tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76441809625277725472024-02-20T22:24:45.835-05:00First KidsJacob and Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863334746098755353noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644180962527772547.post-11953769117029610662015-08-21T10:16:00.000-04:002015-08-21T10:16:07.310-04:00First Grade Bible Presentation<h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1XyFixiWUuDIp3z0fD6m7c38YqEoCQJHDh9PTOCCYPDZ1IPtjcBiEQ1IMwBaZ7z0_O2xjl4GAQotOFRsrrZux53rpmus8NtEB0OIJkxGiXvkQlhX53wZpFsQHonqJsHiCIokNzYIahE/s1600/First+Grade+Bible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1XyFixiWUuDIp3z0fD6m7c38YqEoCQJHDh9PTOCCYPDZ1IPtjcBiEQ1IMwBaZ7z0_O2xjl4GAQotOFRsrrZux53rpmus8NtEB0OIJkxGiXvkQlhX53wZpFsQHonqJsHiCIokNzYIahE/s200/First+Grade+Bible.jpg" width="141" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bible Presentation </span></h3>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-131362860310390277" itemprop="description articleBody">
<h3 abp="966" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bibles will be presented to our rising First Graders during both worship services on Sunday, August 23rd. If you have a child that will be attending first grade this fall, please contact Sharon at </span><a abp="967" href="mailto:sharon@fbchurch.com"><span style="color: #d57629; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">sharon@fbchurch.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 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!</span></h3>
</div>
Sharon Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720863755842738587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644180962527772547.post-60619908409583677462015-08-13T13:29:00.002-04:002015-08-13T13:29:51.627-04:00Back to School Splash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglH0gXt1frB7MiIuVTqKo21KJEHjZJKXVVYMfijleuZ-WxglqV6Fh_I0AMjrtegkNWJVZoTdD8Wb6NZ2VkHXH2TVokYj3OEjt2m8sgj1EX50VTU2bzZoIPE8USAKZRNA3blZVML0Pe1cY/s1600/splash.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglH0gXt1frB7MiIuVTqKo21KJEHjZJKXVVYMfijleuZ-WxglqV6Fh_I0AMjrtegkNWJVZoTdD8Wb6NZ2VkHXH2TVokYj3OEjt2m8sgj1EX50VTU2bzZoIPE8USAKZRNA3blZVML0Pe1cY/s1600/splash.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: medium;">Annual Back to School Splash</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: medium;">Saturday, August 22nd</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: medium;">6:00 - 8:00 pm</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: medium;">YMCA</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: medium;">Pizza, Drinks, Dessert and LOTS of Fun!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: medium;">Sign up on the Breezeway Bulletin Board or email Sharon at <span style="color: blue;">s</span><a href="mailto:sharon@fbchurch.com"><span style="color: blue;">haron@fbchurch.com</span></a> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: medium;">Bring your family and a friend</span></div>
Sharon Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720863755842738587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644180962527772547.post-74198958491877618952015-05-06T11:47:00.000-04:002015-05-06T11:52:48.531-04:00Parents' Night Out<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friday Night - It's Parents' Night Out!</span></h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MEHVxofKbQELUeyA9qfzk4ry42e1lo3lmvRmvzfPTgS6LAakp8ksIKSwhf0YpdF-hHManJh2CJJf7Ygn4EV8Pmv3R9H8445FuFjBZiNYH7gjHWBgnZHaSkXAT3wvUQXwR0hS6WSGumE/s1600/Parents-Night-Out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MEHVxofKbQELUeyA9qfzk4ry42e1lo3lmvRmvzfPTgS6LAakp8ksIKSwhf0YpdF-hHManJh2CJJf7Ygn4EV8Pmv3R9H8445FuFjBZiNYH7gjHWBgnZHaSkXAT3wvUQXwR0hS6WSGumE/s1600/Parents-Night-Out.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This Friday, May 8th from 5:30-7:30 PM our First Baptist kids are all set for a night of FRIENDS and FUN! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Babies and Toddlers will be cared for in the Fist Baptist Preschool area.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preschoolers will gather in the Family Life Center for an evening of riding toys, games and snacks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kindergarten through Fourth Graders are off for a night of "Destination Unknown". </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(We will be traveling by bus to a nearby stables to visit farm animals, including ten baby goats, and ride some friendly horses. This is a surprise for the kids so keep it on the DL :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Register your child/children on the Breezeway Bulletin Board or text or email me by Thursday afternoon .