1. family and parenting
2. children

Volume 61
•
No. 26
•
December 26, 2014
FROM OUR PASTOR
The New Year gives birth to our hopes for a new life. We want to
rid our lives of the anchors that have weighed us down. We want to
throw off old ways and bad habits. We want a chance to start over
and to change for the good.
In January, I will speak to these hopes in a new sermon series:
New Year – New Faith. The series is based upon the passage, Mark
12:28-31, where Jesus bids us to love God with all we are, and to
love our neighbors as ourselves. To love God with all our hearts is
to love God above all else. It is to establish New Priorities. To love
God with all our soul is to have a New Spirit. Unless we change at
the core of who we are, little else will be new. Jesus also commands
us to love God with all our minds. A New Mind will require a new
thought process. Let’s replace the world’s way of thinking with
Christ’s mind. Jesus also tells us to love God with all our strength.
Our body is a gift and how we use it reflects our love for God, so
what about a New Body? And, finally, our faith calls us to love our
neighbor as ourselves. This love will require New Relationships.
It is my hope that this sermon series will support your desires to
deepen your relationship with Christ in the coming year. I look
forward to seeing you in worship each Sunday.
WEEKDAY PRESCHOOL
ANNOUNCEMENTS
FBC WEEKDAY PRESCHOOL RESUMES JANUARY 6
FINANCIAL: IMPORTANT TAX NOTICE
The beginning of the year is a good time to be intentional about scheduling commitments and sticking to them. Help us help you nurture the
faith of children by intentionally scheduling your time at church. We
are intentional about physical development - taking children to the
doctor for checkups, when they are sick, etc. We involve them in sports
teams, dance and the like to nurture physical and social skills. We plan
and schedule their mental development as we partner with teachers at
school, check homework, study with them for tests, etc. Spiritual growth
does not happen in a vacuum, it must be intentional. Children learn best
through consistency, and spiritual growth is greatly enhanced when children participate regularly in church programs/activities beginning at an
early age. Partner with other parents and commit to being here regularly
in the New Year!
TUESDAY, JAN 6 - Chick-fil-A devotions resume at 7:00 a.m.
Weekday Preschool Resumes
WEDNESDAY JAN. 7 - Family Night Resumes
Dinner – 5:00 p.m.
Choirs – 5:45 p.m.
Missions – 6:30 p.m.
SUNDAY, JAN. 11 - “Bible Skills, Drills & Thrills” resumes 5-6:30 p.m.
FUTURE EVENTS
Before you book your place at the beach or camps for next summer,
put these dates on your calendar:
JUNE 1–5, 2015: VBS
JULY 6–9, 2015: PassportKids! Camp for grades 3-6 completed,
Montreat, NC
To insure the deductibility of your church contributions, do not
file your 2014 income tax return until you have received a written
acknowledgement of your contributions from the church. Some of
your contributions may not be tax deductible if you file your tax return
before receiving a written acknowledgement of your contributions
from the church. Year-end contributions must be received in the
church office by 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 31 or postmarked
by December 31.
FIRST CHOICE
First Choice resumes on Wednesday January 6th with a full night of
activities and learning opportunities.
– Church Conference will meet at 6:15 p.m.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY
The Monday Morning Bible Study resumes meeting on January 5th
at 10 a.m. This group meets weekly in the Dining Room for lively
conversation and study.
UPPER ROOM DISCIPLINES DEVOTIONAL BOOKS
Many in our church talk about their “daily devotionals” or “quiet
times” focusing of reading the Bible and praying.
One resource to help you start this practice is
the Disciplines devotional book published by
Upper Room.
We are making these books available again
this year in both large print and regular
print. One interesting note is that Joel
Snider was enlisted by Upper Room to write
one of the weeks’ devotionals.
Copies can be picked up in the church
office.
GREECE IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF PAUL
FBC ROME YOUTH BBQ SALE IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS!!!
You can order several ways:
• Find a Youth and order a ticket from them
• Order from our church website - www.fbcrome.org
• Find John or a Youth Intern and purchase from them
Selling:
-Racks of Ribs - $20 each
-Boston Butts - $30 each
Tickets on sale now thru January 25th. Pick up BBQ from FBC
Rome between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 31st.
WINTER RETREAT 2015
January 16 - 19 - $300 per person
It’s still not too late to sign up to go skiing with the Youth Ministry.
