Grab your gear and get ready to “Journey O� the Map” as together we embark on an epic expedition

June 8-12th like none you’ve ever seen before. During this exciting week of searching ,we will uncover

the awesome and powerful truth of God’s amazing love for us in that “While we were yet sinners, Christ

died for us”-Awesome…I Know Right?

VBS 2015 is for all kids completed K – Completed 5th grade. Sign up to reserve your spot for this epic

adventure. Time is running out! We need you registered by THIS Friday please! T Shirts are available

through Lifeway and you may purchase one by clicking on link below. Follow Lifeway’s instructions and

have your shirt shipped directly to your door… How easy is that! There will be no t-shirts sold at the

church this year. We look forward to seeing you “O� the Map” this Monday!

FroM BRENTbshaw@fbcfairhope.org

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It’s hot and humid…school is out…people are traveling, so that can only mean one thing – Vacation Bible School is just around the corner. VBS will be on June 8–12 and is the greatest tool we have for reaching children and families in our church. As a result of VBS and the ongoing work of so many in our Preschool and Children’s Ministries, we see many children come to Christ every year and families are reached as well. Kevin Nelson, Jennifer Warren & Marcy Smith (VBS Director) are all working hard to make sure we have a great VBS this summer. They still need caringadults to help in many areas, so please contact them and let them know you are willing to serve and help to make an eternal di� erence in a child’s life. In case you weren’t here this past Sunday, I had the opportunity to preach in Dr. Henry’s absence. My topic was “WHAT REALLY COUNTS?” In my sermon I wanted to encourage all FBC church members to get involved in some ministry inside our church and outside the church walls. God has clearly called every follower of Christ to SERVE in some area of ministry. God has given each of us talents, spiritual gifts, time and � nancial resources to be used to meet both the spiritual and physical needs of people near us and far away. In case you weren’t present this past Sunday, here are a few things to ponder: -The most DANGEROUS question for each of us is: “Am I willing to be open to God’s will for my life?” -“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love.” (Galatians 5:6b) -It’s not what you believe that counts; it’s what you believe enough to do. Finally, in addition to being present whenever you are in town this summer, I want to encourage you to be faithful in your giving no matter whether you are in town or away. You can help us avoid the traditional summer slump at the time we have the most activities going on. Through our ONLINE GIVING portal on our website and app, you can still be faithful in your giving even when you are away. Just go to our website and click on the DONATE button to get set up. Even though money is no laughing matter for churches, sometimes humorous things can happen. I leave you with this story that made me laugh. As a man and his family drove home after church, he was complaining about everything. He said, “The music was too loud. The sermon was too long. The announcements were unclear. The building was hot. The people were unfriendly. “ He went on and on, complaining about virtually everything. Finally, his observant son said, “Dad, you’ve got to admit it wasn’t a bad show for just a dollar.”

Pray for VBS…do something and get involved…stay faithful in your summer giving…oh, and have a blessed week!

In His Service, Brent

Betsy and Steve DunnNora and GraceJoin by Letter10407 US Hwy 31, Apt 828, Spanish Ft. 205.410.7248 (His)205.876.4748 (Hers)

Vikki and Gary Troudt (below)Join by Letter9407 Thoroughbred Run, FH850.661.5430 (His)850.661.5431 (Hers)

Several of our ministries use “Remind” texting app to send out important information to parents/groups about trips, meetings, schedule adjustments, etc. If you want to receive these group texts simply text the “@(group name listed below). and you’ll be added to this list. You’ll receive a text that you were enlisted in the group.TO THIS NUMBER: 81010

@retext - for Student Ministry@fbcsing - for Student Choir

@fbckidsmin - for Children’s Ministry@fbcfa - for Preschool Ministry

@fbcpresumm - for Preschool Summer Stu� You cannot reply to these texts. If you wish to stop receiving them at any time, simply type “STOP@_(the group)”. You’ll receive a text you were removed. This is yet one more way we seek to keep you informed about all things at First!

Welcome to the FirstFamily

Sunday School

Co� ee Teams Needed!One of the things that many of us enjoy on Sundays is a good cup of co� ee. In order to continue providing co� ee on Sunday mornings we need twelve (12) of our Adult Sunday School Classes to sign up to take one (1) month during the year. Each class can decide whether one person does it or four di� erent people make the co� ee for their month. It takes about 1 hour each week showing up around 7:15 AM. Courtney Hice is the Co� ee Team Coordinator and will be glad to answer any questions and show you how to make the co� ee and the areas where it goes. Thanks for your help!CONTACT: Courtney Hice 251.752.9298email: rykethice@gmail.com

Sunday Morning Bus Drivers Needed We need several more people to drive our 15 passenger handicap bus to pick up homebound adults so they can attend worship. This important ministry allows members to attend worship who would otherwise not have a way to join us on Sunday mornings. NO SPECIAL LICENSE is needed, just a good driving record. If you would be willing to be a part of our Sunday Morning Bus Team, please contact Delores.CONTACT: Delores Lund 251.928.8685 dlund@fbcfairhope.org

FirstImpressions

Greeter Ministry

We need more people to help us with passing out Worship bulletins at both services, greeting people as they arrive, work-ing at the Welcome Center and walking newcomers to their classes. Please contact LaSha Powell to get involved in this ministry of hospitality and greeting that is so important! CONTACT: LaSha Powell 251.928.8685 lpowell@fbcfairhope.org

Sunday School Teachers & Assistant Teachers Needed One of the most important ministries of our church is our Sunday morning Bible Study ministry (Sunday School) and other short-term Discipleship Classes that we o� er. We need Teachers willing to serve in our Preschool, Children’s, Youth and Adult Sunday School and to help lead short-term Discipleship Classes. If you have led before or are willing to help.CONTACT: Brent Shaw., 251.928.8685bshaw@fbcfairhope.org

Looking for Camera Operators We need a couple more camera operators for the 11:00 service. Easy job, no studying required, not scheduled every Sunday, stress free and fun to do! Holler if this might be a � t for you in the area of service! (Just about 20 minutes in training is all you’ll need and you’re good to go!) C’mon join the media team! CONTACT: Sharon Pippin, 251.928.8685spippin@fbcfairhope.org

And here are a few things to consider.

