Seed Start-UpsAs a youth, I visited Sequoia National Forest in California with my parents and was awed by the giant 300-feet tall trees. Some have trunks that are 30 feet in diameter and live up to 4,000 years. In the Middle East, I have seen palm trees that often bear fruit for 200 years. These creations of God began with the smallest of seeds.

The first electric light was so dim that a candle was needed to see its socket. It took 32 hours for one of the first steamboats

to chug its way from New York to Albany, a distance of 150 miles. The first cars only purred along at two to four miles per hour. Carriages would pass them, with passengers taunting, “Get a horse!”

“The seed of righteousness” is planted in our hearts to bring “a harvest of righteousness” (2 Corinthians 9:10). As a believer, you have all that it takes within you to grow to be a giant sequoia saint and a shining light as you travel the rest of your life journey with the Lord. We get frustrated at the speed of growth and long for instant maturity. Sometimes, we feel that we are not growing at all, yet like a plant or tree, growth may be taking place under the surface… if you “get right.”

Walmart began as Sam Walton’s start-up business, a Five and Dime, which you can still visit, as Janet and I have done. Google began with just two nerdy guys writing code for a new search engine. Your spiritual mustard-seed-faith can grow. After all, Samuel noted of King Saul that he was “Once small in his own eyes” yet he was “anointed as king over Israel” (1 Samuel 15:17). Saul got into trouble when he started seeing himself as a big deal.

This weekend is very special in the Wicker family, as we celebrate Janet’s birthday (July 5) and her brother Jack’s special day (July 4). Their godly parents planted seeds which have continued to bear fruit in many ways.

Let’s continue to water the garden of godliness. “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). Deal with the weeds which choke out the seeds. Put your roots down deep into God’s Word and in the fellowship of His church. “Patiently wait for the precious harvest to ripen” (James 5:7).

Churchwide Dr. Hayes Wicker, Senior Pastor

There is a guest reception in the Commons following the Saturday night and Sunday morning worship services. Pastor would love to meet you!

Guest Reception

“Absent from the Body, Present with the Lord”Buddy Adams went home to be with Jesus on June 26. We are praying for and express our sympathy to his wife, Linda, and the rest of the family.

Malachi Burdette met Jesus face to face on July 1 before he was born. We are praying for and express our sympathy to his parents, Dean & Shenna, and the rest of the family.

Beach Baptism - Next Sunday, July 13Visit our Table in the Commons This Weekend to Reserve Your SpotHave you placed your faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior and not yet professed your faith through believer’s baptism? This is a perfect opportunity. For more information, call Linda at 596-8600 x280.

Student MinistryHigh School Camp

July 27-31 at Clearwater Christian CollegeChoose your own mission adventure. All current 8th grade through 12th grade students are eligible to attend and cost is $250. You can sign-up immediately at hsmfbcn.com or return a registration envelope to the Student Ministry Office with your deposit of $50. For more details, call Josh Jones at 449-4480 or email jjones@fbcn.org.

Summer Adult Bible Study“Overcoming Our Fears,

Understanding God’s Names”Every Wednesday at 6:30pm

in the Worship CenterWorkbooks are available in the

Lighthouse Bookstore for $13.00 each.

Beach Baptism

“WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF?” By Dr. David Jeremiah

In this study, Pastor and Author, Dr. David Jeremiah, applies the truth of God’s Word to each of these common fears: Fear of Failure, Fear of Depression, Fear of Being Alone, Fear of Serious Illness, Fear of Dying. The biblical teachings that he introduces will help you break free of paralyzing fear through God’s power and presence.

“THE POWER OF GOD’S NAMES” By Dr. Tony Evans

Witness the majesty and glory of God’s names. In biblical times, names communicated a person’s essence...his/her history, nature, or character. That’s why God revealed Himself by dozens of different names in Scripture. No single name could convey the fullness of His character and works. Learn the meanings of God’s names to know Him more fully and experience Him more deeply.

Fifth Grade Summer CampJuly 28 - August 1

This is an awesome opportunity to have your child experience a life-changing summer. Winshape is a day camp designed for students. We are asking our 5th grade students to sign-up to attend the week of July 28-August 1. For more information, feel free to visit www.winshape.org/camps/. If you have any questions, please contact our Fifth Grade Director, Jason Dean, at jdean@fbalions.org.

Various Ministries

Missions Ministry

First Baptist Academy Help WantedFirst Baptist Academy

Substitute Teachers are NeededIf you are interested in applying, go to www.fbalions.org to complete an application. For questions or further information, email Cindy at ccase@fbcn.org or call her at 596-8600 x256.

Word of Life Hungary Mission TripOn the Field July 4 - 13

This team will be teaching English and helping with sports and games at a youth camp. Please be praying for them.

Vietnam Mission TripOn the Field July 9 - August 2

Our own Vietnamese Church Pastor, Jimmy Nguyen, is returning to Vietnam to teach and train pastors. Please be praying for him.

