August 27, 2015 Volume LII, No. 8

Preparing for Sunday. . .

“A Heart Matter” Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Jesus may surprise our sensibilities about

common hygiene in this Sunday’s text as

he debates a group of Pharisees about

washing hands before eating. The

Pharisees ask Jesus why he allows some

of his disciples to eat without washing but

their question was not actually about food

safety. It was about keeping a Jewish

tradition. Jesus sees through the charade

and redirects the conversation to what’s

most important. He says that a person is

not defiled by what or how they eat. It’s

from within, Jesus says, from the human

heart that evil intentions come.

Throughout Jesus’ teaching he explains

that living well in the eyes of God is first

of all A Heart Matter. We must keep the

laws of our faith, but unless the heart is

being shaped by God we will miss the

mark.

SEPTEMBER 13TH 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

FBC Parking Lot

Games for all ages, Dunking

Booth, Bounce House, and a

Corn-hole tournament.

Corn-hole teams please

sign up at the Senior

Adult Bulletin Board.

I began a six week study entitled Understanding Islam

this past Wednesday night and I hope you will join in.

This study was requested by one of our church

members who was concerned by what we hear and read

in the news these days in regard to Muslims and Islam. Stories of

Islamic extremism and terrorism are indeed worthy of our concern

and attention, but there are other reasons why we need to know the

Muslims. First, they are our neighbors. Our church is located less

than a half mile from an Islamic center and it is quite likely that the

people who pray and worship at the Lumberton Islamic Center live

in your neighborhood. Islam originated in the Middle East, but it

has spread worldwide and is the fastest growing religion in the

world today. A second reason for the study is that what I will call

a “clash of evangelism.” Muslims believe Islam is the one true

religion and that everyone should adhere to its teachings. As

Christians, we believe Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life

and that he lived, died and rose for us all. Muslims and Christians,

therefore, have the same goal of evangelizing the world with their

message. This brings me to a third reason for the study. A great

benefit of studying other religions is that it prompts us to examine

what we believe and why. As we learn the story of Islam we will

make comparisons to our Christian faith and this, I assure you, will

strengthen our love for and commitment to Christ.

As I stated above, I started the study this past Wednesday. I gave

an introduction in which I elaborated on the reasons for the study

and I offered a few basic definitions. I also gave everyone a “True/

False Pre-test” on the history and growth of Islam. I’ll be glad to

share my notes with anyone who’d like a copy. Here’s a schedule

for the weeks ahead…

September 2 – Muhammad and Leadership

September 9 – The Qu’ran and Teachings

September 16 – Diversity within Islam (Sunni and Shi’a)

September 23 – Peace and Jihad

September 30 – Christian Response and Dialogue

Let me close with a disclaimer. I am in no way an authority on

Islam. To be perfectly honest, this is the first time I have studied

Islamic thought and practice. As we finished the study last night,

several folks shared their experiences with Muslims with me and I

realized that some of you know much more about this than I do. I

will be studying along the way and I hope you will offer your

thoughts and questions as we try to understand Islam.

Grace and Peace,

David

A friend in ministry recently asked me the question,

“what’s your favorite time of year?” I instantly answered,

“Fall, because of the cooler weather and energy of the new school year.” It may still be hot outside, but in regards to

church activities, fall has arrived! All schools have started for the year, and regular Wednesday night activities

resumed this week. In many ways, this time of year feels like a reunion, as families who have traveled various places

over the summer come back together and settle into a familiar routine with school and church activities. I’ve had

numerous parents tell me that their kids have been excitedly asking, “Do we get to go to church tonight?” and finally,

the answer is “Yes!”

That’s a great question: do we GET to go to church? Not “have to” or “need to,” but “get to!” It communicates an

enthusiasm for coming to spend time with the church community and learn about God. And if you’ve ever spent time

in either Music Munchkins or Wednesday Night Live on a Wednesday night, you know that our kids are never lacking

enthusiasm! Taking a break over the summer is helpful to accommodate travel schedules and allow for volunteer rest,

but it also helps make the fall return even sweeter when activities begin again and friends are reunited.

