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FEATURES4 First Word from Tom Jenkins

7 Kickball Tournament 2016

9 Serve Starkville

OUR CHURCH FAMILY18 Upcoming Events

20 Calendar

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TOP FIVE REASONS TO ATTEND SUMMER STUDY

I’m sure you’ve heard by now about our Summer Study. It’s an annual event at FBC Starkville that has simply improved year after year. This year we’ll again be meeting in the Warehouse OC each Sunday night at 5:00 pm for the study: Onward: Engaging the Culture without losing the Gospel by Russell Moore. Ok, so sure, we’re going to learn stuff, but what are the real reasons to attend Summer Study?

REASON #5: THE FUNNathan Taylor. Do I need to say anymore? He, and his spousal

cohort Ashley, have planned some great video and live action comedy for each of our Sunday night gatherings. If you attended last year, then you know that we don’t know what to expect, but it will be good!

REASON #4: THE FOODEach night will feature a menu to share a meal together. Man

cannot live by bread alone, ice cream is also good. Charles Schulz said, “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.” What could be better on a summer evening, than to sit around a table with family and food?

REASON #3: IT ’S ALL IN THE FAMILYSpeaking of family, do you fit in yours? Well, each family is

made up of all sorts and types, including the eccentrics.. So guess what? There is a place for you. The great philosopher Bilbo Baggins once said, “I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.” (J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring) Come and figure out which half is which.

FIRST WORDFROM TOM JENKINS

REASON #2: IT ’S FREEOk. Family of four going to the movies: Tickets, popcorn and

drinks; is that up to about $432? The Summer Study experience of Fun, Food and Family? FREE! It’s the best deal in town.

REASON #1 : IT ’S ABOUT OUR FAITHAre you looking for ways to build your personal faith, and join in

the discussion about how we can live our faith in a faith-less world? Summer Study offers both the teaching and the opportunity for discussion and dialogue over these issues.

Hope to see you at Summer Study beginning June 5!

F B C S TA R K V I L L E . C O M 5

ow do you know the will of God? This is a big question that many Christians ask, without asking. Because we’re afraid asking questions just shows our ignorance on matters of our faith, we choose to remain silent and miss out on the greatness of our salvation. As a result, I believe many people want to see God at work in their lives and want to follow His will—they just don’t know how.

I want to share with you three tips on learning how to follow God’s will for you. In Acts 10, Luke introduces us to a man named Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Regiment, who was a seeker of God but didn’t know about Jesus. In a dream, God told him to send men to a man named Peter who would help him. In the next three verses, here are three key things Peter did (even though he knew

nothing of what God was doing in Cornelius’ life) to know how to follow God’s will for him in this situation.

He put himself in a position to hear God speak (v. 9).

The Scripture says that Peter went up on the housetop to pray. He made a conscious decision to go somewhere alone and spend time with God. It was during this time of prayer that God began to reveal to Peter that things that used to be considered unclean were now being considered clean. Though this was a reference to Gentiles (non-Jews, like Cornelius) being added to the family of God, Peter initially assumed God was talking about dietary restrictions, and he was greatly confused. However, he knew God was speaking to him even though he didn’t understand the meaning at the moment, and this was only because he put himself in a position to hear God speak.

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If you want to know God’s will for your life, you need to put yourself in a position to hear Him. You do that by taking the time to read His Word and praying, by coming to worship and hearing His Word taught, and by being around other believers in a community group and a D-Group where you can hear how God is working in the lives of other people. Peter was intentional about positioning himself—we need to be intentional as well.

He processed what God told him (v. 17).

In other words, Peter didn’t just immediately get up and go on about his day. He took the time to process what he had heard from God. God doesn’t always give us His full plan in one encounter. Peter still didn’t have a clue what God was doing. How do you process what God says? Learn to take notes. As you read the Bible, write down a verse or two that really stands out to you. As you hear God’s Word taught in worship, write down key points or things God may be saying to you from what you are hearing. After that, go back over those notes and ask God to help you understand what He’s saying to you. Let me be clear—this takes a little time. So many of us (myself included) say, “I have to get up early to be at work, and I don’t get home until late. I just don’t have time.” Truth is, our time will be spent the way we choose. The ultimate question is: do you really want to know God’s will for your life? If the answer is yes, you’ll make the time.

He proceeded with his eyes open (v. 28).

