Dr. Hayes Wicker, Senior Pastor Churchwide

In the Christian movie from our friends at Sherwood Baptist Church, “Facing the Giants,” Grant Taylor, a discouraged football coach at a Christian Academy, gets an unexpected spiritual lesson. Mr. Bridges, a true prayer warrior, responds to Grant’s comment, “I just don’t see God at work here.” Mr. Bridges then tells Grant about two farmers who desperately needed rain, “Both of them prayed for rain, but only one of them went out and prepared his fields to receive it.” Then the coach was asked, “Which one do you think trusted God to send the rain?” We have been cultivating the soil

of ministry for years and have seen His gracious outpouring of blessing many times. Once again, let’s prepare for rain by prayer, repentance, adjustment, and patience.

We tend to remember initial trauma more than ultimate triumph, like learning to swim, making your first speech, or the first day at a new school. Parents remember the mixed feelings of taking their firstborn to college and leaving them to return home. Some of us stay traumatized rather than energized by new challenges. You may not eat any new entrée at a restaurant, wear different colors or styles, or travel outside the U.S. I even know a gentleman in his sixties who won’t fly – never has, never will.

Wonderfully, God does “new things.” We become “new creations in Christ” (2 Cor. 5:17). The Lord then gives us “a new song” (Psalm 33:3). The Lord wants to do a new work among His people. It is not weird but fresh and dynamic, miraculous and glorious.

The beauty of ministry is to affirm what works because of God’s anointing, but to also attempt new approaches under His leadership. Our 9:30 worship service is classic First Baptist Church, with awesome music, the biggest year-round attendance, and a great spirit. For years, we have wondered how to manage the crowds during the season who want to come to this particular time slot, which is preferred by so many. God also blesses the seasonal 11:00 service.

With our new 11:00 Chapel Worship Service beginning this weekend, we can reach more of the unchurched and unsaved. The band-led music and the informal environment in a smaller venue can be appealing. Pray for Eric Yeldell as he leads the worship music, Troy Maragos as he coordinates, and John Patterson as he leads his media team. Of course, deacons, lay leaders, and staff are involved. Don’t forget to pray for me to have renewed physical energy and to transition quickly between services. Pray for the county permitting process for new technology to be completed ASAP, and most of all that the Lord’s presence and power will be manifested in the Chapel as in the Worship Center. I still hope to be at the Commons reception after the service. Let’s plant our crops and get out our umbrellas and prepare for rain!

*There is a guest reception in the Commons following the Saturday night and Sunday morning 11:00am worship services. Pastor would love to meet you!

Welcome to First Baptist Church NaplesWe are so glad you joined us for worship! Greeters at the doors can help with any immediate needs you may have. Volunteers at the Connection Point in the Commons can assist you in answering any questions as well. For more information about our church and ministries, please call Linda at 596-8600 x280.

Prepare for Rain

Pizza with the PastorsWednesday, September 30 at 5:30pm

at the Connection Point in the CommonsAre you brand new to the church? If so, we have a casual “get to know you gathering” just for you! This is a time where you can get to know the Pastoral Staff, receive information about the church, and have questions answered. We encourage you to bring your children. Pizza and salad will be available. To register, please call Linda at 596-8600 x280.

2016 Deacon NominationsDeadline October 4

Deacon nomination forms are located in the turnstiles in the Commons, church foyer, and Fellowship Hallway. Please do not share your nomination with the nominee as certain criteria must be met. You may place your completed, confidential form 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 reception office).

Missions Ministry

Jimmy Nguyen’s Mission Trip to VietnamSeptember 24 - November 4

Jimmy is the pastor of the Vietnamese congregation that meets on our campus. He is joining an American missionary to do leadership training programs. They provide a philosophy of ministry that includes vision, values, and strategy. The goal is that these new leaders will then go make disciples and organize themselves into local congregations and serve their community. Please be praying for Jimmy and his team.

Bill & Ginny Hanson AwardedChurch Members Serving as Missionaries

with the Association of Baptistsfor World Evangelism

Every year, the ABWE leadership chooses a missionary to receive the “Outstanding Service Award” for their outstanding service and dedication to our Lord on the mission field. This year, our very own Bill & Ginny Hanson were chosen. We praise God for this faithful couple from FBCN.

