First Baptist Church

P O Box 981

Franklin, VA 23851

Phone: 757-562-7158

Fax: 757-562-7768

E-mail: JesusSaves @firstbcfranklin.org

First Baptist Church

Community Cook-Out

~Seeking~Reaching~Teaching~

Caption describing picture or

graphic.

We’re on the Web!

example.com

Let’s Get

Moving

Healthy Recipe

Apple Stuffed Chicken Breast

Ingredients

2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

1/2 cup chopped apple

2 tablespoons shredded Cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon Italian-style dried bread crumbs

1 tablespoon butter

1/4 cup dry white wine

1/4 cup water

1 tablespoon water

1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish Directions

1. Combine apple, cheese, and bread crumbs. Set aside.

2. Flatten chicken breasts between sheets of waxed paper to 1/4 inch thickness. Divide apple mixture between chicken breasts, and roll up

each breast. Secure with toothpicks. 3. Melt butter or margarine in a 7 inch skillet over medium heat. Brown

stuffed chicken breasts. Add wine and 1/4 cup water. Cover. Simmer

for 15 to 20 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink. Transfer chicken to a serving platter. Combine 1 tablespoon water an

cornstarch; stir into juices in pan. Cook and stir until thickened. Pour

gravy over chicken, and garnish with parsley. Serve.

FBC has been blessed this year by the

following companies that have provided

grace gifts each Sunday for the past six

months. These companies have part-

nered with us so that every Sunday we

are able to give a FREE gift to our con-

gregants and community members.

Gifts have included free meals for a

family of four and/or two, oil changes,

and haircuts/hairstyles for families and

individuals. Thank you.

Grace Gift Business Contributors

Joe’s Pizza & Pasta Palace

1217 Carsville Hwy.

Franklin, VA 23851

757-562-5020

www.joespizza-pasta.com

Bobby’s Muffler & Tire

Center

1381 Armory Drive

Franklin, VA 23851

757-569-9662

www.bobbystires.com

Pizza Hut

1394 Armory Drive

Franklin, VA 23851

www.pizzahut.com

Applebee’s

1396 Armory Drive

Franklin, VA 23851

757-516-6053

www.applebees.com

Fred’s Restaurant

107 S. Main Street

Franklin, VA 23851

757-562-2919

Great Wall Chinese Restau-

rant

1313 Armory Drive

Franklin, VA 23851

757-569-0505

Elite Hair Designers

1100 Armory Drive

Franklin, VA 23851

757-516-8008

Essence Beauty Salon

2016 South Street

Franklin, VA 23851

757-562-0344

Deb’s Hair Studio

931 Armory Drive

Franklin, VA 23851

757-569-1355

Choose foods low in saturated and trans

fats. Foods low in saturated fat include

fruits, vegetables, whole grain foods, and

low-fat or nonfat dairy products. Try to

avoid commercially fried and baked

goods such as crackers and cookies.

Choose a diet moderate in total fat. The

good news is that you don't have to elimi-

nate all fat from your diet! A diet moder-

ate in fat will give you enough calories to

satisfy your hunger, which can help you

to eat fewer calories, stay at a healthy

weight, and lower your blood cholesterol

level. To keep your total fat intake mod-

erate, try to substitute unsaturated fat for

saturated fat.

Choose foods low in cholesterol. Try to

eat fruit, vegetables, whole grains, low-

fat or nonfat dairy products, and moder-

ate amounts of lean meats, skinless poul-

try, and fish. Eat plenty of soluble fiber,

which may help lower your LDL ("bad")

blood cholesterol. Good sources are oat

bran, oatmeal, beans, peas, rice bran,

barley, citrus fruits, and strawberries.

Insoluble fiber will not help your blood

cholesterol level but is still good for

healthy bowel function. Good sources of

insoluble fiber are whole wheat breads,

kidney beans, almonds, beets, carrots,

brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower,

green beans, and apple skin.

Cut down on sodium. If you have high

blood pressure and/or high blood choles-

terol, your health care provider may tell

you to cut down on sodium or salt. Even

if you do not have high blood pressure it

is also a good practice to limit salt intake.

Hungry?

Eat Yourself To Life

18

A Devotional Conference

On A Carnival Cruise Ship

A week of practical teaching dedicated to

REST, RELAXATION, & REVELATION

Last year the FBC Family along with many community

friends set sail towards the Eastern Caribbean for 5 days.

The week was filled with great fellowship, flavorful food,

and life changing teaching. Along with the many events

planned by Carnival, we added our own Spiritual spice.

We borrowed a cruise ship lounge, turned it into a place

of learning, worship, and prayer. Family members of all

ages, and denominations, joined together making

our inaugural DEVOTTIONAL CONFERENCE

CRUISE an experience never to be forgotten. This year

we will be leaving from NY City sailing the cool waters

of Canada.

We hope to see you in 2012 as we continue to seek

life guiding, mind transforming, and body rejuvenating

moments of community union.

4

Morning Glory

the POWER of

offer ministry that is applicable and excit-

ing to them. For example, the ―remix‖ has

been a venue created for youth to experi-

ence God in a youth friendly environment

that re- minds them

that God is their God

too.