It didn’t take long for the delegation sent by Cornelius to find Peter, and he was on his way to Caesarea to see him. Hearing what God had been saying to Cornelius and standing before him, at that moment, what God had been saying to him had become clear. When we hear God speak, even though initially it may not all make sense, we need to take next steps with our eyes open to see how He works to open our understanding. This is why processing is so important—it’s on our minds, so it helps us to be looking for answers. Once Peter saw what God was doing, He joined Him in how He was working in Cornelius’ life and, as a result, he had a front-row seat to seeing God open the doors of the kingdom to Gentiles.

Position, process, and proceed with eyes open. These three simple tips can help you finally discover God’s amazing will for your life. Are you ready for that? Will you put in the time? Will you move from just being around the things of God to actually being a part of what He’s doing in the world? Put yourself in position, learn to process, and proceed with your eyes open. Oh, and by the way, don’t be afraid to ask questions.

CHIP STEVENS serves as the Senior Pastor. You can connect with him on Twitter @fbcstarkchip.

Will you move from just being

around the things of God

to actually being a part of

what He’s doing in the world?

F B C S TA R K V I L L E . C O M 7

Kickball Tournament

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received an email from Bobby D’Alessandro that said: “Hello! I was wondering if you would be interested in writing an article for the June/July issue of Redefined about the Kickball tournament and interview Hildred Deese to find what she learned from the event. Are you

interested?”My first thought was, “That sounds awesome! I was on a

championship kickball team when I was a student at State!” So I replied back with “I would be happy to.” But then I started to think about it. Who is Hildred, and what could she have possibly learned from the event? Did she learn how to play kickball? Or maybe throw a killer curve ball that no one could kick? That’s cool, I guess.

The more I thought about the article, the more lost and confused I was, but little did I know that when I actually talked with her, what she learned would hit home with me as well.

When Hildred was asked to be an umpire for Kickin’ it in the Park, she was actually a little apprehensive. Even though she has a long and impressive background in college athletics, and trust me, it is very impressive, she had never been an official kickball umpire before.

“With my background as a softball coach and working in athletic administration and event management, I was required to be on top of details. I knew the umpire’s role was to manage the game, but there were not a lot of rules for this kickball tournament, which made me a bit apprehensive. As the umpire, I wanted to be

empowered to respond to any situation that might arise, and that would be difficult with so few rules,” she said.

Hildred’s biggest concern with the few rules as provided was the 20-minute per game time limit.

“How were adults going to play a competitive game in 20 minutes? I imagined that 20 minutes might get us through one inning, if we were lucky. And, what if the game was tied at the end of the 20 minutes? Was I going to be the umpire whose field couldn’t stay on time? I felt the internal pressure to make the game go like clockwork.”

Hildred’s event management side kicked in on game day by making sure batters were always on deck and everyone hustled on

H i l d r e d D e e s e t e a c h i n g S u n d a y S c h o o l .

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BEKAH SPARKS works at Mississippi State University. She has been married to her husband, Ryan, for 8 years and has a very active 5-year-old son, Reed.

and off the field. She wanted to get each game started, and concluded, with several innings played within those 20 minutes.

“Everybody was enjoying themselves. They were enjoying the competition in a Christian atmosphere and were even heard encouraging their teammates. As a former college coach, the camaraderie was a little unusual. There was no cussing, no yelling, no arguing, no bats or helmets being thrown. Everyone was just having a great time. The games were being played by Christians and the outcome was a great testimony and a fun experience for all.”

However, when Hildred went home after the tournament and was evaluating the experience, she felt like she spent the entire time barking out orders and was really embarrassed with her seeming lack of compassion. She realized that she was far more concerned about the outcome than she was about the process. Her demeanor was off kilter, even though she hustled on every play and tried to remain consistent and effective as a game manager. She wondered since her umpiring was OK why she felt so awful at the end of the day.

“It was not my umpiring, but my testimony that was lacking. I was the un-friendliest umpire at the complex!”

That evening Hildred said she was reminded of John 15:5, “I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who remain in me and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me, you can do nothing.”

“What a very public way for God to reinforce to me that without Him, we can do nothing, but with Him, we can do whatever He asks us to do. For me, this umpiring assignment was a divine appointment. I believe God wanted me to understand that He had prepared me for this role, and with Him as my partner, the event would not fail. God wanted me to use my God-given talents for His glory, even in a little kickball tournament.”

So what did Hildred learn during the Kickin’ it in the Park event? It definitely wasn’t how to play kickball, nor was it how to pitch an unhittable curve ball.

“Turn away from self and turn to God and He will provide the strength and wisdom for the demands of each day. I needed to go into the tournament knowing the rules, but depending on God to work out the details. I am thankful to FBC for putting me in a position to learn this very important lesson.”

