Expanded version available online at fbcdecatur.

com

Vol. XXXVIII • No. 24 • December 5, 2008


“Among Friends”
Well, as Adam said to Eve as they were exiting the
Garden, “My dear, we are in a time of transition!”
I suppose some things need to be said about the
recent action of the Georgia Baptist Convention
regarding FBC Decatur. Trouble is, I’m still
processing the whole thing and don’t yet have very many conclusions
to share with you. It looks like it will be January before some of our
leaders and I will be able to meet with leaders from the GBC to get
clarification on a few things. In the meantime, let me try to respond
to some frequently-asked questions:
What actually happened?
The messengers to the annual Georgia Baptist Convention approved
the recommendation of a new policy that will enable GBC leaders to
decline gifts from various sources—among them, distributors of
alcohol and any “church, organization or donor not in cooperation
and harmony with the approved work and purpose of the
Convention.”
Why was this proposal presented at the Convention?
In November a friend sent me a copy of a report that was approved by
the Executive Committee of the GBC not long before the annual
Georgia Baptist Convention meeting. The report included this
statement: “The creation of this policy has been proposed as a
result of questions raised regarding First Baptist Church of
Decatur who has a woman as senior pastor.”
Did the GBC “kick us out?”
Technically, no. I’ve been assured by one GBC leader that they have
not withdrawn fellowship from us. They just won’t receive our money
or allow our church members to vote in any GBC meetings. At some
point I’m going to need someone from the GBC to explain to me the
difference.
What effect will this have on FBC Decatur?
Practically speaking, the action of the GBC has very little effect on
our mission or ministries. And to be fair, for a number of years now
First Baptist Decatur has been connected with the Southern Baptist
Convention and the Georgia Baptist Convention by the slimmest of
ties. I’ve been told that it’s been ten years since anyone from FBC
Decatur attended any of the annual meetings as a messenger.
Financially speaking—of the 217 pledges that have been turned in so
far for 2009, 13 families or individuals have marked the Southern
Baptist Convention as their missions giving choice. We will be
contacting each of these folks and am committed to helping each one
give as his or her conscience directs. If they wish to continue giving to
the SBC then we will find a way to help them do so.
What about the SBC missionaries we’ve been supporting?
Currently there are 4 couples serving as Southern Baptist missionaries
who have personal ties with FBC Decatur: Rusty & Debbie Pugh,
Bill & Noy Peeler, Doni & Dan Robinson and Carolyn & David
Bishop. These good folks are a blessing to us and it is a privilege to
partner with them. This might be a good time to point out that if
supporting SBC missionaries is your primary objective, checking the
SBC option on your pledge card or offering envelope has never been
the best way of getting money directly to the mission field. There are
other, more direct ways of supporting the missionaries and we will
make these channels clear in future publications.
I want to take a moment to express thanks for our relationship
with Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. For 20 years, since CBF was
birthed, we have been part of this movement of Christ-followers. CBF
is not a perfect organization, nor do they claim to be. But they’ve got
their eye on the ball, missionally. And when it comes to the money we
send, I appreciate and admire CBF’s commitment to being “light on
its feet.” Visit the CBF offices—you’ll find an unpretentious,
gospel-centered, global-minded bunch of people working in modest
surroundings so that as many resources as possible may be used for
kingdom-building purposes. I respect that. And I’m glad to be part of
an organization that’s unwaveringly focused on the main thing.
That’s enough for now…more later. In the meantime, may all of the
joy, wonder and blessings of Advent wash over you and fill you to
overflowing.
New Wed. Night Adult Formation Opportunities
Financial Peace University—Jan 14 – Apr 29
Zeno Douglas will lead this study that includes videos by radio
personality Dave Ramsey and small group discussion and support for
those who want to gain control of their finances, eliminate debt, and
learn to give generously. $110 fee.
Getting Marriage Right – Two six-week sessions
David and Jeanie Gushee and Tim and Julie Pennington-Russell will
lead these marriage workshops:
Jan 14 – Feb 18 – Nearly/Newly Married
(Engagement—3rd anniversary)
Mar 4 – Apr 22 – Young Marrieds (3-10 years)
Couples will be asked to read David Gushee’s book by the same title
during the course.
Bible Studies – led by Sharyn Dowd
When the Holy Spirit “Acts” – January and February
This year our annual “Winter Bible Study” focuses on the New
Testament adventure story called the Acts of the Apostles.
The Cross and the Formation of Christians – Lenten Bible Study
The oldest New Testament testimonies assert that Jesus died “for our
sins.” We’ll explore what that means and the formative experience
that Paul calls our “death to sin.”
Book Discussion Group
Questions to All Your Answers: The Journey from Folk Religion to
Examined Faith. Led by members of the Pilgrim Sunday School class.
Discussion will focus on the book with this title by Roger Olson,
Professor of Theology at Truett Theological Seminary.
 Congregational Life
Women on Mission – December Meeting
The next meeting of the Women on Mission will be on December 9 in the 3rd floor conference room. Leadership Meeting at 10am; Group
Meeting at 10:30am and Program at 11am. Don Hammonds will be speaking on the role of our Mission Team and the Global Missions
Emphasis.