See John for details on how to get signed up at the last minute!
APRIL 14 – 25 2015
Some space has become available on the upcoming trip to Greece. Join
a lively group of travelers as we visit many of the sites important in the
writing of Paul’s letters to the early church. Brochures are available in
the church office. See Tamara for more details.
ONLINE CHURCH DIRECTORY
In January, we will begin working on an online church directory.
The process for church members will be easy with just two simple steps!
1. Picture options - Have your picture taken at church OR submit your
own digital photo for the publication
2. Verify your personal contact information on the forms provided during the month of January.
Stay tuned for more specific details.
YOUTH CHOIR
Youth Choir will resume regular rehearsals on Sunday, January 11
at 5 p.m. We will be in full summer tour preparation mode! Come
and bring a friend as we get ready to share the love of Christ across
the country!
SUNDAY FLOWERS
The floral arrangements in the Sanctuary on Christmas Eve are given
to the glory of God and in loving memory of Joanne Gilreath Yancey,
by Cheryl Yancey and Family, Mr. and Mrs. Delos Yancey III and
Family and Cindy Yancey Sonam and Family.
Flowers in the Narthex for Sunday, January 4, are given to the glory of
God and in honor of Beverly Harris on the occasion of our 40th
wedding anniversary by Bob Harris.
Flowers in the Sanctuary for Sunday, January 4, are given to the
glory of God and in loving memory of Mary Sue and Willie Barron
by the Family.
GIVING TO GOD
Year-to-Date:
Ministry Support Needed
$381,317.33
Support Received
$339,341.29
2014-2015 Total Budget Commitments to Date $1,132,041.00
“We’re Here for Good” Contributions
$597,287.11
“We’re Here for Good” Pledges to Date
$684,596.00
DECEMBER 27 – January 9
WORSHIP AND MUSIC
Saturday, December 27
Minister on Call
Keith Reaves 706.292.9620
Sunday, December 28
Scrap Iron Broadcast (WLAQ 1410)
9:00 am
Bible Study (all ages)
9:45 am
Worship - Comcast Channel 44
11:00 am
Monday, December 29
Flower Committee-Sanctuary
9:00 am
No Women’s Bible Study, DR
No Handbell Rehearsal
Tuesday, December 30
No Younger Women’s Bible Study.
11:30 am
Wednesday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve)
No Family Night Activities
Thursday, January 1 (New Year’s Day)
Church Office Closed
Friday, January 2
Church Office Closed
Saturday, January 3
Minister on Call
Joel Snider 706.235.7099
Prayer Group, Prayer Rm.
11:00 am
Sunday, January 4
Scrap Iron Broadcast (WLAQ 1410)
9:00 am
Bible Study (all ages)
9:45 am
Worship - Comcast Channel 44
11:00 am
Children’s Ministry Cmt., Conf. Rm.
4:00 pm
Monday, January 5
Women’s Bible Study, DR
10:00 am
No Handbell Rehearsal
Tuesday, January 6
Chick-fil-a Devotions (Youth & Children)
7:00 am
Roundtable Book Group. DR
10:30 am
Younger Women’s Bible Study, Conf. Rm
11:30 am
Wednesday, January 7
First Choice Dinner, FH
5:00 p.m
Youth Gathering, YR
5:45 pm
Children’s Choirs
5:45 pm
Prayer Time, FH
6:00 pm
Church Conference, FH
6:15 pm
Youth Worship, YR
6:15 pm
Adult Choices Seminars
6:20 pm
Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal, Choir Suite
6:45 pm
Thursday, January 8
Weekday Preschool Cmt. Mtg., Conf. Rm
6:00 pm
Friday, January 9
Finance Committee Mtg., Conf. Rm.
12:00 pm
“So the holy one
to be born will
be called the
Son of God.”