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September 12, 2015 at Jordan- Hare Stadium Auburn vs. Jacksonville StateCost: $35 per personHop on the bus and join us for this fun day of fellowship and football at the Loveliest Village on the Plains. We have a block of 28 tickets available on a � rst come basis. The cost for the game ticket plus transportation is only $35 per person. Leaving time will be determined once the game time has been set later in the summer.

To get your tickets see Brent Shaw in the Church O� ce (928-86858 or bshaw@fbcfairhope.org) and make your payment as soon as possible as tickets are expected to go fast!

You are not an accident. Even before the universe was created , God had you in mind, and He planned you for His purposes. These purposes will extend far beyond the few years you will spend on earth.Come join the Men’s Morning Madness group on a 40 day spiritual journey that will transform your answer to life’s most important question. What is my purpose in life? Men’s Morning Madness Class is beginning on June 10 at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the College House. The leader for this group is Bubba Bosarge. Hot co� ee provided.

Begins New Series, June 10

Resumes June 14 Sundays @ 4:00 PM in Multipurpose Room #1If you or someone you know is struggling with grief over the loss of a loved one, then you are encouraged to attend Grief Share. This support group uses trained professionalCounselors via DVD and the leadership of Kathleen Aultmann and Dr. Russell Eubanks to help you lighten the load of grief to be able to cope and move forward in life.The class is in need of to female assistants. Please let Jennifer Coulter know if you are able to assist in this ministry.928.8685 or jcoulter@fbcfairhope.org

Sign Language Class & Signing ChoirWednesdays @ 5:30 PM in 209-WestBegins July 1Led by Jennifer EggersThis class will help you to learn the basics of Sign Language and will give you the opportunity to be a part of our � rst ever Signing Choir. CONTACT: Jennifer Eggers, 251.233.1010email: interpreterministries@gmail.com

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Congratulations to Mason Mesler and Kaylee Bishop! Each of these students received $2,500 from the Paul Martin scholarship fund. The scholarship is promoted by the Grace Sunday School Class and is open to contributions from anyone.

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19311 Hillside Ct., Fairhope, AL

Senior Adults, Are you interested?Contact Carolyn Hammill (990-6773) immediately for details if you are interested in one or more of the following:1. Trip to Montreal and Quebec, September 25-October 5, 2015 2. Christmas Trip to Opryland Hotel, November 30 – December 2, 20153. Trip to New Orleans for a show and lunch, December 5, 2015

Jubileers!NOTE: For the month of June there will be NO Jubileers Lunch or Jubileer Movie Day. This will resume in July.

June Connections OutreachTuesdays, June 9 & 236:00 PM in the Social HallJoin us as we reach out to those who have been our Guests in Worship and Sunday School and recent Newcomers to our area.

Deacon Election Process - Bylaws UpdatedOver the past year the Deacons and a special sub-committee have been studying our Deacon Selection Process. This study was initiated by the current Deacon body in an attempt to improve the nomination and screening process, to better inform the church as to how the process will work, and to increase Deacon and church participation. At the May Business Meeting, the new Bylaws were adopt-ed and will replace the current Bylaws concerning the Deacon Selection process. The following changes were approved and are now in place:• A Deacon Screening Committee will coordinate the selection process. This group will be made up of: -Deacon chairman -Two (2) active Deacons -Four (4) Committee chairs: Human Resources, Nominating, Budget and Committee on Committees -Two (2) members at large as selected by the Pastor -Pastor and other ministerial sta� as needed• The education process will begin in August through the Sunday School and in Worship• Deacon nomination and selection will be held in the fall rather than the summer• The number of Deacons will increase from thirty-three (33) to thirty-nine (39)• Church members will have the opportunity to nominate up to 13 men to serve.• Deacons will serve from January 1 – December 31 rather than October 1 – September 30.If you would like to view the Bylaws for Deacon Selection, you may view them online (membership page) or come by the Church O� ce for a copy.

Mission Trips Coming Up (Add to your prayer list):

May 29- June6 Team to BrazilJune 21-27 Hosanna to Nova Scotia

July 3-18 Team to Tanzania (Maji Hope-formerly Dig Deep, Give Well)August 6-15 Adoration to Scotland

Another Successful Builders For Christ Trip!Our team along with many other volunteers were able to help the congregation of First Southern Baptist Church in Pratt, Kansas. In one week's time the site went from a concrete slab to a framed and dried in sanctuary building. Here is the end of week picture along with a picture of Don Hill receiving the “Silent Warrior” Award. We must ask him about this!To God be the glory!

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The 2015 BFC Team: Bart Cox, Stan Fant, Don Hill, Clyde Ingersoll, and Bud Pommer.