Young At Heart to see Lake Lanier Lights

Our YAH Christmas lights trip is Dec. 11. We will load up on our motor coach at the church around 4 p.m. and go to eat at a Cracker Barrel
restaurant (Dutch treat). Then we tour the Magical Nights of Lights at Lake Lanier Islands. Your cost is only $10 per person. Sign up in the
church office (404-373-1653).

Decatur Civic Chorus to have their 60th Anniversary Concert Sunday, Dec. 14
Don’t miss the Decatur Civic Chorus’s annual Christmas concert. They will present “An Irish Christmas” on Dec. 14 at 3pm in the Sanctuary.
Reception to follow in the fellowship hall. This concert is free and open to the public.
 Congregational Life Prayer Concerns as of
December 3, 2008
Teams to Pray for our Worship Services
Our church family is embracing a new prayer ministry during our worship services. The In the Hospital:
purpose of this ministry is to undergird our worship services with prayer while they are ▪Al Buckler, Emory
in session. Feel free to sign up for the service you usually don't attend or for your regu- Sympathy To:
lar service. Sign up with Beth Smith at 404-321-0508 or derekandbeth@bellsouth.net ▪Doris Pruitt on the death of her
brother, Ralph G. Patterson.
Thanks be to God! On Sunday, November 23, as a response to God’s generosity, the people of FBC ▪Guy and Linda Rutland on the
Decatur brought a “gratitude gift,” a gift over and above regular tithes and offerings, to God. More death of Linda’s mother, Sybil
than $21,000 was given! Lewis.
▪Steve and Sally Cox on the death of
As we nestle in to Advent and partake of the “Gifts for Everyone” messages, let’s remember to share Steve’s mother, Charlotte.
the gifts we have been given, and let’s remember to share them in the name of our Savior and Lord, ▪The family of Justin Black.
Christ Jesus.
Tithes & Offerings
2008 gratitude gifts and 2009 commitment cards continue to be accepted!. Additional envelopes or
cards are available in the church office. A Generous People
2008 Ministry Action Plan
Poinsettias and People: Two Beautiful Ways to Give this Christmas Weekly Need: .....................$ 27,361
Help beautify our worship space and our community this Christmas. For $10 you may purchase a Received on Nov. 23 ..........$ 34,812
poinsettia OR give to the Decatur Emergency Assistance Ministry (DEAM) in honor or in memory of Received on Nov. 30 ..........$ 21,615
someone. All money and forms should be in the church office by Sunday, December 7. Donations YTD Need: ....................$ 1,313,343
to DEAM do not include the purchase of a poinsettia to take home. Also Those who choose to give to YTD Received: ..............$ 1,120,357
DEAM in honor of someone will receive a special Christmas card describing DEAM’s ministry to YTD Spending Deficit (Oct. 31):
send to the person they honored. ............................................ (64,099)
“Years of Opportunity 2007-09”
New Community in December Campaign
Dec 10 – A Church Full of Missionaries Given to Date:...................$ 338,863
A review of our missions involvement locally and globally and an invitation to everyone to get in on Bank Loan Balance:..........$ 240,226
a missions adventure in 2009. Owed to FBC Fdn.:...........$ 180,000
Dec 17—A Christmas Message from our Children
The Children’s Ministry will present a Christmas program and report on what they have learned and Thanksgiving Offering (included in
done about missions this fall. 11/23 & 11/30) ...................$ 22,809
Missions Offering YTD ....$ 18,572
Communion for Our Homebound Folks Benevolence Offering YTD $ 6,144
Homebound communion will be on Dec. 7. Anyone that can help and is willing to serve communion
to our homebound church members please meet Bob in the church parlor after the 11 a.m. worship
service on Dec. 7 to pickup the Lord Supper elements and some suggestions on how to serve these. Wednesday Dinner Menus

