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ISSUE #300 MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, SEBRING, FLORIDA APRIL 2012

2012 YEAR OF CELEBRATION

..the righteous are glad; they rejoice before God and celebrate with joy.” Psalm 68:3 HCSB $5

$5

$5 REVIVAL OF THE

FIVE DOLLAR-A-WEEK-CLUB

Join today by giving an extra $5

each week to help fund Capital Projects

Special emphasis on a new

sound system for sanctuary. $5

Pastor's Corner: “Loving Jesus More”

Let me tell you about my conversation

with Dot Kackley. She is one of our la-

dies here at the church. Dot is loved

and appreciated by many.

Yesterday she stopped by my office to visit for a

moment. Dot told me that years ago, she fell in love

with First Baptist Sebring. Being a part of this

congregation meant a lot to her and her family. She

and her husband raised their children in this church,

and they enjoyed being involved.

It warmed my heart to hear that she cared so much

about this church. She was upbeat and optimistic.

Her positive energy was a ray of sunshine. Then,

Dot said something that I did not expect. Her words

were a pleasant surprise. She said: “I loved this

church for years. And then, one day, I started loving

Jesus.”

Wow! Her testimony was full of meaning and

loaded with wisdom. It also reminded me of what

mattered the most.

Jesus is the son of God and the savior of humanity.

He is the One who has authority in heaven and on

earth.

And He is the one who will be confessed as “Lord”

one day when every knee bows and every tongue

speaks.

The church can make mistakes, but Jesus is always

right. The church can lack resources, but Jesus

owns everything. The church can experience

change, but Jesus is always the same. The church

can point to salvation, but Jesus is salvation.

Please don’t misunderstand me. I am not down-

playing the church. Her importance cannot be em-

phasized enough. She is to be salt and light in this

dying and dark world. And she is to be the hands

and feet of Jesus on earth. Yes, she is to be loved,

supported, and celebrated.

Jesus, however, is what the church is all about. He

is her foundation. He is her strength. He is her

head. He is her salvation. And He, above all else, is

to be her first love.

I appreciate Dot Kackley’s

wonderful reminder. She is so right.

Jesus deserves to be loved more than

anything or anyone.

Pastor David

Have you done whatever It takes?

SEND NORTH AMERICA

MDC Telling HIS Story +

THE TITHE IS THE LORDS

2012 CHURCH BUDGET……………….…$ 920,000

BUDGET NEEDS TO DATE…………….....$ 225,745

BUDGET RECEIPTS TO DATE…..…...…...$ 228,745

WEEKLY REQUIREMENTS………..............$ 17,359

WEEKLY RECEIPTS (03-25-2012).…..….......$ 11,976

ANNIE ARMSTRONG ……………………...….$ 2,048

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

Under the Lord Jesus Christ,

we will

connect with others,

grow as disciples,

and serve with our gifts.

April Keenager Program

Thursday, April 19, 2012, 11:15 a.m.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FIRST BAPTIST

with Winfred and Sandra White

Celebrating and Caring for one another. Serving and ministering in Christ’s Name.

Enjoying fellowship with God and each other Did you know...that the word Ebenezer was the name of a large stone placed by Samuel as a monument to God’s help, faithfulness and eternal covenant to the Israelites? The Ebenezer symbolized a fresh beginning for God's people. It also said something important about God: His mercies are everlasting; His covenant is forever.

MINISTER OF MUSIC Many new Christians, and young people have a hard time understanding those lyrics as well. I know because I asked them. I am not suggesting that we dumb down our Christian music. I am saying that I welcome theologically sound lyrics/worship songs that use language “today's” generation will understand—whether they are hymns or another variety of song. Do you know what I mean? I am not saying that I won’t sing the second verse of come thou fount of every blessing, because I will, but do you think a new Christian would understand it? Would you? …Here I raise mine Ebenezer; hither by thy help I'm come; and I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home…

My point is, the hymns that most of us grew up on that warm our hearts with lyrics that bless us, might not have the same effect on the younger generations. We need to share in the great new written hymns and praise songs of the writers of this generation.

Let’s worship together, and remember that worship is NOT about me or you. Its about giving honor, glory, and praise to the One who gave it all. It’s about surrendering all to Jesus Christ. Love y’all!

Nuno

We are getting ready for Easter and all the joy that it brings. I ask that

you keep all of the families and teachers here at the preschool in your

prayers. We are planting a seed in these little hearts and love watching their

love for the Lord grow!

God Bless!

MINISTER OF STUDENTS

PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR

Dear Church Family, In a recap of last month, our Upward team of volunteers, coaches, and referees had a fantastic celebration time with players and their families. I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank all of you who gave your time to invest in children and the Gospel ministry here at First Baptist Sebring. Your efforts were clearly seen in many ways. One specific way is found in the number of decisions made for Christ the night of the celebration. There were 75 folks that came forward to express their decision for Jesus. Praise God for each of these people! Currently, each one is being contacted, prayed over, and encouraged in their walk of faith. I hope you will continue to pray for these new additions and

Hello everyone,

Let me start by telling you how much my family and I have enjoyed meeting each one of you. I hope someday to actually have a chance to hang out with each of you individually. If I haven’t done so, give me a call. Lets go to lunch or coffee. I would love to do that.

I just want to share something that has been on my heart the last few weeks. First of all, this is not the first time or place this has happened, and I know that is not a First Baptist Sebring, or a Baptist or any other denomination’s problem. It’s a “ME” problem. Not Nuno, but all of us. I am talking about worship music.