So, yes, regular children’s activities are back, and we’re looking forward to a great year. I hope we GET to see you on

an upcoming Sunday or Wednesday!

Erin

Children’s Corner

In certain situations, tipping is required. When you go out

to eat for example, 15% for adequate service and 20% for

very good service is standard. As Dave Ramsey and many

others have pointed out, if you cannot afford to tip properly

you cannot afford to go out.

From speaking with friends (mostly Christian) who have waited

tables, Christians are notoriously poor tippers. If anyone deserves

our generosity, the working poor and single moms (such as many

waitresses) certainly rise to the top of the list. Jesus commands it.

Parking attendants, guides, taxi drivers, and pizza delivery workers

all rely heavily on tips as well. Each situation is different, so

occasionally there is a need to inquire if tipping is appropriate. So

this summer when I asked our rafting guide at Whitewater USA

about tipping protocol, I was saddened but not surprised when he

answered, “I’ve never had a church group offer to tip before.”

Sometimes we make Christianity more complicated than we should.

What is more important to God? That you have all the right answers

and interpretations of theological questions? Or that you loved your

Lord with all your strength and loved your neighbor as yourself?

Ask yourself how you are treating your neighbor. Do you tip

properly or maybe even go the extra mile? Do you pick up your trash

and perhaps even trash left by others? These may seem like little

things but they reveal the heart. Who are you sharing your time and

money with? If your church, your children, and the poor aren’t high

on that list you may want to reexamine your life. Then, go and live

the life you were called to lead.

Doug

Senior Adult Covered Dish Luncheon

Thursday, September 24th @ Noon

Cherry Fellowship Hall

David Ramsaur, Speaker

Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes

Please remember Operation Christmas

Child and prayerfully consider donating

school supplies and other items. Your

donations make a huge difference!

Our shoebox packing days this year

are September 26th and October 17th.

For the Record

Budgeted 2015 ......................... $775,000.00

Needed per week ...................... $14,903.85

Received 8/23/15 ........................ $15,057.00

Yearly need to date ................. $456,730.77

Received to date ...................... $456,605.60

Over (Under) Budget............... ($50,125.17)

Sunday School Attendance—270

September 26, 2015

Project sign-ups will be starting soon.

Watch First Baptist News

for more information!

Fun & Fellowship meets in the Activity Building at 11:00 a.m. on the 2nd Thursday each month

beginning September 10, 2015. Our program for September will be presented by Rev. Tim Little and lunch will be served. Please bring school supplies.

Deacon Nominations Please fill out the name(s) of your choices for Deacon below and return to the church no later than August 31, 2015. You may nominate as many as you would like and turn in as many nominations as you would like during the month of August. (There is no need to nominate the same person more than once.) In accordance with our bylaws, those eligible must be at least 21 years of age and resident members of First Baptist Church for at least one year.

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Listed below are the names of persons elected in

2010-2014 as Deacons of this church. Do not nominate any of these persons. They are ineligible for re-election at this time.

Nominees will be reviewed for eligibility according to the bylaws of First Baptist Church. Eligible nominees will be contacted by the elections committee to assure their willingness to serve if elected. Deacon Election will take place the 1st Sunday of October 2015. You may place your nominations in the offering plate or fax or e-mail nominations during the week to the church office at (910) 739-7858 or daphnefletcher@fbclumbertonnc.org.

Sam Britt, II (2018)

Barbara Andrews (2014)

Joe Butler (2014)

Danny Cook (2015)

Jim Driscoll (2015)

Michele Fanning (2017)

Dan Floyd (2018)

Tommy Forrest (2016)

Jeff Frederick (2015)

Melinda Frederick (2018)

Phyllis Gibson (2016)

Kim Gore (2018)

Eric Harper (2017)

Bruce Huggins (2015)

James Johnson (2017)

Charles Kinlaw (2014)

George Lawson (2015)

Jerry Long (2014)

Malcolm McLean (2017)

Regg McIntyre (2016)

David Ramsaur (2015)

Kenneth Rust (2016)

Randy Rust (2014)

Johnny Smith (2016)

Jeremy Strickland (2018)

Johnny Strickland (2017)

Theresa Thomas (2017)

Ralph Ussery (2014)

Billy Wilson (2018)

Baptist Women’s Luncheon

Monday, September 14

11:45 a.m.