</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope to see your kids Friday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sharon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">252-259-7771</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:sharon@fbchurch.com">sharon@fbchurch.com</a></span>Sharon Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720863755842738587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644180962527772547.post-49311764894099468442015-05-05T16:55:00.002-04:002015-05-06T11:47:21.987-04:00Children's Day 2015<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">May 10th is Children's Day at First Baptist Church.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVaFlALueUOo84lmMrN_jsyQjPnasZgvLWppXs5EjfGEBoqDRI7rMqpF0DS0ka7PzIoYAiskpZ_BGZUX4JW5gnhufPRlpcUlS1RuAJBvXGBQ-AAVN4y0XzOez8LXvCaszFZZsTQnNkjo/s1600/Children's%20Choir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVaFlALueUOo84lmMrN_jsyQjPnasZgvLWppXs5EjfGEBoqDRI7rMqpF0DS0ka7PzIoYAiskpZ_BGZUX4JW5gnhufPRlpcUlS1RuAJBvXGBQ-AAVN4y0XzOez8LXvCaszFZZsTQnNkjo/s1600/Children's%20Choir.jpg" height="190" width="200" /></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Orr Preschool and Children's Choirs will sing during the 8:45 Worship Service and our Children's Choir will sing during the 11:00 Worship. Preteens and Older Children will take part in leading in different aspects of the service.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">We believe that Children's Day is a meaningful and important day in the life of our church. Children benefit because they sense they are valued. They are excited to have leadership in worship and feel a sense of accomplishment in their contribution. We hope parents are pleased to belong to a church that supports them as parents and believes children are a gift from God. The church family will be blessed to see that God is at work with First Baptist's next generation.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Rev. Templeton will be working with our choirs on Wednesday evening from 6:00 - 7:00 PM. We hope you child will be in attendance as we prepare for this special day.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Blessings,</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Sharon</span>Sharon Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720863755842738587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644180962527772547.post-85771312110268213072015-03-26T14:21:00.001-04:002015-03-26T14:21:30.866-04:00Palm Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZUx16UJfCCsHvu8884pAt_xbDrQeuvdNMNOBk4dr_2GZBBAdAhF7dzqoIyM1NP_aLZFOHRQB8LbZ_Ptg4KdPmXaGZ092XNMMEifThVbSa6MnAOdybx82WpBnmYNd5rfy5PSLMyi-KvA/s1600/Palm-Sunday-Free-Clip-Art-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZUx16UJfCCsHvu8884pAt_xbDrQeuvdNMNOBk4dr_2GZBBAdAhF7dzqoIyM1NP_aLZFOHRQB8LbZ_Ptg4KdPmXaGZ092XNMMEifThVbSa6MnAOdybx82WpBnmYNd5rfy5PSLMyi-KvA/s1600/Palm-Sunday-Free-Clip-Art-1.jpg" height="122" width="320" /></a></div>
<h4>
This Sunday, March 28th is Palm Sunday. Our preschoolers and children will meet in the Sanctuary at 8:30 am for a Children's Time and to rehearse for the Palm Processional that will happen at the beginning of the service. Following the processional the Children's Choir will share the song, "Sing, Hosanna." </h4>
<h4>
We will follow the same routine at the second service meeting in the sanctuary at 10:45 am. Children will be dismissed following the processional if they attended the first service. </h4>
<h4>
This is a wonderful tradition for our First Baptist family. We hope you will join us for this exciting event as we teach and prepare our children for Resurrection Sunday.</h4>
Sharon Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720863755842738587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644180962527772547.post-23313486903188239642015-03-26T14:04:00.002-04:002015-03-26T14:04:51.456-04:00Easter Egg Hunt<h3>
Easter Egg Hunt Rescheduled</h3>
<h4>
Due to the wet weather and cold temperatures we are rescheduling the Annual Easter Egg Hunt to Sunday afternoon at 3:30 pm. The Egg Hunt will be at Creekside Park, Congleton Shelter. </h4>
<h4>