While youth are

important to Pastor

Riddick he consistently seeks to meet the

needs of the senior community as well.

He teaches that everyone possesses gifts

and seeks to provide platforms and oppor-

tunities for everyone to be educated and

operate in their gifts and

maximize their potential.

While young in

age, we often note the wis-

dom our Pastor possesses.

It is clear that He

is seek- ing to please

God and that He

is sub- mitted to

Him. As evidenced

by the lives that are

being changed in our congregation, we

know that his assignment is great. Addic-

tions are being broken, hearts encouraged,

strongholds broken, and hope renewed.

Pastor also reminds us that it is not about

him, but about

what God is

doing through

the congrega-

tion and com-

munity at-

large. This also

demonstrates his humility. While ex-

tremely anointed, Pastor is touchable. We

thank God for godly leadership.

About five years ago God brought to-

gether the First Baptist Church on 318

Hall Street with Dwight Shawrod Rid-

dick as Senior Pastor. The union has

since given birth to great things. The

church has grown

spiritual- ly, numeri-

cally, and financially.

Members have will-

ingly grabbed hold

to the vision of being a spirit-filled

church focused on seeking God, seek-

ing souls, teaching God, teaching

souls, reaching God, reaching souls

until the return of Christ .

Pastor Riddick passion-

ately serves the congre-

gation through power-

packed sermons, anointed

teaching, and offering tremendous vi-

sion. He does a remarkable job of pull-

ing the potential out

of peo- ple and de-

veloping leaders. He

really has a heart

for the community

and makes them the core of the

church’s purpose and vision. Before

being called to be the Senior Pastor of

First Baptist, he served on staff as

Youth and Young Adult Pastor at Geth-

semane Baptist

church in Newport

News. He still

main- tains a

heart for youth

and seeks to

Clergy Of

FBC

Pastor Emeritus & Wife

Henry & Clarissa Blunt

Rev. Jennell Riddick , M.Div.

Minister William Bellamy

partnership

Support FBC Businesses

James & Lavonda Glenn

Glenn & Glenn LLC

388-C North College Drive

Franklin, VA 23851

757-771-4149

Cynthia Walloe

Mary Kay Cosmetics Consultant/

Wedding Planner

616 West 2nd Avenue

Franklin, VA 23851

757-569-8159

(specializing in skin care & color)

Devonda Gary

Barrow Construction

17216 Barrow Road

Capron, VA 23829

757-653-1550

(general contracting services)

Bud’s Car Wash

33350 Edgehill Drive

Franklin, VA 23851

757-562-0042

(full service car wash)

“He really has a heart

for the community…”

Partnering To Produce

Let’s Get Active

Practical ministry for every day people

17

Men’s Ministry

Ministry Description/cont.

Intercessory Prayer

Prayer is an important founda-

tion. The Bible instructs us that

men ought to always pray. The

prayer teams gathers for in-

struction, dialogue, and prayer

each Wednesday from 6pm to

7pm for their weekly power

hour. The prayer teams also

gathers each Sunday morning

to pray for the morning wor-

ship experience. Members

gather in the main sanctuary to

pray for the vision of the

church, individual concerns

and other matters they wish to

lift before God. They also

coordinate the church’s annual

24 hour prayer vigil.

Couples Ministry

Marriages often face great

challenges. Through this min-

istry couples are encouraged

and empowered with the word

of God on how to have a suc-

cessful marriage. This minis-

try also seeks to enrich mar-

riages with practical infor-

mation. Through this ministry,

periodic couples’ workshops

are held annually and are de-

signed to help couples sharpen

their tools of communication, ,

and other helpful marriage

skills.

Singles Ministry

This ministry attempts to

offer support and provide

encouragement to those who

are unmarried. We under-

stand that there are various

aspects of singleness such as

never married, divorced, and

widows/widowers of various

age groups. The Singles

Ministry is as diverse as its

members, and every attempt

is made to provide ministry

to all singles throughout the

year.

Kingz Kidz

This ministry focuses on

children ages 3 to 11. Our

goal is to begin early,

partnering with parents in

developing kingdom mind-

ed kids. Children’s Church

is offered twice monthly to

provide a venue for the kids

to express themselves and

receive ministry customized

to them. Children also par-

ticipate in many fun activi-

ties throughout the year to

demonstrate the excitement

in serving God.

Missionary Ministry

Missionaries serve as a sup-

port group to families and

individuals as needed.

They often visit homebound

members, assist with vari-

ous tasks and provide spir-

itual encouragement. They

assist families during the

holidays and throughout the

year when needs arise. They

also follow up with mem-

bers after funerals.

settings, such as discussion

groups, outside outings, or

breakfasts, men in the

church get to rub shoulders

with other men and find

wholesome models and

mentors by which to pattern

their lives.

