The MESSENGER (USPS 591-280) is published weekly except the week of Christmas by

First Baptist Church, 600 Governors Drive, Huntsville, AL 35801. Periodical postage

paid at Huntsville, Alabama 31801-5178. POSTMASTER send change of address to THE

MESSENGER, 600 Governors Drive, Huntsville, AL 35801.

office: 256-428-9400

weekend minister on call: 256-428-9457

24-hour prayer line: 256-428-9460

The Messengerfbchsv.org

firsT bapTisT hunTsville

this sunday

knowing, lov ing, serv ing Christ...together

First Baptist Church

600 Governors Drive

Huntsville, AL 35801

Holiday Carillon

The Carillon will be rung every weekday from 4:30 until 5:15 through December 24. It will also be rung at each performance of the Living Christmas Tree thirty minutes prior to each performance. These daily concerts will feature English, French,

German, and American carols, noels and chorales with traditional seasonal works for

carillon.

Student Ministry News

Our FBC Students need to borrow vintage Christmas sweaters and ties to be used

during the Student Night at Christmas on December 9. Please bring them by Jamie’s office. Clothing will be returned beginning

December 10.

CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY

Lisa and Randall Belk in the loss of her mother and Ashley Belk in the loss of her grandmother, Bonnie Williams.

Bennett and Mecia Stapp in the loss of their son, Tyler Stapp.

Glenn Brown in the loss of his aunt and Teresa and James Bailey in the loss of her aunt and Andrew and Jonathan Bailey in the loss of their great aunt, Paulette Hopkins.

Family and friends of our Bert Gover especially to his wife, Kay Gover.

Volume 63 / Week Number 49 / December 6, 2012

December 9, 2012

Sermon: Carlos Llambes Missionary to the Dominican Republic

Morning Bible Study - 9:15 a.m.Bible Study for all ageswww.fbchsv.org/study

Sanctuary Worship - 10:30 a.m.Choral Processional and

music from the aisles Sanctuary Choir anthem

(from the balcony)In The Silence—Courtney

Music from First Fellowship musiciansGuest ensemble: Carlos Llambes family

Student Night at Christmas5:00 p.m. in the Chapel

Music from the Student BandMusic from student soloists and

instrumentalistsMusic from the Student Choir

Gloria—VivaldiPavane for a Silent Night—Ravel/Liebergen

Breath of Heaven—Grant/Courtney

FIrST ThOuGhTSDavid hull, Pastor

hope . . . Peace . . . Joy . . . Love. These four words are traditionally used during the Advent season. You will see them hanging on the banners in our Sanctuary. Let me use these words to tell you about two points of emphasis in our church this Advent.

hope and Peace – On Sunday, December 23, we will have a Service of hope and Peace at 2:00 p.m. in our Sanctuary. Many people in our church and community have experienced some kind of loss in the past year. It may be the death of a loved one,

the loss of a job, a marriage, health, a dream. Christmas may be a difficult time for those who are living through grief. We often talk of joy and sing the beautiful songs of the angels, but if you are hurting from a profound loss the merriment of others may make the wound of your grief even worse.

The message of Christmas offers hope and peace to all who grieve. The service on December 23 will proclaim this message and give us an opportunity to experience the life-giving renewal that comes through hope and peace. I need this kind of worship experience this year. Do you? Do you know someone else who does? I invite you to join us for the Service of hope and Peace.

Joy and Love – “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son . . .” Jesus’ birth was prompted by God’s love for our world. Jesus came into a world that did not receive him, but he came “that your joy may be complete.” God loves us and desires that we know great joy! This message is at the heart of Christian missions. It is appropriate for us to focus on world missions during this season of Advent. We give and pray so that the gospel of love and joy may be spread around the world to all who have never heard this good news.

Sunday morning you will have a chance to hear from one of our missionaries. Carlos Llambes and his family will be with us. They serve as Southern Baptist missionaries in the Dominican republic. Our medical mission team works closely with them in that area. They will lead in a Sunday School session for any classes who would choose to meet in the Chapel to hear them. Then members of the family will offer their musical gifts during worship and Carlos will preach. I am looking forward to this unique opportunity to think about how we can join with God in being on mission around the world. I hope to see you on Sunday as we experience the wonder of this holy season together.

