fbcoxford @fbcoxford n www.gotofirst.org 800 Van Buren Ave., Oxford MS 38655 n 662.234.3515

FREE app "First Baptist Oxford MS"

he MessengerOCTOBER 2018Vol. 60 No. 10

from the Pastor“Are we trying to be Fort Knox?” I hear that statement occasionally as people comment on security at FBC. My answer is usually, “we have something more valuable than all the gold at Fort Knox.” It’s our children. The latest step is to introduce a check-in procedure for our children in Kindergarten - 5th grade on Sunday mornings.

Security is one of those things no one really likes to talk about but we know safety doesn’t happen by accident. I’m grateful that FBC is proactive and unapologetic in our care for all our members especially children. Of course, any security procedure is inconvenient. And no security is perfect. But times have changed. And protecting our most vulnerable is a priority for all of us. In past times, everyone knew everyone at church. Everyone ‘parented’ each other’s kids. We dropped our kids off at church and school with no thought of safety. Church was ‘off-limits’ to those who might have less than stellar intent. Sadly, we’ve seen instances across the US that shatter our innocence. Families live estranged from each other. Neighbors hardly know neighbors. We don’t and can’t know everyone who comes to church. We want our kids and grandkids to meet with Jesus at church. We want our kids to learn the Bible to supplement what they learn at home. We want our kids to freely frolic through our halls with laughter and happiness. While they do these things, we want to keep them as safe as possible. So let’s continue measures that give safety, confidence and accountability protecting our children. Let’s support the important measures we put in place at FBC. After a few weeks, the procedure will be second nature and you’ll be even more confident in the safety of your child.Thanks for your partnership.Don

OCTOBER 2 11 a.m. XYZ Program & Luncheon Noon Prayer Meeting 4:30 p.m. GriefShare

OCTOBER 3 6:40 a.m. Men’s Explorer’s Bible Study 5 p.m. Fellowship Meal 5:30 p.m. AWANA: Store Night 6 p.m. Midweek for Youth 6 p.m. Adult Bible Studies 6 p.m. Women’s Explorer’s Bible Study 6 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 7:30 p.m. Band Rehearsal

OCTOBER 4 10 a.m. Preschool Story Time

OCTOBER 7 8:30 a.m. Worship Service 9:45 a.m. Bible Study classes 11 a.m. Worship Service No evening activities

OCTOBER 8 6 p.m. Fall Meeting of the Collaborative Missionary Network

OCTOBER 9 Noon Prayer Meeting 4:30 p.m. GriefShare 6:30 p.m. Women’s Ministry Paint Party

OCTOBER 10 6:40 a.m. Men’s Explorer’s Bible Study 5 p.m. Fellowship Meal 5:30 p.m. AWANA 6 p.m. Midweek for Youth 6 p.m. Adult Bible Studies 6 p.m. Women’s Explorer’s Bible Study 6 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 7:30 p.m. Band Rehearsal

OCTOBER 13 7:30 a.m. Men’s Ministry Workday for the Kids Karnival

OCTOBER 14 Baby Dedication8:30 a.m. Worship Service 9:45 a.m. Bible Study classes 11 a.m. Worship Service 4 p.m. Children’s Bible Drill 5 p.m. Children’s Choir 5 p.m. Youth Discipleship in the CLC 5 p.m. The Great Commission, Coffee, and Cookies

OCTOBER 15 5:30 p.m. Outreach

OCTOBER 16 Noon Prayer Meeting 4:30 p.m. GriefShare

OCTOBER 17 6:40 a.m. Men’s Explorer’s Bible Study 5 p.m. Fellowship Meal 5:30 p.m. AWANA: Goofy Hat Night 6 p.m. Midweek for Youth 6 p.m. Adult Bible Studies 6 p.m. Women’s Explorer’s Bible Study 6 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 7:30 p.m. Band Rehearsal

OCTOBER 18 6:30 p.m. Women’s Ministry Book Club

OCTOBER 21 8:30 a.m. Worship Service 9:45 a.m. Bible Study classes 11 a.m. Worship Service 4 p.m. Children’s Bible Drill 5 p.m. Children’s Choir 5 p.m. Youth Discipleship in the CLC 5 p.m. Evening Worship followed by Quarterly Business Meeting

October Check out featured events at www.gotofirst.org

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CCCaeaarrGGreee G aGr aeGreaGreG eG eGreaatrrereattrGreGGrre tGreaGreaeaattGGGG tGGGGrGGrGGGr tGr tG tGG tGGGGGGGGG Oct. 14 at 5 p.m.