Anna’s TeaMonday, Sept 28 at 1:30pm in Room WC117

This is a ministry of the deacons’ wives to the widows of our congregation. Join us for fellowship and encouragement from God’s Word. Please sign-up in the Fellowship Hallway, Commons, or call Vada at 596-8600 x268. The theme this month is “FBA.”

Choir Rehearsal InformationOur Sunday seasonal choir rehearsal begins this Sunday, Sept 27 at 5pm in the Choir Room. This is a great rehearsal option for those of you who participate in Band of Brothers, RefresHer, AWANA, or Student Ministry leadership on Wednesday nights. This rehearsal will continue until the Easter season. Our normal rehearsals are Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:00pm. We invite you to come make His praise glorious with us! We need more choir members.

Help WantedFood Service Ministry

If you enjoy preparing food and serving children, then we would like to meet with you. The work hours are Monday through Friday, from 9:00am until 2:00pm. Experience helpful, but is not required. For more details, please call Chef Herb at 821-6902.

Naples Christmas SpectacularTickets Go On Sale Saturday, October 10 at 12:00amPrices are $8, $12.50, and $15. You can purchase tickets online at fbcn.org, or at the church in the Commons before services on Wednesdays and Saturdays, or in-between services on Sundays. You can also purchase tickets by phone, Monday-Friday (9am-6pm) at 888-795-1559.

Protected HarborAt the Missions Kiosk in the Commons

As we prepare to embark upon the building of a new men’s home, we look for God’s provision in making this possible. Our annual prayer breakfast on November 12 provides support for this endeavor, and will feature guest speaker Harry Mihet from Liberty Counsel. Prayer breakfast tickets are available at the Missions Kiosk along with information about our ministry.

New to the Church?

RefresHer Women’s Ministry“Revelation: The Last Act”

Begins Tuesday, October 6 at 9:00amand Wednesday, October 7 at 6:30pm

in the Worship CenterHave you ever wondered how the book of Revelation fits with the rest of the Bible, or how one can comprehend a book filled with so many signs, symbols, perplexing and sometimes scary images? If so, you are not alone. This new session in RefresHer will seek to answer these questions and more by comparing scripture with scripture, and by carefully exploring this powerful, timely, and exciting book. We are about to take front seats to view the unfolding of what is the ultimate Apocalypse and The Last Act. This study will be taught by Vina Sterrett with additional personal applications taught by Kristin Yeldell. For more information, please call the women’s ministry at 596-8600 x241.

Preschool, Children, YouthStudent and Children’s Choirs

Begin Sunday, October 4All student and children’s choirs kickoff on Sunday, Oct 4 at 5:00pm. Join us for Praise Kids (prek4-4th grade) in the Education Building, 5th grade choir in room DC220, and students (6th-12th grade) in the Student Center.

Parent Dedication ClassSaturday, October 17 at 4:45pm in Room ED164

This class is for parents who want to dedicate themselves and their child to the Lord during a Worship Service. Childcare will be provided. Please call Kim at 596-8600 x360 to make your reservation.

Trunk & TreatCandy Donations

Trunk & Treat will be held on Friday, October 30 from 6:30pm until 8:00pm. Candy donations are needed and can be dropped off in the Commons, the Fellowship Hallway, or the Education Building. Look for our buckets!

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 Connection Point in the Commons. The helpful volunteers there can guide you to a BLG fitted just for you.

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

Sept 28 - Oct 4Mark Shaw

&John Sanchez

If you need assistance, please call the church deacon hotline

at 800-732-9573.

