Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Christmas Eve at First Baptist

Christmas Eve Services at First

4:00 PM Family Friendly Service with Live Nativity, Carols, Children's Time, Special Music by Children's and Preschool Choirs.

6:00 PM Candlelight and Communion Service with Special Pre-service music beginning at 5:30 PM

I recently read the following article about the reason that Children Need to Get to Church on Christmas Eve. I thought you may enjoy the author's thoughts...

In most families Christmas Eve and Day are busy, chaotic times.  It is not easy to get a family that includes overly-excited children to church.  But, it is worth the effort.  Children (and their parents) actually need it.  The church helps when it articulates for parents clear reasons to make the effort.  Here is my starter list of reasons. 

To hear the story read or told in an important way on the “night it happened”Children like hearing the story of their birth on their birthday and celebrating other big events on “the very day it happened.”  So, the story which may have been acted out in a pageant and discussed in church school and read at home, feels more “real” when read on Christmas Eve or Day in the sanctuary.

 
To go to church at night – These days children are at church most often during the day.  To go at night to a decorated, even candle-lit church is almost magical.  When the family makes this an important part of Christmas – even in the middle of the chaos – just being there reminds children what is most important about Christmas.

 
To be with a crowd telling the  story – Joining church friends in a packed sanctuary reminds children that this story is something bigger than just their family traditions.  They are part of a huge family of families who celebrate Jesus’ birth.

 
To sing the carols at least one more time – Not many families sing together at home and not many children’s groups sing religious carols any more.  That means we need to be intentional about singing with the carols with the children.  And, who would want to miss singing “Silent Night” in the Christmas Eve sanctuary while hugging your child!

 
To create a context in which to discover the truth about Santa – If Santa is all there is to Christmas Eve once children learn “the truth,” Christmas is just a greedy gift grab.  But, if Christmas Eve has always circled around the story of Jesus told in the sanctuary, the truth about Santa can be fit into that context and the  Christmas celebration gets richer.

 
To create memories - Worshiping on Christmas Eve or Day as a family creates over the years a treasure trove of memories.  Some of them shine with wonder.  Others make for eye-rolling stories that are retold every Christmas.  These memories are precious for both the children as they mature and the parents as they age.

Monday, November 10, 2014

Parents' Night Out

It's the Final PNO for 2014

Hey First Kids -- It's time for another great night of fun with your friends at First Baptist.

Friday from 5:30 to 8:00 pm we will have childcare for our infants and toddlers, riding toys and games in the Family Life Center for our preschoolers and a field trip to Jump-N-Jax for our kindergarten through fourth grade students. Snacks will be provided for everyone.

If you would like to join us, have your parents register you on the breezeway bulletin board by Wednesday night. Or they can email Sharon. sharon@fbchurch.com

It's going to be a great night for kids and their parents! Hope you can join us.

Saturday, November 8, 2014

Operation Christmas Child


First Baptist's Annual Family Ministry Event is Sunday, November 9th.

You and your child/children are invited to participate in Operation Christmas Child through First Baptist Children’s Ministry. This is an opportunity for you to share with your child/children the importance of missions through sharing with children around the world.

We see this as a two-step partnership ministry:

Step One: Your family purchases gifts to be included in Operation Christmas Child boxes. Please include your child in shopping - talking with him/her about this mission endeavor. We will provide the boxes.  You will need to include $7 per box for shipping costs or you may go to the OCC website at http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/followyourbox/ to make the donation and print out special EZ-Give boy/girl labels for your shoe box gifts. This will allow boxes to be tracked so you can find out the destination of your shoe box gifts. You may like to bring a picture of your child or family to include as well.

Step Two:  On Sunday, November 9th, we will meet in the Family Life Center during Sunday School (10:00 – 10:45).  We will watch a short video presentation and then prepare boxes for Operation Christmas Child. There will be stations for you to construct your boxes, write a letter to the child that will receive your box, and tables of items to fill your box. We will then take the boxes into the 11:00 Worship Service for dedication. This will be at the beginning of the service and you may leave following the dedication prayer (if you attended the 8:45 service).
 
