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Pastor's Pondering

      There seems to come a time when God really begins to speak loud in your life. I know that God has called each of us to follow His example as a giver. I am seeking to be like Him, especially in this area. It has been something that He has been working out in my life and recently He led me to a book by David Platt called, “Radical.” This is not your typical book. This is a not a book to read if you want to stay the same and not be impacted. For me, the book has lived up to its name. It has been radical. Specifically I was challenged by my reading for today and wanted to share it in this edition of “Pastor’s Ponderings”

      Platt made a statement that hit my heart. “I don’t want to pursue stuff – even stuff in the name of Christianity or stuff in the name of the church – and in the process miss Christ and the pleasures He alone gives in a life free from bondage to the possessions of this world.” This statement caused me to start wondering if I am missing out on things God has for me because I do not have the faith to trust Him as a “giver.” Am I so focused on building my own estate, wealth and material possessions that I am missing the hurting in front of me and around the world? Are there ways that I could impact this world more with the possessions God has given me?

      The rich young ruler left Jesus saddened because he could not get his mind around the instructions of Jesus to ‘sell all he had and come and follow the Lord.” I interpret this passage from Mark 10 to be Jesus hitting this man right where his heart was. For some of us, it might be another issue but I dare say, for many of us, money and material possessions would be the mark Jesus would hit in our lives as well. I began to contemplate the thought that it is possible for me, as a pastor and child of God, to get so focused on my own success that I miss the very blessing God has for me as His obedient child and the impact it could have on the lives of others.

      The purpose for this article is to invite all of us to stop where we are and seek God. Ask Him the question the rich young ruler asked, “What must I do to be saved?” It always comes down to surrendering your life to Jesus. Are we completely surrendered to Him? What are the things in our lives that are holding us back from complete surrender? Will He ask us to sell every thing and follow Him? I don’t know. I think the bigger question is, if He did, could you do it? It comes down to the question of, are we seeking Him for advice or are we seeking Him as Lord?

      I will close out this article with another quote from “Radical.” “I don’t want to miss eternal treasure because I settled for earthly trinkets.” May we long for the same.

God bless you,

Pastor Jeff

Worship

John Ortberg, in the foreword to The Dangerous Act of Worship by Mark Labberton says, "[Worship] is the act of walking humbly before your God. It is the knee-buckling, jaw-dropping acknowledgment of the gap between the creature and the Creator, the finite and the Infinite, the sinful and the Holy. It is the heart-rending, spirit-mending gratitude and joy of those who have tasted the wonder that words like redemption can only hint at."

At Fernandina Beach First Baptist, we believe that worship is not about style. In fact, worship is not even about music. Music is simply a tool that can be used to create an environment for corporate celebration.

However, we also believe that each people group, each generation, needs to be able to express its sense of worship in its own voice, in a way that can resonate deep in the soul.

It is because of this core belief that FBC offers a truly blended style of worship. We choose to shy away from over-used and too often misunderstood labels such as Contemporary or Traditional. Instead we believe in one church, offering one voice in worship to an Audience of ONE!

In our worship, we utilize The FBC Worship Choir, Orchestra, Praise Band and Praise Teams to accompany a selection of hymns and worship songs. From the music of Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, Casting Crowns and The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir to the timeless hymns, we desire for our worship to provide an opportunity for every worshiper to experience the Living Christ.

The Worship Choir practices each Tuesday evening at 6:30 with Worship Pastor Steve Buchanan.

Contact Worship Ministry for more information.

Worship Team Members Only

Adults

Women The Women's Ministry strives to educate and inform women on mission and ministry opportunities and activities. The ministry plans monthly and quarterly events to enrich the lives of women in our church and community. Men The Men's Ministry is men holding each other accountable, helping men grow and disciple and become spiritual leaders of their homes through Bible studies, fellowships, etc. Seniors The Senior Adult Ministry exists to encourage and enhance fellowship among our senior adult community through monthly luncheons, road trips, day excursions and more.

SENIOR TRIPS Trip to Orlando November 30th - December 2nd 2 nights, 4 meals, admission to Holy Land Experience, Morse Museum, Arabian Nights and Bok Tower Gardens Cost $249 which includes gratuities. Contact Faye Justice or Myra Swinson for details.