3rd Floor 2018 mission trip

testimonies by FBC Members

Collaborative Missionary Network (formerly Lafayette/Marshall Baptist Association)

Fall Meeting of CMN at First Baptist Oxford

Monday, October 8 at 6 p.m.Light meal in the fellowship hall

followed by service in the sanctuary Everyone is invited.

Our FamilySunday school attendanceSeptember 2 - 481 September 16 - 562 September 9 - 549 September 23 - 590

Budget Sept. 2-23, 2018Budget $148,171.19 Building $2,088.33 Designated $17,716.72 Total $167,976.24

Deacons of the WeekOct. 7-13 Bobby Clanton, Matt Moore, Brad GolmonOct. 14-20 Paul Hale, Nelson Little, Lanny ShackelfordOct. 21-27 Jamie Hopson, Kevin Howell, Martin LockeOct. 28- Gary Carter, Bill Rose, Nov. 3 Steven Russell

New Members in Aug./Sept. Gary Stringer, Orrin & Kelsey Todd, Danny & Pam Guthrie, Ella Grace Reeder, Caroline Busby, Ye Jin, Bob & Emmie Brunson, and Bernard & Peggy Strawbridge

Congratulations To Kayla & Michael Gann on the birth of a son, Leo Beckham Gann, September 21. Proud grandparents are Melinda & Don Gann.

To McKenzie & Dakota Wills on the birth of a daughter, Reese Kingsley Wills, September 12. Big brother is Hudson Wills and proud grandmother is Ginger Weeks.

Our Sympathy To Scotty Polston and family in the loss of his grandfather, Mr. William H. Polston.

To Cornelia and Sonny Mason & family in the loss of their granddaughter, Julia Delle Mason.

OCTOBER 22 5:30 p.m. Outreach

OCTOBER 23 Noon Prayer Meeting 4:30 p.m. GriefShare

OCTOBER 24 6:40 a.m. Men’s Explorer’s Bible Study 5 p.m. Fellowship Meal 5:30 p.m. AWANA 6 p.m. Midweek for Youth 6 p.m. Adult Bible Studies 6 p.m. Women’s Explorer’s Bible Study 6 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 7:30 p.m. Band Rehearsal

OCTOBER 28 Children’s Choir performing in both morning worship services. 8:30 a.m. Worship Service 9:45 a.m. Bible Study classes 11 a.m. Worship Service 4 p.m. Kids Karnival

OCTOBER 30 Noon Prayer Meeting 4:30 p.m. GriefShare

OCTOBER 31 6:40 a.m. Men’s Explorer’s Bible Study 5:30 p.m. Trunk or Treat 6 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 7:30 p.m. Band Rehearsal

NOVEMBER 1 6 p.m. Sentinel Security Training for mission trips

Library & Media CenterOpen Sundays 9:30-11 a.m. and Wednesdays 5-7 p.m.

Downstairs next to the Old Fellowship Hall.

October is Pastor Appreciation MonthCheck out the display in the FBC Library

of some of our pastors’ favorite books.

MISSION & MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIESQuestions? Contact Jeff Holeman at 662.234.3515 or wigtake@gmail.com

Dedication Sunday

Nov. 11

More information at gotofirst.org/occ

National Collection Week

Nov. 12-19GO Boxes and packing instructions will be available in Atrium beginning Oct. 14!

OAXACA MEDICAL TRIP February 9-15. Cost is $650 per person and is due November 9. Contact Jeff for more info.

SENTINEL SECURITY TRAINING Nov. 1 from 6-10 p.m. in the Student Ministry Suite. $45 per person. Completion of course necessary for mission

trip financial assistance from MS Baptist Convention. Contact Jeff for more info.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT TABLE BUDDIES NEEDED. Help is needed with our Brittany Woods students on Wednesdays from 5-5:45 p.m. Table conversation and hospitality, serving food, crowd control. Please contact Liesa

Holeman at Liesa.Holeman@gmail.com to volunteer.

Pray for the October Oaxaca Pastor/Leader Training Team. Bobby Clanton, Bill Rose, John Payne, and Jeff Holeman. October 24-29.

Pray for the Rome, Italy team. Buster Hale, Abi Rayburn, Jack Schultz, Michael Meurrier, Liesa Holeman,

and Jeff Holeman.

