THE CELEBRATIONS

Vol. 56, No. 54                                                      May 14, 2008

Vision Statement

We are building on our heritage and approaching the future with a vision relevant to our changing world while creating an atmosphere where Christ can bring healing, hope, and joy to all.

Here we are in May and I am looking forward to my first summer in Evansville. Yes I have been told that it is often very hot and very, very humid, but OK I can deal with that. There have been so many wonderful things going on here at church and I am looking forward to all the exciting things that are coming up. First I will be taking a vacation. 

Joanne and I have two very exciting things planned for our time away. We will be going to Playa del Carman, Mexico for a week at the beach and then we will be attending the graduation of our youngest daughter Janelle who will be graduating from Monroe Community College in Rochester, New York. (You are all invited to an Open House gathering for her, Friday, May 30^th from 5-8 PM at 3 Whitney Farms Circle, Fairport, New York.) I will be away from sometime after church May18th and be returning May 31^st.

 If you are in need for pastoral care while I am away you can contact the church office. Members of the Pastoral Care Team will be available to visit and pray with you. If you are in need of a pastor Rev. Posey Gains our Pastor Emeritus will be available to provide assistance. In the mean time I will keep you in my prayers from wherever I find myself.

 Thank you to all who made Mother’s Day such an incredible Sunday. To the cooks and the clean-up crew that made the Women’s breakfast such a big hit, to those who worked with the children in the children’s musical program, and to Emily Slade who did such a fine job preaching, thank you so very much, it was a great Sunday.  

Best wishes to all graduates. God bless you as you make that transition from what has been to what is beginning to be.  Be a friend of change, for change will be with you your whole life.  Be proud of what you have accomplished and always be ready to accomplish more.

There is a lot on the calendar this summer so please read your celebrations, check out the listings in the weekly bulletins and listen to the Sunday morning announcements that Joannie makes. There are opportunities galore for worship, service, education, and fellowship (i.e. eating!!). I hope you find some time this summer to get away, to relax and be renewed. I also hope to see you at church when you can be there because we will miss you and you will miss a lot if you choose to stay away.

                                        Grace and Peace,
                                        Pastor George

FAMILY LIFE CENTER

The a/c unit has been replaced in the FLC at the cost of $7,000. We are asking for your help in paying for the cost.  Please feel free to write a check and place it in the offering plate.  In the note section write . . . “FLC A/C Unit”.

CONGRATULATIONS to Doug & Lori (Pride) Kisner on the birth of KASEY JOSEPH KISNER born May 3^rd, 7 lbs. 13 ozs.  Proud grandparents are Rick & Connie Pride and his proud great grandmother, Margaret Pride.

PLAY TIME FOR ME 

Parents and guardians of 4 yr olds and younger are invited to this group as they gather each month to play, fellowship and share. They meet the first Thursday of each month from 9:30-11:00am. For more info call Jessie at 471-8702.

STRAWBERRY SOCIAL 

The Seekers Sunday School Class is having a Strawberry Social  Fundraiser June 8^th at 12 noon in the fellowship. ALL types of strawberry deserts  will be available for purchase to eat here or take home or both.

VALET SERVICE

A new ministry at first Baptist on Sunday mornings from 9:00am to 9:30am is a valet service provided prior to Sunday school. Just pull up to the canopy on the 4th street side of the church and someone will greet you there, park your car, bring the keys to you and let you know where the car is parked. After worship service, at your request, the car will be pulled back around to the 4th street side.

JUNE KOFFEE KLATCH

1^ST . . . N ~ Z

15^th . . . Seekers & Trustees

29^th . . . All Church

SUMMER CAMP

As summer time draws near, so does our camping season!  Indian Creek Baptist Camp in Bedford, Indiana offers camp sessions all summer for children and youth of all ages.  Beginning with a first timers camp that is very short to a week long Senior High Camp that includes 2008 high school graduates, there are camp sessions for everyone.  MAD camp is the first week of the summer, June 1-7 and is attended by many First Baptist youth.  We send campers and counselors!  To find out more about camp, you can check out their website at www.campindiancreek.com.  Brochures and registrations are available upstairs on the Youth bulletin board.  Call Joannie at 985-7555, if you have questions.

MAY KOFFEE KLATCH

18TH . . . Pastoral Care Provider Team and Choir

"LITTLE DIPPERS" CLASS

We are excited to introduce our newest Sunday School Class at FBC. Beginning in June, Sarah Bloss will be teaching the "Little Dippers" class for toddlers in our nursery department. This tender age is the perfect time to begin to learn about God's love and care. In a continuing effort to be welcoming and inviting to families with young children, we have also begun updating our policies and procedures within the nursery department. It is our highest priority to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for children.

CONGRATULATIONS TO Susan and Hannah Bassett for winning a Mother’s Day Make Over from Waleed’s/Foxx Channel 7. Susan and Hannah were nominated by Hannah’s kindergarten teacher for a fun day at Waleed’s.

PAMPERED CHEFF PARTY 

Youth Fundraiser June 14^th at 10:00am in the fellowship hall.  Everyone is invited, bring friends, refreshments and lots of good fellowship.

 FOOD PANTRY TABLE 

Support FBC by providing non-perishable food items each time you come to the church for a donation to Patchwork Central to help those in need. Hunger is not a seasonal or random thing, it’s an on going thing.  FBC CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!