Children are encouraged to bring food items for the Kennedy Home Food Drive. Flyers with suggested items are available at church or online at <a href="http://www.bchfamily.org/foodroundup">http://www.bchfamily.org/foodroundup</a></h4>
<h4>
The Hunt is for preschool through fourth grade. Preteens are invited to help hide the eggs at 2:30 pm and stay for the Egg Hunt and refreshments.</h4>
<h4>
We look forward to seeing your family on Sunday!</h4>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgap9uy9iyu-Jn04rEECbrSYznO7yVIFD51337BlpN2ADhnVjt7YDt8dJi8Zhvkwd8tVcMzZrVK_p7WaWo3JWrGGU2btAuKHVBVhwrRjqoknT_l7PF7vdpjt4HsG47eZLwBZQ_zMuREJo8/s1600/easter+7.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgap9uy9iyu-Jn04rEECbrSYznO7yVIFD51337BlpN2ADhnVjt7YDt8dJi8Zhvkwd8tVcMzZrVK_p7WaWo3JWrGGU2btAuKHVBVhwrRjqoknT_l7PF7vdpjt4HsG47eZLwBZQ_zMuREJo8/s1600/easter+7.png" height="158" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
Sunday, March 29</h3>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sharon Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720863755842738587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644180962527772547.post-72468092501878934312015-03-16T10:19:00.002-04:002015-03-16T10:19:39.618-04:00Preparing Our Kids for Easter<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Last year I shared the following article in our April Newsletter. In preparing our kids for Easter 2015, I thought it was worth repeating. From <strong><em>"Sharing the
Easter Faith with Children”</em></strong> by Carolyn C. Brown this article helps parents,
grandparents, and children’s leaders better explain Easter to our children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">A good starting point is to realize
that Easter is bigger than any of us ever fully understand so we do not have to
know all the answers. (big sigh of relief). NO one ever does. Easter is new
life, an empty tomb, forgiveness, resurrection and more. That is not something
to understand. It is a reality we have to grow in to. The truth is that we
understand different aspects of Easter better at different times of our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Adults respond enthusiastically to
the Easter claim and promise of victory over death because the reality,
especially the finality of death. Children however, have a hard time grasping
the reality, especially the finality of death. Even after attending Granddad’s
funeral a young child will often ask, at unexpected times, when Granddad will
be visiting. This natural inability to grasp the finality of death is supported
by fairy tale princesses who awake after “sleeping” for years and cartoon
characters who, flattened by steamrollers, peel themselves off the road. Given
all this, it’s not surprising that children can’t get too excited by victory
over death.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Many books and people, and I’m afraid
I must admit that I have tried to get around this by focusing on new life,
paying attention to eggs, bulbs, and butterflies as new life symbols. I have
found that while children are vaguely interested in these symbols, “New life”
strikes few of them (for whom all of life is “New”) as particularly significant
or exciting.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">What I have learned this year in
preparing for Easter is that for younger children, the empty tomb is the
ultimate victory of the good guys (God/Jesus) over<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the bad guys (Judas, the priests, Pilate, the
soldiers). On Good Friday the bad guys thought they had won. They killed Jesus
and sealed His body into a guarded tomb. On Easter morning, God/Jesus blasted
right out of that tomb and proved one and for all that God is more powerful
than even the worst evil the worst bad guys can inflict. The natural response
to such a victory is to yell “hooray for God and Jesus!” and to celebrate
belonging to God who is the most powerful power there is in the universe!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">To older elementary children, who are
focused on friendships and have clear expectations of “best friends,” the most
significant resurrection story is the story of Peter’s breakfast conversation
with Jesus (John 21:1-19). Peter had been Jesus’ best friend. He had promised
to stick with Jesus no matter what. And he had been caught three times on the
same night pretending he did not even know Jesus. As a betrayed “best friend,”
Jesus would have been justified in ignoring or punishing Peter of his denials.
