November 2017Volume 14, Issue 4

Calendar of Events

November is the special time of year we focus on giving thanks and preparing for the season of Advent. To allow for all of this extra activity, we are even given an extra 60 minutes

of time. A subtle hint to set your clocks back an hour before bedtime on Nov. 4.

On Nov. 5, our new worship focus, Give Thanks begins. Throughout the month we will Give Thanks for the grace and blessings of God. On Nov. 5, we Give Thanks for the Great Cloud of Witnesses that have gone before us. We will call the names of those from our church family who entered eternity over the past year. In honor of those who have passed, families will be invited to take an ornament of remembrance and thanksgiving as part of worship.

On Nov. 12, we Give Thanks for the Nations. The annual Parade of Nations is a powerful and beautiful reminder that God loves the peoples of the world. Former staff members, Steve and Pam, will join us to share how they are living their faith among the nations.

On Nov. 19, we Give Thanks for the Nation. Before Thanksgiving we remember that we are called to serve and accomplish the good works that God has set before us. We will give thanks to those who serve our nation and community so faithfully.

On Nov. 26, we Give Thanks for Life. The Hanging of the Green and sharing in the Lord’s Supper will mark this special service. We also look forward to the Smiths joining us in worship as Chad returns from medical leave. Our 2017 Advent Devotion Guides, Among Us, also will be distributed as we prepare for the first day of Advent on Dec. 3.

Our next Sunday lunch and Church Conference is Nov. 12. Join us after worship for a sweet time of fellowship around the table and conference as we approve our 2018 Ministry Plan, Committees, and Ministry Team leadership.

A special thanks to Jerry Chenoweth, Deacon Chair, and our deacons as they have committed to meeting monthly for breakfast and conversation about how they can serve and lead our church in new ways. Their servant-leadership is critical during this season of All Things New at FBC. Their next breakfast is Nov. 18.

Continue to be in prayer for our Minister of Discipleship and Children search team. They are praying and working diligently to collect resumes and discern the Lord’s leadership. If you are aware of anyone interested in applying for this position, please forward a resume to the church office by Nov. 15.

We have much to be thankful for. I look forward to worshiping with you over these next weeks as we Give Thanks for the blessings of God.

Dr. Wade Smith

11-3Upward Evaluation Night

6:00 p.m.FLC

11-5Daylight Savings Ends

Give Thanks for the Great Cloud of Witnesses

10:30 a.m.Sanctuary

11-6Brown Bag Lunch

12:00 p.m.Wagner Hall, OU campus

11-7WMU

11:30 a.m.FLC Conference Room

11-9Nov./Dec. Birthday Bash

11:30 a.m.FLC

DR. WADE SMITH

ROY JOEHAM

At FBC we have chosen to assist our neighbors to the south and take several trips to Texas and assist with cleanup and rebuilding.

We announced last month that we would take that first trip to Houston the week of Oct. 29. We currently have 22 who have committed be on mission for a week of hard work. We held our first planning meeting and there is certainly a sense of praise and indication of God’s call to those who are going. If you are not able to go on this trip, we will take two or more trips in 2018.

You can be a part of this trip by praying for the locations to which we have been called to assist, and the families we have the opportunity to impact.

Our FBCKids missions group set a challenge for our church to provide 1,000 items for the work team to take along. I pray that you have supported their efforts and know that the items we take will have an impact on those we minister. Thank you FBCKids and leaders for growing a heart for missions.

You should have received your contribution statement through September to assist you in praying about how you can be a part in finishing well. As always, November and December are key months to impact the financial wellbeing of our church.

At the end of June you voted to reduce the Ministry Plan (budget) for 2018. Your staff and Budget Planning team have worked diligently to curb expenses this year to allow us to have a fresh start to 2018. Ministry plan presentations by the Budget Admin committee will begin on Oct. 29 with a vote to follow at our Church Conference on Nov. 12.

Let us enter into this season of mission, thanksgiving and the season of the Nativity with our eyes fully open looking for the many ways that God is moving around us daily. Then discover how you can become involved in what He is doing!

On Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. Hallock Hall will be transformed to a Thanksgiving Basket Party.

"We provide a free family meal, games and crafts, and a basket of food to take home for Thanksgiving for 50 families with children under 18," Angela Atkins, Minister of Community Ministries said. "We need volunteers to decorate, help serve the meal, help guests gather food, and entertain the children."