The Men’s Ministry seeks

to shape kingdom men by

helping men to develop a

kingdom mindset. Brothers

share their struggles, chal-

lenges, and success, thereby

helping each other to navi-

gate the treacherous waters

of manhood. In various

Support FBC Business

Lolitha Neclos

Shear Creations

305 S. Main Street

Franklin, VA 23851

757-562-1659

(specializing in relaxers, hair cuts,

razor cuts, permanent hair color, semi-

permanent hair color, shampoo & set,

and shampoo, blow & curl)

Nikita Cofield

Cofield’s Barber and Beauty Salon

701 South Street, Suite E

Franklin, VA 23851

757-562-7398

Nikita.cofield35@yahoo.com

(specializing in relaxers, haircare,

updos, haircuts, press n curls and

much more)

Minister William Bellamy

827 Railroad Avenue

Franklin, VA 23851

757-377-6085

Judonald Sweat

Premier Masonry

231 Crescent Drive

Franklin, VA 23851

757-295-7638

(specializing in brick, block, concrete

& stone)

Robin A. Jones

7 Cities Lawn Maintenance LLC

335 Sherwood Forest Road

Chesapeake, VA 23322

757-556-0908

(landscaping, hedge trimming, edging/

cutting, aeration, seeding/fertilization,

mulching,

top soil, sod installation)

Timothy “Shawn” House

Tim House Construction

702 Pretlow Street

Franklin, VA 23851

757-353-8033

(renovation, additions, roofing, floor-

ing)fuel oil services)

16

Get Info About

3 Acts 247

Finance & Budgeting

15 CARE

Membership Retention

14 Christian Education

Knowledge is Power

5 Couples

Why Did I Get Married?

18 Culinary Ministry

Healthy recipe

15 Deacons

Servants of all

15 Health Ministry

Your Body is God’s temple

10 Intercessory Prayer

Prayer Still Changes Things

13, 16 Kings Kids (Ages 3-12)

And A Child Shall Lead Them

16 Men

Looking For A Good Few Men

16 Missionaries

Hit the missions field of Franklin

17 Pastor of FBC

Partnering to Produce

10 Singles

Alone but not lonely

13 T2 Youth (13-17)

Saved with Swagger

10 Women

Seriously saved sisters

7 Worshipping Art

Get Your Groove On

13 XYZ (Seniors)

Don’t count me out yet

Contents

7 FEATURES

3 Fix your finances Best Budgeting Tips for 2011

5 Why did you get married? Solutions for a long lasting

18 Healthy recipes Receive healthy eating tips

15 Spiritual gifts Strengthen your faith, use your gift.

Worship Thru Art

Contributors

New Start

New Year

2

Page 8

Dawes Orr

Marilyn Freeman

Tora Sweat

DS Riddick Jennell Riddick

Robin Jones LaTora Mathews

Barbara Reid

1

It’s a new year! That means a fresh

start. A new you. 2 Corinthians 5:17

says, ―Therefore if any man be in

Christ, he is a new creature: old

things are passed away; behold all

things are become new.‖ What a

wonderful thought. Actually, your

fresh new year starts not because of

a new calendar, but because Christ

offers you a clean slate starting

now! So what will that mean for

you? New attitude? New study hab-

its? Breaking old negative habits? A

change in mindset? What will it be?

Perhaps you have been waiting to

start that ―new‖ thing. Well, wait no

longer. You can get it started now.

Don’t worry about the past. This is

your opportunity to move forward.

Don’t allow people to discourage or

distract you form the great things

that are ahead. God has ordained

great things for your life. Sometimes

we allow past hurts, obstacles, fears,

and other situations to stop us from

being the person that God has de-

signed for us. Make up your mind

today, that you will start fresh now.

Don’t keep putting it off. Greatness

lies right before you.

Ready...set...go begin your fresh

start!

The practice of

making New Year’s resolutions

goes back over 3000 years to

the ancient Babylonians. There

is just something about the start of a New Year that gives us the feeling of a fresh

start and a new beginning. In reality, there is no difference between December 31st

and January 1st. Nothing mystical occurs at midnight on December 31st. The Bible does not

speak for or against the concept of New Year’s resolutions. However, if a Christian determines

to make a New Year’s resolution, what kind of resolution should he or she make?

Common New Year’s resolutions are: to quit smoking, to stop drinking, to manage money

better, and spend more time with family. By far the most common New Year’s resolution is to

lose weight, in conjunction with exercising more and eating healthier. These are all good goals

to set. However, 1 Timothy 4:8 instructs us to keep exercise in perspective: ―For physical

training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the

present life and the life to come.‖ The vast majority of New Year’s resolutions, even among

Christians, are in relation to physical things. This should not be.

Many Christians make New Year’s resolutions to pray more, to read the Bible every day, and

to attend church more regularly. These are fantastic goals. However, these New

Year’s resolutions fail just as often as the non-spiritual resolutions, because there

is no power in a New Year’s resolution. Resolving to start or

stop doing a certain activity has no value unless you have the proper

motivation for stopping or starting that activity. For example, why

do you want to read the Bible every day? Is it to honor God and

grow spiritually, or is it because you have just heard that it is

a good thing to do? Why do you want to lose weight? Is it to

honor God with your body, or is it for vanity, to honor yourself?

Philippians 4:13 tells us, ―I can do everything through Him who

gives me strength.‖ John 15:5 declares, ―I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains

in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.‖ If God is the

center of your New Year’s resolution, it has chance for success, depending on your commit-

ment to it. If it is God’s will for something to be fulfilled, He will enable you to fulfill it. If a

resolution is not God honoring and/or is not in agreement in God’s Word, we will not receive

God’s help in fulfilling the resolution.