But Jesus did not. For Peter, the resurrection happened when Jesus forgave him,
welcomed him back as a friend, and put him to work building God’s Kingdom. For
older children, Easter holds the promise that Jesus will forgive them and
welcome them back when and if they betray their friendship with him. Such
Easter forgiveness is worth celebrating!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">One final reminder – remember the
starting point of this article – Easter is bigger than we can understand. We
probably do the most harm when we fail to talk with our children about our
Easter faith out of fear that we will not get it right."</span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">May we use the remaining days of
March to prepare ourselves, our hearts, our homes, our church, and our children
for the wonderful celebration of Easter.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWG5JNnn8460JFYcOwhMoNkAi9Wo67U65LYRIYQi_mTH5VRKaXsz5BlTYAD9oiAbO_LO6zgpg9M5Z27IyvdzqEZjLnJBktBJ_b43c9_lSKjQ77RXNCoO692uhaq3P2Rm_jirqvzTKhmNU/s1600/easter+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWG5JNnn8460JFYcOwhMoNkAi9Wo67U65LYRIYQi_mTH5VRKaXsz5BlTYAD9oiAbO_LO6zgpg9M5Z27IyvdzqEZjLnJBktBJ_b43c9_lSKjQ77RXNCoO692uhaq3P2Rm_jirqvzTKhmNU/s1600/easter+5.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span>Sharon Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720863755842738587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644180962527772547.post-59705166860981944262015-03-11T10:49:00.000-04:002015-03-11T10:51:17.146-04:00Preparing Our Kids for Easter<br />
<h2 style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Preparing Our Kids for Easter - Step Four</span></span></h2>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto;"><span class="text Deut-6-4" id="en-CEV-4341"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">"</span><em>Israel, listen to me. The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is our God. The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is the one and only God. <span class="text Deut-6-5" id="en-NIRV-5092"> Love the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love him with all your strength. </span> <span class="text Deut-6-6" id="en-NIRV-5093"> The commandments I give you today must be in your hearts. </span> <span class="text Deut-6-7" id="en-NIRV-5094"> Make sure your children learn them. Talk about them when you are at home. Talk about them when you walk along the road. Speak about them when you go to bed. And speak about them when you get up." Deuteronomy 6: 4-7</span></em></span></span></span></span><h2>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto;">
<em>4.
Bedtime Blessing</em></span></h2>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto;">
</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The final time God specifies is “when you lie down.” Kids are
fantastic stallers for bedtime. Wouldn’t it be great if you got them at their
own game and turned their stall time into a time for discussion and blessing? </span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">For young children, check </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">out
“<a href="http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=934022" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: black;">The Jesus Storybook Bible</span></span></a><span style="color: #222222;">” which tells the stories of Scripture in a unique way
and points out where Jesus can be found in every story. For older kids, before
they go to bed, simply ask them if anything is on their mind that they need to
talk about before bed so they can sleep well. It will shock you what they are
willing to share in that safe place with you. These moments will be the last
thoughts before your cherub slips off to sleep; can you think of a better
sendoff?</span></span><br />
<div style="margin-top: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Once these four practices become habitual for you, you will find
it much easier to put Christ in the center of your family activities. Your kids
won’t think it’s “weird” when you take time to schedule a Family Faith Talk
because you’ve already invited Jesus to the dinner table. It won’t feel
difficult to turn to Scripture in everyday moments because you’ve been
listening to it in the car and reading it before bed. And before you know it,
your baby steps will become faith-forming strides as discipleship happens … at
home.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to
see the work begin.” Zechariah 4:10. In other words, God loves us and He loves our
baby steps.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Sharon Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720863755842738587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644180962527772547.post-20577198031111419802015-03-05T11:55:00.000-05:002015-03-05T11:55:10.011-05:00Preparing our Kids for Easter<h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preparing Our Kids for Easter - Step Three</span></h2>
<span class="text Deut-6-4" id="en-CEV-4341"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">"</span><em>Israel, listen to me. The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is our God. The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is the one and only God. <span class="text Deut-6-5" id="en-NIRV-5092"> Love the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love him with all your strength. </span> <span class="text Deut-6-6" id="en-NIRV-5093"> The commandments I give you today must be in your hearts. </span> <span class="text Deut-6-7" id="en-NIRV-5094"> Make sure your children learn them. Talk about them when you are at home. Talk about them when you walk along the road. Speak about them when you go to bed. And speak about them when you get up." Deuteronomy 6: 4-7</span></em></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Deut-6-4"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><span class="text Deut-6-7"></span></em></span></span><br />
<span class="text Deut-6-4"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text Deut-6-7"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">3. Drive time</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 14pt;">God tells parents to share with their kids as they “walk along
the road.” This doesn’t happen as much as it did but we do drive along the road
an awful lot. If you have to travel frequently, might I suggest downloading or
purchasing some “<a href="http://www.focusonthefamily.com/media/adventures-in-odyssey" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Adventures in Odyssey</span></a>” programs from <a href="http://www.focusonthefamily.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Focus on the Family</span></a>?
