Dr. Hayes Wicker, Senior Pastor Just Call Let’s face it. It is so easy to complicate many things in the Christian life. We confuse profundity with simplicity. God’s ways are beyond discovery for the proud and unsaved heart, but revealed and simple to those who love Him. Without fancy verbiage or legalistic virtue, God bids us to call to Him in prayer: “Call to Me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” (Jeremiah 33:3). Call when you are happy and when you are sad. Just a simple comparison of book titles reveal how we have complicated “calling”: How Can God Answer Prayer? (Biederwolf) vs. Getting Things From God (Blanchard); Let’s Pray Together (Fromer), vs. The Hidden Life of Prayer (McIntyre); Saying Better Prayers (Karney) vs. Prayer Without Pretending (Townsend); Teach Yourself to Pray (Winward) vs. The Holy Spirit – Our Teacher (Walton). You get the idea. Give your sense of confusion to God and call to Him. That is your part. “I will answer you” is His part. He wants to manifest His power and provision in your life. God invariably answers “more abundantly” than we could ask or think, according to the power at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20). The next verse says, “To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (verse 21). We abide in Christ. He uniquely works within the context of His community “the church.” This is why we should “pray for one another” as we “bear each other’s burdens.” While the world demands man’s dignity through independence, as Heaven’s representatives on earth, we trust in the Lord. Prayer is the expression of dependence by children who desperately need the Heavenly Father. If Abraham, an Old Testament believer, could boldly intercede for wicked Sodom, how much more can we pray powerfully. We have the Name and Life of Jesus, the indwelling Spirit, and the promises of the whole Word of God! Pray for our needy country. Plead for the salvation of the lost though all deserve judgment. “In wrath remember mercy” (Habakkuk 3:2). So, cut the confusion – if you are impressed to pray for someone, that is the compulsion of Christ. Just call. *There is a guest reception in the Commons following the Saturday night and Sunday morning 11:00am worship services. Pastor would love to meet you! Welcome to First Baptist Church Naples We are so glad you joined us for worship! Greeters at the doors can help with any immediate needs you may have. Volunteers at the Information Desk in the Commons can assist you in finding the perfect Bible & Life Group. For more information about our church and ministries, please call Lou at 596-8600 x258. Meant for More For Girls of all Ages (11 - 111) Friday, May 1 at 6:30pm in the Commons Join us as authors Rachel Lovingood and Jennifer Mills inspire and encourage us with a message about our identity in Christ, reminding us that we were meant for more. Tickets are $5.00 and may be purchased at the Women’s Ministry office, in the Lighthouse Bookstore, and in the Student Center Cafe. Optional late night craft $3.00. Bring your own picture frame. Discovering First Baptist Church Naples Monday, May 4 at 6:30pm in DC121 Led by Pastor Hayes Wicker, this dinner seminar is for those who are new to FBCN, want to become a member of the church, or would like more information about our ministries. Please RSVP at 596-8600 x679, or at our table in the Commons. Childcare is available, but needs to be reserved separately by calling 596-8600 x360. Churchwide National Day of Prayer Thursday, May 7 at Noon Student Ministry Christian Vocation Scholarship Deadline May 1 Join Christians from around Southwest Florida as we meet for prayer at the Collier County Courthouse Steps. There is also an event that evening at 7:00pm in the Golden Gate Bandshell at 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy. This scholarship is available for any college or seminary student who is pursuing a degree in a church ministry, missions, or Christian counseling. You may download detailed directions and an application at fbcn.org/college or contact David George at [email protected] for more information. Sunday Summer Schedule Graduating Seniors Beginning Sunday, May 17, we will go to our Sunday Summer Schedule of one service at 9:30am. All 9:30am BLGs will be moved to 11:00am. FBCN Student Ministry would like to congratulate all graduating seniors from high school and college. Any student graduating in the Fall 2014-Summer 2015 semester is eligible to be included in our annual publication. In order to be included, please send your full name, school graduating from, a high quality picture, your favorite scripture reference, and semester graduating to Josh at [email protected] no