2012 Missions Offering

One part of our mission is to provide funds to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth. During the month of December, you will have the opportunity to support world missions

by your financial gifts. During December we have the opportunity to give to world missions. Our goal is 12% higher than last year when we gave over $61,000. This year our goal is $70,000. To remind us of the goal and how we are advancing in meeting our goal you will see our Christmas tree display each week. Each tree ornament represents

$3500 given toward the goal. Please give as God leads you to give.

FBC Goal: $70,000

fbchsv.org

ministry calendar

knowing, lov ing, serv ing Christ...together

Library Hours Sunday 9-9:15 AM | 10:10-10:45 AM | 11:40-12:00 PMTuesday 10:00 AM-12:00 PMWednesday 4:00-5:00 PM

Family MattersOUR NEWESTFaith Emily Russell, daughter of Mary and Chuck Russell, born November 30, 2012. Proud grandparents are Jack and Emily Burwell.

NEW MEMBERSKentrell Bone4104 Force Drive NWhuntsville, AL 35810

Emma hardy111 harborview DriveMadison, AL 35758

Betty League1402 Monterrey Drive SEhuntsville, AL 35801

Donna Leonard4706 Old Maple Court SEOwens Cross roads, AL 35763

Wednesday Night Dinner MenuWednesday, December 12

AdultsSteak BurgersPotato WedgesFresh Veggies

SaladChef Salad

(Reservations for salad must be turned in by noon on Wednesday.)

STEWARDSHIP REPORT

12/02/12

Year-to-Date Goal $ 747,840.00

Offering

This Week $ 173,927.50

YTD $ 693,554.54

Debt Retirement

This Week $ 2,429.00

YTD $ 8,569.00

Faith Steps to the Future

This Week $ 72,710.26

YTD $ 240,872.08

To Date: $ 4,129,306.21

ATTENDANCE

Sunday SchoolPreschool 66

Children 98

Students 153

Adults 696

Brookdale 17

Visitors 23

TOTAL 1052

Worship Service

TOTAL 1065

THANk YOu

A thank you note has been received from Faye Jernigan. It has been placed on the bulletin

board across from the church office.

We are hosting a churchwide "happy Birthday Jesus"

party on Wednesday night, December 19. It will be in Fellowship hall and

will be the Wednesday night program. The meal will be as usual. For the

evening we'll be singing carols, doing a craft, reading the Christmas story and

participating in a drama of the Christmas story. Everyone will leave with a Jesus

Birthday present.

Star of WonderPlease invite others to The Living Christmas Tree!Below you will find the schedule for the LCT presentations, along with information on our special guest performers. The choir and orchestra have fallen deeply in love with the outstanding music this year and are very excited about sharing it with our city. I love these words about wonder, found in a poem from Richard Crashaw:Welcome, all wonders in one sight! Eternity shut in a span;Summer in winter; day in night; Heaven in earth, and God in man.Great little one, whose all-embracing birth Lifts earth to heaven, stoops heav'n to earth.

Have a Merry and WONDER-ful Christmas!Billy Orton

Minister of Music and WorshipFirst Baptist Huntsville

Schedule for 2012 Living Christmas Tree PresentationsThursday, December 13, 7:30 p.m. | Friday, December 14, 7:30 p.m. | Saturday,

December 15, 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. | Sunday, December 16, 3:00 p.m. (abbreviated for young children) and 5:30 p.m.

The Sunday afternoon presentations will feature interpretation into American Sign Language for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

WHNT 19 TELEVISION BROADCAST

The FBC Television Ministry will present videotaped portions of The Living Christmas Tree 2012 on WHNT 19 on Christmas Day at 12 noon.

Special Guest – SlipJigPhil Williamson, Mike Clem,

Mike Lyon, and Garrett Smith

Formed in 2004, Huntsville-based SlipJig makes the music of Ireland, Scotland and Cape Breton come alive. The group is composed of seasoned

musicians from a variety of musical backgrounds including Classical, Folk, Rock, Blues and Jazz who have found their true passion in the Celtic music tradition that tells the stories of the joys and sorrows of a simpler life.

SlipJig will have a merchandise table set up in the hallway outside the Sanctuary Thursday – Saturday.

Special GuestShannon Smith

Shannon M. Smith, a Huntsville native and member of First Baptist Church, received early training from Community Ballet and Performing Dance Arts. She has appeared in numerous Nutcrackers as well as roles in

NADC's production of 'NOAH'. Shannon spent 8 years living and working in New York City where she was involved extensively with Project Dance NY. This is Shannon’s 4th LCT guest appearance (debuting in 1986 with the Young Musicians children’s choir) and after an 8 year absence is joyful to return back home and back to FBC’s cherished holiday tradition!

