THE CELEBRATIONS

  Vol. 56, No. 55                                           May 28, 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.

“I got it!” It is my economic stimulus rebate money. I checked my account on line and there it was, an extra lump of money from the US Government. I’m always glad when unbudgeted funds come my way and this is no exception. It did make me think about what I pay in taxes. 

Here we are in an election year with an economic downturn and so from presidential candidates to Governor want-a-bes and county legislators everyone wants to lower my taxes and increase the great services I receive as someone who lives in Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana, USA. There are two things I try to remember as I consider my tax bill, 1) you get what you pay for. 2) If it sounds too good to be true it probably is. I can’t expect things from the government if I can’t sacrifice something for its existence. 

I know there is government waste, but I consider my taxes a good value. For my money I am protected by the greatest military in the world. There are Police and Fire Services that are as close as a call to 911. There are streets to drive on (though some need patching) Libraries to go to, schools for kids in the neighborhood, and once a week I put my trash in front of the house and it disappears. There are shelters for the homeless, food for the hungry and medical care for the ill. Not a bad deal. 

The church works much the same way. If we are going to expect the church to be vibrant we need to be ready to sacrifice something for its existence. I consider my contributions to church to be a good value. There are people who help me better understand my relationship with God and to grow in my walk with Jesus Christ. There are opportunities for worship, where I can share my God given talents with others who can sing or pray or greet etc. and together we become so much more than anyone of us could be on their own. There are those who will pray for my family and me when we are sick. The church proclaims God’s good news and shows the love of Christ here in Evansville and around the world. There are Weddings and Funerals, infant dedications and baptisms, communion and more, that touch my heart and bless my life. I also realize that my contributions to church are my giving to God. The God who gave me life, family, friends, sunsets, songbirds, taste, smell, and thousands of other things I remain deeply thankful for. 

So what am I trying to say? In these tough economic times I can think of no better investment than to invest in God’s work at First Baptist Church Evansville. The returns on that investment will be truly phenomenal.

                                                                        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 or mail it to the church.  In the note section write . . . “FLC A/C Unit”.

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.

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.

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!!

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.

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.

"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.

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.

♪ ♫ 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.

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. 

Free movie night

Saturday, June 8 at 8:00p.m.

with "National Treasure 2:  Book of Secrets" showing!

Free popcorn and drinks will be served!

NEW CHURCH DIRECTORY

 COMING THIS FALL
 Mark your calendars now to attend one of the photo sessions
for new First Baptist Church Directory!
Sessions will be held,

September 18, 19, 20, 2008. 

More details to come. 

Any questions, see Sarah Bloss.

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.

MAD CAMP

for youth entering grades 6-9

June 1-7

ICHTHUS MUSIC FESTIVAL

June 12-15

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