These dramas provide a great platform for discussion with kids and they
will love listening / watching them (you will too </span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">—</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 14pt;"> they</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">’</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 14pt;">re pretty great!) These episodes bring on many conversations with our children brought on by topics discussed in
the episode and as an added bonus, the episodes all have Scriptures to go with
them so you don’t have to figure it out yourself!</span></div>
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</span></span> </span> </span>Sharon Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720863755842738587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644180962527772547.post-86665717530359756132015-03-03T17:48:00.000-05:002015-03-03T17:48:02.757-05:00Wednesday Nights in March<h2>
Wednesday Nights @ First</h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During the month of March our Preteen, Youth, and Adults will meet in the sanctuary for Lenten Worship. The service will be from 6:00 -6:45pm. There will be a children's time for our first through fourth graders at the beginning of the service. Following, the children will be dismissed to Missions with their Mission Leaders. At 6:30 pm they will go to Children's Choir with Rev. Templeton. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our Preschoolers will continue their regular Wednesday Night schedule with Mission Friends and Preschool Choir from 6:00 - 7:00 pm. As always, there is childcare for our babies and toddlers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One special announcement - our Preschool Choir will lead in worship at the 8:45 Worship Service on Sunday, March 8th. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We hope to see you all Wednesday evening and Sunday morning.</span>Sharon Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720863755842738587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644180962527772547.post-22338894511648443992015-02-23T17:27:00.000-05:002015-02-23T17:30:13.187-05:00Preparing Our Kids for Easter - Step Two<h4>
<span class="text Deut-6-4" id="en-CEV-4341"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">"</span><em>Israel, listen to me. The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is our God. The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is the one and only God. <span class="text Deut-6-5" id="en-NIRV-5092"> Love the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love him with all your strength. </span> <span class="text Deut-6-6" id="en-NIRV-5093"> The commandments I give you today must be in your hearts. </span> <span class="text Deut-6-7" id="en-NIRV-5094"> Make sure your children learn them. Talk about them when you are at home. Talk about them when you walk along the road. Speak about them when you go to bed. And speak about them when you get up." Deuteronomy 6: 4-7</span></em></span></span></h4>
<h3>
Step 2</h3>
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2.