Blue Christmas Service – Sunday, December 21 at 4:00PM December 10

The Christmas Season can be a difficult time for those who are grieving the loss of loved ones and for Pick one of the following menus:
those who may be struggling. Our prayer is that this “Blue Christmas” Worship service will be an Blue Plate Menu
experience of hope and strengthening for all who attend. Country Fried Steak, Mashed Pota-
toes w/ gravy, Green Beans, Salad
End-of-Year Giving—Assistance Available Bar, Yeast Rolls, Chocolate Cake
Thanks be to God for generous-hearted FBC folks! The Finance Office will be open until 5:00 pm on “Lighter Side” Menu
Wednesday, December 31 to receive your year-end gifts. Gifts received through the mail during the Broccoli and Cheese Soup, Baked
first week of 2009 and postmarked by December 31, 2008, will be considered 2008 contributions and Potato/Salad Bar, Grilled Cheese
will be posted to contribution records accordingly. Other convenient ways to make year end gifts Sandwiches, Pepperoni Pizza
are: online donations (www.fbcdecatur.com); stock gifts; and a tax-free distribution to the church December 17
Pick one of the following menus:
from a traditional and/or Roth IRA (this gift must be made directly from the trustee of the IRA to the
Blue Plate Menu
church). For more information or assistance with your gift, please call the Finance Office at
Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce, Steamed
404-370-7694.
Vegetables, Holiday Congealed
Salad, Garlic Texas Toast, Straw-
Go…Be…Do! Missions Corner berry Cake
“Lighter Side” Menu
Your gift to CBF Global Missions supports the work of Rick and Ellen Burnette in Chicken Noodle Soup, Baked
Thailand, as well as hundreds of other field representatives in this country and Potato/Salad Bar, Grilled Chicken
abroad. Please give generously. Strips, Cheese Pizza, Christmas
Cookies
 Youth Sp•t Kid’s Zone
December is a busy month for everyone, and the youth ministry Parents Night Out—December 12; 6-9
will continue with its ongoing schedule through Sunday evening, Our Gift to the Decatur Community needs you!
December 21. There will be no youth ensemble in the month of This is a wonderful way we can touch Decatur. Children of all ages
December, but please be aware of our added happenings... will excitedly enter our buildings for a night of fun while their
parents have some time to shop, maybe a quiet dinner, or just chill
Sunday, December 7th out in the midst of the Christmas season. Do not miss the fun by
Parent Yard Sale Work Day 6:00 volunteering today. Call the church office or Debbie Britt.
Rotisserie 6:00
Youth and Parent Dinner 7:30 Another volunteer opportunity…
Children’s Christmas Craft Day, Dec 20; 10:00-2:00
Friday, December 12 For children 6 months -5th grade.
Community Parents’ Night Out! The cost this year will be $5.00 per child. Please preregister online.
Youth and Parents needed to help!
5:30 to 9:00 Baby Dedication
The next Baby Dedication will be December 21 in Fresh Start and/
Saturday, December 20 or 11:00 Worship. Please contact Debbie Britt by Dec.7th if you
Youth mission day with Hagar House Kids would like to participate.
9:00 to 5:00
Youth are saving change to help provide a great day for Hagar House Upcoming Extended Session List
Kids. Please bring your change to church each week to help!
Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28
Sunday, December 21 Hinkle Castleberry Stanford Swint
Youth Reunion for classes 1995 through 2015 Carter Kennedy Hayes Leeth
10:00 AM in Fellowship Hall Salcedo Jones Fewell Henderson
For all youth and youth leaders from this time period Hamrick

Youth Shopping Day!

Noon to 6:00
Christmas Rotisserie at the Andresen’s 6:30 to 8:00

January 1-4
Ski Retreat @ Snowshoe Mountain

The Outlook, a publication of the First Baptist Church of Decatur,

Georgia, is mailed to members and friends of the First Baptist family.

Main Office......................................404-373-1653
Finance.............................................404-370-7694
First School ......................................404-370-7688
Activities ..........................................404-373-2442
FAX ..................................................404-370-7692
Debbie Britt .....................................404-373-1653
Sharyn Dowd....................................404-373-1653
Ryan Forbes.....................................404-370-7690
Julie Pennington-Russell.................404-370-7684
Kurt Varney......................................404-373-1653
Bob Williamson ...............................404-370-7687
Computer Connections:
Website—www.fbcdecatur.com
E-Mail—fbcd@fbcdecatur.com

The Outlook, USPS 600-320, is published bi-weekly, except

Christmas week, by First Baptist Church Decatur, GA

Postmaster: Please send address changes to First Baptist Church,

308 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030