• youth culture 101 • the merge • neighborhood blitz • sons...

August-September 2010 • First Edition

August-September 2010

Lawrenceville First Baptist Church’s

F1RST ED1T1ON

KicKoffComing This Fall

• YouthCulture101• TheMerge• NeighborhoodBlitz• SonsofJubalConcert

First Edition • August-September 2010

www.lawrencevillefbc.org

ED1T1ONF1RST

First Edition is a publication of Lawrenceville First Baptist Church. The material contained herein may not be disseminated without permission. All inquiries and comments should be directed to [email protected]

Editor BRuCE MCGEE

Production AssistantDEBBiE SMiTh

Questions and [email protected]

p. 2

LawrenCeviLLe First Baptist ChurCh pastoraL staFF

Senior PastoriNMAN hOuSTON

Associate Pastor: Discipleship and AdministrationRAY CRABTREE

Associate Pastor: Music and WorshipED LAWRiE

Associate Pastor: Communications/Student PastorBRuCE MCGEE

Children’s MinisterKEViN MOORE

Congregational NurseDiANE GRANGER

FROM THE EDITORBruce McGee

i recently had an interesting conversation with a young man as i enjoyed lunch at one of the restaurants on the square in Lawrenceville. he wanted to know about our building program and the direction of the church. We shared pleasantries and the conversation came to an end. But then he looked at me as we were paying for our meal and said, “What is your main goal for building a new youth space? Didn’t you have a gym already?” i hesitated for a moment before i answered, wanting to give him a clear concise answer. i replied, “the main goal of constructing The Bridge (our new youth center), was to create an environment for students to hear the gospel message, worship God, and grow in their faith.” i believe that he might have been caught off guard a bit by my response, as he stood there motionless for a moment. Then he replied, “But don’t you want to bring students in to show off what you’ve built?” “No, not really,” i answered. “Does The Bridge have state of the art sound? Yes. Does it have video game stations? Yes. Does it have a café/snack bar? Yes. But that’s not the most important thing. i want students to come into this building and be drawn to Christ. i want them to feel and see Christ in our students and leaders. i want them to come into The Bridge and know that it is a safe place, not because of security systems, background checks, and adult workers, but because of the security that is found in a relationship with Jesus.”

So, i ask you to pray for The Bridge. Please pray that it will be used to draw students to Christ. i pray that we use these things to draw students to The Bridge, not to compete with other churches for the most students in Gwinnett County, but to compete with the world for their heart. i have nothing to offer them that will be eternal. in fact, buildings do not change lives. The only thing that will change lives is the gospel message of Jesus Christ. Please pray that this truth is evident when we open our doors, and that lives will be changed.

165 Clayton Street S.E.Lawrenceville, GA 30046

Phone 770.963.5121Fax 770.995.0462


p. 3

“My View of the Square” - Inman J. Houston

For three and a half years, we have looked forward to the day when we would complete our campus expansion and renovation project. in January 2007, you affirmed the report of the A.i.M. team, which included a plan to improve and expand our ministry spaces. in early 2007 and again in November 2008, you pledged to support the project financially. in February 2009 we broke ground. And now, in August 2010, our children and students will occupy their new ministry spaces, and our choir members will rehearse in the new music suite. God has been so faithful!

With construction behind us, it is time to give ourselves fully to the mission of the church. While this project has been exciting, it has (understandably) demanded the time and energy of many people. We serve a community that is filled with people who need Christ. We did not build new ministry spaces for our own enjoyment and comfort. We expanded and remodeled our facilities for people whom we have never met. if we fail to reach new people with the gospel, we will have wasted much time and money. God has given us his vision, and he will be faithful to accomplish it through us!

i want to ask each of you to participate in our neighborhood blitz on Wednesday, August 4. After a delicious dinner, we will go door-to-door in the Lawrenceville community. We want to provide our neighbors with information on our many exciting ministry offerings and invite them to be our guest on a Sunday morning or Wednesday evening. We will also offer to pray with every

person whom we meet. We want the Lawrenceville community to know that God is faithful!

As i close this article, i want to say a special “thank you” to Brenda Sue Davis. Brenda Sue has served our church faithfully for forty-seven years. Over these forty-seven years, she has had countless job titles and many job descriptions, but her commitment to Christ and to this church has remained constant. Brenda Sue will retire effective August 31, and we want you to join us as we thank her for her many years of dedicated service. On August 29, we will honor her with a special service of recognition and a reception. More details are provided for you inside this publication.