FBC Activity Building

Kenneth Rust will make a

presentation on an Archaeological

Dig in Israel.

Please bring money to support the

Backpack Kids Ministry.

First Baptist Church of Lumberton, NC

P O Box 938

Lumberton, NC 28359 - 0938

(910) 739-4336

The FIRST BAPTIST NEWS (USPS 192-260)

published monthly by First Baptist Church,

602 N. Walnut Street, Lumberton, NC 28358

Periodical Postage Paid at Lumberton, NC

Family Night Supper Menus

September 2015

September 2—Red Ticket: Stew Beef, Rice & Gravy,

Sweet Peas, Biscuits, Salad, Chocolate Cake or

Sugar-free Apple Pie

Blue Ticket: Pizza, Chips, Fruit

September 9— Red Ticket: Barbecue, Slaw, French

Fries, Baked Beans, Salad, Cheesecake or Sugar

Free Peach Pie

Blue Ticket: Chicken Nuggets, French Fries, Fruit

September 16— Spaghetti, String Beans, Texas Toast,

Salad, Apple Tarts w/Ice Cream, or Sugar-Free

Banana Cream Pie

September 23—Red Ticket: Barbecue Chicken,

Baked Beans, String Beans, Rolls, Salad, Sugar-free

Cheesecake

Blue Ticket: Pizza, Chips, Fruit

September 30—Hamburgers, French Fries, Baked

Beans, Salad, Sugar-free Fruit Pies, Ice Cream

CHURCH STAFF

Contact us at 739Contact us at 739Contact us at 739---4336 or daphnefletcher@fbclumbertonnc.org 4336 or daphnefletcher@fbclumbertonnc.org 4336 or daphnefletcher@fbclumbertonnc.org www.fbclumbertonnc.orgwww.fbclumbertonnc.orgwww.fbclumbertonnc.org

Mrs. Nancy Bass Mrs. Nancy Bass Mrs. Nancy Bass ———Financial Coordinator Financial Coordinator Financial Coordinator

Rev. Erin CollierRev. Erin CollierRev. Erin Collier———Minister to ChildrenMinister to ChildrenMinister to Children

Dr. David ElksDr. David ElksDr. David Elks———PastorPastorPastor

Mrs. Daphne Fletcher Mrs. Daphne Fletcher Mrs. Daphne Fletcher ——— Church SecretaryChurch SecretaryChurch Secretary

Ms. Dorothy HuntMs. Dorothy HuntMs. Dorothy Hunt———Building SuperintendentBuilding SuperintendentBuilding Superintendent

Rev. Tim LittleRev. Tim LittleRev. Tim Little———Minister of MusicMinister of MusicMinister of Music

Mrs. Kandace RamseyMrs. Kandace RamseyMrs. Kandace Ramsey———ReceptionistReceptionistReceptionist

Rev. Doug ReedyRev. Doug ReedyRev. Doug Reedy———Minister of YouthMinister of YouthMinister of Youth

Memorial Gifts—July 26—August 16

The Endowment Trust

In memory of LeRoy Townsend given by:

Robert Mason

Margaret & David Townsend

Mr. & Mrs. Frank E. Driscoll

Donald Harley

Todd & Charlotte Robbins

The General Fund Memorial

In memory of Charles Owings given by:

Beverly Townsend

In memory of Magdalene Hardin given by:

Beverly Townsend

In memory of Franklin Ivey given by:

Tony & Becky Thompson

In memory of Esther Jackson given by:

The Ladies Fellowship Class

The Friends of Jesus Class

In memory of Nigel Powers given by:

Beverly Townsend

In memory of Franklin Ivey given by:

Shirley Johnson

Save the Date!

First Baptist Church First Baptist Church

160th Anniversary 160th Anniversary

Celebration & HomecomingCelebration & Homecoming October 11, 2015 Our former pastor, Dr. Kevin Head, will be our guest preacher.