December 9= a Big Day

Student Center DedicationStarts at 9:12am on 12-9-12.We’ll start in the Gathering Place outside the Student Center.Yes, we are finally in the new space. Come, see, and give thanks to God.

Student Night at Christmas5pm in the ChapelStudents leading the congregation in worship. The Student Choir, Student Praise Band, and others will join us into the “Wonder” of Christmas.

Christmas Party6-8pm in the Student Center$5 cover charge (100% goes to our Compassion International kids)Food—Lots of Fun—Bring a Friend!

They Came Running Band in ConcertWear a vintage Christmas sweater

Sunday, Dec. 9Student Center Dedication 9:15 AMMorning Bible Study 9:15 AMSanctuary Worship 10:30 AMStudent Choir/CR, 343 4:00 PMStudent Night Christmas/Chapel 5:00 PMStudent Christmas Party/St. Center 6:00 PMLCT Dress Rehearsal 6:15 PM

Monday, Dec. 10Letter Writing/242 9:00 AMBalance Classes/140,141, 114 9:00 AM Hallelujah Choir/CR 10:30 AMHallelujah Choir Lunch/FH 12:00 PM

Tuesday, Dec. 11Student Prayer Breakfast 6:45 AMTues. Morn. Intercess./242 7:00 AMVenture Scouts/342 6:00 PMFORuM/321, 324, 327 6:30 PMAdult Handbells/315 7:00 PM

Wednesday, Dec. 12Balance Classes/140,141, 114 9:00 AMHealth Ministry Class/118 1:00-4 PMSupper/FH 4:45 PMMusic & Missions 5:30 PMPrayer Service/FH 5:45 PMLiftOff/309-310 6:00 PMLCT Dress Rehearsal 7:00 PM

Thursday, Dec.13 Young Adult Guy’s Bible St./Parlor 6:00 AMLCT Presentation/Sanct. 7:30 PM

Friday, Dec. 14Balance Classes/140, 141, 114 9:00 AMLCT Presentation/Sanct. 7:30 PM

Saturday, Dec. 15LCT Presentation/Sanct. 4:30 PMLCT Presentation/Sanct. 7:30 PM

fbchsv.org

ministry calendar

knowing, lov ing, serv ing Christ...together

Library Hours Sunday 9-9:15 AM | 10:10-10:45 AM | 11:40-12:00 PMTuesday 10:00 AM-12:00 PMWednesday 4:00-5:00 PM

Family MattersOUR NEWESTFaith Emily Russell, daughter of Mary and Chuck Russell, born November 30, 2012. Proud grandparents are Jack and Emily Burwell.

NEW MEMBERSKentrell Bone4104 Force Drive NWhuntsville, AL 35810

Emma hardy111 harborview DriveMadison, AL 35758

Betty League1402 Monterrey Drive SEhuntsville, AL 35801

Donna Leonard4706 Old Maple Court SEOwens Cross roads, AL 35763

Wednesday Night Dinner MenuWednesday, December 12

AdultsSteak BurgersPotato WedgesFresh Veggies

SaladChef Salad

(Reservations for salad must be turned in by noon on Wednesday.)

STEWARDSHIP REPORT

12/02/12

Year-to-Date Goal $ 747,840.00

Offering

This Week $ 173,927.50

YTD $ 693,554.54

Debt Retirement

This Week $ 2,429.00

YTD $ 8,569.00

Faith Steps to the Future

This Week $ 72,710.26

YTD $ 240,872.08

To Date: $ 4,129,306.21

ATTENDANCE

Sunday SchoolPreschool 66

Children 98

Students 153

Adults 696

Brookdale 17

Visitors 23

TOTAL 1052

Worship Service

TOTAL 1065

THANk YOu

A thank you note has been received from Faye Jernigan. It has been placed on the bulletin

board across from the church office.

We are hosting a churchwide "happy Birthday Jesus"

party on Wednesday night, December 19. It will be in Fellowship hall and

will be the Wednesday night program. The meal will be as usual. For the

evening we'll be singing carols, doing a craft, reading the Christmas story and

participating in a drama of the Christmas story. Everyone will leave with a Jesus

Birthday present.