Wednesday Family Meal

FBCNaples

Contact Us

Weekly Schedule

This Upcoming Week

2015-2016 Operating RevenuesJuly 1, 2015 - September 20, 2015 Budget Actual Variance$1,555,000 $1,416,085 ($138,915)

Financial Stewardship

September 19 & 20Saturday Night 1,170Sunday 9:30 a.m. 1,412Total 2,582Wednesday Evening 1,348

Decisions for Christ Worship AttendanceLast Weekend

Deacon of the Week

Kingdom Missions OfferingYTD through September 20

Pledges Received$343,488 $306,879

September 19 & 20Saturday Night 666Sunday 8:15 a.m. 77Sunday 11:00 a.m. 841Home Groups 354Total 1,938

Robert ChamberlainDoug CharlesMireisa ChavianoJason CoxJoanne CoxAmy Gomez-CruzWanda CruzYadiel EnriguezJordan GilesVictoria GoldmanVeronique GoldmanJohn Handley

Chris NetheryLisa NetheryCarlos RuizJohnatan SantillanMichael SantillanDavid VerbruggeJeremiah VillasanteRebekah VillasanteAlfredo VillavicencioColvin WarburtonChoon YuYoung Yu

Kristin Handley-BuczkoGene HarrisSue HarrisBrian KiskoSteve LindseyNicola LongAna LopezMichael LopezCaylin McClellanRobin MelchiorreMary Ann MercerDana Mosqueda

Saturday Evening at 7:30pmMike & Teri Dolan Teach Couples in their 20s

in Room DC216Mike & Teri are currently teaching on “The Truth Project.” Feel free to visit their class, or stop by the information desk in the Commons for more details.

September 30 (4:45-6:00 p.m. in theFellowship/Recreation Gym)

Chicken Cordon Bleu, Rice PIlaf,Veggie, Salad, and Dessert

Tickets may be purchased at the Lighthouse Cafe or at the door for $6 each or $25 for a

family. Alternate choices available.

First Baptist Academy

Saturday, September 266:00 p.m. Worship Service: Worship Center7:30 p.m. Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on CampusSunday, September 278:15 a.m. Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus9:00 a.m. Haitian Bible Study & Worship: ED2069:00 a.m. Vietnamese Worship & Bible Study: DC2219:30 a.m. Worship Service: Worship Center9:30 a.m. Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus9:30 a.m. Spanish Worship Service: Family Life Center10:00 a.m. Romanian Bible Study & Worship: Modular 411:00 a.m. Worship Service: Chapel11:00 a.m. Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus5:00 p.m. Alternate Worship Choir Rehearsal: Choir Room6:00 p.m. Romanian Worship Service: Modular 46:30 p.m. Haitian Worship Service: ED206

Tuesday, September 299:00 a.m. RefresHer Women’s Bible Study: Worship CenterWednesday, September 304:45 p.m. Family Meal: Fellowship Recreation-Gym6:20 p.m. AWANA for Kids: Education Building6:25 p.m. Band of Brothers Men’s Bible Study: Chapel6:30 p.m. RefresHer Women’s Bible Study: Worship Center6:30 p.m. High School Ministry: Student Center by 6pm (to go to Home Groups)6:30 p.m. Middle School Ministry: Student Center6:30 p.m. Worship Choir Rehearsal: Choir RoomOther events this week include: Sunday Night Choir Rehearsals Begin, Anna’s Tea, Pizza with the Pastors, MOPS, Celebrate Recovery

ChurchBaptismsWyatt BareRiley Swanson

Seasonal BLGtaught by Al Micieli, Sr.

Begins Next Saturday, October 3at 5:00pm in Room DC111

Bible prophecy makes up one fourth of the written Word of God. Thus, it is imperative that any serious study of scripture must include a proper understanding of this important area of God’s Word. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is filled with over 1,000 predictive prophecies. About half of these have already been fulfilled, indicating that the other half have yet to be fulfilled.

Bible & Life Attendance

Statement of FaithJose GarciaXiomara GonzalezNoemi Villavicencio

Beach Baptisms are listed on the back of this First Word.

Beach Baptisms

fbcn.org

FBA Lion BandThey are Ready for Some Football!

FBA High School band members and a select few 7th and 8th graders came together for Band Camp this past August to learn music for the upcoming FBA Lions football season. The Lion Band is continuing traditions that were set last year, like playing the FBA Fight Song, popular songs during timeouts, and band cheers along with the cheerleaders. This year, the band is implementing some new traditions by performing the FBA Alma Mater prior to each game, and adding a new touchdown song. The goal of the Lion Band is to glorify God through music, support the football team, and entertain the crowd at home football games.

Seasonal Bible & Life Group