HIldred’s lesson spoke loudly to me, as well. There have been several instances lately where I have come to realize that I don’t rely on God as often as I need to. I am constantly trying to handle all of the demands of work, school, and family by myself. When I am faced with difficult situations or questions about what path I should be on, my first instinct is to dig deep inside of myself and figure it out, when really, that is the last thing I should be doing. Like Hildred said, I should turn to God and away from my self. God has prepared me for the path He is sending me down. We are partners, and as long as I trust in and depend on Him, all of the details will be handled.

F B C S TA R K V I L L E . C O M 9

or many of us, the summer months present the opportunity to experience life at a more relaxed pace than we do during the rest of the year. Even those of us who don’t have summers “off” most likely enjoy a vacation or two with family and friends. Summer is especially unique for those

living in Starkville, as every aspect of life slows down as we lose about 20,000 people for three months. Roads are less congested, wait times at restaurants drop significantly, and the atmosphere of the entire town seems to be a little more relaxed. While it is important to take advantage of the summer’s laidback nature in order to recharge and refresh our own lives, we should be sure to use the time to invest in the lives of others, as well. There are many ways to serve in the summer months; some big, some small. You might serve at VBS, consider going on a mission trip, or invest your time in countless other ways. Here at First Baptist Church Starkville, however, we realize that not everyone has the capability to go on weeklong trips or take time off from work to serve for extended periods of time, even in the summer. If you fall in this category, though, fear not! You do not need extra vacation time from your job to do Kingdom work this summer. In fact, during the month of July, the FBC family will have different opportunities to serve others in our own community, right where we are.

Jason Duran, Pastor of Discipleship and Family Ministry, and Nathan Taylor, University and Missions Pastor, worked together to create a community service plan for the month of July. Closer to time, the church will provide members with a guide that will offer individuals and families practical suggestions of how to serve in the community around them; the goal is to encourage members to be “everyday missionaries” to people with whom they interact on a regular basis. For now, you can look below to see the general outline of what the July service projects will entail.

Week of July 3The focus phrase for this week will be, “Love your neighbor.”

This week, members are encouraged to take opportunities to reach out to their neighbors with acts of love, care, and service. As you do this, remember that when a lawyer asked Jesus in Luke 10:29, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied by relaying the parable of the Good Samaritan, which he ended with his own question: “Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” The lawyer’s answer? “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus then commands the man, as he commands all of us, “You go, and do likewise” (Luke 10:36-37). Let’s use this week to obey Jesus’s command to love and serve our neighbors.

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Week of July 10The focus phrase for this week will be, “Serve those who serve

you.” Our community is full of those who serve us on a regular basis, whether it is a mailman, policeman, garbage collector, or any number of other occupations. This week, we want to honor these people who serve us regularly (often without thanks) with a token of our appreciation. Just as Christ “came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45), we, too, should live service oriented lives, never taking for granted the things others do for us.

Week of July 17The focus phrase for this week will be, “Random acts of kindness.”

Members are encouraged to look around in their daily lives and see how they can bless those around them with a gift, unexpected kind word, or other act of service. After all, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

Week of July 24On the night of Sunday, June 24, we will host a Block Party

at College Station & the Polos Apartments. We hope that many members will join us in this July tradition as we hang out with and serve our friends at these apartment complexes.

Week of July 31This week, we will focus on conducting prayer walks of local

campuses and neighborhoods. We aim to cover our entire community with prayer. It can be easy to overlook and, honestly, forget the power of prayer, but we would do well to remember that “the urgent request of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect” (James 5:16). We hope you will join us as we petition God on behalf of our local community during this week, praying his blessing over it all.

As you can see, the month of July will be full of opportunities to serve those around us. Even if you cannot take off work to teach a Bible Study at VBS, or if your schedule doesn’t allow you to go on a weeklong mission trip, you can serve the Lord right where you are! We hope you will be praying through ways God can use you to bless others in the community daily, and we encourage you to join us during July as we focus on serving the Starkville community.

AUSTIN FORTENBERRY is a junior English and Religion major from Madison, MS. He leads an 8th Grade Community Group at FBC and enjoys running, eating gluten-free food, and reading. You can connect with him on social media @acfortenberry.

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or the past year, FBC members have worked consistently with our local Department of Human Services to help meet the needs of foster families in Oktibbeha County.

From initiating a backpack drive and Christmas sponsorships for local foster children to hosting

interest meetings for prospective foster/adoptive families, the orphan care committee is trying to meet needs for some of the youngest and most powerless in our community.

“The Lord put it on the heart of many at our church to help serve these kids, and we are trying to provide ways for those who want to welcome children in their homes to do so, while also giving everyone else practical ways to serve,” said committee head Emily Lesley.