So, what sort of New Year’s resolution should a Christian make? Here are some suggestions:

(1) Pray to the Lord for wisdom (James 1:5) in regards to what resolutions, if any, He would

have you make; (2) Pray for wisdom as to how to fulfill the goals God gives you; (3) Rely on

God’s strength to help you; (4) Find an accountability partner who will help you and encour-

age you; (5) Don’t become discouraged with occasional failures; instead allow them to moti-

vate you further; (6) Don’t become proud or vain, but give God the glory. Psalm 37:5-6,

―Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your right-

eousness shine like the dawn,…‖

Prayer Still Works

See You At Armory Field On

May 5th, For the National Day Of

Prayer Led by Pastor Dillon & Rock

Church

New Year New You

2

To enhance our ability to keep our mem-

bers informed about church activities, an-

nouncements, birthdays, and anniversaries

are recorded weekly and reported each

Sunday via video. Audio and video re-

cording of each week’s message is availa-

ble on CD and DVD. FBC reaches out to

the world with our internet. Those who log

in online are able to get an overview of the

ministry of FBC, join church online, keep

up-to-date with FBC activities, give their

offering, view pastor’s messages, and

much more.

Culinary Ministry

The Culinary ministry of FBC serves

whenever there is a function requiring

food. This ministry prepares and serves

delicious meals. The culinary ministry

also serves for funeral repasts and assists

with other gatherings upon request. We

receive healthy eating demonstrations and

recipes from those in this ministry.

Deacons

This ministry is comprised of men and

women, who work alongside the pastor

ensuring the spiritual needs of the congre-

The Care Ministry has been birthed

with the sole purpose of bridging the

gap between our church ministry and

our membership. The goal is to have

each member of our congregation as-

signed to a small group that is moni-

tored by a church leader. Each leader

will be responsible for simply staying

in touch with those who are assigned

to their group.

Health Ministry

―Beloved, I wish above all things that

thou may prosper and be in good

health even as thou soul prospereth‖ This ministry seeks to keep our mem-bers and the congregation at-large informed on leading healthy lifestyles.

Media Ministry

FBC makes use of modern technology

to assist and aid in promoting the

Word of God. The media ministry

leads the way in

our audio visual

and internet en-

deavors. The basic

component of this

ministry is the

sound system.

Each of our worship services are rec-

orded for future listening and viewing.

Your

Spiritual

Gift

In Action

gation and providing visionary leadership.

Members of the church who have demon-

strated commitment and loyalty to the

vision of the church. This group is re-

sponsible for carrying out the two ordi-

nances of the Baptist Church, Holy Com-

munion and Baptism. Those who serve in

the diaconate ministry have been faithful

members of the church and have demon-

strated commitment and loyalty to the

vision of the church.

Transportation Ministry

We recognize the need of some members

to have transportation to and from church

activities. Currently our van is on the road

on Sunday mornings, making sure that

those who would like to be in attendance

at worship are able to do so. We highly

encourage members in need of transporta-

tion to worship to call the church office

by Wednesday, in order for the transpor-

tation team to prepare their route. Our van

is also rolling on other occasions when

church activities require transportation.

Each one should use whatever gift

he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms

Spiritual Gift Assessment at FBC www.firstbcfranklin.org

15

Christian Education

FBC Presents Weekly FOCUS CLASSES. All of These sessions are 11 week certificate classes taught every Sunday morning

from 9:30 AM to 10:30 Am. Each class is open to the entire community and absolutely FREE. Come study to show yourself

approved, while gaining valuable insight on how to succeed with Christ like principles. See you in FOCUS Class!

Focus 1— Basic Christian Principles

Lessons designed to equip new Christians on basic doctrine.

Focus 2—The Great Beginning

Study of the first books of the bible from Genesis to Joshua.

Focus 3— Bible Giants

Gain practical instructions from the great Judges to Esther.

Focus 4— Perfect Poetry

Poetic monologues & measures from Job to Songs of Solomon

Focus 5— Meet The Major Prophets

Survey the messages delivered by prophets Isaiah thru Daniel.

Focus 6— Meaningful Messages From Minor Prophets

A few powerful words from prophets Hosea to Malachi.

Focus 7—The Good News of the New Testament

Receive good news exploring Matthew , Mark, Luke, & John.

Focus 8— Church History

Take a look back at how the church was established in Acts.

Focus 9— Pen Pal Principles

Survey letters written for us to read in Romans to Revelations.

Focus E—Stewardship Principles

Find out what does the bible say about money and its purpose.

Focus E—World Religions

Discover the theologies of other major religions.

Focus E— How The Bible Was Made

Ever wonder how we obtained our bible? Here you learn how.

T

hese Tips On Budgeting

will help you control the most im-

portant part of your family financial

program...outgo. Almost all finan-

cial problems are due to outgo, not

income. If you feel you have an

income problem, understand

that money management is

not about having

more, it is about man-

aging what you

have. Chances

are, even if it

seems you don't make

enough, the problem is

outgo. This is very good

news! Why?

