First Word

“Wishing you a
Christ-filled Christmas
and a God-blessed
New Year”
-The FBCN Church Staff

Dec. 25 - Jan. 2
First Baptist Church Naples
 Love Incarnate
At Christmas we remember the incarnation of Christ. Previously,
God revealed Himself in various compound names in the Old
Testament, the last of which was Jehovah Shammah (Ezekiel
48:35). It means, “The Lord is there.” Ezekiel was speaking of the
rebuilding of the temple, the earthly reminder of God’s presence.
However, this was not to be accomplished by an earthly building
but by the birth of Jesus, Who is truly “God with us.” God is still
here at the end of 2010 and will be with us in 2011. I trust that you have had a
blessed time of celebrating His birth with those whom we love.

I want to introduce two very special friends. Emily Colson and her son Max are
visiting our good friends, Chuck & Patty Colson this Christmas. After years as a
creative director in advertising and design, she is using her many talents to bring
hope to countless people through writing and speaking. She will be signing her
new book, Dancing with Max, in the Commons after the services on December
26. Chuck has written the prologue and epilogue. This is the touching story of
how as a single mother she is raising her son, Max, who is autistic. The subtitle of
her book is, “A mother and son who broke free.”

Emily shared with me this testimony: “We were going to live bigger than our
circumstances and not be a hostage to autism. God started shining a light
through this young man. He has given the most wonderful life lessons.” We are
thrilled to have her testify today (December 26). While viewing a baptism in our
service a few years ago on the video monitors, Max said, “I want to be baptized
in Grandpa’s pool.” Chuck and Emily sensed that he had a simple, child-like faith
in Jesus but only after extensive questioning and prayer. We authorized Chuck
to baptize his grandson in that appropriate, private place, which was necessary
to prevent sensory overstimulation. In that glorious moment, he shouted, “I got
baptized!”

I also want to introduce my close friend, Rev. Glenn Rogers, who is speaking
in the pulpit today (December 26) while my entire family and I are spending a
few days in the snow in Colorado. I will be preaching again here on January 1
& 2. A former college football player, Glenn has pastored for many years, been
the Director of Evangelism and Prayer for the Nevada Baptist Convention, and
is currently ministering to pastors and churches as Director of Associational
Missions (DOAM) in Florida. He is truly one of the godliest and wisest men that
I have ever known and regularly prays for our church. He is joined by his wife,
Bonnie, and their son, David, a student at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Already
an accomplished violinist, David will be playing for us in the December 26th
service.

This issue of the First Word is traditionally carried over for two weeks. I look
forward to 2011 and being with you, my friends and spiritual family, in this
wonderful place of fellowship. As Chuck Colson wrote, “Love is the mark of the
Christian, the first Christian virtue, the essence of God Himself.” May all of us have
the kind of love for Jesus and others that Max, Emily, and Glenn demonstrate.
Let’s incarnate Christ’s love through us for others.
The Wickers and Yeldells trust that you have
had a blessed Christmas and wish you a
fruitful New Year!

“The LORD bless you,and keep you, the LORD make His
face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the LORD
lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace.”
--Numbers 6:24-26

Ray VanderLaan
January Bible Conference
Friday, January 14
6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
&
Saturday, January 15
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
in the Chapel
Tickets are $10.00 and are on sale now
in the Lighthouse Bookstore.
Christmas Holiday
Schedule
Day after Christmas - Sunday, December 26th
There will be our regular Sunday Worship Services on December 26th,
but no Bible and Life Groups.
Wednesday Night - December 29th
There will be no Wednesday night events on Wednesday,
December 29th.
New Year’s Day - Saturday, January 1st
There will be a regular Saturday evening Worship Service
on New Year’s Day, January 1st, but no Bible and Life Groups.
Day after New Year’s Day - Sunday, January 2nd
There will be our regular Sunday schedule of Worship and
Bible and Life Groups on Sunday, January 2nd.
Wednesday Night - January 5th
Men’s and Women’s Ministry will combine on Wednesday,
January 5th in the Chapel.

