First Word

December 4 & 5, 2010

TheLiving
Christmas
Trees 2010

4
presents

Tickets
To Christmas
(See page three for dates and information)
 A Gift for Jesus’ Birthday
The Fall is always a special time for our family for many
reasons. It marks the birthday of all three of my children and
my first grandchild. This is also a time when we prepare to
celebrate the birthday of Jesus during the Christmas season.
Most of us give some gifts at Christmas to our loved ones.
As you probably know, the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering of Southern
Baptists supports 50% of our International Mission Board’s budget. The
need for funds and support is desperate in all Christian organizations, but
particularly for those who are struggling overseas facing runaway inflation
there and recession here.

I want to encourage you to give more to Jesus for His birthday this year
than to anyone else. You may wonder how much to give. I praise the
Lord when people have heard a specific amount from Him about giving.
However, if you have not calibrated it carefully, you may thoughtlessly
give a pittance. Calculate what you would give at least to one or more
of your family and then give more to Jesus. The late Bill Billingsly, great
mission-minded pastor of Sheridan Hills Baptist Church in Hollywood,
Florida, would often say: “What if I invited you to my birthday party, and
you brought presents for everyone except me? Do you think I would find
that strange?” Well, Jesus is often grieved at how we ignore Him at His own
party called “Christmas.”

Naturally, we must continue to give to our General Operating Budget,

because so much of our regular giving finances ongoing missions around
the world. “Offerings” such as Lottie Moon are above and beyond the tithe
to the Lord through the local church. We have never pulled back on these
special offerings but have been blessed again and again even in the midst
of recession, foreclosures, unemployment, land purchases, and building
campaigns. May it be true of us as it was of Israel in 1 Chronicles 29: “Then
the people rejoiced because they had offered so willingly, for they made
their offerings to the Lord with a whole heart” (1 Chronicles 29:9). Happy
Birthday, Jesus!

Guest Reception
There is a guest reception in the Commons immediately following the
Saturday night and Sunday morning 11:00 a.m. service. Come and meet
Dr. Wicker.
 2010 Living Christmas Trees
“Four Tickets to Christmas”
Tickets Still On Sale!
Remaining Performances:
Sunday, December 5 at 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 5 at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 9 at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 12 at 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 12 at 7:00 p.m.

Purchase tickets online at www.fbcn.org

or call 888-795-1559 (9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Monday-Friday) for ticket information.
Deaf Interpretations are available at both
Sunday evening services. Call 596-8600
x229 for more information.

Ray VanderLaan
January Bible Conference
Friday, January 14
6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
&
Saturday, January 15
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
in the Chapel
Ray VanderLaan is the founder of “That the World May Know
Ministries” and he serves as the host of Focus on the Family’s popular
Faith Lessons DVD series. Vanderlaan holds a Masters of Divinity
degree from Westminster Seminary and is an ordained minister.

Tickets are $10.00 and go on sale Saturday,

December 4 in the Lighthouse Bookstore.
 RefresHer Women’s Ministry
invites you to join us . . .
Wednesday, December 8th and 15th
@ 6:30 pm in the Worship Center

Week 1: “A Prepared Place for Christmas”

Are you anticipating the celebration of Christ’s birth? Join us as we
prepare our hearts and homes to receive the Christ-child.

This evening will feature an opportunity to see tables demonstrating

Christmas decorating ideas for your home. Those displaying décor
include: Pottery Barn , Pier 1, Elaine Boucher, Jane Frame, Barbara
Hoff, and Miriam Jewell. Please come early to view tables and invite
family and friends.
(Tables will be on display in the Commons)
Speaker: Paula Bulmer Soloist: Robin Jewell

Week 2: Unafraid: The story of Mary, who responded in

obedience to God’s Call
Based on the book, Unafraid by Francine Rivers, we will look at the life
of Mary. Mary is one of the most revered women in history, but she
was an ordinary woman striving to please God in the same
way that women still do today. Join us for a special time of teaching,
encouragement, and reflection as we learn about this humble young
woman chosen to carry the Christ child.
Speaker: Yvonne Fisher
Janet’s Tuesday,
December 7, 2010
9:30-11:30am
Chapel

“Choosing To SEE: A Journey

of Struggle and Hope”
By Mary Beth Chapman
Retail $21.99
Book Club Price: $16.00
The "Beauty Will Rise," CD is Steven
Curtis Chapman’s personal testament to
his daughter’s (Maria) life and the
overwhelming belief that they will be
together again one day.
Retail $13.99
Book Club Price: $11.00

Package Special
“Choosing To SEE” and
“Beauty Will Rise”
Purchase both for $25.00
$35.98 Value
Participants are encouraged to share a favorite
Christmas baked goodie on Tuesday when we meet.
 2010 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

The annual International Mission Board Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

goes completely to support our overseas missionaries that are in the
trenches sharing the gospel to a lost world. Please consider giving to this
very important missions ministry. You will find special Lottie Moon offering
envelopes in the chairs in front of you. You can make your check payable
to First Baptist Church Naples and please put in the memo section “Lottie
Moon.” Our church goal for 2010 is $75,000.