I'm glad you asked! It's good news

because you can control out-

go. That's what this article is all

about. We'll show you some tips

and tricks that make it easier to con-

trol your spending, pay down debt,

and save for those big things in your

future. For more information, you

may join our ACTS 247 ministry

and receive consistent assistance

with your financial stewardship,

employment retention, taxes, and all

other areas of financial concern.

Until then

What Is A Budget?

A budget is a spending plan that

includes everything you will spend

money on. A good budget is a

spending plan that includes every-

thing you will spend money on and

stays within your income. A wise

budget includes everything you will

spend money on, savings for a 'rainy

day', savings for large purchases,

giving, savings for kids, and invest-

ment for retirement and still stays

within your income.

DEALING

WITH DEBT

Learning how to manage what you have with a

BUDGET and a BIBLE.

I suspect the wise budget is a bit

over the top for you if you're new to

budgeting. Caution! No matter how

detailed your spending plan is, if it

does not include everything you

spend money on, or, if it does not

address where you will get the mon-

ey to cover all your expenses, it is

not a budget.

Why Budget?

I suspect you already know why or

you wouldn't be reading this. If we

don't budget, we lose control of our

expenses and can't even figure out

where the money went. Worse,

yet...we can't figure out where we'll

get the money to cover that big bill

we forgot was coming.

Tips On Budgeting:

Budgeting Tip 1: Get the whole

picture. Start by collecting all

checking account and credit card

statements for the last year. Collect

all cash receipts for the last month

(or next month if you don't do this).

Don't forget cash spent on

co-payments, mocha's, hair-

cuts, etc. Now col-

lect all receipts

for financial

contri- butions to

charity, including

Girl Scout cookies, etc. Col-

lect all pay stubs, deposit re-

ceipts, etc.

Budgeting Tip 2: Record the whole

picture. Use all the stuff you collect-

ed to record a 'picture' of what you

spent last year (use a pencil and have

a big eraser on hand. You can print

and use a budget worksheet to make

this job easier. Don't be surprised if

this takes a lot of time with a calcu-

lator and scratch paper.

Budgeting Tip 3: Check off the lines on your

documents as you account for them in a budget

item. That way you don't put the same thing in

more than one item and you don't forget anything.

Budgeting Tip 4: Formulas:

Convert regular weekly pay to monthly:

Weekly Pay x 4.333 = Monthly Pay

Convert bi-weekly pay to monthly:

Bi-Weekly Pay x 2.167 = Monthly Pay

Convert annual totals to monthly amounts by

Dividing the total by 12.

Budget Tip 5: Remember This quote: [A lot of

people are willing to give God the

credit, but not too many are willing

to give Him the cash.‖] – Anonymous

Budgeting Tip 6: Prioritize This List

Budgeting Tip 7: Include everything you regu-

larly pay cash for in the Cash Budget-Monthly

section.

Budgeting Tip 8: After you total everything, you

may be surprised to discover your expenses are

larger than your income. This is normal, I'm sad

to say. The amount your expenses exceed your

income is the amount you add to your credit cards

and other (article continued on page 6)

Cut your expenses

Make a lifelong promise to spend less

Negotiate a better rate with credit card

Get the employer match on your 401k.

Sell your junk & Start giving 10%.

Organize your bank accounts.

Start an emergency fund

3

P A G E 8

“To catch the reader's attention, place an

interesting sentence or quote from the story

here.”

Caption describing

picture or graphic.

Year @ a Glance

Year @ a Glance

Caption

describing

picture or

graphic.

N E W S L E T T E R T I T L E

XYZ For Seniors

We Have What You Have Been Looking For

As we move forward with expectation of all of the great

ventures that will yield success, we pause to celebrate our seniors. Each senior in our community must be cred-

ited with paving the way, and creating opportunities for all of us to be the best citizens possible. However, we do

not just stop at highlighting their past achievements, we

acknowledge that today they are very much an essential part of our current triumph.

In order that we may benefit from the work of our sen-

iors, and acknowledge their many achievements we intro-duce to our community our “XYZ” members. That is the

Xtra Years of Zest Ministry filled with active seniors that

understand age is nothing but a number.

With bi-weekly gatherings, numerous banquets, various outings, and several community outreach

programs these seniors are active and on

the move. Join them any Wednesday at 12Noon @ 318 Hall St Franklin.

T2 For Youth

They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green Ps 92:14

―Don’t let anyone look down on you because you

are young, but set an example for the believers in

speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.‖

1 Timothy 4:12

T2 and King Kidz are ministries created for youth.

The purpose of the youth ministry is to empower

youth, help them realize their gifts, and add a twist

of flavor to learning Godly principles. Join the

youth for the upcoming events.

January 17th– MLK Memorial March with Girl

Scouts

January 30th– The ―Remix‖ at First Baptist

February 12th– True Love Waits Conference

April 23rd– Easter ―Eggstravaganza‖

April 25-29th Spring Break Activities

May 7th– Mother’s Day Luncheon

*1st and 3rd Wednesdays All Girls/Boys Bible

Study

13

Let no man despise thy youth;… 1 Timothy 4:12 92:14

...The Name That Is Above Every Name…

Philippians 2:9

early beloved we are gathered here today in the sight of God, angels, and

this assembly to unite in holy matrimony this man and this woman....for

better or worse...richer or poorer...in sickness and in health...as long as we

both shall live…‖

It is no secret that marriages today needs the covering and participation of the Lord like

never before. During a time when the very definition of marriage is questioned, we as

the body of Christ must pull together and strive to keep our covenants to our spouses

and to God.