We all have preferences, yes, but music in worship is not about preferences. And it’s definitely NOT about me or you. (That might have come as a surprise to some).

Listen, I love the great hymns of our Christian faith. That’s what I grew up on. That’s what my grandpa taught me, that’s what my dad sang at church. And that’s what’s always going to be part of my worship. Of course, especially coming from a different country and speaking a different language when I sing/read hymns in English I have to stop sometimes and make sure I understand the lyrics of what I am singing.

reunions to the Kingdom of God as they grow in Him.

Secondly, I would like to offer all families the opportunity to join in on an incredible mission. This summer (July 8th-13th), our church will return to Lynch, KY to help Shepherds Pantry and Central Baptist Church in their endeavors to spread the Gospel. As of this moment, there is also an opportunity for construction as well. We will hold an informational meeting in the Sanctuary on Sunday, April 1st at 5 pm. I will have considerable amounts of info you will need for this trip. Please continue to pray about this opportunity and join in on what God is doing through the work of this church. Blessings, Joe Delph

NON-PROFIT ORG

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LAKELAND, FL

PERMIT #5524

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

200 E CENTER AVENUE

SEBRING, FL 33870-3503

YOUR CHURCH MEDIA LIBRARY

SPRING forth with NEW GROWTH

In every area of your life -

Visit your Media Library!

Breaking Free: Making Liberty in Christ a Reality in

Life by Beth Moore

Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of

His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo

The New Dare to Discipline by James Dobson

God Will Make a Way: What to Do When You Don’t

Know What to Do by Henry Cloud and John Townsend

Looking for romance and suspense?

With a strong Christian message?

And set in Hawaii?

Colleen Coble’s Aloha Reef Series has it all!

Distant Echoes, Black Sand, Dangerous Depths, and

Midnight Sea

YOUR MEDIA CENTER IS LOCATED AT THE

TOP OF THE STAIRS ACROSS FROM THE ELEVATOR.

THANK YOU!!! Dear Church Family, We want to thank you so very much for your prayers for

Bob when he was in the hospital and rehab. The Lord has answered those prayers and he is home and doing well. Thank you also for the visits and many

cards. We are so glad to be in such a caring church. Our love to you all. Bob & Carolyn McCorquodale

Dear First Baptist Family, Thank you so much for sending flowers to my mother- in-laws Memorial service—it was a very thoughtful gesture and was appreciated

by our entire family. Sincerely, Luanne Hawk and the Family of Helen Dassinger

Dear Church Family, Thank you for the wonderful dinner you provided for our friends and family. It was such a comfort. In great appreciation for your

thoughtfulness. Donna Harrison and Family

Dear Friends, Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers and meal provided to our family. The church family and Sunday School class were dear to Margaret’s

heart. With Love, The Pollard, Allbritton & Sparks Families

Dear Church Family, Thank you for your prayers during my time of recovery. A special thanks to Joe Delph for sitting with my wife at the hospital. Please keep

praying, knowing you all are praying gives me strength. Jonny Tanner & Family

Dear Church Family, I want to thank all who came to my farewell gathering—also those who brought the delicious treats it was so thoughtful. I will surely

miss my church family and friends. With God’s love & mine Connie Hoeksema

Dear Church Family, Words cannot express our gratitude for all your prayers, calls, plants, flowers and especially your love. Your cards have conveyed your concern and love so well. We really appreciate each of you. We are standing with Jesus and have taken the promises He has given us, for our strength and

comfort through this time of grief and sorrow in the loss of our grandson. Hal & Sue Graves

Dear Christian Sisters & Brothers, Thank you and God bless you for your prayers and caring. Our loved one, Butch Yoder, received from God another heart and also kidney transplant. This is the answer to your prayers—God’s

awesome miracle. Butch is anxious to get home and let everyone know about God’s unlimited powers. Thank you again and please continue to pray for him

as he faces the days ahead. Praise the Lord, Love Family of Butch Yoder

HOURS: SUNDAY 9:00 - 10:15 AM

WEDNESDAY 5:45 - 7:15 PM

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH STAFF

(PHONE) 863-385-5154 (FAX) 863-385-4184

PRESCHOOL 863-385-4704

Intercessory Prayer Line 385-0120

www.fbsebring.com

SENIOR PASTOR……………………….…………......DR. DAVID RICHARDSON

ASSOC. PASTOR MUSIC & SR ADULTS …………….REV. NUNO NORBERTO

ASSOC. PASTOR YOUTH & ACTIVITIES…….….……..…….REV. JOE DELPH

HISPANIC PASTOR…………………..…...………………..…….REV. LUIS LUNA

PASTOR EMERITUS.………………..….................................DR. JAMES McCALL

CHURCH BUSINESS ADM.…………..….…..............................GEORGE SMITH

EDUCATION SECTY……………….…..……. …………………… PAM HARRIS

MUSIC, YOUTH & SR. ADULT SECTY.…….………..…….…..LYNDA HODGE

PRESCHOOL INTERIM DIRECTOR……….………....ALISON WHITEHURST

HOUSEKEEPER…………………….………..……………...SANDY WISENBERG

MAINTENANCE………….…………..…...….………………..….WADE LINDLEY

OFFICE HOURS 8:00 AM TO 4:30 PM

Email: pharris@fbsebring.com or lhodge@fbsebring.com

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