Thank you to each person who

participated this year by preparing and
sending shoe boxes through Samaritan’s
Purse Operation Christmas Child. Our
church packed 1,595 boxes this year
that will be sent to needy children in
Haiti along with the gospel of Jesus
Christ. Thank you for sharing the love of
Jesus with hurting children and helping
to make their Christmas a little brighter
this year. God bless each and every one
of you. Merry Christmas!
 Men’s MInIstry
Men’s MInIstry
BAND OF BROTHERS
BAND OF BROTHERS
A Ministry for Men of All Ages
A MinistryFROM
ACTION HEROES for Men of All
THE BOOKAgesOF ACTS
ACTIONWednesday
HEROES FROM THE
Evening BOOK
Men’s OF ACTS
Study
6:25 – 8:00Evening
Wednesday p.m. in the Chapel
Men’s Study
6:25of– study
Great time 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel
and fellowship as we learn
how to fight the battle together.
Great time of study and fellowship as we learn
This Week’show
Speaker: Dr.
to fight Hayes
the Wicker,
battle Senior Pastor
together.

ThisMen’s
Week’s Speaker:
Ministry Dr. Hayes
airs Saturdays Wicker,
on 91.5 FM at 11Senior Pastor
AM & 9 PM

Men’s Ministry airs Saturdays on 91.5 FM at 11 AM & 9 PM

Prayer Shawl
The next prayer shawl gathering will be Friday,
December 10th at 10:30 a.m. at Nancy Smith’s
house for a Christmas brunch. This promises to be
a delightful time and we hope all can attend. Please
RSVP to Nancy by December 6th at 514-0435. She
will provide her address and directions.

Lost and Found

If you have lost anything, please check the “Lost and
Found” cabinets inside Door 43 next to the Media
Ministry. We have many Bibles as well as other items.
Everything will be donated after the end of 2010.

Staff Anniversaries for December

Vada Ehling Pastoral Care Ministry Assistant 8 years
Jesse Steves Premises Keeper 7 years
Linda Peiffer Evangelism Ministry Assistant 5 years
Nathan Dooley Associate Pastor/High School Ministry 5 years
Michael Colby AVL Manager 1 year
 SINGLE PARENT FAMILY MINISTRY

FIRST FAMILY
CHRISTMAS
PROJECT
Each year our church members help take
the stress off needy single parent families
by purchasing a gift for a child of a single
parent. Pick up a child's gift request in the
Commons at the table next to the Chapel
before or after a service between Nov. 20
and Dec 5.

RETURN GIFTS BY DEC. 13.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 596-8600 EXT. 242

 You’re
invited to….

ANNA’s TEA
A ministry of the deacon’s wives to the
widows of our congregation
1:30 pm - Monday, Dec 6th
At Home of Janet Wicker
(Transportation Provided if Needed)
Fellowship and Encouragement from God’s Word

Please sign up in the Fellowship Hallway.

PRIMETIMERS LUNCHEON
DECEMBER 9th
LUNCH in the COMMONS
CONCERT IN THE CHAPEL
11:30 AM - $7.00
IN CONCERT
Robin Noel
TICKETS ON SALE AT THE MEDIA WINDOW BEFORE
AND AFTER SERVICES ON SAT/SUN/WED or STOP
BY THE OFFICE DURING THE WEEK & SEE VADA.
DEADLINE TO PURCHASE TICKETS: SUN. DEC 5th
Help for the divorced and separated
during the holidays

Surviving the Holidays

If you’re separated or divorced, the holidays can be a lonely, stressful and depressing time. But
there’s hope. Join us for an encouraging seminar to discover how to enjoy the holidays again.