God is faithful!


www.lawrencevillefbc.orgp. 4

1 Summer Ministry Celebration 4 Neighborhood Blitz 8 First Look Luncheon/Promotion Sunday/The Merge 9 Care-A-Van11 Regular Wednesday Night Activities Resume16 Preschool Begins22 Building Dedication/Grand Opening24 Sons of Jubal Concert 7:00pm

6 Office Closed for Labor Day Holiday 7 English-Second Language Classes Resume14 Saints Alive! Luncheon 11:00am15 American Red Cross Blood Drive26 Men’s Prayer Breakfast

C A L E N D A RA U G U S T

S E P T E M B E R

Youth Culture 101

Let’s face it. Teenagers today deal with lots of issues. Did you know that Internet, and music influence your child more than any other me-dia? Do you know why video games have a “rating” on them? Do you al-ready have parental controls on all your devices in the home? Is it nec-essary? Technology is developing rapidly. Sometimes it is difficult to know how to keep a handle on tech-nology.

Our student ministry department wants to help you. If you have a child in our student ministry I am asking you to attend a series of spe-cial gatherings called Youth Culture

4:00pm to 6:00pm

September 19

the bridge

[email protected]

101. The dates will be September 19, November 7, January 9, and March 6, from 4:00pm until 6:00pm in The Bridge (our new student center). This class is completely free, but you will walk away with thousands of dollars worth of information-vital informa-tion to minister to your child during the teenage years while encourag-ing his or her spiritual growth. You cannot afford to miss this! Refresh-ments will be provided. This class is open to parents of teens, parents of children, grandparents, and any-one else curious about teen culture. If you plan to attend, please email [email protected].


p.5

sons of Jubal Concerttuesday, august 24 at 7:00pm

Sons of Jubal is a male chorus composed of ministers of music who serve in churches of the Georgia Baptist Conven-tion. The concert program is widely varied in content, provides for congregational participation and features both the Jubal Brass and Jubal Handbells.

Sons of Jubal (see Genesis 4:21) is the first group of its kind among the various state conventions of Baptists having been founded in 1954. It is a music and missions organization whose members are committed to worship enrichment and gospel proclamation.

As a unit of the state missions program of Music and Worship Ministries, Sons of Jubal presents annually a series of concerts in Georgia Baptist Churches. The group has traveled extensively on mission throughout its history not only in Georgia and other parts of the U. S., but also to other countries.

As these men come from all over the state of Georgia to LFBC, you are encouraged to come and participate in this wonderful, unique worship experience of well over 100 men’s voices proclaiming the gospel through music. Please come early as seating is limited.

Congratulations

Jon and Carrie Human on the birth of their daughter, Mary Alice Human.Danny Young and Whitney Nash who were married in our Sanctuary on Saturday, June 5.

Ryan Bilthouse and Hope Davis who were married on Saturday, July 10, at The Abbey at St. Paul’s in Atlanta.

www.lawrencevillefbc.org


p. 6

i have known Brenda Sue since i joined the church in 1966. She has always been involved with my family as a friend, babysitter and has been on vacation with us. At the church, she has always been willing to help with anything that was needed and especially this year as i served as chairman of the deacons. We love you Brenda Sue and thank you for your service to the Church and for your friendship.

Leon Smith

After 45 years of membership at First Baptist, when we think of Brenda Sue Davis and her service to FBC, we don't think of her as a "secretary" but more as a kind and faithful, dedicated, committed servant to the cause of Christ, willing to do whatever was needed to improve FBC. We saw her serve under four pastors and several interims and never heard her utter one word against one of them. She is FBC incarnate, if that is possible! LONG LiVE BRENDA SuE DAViS!

Howard and Bobbie Turnage

Since my first day on staff, Brenda Sue has been a tremendous support and encourager to me. her willingness to help in any situation, no matter how great or small the need, is a testament to her love of this church and her desire to serve God and others. i am grateful for your “servant heart”, Brenda Sue, and i’m especially grateful for your friendship!

Diane Granger

You can’t describe Brenda Sue as a secretary. She was more. She kept up with me and was faith-ful to me. When i asked her to do something, i knew that it would be done right and i didn’t have to worry. She was very dependable…..she was never sick and was always at work. She was an excellent secretary and a wonderful personal friend.

