Submarines play an integral role in US naval defense by being able to remain submerged for months at a time to avoid detection. Life in a submarine is extremely cramped, with up to 9 men sharing small living quarters, yet reenlistment among submariners remains high due to their sense of bravery and sacrifice. The author argues that being a Christian requires a similar courageous commitment, as believers must be willing to sacrifice worldly approval to obey Jesus, such as through believer's baptism.
Submarines play an integral role in US naval defense by being able to remain submerged for months at a time to avoid detection. Life in a submarine is extremely cramped, with up to 9 men sharing small living quarters, yet reenlistment among submariners remains high due to their sense of bravery and sacrifice. The author argues that being a Christian requires a similar courageous commitment, as believers must be willing to sacrifice worldly approval to obey Jesus, such as through believer's baptism.
Submarines play an integral role in US naval defense by being able to remain submerged for months at a time to avoid detection. Life in a submarine is extremely cramped, with up to 9 men sharing small living quarters, yet reenlistment among submariners remains high due to their sense of bravery and sacrifice. The author argues that being a Christian requires a similar courageous commitment, as believers must be willing to sacrifice worldly approval to obey Jesus, such as through believer's baptism.
Submarines play an integral role in US naval defense by being able to remain submerged for months at a time to avoid detection. Life in a submarine is extremely cramped, with up to 9 men sharing small living quarters, yet reenlistment among submariners remains high due to their sense of bravery and sacrifice. The author argues that being a Christian requires a similar courageous commitment, as believers must be willing to sacrifice worldly approval to obey Jesus, such as through believer's baptism.
Submarines form an integral part of the United States
defense force in our Naval feet. They thrive on the ability to avoid detection by remaining submerged, sometimes for two or three months. Radar penetrates ocean depths imperfectly. Even during World War II, German U-boats sneaked around our coastline and even up Chesapeake Bay. I cannot imagine how cramped it would be to spend so much time in a craft only 360 long and 32 wide like the U.S.S. Boston. The Navy packs an enormous fuel supply, a mix of weaponry, and enough food to serve 15,000 meals per month. Nine men share a tiny cabin. How would you like to have to squeeze your belongings under your bunk and live in such tight quarters? Yet, reenlistment fgures are actually high among submariners. We consider them brave and sacrifcial to confne their lives in such a way. Following Christ calls for courageous commitment. We sacrifce the approval of the world in order to gain something far greater obeying and pleasing our Lord Jesus who crammed the glory of God into perhaps six feet of fesh for our freedom. We are to be unashamed of the gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16). Our charge is to receive His word and then be baptized and added to the church (Acts 2:41). However, being immersed and submerged for one second in water, called believers baptism, is a small price to pay for obeying Jesus (Matthew 28:19) and following His own example in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:13-17). God is not calling us to stay submerged but to surface as a bold disciple of Christ. We stand out, not hide out. We are called to fre missiles of witness and torpedoes of truth. I urge you to join us for the worship service at the beach for a special time of baptism, Sunday afternoon, near Venetian Village, September 28. For the frst time, we will be distributing special t-shirts which folks may keep after they wear them for baptism. Just like our submariners, may we have high enlistment fgures. Churchwide Dr. Hayes Wicker, Senior Pastor Celebrate Recovery Meets Thursdays, 6:00-8:30pm in DC121 Celebrate Recovery is a special community of mens and womens groups where you can fnd safety and support for dealing with lifes hurts, habits, and hang-ups through a twelve-step discipleship and recovery program. For more information, call 596-8600 x268. Missions Ministry Trunk & Treat Christian Used Book Sale Ends This Weekend There is a Christian used book sale just outside our Lighthouse Bookstore this weekend. We are selling gently used and new Christian books to beneft our FBCN Benevolence Fund. Hardbacks $5, Paperbacks $1-$3, and Bibles $10. 