Star of WonderPlease invite others to The Living Christmas Tree!Below you will find the schedule for the LCT presentations, along with information on our special guest performers. The choir and orchestra have fallen deeply in love with the outstanding music this year and are very excited about sharing it with our city. I love these words about wonder, found in a poem from Richard Crashaw:Welcome, all wonders in one sight! Eternity shut in a span;Summer in winter; day in night; Heaven in earth, and God in man.Great little one, whose all-embracing birth Lifts earth to heaven, stoops heav'n to earth.

Have a Merry and WONDER-ful Christmas!Billy Orton

Minister of Music and WorshipFirst Baptist Huntsville

Schedule for 2012 Living Christmas Tree PresentationsThursday, December 13, 7:30 p.m. | Friday, December 14, 7:30 p.m. | Saturday,

December 15, 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. | Sunday, December 16, 3:00 p.m. (abbreviated for young children) and 5:30 p.m.

The Sunday afternoon presentations will feature interpretation into American Sign Language for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

WHNT 19 TELEVISION BROADCAST

The FBC Television Ministry will present videotaped portions of The Living Christmas Tree 2012 on WHNT 19 on Christmas Day at 12 noon.

Special Guest – SlipJigPhil Williamson, Mike Clem,

Mike Lyon, and Garrett Smith

Formed in 2004, Huntsville-based SlipJig makes the music of Ireland, Scotland and Cape Breton come alive. The group is composed of seasoned

musicians from a variety of musical backgrounds including Classical, Folk, Rock, Blues and Jazz who have found their true passion in the Celtic music tradition that tells the stories of the joys and sorrows of a simpler life.

SlipJig will have a merchandise table set up in the hallway outside the Sanctuary Thursday – Saturday.

Special GuestShannon Smith

Shannon M. Smith, a Huntsville native and member of First Baptist Church, received early training from Community Ballet and Performing Dance Arts. She has appeared in numerous Nutcrackers as well as roles in

NADC's production of 'NOAH'. Shannon spent 8 years living and working in New York City where she was involved extensively with Project Dance NY. This is Shannon’s 4th LCT guest appearance (debuting in 1986 with the Young Musicians children’s choir) and after an 8 year absence is joyful to return back home and back to FBC’s cherished holiday tradition!

December 9= a Big Day

Student Center DedicationStarts at 9:12am on 12-9-12.We’ll start in the Gathering Place outside the Student Center.Yes, we are finally in the new space. Come, see, and give thanks to God.

Student Night at Christmas5pm in the ChapelStudents leading the congregation in worship. The Student Choir, Student Praise Band, and others will join us into the “Wonder” of Christmas.

Christmas Party6-8pm in the Student Center$5 cover charge (100% goes to our Compassion International kids)Food—Lots of Fun—Bring a Friend!

They Came Running Band in ConcertWear a vintage Christmas sweater

Sunday, Dec. 9Student Center Dedication 9:15 AMMorning Bible Study 9:15 AMSanctuary Worship 10:30 AMStudent Choir/CR, 343 4:00 PMStudent Night Christmas/Chapel 5:00 PMStudent Christmas Party/St. Center 6:00 PMLCT Dress Rehearsal 6:15 PM

Monday, Dec. 10Letter Writing/242 9:00 AMBalance Classes/140,141, 114 9:00 AM Hallelujah Choir/CR 10:30 AMHallelujah Choir Lunch/FH 12:00 PM

Tuesday, Dec. 11Student Prayer Breakfast 6:45 AMTues. Morn. Intercess./242 7:00 AMVenture Scouts/342 6:00 PMFORuM/321, 324, 327 6:30 PMAdult Handbells/315 7:00 PM

Wednesday, Dec. 12Balance Classes/140,141, 114 9:00 AMHealth Ministry Class/118 1:00-4 PMSupper/FH 4:45 PMMusic & Missions 5:30 PMPrayer Service/FH 5:45 PMLiftOff/309-310 6:00 PMLCT Dress Rehearsal 7:00 PM

Thursday, Dec.13 Young Adult Guy’s Bible St./Parlor 6:00 AMLCT Presentation/Sanct. 7:30 PM

Friday, Dec. 14Balance Classes/140, 141, 114 9:00 AMLCT Presentation/Sanct. 7:30 PM

Saturday, Dec. 15LCT Presentation/Sanct. 4:30 PMLCT Presentation/Sanct. 7:30 PM

The MESSENGER (USPS 591-280) is published weekly except the week of Christmas by

First Baptist Church, 600 Governors Drive, Huntsville, AL 35801. Periodical postage

paid at Huntsville, Alabama 31801-5178. POSTMASTER send change of address to THE

MESSENGER, 600 Governors Drive, Huntsville, AL 35801.

