In this IssuePage 3Celebrate Christmas

Page 7 Thanks-

giving Offering

Page 8Operation Christmas Child

First Baptist Church Wilmington | North Carolina NewsKingdom

Issue 11 Volume 77 November 2012

Order Your Christmas Tree to Help the Youth Ministry!

We hope everyone will consider placing a pre-sale order on a North Carolina Frasier Fir Christmas tree or wreath before Wednesday, November 14, with one of our teenagers. This youth fundraiser helps teenagers earn money that will allow them to lower their cost for the variety of camps, retreats, and other events they will participate in during 2013. Thank you for your continued prayers and support of the FBC Youth Ministry.

Annual Wildlife Banquet Sunday, November 18th6:00 p.m. at the Activities CenterJoin us in this wonderful time of fellowship to-gether as a church family. This annual treasured tradition brings us together to enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner and communion together. The food will be plenti-ful with turkeys, hams and other foods provided by hunters of the church. Everyone please bring at least two side dishes or a side dish and dessert, enough for several people. Please contact Margaret at 799-7564 if you would like to prepare a ham, turkey or other meat. Volunteers are needed to help make this dinner a success, such as setting up, decorating and cleaning up. Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes will be collected this evening. There will also be a special “Aloha

Christmas” performance from the children in J-Crew. Make plans

to gather with your church family and kick start the holidays!

Heart Felt Thanks from the Harrelson Center

Installation Service for Dr. Matt CookSunday, November 4th, at 3:00 p.m.

We hope you will make plans to be a part of an important worship experience as we gather as a congregation to install Matt Cook as the new Pastor of First Baptist Church. Join us Sunday, November 4th, at 3:00 p.m. for this time as we join to commit to continue walking in minis-try to this community under Matt’s leadership. Nursery care will be provided.

Check out Dr. Cook’s article in the Star News, which is posted on the FBC Facebook page! You can also visit http://goo.gl/3vtx0.

In God We TrustWe worship a giving God. Our November sermon series, In God We Trust, focuses on our need to live into and out of God’s generosity.

CORPORATE CHALLENGE - The Generosity ExperimentWe become what we do regularly. If we are to become

generous people, we need to practice generosity. What is the Generosity Experiment? Saying ‘Yes’ to requests for money for 30 days. Panhandlers, charities...

Now most of us like to feel like we are generous people. But let’s face it, giving that produces the character of gen-erosity is challenging. It requires intentional awareness of the needs of others, a sacrifice of time and resources beyond what comes naturally, and a good bit of risk. Some people may take advantage of us. It may cost us some-thing.The reality is, Jesus was more concerned with what money does to us than what others do with our money. Saying ‘Yes’ is an exercise in unclenching our hand. It is creating a muscle memory in our heart that is more open than self-protective. It is allowing God to transform us.

God is not asking you to give more than you have, but rather to look at your life and realize that you have more than you think.

Preparing to say ‘Yes’Generosity comes through planning in advance to say, ‘Yes.’ Here are some ways to be prepared to say ‘Yes’:• Pray. Ask God for a vision of how He wants to grow His generosity in you. What are the biggest barriers for you and how does He want to address them?

• Set aside money at the beginning of the 30 days that is for others. Pray about how much that might be. Keep it with you so that you can meet an unexpected request.

• Tithe your grocery bill. If you buy $100 in groceries, purchase a $10 grocery store card and keep it with you to give to someone else when the opportunity arises. If your budget for grocer-ies is $100, put a couple things back on the shelf this week as an act of sacrifice, making room for that $10 gift card for others who are hungry.

• If you are uncomfortable giving cash to a stranger, buy gift certificates for a fast food restau-rant so that someone who is hungry can get a meal.

If, at the end of the 30 days, you still have some of the money that you had set aside, or gro-cery store gift cards or restaurant gift certificates left over, find someone who needs them. Take them to a shelter or to Good Shepherd House or Christian Women’s Job Corps. Give them to folks who come to eat dinner at the Tuesday Night homeless ministry.

OUR VISION:“To become a community of

believers that is open and welcoming to anyone, no matter

where they are on their faith journey, and is intentionally joining with Christ in his redemptive work and purposes in

the world.”

OUR MISSION:“To become, and help others to

become, fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.”

God’s Hands at Work in

GuatemalaThe fall trip to Guatemala was

terrific. Five families received a brand new home complete with a concrete floor (vs a dirt floor).