MONDAY OUTREACH Oct. 15 and 22 5:30-7 p.m. Light meal served. Come join us as we call, write, and visit our community. Contact Pam Carter for more info.

ENCOUNTER WITH NIK AND RUTH RIPKEN

rescheduled for March 22-24. Contact Jeff for more info.

OCTOBER LOCAL MINISTRY FOCUS: Oxford Food Pantry Top 5 items needed: Canned meat such as chicken or tuna,

Canned soups, Canned vegetables, Rice, Pasta.

MEN’S MINISTRY NEWS mm@gotofirst.org

WORKDAYOCTOBER 13 7:30 a.m. in the CLC. This workday will be dedicated to projects for the Kids Karnival. All skill levels needed.Email mm@gotofirst.org to sign up!

Sunday, November 4Stop by the Atrium after Sunday School or following the 11 a.m. service. Pick up a ready to eat dish or something to freeze for later.

Mission Project sponsored by the Karis 1 Sunday School Class

Paint Party October 9 at 6:30 p.m. Supplies and light snack provided by Connie Ashmore. Paintings will be given to shut-ins. Email questions to wmin@gotofirst.org

Monthly Book Club October 18 at 6:30 p.m. Our book this month is 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker. Email wmin@ gotofirst.org for more details.

The Drop Box Movie Night November 16 from 6-8 p.m.Childcare provided. Email wmin@gotofirst.org for more details.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY NEWS wmin@gotofirst.org

~Save the Date~

Ladies’ Christmas TeaDecember 8

9-10:30 a.m. Please see Brooke Gibson to host a table! Tickets will go on sale in November.

Bake alein Support of the Persecuted Church

XYZ Senior Adult Program and LuncheonTuesday, October 2 at 11 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall

We will begin with hymn singing led by Keith McGregor. Clay Dabbs, Assistant U.S. Attorney, will present a program on “Scams and Identity Theft.”

A delicious meal will be provided. Invite a friend and join us.

STUDENT MINISTRY NEWSIncredible Pizza. October 7. $25 per student includes all food and games. Sign up on the Student Ministry Board. Contact Jeff for more info.

Corn Maze. October 21. $10 per student plus money for food. Sign up on the Student Ministry Board. Contact Jeff for more info.

Jr/Sr Bible Study every Monday Night at 6:45 p.m. Jeff and Liesa’s house. Contact Jeff for more info.

Sunday PM. For all youth in grades 7 to 12. Gym opens at 4. Snack Supper at 4:45 pm. Discipleship at 5 pm. Gym open until 7 pm.

Midweek. Worship and Bible Study for all youth

in grades 7 to 12.

2019 EVENTS AND DATES! COSTS INCLUDE PARKING LOT DISCOUNT. Parents needed to chaperone ALL trips. Parents do not pay to attend Beach Camp or Super Summer.

Maven Winter Conference. For all students. Oxford. Jan 18-19. $30.

Big 7 Trip. For students entering grades 7/8. May 27-30. Panama City Beach. $125. Limit of 25. $125 due Feb 1, 2019.

Beach Camp 2019. For all students. June 30-July 5. $225. Limit of 60. $225 due April 1, 2019.

Super Summer 2019. For students entering 9th to college. July 15-19. $125.

Oaxaca Mission Trip. For all students. Students must be 16 to travel without a parent. July 20-27. $575. $100 deposit due Jan 1, 2019. $200 payment due Feb 1, 2019 $275 payment due March 1, 2019.

DiscipleNow 2019. For all students. August 9-11. $50.

PRESCHOOL & CHILDREN'S NEWS

PREsCHOOL STORY TIMEThursday, October 4 at 10 a.m. in the FBC Library

FBC Children’s Choir presents

Sunday, October 28 during both morning worship services

Kids KarnivalSunday, October 28 • 4-6 p.m.

inflatables, games in the Christian Life Center, food & door prizes!

CANDY DONATIONS NEEDED! Drop off candy at the welcome desk, children’s Sunday school desk, or the church office.

Register now at gotofirst.org!Early registration discount through Nov. 6

Grades K5-4thUPWARD BASKETBALL

TRUNK OR TREAT in the parking lot across from the church office

Wednesday, October 31Families can team up! We would like to have at least 30 cars

participating. Sign up in the church office by October 17!

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