Students

Student Pastor, Charlie McDonough www.Regenstudents.com There’s a big difference between a youth group and a student ministry... if you’ve ever been in one you know what the difference is. Groups are all about themselves.. they eat pizza and they go bowling, and the group has lots of fun, and may even learn a little about Jesus along the way. A student ministry is focused on people who aren’t already in the group. So if you're into dance, or drama, computers, or music... or just about anything else, we have a place for you to fit in, plug in, and start doing what you do to worship Jesus and reach others.

Childen

Our Children's Ministry includes Children's Church, Ultimate Adventure, Vacation Bible School, and various other special events during the year including Family Movie Nights.

LIFE Groups

What is a LIFE Group?

In a large population, creating a sense of community and connecting with others is important. In the church, it's crucial. LIFE Groups are small groups within the larger church in which people of similar interests take care of the "one-anothers" in life. In a large church, it's important that community exists in order for relationships to be real and relevant.

Another important aspect of connecting with First Baptist is finding a place to serve. LIFE Groups are the best place to begin that process. Each LIFE Group is designed to help you find a place of service in the church, in the community and in the world.

LIFE Groups are typically organized by age and life stage. They meet on Sunday mornings as well as in homes at various times during the week. Bible study is an important aspect of the group meetings. Fellowship and service are also important. LIFE is an acronym for "learn," "involve," "fellowship," and "evangelism." Each member of a LIFE Group is encouraged to be engaged in these four marks of a believer.

LIFE GROUP CLASSES

Preschool-Birth to Pre-K Infants Rm C05 Toddlers Rm C06 2 yr olds Rm C08 3 yr olds Rm C09 4 yr olds Rm C11 Elementary-Grades K through Five Kindergarten Rm C19 1st grade Rm C28 2nd grade Rm C21 3rd grade Rm C22 4th grade Rm C23 5th grade Rm C24 Children's Church Rm C13 Middle & High School-Grades 6 - 12 All Meet in Gym

Adult Classes Men's Class Rm A05 (Whitaker, Saunders, Vining) Cross Trainers Class (Coed 20-30 yr) Rm A06 (Jacobsen) C3 Class (18-25 yr) Rm A18 (Williams, Graves) Joy Class (Coed 50+) Rm A08 (Greeson) WR Price Class (Coed Senior) Rm A10 (Hendricks) CB Brewton Class (Coed 60+) Rm A11 (Johnson) BYKOTA Class (Coed 60+) Rm A13 (Dennard) Bethany-Faith Class (Ladies Senior Adult) Rm A14 (Swaringen) Jerrie's Class (Women) Rm A15 (Moore) Erin's Class (Women) Rm A16 (Sturgill) William Davis Class (Seniors) Rm A07 (Parker) Laura's Class (Women) Rm A19 (Peacock) Truth Seekers (Coed) Rm A21&22 (Fussell)

LIFE in 3-D

There is something for everyone Wednesday evenings at 6:30 at First Baptist Church. In LIFE Groups, we learn God's Word. In LIFE in 3-D, we learn how to live it out in our daily lives. There are groups for all ages. Mission Groups for kids 3 years through 5th grade, Revolution Student Worship for middle and high school, Prayer Meeting, and more.

Regular Church Activities

MONDAY 6pm – 8pm FBC Outreach TUESDAY 6:30pm – 8pm Choir Practice WEDNESDAY 5:30pm – 6:30pm Fellowship Supper (call for reservation) 6:30pm – 7:30pm Worship 6:30pm – 7:30pm Hour of Prayer (RM A18) 6:30pm – 7:30pm LIFE in 3-D 6:30pm – 7:30pm Revolution 6:30pm – 7:30pm Children's Missions Programs 7:30pm – 8:30pm Orchestra Practice THURSDAY 6:30am – 7:30am Men's Bible Study FRIDAY 9am – 10am Prayer Ministry 6pm – 8pm Celebrate Recovery (Alachua St. Campus) SATURDAY 8am – 9am Men's Bible Study 8am – 9am Women's Bible Study

2010 Wednesday Night Supper Menu August 25    Picnic at the beach--fried chicken September 8   Fish Fry September 15   Baked Chicken September 22   Beef Stroganoff September 29   Ham .NOTE: Salads are available by reservation only. Reservation due by 11:00 am Monday previous to the Wednesday dinner. If you are on the list and cannot make it, please call. If you wish to be added to the list, call the office to reserve your dinner. (904) 261-3617

Celebrate Recovery

Celebrate Recovery was designed as a program to help those struggling with hurts, habits and hang-ups by showing them the loving power of Jesus Christ through a recovery process. We fellowship and celebrate God´s healing power in our lives through the "8 Recovery Principles." This experience allows us to "be changed." We open the door by sharing our experiences, strengths and hopes with one another. In addition, we become willing to accept God´s grace in solving our lifes´ problems. By working and applying these Biblical principles, we begin to grow spiritually. We become free from our addictive, compulsive and dysfunctional behaviors. This freedom creates peace, serenity, joy and most importantly, a stronger personal relationship with God and others. Meetings are held each Friday evening at 6:00 in room A-22.