Dinner discussions<o:p></o:p></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto;">Another time God encourages us to engage with our kids is “when
you sit.” It’s rare to have families in a place where they all sit down
together, but sometimes dinner still gives us that opportunity. To center your
conversation during those nights, consider asking four questions: What was your
high today? What was your low? What mistake did you make? Where did you see God
today? These questions lead to </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">“teachable moments” at dinner and before you know it you may begin
discussing something related to faith, God, family or church. And what’s
great is that everyone, even Mom and Dad, gets to participate.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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Sharon Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720863755842738587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644180962527772547.post-20806982265096022882015-02-18T14:17:00.001-05:002015-02-23T17:29:57.835-05:00Preparing Our Kids for Easter - Step One<h2>
4 Steps to Discipleship at Home</h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we prepare our children for the important celebration of Easter I thought you may like some simple ways to shape you child's faith formation. For the next several weeks there will be suggestions for ways you can implement discipleship in your home.</span><br />
<h3>
Step 1</h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">in Deuteronomy 6:4-9, God tells parents to “impress” his commands on the children and provides four times in which to do that. One of those times is “when you rise.” Mornings can often be rushed, crazy times as everyone is trying to get shoes tied, hair brushed, coffee guzzled and breakfast consumed. In the middle of it all, take just 30 seconds to stop with each child and pray a simple blessing like, “Lord, be with Grace today. May she know that you are with her, that you love her and that you have called her by name and may she return home full of joy and wisdom.” </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You will be setting the tone for the day with those simple words and reminding her just how much she is loved by you and by God.</span><br />
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<br />Sharon Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720863755842738587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644180962527772547.post-88116519385108527142014-12-23T10:23:00.001-05:002014-12-23T10:24:46.360-05:00Christmas Eve at First Baptist<h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Christmas Eve Services at First</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>4:00 PM</strong> Family Friendly Service with Live Nativity, Carols, Children's Time, Special Music by Children's and Preschool Choirs.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>6:00 PM</strong> Candlelight and Communion Service with Special Pre-service music beginning at 5:30 PM</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I recently read the following article about the reason that <em>Children Need to Get to Church on Christmas Eve</em>. I thought you may enjoy the author's thoughts...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;"><em>In most families Christmas Eve and Day are busy, chaotic times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not easy to get a family that includes overly-excited children to church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, it is worth the effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Children (and their parents) actually need it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The church helps when it articulates for parents clear reasons to make the effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is my starter list of reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></em></span></span><br />
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<em><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 14pt;">To hear the story read or told in an important way on the “night it happened”</span></b><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 14pt;"> – </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Children like hearing the story of their birth on their birthday and celebrating other big events on “the very day it happened.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></em></div>
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<em><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 14pt;">To go to church at night</span></b><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">– These days children are at church most often during the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To go at night to a decorated, even candle-lit church is almost magical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></em></div>
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<em><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 14pt;">To be with a crowd telling the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>story</span></b><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">– Joining church friends in a packed sanctuary reminds children that this story is something bigger than just their family traditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are part of a huge family of families who celebrate Jesus’ birth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></em></div>
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<em><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 14pt;">To sing the carols at least one more time</span></b><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">– Not many families sing together at home and not many children’s groups sing religious carols any more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That means we need to be intentional about singing with the carols with the children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, who would want to miss singing “Silent Night” in the Christmas Eve sanctuary while hugging your child!<o:p></o:p></span></span></em></div>