Again this summer, FBC will offer individuals, families, and Community Groups the opportunity to provide backpacks and school supplies for each school-aged child in our county currently in foster care. This project was a blessing to families last year, and we are happy to work with DHS to be able to welcome these kids into a new school year with supplies geared to their grade level and gender. The backpacks stuffed with school supplies will be distributed to the families the last week in July, just in time to start off the upcoming academic year on the right foot. Stop by the table in the Commons to sign up.

In May, FBC served as a host site for a resource family appreciation night, with a great turnout of families from at least six surrounding counties. Both the foster parents and DHS staff expressed their thankfulness for our church’s willingness to use our Children’s Building not just for our members, but for events such as this one, as well.

Hearing from these families and from other churches, the committee realizes there is a need for a local Care Closet stocked with clothes, diapers, toiletries, and more that county foster parents can access. Because children come into care at all hours of the day and night and many with little more than the clothes on their backs, this Care Closet will help these parents meet some of their most basic needs.

“We are so grateful for the help FBC has provided us,” said Kessle Hughes, DHS area social work supervisor. “The Care Closet will be such a wonderful resource for our families to give them clothes and necessary items that we can’t immediately provide.”

FBC is currently accepting new baby clothes, new school uniforms for elementary through high schoolers, coats, baby items, and toiletries. Please drop off your donations for the Care Closet on the second floor of the Ray Building.

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SERVING DHS

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In Mississippi alone, about 7,700 children are in foster care. Experts estimate that the state requires 1,500 new foster families to help support these children, who are in the system through nothing they can control. To help meet this need, FBC will begin hosting DHS Path Training, a six-week course for resource or respite families, each Monday night from 5:30-8:30 pm beginning July 11.

“Hosting DHS Path Training in Starkville helps remove one barrier for potential local foster parents, as it was previously not held in Oktibbeha County,” Lesley noted. “Instead, these parents had to attend training in a neighboring county for certification. The Lord provided FBC with this wonderful Children’s Building, and we have committed to hosting the training, which is held twice a quarter, for the upcoming year.”

DHS Path Training is for both foster care, a family home where a child will live as part of the family until the birth family is reunited or the child is freed for adoption, or respite care, which is available when foster parents need a break for a short period of time, become ill, or when there is an emergency. Respite care families, a big need in our local area, may also be called on when some children need to be quickly placed in a safe home until a more long term placement is arranged.

“We are praying that the Lord works in the hearts of those who may want to foster or provide temporary respite care,” said Lesley. “So many children in our state need safe, Christian homes, and

thankfully, this church is taking steps to both recruit new families and ease the burden on current parents and DHS staff.”

FBC also recognizes the importance of providing encouragement and support for the parents. The church hosts an adoptive and foster family support group, with free childcare, on the third Monday of each month at 6:00 pm on the second floor of the Children’s Building. Bringing together parents who are just starting down these roads and families who are walking them now, the group is a place for advice and prayer. The support group also provides continuing education training hours for foster families as part of their yearly requirements. It is open to anyone and usually includes parents from many churches around our community.

For more information on how you can help serve our county DHS and its families through these projects, please contact Minister of University and Missions Nathan Taylor at ntaylor@fbcstarkville.com or Emily Lesley at emilylesley@yahoo.com.

MEAGHAN GORDON , a communication instructor at MSU, is married to Wes Gordon. They have four children, Mary Reeves, Murphy, Max, and Mamie, who will come home from China this summer.

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remember well my first mission trip as a high schooler. It was to a foreign land (Michigan) with the FBC Youth Choir and The Fishermen of MSU’s BSU. Looking back, I suppose that was a catalyst for more trips to come. At the close of my sophomore year in college, I was a BSU summer missionary

to Hawaii. (Insert your own joke here about “suffering for Jesus”. There are lots of lost people in Hawaii, though. Trust me.) I had only been out of college a few years when I went with a medical mission team to Ukraine. After my next trip to the Middle East, wife and son alongside, we ended up staying ten years. That is a long way to say: a mission trip can change your life.

Not everyone will follow that same path; that doesn’t seem to be God’s design, but rarely do I meet a mission trip veteran whose life wasn’t affected in a significant way. Perhaps they never leave their home county, much less country, again, but they see the world differently because they have seen the world. Perspectives change. Prayer lives change. Even pocketbooks change. Such is the case with Jeff Overstreet.