December 9th 6:30 PM

December 11th 7:15 PM
Call 239-596-8600 x242

New Bible and Life Group

“Faith of the Founding Fathers”
This BLG will begin on January 9th at
11:00 a.m. and will meet for 14 weeks.
Steve Plaster will teach this class in
Room WC117. We will examine the people
and events that formed the foundation
and early years of the American nation.
The emphasis will be on the providential
nature of America as a Christian nation and
the spiritual influence of America’s leading
founders.

New Arrivals
Ashlyn Teagan Nicol was born on
November 22, 2010 weighing 5 pounds,
2 ounces and measuring 18 inches
long. Proud parents are Joey & Lania,
and big brothers are Austin & Aiden.
 Blessing Christ Ministries

“Prayer Walking”
Saturday, Dec. 11th
9:00 a.m. at the Collier County Fairgrounds
Call Peter Meili at 239-571-0422 or you can
Email: Pete.meili@gmail.com

“Building & Packing Boxes”

Saturday, Dec. 11th & Sunday, Dec. 12th
529 Commercial Blvd. Naples
(1 block north of Radio Rd. and
1 block west of Livingston Rd.)
Call Chao at (239)-353-5909 or you can
E-mail: BlessingChrist@aol.com

“Delivering the Blessings”

Come celebrate Christ’s Birth…
a free gift that can not be repaid.
Saturday, Dec. 18th at 8:30 a.m.
(MEET AT THE COLLIER COUNTY FAIR GROUNDS)
Call Chao at (239)-353-5909 or you can
E-mail: BlessingChrist@aol.com

Blessing Christ Ministries will be in the

Missions Kiosk this weekend.
Stop by and see how you can become involved in
this local ministry to the people of Immokalee!
 The ladies who call Protected Harbor home
Invite you to attend their first

Christmas Open House

Date: Saturday, December 11

Time: Between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.

Where: Protected Harbor Home

4561 Camino Real Way in Fort Myers
(Off Colonial Blvd, just east of McGregor Baptist Church)
239-278-0200

Come meet the first residents of Protected Harbor,

the Christian-based group home for developmentally disabled women.
Join us as we celebrate our Savior's birth and
His wonderful gift of Protected Harbor.

Many have asked about giving gifts to the girls for Christmas. We are encouraging gift cards
to Walmart and Target so the girls can shop for personal wishes for their new home. If you
are unable to attend the open house and would like to give a gift card, feel free to place your
donation in the Protected Harbor gift box located in the Education Building at the Preschool
Ministry kiosk.

The ministry of Protected Harbor depends upon ongoing prayer and financial support. Your
tax-deductible gifts make the home, utilities, transportation, educational equipment, supplies,
and loving house parents (life coaches) possible. Please consider Protected Harbor in your
end of the year giving. Checks can be made payable to: Protected Harbor, P.O. Box
771441, Naples, Florida 34107-1441
Upcoming Events
Saturday, December 4
6:00 p.m. Worship Service/Worship Center
6:00 p.m. KidzTown Children’s Worship/DC120
6:00 p.m. Hispanic Worship Service/Chapel
7:30 p.m. Bible and Life Groups/Various Rooms on Campus
Sunday, December 5
8:15 a.m. Bible and Life Groups/Various Rooms on Campus
9:30 a.m. Worship Service/Worship Center
9:30 a.m. Bible and Life Groups/Various Rooms on Campus
9:30 a.m. KidzTown Children’s Worship/DC120
9:30 a.m. Romanian Baptist/Modulars 3 & 4/SC117
10:00 a.m. Vietnamese Bible Study and Worship/DC220
11:00 a.m. Worship Service/Worship Center
11:00 a.m. Bible and Life Groups/Various Rooms on Campus
12:30 p.m. Hispanic Worship Service/Student Center
4:00 p.m. Living Christmas Trees/Worship Center
5:00 p.m. Romanian Baptist Congregation/Modulars 3 & 4
7:00 p.m. Living Christmas Trees/Worship Center
Monday, December 6
1:30 p.m. Anna’s Tea/Wicker Residence
Tuesday, December 7
9:30 a.m. Janet’s Book Club/Chapel
7:00 p.m. The Vine College & Career Service/Student Center
Wednesday, December 8
4:45 p.m. Family Meal/Gym
6:20 p.m. AWANA/Education Building
6:25 p.m. Band of Brothers Men’s Ministry Bible Study/Chapel
6:30 p.m. RefresHer Women’s Ministry Bible Study/WC East
6:30 p.m. High School Ministry/Student Center
6:30 p.m. Middle School Ministry/Family Life Center-Gym
Thursday, December 9
11:00 a.m. Pray for our Pastors/AD184
11:30 a.m. PrimeTimers Luncheon/Commons & Chapel
6:00 p.m. Celebrate Recovery/DC121
6:30 p.m. Divorce Care/DC107 & DC109
7:00 p.m. Living Christmas Trees/Worship Center
Friday, December 10
7:00 p.m. Living Christmas Trees/Worship Center

