Being Light in the Darkness

The early believers in the history of Christianity effectively penetrated the darkness of the Roman world by intertwining proclamation and incarnation. They engaged in good deeds to meet pressing needs (Titus 3:8), linking holy living with life-changing evangelism and ministry. They stood out in the Roman world for their sense of purpose, hatred of cruelty, good citizenship, and compassion in Dr. Hayes Wicker action. They did not expose infants, swear, or have anything to do with the idolatry of Caesar worship. They sacrificed Senior Pastor themselves out of love for each other and for their world. They created an explosion of light and heat unlike anything the world had ever seen or known. They particularly demonstrated love during the two great plagues (A.D. 165 & 251), which killed a third of the population each time. Their caring was put on dramatic display while the pagans avoided all contact with the afflicted; Christians nursed the sick with some losing their lives. They were visible and valuable during social and natural disasters: riots, wars, invasions, earthquakes, famines, and floods. The followers of The Way lived out the gospel as a Band of Brothers and Sisters. I first heard of Tom Mahairas when I began to preach at Word of Life in New York eight years ago. His dramatic conversion from drug addiction was almost legendary. He has continued to preach around the world and has developed ministries to reach the lost, last, least, and little in New York City. He was born in Greece and immigrated to N.Y.C. at eight, and later was deeply involved in the hippie movement. After salvation, he founded Manhattan Bible Church and Academy, Transformational Life Center, the Love Kitchen, and CitiVision Ministries. Tom will speak to our men this Wednesday as we begin a new semester of Band of Brothers on September 4 in the Chapel at 6:30 p.m. I will begin teaching a new series along with our rotating staff team the following week Learning from Gods Manual of Meaningful Relationships, a study in Philemon, with alternating weeks of what I call LifeApp as we get more specific with issues such as identity, forgiveness, reconciliation, and restitution.

Upcoming Events
Helping Others through Pregnancy Encouragement
H.O.P.E. is for any married lady struggling with infertility, infant loss, or adoption loss. For more information, please call Sue at 596-8600 x582.

Fall Ministries Kick-Off

This study of Malachi focuses on Gods mercy. On our worst day, God doesnt walk away from us, and His love for us is not determined by our performance. No matter how many times we mess up, God loves (and never leaves) broken people. Our teacher will be our Senior Pastors wife, Janet Wicker. Preschool childcare is provided by calling 596-8600 x360.

Thursday, Sept 5 in DC111 at 6:30pm

Tuesday, Sept 3 in the Worship Center at 9:00am or Wednesday, Sept 4 in the Worship Center at 6:30pm

RefresHer Womens Ministry

High School Ministry Rock the Universe

Join us for Rock the Universe at Universal Studios Orlando. Cost is $75 (plus money for 3 meals). Depart at 10am on Saturday, Sept 7 and return at 4pm on Sunday, Sept 8. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today. For more information, call 449-4480.

Saturday & Sunday, Sept 7-8

This 4-week class is for children who are in 1st-4th grades and would like to be baptized. Please contact the Childrens Ministry office at 596-8600 x350 to register your child and to receive his/her workbook.

Begins Saturday, Sept 7 at 7:30pm

First Steps Class

The study is Learning From Gods Manual of Meaningful Relationships and offers scripture tips from Philemon and LifeApps for hard hits. It is presented by Dr. Hayes Wicker and our staff teaching team. For more information, contact Terry Cole at 572-3316 or tcole@fbcn.org, or Sherrill Woods at swoods@fbcn.org.

Begins Wednesday, Sept 4 in the Chapel at 6:25pm

Mens Ministry Band of Brothers

If you are interested in helping to make our congregation and our community aware of public issues that effect us all, please join us. For more information, please call Ken at 200-0448.

Sunday, Sept 8 in AD145 at 4:00pm

Public Issues Meeting

You will find biblical encouragement, comfort, and help in your grieving of a loved one. The cost is just $15.00. Enter through the main church office entrance. For more information, please call Betty at 738-4199.

Begins Thursday, Sept 5 in AD145 at 6:15pm

Grief Share

Back to Basics: An Introduction to Quilting & Sewing

Does fixing a hem or sewing a button require you to watch a YouTube video? Have you ever wished you could make a simple quilt or blanket that could be given to a special loved one or friend? Join us and we will help! For more information, contact Kathy at kadair@johnrwood.com or 370-2592 or Pam at pcole@fbcn.org or 272-5583.