The couples ministry gathers regularly to educate, equip, and empower couples to be

the very best they can be. Through outings, candid conversation, and conferences,

couples are informed that successful marriages take work, but that it is also one of the

most rewarding institutions created.

Here are some helpful reminders to help strengthen your marriage:

1) Unexpected challenges arise in marriage. But nothing takes God by sur-

prise. He will help you handle the varying seasons of your marriage.

2) Make God a priority in your marriage. Sure, he is there when things get

rough, but including Him all along the way could result in fewer rough

times.

3) You nor your spouse is perfect. Put your trust in a perfect God.

4) Seek to please God in how you love and treat your spouse.

5) Pray for your marriage. Prayer still works.

With many other married couples of FBC not pictured, we strive to remind our com-

munity of the importance of the marital covenant. Blessings to all couples.

D

Tied The Knot

&

Not Letting Go

5

True Love Waits True Love Waits challenges

teenagers and college stu-

dents to make a commit-

ment to sexual abstinence

until marriage. True Love

Waits encourages moral

purity by adhering to bibli-

cal principles. This youth-

based international cam-

paign utilizes positive peer

pressure by encouraging

those who make a commit-

ment to refrain from pre-

marital sex to challenge

their peers to do the same.

This weekend welcomes

large youth groups from all

over the state of Virginia.

Each person enjoys inti-

mate workshops, and a

prom like formal. During

this event commitment

(Tips On Budgeting Continued

from page 3)

...consumer credit balances every

month. Note: When I did this

the first time I discovered I was

spending $ 250 more than my

income each month. If your in-

come is larger than your expens-

es, the difference is the amount

you can add to savings, etc.

Budgeting Tip 9: Review your

budget worksheet to see if you

can spot any errors, to try and

find areas where you

feel your spend-

ing is excessive,

and to consider if

any expenses

(maintenance, insur-

ance, taxes, etc.) will in-

crease over the next

year...make necessary adjust-

ments and re-total.

Budgeting Tip 10: Make sure

you keep a savings balance for a

"rainy day" that matches 6

months of your net income. Af-

ter you've accumulated that, you

can begin investing and

buying some of

those things you

just want.

Budgeting Tip 11: Giving or

donating is as important as pay-

ing a bill. Give this a try! You

should have an amount designat-

ed on your family budget for

giving. Even if you don't take

part in a regular charity or church

giving program, make giving part

of your budget. There is a great

deal of evidence, from 2,900

years ago right up to the present,

that what you give comes back to

you multiplied. Do it for a year

and see what happens.

Our Acts247 ministry was de-

signed to serve the business, fi-

nancial, and entrepreneurial

needs of our congregation and

community. Our intention is to

keep this ministry as an explicit

testimony to the love of Jesus,

not simply to provide services.

The Bible makes it clear that being in debt is not God’s

best for us. When Proverbs says, ―the borrower is slave to

the lender‖, it gives the impression that God wants us to

be debt-free.

Debt is NOT normal

We have got to start understanding that debt is not normal.

Just because everyone else is doing it, does not make it

right! God’s principles should be our guide.

Debt is Slavery

Every time we enter into lender/borrower agreement we

are actually entering into a master/slave agreement. Prov-

erbs 22:7 states ―the rich rules over the poor, and the bor-

rower becomes the lender’s slave.‖ We have to do every-

thing that we can by being disciplined with our money and

being the best steward possible. And we have to trust that

God will do His part.

Being Debt-free isn’t just for us

God wants all Christians to prosper. Psalm 35:27 states

…And let them say continually, ―The LORD be magni-

fied, who delights in the prosperity of His servant.‖ He

wants us to thrive and

use what we have been

blessed with to bless

others. He says, we

will lend to many na-

tions and not borrow. It

is easy to say, ―I will

give when I have more

money to give.‖ It is a

true step of faith when we give before we have an abun-

dance. Read Luke 21: 1-4

Sowing Seed for the Harvest

The Bible makes it clear that we will reap what we sow.

We need to look at every dollar we have as seed. We can

either spend it on ourselves or we can sow it into the

Kingdom of God or sow it into someone else’s life. Gala-

tians 6:7 states, teaches us we reap what we sow.

Finance Quick Tips

5 Bible verses about money

every Christian should know:

Philippians 4:19

Malachi 3:10

1 Timothy 6:10

Acts 20:35

Proverbs 22:7

Helpful tips to help you achieve

a debt fee lifestyle and stay that

way:

1) Allow a realistic budget and

stick to it.

2) 2) Continue to acknowledge

that God is the owner of

everything you have (Psalm

8:6 and Deuteronomy 5:23-

33)

―Giving is more than

responsibility – it is a

privilege; more than an

act of obedience – it is

evidence of our faith.‖ –

William Arthur Ward

Walk In iT Inc.

This is organization seeks to

educate, equip, and empower

youth and adultwomen to

operate in their maximum

potential. Walk in it offers

classes, conferences, custom-

ized workshops and materials

to help you discover your

life’s purpose and walk in it.