The family mission trip to Victoria Island, British Columbia, was Jeff’s first true mission trip. The inspiration to step out and commit to going came after hearing Ashley Austin speak at FBC last year. Ashley and his wife April are church planters from Mississippi

who began a work in B.C. which has evolved into Canvas Church. That same day, Jeff and his wife, Rebekah, decided they wanted to be a part of what was happening in Canada. They were also encouraged by other FBC families who had been on previous trips to Victoria.

When considering a mission trip like this, one of the big questions for a family has to do with time. Our culture often appears to thrive when in constant motion, and for some it may seem to be an overwhelming challenge to line up vacation days and break away from all the “stuff” we are involved in. Jeff has some advice for families who may be wondering how to sort that out: “I would tell them not to let the busyness of life keep them from serving Christ in another country. If they feel that they are being led to go, as Nike would say ‘JUST DO IT.’”

Another legitimate question that a family has to take into account is the financial aspect. A flight for one isn’t cheap, much less flights for an entire family. As a banker, Jeff would have had this on his radar for sure, but in his case, the financial lesson came after their return. He described it this way: “I believe the trip changed our whole family. One thing that it changed about us is the way we look at giving to missions. We would normally give a little here and a little there to mission opportunities. After seeing God’s work through the Austins, we realized that we needed to step up our game. Money is a tool that God blesses us as Christians with to help advance his Kingdom. We must take that seriously.”

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Woven within the questions of time and money is what may be the biggest question of all: should we take the kids? Jeff and Rebekah answered, “YES!” The Overstreets’ 8 year old son, Brannan, was a part of the team, and he had an amazing experience, too. Not only did he participate in the camps and share the gospel with local students, but he was also able to see Christ lived out in the lives of FBC college students who were on the mission team. Jeff and family are already planning to go back next year and are considering taking their two-year-old son Brady with them.

Much like the mission field of Hawaii, Victoria is a beautiful place full of people who seem to have it made. There are no mud huts in Victoria, one of the wealthiest places in North America. That may not seem like the traditional destination for a mission trip, but as Jeff says, “As Christians we sometimes overlook the fact that being rich can be a spiritual hindrance. Victoria is less than 5% churched, and it was easy to see that most of the residents didn’t think they needed God. They felt that they had life all figured out.”

One of those residents was Bob. On the first full day in Victoria - a Sunday - Jeff, Rebekah, and Brannan went to Canvas Church and ended up sitting next to Bob. It was also Bob’s first time at Canvas. In fact, it was his first time to set foot in any church. As they got to know him, they learned he was a real estate broker who had recently lost his wife and was not on the best of terms with his kids. They were able to share the gospel and pray with him before the service,

and at the invitation, when Ashley asked if anyone would like to give their life to Christ, Bob went forward, tears in his eyes.

Jeff spoke at FBC on a Sunday night back in April, and told this story. A couple of weeks later, I ran into him and heard the sequel, and I asked him to share it: “Six weeks later I was sitting at my desk when I received a call from Victoria, CA. I answered and, sure enough, it was Bob. I have no idea how he got my number, but he called to tell me that he had been baptized by Ashley that past Sunday. He also wanted to tell me that he reconciled his differences with his children, and they, too, were showing interest in joining him at Canvas Church. I have never felt the way I felt when I hung up that phone. I realized that God had used my family full of broken, sinful, saved-by-grace Christians to bring Bob and his family to Christ. That call changed my life.”

JAY REED is a pharmacist by day (Synergy Phar-macy) and a freelance food writer by day off. He leads an adult Community Group in the same Ray Building where he was first brought to the nursery as a baby. You can connect with him on social media @eatsoneate or on The City.

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ut those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 – Theme verse for Catch-A-Dream

When the Catch-A-Dream foundation was conceptualized in 1999 by several men from across the state of Mississippi, they never imagined how God would use this vision to show children all across the United States and Canada the hope of the Lord. The foundation was started through the cooperative efforts of Cliff Covington (current president of the Mississippi Wildlife Federation), Dr. Ron Brown (then MSU Extension Service director, now retired), and Dr. Marty Brunson (then State Extension Leader for Wildlife and Fisheries and current CEO for Catch-A-Dream). Inspired by an idea shared by Bruce Brady (wildlife writer and popular sculptor), who was battling terminal cancer, these men saw a need for a “stand in the gap” program when the Make-A-Wish Foundation changed their policies in mid-1999 to exclude child wish grants that involved shooting or hunting.

When Bruce Brady lost his battle with cancer in February 2000, a memorial fund was established with the Mississippi Wildlife Federation. The $4,500 contributed to this fund was designated

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to help his vision come to fruition. A partnership among the MSU Extension Service, the Mississippi Wildlife Federation, and the Mississippi 4-H Clubs Foundation was established, with the Program based at MSU. The name “Catch-A-Dream” was adopted soon thereafter, and the first child trip occurred in January 2001. The Catch-A-Dream Foundation was incorporated in December 2003 and afforded 501(c)(3) status by the IRS. Eventually, due to overwhelming growth and national prominence, Catch-A-Dream was able to become a separate entity from MSU and move its headquarters off campus in December 2012.