2015 Deacon Nominations Deadline October 5 Deacon nomination forms are located in the turnstiles in the Commons, Worship Center foyer, and Fellowship Hallway. Please do not share your nomination with the nominee as certain criteria must be met. You may place your completed, confdential form in the offering plate or in one of four tithe and offering drop boxes located in the Fellowship Hallway (across from WC117), the Commons (to the left of the Chapel, and one by the Bookstore under the staircase), and outside the Administration Building (church offce). Operation Christmas Child Volunteers Needed Campaign Begins October 11 If you would like to volunteer for this missions opportunity to help hurting children around the world without ever leaving home, call Jody at 253-0954. Car Care Needs Volunteers Our Next Event is October 18 Car Care needs volunteers to service and park vehicles, and witness to participants. Sign-up to volunteer for Car Care at fbcn.org/carcare or at the Information Desk in the Commons. GriefShare Begins Monday, October 6 at 2:00pm in AD145 This program features biblical, Christ-centered teaching that focuses on grief topics associated with the death of a loved one. You will fnd encouragement, comfort, and help in grieving the death of a spouse, child, parent, sibling, or another family member or friend. Everything is strictly confdential. Cost is $15 for materials. For details, please call Vada at 596-8600 x268. Discovering First Baptist Church Naples Monday, October 6 at 6:30pm in DC121 Led by Pastor Hayes Wicker, this dinner seminar is for those who are new to FBCN, want to become members of 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. First Baptist Academy Al Micieli, Sr. Seasonal BLG Starts Back Saturday, October 4 at 5:00pm in DC121 If you attended Als class last spring, you will defnitely want to come back this fall as he teaches on How to Defend the Faith. If you havent been to one of Als classes, this is a perfect time to come and check it out! Bible & Life Groups Support Ministry DivorceCare Every Saturday at 7:15pm in Room DC113 This class is for anyone who is suffering with the pain of divorce. For more information, call Rhonda at 596-8600 x261. Legacy Builders Senior Adults Annas Tea Monday, September 29 at 1:30pm in WC117 This is a ministry of the deacons wives to the widows of our church family. Join us for fellowship and encouragement from Gods Word. Sign-up in the Fellowship Hallway, Commons Information Desk, or call Vada at 596-8600 x268. Missions Luncheon Sunday, October 5 at 12:20pm in the Commons Sign-up This Weekend at the Missions Kiosk in the Commons Come and hear testimony reports from recent trips to Guatemala and Hungary. Lunch will be provided by the Missions Committee (monetary donations are welcomed). RSVP by October 1 to Sandy at sgraham@fbcn.org, by calling 596-8600 x630, or simply by stopping at the Missions Kiosk this weekend to register. Florida Baptist Childrens Homes Informational Class about Foster Care and Adoption Thursday, October 9 at 6:00pm in Room DC108 If you are interested in learning more about helping the abused, neglected, and abandoned children in Southwest Florida, please contact Amy.Roller@FBCHomes.org or 910-5273 for more information about this class. Living Christmas Trees 2014 Journey to the Manger Tickets go on Sale Saturday Morning, October 11 Online tickets go on sale at 12:01am on October 11 by going to fbcn.org/lct. You can also purchase tickets before and after all worship services beginning October 11 in the Commons by the staircase. Purchases by phone can be made Monday-Friday 9am-6pm at 888-795-1559 beginning October 13. Big Daddy Weave Concert Thursday, October 9 at 7:00pm Also featuring Chris August, Group1Crew, and Dara MacLean. Tickets are available exclusively at chosentickets. com. (General admission is $25.00. Groups of 10 or more are $22.00. All VIP seating is sold out.) We Need Your Help! Friday, October 31 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm This is our churchs fun and safe alternative to Halloween. Sign-up to bring your car, boat, or motorcycle (or any vehicle with wheels) at the Preschool or Childrens Ministry Rotundas, or call Beverly at 596-8600 x351 for more information. Candy Needed We need candy for our annual Trunk & Treat on Friday, October 31. Please bring individually wrapped candy or snacks (that do not have Halloween themes on the wrappers) and place in designated bins around the church. There is a guest reception in the Commons following the Saturday night and Sunday morning worship services. Pastor would love to meet you! Good News Clubs At the Missions Kiosk in the Commons This Weekend This is a weekly after-school program that presents Bible lessons, memory verses, songs, missionary stories, prayer, and snacks. Volunteers are needed for the teams at each elementary school. Please stop by the Missions Kiosk this weekend for more information, or call 596-8600 x350 during the week. Technology Has Hit the FBA Library! Students in middle and high school have the ability to check out e-books in both fction and non-fction. Students are able to download the book, upon check out, onto various electronic devices. Once the three week circulation period is complete, the e-books are automatically returned. FBCN Staff October Anniversaries Carmen Rodriguez Accounting Associate 9 years Dr. Todd Stearns Pastor of Worship & Music 8 years Parker Lyon Membership Informaton Manager 5 years