JOIN US FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17th as we celebrate our 3 year anniversary!

R=	Principle 1 - Realize I'm not God; I admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and my life is unmanageable. "Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor"
E=	Principle 2 - Earnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to him, and that he has the power to help me recover. "Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted"
C=	Principle 3 - Consciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ's care and control. "Happy are the meek"
O=	Principle 4 - Openly examine and confess my faults to God, to myself, and to someone I trust. "Happy are the pure in heart"
V=	Principle 5 - Voluntarily submit to every change God wants to make in my life and humbly ask Him to remove my character defects. "Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires"
E=	Principle 6 - Evaluate all my relationships; Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I've done to others except when to do so would harm them or others. "Happy are the merciful" "Happy are the peacemakers"
R=	Principle 7 - Reserve a daily time with God for self examination, Bible readings and prayer in order to know God and His will for my life and to gain the power to follow His will.
Y=	Principle 8 - Yield myself to God to be used to bring this Good News to others, both by my example and by my words. "Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires&q.uot;

UPWARD Basketball and Cheerleading

Basketball and Cheerleading ... More Than A Game.


SIGN UP ONLINE
Early Registration cost per child for Basketball is $65. After September 7th, the cost is $75.

Everyone must attend basketball evaluation or cheerleading orientation. Evaluations begin at 9am Saturday morning, Sept. 11th.

Evaluations take place in the Family Life Center (Gym) as follows:
Kindergarten through 3rd Grade Boys/Girls - Saturday, September 11th from 9 to 3.
4th Grade through 6th Grade Boys/Girls - Saturday, September 11th from 9 to 3.
Secondary Evaluation: Monday, September 13th from 5:00 p.m. til 8:00 p.m.

Practices begin the week of Sunday, September 19th.
First game is Saturday, October 2, 2010
Awards Celebration is Monday, November 22n 2010

UPWARD promotes character and self-esteem in every child by: Providing an evaluation system that promotes equal teams and opportunities. Establishing a home-hour practice and game each week. Implementing a substitution system for each team, allowing every child equal playing time. Creating the opportunity for every child to learn the skills of the game. UPWARD is more than a game. You child will have fun learning or improving their sport specific skills through UPWARD. Pick up a flyer at the UPWARD booth in the front foyer, or SIGN UP ONLINE

Jack 'n Jill Preschool

A Faith-based, weekday (September - May) preschool program for three and four year olds.

Visit our web site at www.jacknjillpreschool.com
or call 904.261.0881 for more information.

Fernandina Christian Academy

For the 2010-2011 school year on August 23rd of this year. We will offer classes for kindergarten through 2nd grade this school year and extend additional grades every year until we are a fully accredited K-12 school.

Mission
Fernandina Christian Academy has an unwavering mission to assist families in educating their children and preparing them to become influential Christian leaders of tomorrow. Our goal is to:

• - provide students with a unique curriculum of academic excellence
• - nurture each students' God given gifts, talents, and abilities
• - equip students with the skills and character needed to navigate successfully in life
• - instill Biblical principles in the hearts and minds of students that they might impact their society for Christ

Curriculum
Students will learn to be strategic creative thinkers through exciting and challenging instruction that is developmentally appropriate for the whole child. They will learn new ways to explore, examine, question, and discover the world around them. Instruction in the areas of art, music, P.E., speaking, drama, technology, and leadership will inspire students to explore their natural gifts and talents.

Faculty
All our teachers are highly qualified and talented professionals who hold state certification. Teachers firmly adhere to Biblical principles and standards and are committed to providing an uplifting atmosphere that will foster students' abilities and challenge them academically.

Please contact Gwen Milam at (904)491-5664 to apply for admission, ask questions, or schedule a visit to our campus.