We hope your family will plan to be with us. This event is our way of supporting you in encouraging your child’s heart for missions. If you need more information, please contact me at 252-259-7771.

I look forward to being on mission with your family,
Sharon Bender

Monday, November 3, 2014

Kids on MIssion

Wednesday Nights at First


On Wednesday, November 5th our Children in Action (Grades 1-4) will meet from 6:00 - 7:00 pm with their Mission Leaders. Children's Choir will resume the following Wednesday evening.






Our Preschoolers (Mission Friends) will be practicing on Wednesday night (6:00 - 7:00 pm) to lead in worship on Sunday, November 9th during the 8:45 worship service.






Our adults and youth are encouraged to join us in the sanctuary at 6:00 pm for a concert by our Community Gospel Choir led by Craig Little.

Hope to see you all on Wednesday at First!

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Family Fun at First


Saturday is FAMILY FUN DAY at First Baptist.

From 4:00 until 6:00 pm there will be bounce houses and a slide and obstacle course and a train for all our little ones.

 

 

 

Make your plans to be with us and bring a friend to our first ever family fun afternoon!

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Backpack Blessings Build

Come Build a Backpack with First Baptist

Our church family is invited to join our fellow churches to help feed hungry children in our community by participating in the 'Backpack Build" at Garber Methodist Church on Saturday, September 27.

First Baptist's focus session is from 1:00 - 3:30 pm. We hope to have lots of participants from our congregation. Older children are encouraged to attend with their parents.

Our Preteens are planning to serve together with their Sunday School teachers Anna Young and Carole Hart (read all about their plans in the previous post!)

We look forward to seeing you Saturday as work together to fight hunger in Craven County.

Feeding Hungry Children in Craven County

On Saturday, September 27 our pre-teen Sunday school class will head to Garber United Methodist Church to participate in a "backpack build" for Backpack Blessings.
 
Backpack Blessings is a local nonprofit committed to feeding hungry children in Craven County. The goal of Backpack Blessings is to provide a comprehensive program of raising money, identifying kids in need, purchasing food items, packing weekend food bags and distributing to kids in need in every elementary school.
 
Our class will meet in the church parking lot at 12:30pm on September 27 and travel as a group to Garber. The packing session will begin at 1:00pm. During the pack we will fill zip lock bags with non-perishable food items. These bags will be distributed among the elementary schools in Craven County and will be delivered to the schools on the following Monday. This is not a hard job but it is critical in allowing Backpack Blessings to fulfill its mission!
 
After the packing session, we will return to FBC and then share a treat at Cow Café. We estimate returning to the church at 4:00pm after our ice cream treats but we will have cell phones available for pre-teens to use should we return earlier.
 
If you are interested in your pre-teen being a part of this important day, please contact our pre-teen Sunday school teachers, Carole Hart (671-0464) or Anna Young (241-4540). There is a permission slip that needs to be filled out prior to departing the FBC parking lot.
 
This is something that makes a difference in our own community! As our scripture in Sunday school this month says, "Be kind and compassionate to one another" (Ephesians 4:32) and "Walk in love, as the Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us" (Ephesians 5:2).

Friday, August 22, 2014

Sunday Morning Worship Bags

First Kids' Worship Bags are now even more FUN!

Beginning this Sunday, August 24th, our children can use their Worship Bulletin to access online games that reinforce the week's sermon lesson. There is a secret code on the bottom of each child's bulletin that is unique to our church and allows safe and secure access to the Children's Worship Bulletin @ Home link. Several games are rotated - Memory Match, Word Search, Gems of the Bible and Coloring Book - so each week kids will have something new to play. The games are geared toward all age levels so everyone can join in the fun!
                
Step 1: Your child picks up a bulletin with a secret code on the front.
                