Catch-A-Dream is a foundation that serves children with life-threatening medical conditions all across the United States and Canada. The verse above from the Book of Isaiah is the foundation of their mission – to show these children the hope from the Lord by providing them the opportunity to hunt and fish amongst God’s creation. These children, who are normally surrounded by the beeping of hospital machines, are able to escape their reality for a little while and enjoy the beauty of the Lord. They are able to experience the hope that is found in the Lord by renewing their strength in nature.

In the 16 years since its inception, Catch-A-Dream has granted the wishes of many children all across the United States and Canada.

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There have been 546 hunting/fishing trips, and 74 of these children have been from the state of Mississippi. In total, Catch-A-Dream has served children from 45 states and two Canadian provinces. These trips have occurred in 24 different states, and 71 different species of fish, mammals, and waterfowl have been harvested during these trips. The average out of pocket cost for one trip is $4,500, but none of this is paid by the children’s families. Every cent comes from the Foundation.

The success of Bruce Brady’s initial idea is obvious. The dreams of children all across the country are able to become reality. The hunting and fishing are fun, but the main goal of Catch-A-Dream is to spread the hope and love of Christ. According to Dr. Marty Brunson, the Foundation was always intended as a ministry from the very beginning. Now that they are their own separate entity, they are really able to put their ministry front and center. One of the main aspects of the ministry of Catch-A-Dream is to ensure that every child who participates receives a Bible. One story that stands out in Dr. Brunson’s mind is of a young man named Chase. The Bible he was given was the very first Bible he had ever owned or received. Sometime later, Dr. Brunson received word that Chase’s mother had posted on Facebook that the young boy had been reading his Bible. He called to his mom that he desperately needed a highlighter. She brought him one, and he highlighted this verse from Isaiah 41:13: “For I, the Lord your God, will

hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’” Chase then said to his mother, “See, Mom. God says He will help me because I hold His hand.” God has been and is continuing to work through the faithfulness of Catch-A-Dream and the volunteers who serve these young children.

Catch-A-Dream depends on the service of many volunteers all across the country to help see that these trips become a reality. Right here at FBC Starkville, two Community Group classes have embraced Catch-A-Dream as class ministries. The Berean class has, for several years, helped to provide the funds needed to purchase the Bibles presented to the children. They also highlight the Foundation’s theme verse (Isaiah 40:31) and write a note of encouragement that is signed by each member of the class. The Bushby class does volunteer work at the Foundation’s headquarters right here in Starkville and at special events. They also write thank you notes to donors all across the country, and they personally contribute to provide the funds for a beautiful tapestry with the theme verse from Isaiah for each family that is given with the Bible.

Recently, the FBC Starkville youth had the opportunity to volunteer at the headquarters here in town. On April 10th, the 11th

F B C S TA R K V I L L E . C O M 17

HOLLY FRON is a graduate of Mississippi College and Mississippi State. She is married to RC Fron and currently is a stay-at-home mom where she spends her days pushing toy tractors across the floor with 1 year old Henry.You can connect with her on The City.

graders spent the day at Catch-A-Dream for their Advance one day retreat. Their focus for the day was servant leadership. So, after listening to a talk from Brian Chisholm, Operations Manager for Catch-A-Dream, on how that is a main focus of the Foundation, the youth spent the day cleaning up the property and sorting clothing items to be used for future trips. Neil Tullos says, “I believe the biggest takeaway for our group was learning how a handful of people right here in Starkville are able to help families from all over our country have a trip of a lifetime as they are battling a terminal illness. It was really inspirational to see how Catch-A-Dream is able to use hunting and fishing experiences to help kids have fun and discover God’s love.”

There are many ways one can be involved with Catch-A-Dream. These include helping around the main office and volunteering to be what is called a Dream Host. Dream Hosts represent the Foundation to the families, accompany the children on their trip, pass on the hope from the Lord that is found in Isaiah 40:31, and many other tasks in the context of the child trip experience. If you are interested in becoming involved with Catch-A-Dream, you may go to their website (www.catchadream.org) and click the “Contact Us” link. God is at work through this Foundation and we know that He will continue to work out His plan of bringing the hope of the Lord to children with life-threatening illnesses.