Betsy Evans Director of Childrens Ministry 2 years FBCN Staff News Welcome Our Newest Staff Member Shelly Jeffcoat Student Ministry Assistant/ Middle School & High School Girls Her duties will be part administrative and part ministerial with our girl students. Shelly is a recent graduate of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and calls South Carolina home. Her frst day of work will be Wednesday, October 1. First Baptist Church Naples 3000 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples, FL 34109 Offce 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 September 29 - Oct 5 Logan Marks & Bob Williamson If you need assistance, please call the church deacon hotline at 800-732-9573. For Spanish, call 404-7764. Deacon of the Week Wednesday Family Meal Live streaming Saturday at 6:00pm and Sunday at 9:30am at fbcn.org! Visit our website: fbcn.org Like us on Facebook: FirstBaptistChurchNaples Follow us on Twitter: @fbcn @hayeswicker Ways to Connect Online with FBCN Contact Us Weekly Schedule Last Weekend This Upcoming Week 2013-2014 Operating Revenues July 1, 2014 - Sept 21, 2014 Budget Actual Variance $1,488,353 $1,503,514 $15,161 Financial Stewardship Bible & Life Attendance September 20 & 21 Saturday Night 1,265 Sunday 9:30 a.m. 1,546 Total 2,811 Wednesday Night Ministries 1,226 Decisions for Christ Worship Attendance Visit a Bible & Life Group Today... We Will Help You Find One! How does a big church feel like a small community? By discovering our Bible & Life Groups! Bible & Life Groups are people experiencing life-changing Bible study and engaging in a lifestyle of reaching and serving others for Jesus Christ with a group of genuine friends. Visit the information desk in the Commons. The helpful volunteers there can guide you to a Bible & Life Group ftted just for you. See what God is doing! Debt balance as of Sept 21 $1,208,687 First Time Guests Welcome to First Baptist Church Naples We are glad that you came to worship with us. Our worship services are intended to give praise to God and reveal how Jesus gives hope for all who call on His name. We hope that you feel at home here! Greeters at the doors can help with any immediate needs/questions that you may have. Volunteers at the Information Desk in the Commons are there to assist you in fnding the perfect Bible & Life Group. Thank you for joining us today! For more detailed information about our church and ministries, please call Lou at 596-8600 x258. September 20 & 21 Saturday Night 992 Sunday 8:15 a.m. 104 Sunday 11:00 a.m. 831 Home Groups 281 Total 2,208 Dr. Hayes Wicker Senior Pastor Beverly Burgoyne Director of Preschool Ministry Greg Clydesdale Pastor of Middle School Ministry Miguel Cruz Pastor of Hispanic Ministry John David Edie Pastor of Discipleship Ministry Betsy Evans Director of Childrens Ministry Steve Hayes Pastor of Family Ministry Dr. David Heath Pastor of Missions Shannon Moore Director of Womens Ministry John Patterson Pastor of Media Ministry Douglas Pigg Executive Pastor Tom Rider Pastor of Academy Education Larry Rigley Pastor of Pastoral Care & Senior Adults Dr. Todd Stearns Pastor of Worship & Music Kevin Taylor Pastor of Student Ministry Kevin VanDuser Pastor of SportsOutreach Eric Yeldell Pastor of Contemporary Worship & Ministry Find out more about each Pastoral Staff member by going to our website: www.fbcn.org/staff. Pastoral Staff October 1 (4:45-6:00pm in the Fellowship/Recreation Gym) Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Vegetable, Salad, Dessert Tickets may be purchased at the Lighthouse Cafe or at the door for $6 each or $25 for a family. Alternate choices available. Saturday, September 27 5:00 p.m. Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus 6:00 p.m. Worship Service: Worship Center 6:00 p.m. Spanish Worship Service: Modulars 1 and 2 7:30 p.m. Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus Sunday, September 28 8:15 a.m. Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus 9:00 a.m. Haitian Bible Study & Worship: ED206 9:00 a.m. Vietnamese Worship & Bible Study: DC221 9:30 a.m. Worship Service: Worship Center 10:00 a.m. Romanian Bible Study & Worship: Modular 4 11:00 a.m. Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus 12:30 p.m. Spanish Worship Service: Student Center 5:00 p.m. Childrens Choirs & Student Creative Arts Teams 5:00 p.m. Worship Choir Additional Rehearsal: Choir Room 6:00 p.m. Romanian Worship Service: Modular 4 6:30 p.m. Haitian Worship Service: Modular 2 Tuesday, September 30 9:00 a.m. RefresHer Womens Ministry: Worship Center Wednesday, October 1 4:45 p.m. Family Meal: Fellowship Recreation-Gym 6:20 p.m. AWANA for Kids: Education Building 6:25 p.m. Band of Brothers Mens Ministry: Chapel 6:30 p.m. RefresHer Womens Ministry: Worship Center 6:30 p.m. High School Ministry: Home Groups Off Campus 6:30 p.m. Middle School Ministry: Student Center & Family Life Center 6:30 p.m. Worship Choir Rehearsal: Choir Room Other events this week include: Beach Baptism, Annas Tea, MOPS, and Celebrate Recovery Baptisms Hunter Beam Katelyn Beam