later than May 3. Begins Sunday, May 17 Beach Baptism Sunday, May 17 (Meet at 1:00pm in the Fellowship Hallway) Have you placed your faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior and not yet professed your faith through believer’s baptism? This is a perfect opportunity. Please call Linda at 596-8600 x280 to register. You can also stop by our Beach Baptism table in the Commons beginning May 2nd for more information. Children’s Ministry Vacation Bible School Volunteers Needed Now for Decoration Preparation “Everest” is coming June 8-12! We need volunteers to help with making decorations for hallways. If you have time to help make decorations, or you are interested in taking on the decorating of a hallway, please call Nancy at 596-8600 x350. We also need volunteers during the week of VBS. There is a display in the Commons near the stairs to sign-up to be part of this fun week. Make sure you pick-up a postcard at the display with the training meeting information and dates. Several volunteers are also needed in preschool and kindergarten. Please call 596-8600 x351 for more details. VBS Supplies and Snacks Needed We are in need of the following supplies to use during Vacation Bible School: Five light-weight fire pits, ski supplies (skis, boots, snowboards, etc.), camping supplies and gear (small tents, hiking boots, canteens, lanterns, etc.), white or light blue sheets or large pieces of fabric (sheet size), artificial Christmas trees, packing peanuts, and climbing gear. All items will be returned. VBS also needs snacks (potato chips, sandwich style cookies but nothing with peanuts, and Cheez-It baked snack crackers). There are collection bins in the Fellowship Hallway, the Commons, and the Education Building. You may also call Kim at 596-8600 x360. Legacy Builders Senior Adults Anna’s Tea Monday, April 27 at 1:30pm in Room WC117 This is a minstry of the deacons’ wives to the widows of our congregation. Join us for fellowship and encouragement from God’s Word. Sign-up in the Fellowship Hallway, Commons Information Desk, or call Vada at 596-8600 x268. Broadway Palm Dinner Theater “Church Basement Ladies” Thursday, May 28 (10am-5pm) The cost is $47 per person and the deadline to sign-up is May 11. Purchase your tickets at the Media Ministry window adjacent to the Fellowship Hallway, or call Vada at 596-8600 x268. Deadline May 3 High School & Middle School Camp Sign-up Now for Early Bird Pricing All current 8th-11th graders can sign-up now through May 3 for $235 (afterwards it is $270). Join our April 29th worship gathering at 6:30pm in the Student Center for the HSM Summer Camp Kick-off with our camp speaker Pastor Troy Maragos. Register at www.hsmfbcn.com/camp2015. All current 5th-7th graders can sign-up now through May 10 for $235 (afterwards it is $270). Join our May 6th Camp MSM Preview Night from 6:30-8pm in the Student Center. Register at www.msmfbcn.com/campmsm. Missions Ministry Word of Life Hungary At the Missions Kiosk in the Commons Word of Life Hungary Directors Gabor and Tundi Cisko will be in the Missions Kiosk in the Commons this weekend. They are ready to share the Lord’s work with youth in Hungary and the Word of Life Bible Institute with students from fifteen unique countries. There will be opportunities to teach English to campers June 20-July 4. The Bible Institute is a great opportunity for many young people as all classes are in English. Your Bible credits transfer to many US Christian Colleges including Liberty. There is also evangelism training and a chance to live with students from various national heritages, all at a fraction of the cost of one year in the US ($8,000 estimate). Immediate Opening for an AVL Full-Time Technician Seeking eligible candidate with a love for Jesus Christ, a servant’s heart, and a strong understanding of AVL technology. Five years professional experience necessary. Please contact Sandy Graham for more information at [email protected] or by calling 596-8600 x630. Indeed Devotional Available Now In the Lighthouse Bookstore for $3.00 Each The May/June edition of the Indeed devotional is currently available. Host Families Needed Athletes in Action Host families are needed May 30-June 3 for the Athletes in Action high school and college teams and their coaches. Their summer ministry work starts right here in Naples as they come together to meet one another, learn to play together as a team, learn how to share their testimonies, and prepare to travel and share the gospel with unreached people. For more information on hosting or opening your home, please contact Christine at [email protected] or 571-1071. For more about this ministry, please visit athletesinaction.org. “Absent from the Body, Present with the Lord” Fred Hacker passed away on April 16. We are praying for his family. Last Weekend Decisions for Christ Baptism Marlyne Joseph Statement of Faith David Haley Financial Stewardship 2014-2015 Operating Revenues July 1, 2014 - April 19, 2015 Budget Actual Variance $6,567,500 $6,556,398 ($11,102) Kingdom Missions Offering YTD through April 19 Pledges Received $342,068 $160,422 Worship Attendance April 18 & 19 Saturday Night Sunday 9:30 a.