Monday, Sept 9 in WC117 at 6:30pm

Divorce Recovery features biblical principles for healing from a marriage break-up. DC4Kids will be offered at the same time in ED205 (2nd floor of the Education Building). DC4Kids is for children going through the hurt of divorce. For more information, please call Jim at 596-8600 x242.

Begins Saturday, Sept 7 in DC209 at 7:15pm

Divorce Recovery

Wednesday, Sept 11 in the Chapel at 8:00pm

All church members are encouraged to attend.

Quarterly Business Meeting

There is a guest reception in the Commons following the Saturday night and Sunday morning worship services. Pastor Wicker would love to meet you!

Guest Reception

Our annual LCT Choir Retreat is Saturday, Sept 7 from 8am to 3pm. Breakfast and lunch will be served. Registration for the retreat is $10 which includes the catered lunch. Please call Tina at 596-8600 x229 for information or to register. There is a drama information table in the Commons after worship services this weekend. If you are interested in being in the cast or ensemble, please stop by. Drama auditions are Tuesday, Sept 10 6pm-8:30pm in WC117, and Saturday, Sept 14 3pm-5:30pm in the Choir Room. Nativity information will be available in the Commons on Sept 14/15 and 21/22. Find out more information on our Facebook page at: LivingChristmasTreesPresentation, or go to our website at fbcn.org/lct. If you would like to be baptized in the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, please call Linda at 596-8600 x280.

The Living Christmas Trees Choir Retreat

SOS - Spotlight on Safety tickets are $7.00 by Sept 5, but $10 after that. Deadline is Sept 9. Purchase tickets this weekend at our table in the Commons or at the Media Ministry Window. You can also purchase tickets during the week in the church office.

Thursday, Sept 12 in the Worship Center at 11:30am

Legacy Builders Senior Adult Luncheon

This biblical financial studys most recent survey reveals that typical life group members increase their giving, reduce their debt, increase their savings, and strengthen their marriages. For more information, or to register, please call Jim Hill at 596-8600 x242.

Begins Saturday, Sept 7 in DC112 at 7:30pm

Crown Financial

Children and Youth Choirs & Ministries

Praise Kids is for 4 year olds through 4th grade (must be age 4 by August 31). 4 year olds-kindergartners meet in Room ED163 while grades 1-4 meet in Room ED132. 5th grade ministry team will meet in DC220. Middle School Choir (6th-8th grade) will meet in the new middle school area in the Family Life Center. Resonate is for high school students grades 9-12 and will meet in the Student Center. ` This life-changing class taught by Dave Ramsey and the FPU teaching team on video will help you achieve your financial goals by showing you how to eliminate debt, save for the future, and give like never before. You will be changed and motivated to make a plan for your money and change your family tree forever. For more information, please email FBCNFinancialPeaceUniversity@gmail.com. To register online, please go to fbcn.org/financialpeaceuniversity. You can also stop by their table in the Commons on Saturday, Sept 7, Sunday, Sept 8, or Wednesday, Sept 11.

Begin Sunday, Sept 15 at 5:00pm

Discovering First Baptist Church Naples

Led by Pastor Hayes Wicker, this dinner is for those who are new to FBCN, want to join the church, or would like more information about our church ministries. Please RSVP at 596-8600 x679. Childcare must be reserved separately by calling 596-8600 x360.

Monday, Sept 16 in DC121 at 6:30pm

Begins Tuesday, Sept 17 in DC108 at 6:30pm

Financial Peace University

Drama Cast & Stage Ensemble Information

Where is God in the midst of tragedy and suffering? This movie will attempt to answer that and other tough questions. It will be playing in local theaters, but tickets will sell out fast. Visit unstoppablethemovie.com for tickets and more information.

Live One Night Only on Tuesday, Sept 24

Kirk Camerons Unstoppable

Sunday, September 22

Beach Baptism

A free weekend event on our campus filled with friends, small groups, and crazy games. Register online at fbcn.org/msm or for more information contact the Student Ministry Office at 449-4480.

Friday & Saturday, Sept 27-28

6th Grade Retreat

We meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month. Childcare is available, but limited. You must preregister in advance. Please go to fbcn.org/mops to register or for more information.