Step 2: At home they enter the secret code at Games.ChildrensBulletins.com


I hope your family enjoys this new opportunity for Bible learning and discussion.

See you Sunday!
Sharon

               

 


Sunday, August 17, 2014

Baptismal Service

This Sunday, August 24th, six of our children and preteens will be baptized during the 8:45 worship service. There will be a meeting with the candidates and their parents on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 5:30 to review the specifics of the service and discuss the importance of this special day in the lives of our children. We hope you will be with us on Sunday to celebrate with our children and their families.

Monday, August 4, 2014

Bible Presentation

Bibles will be presented to our rising First Graders during the 11:00 worship service on Sunday, August 24th. If you have a child that will be attending first grade this fall, please contact Sharon at sharon@fbchurch.com or call the church office at 252-638-5691. We want to be sure to have a Discoverer's Bible ready for your first grader!

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Back to School Splash!

Annual Back to School Splash
Saturday, August 23rd
6:00 - 8:00 pm
YMCA
Pizza, Drinks, Dessert and LOTS of Fun!
Sign up on the Breezeway Bulletin Board or email Sharon at sharon@fbchurch.com
Bring your family and a friend

 

Monday, July 28, 2014

CentriKid 2014

We had a great time of fellowship and discipleship and worship and fun and late nights and early mornings at CentriKid Camp! Thirteen fifth and sixth graders along with two fabulous Associate Chaperones and Wade and myself made the six hour trip to Black Mountain, NC on June 29th. Throughout the week the kids were great and I was told from one of our veteran campers "This was the best year yet!" I think they may be right.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

VBS Celebration Sunday

Our VBS Kids shared with us songs from Agency D3 during our early worship service on June 22nd. Thank you to our 75+ youth and adult workers who made this year one of our best. We had 166 kids enrolled and over $2,500 given to missions! Way to go Agents!




Saturday, June 28, 2014

VBS 2014

It was a wonderful week of Vacation Bible School thanks to some 75+ workers and 166 excited, involved and all around great kids! Thank you to those who prayed, taught, fed, led, and encouraged our 'Agents'.









Monday, June 16, 2014

VBS 2014

Today was great start to our 2014 VBS! Our leaders and Special Agent D3 Kids did a great job of discovering who Jesus is. We are looking forward to a great day tomorrow!











Thursday, June 12, 2014

VBS 2014 Kick-Off Event

Sunday, June 15th 

9:45 AM            

Agency D3 Headquarters(Family Life Center)






Our PRETEENS will introduce our VBS 2014 theme and our First Baptist Family will commission our Vacation Bible School leaders and children.


 
This Commissioning Service will take the place of our normal Sunday School hour.


Tuesday, June 10, 2014

VBS - It's Almost Here!!!

Vacation Bible School is Next Week!!!

Join us at Agency D3 for a week of investigating the exciting truths about Jesus. Kids will be briefed on their mission for the day at the Headquarters. From the Headquarters, kids will examine evidence in the Evidence Vault, create cool gadgets in the Lab, hone their skills on the Training Grounds, and enjoy snacks in the Break Room. Be sure to register through the link on the bottom left of our First Baptist Homepage www.fbchurch.com.
June 16 - 20
Ages 4 - 8th Grade
8:45 AM - Noon

Friday, May 30, 2014

Vacation Bible School

It's that time again. Time to get everyone registered for VBS. First Baptist will open registrations to the community on June 5th. Please be sure to have your child/children registered before that date.

In order for our workers to provide a meaningful, successful VBS class size will be limited. To register go to our First Baptist website  www.fbchurch.com and follow the VBS link at the bottom left of the homepage.

Our Vacation Bible School will be for ages 4 through eighth grade, June 16 - 20 from 8:45 am - noon. We are so excited to welcome all our Special Agents to Agency D3. It is going to be the BEST VBS ever!