Meet the CandidatesThursday, July 17 at 7:00pm

This is a candidate forum for all three Collier school districts. All voters in the primary will be able to cast three votes, one for each district 1, 3, and 5, regardless of the district you live in. The top two candidates in each district will advance to the general election in November (unless a candidate receives over 50% of the votes cast in his/her district). We encourage you to seek the candidates who best demonstrate courage, honesty, and the earnest intent to represent the voters and all stakeholders in the quality education of our children.

Nigeria Mission TripBeing Commissioned This Weekend

Trip will be July 10 - August 5Our own Associate Pastor of Missions, Dr. David Heath, is going to work with the Dukawa, C’Lela, Fakai, and Reshe languages in NW Nigeria. Please be praying for him.

FBCN Staff Anniversaries for JuneKim Buchanan Preschool Ministry Assistant 13 yearsShannon Moore Director of Women’s Ministry 8 yearsBob Plamondon Director of Operations 5 yearsSandy Graham Special Event Coordinator 5 yearsKeith Scott AVL (part-time) 3 yearsNorma Woods Human Resources Assistant 3 years

FBCN Staff Anniversaries for July

New Believer ClassBegins Saturday, August 16 at 7:30pm in DC112

If you are a new believer in Jesus Christ, this is the class for you. It is an eight week class that you can join at any time during that eight weeks. If you know someone who is a new believer, please tell him/her about this class. For more information, please call Sandy at 596-8600 x630.

School Supplies NeededDonations Accepted until July 27

The Backyard Bible Club is going to the Immokalee Apartments to deliver school supplies to needy children. Donations may be delivered to the collection bins in the Commons and by Kidztown (DC120). Supplies needed are backpacks, notebooks, pencils, paper, washable markers, crayons, scissors, glue, rulers, and highlighters.

First Baptist Church Naples3000 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples, FL 34109

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Church Receptionist ..................................................................597-6057Enter ext. # for direct connection ...............................................596-8600Lighthouse Bookstore ................................................................449-4488First Baptist Academy Naples ...................................................597-223324-Hour Prayer Line .....................................................597-PRAY (7729)Church Email ..................................................................FBCN@fbcn.org

July 7 - 13John Sanchez

&Frank Romano

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 RevenuesJuly 1, 2013 - June 29, 2014

Budget Actual Variance $7,474,150 $7,521,474 $47,324

Financial Stewardship Bible & Life Attendance

June 28 & 29Saturday Night 1,031Sunday 9:30 a.m. 1,572Total 2,603

Wednesday Night Study 385

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 fitted just for you.

See what God is doing!Debt balance as of June 29

$1,457,289

First Time GuestsWelcome 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 finding 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.

June 28 & 29Saturday Night 590Sunday 8:15 a.m. 91Sunday 11:00 a.m. 783Home Groups 188Total 1,652

Statement of FaithLinda TermottoValerie King

BaptismChloe Jones

July 9 (4:45-6:00pm in theFellowship Recreation Gym)

Chicken Parmesan, Pasta, 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, July 55:00 p.m. Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus6:00 p.m. Worship Service: Worship Center6:00 p.m. Spanish Worship Service: Modular 17:30 p.m. Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus

Sunday, July 68:15 a.m. Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus9:00 a.m. Haitian Bible Study & Worship: ED2079:00 a.m. Vietnamese Worship & Bible Study: DC2219:30 a.m. Worship Service: Worship Center10:00 a.m. Romanian Bible Study & Worship: Modular 411:00 a.m. Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus12:30 p.m. Spanish Worship Service: Student Center6:00 p.m. Romanian Worship Service: Modular 46:30 p.m. Haitian Worship Service: Modular 2

Wednesday, July 94:45 p.m. Family Meal: Fellowship Recreation-Gym6:20 p.m. Wacky Wednesdays Kids Program: DC120 Kidztown Worship6:30 p.m. Summer Adult Bible Study: Worship Center6:30 p.m. High School Ministry: Student Center6:30 p.m. Middle School Ministry: Family Life Center-Gym6:30 p.m. Worship Choir Rehearsal: Choir Room

Other events this week include: C2 Softball and Celebrate Recovery

Home Bible & Life Groups (BLGs)Launching This Fall

Every weekend, we have over 30 adult Bible and Life Groups meeting on our church campus in what we consider to be one of the most important ministries at FBCN. BLGs are where the Bible is taught in a small group format, but also where life happens and people truly become part of the family. We want to expand this great ministry beyond the First Baptist campus, as well as offer a variety of meeting times during the week. In the fall, we will be launching a new dimension to our BLG ministry, which we are calling Home Bible & Life Groups. Groups will meet in homes around the Naples community, and will usually happen in the evenings. If you are interested in this new BLG ministry, please contact John David Edie at rwright@fbcn.org.

Home Bible & Life Groups