W.C. Corley

45 Year Anniversary-2008

Long before the title of church secretary evolved to become ministry assistant Brenda Sue Davis was signifi-cantly engaged in ministry to the people of Lawrencev-ille First Baptist, the pastors with whom she served and their families. Always helpful and loyal to the pastors with whom she worked, Brenda Sue has had a remark-ably long and fruitful ministry. With unconditional love and in unlimited ways she has served Lawrenceville FBC, while making significant contributions through the Georgia Baptist Convention and Southern Baptist Convention. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Lamar Holley

10 Year Anniversary-1973

20 Year Anniversary-1983 25 Year Anniversary-198830 Year Anniversary-1993

40 Year Anniversary-200335 Year Anniversary-1998

special recognition: Brenda sue davis


p. 7

Brenda Sue has given 47 years to Lawrenceville First

Baptist and all of those years were at l00%+. i am and

always will be in debt to her for what she has done for

my family and me. Brenda Sue has always been a happy,

helpful, honest, honorable lady and we will all miss her

in the office.

Edith Kemp

For some twenty years i have been blessed to be a part of First Baptist Law-renceville and a friend of Brenda Sue Davis. Never have i called upon her that she hasn’t been there for me and my family. her life is a testament to her love of Christ and his church.

Shelia Batchelor

sundayaugust 29

special recognition and presentation in the

sanctuary at 2:00pm

Followed by a reception in the

Fellowship hall



wednesday,august4As we begin a new church year, we want to encourage the members of our community to join with us.

We will gather for a cookout at 5:00pm. Following the meal, members will be given assignments. Because we are encouraging families to go out together, we will only provide childcare for children ages

birth to 2 years. Families should return to the church campus by 8:00pm to report on their activities. Promotional materials and information will be provided.

The cost for dinner is $5 per adult and $2 per child. Please make a dinner reservation by Monday, August 2.

Neighborhood blitz

WeeKday Preschool Begins august 16Openings are still available for all classes.We are starting our fortieth year of service

to the families of our community.

We offer developmental programs for ages 2, 3, 4, and young 5 year olds.

Contact the Preschool Director at 770.513.4174for further information.

Welcome New Members

Kyle and Amanda Varner

Allyson and Ryan Vamplew

Danielle Williams

Building DedicationSunday,august22

Join us for a special time of worship and celebration beginning at 10:30am. During this dedication service we will focus on all that God has done to lead us through our campus expansion and renovation project.

We will also look forward to what God will do through us in the years to come. Following the worship service we will enjoy lunch together in the gym. The cost for lunch is $5 per adult and $2 per child.

Reservations are needed by Monday, August 9.


p. 9

LFBC Message Board

SoNSofJuBalCoNCerTaugust24at7:00pM

Saintsalive!ChoirSummerSingingMinistry

august2,11:00amSunriseassistedliving-webbGin

august19,10:30amGwinnettextendedCare

FirsT look lunCheon, sunday, augusT 8

If you are a new LFBC member or if you are con-templating church membership, this luncheon is for you. Following a delicious, complimentary meal, our pastor and other members of our lead-ership team will discuss the vision, mission, and strategy of LFBC, and you will have an opportunity to ask questions. While the meal is free, we do need you to make a reservation no later than Wednes-day, August 4.

PromoTion sunday

The time of promotion for our preschoolers and children will be Sunday August 8.

This will begin the 2010 – 2011 Sunday school year in our new children’s wing. Each parent

will be notified of their child’s new room. Any time you have a question concerning

preschool or children’s Sunday School please contact Lil Crabtree through the church office.

VolunTeer oPPorTuniTies

The church office needs assistance answering the phone four hours per day, Monday through Thursday. Contact Ray Crabtree at 770-963-5121, if you can help.

Our Clothing Mission needs workers.

Men’sprayer

BreakfastresumesSunday

September26

Care-a-van ~ august 9(digital mobile

mammography unit)

This low-cost and convenient screening for breast cancer takes only 20 minutes.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 678.312.3444. Remember, early detection of

breast cancer is the key to survival!

august8–TheMergeSunday, August 8, is promotion Sunday for our student ministry. Our youth ministry will host an event called “The Merge.” This is a day when we celebrate all of our rising sixth graders. All students and parents are invited to join us for a continental breakfast at 9:00am in The Bridge (our new student center), located on the second floor. After breakfast we will share with you some of the upcoming events in 2010-2011. No RSVP is necessary.