Saturday, May 24, 2014

CHILDREN'S DAY 2014

Our First Kids did a great job leading in worship on Mother's Day, May 11th. Thank you to all who sang, read scripture, led in prayers, helped usher, played an instrument, and greeted everyone with great smiles and hugs. You bless our church family with your willingness to serve!

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Parents' Night Out Friday!

Hey Parents,

Don't forget that Friday night is Parents' Night Out for First Baptist Kids from infants through 4th Graders. Everyone meets at the church at 5:30 where infants and toddlers will be lovingly cared for in the preschool area and twos and threes will have great fun in the Family Life Center with an ABUNDANCE of riding toys and lots of space to play.

Four year olds through Fourth Graders will hop on the bus for a great night of Park Hopping! We will travel by bus to as many parks as we can visit within the two hour time span.

Snacks are included for all ages.

Please be sure to register by Thursday morning by emailing me, sharon@fbchurch.com or calling the church office at 638-5691.

Looking forward to seeing you Friday!

Thursday, March 27, 2014

First Kids Leading the Way

Our first through sixth graders will be showcasing the musical from the upcoming Vacation Bible School curriculum for the Atlantic Baptist Association VBS Training Event on Thursday, April 10th. The training will take place here at First Baptist from 6:30 until 8:00 pm. All of our adult and youth VBS leaders are encouraged to attend. Our children, under the direction of Jessica Cruz, will share selections from the Agency D3 musical with our attendees. The children will be 'cleared' to leave by 7:00 pm.

Our Preteens are practicing each Wednesday night from 6:00 - 7:00 pm and all our kids are practicing with Jessica at the close of their Sunday School class. This practice takes place in the Family Life Center from 10:30 until 10:55 am March 30th and April 6th.

Thank you for allowing your child to participate! They are truly serving as they lead our Vacation Bible School conference!

See you April 10th


Monday, March 3, 2014

What Does the Clock Say?!

Daylight Saving Time This Sunday

How are we going to be on time this Sunday when we have to spring forward one hour? See if your kids don't enjoy this great spoof on the popular song, “What Does the Fox Say?”  If your kids are like most, they have all the lyrics memorized and sing it all the time.  This is sure to get their attention.  Thanks to Sermon Spice for this video fun!  Let’s join forces and tell our friends “What Does the Clock Say?” so you can spring forward one hour and get yourself to church on time!!

http://vimeo.com/87024878

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Preschool Choir

Wonderfully Made

This morning during our 8:45 Worship Service our Preschool Choir shared with the congregation the song "Wonderfully Made." What a joy to see (and hear) our little ones participate in worship.

What's A Parents' Night Out?

Parents Night February

PNO provides moms and dads a couple of hours for a date night (or a nap) without having to prepare anything at home for a babysitter. Also, while mom and dad are away, the children get to play! PNO is for babies through fourth graders, and each age group is staffed and prepared specifically for that age. Every PNO includes a snack, planned activities, and lots of fun! This Friday night while our preschoolers had the Family Life Center for riding toys, basketball, and fun our elementary kids went to Accidental Artist and Cow CafĂ©. We had a great time and I would like to thank some amazing volunteers: Beverly Leathers who rocked our babies, Hannah Garner and Alison Wynn who helped with our toddlers and Emily, Lauren and Savannah who assisted our budding artists! Thanks guys for making PNO the very best night out for our First Baptist Kids.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Keeping First Kids Safe







This Sunday, January 12th, we will begin implementing a new security system in our preschool ministry. If you haven't already registered your child/children go to our homepage, www.fbchurch.com and select the KidCheck logo which is located at the bottom left of the page. Select "Sign-up" and then "I'm a Parent, Guardian." Follow the link "set up your free login account."

You can create your account from the comfort of home, it’s simple and will only take a few minutes. Creating your account before Sunday will help us have a smooth transition, and helps your first check-in go faster so you can get on your way.

If you have any questions, please contact me at sharon@fbchurch.com or give me a call, 252-638-569, and thank you for your participation!