Share the Living Christmas Trees

Presentation
Available on DVD
DVDs of this year’s Living Christmas Trees presentation
can be purchased at the FBCN Lighthouse Bookstore, the
Media Ministry Center, or by calling 596-8600 x410. DVDs
are $20.00. (there is an extra $5.00 shipping charge if you
need it shipped).

Thank you
On behalf of the LCT Leadership Team, I’d like to thank everyone who
participated in this year’s Living Christmas Trees. It’s amazing to see the Lord’s
blessings on us and we are thankful for God’s favor and provision. Most of
all, we are eternally grateful for the 116 salvations recorded during the
performances. Thank you church family for inviting your family, friends, and
associates to this year’s presentation. May the Lord continue to guide us as
we look to the future with the Living Christmas Trees. -- Pastor Todd Stearns
 Men’s Ministry
BAND OF BROTHERS
A Ministry for Men of All Ages

Kick-off 2nd Semester

Starting January 12
Acts-tion Heroes from the Book of Acts
Wednesday Evening Men’s Study
6:25 – 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel
Led by Senior Pastor Dr. Hayes Wicker

Men: Do you want to grow spiritually? Are you tired of being stuck in a rut?
Come join over 300 men as we worship, study, discuss, and spend time in
fellowship each Wednesday evening. Every lesson is designed so you walk
away with valuable, immediate life application. Why do we gather like this?
Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

Contact Don Ingle or Lou Falorio at 596-8600 ext. 232

Coming soon…

Men’s Conference 2011 with Bob Reccord

“Where the Rubber Meets the Road”
April 1 & 2, 2011
Bob Reccord is returning following our very successful
conference in 2009. More information to come in
January.
 Women’s Ministry of First Baptist Church Naples
Announces our Winter 2011 RefresHer Bible Study . . .
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering
for He who promised is faithful!” Hebrews 10:23

Join us for a new eight week verse by verse study of

the Book of Hebrews, prepared by our pastor’s wife
Janet Wicker and her daughter Kristin Wicker
Yeldell, as we focus on such topics as:

 “He Speaks!” - How God reveals Himself to us;

 “Jesus: Our Great High Priest” - He understands and He
intercedes;
 “His Word, Alive and Active”- Developing a Discerning
Spirit;
 “The Anchor of Hope” - Holding on through the storm;
 “Here Comes the Judge” - The truth about eternity and
judgment;
 “Faith Is…”-Snapshots of living faith;
 “The Perfect Father” - The value and love of real discipline;
 “He is Unchangeable and I am Unafraid” - Dealing with
our fears.

Classes begin Tuesday, January 11th @ 9:00 am

or Wednesday, January 12th @ 6:30 pm
in the Worship Center (East).

Preschool childcare is wonderfully provided for sessions.

You must pre-register by calling 596-8600 ext. 360
NEW Year’s eve
5th thru 8th grade students

ge r
a v en
c
S unt
h
Friday, Dec 31st
2pm - 7pm
Meet @ family life Center
Travel to Coastland Center
Photo scavenger hunt
Bring $ for food court
Teams compete for prize
Teams of 5

If you would like more info about this event, please call 449-4480
New Year’s Day Party
At the Beach!!
All HS Students are invited!
Saturday, Jan 1st
11am - 1pm (free lunch provided)
Lowdermilk Park
(North Gazebo by Volleyball Courts)
**Swim Suit (if you want to freeze)

Questions? Call 239-298-3245

FBCN High School Ministry

Deacon Ordination
Please come and witness the upcoming
Deacon Ordination on Sunday, January 9th
at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel. It is always a very
moving ceremony as we ordain these great
men of God to join our Deacon Ministry:
Telly Alvarez
Ricky Garcia (previously ordained)
Michael Winkle
 2010 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

The annual International Mission Board Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

goes completely to support our overseas missionaries that are in the
trenches sharing the gospel to a lost world. Please consider giving to this
very important missions ministry. You will find special Lottie Moon offering
envelopes in the Worship Center chairs. You can make your check payable
to First Baptist Church Naples and please put in the memo section “Lottie
Moon.” Our church goal for 2010 is $75,000.

