cruz ............................................................................. Hispanic Congregation Pastor Beverly Day ............................................................................ Director of Preschool Ministry Justin Faircloth ....................................................... Associate Pastor/Middle School Ministry Steve Hayes...................................................................Associate Pastor/Biblical Counseling Forrest Head ....................................................................................... Senior Associate Pastor Jim Hill................................................................................Director of Single Adult Ministry Lewis Howard .............................................................................. Associate Pastor/Education Don Ingle ......................................................................................Director of Mens Ministry Shannon Moore ........................................................................Director of Womens Ministry John Patterson..................................................................Associate Pastor/Media & Technology Doug Pigg ............................................................Associate Pastor of Church Administration Tom Rider .................................................................. Associate Pastor/School Administrator Larry Rigley .................................................................. Associate Pastor/Childrens Ministry Dr. Todd F. Stearns ........................................................ Associate Pastor/Worship and Music Kevin Taylor ..............................................................Associate Pastor/High School Ministry Kevin Van Duser .................................................................Associate Pastor/Sports Outreach

First Baptist Church Naples

Church Receptionist ......................................................................................................... 597-6057 Enter ext. # for direct connection ..................................................................................... 596-8600 Lighthouse Bookstore ...................................................................................................... 449-4488 First Baptist Academy Naples ......................................................................................... 597-2233 24-Hour Prayer Line .......................................................................................... 597-PRAY (7729) Church Email ....................................................................................................... FBCN@fbcn.org Church Website.........................................................................................................www.fbcn.org

3000 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples, FL 34109 Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.