NOVEMBER 26 & 27, 2011

FIRST WORD
NOVEMBER 26 & 27, 2011

The Greatest
SEE PAGE 3 FOR DETAILS

LIVING CHRISTMAS TREES 2011

Story

Branches of the Living Trees

It is almost time for the presentation of the Living Christmas Trees, presented by a huge cast of singers, instrumentalists, actors, and a host of other servants of the Lord, under the direction of Dr. Todd Stearns. We are branches and living trees, as God has appointed us that we would go and bear fruit (John 15:16). Jesus is the Vine and we are the branches (John 15:5). We have the privilege to bring the good news of great joy which will be for all the people, just as the angel announced at the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:10). We do that particularly by investing in people and inviting them to the events such as the Living Trees. Many will come who will never darken the doors of our church at any other time. Bring them with you and they will enjoy the excellent quality of the production, hear the Christmas story, and the gospel of Jesus who Will save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). So, go! The prophetic words of the angels to Mary and Joseph were chiseled on their memories, and cherished in their hearts. Before the birth of Jesus they each had a visit from an angel and held a unique piece of the puzzle of the truth about the incarnation. Mary had been told Who the baby was, while Joseph had been told what He would do. He would be the Son of God (Luke 1:35), but He also would save from sins (Matthew 1:21). God invaded human history that Christmas night, and nothing would ever be the same again. Even though I am teaching about His Second Coming in A Guided Tour Through the End Times, that truth is lost to us unless we embrace His first coming. After Jesus saved the corrupt tax collector, He said, The Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10). The majesty and might of that statement explains not only Christmas, but Jesus entire life and mission. He wants us to be involved in that same endeavor by bearing fruit in the lives of others. Jesus has brought a cure for the common sin! Pray for the staff, cast, and crew of the Living Trees. An enormous amount of work has been done. Many of them have full-time jobs and commitments but serve as a labor of love, whether singing, greeting at the door, parking cars, working on the sets, or in a host of other ways. It is not for the praise of men or the entertainment of a production, but so that they may know Jesus salvation. In a world of constant bad news, we can share that great joy and be like the shepherds who made known the statement which had been told them about this Child (Luke 2:17). Branch out!

Guest Reception
There is a guest reception in the Commons immediately following the Saturday night and Sunday morning 11:00 service. Come and meet Pastor Wicker.

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

Mission Nigeria: The Widows Oil

Prayer Guide & Schedule
Sunday, November 27
Depart from Miami/Atlanta in route to Abuja, Nigeria

Monday, November 28

Arrive Abuja PM, overnight in IMB Guest Hotel

Tuesday, November 29

Travel to Kaduna (3 hours +/-)

Wednesday, November 30 Thursday, December 1

Bush trip/village visit

Meet with Ministers Wives Leadership Team. Pastor Steve to speak/teach seminary students.

Friday, December 2

Pastor Steve speaks in chapel; preparations for Widows Retreat

Saturday, December 3
9am-3pm Widows Retreat

Sunday, December 4

Worship services (together or split to various churches)

Monday, December 5

Special Founders Day program of Baptist Theological Seminary Kaduna

Tuesday, December 6

Departure to Abuja (late morning)

Wednesday, December 7
Arrive Miami Airport Janet Wicker, Angie Hiers, Shannon Moore, Jim Powers, & Steve Hayes

Team Members:

In the Missions Kiosk in the Commons

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 asks You to pLease joIn us

February 28, 29, & March 1, 2012

Deposit: $75/per person DUE THIS MONDAY, NOV 28
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 Vada at 596-8600 x268. Cost: $225/per person double room or $285 single room

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.

Calling All Men!

BAND OF BROTHERS

FIT for the FIGHT

For Winning the Battle for Godliness

Practical Strategies

This Wednesday 6:25 - 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel

This is a great time of study and fellowship as we learn how to fight the Battle together.

This Weeks Study: Arming Yourself Against APATHY & LETHARGY By TOM RIDER Associate Pastor/SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR

SINGLE PARENT FAMILY MINISTRY

FIRST FAMILY CHRISTMAS PROJECT

Each year our church members help take the stress off needy single parent families by purchasing a gift for a child of a single parent. Pick up a child's gift request in the Commons at the table next to the Chapel before or after any service through Dec 11th.

RETURN GIFTS BY MONDAY, DEC. 12TH!

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 596-8600 EXT. 242

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!