BloodDriveSeptember15

2:30pmto7:30pm

preschoolBeginsaugust16



Christian sympathy• W. C. Corley, Buddy Corley, Judy Kenna, Jerrie Lynn Peevy, Kenny Corley and Lisa Collett and families on the loss of his wife and their

mother, Sara Corley. W. C. and Sara Corley and their four children moved to Lawrenceville in October of 1959 when he came to pastor First Baptist. Sara loved and cared for the children while Rev. Corley was taking care of the members of our church. Sara recognized needs in the congregation and did what she could to meet them. She taught Sunday School, Discipleship Training courses, worked with committees and participated in WMU. She organized the JOY Club for senior adults, planning luncheons, fellowships and trips. She was also instrumental in getting senior services started in Gwinnett County.

• June Scarbrough and family on the loss of her mother, Sara Lewis.

• Dale Slayton, Greg and Drew Slayton and families on the loss of his mother and their grandmother, Georgia Slayton. Hennis and Georgia Slayton joined First Baptist in February 1967. She was faithful to her church through Sunday School, WMU and worship. Georgia loved and cared for her family which included two children, five grandchildren and several great grandchildren. Georgia’s legacy will live on through our clothing mission which bears her name. Georgia worked with others to start this ministry and directed it as long as she was able.

• Larry Childers, David and Daniel Stancil and families on the loss of his mother and their grandmother, Dean Childers. Dean devoted her life to her family, daughter Mary Ann and son, Larry, and their families which included two grandsons and six great grandchildren. Dean grew up in Gwinnett County. She was active in Sunday School and worship as long as her health permitted.

• Janice Pattillo, Jason Pattillo and family on the loss of her husband and his father, Wayne Pattillo. Wayne was a native and lifelong resident of Lawrenceville and grew up in First Baptist. He served our country in the United States Army in Vietnam and was a victim of Agent Orange causing his cancer which he fought for ten years. After Michael’s death he and Janice became active in The Compassionate Friends and worked with the state to bring about a change in driving laws. Wayne was an active member of the Walter Alford Class.

• J. W. Landress and family on the loss of his sister-in-law, Joyce Landress, of Monroe, GA.

• Nellie Davis, Linda Garner, Diane Roberts and families on the loss of her husband and their father, Allen Davis. Allen was a longtime member of First Baptist. He and his family were active in Sunday School and worship all through the years. Allen served as a deacon and on many committees. He owned and operated Davis and Sikes Body Shop. He was a Mason for 65 years.

• Mary Lou Davis and Margaret Thompson and family on the loss of their brother, Allen Davis.

• W. C. Corley and family of the loss of his sister, Catherine Moog, of Augusta, GA.

• Pete Cato, Terri Reynolds and family on the loss of his wife and her mother, Connie Cato. Pete and Connie joined First Baptist in October of 1999. Connie became active in the Phoebe Class with her sister, Beverly Harris, and in worship. Connie was the loving mother of four children and grandmother to six grandchildren.

• Beverly Harris and family on the loss of her sister, Connie Cato.

• Steve Jones and family on the loss of his father, James Jones, of Norcross, GA.

• Kathie Dunbar, Joel King and families on the loss of their father, Mason King. Mason was the father of two children and grandfather to five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He was a member of First Baptist for 34 years and was active in the Disciples Class and senior activities. He had a passion for horses and antique cars and liked to drive the cars in parades and carry them to car shows.

• Billy Kerlin and family on the loss of his brother, J. D. Kerlin.

• Jenny McMillan and family on the loss of her mother, Frances Nash. Frances was a longtime member of First Baptist and was active in the Open Bible Class until health issues kept her from coming. Frances loved her daughter and two granddaughters and their families.

• Helen Hanson and family of the loss of her sister, Frances Nash.

• April Houston and family on the loss of her grandfather, Kenneth Marshall Freeman, Sr.

• Slade Brogdon and family on the loss of his uncle, Dean Brogdon, and grandmother, Mattie Ruth Brogdon, of Thomasville, GA.

• Lenny Van Galen and family on the loss of his brother, Peter Van Galen, of Sunnydale, CA.

SuMMerMiNiSTrYCeleBraTioN/iCeCreaMfellowShip

Join us for an exciting celebration on Sunday evening, August 1, at 6:00pm. We will be hearing testimonies and seeing videos from all of our summer ministry events in 2010 including:

CentriKid ◊ Centrifuge ◊ Guatemala Mission Team ◊ Nicaragua Mission TeamLake Providence Mission Team ◊ GA Camp ◊ African Missions

We will also enjoy an ice cream social after the celebration. The church will supply all of the toppings. If you can supply a container of homemade ice cream, please email [email protected].