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<em><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 14pt;">To create a context in which to discover the truth about Santa</span></b><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">– If Santa is all there is to Christmas Eve once children learn “the truth,” Christmas is just a greedy gift grab.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christmas celebration gets richer. <o:p></o:p></span></span></em></div>
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<em><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 14pt;">To create memories</span></b><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">- Worshiping on Christmas Eve or Day as a family creates over the years a treasure trove of memories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of them shine with wonder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others make for eye-rolling stories that are retold every Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These memories are precious for both the children as they mature and the parents as they age.<o:p></o:p></span></span></em></div>
Sharon Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720863755842738587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644180962527772547.post-3634744441485779792014-11-10T10:31:00.005-05:002014-11-10T10:31:50.136-05:00Parents' Night Out<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhrG8Bu4oU05iU0v_Z3Wmq9fv7dmuJ6NOtr8l3dQXm9TNB2dI3bJWePGj8JAyQkniNfPxS4NPo1fQe2wIKGwxgP1A-12cV0cdFKz28ZV6Q1zIvO3c_7A_Hqro61ca1xepoo5ACIydC8Q/s1600/parents-night-out-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhrG8Bu4oU05iU0v_Z3Wmq9fv7dmuJ6NOtr8l3dQXm9TNB2dI3bJWePGj8JAyQkniNfPxS4NPo1fQe2wIKGwxgP1A-12cV0cdFKz28ZV6Q1zIvO3c_7A_Hqro61ca1xepoo5ACIydC8Q/s1600/parents-night-out-logo.jpg" height="108" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's the Final PNO for 2014</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey First Kids -- It's time for another great night of fun with your friends at First Baptist.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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. <a href="mailto:sharon@fbchurch.com">sharon@fbchurch.com</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's going to be a great night for kids and their parents! Hope you can join us.</span><br />
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Sharon Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720863755842738587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644180962527772547.post-86561989402128342582014-11-08T11:12:00.001-05:002014-11-08T11:12:22.014-05:00Operation Christmas Child
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">First Baptist's Annual Family Ministry Event is Sunday, November 9th. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">We
see this as a two-step partnership ministry:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Step One</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">: 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. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">You will need to include $7 per box for shipping costs or you may go to
the OCC website at <a href="http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/followyourbox/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/followyourbox/</span></a>
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</b>. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">You
may like to bring a picture of your child or family to include as well.</b></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Step Two</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On Sunday, November 9th, we will meet in the Family Life Center during Sunday
School (10:00 – 10:45). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> 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.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I look
forward to being on mission with your family,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sharon Bender<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wednesday Nights at First</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-IvNExG9FB51SRBKR7TYTKXRTFTTj586Sb1YLXDKQYkKywh90hMtapS8kOpo7Mgitj1OmZtfS6FvJSuOJx72ZPo6oDp-ai3u5vqqtwjpGX6LEFXDxvJlE5aCmKWz_2s34jeXQl8Qlxo/s1600/children+in+action+logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-IvNExG9FB51SRBKR7TYTKXRTFTTj586Sb1YLXDKQYkKywh90hMtapS8kOpo7Mgitj1OmZtfS6FvJSuOJx72ZPo6oDp-ai3u5vqqtwjpGX6LEFXDxvJlE5aCmKWz_2s34jeXQl8Qlxo/s1600/children+in+action+logo.png" height="163" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYMYXGmUUCWkaK6cjlnbwxrRV1xh9GUrO01viC_5ebdB3E1DHHOWsIp8lW8njYq17stVU9ROwameFkONZUtuPm1XXDqfoQnlmLI6Zj9b0uLpkBhsAsA4v_kuJ_8SFmy39eZ_Ku-Uds-M/s1600/mission+friends+logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYMYXGmUUCWkaK6cjlnbwxrRV1xh9GUrO01viC_5ebdB3E1DHHOWsIp8lW8njYq17stVU9ROwameFkONZUtuPm1XXDqfoQnlmLI6Zj9b0uLpkBhsAsA4v_kuJ_8SFmy39eZ_Ku-Uds-M/s1600/mission+friends+logo.png" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Hope to see you all on Wednesday at First!</span>Sharon Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720863755842738587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644180962527772547.post-9690369360346189092014-09-30T09:10:00.000-04:002014-09-30T09:10:04.825-04:00Family Fun at First
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Saturday is
FAMILY FUN DAY at First Baptist.<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">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.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span> </h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Make your
plans to be with us and bring a friend to our first ever family fun afternoon!<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
Sharon Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720863755842738587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644180962527772547.post-54453933522150039832014-09-23T13:09:00.001-04:002014-09-23T13:12:22.682-04:00Backpack Blessings Build<h2>
Come Build a Backpack with First Baptist</h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We look forward to seeing you Saturday as work together to fight hunger in Craven County.</span>Sharon Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720863755842738587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644180962527772547.post-15433564982897776442014-09-23T10:47:00.000-04:002014-09-23T10:47:03.313-04:00Feeding Hungry Children in Craven County<div abp="126">