18 J U N E /J U LY 2 0 1 6 | I s s u e 1 8

UPCOMING EVENTS

YOUTH ADVENTURE RETREAT

JUNE 2-3 AT TRUE ADVENTURE SPORTS FT. PAYNE, AL• $125 plus money for 2 meals while traveling• rappelling, rock climbing, night hike under

the stars, kayaking, tubing, & more!

SUMMER STUDYSUNDAY NIGHTS IN JUNE | 5:00 PM | WAREHOUSE OC

Join us for our multigenerational study of Onward: Engaging the Culture without losing the Gospel. Join us for dinner after the study.

PRESCHOOL TEAMKID IS COMING TO SUMMER STUDYSUNDAY NIGHTS IN JUNE | 5:00 PM

This summer, on Sunday nights in June, our Preschoolers (3s, 4s, and kindergarteners) are going to study how they can grow in God’s image. We will study topics such as: being kind, helping others, learning from our parents, and telling others about Jesus.

SUMMER CELEBRATION CHOIRSTARTING JUNE 1 | 6:00 PMYouth and adults are invited to join us as we rehearse for worship

through the month of June. Come join us!

SUMMER ADVENTURE FUN GUIDE FOR PRESCHOOL FAMILIESAVAILABLE STARTING JUNE 5

“What are we going to do this summer?” Is a common question heard by both parents and preschoolers. On Sunday, June 5, you can pick up a copy of the FBC Summer Adventure Fun Guide for Preschool Families at the Preschool Welcome Desk. Its pages are packed with activities that you can use to create your own mini-family adventures. And, these activities are tied directly to

Bible stories that your children are studying in Sunday school.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLJUNE 6-10 | 8:15 AM - 12:00 PM

Completed Pre-K – 6th Graders are invited to join us as kids submerge themselves in God’s Word. During Vacation Bible School, your child will discover that Jesus didn’t just see what’s on the outside of people. He looked deep down on the inside. So grab your goggles, step into your flippers, and dive in to find truth below the surface! Register your kids for VBS online at fbcstarkville.com!

BABY DEDICATION CLASSWEDNESDAY, JUNE 22 | 6:00 PM1ST FLR. CHILDREN'S BUILDING CONFERENCE ROOMFor those wishing to participate in Baby Dedication and who have not yet taken the class.

CAMP IN THE CITYJUNE 20-24

Completed Kindergartners-5th Grade are invited to experience Bible Study, Worship, and Activity Classes. Registration is now open online at campinthecity.com. You can register your child to be placed on the financial scholarship waiting list.

We are excited to provide an option for 6th Graders this year during Camp in the City! Please print and complete the form to register your current 6th Grader for Camp in the City. The cost for 6th Graders is $175. Please turn in the form and your camp fee to Kim Ware in the Church Office. Spots are limited and will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. We look forward to seeing your child at camp! Download the registration form today at fbcstarkville.com.

YOUTH MISSION TRIPJUNE 20-24 | MISSION FIRST IN JACKSON, MS

• Cost: $125

• Teens will be serving through light construction/cleanup type

work & they’ll be helping with a kids camp in the afternoon.

SENIOR ADULT BANQUET USA'S 240TH BIRTHDAY

THURSDAY, JUNE 30 | 11 :30 AM | WAREHOUSE OC

COST: $5

Wear your Red, White and Blue and join us for a Patriotic themed

banquet. The menu for the day will be Catfish and all the fixins!

CHILDREN'S CHURCH

SUNDAY, JUNE 31 & JULY 26

8:30 & 11 :00 AM | 2ND FLR. CHILDREN'S BLDG

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONSUNDAY, JULY 3 SCHEDULE

• Community Group: 9:45 am• One Worship Service: 11:00 am

• Dinner on the grounds at the Warehouse OC

following the service. Be sure to bring your favorite

dish to share with your church family.

SERVE STARKVILLE

• Week of July 3 | Serve Your Neighbor

• Week of July 10 | Serve Those Who Serve You

• Week of July 17 | Random Acts of Kindness

• Week of July 24 | College Station & The Polos Block Party

• Week of July 31 | Prayerwalk Neighborhoods & CampusesLearn more on page 9 of Redefined.

F B C S TA R K V I L L E . C O M 19

COMMUNITY GROUP ATTENDANCE FOR APRIL & MAY

APRIL 24 | 945

MAY 8 | 1024

MAY 15 | 868

MAY 22 | 878

LUNCH BREAK MENUS

JUNE 1Baked chicken breasts, loaded mashed potatoes

green beans, green salad, rolls and dessert

JUNE 8No Lunchbreak

JUNE 15Spaghetti, garlic bread, salad bar, and dessert

JUNE 22No Lunchbreak

JUNE 29Pizza and Salad bar

JULY 6McAlisters

JULY 13Deluxe salad bar

JULY 20BBQ chicken, baked beans, potato salad, rolls and dessert

JULY 27Baked potato, salad bar, and dessert

UPCOMING EVENTS

YOUTH SUPER SUMMERJULY 11-15 | MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE

• Leadership conference designed to help teens develop in

the areas of discipleship, evangelism and leadership.