SOCCER SHAK SEASON 

Our youth soccer shak season is drawing to a close , but a BIG THANK  YOU goes out to all of our volunteers for the spring season.  We had 5 new volunteer families this year which was a great help! Thanks again, you’ve really helped the First Baptist youth ministry!

♪ ♫ NOTES FROM JULIE ♫ ♪

ATTENTION  SUMMER  SINGERS!!

If you are interested in singing with the choir during the summer, please attend our Summer Singers Choir Rehearsal on Wed., May 28^TH  from 6:30 – 8:15.  (Regular choir members, please note the change in starting times.)  During this rehearsal, we will practice ALL of our summer anthems.  During the summer, we will “fine tune” on Sunday mornings at 10:15. Lots of fun and fellowship!  Please come sing with us.

CHILDREN’S CHOIR IS FINISHED FOR THE SUMMER 

Many thanks to the boys and girls for their leadership in worship on Mother’s Day.  They helped us learn to praise God with our hands, feet, eyes, hearts, and voices. Thanks also to the choir leaders Retha Buente, Denise Farmer, Angie Grable, Doris Hollis, Becky Lauer for the video display, and Dale Lauer for logistical and audio assistance.  Have a great summer!

FBC MIDDLE SCHOOLERS MISSIONARIES 

Our FBC Middle Schoolers will become Evansville missionaries on June 22-24^th  on the 2^nd Middle School Mission Tour.  They will be following Jesus’ example of serving others when they come to homes to work.  With adult supervision, they will rake, trim bushes and trees, weed, wash windows, paint, haul, mulch, clean and just about anything else that you need.  No money or donations will be accepted, they will just be there to serve. If you have a job that you would like some help with, please call Joannie Smith at 985-7555.

CAMP

for youth entering grades 6-9
June 1-7
 

ICHTHUS MUSIC FESTIVAL
June 12-15 

MIDDLE SCHOOL MISSION TOUR
June 22-24

POWER LAB IS COMING! 

Don't miss the VBS 2008 experience at FBC.  Learn for yourself  or teach others about the power that comes from Jesus Christ.  There will be classes for kids aged 4 through those entering 6th grade.  We need teachers, assistants, musicians, craft leaders, recreation leaders, chefs, bus drivers and riders, phoners, mailers, canvassers and prayer partners.  There is a job YOU can do for VBS.  Mark your calendar now for July 21, 22 & 23 from 9:00-12:00 each day. 

HOW TO USE THE BIBLE

When in sorrow

            Read John 14

When men fail you

            Read Psalm 27

When you have sinned

            Read Psalm 51

When you worry

            Read Matthew 6:19-34

When you are in danger

            Read Psalm 91

If you have the blues

            Read Psalm 34 

When God seems far away

            Read Psalm 139

If you are discouraged

            Read Isaiah 40

If you are lonely or fearful

            Read Psalm 23

If you feel down and out

            Read Romans 8:39

When you want courage for your task

            Read Joshua 1

When the world seems bigger than God

            Read Psalm 90

When you want rest and peace

            Read Matthew 11:25-30

When leaving home for labor or travel

            Read Psalm 121, 107:23-31

If you get bitter or critical

            Read 1^st Corinthians 13

If thinking of investments and returns

            Read Mark 10:17-31

For a great invitation, A great opportunity

            Read Isaiah 55

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRADUATES 

JEREMY  BUENTE   graduates   from U of E with a Bachelor of Education Degree in Elementary Education 

STORMIE CRAWFORD graduates from McGary Middle School, will be going to Harrison High School 

COURTNEY DON graduates from Western KY University/Nursing Program 

MaKENNA GORE promoting from the Nursery to the Well

ZACHARY E. GREULICH graduating to Fairlawn School 

JANELLE A. HUFFSMITH graduates with Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from Monroe Community College, Rochester, NY  

HAYLEY JEAN JACKSON graduates from Morning Star Academy with a major in music going to Lincoln Christian College, Lincoln, IL 

BRITTANIE SHAW (WINTERNHEIMER)  graduates from Purdue

 ALYSSA SHERMAN graduating to Plaza Middle School

Pastor George & Joanne Huffsmith invite you to the celebration of Janelle A. Huffsmith,  who is graduating with an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from Monroe Community College, Rochester, NY on May 29^th, 2008 at  7:00pm  and on May 30^th from 5:00pm to 8:00pm an Open House is scheduled for Janelle to celebrate her graduation at her home 3 Whitney Farms Circle in Fairport, NY 14450.

 Mr. & Mrs. Roger Jackson invite you to join them in honoring Hayley Jean Jackson on the occasion of her high school graduation May 24^th, 2008 at 2:00pm at Central Baptist Church, 501 S. 4^th St., Springfield, IL.

Church Staff:    Dr. George Huffsmith - Reverend,  H. Posey Gaines - Pastor Emeritus, Julie Lauer - Music Director, Olivia Yates - Organist, Marge Baker - Pianist, Beth Bloss/Sarah Bloss - Nursery Attendants,Tom Kinner - Sexton,  Rhonda Wilson - Financial Secretary, Vada Chrockrem  - Church Secretary, Donna Waller - Saturday Secretary, Nelya Palamarchuk - Custodian