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. </div>
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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.</div>
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<a abp="244" href="http://martin.rrps.net/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/2117031/Image/backpack-of-food-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="245" border="0" src="http://martin.rrps.net/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/2117031/Image/backpack-of-food-logo.jpg" height="320" width="315" /></a><strong>Our class will meet in the church parking lot at 12:30pm on September 27</strong> 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! </div>
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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. </div>
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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. </div>
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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). </div>
Sharon Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720863755842738587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644180962527772547.post-55425158218746187192014-08-22T14:05:00.001-04:002014-08-22T14:05:15.630-04:00Sunday Morning Worship Bags<h2>
First Kids' Worship Bags are now even more FUN!</h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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 <em>Children's Worship Bulletin @ Home</em> 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!<br /> <br />Step 1: Your child picks up a bulletin with a secret code on the front.<br /> <br />Step 2: At home they enter the secret code at Games.ChildrensBulletins.com</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I hope your family enjoys this new opportunity for Bible learning and discussion. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">See you Sunday!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sharon</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOv9KbdC3WwSGAmiuT5lkWSs04rTZJKeGcN4Ej8-Sw_OQ1bXniZhhXAANyIc0KaTtUKu09ww-9N61WQmc7coOZJ_3DAaOhrC5-WJMRYbr_nHs3OSSSiY4RwUPfgm5vH75y5bfsP62Biw/s1600/Games_Ad_3x5color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOv9KbdC3WwSGAmiuT5lkWSs04rTZJKeGcN4Ej8-Sw_OQ1bXniZhhXAANyIc0KaTtUKu09ww-9N61WQmc7coOZJ_3DAaOhrC5-WJMRYbr_nHs3OSSSiY4RwUPfgm5vH75y5bfsP62Biw/s1600/Games_Ad_3x5color.jpg" height="400" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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Sharon Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720863755842738587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644180962527772547.post-6157276131625079682014-08-17T20:05:00.002-04:002014-08-17T20:05:26.497-04:00Baptismal Service<div abp="153">
<span abp="154" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><div abp="262" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span abp="154" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a abp="263" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnZNMNF4H9x-DQQnA-iM2uSTIkXIxZlW6sQTH_67icpdte2cqIx5XeJyVO7QC9K5VQHeqwRaPFUnr5WjLgxk21pOugPhlk9Lq9WdNzUl-jMDDczZUDTByO7tDJtY_SLn7LYueu6d-SIc/s1600/baptism.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="264" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnZNMNF4H9x-DQQnA-iM2uSTIkXIxZlW6sQTH_67icpdte2cqIx5XeJyVO7QC9K5VQHeqwRaPFUnr5WjLgxk21pOugPhlk9Lq9WdNzUl-jMDDczZUDTByO7tDJtY_SLn7LYueu6d-SIc/s1600/baptism.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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Sharon Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720863755842738587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644180962527772547.post-1313628603103902772014-08-04T13:02:00.004-04:002014-08-17T19:58:30.339-04:00Bible Presentation<h3 abp="966" style="text-align: justify;">
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 <a abp="967" href="mailto:sharon@fbchurch.com">sharon@fbchurch.com</a> 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!</h3>
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Sharon Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720863755842738587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644180962527772547.post-22959872260399029052014-07-30T13:53:00.004-04:002014-07-30T13:54:37.956-04:00Back to School Splash!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEg8nthfYAL7nQ1IG9QIep-tSKNfpQyP19nEDfuXEWf9SR_NYHjgWg7JBqGNSnhEjDebC9kKx860tqVDxKhHm72OTGAdmE-6fSW7-ss1JWWSUdz-w4LJJBjRQ7X185dbT8CkaUtSK83Nc/s1600/splash.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEg8nthfYAL7nQ1IG9QIep-tSKNfpQyP19nEDfuXEWf9SR_NYHjgWg7JBqGNSnhEjDebC9kKx860tqVDxKhHm72OTGAdmE-6fSW7-ss1JWWSUdz-w4LJJBjRQ7X185dbT8CkaUtSK83Nc/s1600/splash.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Annual Back to School Splash</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Saturday, August 23rd</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">6:00 - 8:00 pm</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">YMCA</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Pizza, Drinks, Dessert and LOTS of Fun!</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Sign up on the Breezeway Bulletin Board or email Sharon at <span style="color: blue;">s</span><a href="mailto:sharon@fbchurch.com"><span style="color: blue;">haron@fbchurch.com</span></a> </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Bring your family and a friend</span></div>
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Sharon Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720863755842738587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644180962527772547.post-86886949840316588422014-07-28T17:37:00.001-04:002014-07-28T17:37:11.435-04:00CentriKid 2014<div abp="331">
<span abp="332" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
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Sharon Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720863755842738587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644180962527772547.post-73193600193544601812014-07-02T17:47:00.001-04:002014-07-02T17:48:35.316-04:00VBS Celebration SundayOur 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!<br />
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Sharon Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17720863755842738587noreply@blogger.com0