Faith Riders is announcing their next meeting on

Thursday, December 9th at 7:00 p.m. in Modular
100 (adjacent to the football field). Please contact Rick
Mercer at 691-2018 or fbcnfaithrider@yahoo.com if
you are interested in more information on this Christ-
centered, faith-based, motorcycle ministry.
Last Weekend
Decisions For Christ Worship Attendance
Transfer of Letter November 27 & 28
Justin & Alana Faircloth Saturday Night Total 945
Sunday Morning 9:30 1,500
Statement of Faith Sunday Morning 11:00 885
Sherrill & Norma Woods Total 3,330
and Kristopher

Financial Stewardship Bible & Life Attendance

2010-2011 Operating Revenues November 27 & 28
July 1, 2010 - November 28, 2010 Saturday Night 745
Budget Actual Variance Sunday 8:15 94
$2,659,578 $2,455,890 ($203,689) Sunday 9:30 281
Sunday 11:00 682
Debt balance as of November 28 Home Groups 126
Total 1,928
$11,153,127
Next Week
Deacon of the Week Dr. Wicker on the Radio
December 6 - December 12 You can hear Dr. Wicker every day at 1:00 p.m.
Byron Safstrom & Charlie Frame on 91.5 Kingdom FM WJYO. Dr. Wicker is
If you need assistance, please call the church also on WSOR 90.9 FM at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday
deacon hotline at 800-732-9573. evenings, and on Praise FM 89.5 at 1:30 p.m.
For Spanish, call 601-6051. Sunday afternoons.

Wednesday Family Meal

Meal for December 8 (4:45 p.m. GYM)
Chicken Piccata, Rice Pilaf, Vegetable, Salad, and a Dessert
Individual meals are $6.00. Family meals are $25.00 (for family residing in your home).
Tickets may be purchased at the Lighthouse Cafe during regular business hours or at the
door. Alternate choices include grilled chicken breast, hamburger, pizza, or a grilled hot dog.

Cafe Hours
`

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday Closed

Wednesday 2:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday Closed
Saturday 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Bookstore Hours
Monday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday Closed
Saturday 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
 Coming in
January 2011
Truth Project
Home Groups
This will be a 14 week study that will begin in January and conclude before
Easter. Approximately 30 different homes will host this study in the Naples
area. Keep watching First Word for specific dates, times, and how to sign up.

Pastoral Staff
Dr. Hayes Wicker.................................................................................................. Senior Pastor
Miguel Cruz.............................................................................. Hispanic Congregation Pastor
Greg Davidson.......................................................Associate Pastor/Evangelism & Discipleship
Beverly Day............................................................................. Director of Preschool Ministry
Nathan Dooley................................................................ Associate Pastor/High School Ministry
Justin Faircloth........................................................ Associate Pastor/Middle School Ministry
Steve Hayes....................................................................Associate Pastor/Biblical Counseling
Forrest Head........................................................................................ Senior Associate Pastor
Jim Hill................................................................................Director of Single Adult Ministry
Lewis Howard............................................................................... Associate Pastor/Education
Don Ingle.......................................................................................Director of Men’s Ministry
Shannon Moore.........................................................................Director of Women’s Ministry
John Patterson..................................................................Associate Pastor/Media & Technology
Doug Pigg.............................................................Associate Pastor of Church Administration
Tom Rider................................................................... Associate Pastor/School Administrator
Larry Rigley................................................................... Associate Pastor/Children’s Ministry
Dr. Todd F. Stearns......................................................... Associate Pastor/Worship and Music
Kevin Van Duser..................................................................Associate Pastor/Sports Outreach

First Baptist Church Naples

3000 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples, FL 34109
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Church Receptionist.......................................................................................................... 597-6057
Enter ext. # for direct connection...................................................................................... 596-8600
Lighthouse Bookstore....................................................................................................... 449-4488
First Baptist Academy Naples.......................................................................................... 597-2233
24-Hour Prayer Line........................................................................................... 597-PRAY (7729)
Church Email........................................................................................................ fbcn@fbcn.org
Church Website..........................................................................................................www.fbcn.org