Vol. XXXVIII • No.

8 • April 25, 2008

“Among Friends” Welcome New Members!
Four weeks ago I asked a handful of FBC’s
leaders to join me at Glenn Memorial United
Methodist Church for an evening with George
Bullard. George helps congregations discern the
future that God has in mind for them. He has been
called one of the most experienced and effective church consultants
working in the United States today (and he happens to be Shellie
Johnson’s uncle!). Joining me at Glenn Memorial were Beth Smith,
Galen Swint, David Bennett, Kurt Varney and Ryan Forbes. Harriet
and Wilson Holland also were there (Harriet is the Director of The
Glenn School). Below are some of Beth Smith’s reflections on the John Stanfield Gib Stanfield
evening. April 6, 2008 (by baptism) April 6, 2008 (by baptism)

From Beth Smith:

On March 28 I joined Glenn Memorial UMC
leaders in their ministry and strategic planning
session with George Bullard who has 37+ years of
wisdom and experience in leading churches from
stagnation through preservation and into new life in
Christ. Wow! George’s session exceeded my
expectations and set me to thinking about how his presentation
relates to our congregation.
I’d like to share four of George’s ten “congregational issues for Chris and Amanda Faulkner Kate Crabtree
generative dialogue” and how, together, these four areas impact a April 6, 2008 (Chris by statement; (by baptism)
congregation’s decision making: Amanda by baptism)
1. Visionary Leadership—the congregation has a strong, clear and
passionate sense of who they are, what they value, where they’re
headed and how they are getting there.
2. Relationship Experience— encompasses evangelism,
discipleship development and lay mobilization.
3. Programmatic Emphases—includes the congregation’s
programs, ministries, and activities designed to meet real,
identified spiritual, social and emotional needs of people.
4. Accountable Management—includes the congregation’s teams,
committees and boards. Rick and Tanya Rodriquez, Glen and Cherie Bennett,
Mia and Ana Elizabeth
Ideally the management systems support the visionary leadership April 13, 2008 (by letter) April 13, 2008 (by statement)
efforts of the pastor, staff and congregational leadership. In fact, the
management systems within a church should be so agile that
visionary leadership can take us, unhindered, to where God is
leading.
We were asked to envision these four areas as passengers in a
car: In the most vibrant, thriving, healthy churches the car’s driver is
Visionary Leadership (Prov. 29:18, 2 Cor. 5:7), the navigator is
Relationship Experience, the backseat passenger behind Visionary Diane (Alta) Headen
Leadership is Accountable Management, and the backseat passenger April 20, 2008 (by letter)
behind Relationship Experience is Programmatic Emphases.
The idea is that management provides the infrastructure behind
visionary leadership so that vision can soar God-ward. Accountable Upcoming Wednesday Night Schedule
Management is accountable to Visionary Leadership, not the other
way around. If, however, Vision rests and takes a nap in the back April 30-God is Alive in Thailand!
seat, Management drives. If Relationship rests and takes a nap in the Images and stories from the Thailand mission team.
back seat, Programs navigate. May 7—Micro-Trends for churches:
So—whom do you think is driving and navigating at FBC Stained Glass Ceiling Breakers led by Lou Ann Brown
Decatur? Who is providing infrastructure and support? How are we May 14—Little Ones Praise God!
making decisions? Hmmm…I’m thinking a lot about this and hope FBC children’s music ministry night.
you will, too. May 21—Micro-trend for churches:
Working Retired led by Larry Connelly
Beth Smith, Finance Committee Vice-Chair May 28—Yard Sale Prep and Prayer
Congregational Life Prayer Concerns as of
April 21, 2008
Casual “Meet & Greet” Opportunity with Sharyn Dowd--Saturday, May 3
Because some FBC folks will not be able to attend the combined Bible study gathering on May 4, there is an In The Hospital:
additional opportunity to visit with Sharyn over a cup of punch on Saturday afternoon, May 3, from 3:00-4:00 ▪ Bill Trawick, Emory, ICU-G-217.
in the church parlor. ▪ Louise Blackledge, DeKalb
Medical, Room 3203
Special Combined Sunday School Gathering—Sunday, May 4 ▪ Tyler Cagle, ICU, Phoenix, AZ
On May 4th all adult and youth Sunday School classes are invited to gather in Carreker Hall for a light
▪ Maxine Westmoreland, Emory.
breakfast and Bible study taught by Sharyn Dowd. Coffee and a continental breakfast will be available starting
at 9:30 (Fresh Start worship will take place on the front lawn that day). Bible study will begin at 10:00. At Sympathy To:
10:40 the congregation will be asked to vote on the recommendation by the Deacons that Sharyn be called as ▪ The family of Charles Pritchard.
Minister of Adult Spiritual Formation and Mission Engagement. Please note that we will not be voting in ▪ Mrs. Bob Battle on the death of her
either worship service—only during the Sunday School hour. daughter, Gloria Priest.