Rev. Jennell Riddick

www.walkinit.net

6

www.firstbcfranklin.org

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Where Disciples CLICK First

Surviving Singleness

Intercessory Prayer Ministry

Women’s Ministry First Baptist Women’s Min-

istry is reflecting over a great

year and looking expectantly

to a new year!

2010 was a great year

for the Women’s

Ministry! Some high

lights included a

powerful beach

retreat in which Go

d met us in a

tremendous way.

Through sessions,

discussions, prayer, and mo-

ments of reflection we truly

experienced God. While our

beach house was absolutely

beautiful it was the open

spirit of the sisters as we sat

around the pool, around

the table, and even along

the shore to listen to what

God was saying to us

individually and collec

tively. What a blessing!

In September we hosted

our annual women’s

conference. Our theme

was ―Going God’s Way.‖

Each year God meets us

in a new way! Just as Doro-

thy followed the yellow

brick road, we sought to fol-

low God’s way for our lives.

With anointed preachers and

teachers we had empowering

sessions and tremendous fel-

lowship. It was a wow week-

end! Monthly meetings of

encouragement and sharing

also kept the women going

strong throughout the year.

The God we serve is power-

ful so we look to the new

year with tremendous expec-

tation.

We are spicing up our

annual retreat by adding

some surprising new twists.

If you want to experience

God in new ways, hear him

clearly, and fellowship with

other sisters in Christ make

plans today to attend our

women’s retreat June 10th -

12th. It will be an empower-

ing weekend you don’t want

to miss. Also our annual

Women’s Conference will be

held on Friday and Saturday,

September 23rd and 24th. This

weekend women gather from

near and far to partake in one

of a kind workshops, experi-

ence powerful worship, and

hear life changing sermons.

Make plans to attend!

to experience the occurrenc-

es of life. We teach that

prayer is communication

with God. We talk to Him

and He talks to us. At First

Baptist we are consistently

hearing the testimonies of

the results of prayer. ―I got

a job!‖ ― I broke that habit!‖

―The doctor’s report came

back positive!‖ New testi-

Some things never go out of

style. Prayer is one of those

things! In 1 Thessalonians

5: 16 we are instructed to

pray always. This includes

good times and bad. Prayer

is to our situations as batter-

ies are to electronics. If you

want things to work you

must have prayer. Prayer

keeps us charged and ready

monies are coming forth to

prove that prayer still

works. With this in mind

the Intercessory Prayer

Ministry gathers multiple

times a week to pray for the

church, members, the com-

munity, and the kingdom at

large. Through prayer we

are able to operate in the

power God gives.

(spend it wisely)

Both marriage and sin-

gleness are gifts from

God

You are valuable so do

not settle

Find hobbies or special

interests to remove

dormant moments

FBC has a ministry

designed to aid you.

Not married, maybe di-

vorced, or living as a wid-

ow? Resources sometimes

low and wondering when

or if God has a partner

for you? You are not

alone. Sometimes surviv-

ing a single life is a matter

of altering your perspec-

tive. Remember this…

Your time is your

time

Support FBC Businesses

Deacon Michael A. Smith

Smith & Smith LLC

26320 Melon Field Road

Newsoms, VA 23874

757-635-8695

MichaelASmith@hughes.net

(tax preparation, business consult-

ing, fuel oil services)

Deacon Michael A. Smith

Baxter Bros, LLC

26320 Melon Field Road

Newsoms, VA 23874

757-635-8695

MichaelASmith@hughes.net

(construction, demolition, electric,

full service general contracting,

Class A license)

Deacon Elvin Vaughan

Elvin Vaughan Funeral Home

1717 South Street

Franklin, VA 23851

757-562-3774

(funeral, burial & cremation)

Ellis Cofield, Jr.

Cofield’s Auto Sales, Auto Uphol-

stery, Mobile Locksmith

701 South Street

Franklin, VA 23851

757-562-0699

www.cofields.com/

cofields@cofields.com

(auto upholstery seatcovers, car-

pet, vinyl tops, convertible

tops, dashcovers, door glass, sun-

roofs; lockout/locksmith service;

used vehicle sales)

Ben’eta Cofield

Secretary Solutions

701 South Street

Franklin, VA 23851

757-556-6945

secretarysolution@yahoo.com

(appointment scheduling,

bookkeeping, e-mail management,

order processing, schedule

travel, word processing, etc)

William Banks

Blake Ford Mercury

1011 Armory Drive

Franklin, VA 23851

757-569-9756

(vehicle sales)

Rev. Jennell RiddickRev. Jennell Riddick

10

V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1 Dance That

Moves You Worship Thru Arts

Just Keep

Moving

Worship Thru Arts — Ministry That Moves You

There’s A Form Of

Worship Thru Art

For You

* Drama This ministry uses dramatic per-

formances to make viewers laugh,

cry, or seriously think about is-

sues that can change your life.

All ages welcome

* Step Team

All of their love, peace, and hap-

piness is given to the real Alpha

and Omega. With precision chore-

ography, mixed with chants of

positive affirmation, this team

brings stomp the yard to your

neighborhood.. For Young

Adults & Young Men.