Begins Thursday, Sept 19 in WC100A at 9:15am

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS)

Profession of Faith Donald Crispen Baptisms Ariel Murphy Hannah Sutton Rebecca Sutton

Decisions for Christ

Membership by Statement Jared Barber Richard Escobar Robert Hall, Jr. Rosa Poole

August 24 & 25

Worship Attendance
1,394 1,516 2,910

Saturday Night Sunday 9:30 a.m. Total

2013-2014 Operating Revenues July 1, 2013 - August 25, 2013 Budget Actual Variance

Financial Stewardship

August 24 & 25

Bible & Life Attendance

843 51 733 158 1,785

Pamela Berard PT Premises Keeper Nancy Hale Childrens Ministry Assistant Larry Rigley Associate Pastor/Pastoral Care Steve Hayes Associate Pastor/Biblical Counselor Ellen Small Kitchen Assistant Damaris Abreu PT Premises Keeper

FBCN Staff Anniversaries for September

Debt balance as of August 25 $5,210,345 Deacon of the Week September 2 - 8 John Patterson & Greg Graham
If you need assistance, please call the church deacon hotline at 800-732-9573. For Spanish, call 404-7764.

$965,486

$920,796

($44,690)

Saturday 7:30 p.m. Sunday 8:15 a.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. Home Groups Total

Now hiring for several positions with the Premises Keepers including Porters and Housekeeping. Perhaps you have a desire to work in the Lighthouse Cafe? We have openings there too. If you have a heart to serve, we would like to talk to you. Ask for an application in the main church office, or go online at fbcn.org and select About us/Employment Openings. You can also call 596-8600 x237 for Bob or x235 for Tony for more information. We are searching for volunteers to assist at First Baptist Academy security kiosks, one day a week (half day or whole day). Volunteers serve in the preschool area of the Education Building, the high school kiosk in the Family Life Center, as well as the Commons. Please consider helping this important ministry as we guide students and assist parents. Training and uniform shirts provided. Please call Ron at 596-8600 x236 for more information. We are in need of a Saturday 3rd grade assistant teacher, a Saturday 4th grade boys assistant teacher, substitute teachers for the weekends, Awana listeners to help the clubbers work through their handbooks, and Good News Club volunteers. Contact 596-8600 x350 for details. Austin Warner passed away on August 17. We express our sympathy to his wife, Dorothy Karnis, and the rest of the family. Sadie Evelyn Stewart was born on August 23 weighing 7 lbs, 10 oz and measuring 21. Proud parents are Stacey & Paige and big sister is Selah.

Premises Keepers and Lighthouse Cafe Openings

18 years 10 years 9 years 8 years 3 years 1 year

Volunteers Needed for FBA Security Kiosks

Wednesday Family Meal

Meal for Sept 4 (4:45 p.m.-6 p.m. in the Fellowship Recreation-Gym) Beef Tenderloin Tips with Noodles, Veggie, and Dessert
Tickets may be purchased at the Lighthouse Cafe during regular business hours or at the door for $6 each or $25 for a family (immediate family residing in home). Alternate choices include grilled chicken breast, hamburger, pizza, or hot dog. `

Volunteers Needed in Childrens Ministry

Absent from the Body, Present with the Lord New Arrival

Saturday, August 31
5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 8:15 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m.

Weekly Schedule

Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus Worship Service: Worship Center Spanish Worship Service: Chapel Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus Haitian Bible Study & Worship: ED207 Vietnamese Worship & Bible Study: DC221 Worship Service: Worship Center Romanian Bible Study & Worship: Modulars 3 & 4 Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus Spanish Worship Service: Student Center Romanian Worship Service: Modular 4

Ways to Connect Online with FBCN

Live streaming Saturday at 6:00pm and Sunday at 9:30am! Go to our website and look for this live streaming icon. For more information about our church and ministries, please visit our website at fbcn.org. Like us on Facebook at: FirstBaptistChurchNaples Follow us on Twitter @FBCN.

Sunday, September 1

Tuesday, September 3
4:45 p.m. 6:20 p.m. 6:25 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m. RefresHer Womens Ministry: Worship Center

Wednesday, September 4

Family Meal: Fellowship Recreation-Gym AWANA for Kids: Education Building Band of Brothers Mens Ministry: Chapel RefresHer Womens Ministry: Worship Center High School Ministry: Student Center Middle School Ministry: Family Life Center-Gym Choir Rehearsal: Choir Room Orchestra Rehearsal: Worship Center

Other events this week include: Labor Day (church offices closed), Prayer for our Pastors, Celebrate Recovery, Grief Share, HOPE, LCT Choir Retreat, and Rock the Universe. For a full weekly schedule listing, please go to fbcn.org/weeklyschedule.

3000 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples, FL 34109 Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Church Receptionist...................................................................597-6057 Enter ext. # for direct connection 596-8600 Lighthouse Bookstore.................................................................449-4488 First Baptist Academy Naples 597-2233 24-Hour Prayer Line......................................................597-PRAY (7729) Church Email...................................................................FBCN@fbcn.org

First Baptist Church Naples