DECEMBER 28
S UNDAY W ORSHIP
SERMON: “The Wonder of Ponder”
PREACHER: Dr. Floyd Roebuck
SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:15-20
ANTHEM: Do You Hear What I Hear?…
Harry Simeone
SPECIAL MUSIC: Becky McCord/Susan Bradshaw
TLC V OLUN TEERS
BED BABIES: Merrill Davies and Jimmye Grimes
1’S: Mary and Lee Donahue
2’S: Anne Paige & Gracen Kelly Wilson and
Terri Howell
3’S & 4’S: Jessica and Brooke Brinson
Volume 60
No 1
January 11 2013
SUNDAY SERVICES
Broadcast live on
Comcast Channel 44 and
via www.fbcrome.org
MINISTER ON CALL:
D ECE MBE R 24
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
J ANU ARY 6, 201 5
Family Night Resumes
Keith Reaves 706.292.9620
J ANU ARY 16- 19, 201 5
Youth Winter Retreat
JANUARY 4
S UNDAY W ORSHIP
SERMON: “New Year – New Faith: New Priorities”
PREACHER: Dr. Joel Snider
SCRIPTURE: Colossians 1:15-20
ANTHEM: Then Sings My Soul…
arr. Mary McDonald
TLC V OLUN TEERS :
BED BABIES: Sherri Cash
1’S: Kristen Kinsey and Nancy & Bill Thompson
2’S: Ann and Jordan Knight
3’S & 4’S: Faye Evans
MINISTER ON CALL:
Sherri Dickens 704.231.2861
Please visit us for more information:
The Spire (U.S.P.S. 613-160) is published bi-weekly.
First Baptist Church of Rome
100 East 4th Ave., Rome, GA 30161-3120
Postmaster: Send address changes to The Spire
P.O. Box 1189, Rome, GA 30162
FBC
BC Foundation
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In Memory of David Kirkland
In Memory of Joe Donald Clements
Janice Vick
Jimmie Langley
In Memory of Ed and Mary Morris
Fred & Mary Ruth Sikes
In Memory of Milton Taylor Tippin, Jr.
Jack Runninger
In Memory of Frankie Briggs Traylor
In Memory of Joe Donald (Don) Clements
Jerrie Jowers
Janice Vick
Harold & Rena Storey
In Memory of Milton Taylor Tippin, Jr.
In Memory of Gerald J. Vick
Janice Vick and Family
Charles & Sandra White
Bob & Martha Cates
Janice Vick
In Honor of Dr. & Mrs. Stanley Self
In Honor of Bob and Deanne Hoffman
Janice Vick
Ed & Beverly Birkmire
In Honor of Fidelis Sunday Bible Study Class
Teachers and Musicians
Fidelis Sunday Bible Study Class Members
In Memory of Joe Donald Clements
Ray Dempsey
In Memory of Wayne Wright Dempsey, Sr.
Jim & Reginia Southerland
In Memory of Edith B. Meadows
In Honor of First Baptist Church Ministers
and Staff
Alvis Trotter
Ken & Joan Hill
Vickie Davidson
In Memory of Milton Taylor Tippin, Jr.
In Honor of Joanne Owens
Ray Dempsey
Chris & Jennie Cook
In Memory of Frankie Briggs traylor
In Honor of Rev. Tamara Tillman Smathers
Ray Dempsey
Monday Morning Women’s Bible Study Class
In Honor of Willis and Glenda Potts
In Honor of Jane Tucker
Chris & Jennie Cook
Belinda Rahal
In Honor of Frances Davis
In Memory of Frankie Briggs traylor
Vickie Davidson
Dewey & Dot Stevens
William Davies Homeless Shelter
Senior Adult Ministry
Barbara McElyea amd family in the death of Barbara’s sister, Elizabeth
Bryant.
Jarrett and Bridget Gray on the birth of a daughter, Avery Caroline
Gray, who was born on December 18.
Billy Cooper and family in the death of Billy’s mother, Audrey Cooper.
David Raynor and Lindsay Doss, who were married on December 20.
Lindsay is the daughter of David and Janice Doss.
Family and friends of Eula Kirkland, who passed away on December
22. Eula was the grandmother of Tara Inman and great-grandmother
of Davis, Harrison, Maggie, and Wesley Inman.
Jack Kelly, who was initiated into the Alpha Chapter, Phi Beta Kappa
at the University of Georgia. A graduating senior, he is majoring in
International Affairs; Latin American and Caribbean Studies.
Second Lt. Daniel Gaines, who graducated from the Armor Basic
Officer Leaders Course at the U.S. Army School in Ft. Benning.
Daniel is a 2014 Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Alpha
Theta graduate of Virginia Tech.
Hal Ruland, who was named Volunteer of the Year by the Downtown
Development Authority.
Barbara Cooper
Bill Kerestes