Discovering First Baptist Church Naples

Monday, January 31
6:30 p.m. in Room DC121
Led by Senior Pastor Hayes Wicker,
this is a very informative dinner
seminar. It is held for those who
are new to First Baptist Church
Naples, those who want to join
the church, or those who would
like more information about our
church and ministries. Please
RSVP by calling 596-8600 x679.

This dinner is designated for adults and children 11 and older.

Childcare is available for children 10 years old and younger
by advanced reservation. Please make your childcare
reservation by calling 596-8600 x360. Please plan to feed
your child beforehand.
Worship Ministry
Weekend
January 7 & 8, 2011

Join us as we jump-start the season with a time of inspiration and

music preparation!

For: Worship Choir, Orchestra, and Saturday Night Vocalists

With Special Guests:

Sounds of Liberty
(music team of
Liberty University),

Keynote speaker and choral rehearsal

director Terry Williams (Florida Baptist
Church Music Specialist),

and the instrumental rehearsal director

Steve Kirby (Instrumental Pastor at
Idlewild Church in Tampa).

Schedule: Dinner banquet on Friday evening (January 7) in the

Worship Center followed by various rehearsals (6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.);
Saturday morning (January 8) in WC117 for various rehearsals (9:00
a.m. - noon).

For more information, please call Keith at 596-8600 x229.

 Bible Studies
Coming in January
Truth Project - 25 different locations in homes around the
Naples area

Faith of the Founding Fathers - Meeting Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

in Room WC117 and taught by Steve Plaster

Raising a Modern Day Knight - Meeting on a weekday early

morning

Financial Peace University - Meeting on a weekday evening

Blended Families - Meeting on Saturday evenings

Crown Financial - Meeting on Saturday nights and on Sunday

mornings

SAVE THE DATE: Faith Banquet, January 23 at 5:00 p.m. (with

special guest speaker Ken Whitten, Senior Pastor of Idlewild
Baptist Church in Tampa)

SAVE THE DATE: “Impacting Lives”, Bible and Life Meeting,

January 30 at 6:00 p.m.

Blood Drive
Sunday, January 16
FBCN Church Parking Lot

Please call Karen at

734-0290
to schedule a time.
Pregnancy Resource Center of Southwest
Florida Needs Your Help to Save Lives!

The Pregnancy Resource Center is offering Peer Counseling

Training beginning January 10th. To register, or for more
information, please call 513-9775 or visit www.supportprc.com.
Save the Date to Save a Life!
The Pregnancy Resource Center’s Annual Fund-Raising
Dinner is February 3 at New Hope Ministries. Be watching
for more information in upcoming First Words.
 Kidz Town Worship
It is time to celebrate Christmas and the New
Year at KidzTown. On December 26, we will be
worshipping the Lord together as we look for
the true meaning of Christmas. For New Years’
Weekend, it will be a celebration as we continue
our study of Genesis by sidetracking to answer
the question so many ask...” What is the truth
about dinosaurs?” All children in 1st through 4th grades will not want to
miss even one service at KidzTown Worship, where we worship the Lord kid
style. Join us for songs, fun, video, games, and so much more at KidzTown
in DC120. Join the celebration!

Lost and Found

If you have lost anything, please check the “Lost and
Found” cabinets inside Door 43 next to the Media
Ministry. We have many Bibles as well as other items.
Everything will be donated after the end of 2010.

2010 Tax Information

To ensure your contributions qualify for 2010,
checks must be delivered or mailed (post-
marked) on or before December 31, 2010.
Checks placed in the church offering in 2011
will not qualify for 2010, even if the check is
pre-dated to 2010. For your convenience, the
church office will be open Friday, December
31, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon.
Please do not file your 2010 tax return until you have received your
2010 contribution statement from the church.