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. Total Tuesday Morning/ Wednesday Evening April 18 & 19 Saturday Night Sunday 8:15 a.m. Sunday 9:30 a.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. Home Groups Total If you need assistance, please call the church deacon hotline at 800-732-9573. Saturday Night at 7:30pm Terry Cole Teaches All Ages of Men in Room DC115 (First Floor of the Discipleship Center) Terry is currently teaching a class on Men’s Discipleship. Feel free to visit Terry’s class, or stop by the information desk in the Commons for more details. Sunday Morning at 11:00am 1,221 Bible & Life Attendance This Upcoming Week Deacon of the Week April 27 - May 3 Ricky Garcia & Joey Gamble 1,113 1,499 936 3,548 Bible & Life Groups of the Week 718 165 375 656 667 2,581 Dave Mastrangelo Teaches Ages 18-29 in Room DC115 (First Floor of the Discipleship Center) Dave is currently teaching on “The Book of Revelation.” Feel free to visit Dave’s class, or stop by the information desk in the Commons for more details. First Baptist Academy FBA Needs Your Support Annual Campaign to Raise $500,000 We are in the midst of our annual campaign for student financial aid and our annual fund. A.W. Tozer once said, “All I need to know is that God’s attributes meet every need I have.” We agree, HE is the answer. We also know from history that God loves to use people to meet needs, and one of life’s greatest blessings is to be used of God to meet a real need. God doesn’t need you, He WANTS you! Please pray that God will continue to meet this need as He has in the past. To make a gift to First Baptist Academy, visit the “Support” page on our website at www.fbalions.org. Wednesday Family Meal April 29 (4:45-6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship/Recreation Gym) Roasted Turkey Breast, Mashed Potatoes, Veggie, Salad, Dessert Tickets may be purchased at the Lighthouse Cafe or at the door for $6 each or $25 for a family. Alternate choices available. Annual Golf Tournament Saturday, May 9 at Vasari Country Club Deadline to Register is THIS WEEKEND Weekly Schedule This is an event no golfer should miss. New this year is a putting contest. We also have additional new prizes: private club foursome, golf academy video lessons, golf clubs, golf bag, numerous restaurant gift cards, massages, golf lessons, and more. Registration forms and directions can be found at fbalions.org. Saturday, April 25 6:00 p.m. Worship Service: Worship Center 7:30 p.m. Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus Sunday, April 26 8:15 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 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. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus Haitian Bible Study & Worship: ED206 Vietnamese Worship & Bible Study: DC221 Worship Service: Worship Center Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus Spanish Worship Service: Family Life Center Romanian Bible Study & Worship: Modular 4 Worship Service: Worship Center Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus Romanian Worship Service: Modular 4 Haitian Worship Service: Modular 2 Tuesday, April 28 9:00 a.m. EnricHer Women’s Bible Study: Various Rooms on Campus Wednesday, April 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. Family Meal: Fellowship Recreation-Gym AWANA for Kids: Education Building Band of Brothers Men’s Bible Study: Chapel EnricHer Women’s Bible Study: Various Rooms on Campus High School Ministry: Student Center Middle School Ministry: Family Life Center Worship Choir Rehearsal: Choir Room Other events this week include: Anna’s Tea, Celebrate Recovery, “Meant for More” Women’s Ministry Event Ways to Connect Online with FBCN Follow us on Instagram: @fbcnaples Visit our website: fbcn.org Like us on Facebook: FirstBaptistChurchNaples Follow us on Twitter: @fbcn @hayeswicker Contact Us First Baptist Church Naples 3000 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples, FL 34109 Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 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...................................................................fbcn@fbcn.org
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