* Praise Dance Here body and beat, mobility and

music caress each other to create

rhythmic motion to good news

music that will inspire, motivate,

and present the Gospel in a

unique method. Four dance

teams are provided for dancers

Age 5-7, 8-14, Young Adult, &

Adult Dancers.

* Pantomime Mime is an art form of that ex-

presses a silent

shout of emotion.

Painted faced

members engage

awaiting parish-

ioners with ges-

tures set to mu-

sic. For Adults

& Young Men

Ages 7-16.

―Let everything that have breath, praise

ye the Lord‖, is the cry from the pulpit.

This declaration is followed by

joyous shouts of ―Hallelujah!‖ and

―God we praise you!‖ This is the

common scene in most contemporary

churches. It is often the portrait of a

typical worship service at First

Baptist Church (FBC) at 318 Hall

Street. However, God’s glory does not

stop there. These shouts of praise are

followed by the playing and singing of

music, and pure praise through various art

forms. Depending on the Sunday, or the theme

of the weekly service, praise can be expressed

by adults, youth, or children that are either sing-

ing, dancing, miming, stepping, reading poetry,

or acting in a short drama skit. We have applied

all of these art forms as a way to worship and

acknowledge God’s consistent presence in our

lives.

The worshipping arts ministry led by Sherita

Ricks Parker has become one of the more regu-

larly attended and popularly joined ministries.

In this ministry a person male or female is en-

couraged to express themselves through extract-

ing internal feelings and expressing them out-

wardly. What we see is dancing. What we hear

is singing. What we feel is the vibration from

synchronized stomping and stepping. It is amaz-

ing to see those who are usually reserved, now

uncharacteristically, express exuberance. But

what we are actually receiving is the sincere

love for God shown through fluid movements to

music. We are presented with emotions passion-

ately shared by people with white painted face.

We bob our heads, and tap our feet as choirs

lead us in a symphony of singing to and about

God. It is an opportunity for what a person feels

inside to finally be released . This allows the

soul to be free and encourages the broken heart-

ed. This is Worship through arts. While the

mainstream church may still be attempting to

the place of various art forms in the church we have

found differing types of worship expressions bibli-

cal. First, the members of the ministries are not only

using talents but also the spiritual gift of encourage-

ment.

The art form simply serves as the venue by which

God is able to speak to those in His presence.

Is it biblical?

One of the greatest components of the Wor

shipping arts ministry at FBC is that

each rehearsal is begun with a biblical devotional

moment. Yes. Worship through arts is biblical. We

find these words "Praise his name with dancing,

accompanied by tambourine and harp." (Psalm

149:3 NLT) "Praise him with the tambourine and

dancing; praise him with strings and flutes!" (Psalm

150:4 NLT) These are just a couple of references to

biblical dancing

that glorifies

God. We

believe and

have experi-

ence the Spirit of

God change lives when receiving these forms of

ministry.

We have seen worship through art in the following

forms. This is not an absolute list but instead repre-

sent the forms that are currently being implemented

at FBC.

Praise Dance…

The art of dance has been used as an expression of

love and admiration for God for many years. In II

Samuel 6:14 David danced rejoicing. Dance is a

artful form that shows a oneness of body and music.

Mime… A mime artist is someone who uses mime as a the-

atrical medium or as a performance art, involving

miming, or the acting out a story through body mo-

tions, without use of speech. The use of this

Praise his name with

dancing, accompanied by

tambourine and harp.

8

Choir….

Singing our

songs provide a

musical testi

mony that

helps others

by using

vocals and

instruments

that sooths

and causes

us to be refreshed as when David

played to refresh Saul to help relieve him

from evil spirit.

Drama…

Through dramatization we portray many

realistic situations that we may be confront-

ed with and God provides us a practical

solution to help us glorify Him.

Personal Testimony

Worshipping Artist Ministry has given me

an opportunity to grow both spiritually and

mentally. Praise dancing has changed my

life in a number of ways. It is an outlet to

allow God to move through me via dance. I

have learned that dancing is not for enter-

tainment but a form of worship.

God has given different gifts for

His glory. God has allowed me to develop a

more intimate relationship with Him

through dancing as well. We have devotion-

al lessons, ministry prayer, empowerment

sessions, and testimonies. All these things

have enabled me to live a life that is pleas-

ing to the Lord. - Kia Vinson

ministry

draws people into a musi-

cal form of expression through body move-

ment.

Step…

Step is expressive form of cadence where

stomping, clapping and rhythm are combined.

Stepping, a dance tradition made popular by

African-American fraternities and sororities, is

a complex performance involving synchronized

percussive movement, singing, speaking, chant-

ing, and drama. It can be traced to the peoples

and cultural dance traditions of Africa, specifi-

cally, the "Gumboot Dance". With a focus on

precise foot movements and hand-clapping,

gumboots used dance as a means to communi-

cate. Stepping in the U.S. can be traced as far

back as the 1920's during fraternity pledges at

Howard University. As stepping evolved into

the 1940's and 50's, various elements of mili-

tary drill formations became prevalent; partially

due to the fact that many military men joined

fraternities upon returning from WW II. As a

result of this evolution, step has become the

format of choice to display pride in ones Afri-

can-American churches. This form of worship-

ping arts reaches many people.

9