THE CELEBRATIONS

  Vol. 56, No. 57                                           June 25, 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.

Thank you so much for all those who put forth the effort to get our Angel Food Ministry off to such a great start. Our first order of over 100 boxes of food was distributed. Yes there were some glitches in the plan but we did it and it is going to be even more important that we continue this ministry.

The cost of oil seems to set new records regularly, and no one is talking about them coming down anytime soon. The increased cost of fuel has caused a rise in food prices, but you know that if you have been to the grocery store lately. Now Vectren has announced that the cost of heating our home will be more next winter (no big surprise there). All this adds up to make it more difficult for people to make ends meet. Many people who have been on the edge for some time are finding it harder and harder to hold on. Others, while not so critical, do have to make adjustments such as postponing some purchases or rethinking vacation plans.

The economy is impacting everyone, and Angel Food might be just a little bit of help. There are no income requirements, so it is there for everyone. The people of Angel Food Ministries describe it as a hand up, not a hand out. By working together cooperatively, we lower the cost of food for ourselves and others.

If you were a part of our first distribution . . . THANK YOU!! You have helped make a difference. If you would like to be a part of our future distributions we do need “all hands on deck”. To volunteer contact Joanne Huffsmith (303-4146). If you would like to order see our website www.fbcevansville.org or contact the church office (425-8296). Please share this opportunity with your friends, neighbors and co-workers. Together we can share God’s love and make a small difference in the name of Jesus Christ.

I hope you are having a great summer and I look forward to seeing you at church when you are able.

Grace and Peace,
Pastor George

The Leadership Council recommends that the membership approve the following amendment to the last paragraph of the By-Laws, Article II, Section B, The Endowment Fund Team. This proposed amendment will be voted upon at the July 6, 2008 business meeting. Proposed changes are in boldface italics.

The money directed to The Endowment Fund shall include all gifts designated by the donor and no less than 75% 50% of all undesignated gifts from estates.

Beginning on January 1, 2012, The Endowment Fund shall receive no less than 75% of all undesignated gifts from estates.

FAMILY LIFE CENTER

Due to your generosity, to-date we have collected $1,845 toward the $7,000 debt for the A/C unit. Your help is still needed, please feel free to write a check and place it in the offering plate or mail it, annotating “FLC A/C Unit”.

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.

VALET SERVICE provided on Sunday mornings 9:00am to 9:30am, just pull up to the canopy on the 4th street side of the church. 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.

Dear First Baptist,

Thank you for all the beautiful birthday cards.  I was so surprised to see a cake and have the good fortune to share my birthday with my church family.   It was the best 90th birthday party that I ever had.  It was wonderful to celebrate this milestone in life with my church family.

  Thank you, Flora Widick 

NEW CHURCH DIRECTORY
COMING THIS FALL

Mark your calendars now to attend one of the photo sessions for our new FBC Directory! Sessions will be held Sept. 18, 19, 20, 2008.  More details to come.  Any questions, see Sarah Bloss.

CLOTHING DRIVE

It's time to clean out those closets! The FBC Clothing Drive is in full swing.  It runs from now until Sunday, July 6th.  All donations will go to the Evansville Christian Life Center.  They accept all men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, also shoes, purses, belts, etc.  All items are being collected in the old Euvenice classroom in the church basement. Thanks so much for your willingness to help support this much needed local mission! (Contact Becky Lauer or Mindy Turley for more information.)

VIRTUAL CEMETERY

Ever wonder what the difference is between a cemetery and a graveyard?  By definition, a graveyard is a cemetery that is adjacent to a church. 

Since our church does not have a graveyard and consequently our deceased members are spread out all over the region and beyond, I am putting together a "Virtual Cemetery" for First Baptist Church.  There will be a link to it on the church's website.  It will include a short biography and pictures of the person if available and since it is a cemetery, it wouldn't be complete without a picture of the person's headstone or memorial plaque.

It will always be a work in progress, so I will need your help.  If you have a loved one that you would like to have included in our website, please forward me their biographical information along with pictures or anything else you would like to have included.  The host website is called www.findagrave.com.  Postings are subject to their rules and regulations.  I have been following this website since the early 1990's and am very impressed with the dignity and care the people who started it have shown over the years. 

This is definitely a labor of love.  I hope you join me in memorializing our loved ones in this way. Please forward any information and/or pictures that you wish to have included to hbloss58@aol.com.  I prefer to have it sent electronically, but if you are not able to do that, just see me at church.  Any pictures that you give to me will be returned.

Hal Bloss

JUNE KOFFEE KLATCH

29^th All Church

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JUNE 30^TH AT 7:00PM

VBS MEETING
 

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FREE MOVIE NIGHT

Our next free movie night will be "Alvin and the Chipmunks" on Saturday, July 5th at 8:30 p.m.  Bring your friends and family for a free movie, popcorn and drinks!
 

QUARTERLY BUSINESS MEETING

July 6^th 6:00pm dinner - - drinks, meats, breads provided with carry-in Summer salads and desserts with a 7:00pm meeting after dinner.

POWER LAB IS COMING!

July 21-23, 9:00am to Noon

It's time to volunteer to help in Power Lab 2008 VBS at FBC.  There are jobs for you for any skill level or interest.  You can sign up on the poster in the hallway, on the bulletin insert, or by going to our new VBS website within our church website - - - www.fbcevansville.org You can also enroll your children at the website.  Just follow the links! 

MIDDLE SCHOOL MISSIONARIES

The Middle School Mission Tour concluded on Tuesday evening, June 24th.  Our group of 15 middle schoolers and adult leaders completed projects for 16 different groups of people.  They weeded, painted, cleaned gutters, trimmed trees and bushes, mulched,  patched holes,  mounted cabinets,  washed windows,  cleaned  cars,  and raked  for 19  busy hours! A special thank you to the many people that fed us, housed us and prayed for us.  We look forward to serving again next year.

NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS

We have a new Bible Study class beginning on Sunday, July 6th.  All young adults that have graduated from high school and are up through their early to mid-twenties are welcome to join us.  We'll meet upstairs in the room 2 doors down from the elevator.

ROCK THE CAMP

Everyone high school aged and older is invited to join our summer mission trip "Rock the Camp" where we will go to Indian Creek Baptist Camp, near Bedford, Indiana.  The group will leave Monday, July 7th and return on Friday, July 11th.  We'll be painting, building benches, mowing, cleaning, etc.  Indian Creek hosts over 500 youth every summer at camps where many of them learn about Jesus for the first time.  They depend heavily on volunteers to help keep the camp in good working order.  The cost is $23 per person and will include meals, lodging and a t-shirt.  Questions?  Call Joannie at 985-7555.  

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