This will be the sixth year that First Baptist has provided Thanksgiving baskets to the community.

Donations are also needed for the baskets. This year we are asking for canned sweet potatoes, instant scalloped potatoes, cake mix, chicken broth, instant mashed potatoes, frosting, Stove Top

stuffing mix, canned pie filling, boxed pie crust mix, whole berry cranberry sauce.

"Financial donations also are being accepted to offset the meat and meal costs," Angela said.

Please have food items to the church office by Sunday, Nov. 19.

Food Pantry NeedsOver the past month 91 bags of food

have been distributed from First Baptist Church, and need to re-stock our shelves. We need the following items:

• Cereal or oatmeal• Macaroni and cheese• Canned chicken• Spaghetti sauce• Spaghetti• Peanut butter• Jelly• Canned fruit• Canned soups• Green beans• Toothpaste• Tooth brushes• Deodorant• Shampoo• Size 4 diapers

Thanksgiving Basket Donations Needed

AmongAdvent 2017

UsDEC. 3THE PEACE OF GOD

AMONG US

DEC. 10THE HOPE OF GOD AMONG US

DEC. 17THE JOY OF GOD AMONG US

DEC. 24 (MORNING)THE LOVE OF GOD AMONG US

DEC. 24 (EVENING)THE LIGHT OF GOD AMONG US

There will be a $2 pizza lunch

bring salad or dessertto share

CHURCHCONFERENCE

NOV. 12Following worship

in Hallock Hall

Nov. 510:30 a.m.

GIVE THANKS

for the Cloud of Witnesses

Registration deadline is January 4

For more information, call the flc 360-5300

SIGN-UP NOW

at the Family Life Center

Harvey Mission

NovemberHighlights

Church Conference/Lunch11:30 a.m.Hallock Hall

12

Upward Evaluation6:00 p.m.FLC13

11

Final day for Operation Christmas Child19

Veteran's Day

20

Upward Evaluation6:00 p.m.FLCCommunity Ministry Thanksgiving Basket Party6:00 p.m.Hallock Hall

Maybe one of the best kept secrets at the Family Life Center is the fitness center located on the second floor of the facility.

A staple of the fitness center for at least 20 years is Randy Praytor who offers fitness center orientations every Monday evening.

"It helps me stay motivated to stay in shape myself. I don’t think anyone would want to listen to what I might have to say about fitness if I don’t care enough to heed my own advice. It’s getting tougher as I get older, but I’m still trying," Randy said.

Randy said he enjoys the orientation session because it allows him to meet new people on more of a one-on-one basis.

"I meet people not only from our church, but also from other churches in our community through our Minister’s Program, and others joining through our work break program," Randy said. "And if what I do can in any way help someone start down the road to better health, then that’s the most rewarding thing of all. We’re only given one body, it’s our responsibility to take care of it the best we can."

Randy adds that anyone who has not seen the FLC's fitness facility would be surprised at what is offered.

"We have wonderful equipment and something to work out every part of your body. It’s very affordable (church members

are free) and never crowded," Randy said. "But, of course, the FLC is much more than a fitness center. There is something for every member of the family and is something First Baptist Church can be extremely proud of. I can truly say that the best friends I have in my life have come from relationships formed at the Family Life Center, and I will always be grateful and thankful to be a even a small part of it."

For more information on the FLC or the fitness center, visit fbcnorman.org or call 360-5300.

Morgan of Mad Science of Central Oklahoma entertained First Baptist's Kaleidoscope programs on Oct. 20. For more information about Kaleidoscope, an after school program offered by FBC, email Brenda Gass at brendag@fbcnorman.org

Mad Science

FLC Fitness Facility Has Lots to Offer

AT FIRST GLANCE (USPS 008-741) is published monthly by the First Baptist Church, 211 W. Comanche St., Norman, OK (405)321-1753.  Periodical postage paid at Norman, OK.  POSTMASTER:  Send address changes to AT FIRST GLANCE, 211 W. Comanche, Norman, OK 73069-5698.

At FIRST Glance

First Baptist Church211 W

. Comanche St.

Norm

an, OK 73069

Address Service Requested

First Baptist Church would like to extend sympathies to:

Mary Robinson and Jennifer Robinson Schinderwolf at the passing of their mother and grandmother, Audrey Brumage.

To the Friends and family of Cherry Turnage at her passing.