ED1T1ON

p. 11

In the United States, about 4 mil-lion people need blood each year. That’s one person every two seconds, and the overwhelming majority of people who need it would die with-out it. Healthy, generous donors are the only source of blood. There is no substitute for blood. Blood is needed for emergencies, surgeries, and for people who have cancers, blood dis-orders, sickle cell anemia and other illnesses. Every donation makes a dif-ference in someone’s life! In order to give blood, you need to be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. Health restrictions for donat-ing blood have changed in recent years. Even with conditions such as allergies, high blood pressure, can-cer, diabetes, heart attacks, and by-pass surgery or stent placement, you may still be able to give blood. Tak-ing certain medications and travel to some countries will result in deferral. Detailed questions about your health will be asked in order to ensure donor eligibility. Donating blood is safe, simple and takes about an hour from start to fin-ish. During registration, you will com-plete a form and show your picture ID or donor card. You then will receive a mini-physical and give a confiden-tial health history. Your pulse, tem-perature, blood pressure and iron will be checked. Actual donation time is about 6 to 12 minutes. Then it’s time to enjoy a snack and some juice! You cannot contract any infectious diseases, including AIDS, by donating blood. Needles, bags and tubing are used only once and discarded. Donat-ing rarely hurts. You will feel a brief sting in your arm near your elbow. To

American Red Cross Blood DriveWednesday, September 15

2:30 – 7:30 pmBloodmobile

ensure the safety of the blood sup-ply, all donated blood goes through testing for HIV, hepatitis and other diseases. Blood that tests positive is destroyed. Please do not give blood in order to have the tests done. Help keep the blood supply safe. Donating blood will not alter your daily routine in any significant way. If you get a good night’s sleep, eat a well-balanced meal, and drink lots of fluids 48 hours before donating, your donation experience will be even bet-ter! Because you must meet the Red Cross iron level requirements, eating foods rich in iron (red meat, dried beans, peas and lentils, whole grain cereals and breads, prunes, dried fruits, oysters, clams, and soybeans) several weeks before donating can help increase the iron level in your blood. Eating foods rich in vitamin C help the body to absorb iron. Because the tannins in coffee and tea can block the absorption of iron, avoid them

and drink lots of water. Also, cooking in cast iron will help improve iron lev-els. As the food cooks, it will pick up iron from the cookware. Most healthy persons can give blood every 56 days. Platelets (used for cancer patients undergoing che-motherapy and to help blood clot) can be given every 2 weeks. If you have Type O negative blood, patients of all blood types can use your blood in emergencies. Please consider donat-ing 4 times a year. For more information on donating blood or to make an appointment for the blood drive, contact [email protected] or call 770.963.5121 ext. 210. Or you may call the American Red Cross at 1.800.448.3543 or visit www.redcrossblood.org.

Together, we can “give the gift of life”!

Diane Granger, RN, FCN



Save The DaTe

LFBC Second Annual Fall Festival on the Square

October 23 3:00pm to 6:00pm

Games, Bounce Houses,

Spin Art, Face Painting, Puppet show by the H.I.M.

(Hands In Motion)

Weight WatchersTuesdays

6:00pm Weigh-in 6:30pm Meeting

Family Life CenterCost: Call 1.800.379.5757 or visit

WeightWatchers.com for information

Weight Watchers is not about deprivation. The meetings teach you how to eat right and live

healthy, so you can lose weight and keep it off.

Atonement ExerciseMondays and Thursdays

9:30–10:30amFamily Life Center

Cost: FREE

This program is for people of all ages and fitness levels and focuses on toning,

strengthening and stretching exercises. Floor mats and hand weights are provided.

(sponsored by Health and Wellness Ministry)

Sunday Schedule 9:15am Sunday School 10:30am Morning Worship Service 4:00pm Handbell Choir Rehearsal 5:00pm Ladies Ensemble Rehearsal

Fourth Sunday Evening Worship6:00pm

Wednesday Evening Schedule

5:00–6:00pm Fellowship Meal 6:00–6:30pm Pastor’s Bible Study 6:00–7:45pm KIDZ 360 (childcare provided)

6:00–8:00pm Student Worship 6:30–8:00pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal 8:00–9:00pm Praise Band Rehearsal

Office HoursMonday – Thursday8:30am to 4:30pm

Closed Fridays

Please call the church office for after hours ministry needs.

Outreach Third Monday of each month

August 16September 20

6:00pm Meal ($2.00)6:30pm Outreach

• youth culture 101 • the merge • neighborhood blitz • sons...

Documents