2010 Stock Contributions

Stock contributions in certificate form must be received in the finance
office no later than noon on December 30, 2010. Stock contributions in
transfer form must be received into the church’s account no later than
December 30, 2010. Please contact Conard Wrightsman at 596-8600 x257
for more information.
 Staff Anniversaries for January
Beverly Day Director of Preschool Ministry 15 years
Georgia West Executive Ministry Assistant 15 years
Vickie Bryan Receptionist 9 years
Miguel Cruz Hispanic Congregation Pastor 9 years
Nancy Powers FBA Resource Teacher 7 years
Rebecca Curran FBA Ministry Assistant 6 years
Carlos Pimentel Premises Keeper 6 years
Carmen Rodriguez Accounting Associate 6 years
Margarita Rupena Premises Keeper 6 years
Sonya Stearns FBA Teacher/High School 4 years
Scott Stewart FBA Physical Education Teacher 4 years
Alicia Diller Biblical Counseling Associate 3 years

Parent Dedication Class

The next Parent Dedication Class (for
parents who wish to dedicate themselves
and their baby to the Lord during a Worship
Service) will be Sunday, January 9 in the
Education Building, Room #164 at 11:00
a.m. To make your reservation to attend,
please call the Preschool Ministry Office at
596-8600 x360.

Celebrate Recovery
There is more to recovery than just being
sober. Celebrate Recovery is about so much
more! Join us for the journey at our NEW
LOCATION!! We meet on Thurdsays in DC121
across from Kidztown in the Discipleship
Center. Program time is from 7:00-9:00
p.m. with a fellowship dinner at 6:00 p.m.
(optional). Please call Steve Hayes at 239-
596-8600 ext. 266 for more information.
PrimeTimers Ministry Invites You to
a CHURCH-WIDE CONCERT
JANUARY 27th
“What a Lovely Way To Spend An Evening”
Featuring our very own:
Gordon & Carol Bleich & Miguel Cruz
WORSHIP
CENTER
7:00 PM
$10.00 pp
TICKETS ON SALE AT THE MEDIA WINDOW BEFORE AND
AFTER SERVICES ON SAT/SUN/WED or STOP BY THE OFFICE
DURING THE WEEK AND SEE VADA!
DEADLINE : SUN. JAN 23rd REFRESHMENTS SERVED
 Upcoming Events
Sunday, December 26
9:30 a.m. Worship Service/Worship Center
9:30 a.m. KidzTown Children’s Worship/DC120
9:30 a.m. Romanian Baptist/Modulars 3 & 4/SC117
10:00 a.m. Vietnamese Bible Study and Worship/DC220
11:00 a.m. Worship Service/Worship Center
12:30 p.m. Hispanic Worship Service/Student Center
5:00 p.m. Romanian Baptist Congregation/Modulars 3 & 4
Tuesday, December 28
7:00 p.m. The Vine College & Career Service/Student Center
Thursday, December 30
11:00 a.m. Pray for our Pastors/AD184
6:00 p.m. Celebrate Recovery/DC121
Friday, December 31
New Years’ Eve -- Church Offices Closed
2:00 p.m. Middle School New Years’ Eve Party/Family Life Center
Saturday, January 1
New Years’ Day
6:00 p.m. Worship Service/Worship Center
Sunday, January 2
8:15 a.m. Bible and Life Groups/Various Rooms on Campus
9:30 a.m. Worship Service/Worship Center
9:30 a.m. Bible and Life Groups/Various Rooms on Campus
9:30 a.m. KidzTown Children’s Worship/DC120
9:30 a.m. Romanian Baptist/Modulars 3 & 4/SC117
10:00 a.m. Vietnamese Bible Study and Worship/DC220
11:00 a.m. Worship Service/Worship Center
11:00 a.m. Bible and Life Groups/Various Rooms on Campus
12:30 p.m. Hispanic Worship Service/Student Center
5:00 p.m. Romanian Baptist Congregation/Modulars 3 & 4
Monday, January 3
New Years’ Holiday -- Church Offices Closed
Tuesday, January 4
7:00 p.m. The Vine College & Career Service/Student Center
Wednesday, January 5
4:45 p.m. Family Meal/Gym
6:20 p.m. AWANA/Education Building
6:30 p.m. Combined Ministries/Chapel
6:30 p.m. High School Ministry/Student Center
6:30 p.m. Middle School Ministry/Family Life Center-Gym
6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal/Choir Room
8:00 p.m. Orchestra Rehearsal/Worship Center
Thursday, January 6
11:00 a.m. Pray for our Pastors/AD184
6:00 p.m. Celebrate Recovery/DC121
Friday, January 7
6:00 p.m. Worship Ministry Weekend/Worship Center
Saturday, January 8
9:00 a.m. Worship Ministry Weekend/WC117
 Deacon of the Week Dr. Wicker on the Radio
December 27 - January 2 You can hear Dr. Wicker every day at 1:00 p.m.
Gary Cuozzo & Daryl Kniep on 91.5 Kingdom FM WJYO. Dr. Wicker is
January 3 - 9 also on WSOR 90.9 FM at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday
evenings, and on Praise FM 89.5 at 1:30 p.m.
Bob Bowman & Gary Cuozzo
If you need assistance, please call the church Sunday afternoons.
deacon hotline at 800-732-9573.
For Spanish, call 601-6051.
Wednesday Family Meal
NO MEAL FOR DECEMBER 29th
Meal for January 5th (4:45 p.m. GYM)
Top Round of Beef, Roasted Potatoes, Vegetable, Salad, and a Dessert
Tickets may be purchased at the Lighthouse Cafe during regular business hours or at the
door for $6.00 each or $25.00 for a family (please, immediate family residing in home).
Alternate choices include grilled chicken breast, hamburger, pizza, or a grilled foot long hot dog.
Cafe Hours (Week of 12/27-1/2)
`