• Teens must have met the qualifications in order to attend.

YOUTH ODYSSEY MYSTERY TRIPJULY 20-22

• It’ll be a packed 3 days of adventures that’ll

offer something for everyone

• 250 + money for 3 meals

• Our Bible studies will focus on how life is an

adventure that doesn’t always go as we planned,

but that we are to trust God no matter what.

BACKPACKS FOR DHS CHILDRENJULY 24 DEADLINE TO RETURN BACKPACKS

FBC will offer individuals, families, and Community Groups the opportunity to provide backpacks and school supplies for each school-aged child in our county currently in foster care. This project was a blessing to families last year, and we are happy to work with DHS to be able to welcome these kids into a new school year with supplies geared to their grade level and gender. The backpacks stuffed with school supplies will be distributed to the families the last week in July, just in time to start off the upcoming academic year on the right foot. Stop by the table in the Commons to sign up.

STARTING POINTSUNDAY, AUGUST 28 | 4:00 - 6:00 PM CHILDREN’S BUILDING ROOM 215

Whether you have recently become a member of FBC, are interested in joining, or would just like to know more about who we are as a church, then Starting Point is for you. During this one-time class Pastor Chip will share a few key things about the church: Who God is and what it means to follow Him. What we believe as a church. What we expect from you as a church member as we Gather, Grow, Give, Go. For those interested in knowing more about Starting Point on August 28 stop by The Cove or go to fbcstarkville.com.

YOUTH SUMMER WEDNESDAY NIGHTS

• June 1 | Game Night & Bible Study 6:00 pm either in

the Junction or in the gym depending on weather

• June 12 | Cookout & Swim Party at Tom &

Lynda McReynolds | 6:30-8:00 pm

• June 15 | Bible Study at Hollie’s Sweet Tooth 6:00 pm

• July 6 | Bible Study & Cookout at the Refuge 5:00 - 8:00 pm

• July 27 | Swim & Bible study at Kevin & Becky Armstrong 6:00 pm

HOW TO KEEP UP WITH OUR YOUTH MINISTRY?

• Twitter - @starkyouth

• Instagram - @starkyouth

• Youth Parent’s Group on The City - weekly info on what’s happening, ways to connect with your teen with what’s being taught at church as well as resources for youth parents

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C H U R C H STAFF

C H I P S T E V E N S S E N I O R PA S TO R

cstevens@fbcstarkville.com

C L I F TO N C U R T I SA S S O C . PA S TO R O F PA S TO R A L C A R E & FAC I L I T Y A D M I N .

ccurtis@fbcstarkville.com

TO M J E N K I N S A S S O C . PA S TO R O F M U S I C & M E D I A

tjenkins@fbcstarkville.com

J A S O N D U R A N A S S O C . PA S TO R O F FA M I LY M I N I S T R Y & D I S C I P L E S H I P

jduran@fbcstarkville.com

N AT H A N TAY LO R U N I V E R S I T Y & M I S S I O N S M I N I S T E R

ntaylor@fbcstarkville.com

N E I L T U L LO S YO U T H M I N I S T E R

ntullos@fbcstarkville.com

L E A H F R A N C E S E ATO N DIRECTOR OF CHILDRENS MINISTRY

lfeaton@fbcstarkville.com

C H A R I T Y G WA LT N E Y DIRECTOR OF PRESCHOOL MINISTRY

cgwaltney@fbcstarkville.com

B O B BY D ’A L E S S A N D R O DIRECTOR OF MEDIA & TECHNICAL ARTS

bobbyd@fbcstarkville.com

D E R E K VA N W I N K L E DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

dvanwinkle@fbcstarkville.com

L I N DA B L A I RFINANCIAL SYSTEMS MANAGER

lblair@fbcstarkville.com

K I M WA R ECHURCH MINISTRY ASSISTANT

kware@fbcstarkville.com

K A R E N G R A H A MDIRECTOR OF THE CREATIVE LEARNING CENTER

kgraham@fbcstarkville.com

R E D E F I N E DF B C S TA R KV I L L E

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P E R I O D I C A L S

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FBCSTARKVILLE .com | 662. 323. 5633

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