Administrative Professional’s Day

Wednesday, April 23, is Administrative Professional’s Day! We have a great administrative staff at First
Baptist Church of Decatur who are always willing to go the extra mile. Our support staff is made up of
Nancy Norman, Beth Thompson, Amy Russell, and Holly Upchurch. They help keep our church
running and the information flowing. The next time you get a chance, be sure to thank these terrific
people for the part they play in the ministry and mission of our church. Tithes & Offerings
Parents’ Night Out-This Friday—6:00-9:00p! A Generous People
The Spring Parents’ Night Out is this Friday, April 25 from 6:00-9:00 and is offered to children from 3
months-5th grade. If you are able to volunteer for this event please contact Debbie Britt,
dbritt@fbcdecatur.com or 404-373-1653. We need at least 75 volunteers to help us make this event a 2008 Ministry Action Plan
success! Weekly Need: .....................$ 27,361
Received on Apr. 6: ............$ 37,484
Celebrating our Sunday School Volunteers—This Sunday Received on Apr. 13: ..........$ 14,843
This Sunday following 11:00 worship, we will celebrate all that God is doing through our gifted Sunday Y-T-D Need:.....................$ 410,420
School leaders. Lunch will be provided at no cost for all Sunday School volunteers and their families. Y-T-D Received: ..............$ 350,610
Please RSVP to the church office so that we can prepare enough meals— 404-373-1653. Surplus/(shortfall):.............. (59,809)
Net Income at 3/31/08 ........$ 25,333
Mission Ministry Team Meeting
The next Mission Ministry Team Meeting will be Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 7:30 pm “Years of Opportunity 2007-09”
Campaign
“Big Band” Evening on our Front Lawn—Friday, May 2, 6:30p Given to Date:...................$ 294,745
Don’t miss FBC’s annual Big Band concert and dance with The Atlanta 17! Bring your own picnic Bank Loan Balance:..........$ 271,229
supper. The concert is free but there is a $10 reservation fee if you’d like a table and 8 chairs reserved in Owed to FBC Fdn.:...........$ 180,000
your name. The church will furnish bottled water and soft drinks. The event is open to the entire church
family and Decatur community. Dress is casual. Tables can be reserved until April 30 or until we run out
of tables. Sponsored by Young at Heart (a ministry of FBCD).