Bobby and Francine Barnard at the passing of Bobby's sister, Peggy Stephenson

Mary Lee Foor, Ramey, Laurie, Terry & Kevin Foor and Tracy, Trish, Jeremy & Gordon Foor at the passing of their husband, father and grandfather, Terry Foor.

Wilma Minyen at the passing of her sister, Tia Platt.

Paul, Kellie, Carson, Cooper & Foster Hopkins, Anita Neal, Neil Hopkins at the passing of their mother and grandmother, Nina Hopkins

Betty Northcutt at the passing of her son, Rick Northcutt

Sybil Foster at the passing of her granddaughter, Oteka Peden

Monica DeFee at the passing of her father, John Jacobsen

November 1: Lisa Raiber, Hayley Redwine, Ronald WilliamsNovember 2: Chong Hui Dillon, James Hale, Mary Ruth Higgins, Janie Ketner, Brittney Ragland, Al SilkeyNovember 3: Nathan Moss, Kallie Smith, Pat Vann, Steven Wilson, Brenda WoottonNovember 4: Zachary Arrington, Kristi Bloss, Carlos Calixto, Brenda Hogue, Linda Dixon-TillerNovember 5: Nick Foster, Ashley Nea, Thomas Smith, Annette Valentino, Charles Van HornNovember 6: Dan Baily, Hannah Foster, Dylan Long, Steve Myers, Joe Bob WeaverNovember 7: Johannes Buyten, Amy Cherry, Jeanette Dubois November 8: Jobeth Buyten, Krissy Griffin, Debbie Neal, Lynlee Robinson November 9: Stephen Callison, Bryan DeLuca, Anna Grace Nava, John ReddellNovember 10: Jeromy Amos, Jack Harp, John Montgomery, Blake SmithNovember 11: Dan Durham, Sandy Lewis, Hayley ScottNovember 12: Annetta Brown, Jake Haxel, Staci Koutsoukos, Marian Lalli, Laurie McReyonolds, Chris Michie, Paula Morton, Willie Neal, Bill Pendergraft November 13: Joel Barbour, Sierra Fielder-Griggs, Sam Hale, Rhonda Howk, Michael Raiber, Gary Schaffner, Phil WarrenNovember 14: Eric Fredericks, Allen Moore, Jenny WrightNovember 15: George Durham, Greg Ellis, John Fox, Philip Redwine Jr., Samantha Rose, John SummersNovember 16: Dianne Daniels, Tom Deplois, Steve Jimerson, Alex Kmiecik, Rebeca Kozak,

Catherine Lesser, Janice Masters, Donna Pike, Tracey PrinceNovember 17: Leslie Bedwell, Elaine Hale, Rhonda Morgan, Renee Mungle, Jacob Reddick, Dominic Strevett November 18: Fran Burgess, Nancy Gardner, Roger Hoyt, Patty Jimerson, Mack McGuckin, Jack WrightNovember 19: Kyle Barton, Roy Blasius, Aaron MeekNovember 20: James Callison, Mark Lassetter, Bill Marley, Deb McLain, Leon Ragland, Dennis Ross, Sarah Sheldon, Sammie Theige, Drew WrightNovember 21: Betty Burris, Stephanie Hixon, Marie Hunter, Nora Morrison, Lisa PortwoodNovember 22: Carson Hopkins, Daniel Hopper, Larry Rachal, Denise WrightNovember 23: Cathy Adams, Dennis Etter, Jacob Foster, Becky Kendrick, Valerie Ladner, Kim McElroy, Amber Mercer, Adrian PaceNovember 24: Don Bowen, Jamie Bowen, Arletta Fink, Betty Higgins, Emma Maggard, Vicki Stewart, Scott Storm, James Teague, Tessa TeagueNovember 25: Joel Carlson, Amy Hicks, Joslin Rigney, Jeremy SpearingNovember 26: Laurie Conaway, Margaret Cullins, Gordon Foor, Barbara Owens, Amber PhilemoreNovember 27: Millie Bradam, Harris Chandra, Joyce Filipski, Gail Moore, Zachart Rohring, Barbara WoodruffNovember 28: Amity Curry, Toni Klemm, Kenneth Smith, Beth WilsonNovember 29: Christina Rehkop, Gail SchwabeNovember 30: Kat Combs, Carlos Elwell, Paige Hudson, Frank Small, Gary Storm

November Birthdays

Sympathies

$10 Suggested Donation

Benefits Community Ministry

November 11November 11

Four Hours

before kickoff

Game DayGame DayParking