office: 256-428-9400

weekend minister on call: 256-428-9457

24-hour prayer line: 256-428-9460

The Messengerfbchsv.org

firsT bapTisT hunTsville

this sunday

knowing, lov ing, serv ing Christ...together

First Baptist Church

600 Governors Drive

Huntsville, AL 35801

Holiday Carillon

The Carillon will be rung every weekday from 4:30 until 5:15 through December 24. It will also be rung at each performance of the Living Christmas Tree thirty minutes prior to each performance. These daily concerts will feature English, French,

German, and American carols, noels and chorales with traditional seasonal works for

carillon.

Student Ministry News

Our FBC Students need to borrow vintage Christmas sweaters and ties to be used

during the Student Night at Christmas on December 9. Please bring them by Jamie’s office. Clothing will be returned beginning

December 10.

CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY

Lisa and Randall Belk in the loss of her mother and Ashley Belk in the loss of her grandmother, Bonnie Williams.

Bennett and Mecia Stapp in the loss of their son, Tyler Stapp.

Glenn Brown in the loss of his aunt and Teresa and James Bailey in the loss of her aunt and Andrew and Jonathan Bailey in the loss of their great aunt, Paulette Hopkins.

Family and friends of our Bert Gover especially to his wife, Kay Gover.

Volume 63 / Week Number 49 / December 6, 2012

December 9, 2012

Sermon: Carlos Llambes Missionary to the Dominican Republic

Morning Bible Study - 9:15 a.m.Bible Study for all ageswww.fbchsv.org/study

Sanctuary Worship - 10:30 a.m.Choral Processional and

music from the aisles Sanctuary Choir anthem

(from the balcony)In The Silence—Courtney

Music from First Fellowship musiciansGuest ensemble: Carlos Llambes family

Student Night at Christmas5:00 p.m. in the Chapel

Music from the Student BandMusic from student soloists and

instrumentalistsMusic from the Student Choir

Gloria—VivaldiPavane for a Silent Night—Ravel/Liebergen

Breath of Heaven—Grant/Courtney

FIrST ThOuGhTSDavid hull, Pastor

hope . . . Peace . . . Joy . . . Love. These four words are traditionally used during the Advent season. You will see them hanging on the banners in our Sanctuary. Let me use these words to tell you about two points of emphasis in our church this Advent.

hope and Peace – On Sunday, December 23, we will have a Service of hope and Peace at 2:00 p.m. in our Sanctuary. Many people in our church and community have experienced some kind of loss in the past year. It may be the death of a loved one,

the loss of a job, a marriage, health, a dream. Christmas may be a difficult time for those who are living through grief. We often talk of joy and sing the beautiful songs of the angels, but if you are hurting from a profound loss the merriment of others may make the wound of your grief even worse.

The message of Christmas offers hope and peace to all who grieve. The service on December 23 will proclaim this message and give us an opportunity to experience the life-giving renewal that comes through hope and peace. I need this kind of worship experience this year. Do you? Do you know someone else who does? I invite you to join us for the Service of hope and Peace.

Joy and Love – “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son . . .” Jesus’ birth was prompted by God’s love for our world. Jesus came into a world that did not receive him, but he came “that your joy may be complete.” God loves us and desires that we know great joy! This message is at the heart of Christian missions. It is appropriate for us to focus on world missions during this season of Advent. We give and pray so that the gospel of love and joy may be spread around the world to all who have never heard this good news.

Sunday morning you will have a chance to hear from one of our missionaries. Carlos Llambes and his family will be with us. They serve as Southern Baptist missionaries in the Dominican republic. Our medical mission team works closely with them in that area. They will lead in a Sunday School session for any classes who would choose to meet in the Chapel to hear them. Then members of the family will offer their musical gifts during worship and Carlos will preach. I am looking forward to this unique opportunity to think about how we can join with God in being on mission around the world. I hope to see you on Sunday as we experience the wonder of this holy season together.

2012 Missions Offering

One part of our mission is to provide funds to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth. During the month of December, you will have the opportunity to support world missions

by your financial gifts. During December we have the opportunity to give to world missions. Our goal is 12% higher than last year when we gave over $61,000. This year our goal is $70,000. To remind us of the goal and how we are advancing in meeting our goal you will see our Christmas tree display each week. Each tree ornament represents

$3500 given toward the goal. Please give as God leads you to give.

FBC Goal: $70,000