Graduate Recognition Day—May 4

On May 4th in both worship services we will recognize all those who are graduating! Will you send us Wednesday Dinner Menus
your name and information? We’d love to publish your accomplishment and celebrate with you as a
congregation. Please email Amy Russell in the church office. (arussell@fbcdecatur.com) April 30
Beef Tips in Mushroom Gravy,
Help a Hagar’s House child go to summer day camp! White Rice, Italian Cut Green
It costs $125 per child per week for a Hagar’s House child to go to summer day camp. If you would be Beans, Carrot Raisin Salad, Yeast
willing to help a child attend day camp this summer please send a check to the finance office with Rolls, Fruit Cocktail Cake
“Hagar’s House Summer Day Camp” indicated on the check. Kid’s Menu
Turkey and Cheese Sandwiches,
Housing Needed for Summer Missionaries Vegetable Soup, Ice Cream Bars
The Moncrief Center is seeking housing for three summer missionaries (two females, one male) in the May 7
Decatur/Tucker/Chamblee, East Point/Hapeville/College Park area, or anywhere reasonably accessible to Fried Chicken Tenders w/ Honey
MARTA. The students arrive near the end of May and stay through the end of July. FBC Decatur Mustard, Potato Salad, Italian Cut
member Tara Jonick is Director of the Moncrief Center. Contact her at tjonick@atlbaptist.org or at Green Beans, Salad Bar, Yeast
404-580-6692. Rolls, Apple Pie
Kid’s Menu
Decatur Cooperative Ministry Volunteer Needs Chicken Nuggets, Mashed Potatoes,
DCM is looking for Financial Management Teachers that could guide clients through a curriculum
Green Beans, Yeast Rolls, Fresh
designed to both teach financial skills and to provide support to those struggling financially. The ses-
Fruit
sions would be three evenings in a row, several time a year. Additional training is provided if you are
willing to teach. If interested contact Rachel Small, DCM volunteer manager at 404-377-5365.
Youth Sp•t
Kid’s Zone
Our youth have been shaken by the recent accident that one of our former
youth/youth interns suffered. This tragedy has helped our youth pull together The kids’ summer beach trip is coming up soon. They
for special times of prayer in the past week and we are sponsoring a 24 hour will be heading to Jekyll Island from June 1-June 6. If
time of prayer for Tyler. Times like these are good times for reflection on the you are interested give Debbie Britt a call in the
relationships in our lives. We ask that you keep the youth and Tyler in your church office, 404-373-1653.
prayers over the coming months as Tyler recovers and as we embark on a
summer filled with ministry and mission. If you want to keep up with our Thank you to our extended session volunteers!
youth ministry you can visit our website! www.decaturyouth.org
Apr. 27 May 4 May 11
Important Summer Youth Dates Eargle Herndon Bigbie
Yard Sale (May 29-May 31) Perry Williams Kennedy
Junior/Senior Retreat (June 6-June 14) R. Leeth Minor Palmer
Intown Mission Week (June 22-June 28) Henderson Visser Milton
Out of Town Mission Week (July 12-July 19)
Beach Retreat (August 3-August 8)

This summer our youth will be involved in all kinds of things

that are designed to help them become intentional followers of
Christ. These are things that happen each week like Sunday
Morning Bible Study and once a year events like Intown
Mission Week, Out of Town Mission Week, and the Beach
Retreat. Some of these things are very inexpensive and some of
them end up costing a good bit of money! We have been
blessed in the past by a successful Youth Yard Sale that helps cover most of our youth ministry costs and we are looking forward to another
successful Yard Sale this year. Our Yard Sale Opens at 7:00 AM on Thursday, May 29 and closes around noon on Saturday, May 31,
2008. This is not only an incredible fund raiser it is also a way for youth to grow a strong community and see the blessings of God who is
the only one who can make this happen each year. As always, we need your help to make this year’s sale a success! We need your prayers
--- prayers for good weather and safety and financial success. This event is also a big outreach event for our church. Each year we have
shoppers who end up coming to church and some of them have made First Baptist Church Decatur their church home. We still need your
donations and the donations of your friends and family. Remember that we are always available to come and get your donations! We also
can use your help sorting and pricing over the next month. You can come in almost any day and work on the sale --- just call Kurt and find
out what to do when you arrive. We are also thankful for your donations of bottled water and snacks for the week --- these can be brought
to the church office at anytime. We will be having a special church wide work day and time of prayer on Wednesday, May 28! Look for
more details in your next Outlook!

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
Ryan Forbes.....................................404-370-7690
Julie Pennington-Russell.................404-370-7684
Kurt Varney......................................404-373-1653
Bob Williamson ...............................404-370-7687

Computer Connections:
Website—http://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