First Baptist Academy Book Fair

Friday, December 9th to Friday, December 16th Located in the Commons Large selection of childrens books, Bibles, and DVDs Proceeds to benefit FBAs school library

FBA Christmas Musical Friday, December 16th at 11:00 a.m. Chapel

Presented by the First Baptist Academy Middle School Choirs

KidzTown Worship
What is fun and uplifting for children in 1st through 4th grades? Youre right! It is KidzTown Worship! KidzTown Worship meets on Saturdays at 6:00 p.m. and Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in Room DC120 in the Discipleship Building. This weeks lesson is from the book of Daniel and focuses on the importance of worshipping our Lord. Come and join us as we worship the Lord Kid Style with singing, prayer, games, and Bible study. You may even see one of our famous KidzTown characters!

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.

Thursday, December 8 December 8, 2011 6:30 to 8:30 PM Room DC107 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in ext. 242 DC107 Room Call 596-8600 Call 596-8600 x242 for more information.

Thursday, December 1 at 6:30 p.m. in DC111

For more information, please contact Sue at [email protected] or call 596-8600 x582.

(Helping Others through Pregnancy Encouragement)

Holding onto H.O.P.E.

Paper Towel & Toilet Tissue Empty Rolls

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 [email protected].

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 26
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 RefresHer Womens Ministry/WC East Side Family Meal/Fellowship Recreation-Gym AWANA Childrens Ministry/DC120 Band of Brothers Mens Ministry/Chapel RefresHer Womens Ministry/WC East Side High School Ministry/Student Center Middle School Ministry/Family Life Center-Gym Choir Rehearsal/Choir Room Orchestra Rehearsal/Worship Center Prayer for our Pastors/AD184 Celebrate Recovery/DC121 Grief Share/AD145 Holding onto H.O.P.E./DC111 Living Christmas Trees Presentation/Worship Center Thank you Bible and Life Leadership for your steadfast commitment to teaching, loving, reaching out, and serving others. You are a blessing and an encouragement! --Lewis Howard (Associate Pastor in Education)

Sunday, November 27
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. 9:00 a.m.

Tuesday, November 29
4:45 p.m. 6:20 p.m. 6:25 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 30

Thursday, December 1
11:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.

Friday, December 2

Last Weekend
Decisions For Christ
Profession of Faith Lilli Gilbert Membership by Letter Brian & Virginia Caron

Worship Attendance
November 19 & 20
Saturday Night Sunday 9:30 a.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. Total 1,095 1,746 942 3,783 447

Thanksgiving Service

Financial Stewardship
July 1, 2011 - November 20, 2011 Budget Actual Variance $2,573,567 $2,517,915 ($55,652)

2010-2011 Operating Revenues

Bible & Life Attendance

November 19 & 20
Saturday Night Sunday 8:15 a.m. Sunday 9:30 a.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. Home Groups 778 119 455 705 429

Debt balance as of November 20 $9,382,274

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

David Mastrangelo & Ned Kendall

` Tickets may be purchased at the Lighthouse Cafe during regular business hours or at the door for $6.00 each or $25.00 for a family (immediate family residing in home).
Alternate choices include grilled chicken breast, hamburger, pizza, or a grilled foot long hot dog.

Meal for November 30 (4:45 p.m.-6 p.m. in the Fellowship Recreation-Gym) Chicken Piccata, Bow Tie Pasta, Vegetable, Salad, and a Dessert

` Cafe Hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Wednesday Saturday Sunday Monday, Tuesday, Thursday Wednesday Friday Saturday Sunday Closed 3:15 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Closed 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Bookstore Hours

Total

2,486

Dr. Wicker on the Radio

You can hear Dr. Wicker every day at 1pm on 91.5 Kingdom FM WJYO. Dr. Wicker is also on WSOR 90.9 FM at 8pm on Sundays. You can hear our Band of Brothers Mens Ministry on WJYO 91.5 at 11am & 9pm on Saturdays.

November 28 - December 4

Wednesday Family Meal

Friends are a major influence in peoples lives. Having friends that have the same goals encourages you to stand strong in tough times. This week, well look at what makes good friends. Use what you learn to help you choose your friends. Sunday - Daniel 3:1-7 / Monday - Daniel 3:8-18 Tuesday - Daniel 3:19-30 / Wednesday - Daniel 4:1-18 Thursday - Daniel 4:19-27 / Friday - Daniel 4:28-37 Saturday - Daniel 5:1-16

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 ....................................................................................................... [email protected] Church Website.........................................................................................................www.fbcn.org

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