Monday 12/27 Closed

Tuesday 12/28 Closed
Wednesday 12/29 Closed
Thursday 12/30 Closed
Friday 12/31 Closed
Saturday 1/1 Closed
Sunday 1/2 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Bookstore Hours (Week of 12/27-1/2)

Monday 12/27 Closed
Tuesday 12/28 Closed
Wednesday 12/29 Closed
Thursday 12/30 Closed
Friday 12/31 Closed
Saturday 1/1 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday 1/2 8:30 a.m.. - 1:00 p.m.

Cafe Hours (Week of 1/3-1/9)

`

Monday 1/3 Closed

Tuesday 1/4 Closed
Wednesday 1/5 2:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Thursday 1/6 Closed
Friday 1/7 Closed
Saturday 1/8 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday 1/9 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Bookstore Hours (Week of 1/3-1/9)

Monday 1/3 Closed
Tuesday 1/4 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday 1/5 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Thursday 1/6 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Friday 1/7 Closed
Saturday 1/8 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday 1/9 8:30 a.m.. - 1:00 p.m.
Sermon Notes
 Worshipful Atmosphere
It is our desire that Jesus be the focus in our worship services. Therefore, in
consideration of others desiring to worship with limited distraction, we ask
each person to please do the following:
- Please turn your cell phone off or set to vibrate.
- Please remain in the worship center (except
in the case of emergency) once you have entered
to worship.
- Should your child become unsettled or noisy during
the worship service, please take your little one to
the Fellowship Hallway, the Commons, or the
preschool ministry area in the Education Building
where you can comfortably watch the service on a
television monitor.
Thank you for helping us maintain a worshipful atmosphere for everyone!

Pastoral Staff
Dr. Hayes Wicker................................................................................................. Senior Pastor
Miguel Cruz.............................................................................. Hispanic Congregation Pastor
Beverly Day............................................................................. Director of Preschool Ministry
Nathan Dooley................................................................ Associate Pastor/High School Ministry
Justin Faircloth........................................................ Associate Pastor/Middle School Ministry
Steve Hayes....................................................................Associate Pastor/Biblical Counseling
Forrest Head........................................................................................ Senior Associate Pastor
Jim Hill................................................................................Director of Single Adult Ministry
Lewis Howard............................................................................... Associate Pastor/Education
Don Ingle.......................................................................................Director of Men’s Ministry
Shannon Moore.........................................................................Director of Women’s Ministry
John Patterson..................................................................Associate Pastor/Media & Technology
Doug Pigg.............................................................Associate Pastor of Church Administration
Tom Rider................................................................... Associate Pastor/School Administrator
Larry Rigley................................................................... Associate Pastor/Children’s Ministry
Dr. Todd F. Stearns......................................................... Associate Pastor/Worship and Music
Kevin Van Duser..................................................................Associate Pastor/Sports Outreach

First Baptist Church Naples

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
Church Website..........................................................................................................www.fbcn.org