All of the five families were extremely grateful and expressed their thanks with tears and many “Mucho Gracias.” Over 144 soc-cer balls were given out thanks

to the Senior Project of Hoggard senior Maggie Miller and the generosity of our FBC mem-

bers. At our food distribution site, over 500 men, women and children were given food that

will give them nourishment for the next month. One night we

went to worship with a local Guatemalan Baptist congrega-

tion. Thank you to all FBC members who supported the group with their prayers and financial gifts. Next summer

we will take a group on July 25 to August 1. Make plans to join

us where God is at work.

Mission Pals Kick-OFFMission Pals for the new year kicked off on Sunday, October 14th with an ice cream social for young girls and ladies of our church. Everyone had tons of fun through games, songs and getting to know their prayer pal.

Christmas PoinsettiasThe sanctuary will be filled with red poinset-tias during the Ad-vent and Christmas seasons. If you would like to place a plant in the sanctuary in honor or memory of a loved one, you may contact the church office to place your order. Order forms are also in the Order of Worship. Plants are $15 each and the deadline to order is December 16th.

A Special Christmas CelebrationYour family is invited to attend Celebrate Christmas on Saturday, December 1, from 9:00 am until 11:30 am. The celebration will begin with breakfast at 9:00 am in Fireside Hall. After breakfast, every child will be

invited to participate in a dramatization of the Christmas story. The day will end with creating several age appropriate keepsake crafts. This is a great time to invite a friend! Parents and children (2 years through 6th grade) are invited to participate.

Please register you, your children and guests by Monday, November 26 by calling 763-2471 or visit www.fbcwilmington.org.

As part of our on-going mission partnership with Alderman Elementary School, please bring new children’s “cold weather” items such as winter hats, scarves, gloves, and ear muffs. These items will be gifted to students to keep them warm this winter.

“A new command I give you; Love one another. As I have loved you, so that you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” -John 13:34-35

Are you able to give your time to help out during Celebrate Christmas?? Volunteers are needed to help with serving breakfast, registration, helping the children get ready for the play and assisting with crafts. This is a great volunteer opportunity for the whole family or your Sunday school class! Please contact Heather Sutton at 910-793-4795 or Nicole Underwood at 910-409-6161 if you can give your time.

Volunteers Needed!

LSharing Life Together

Welcome New Members!They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers.” -Acts 2:42

Memorial Gifts

Natalie FaulkNatalie’s small body holds a very big heart. She has

made a decision to follow Christ and couldn’t be

more excited about being baptized. Natalie’s parents are Brian and Julie and her

big brother Christopher and big sister Olivia cel-

ebrate with her! Natalie is in the 5th grade at Bradley Creek Elementary, and she loves gymnastics and girl

scouts.

Caitlin TuttleCaitlin’s love for soft-ball is great, but her love for God is even greater. Recently she professed her faith in Christ and is excited

about letting God be her guide every

day. Caitlin is in the 5th grade at Gregory Elementary, and her

parents are Curtis and Jennifer Tuttle .

Katelyn CartretteKatie’s love for Jesus shines for

others to see daily. She is excited about being baptized and

sharing her decision to follow Christ with her church

family and friends. Katie has a big brother Caleb, and her

parents are DeLane and Joanna. She is in the 5th grade and attends Ogden Elementary.

Katie WitmerKatie embodies the ‘Fruit

of the Spirit’, JOY! She is so excited to share that she has professed her faith in Christ and can’t wait to be baptized. Katie’s twin sister Claire and

her big brother Jamie share in that excitement along with her

mom, Lori. She is in the 5th grade and attends Codington

Elementary.

Claire WitmerClaire is making a difference

already in her school and community by being the hands

and heart of Jesus to those in need. Claire’s decision to follow Christ is

one she takes very seriously, and she is thrilled to

share her faith commitment and to be baptized. Lori is Claire’s mom and big brother Jamie and twin

sister Katie share in her happiness. She is in the 5th grade

and attends Codington Elementary.

Caleb CartretteCaleb has an adventurous spirit with his involvement in the Boy

Scouts and playing baseball. Caleb’s decision to follow Christ was taken very seriously at the

youth DNOW fall retreat at Cas-well. He is excited to be baptized

alongside his younger sister Katelyn and is looking forward to the great adventure that God has in store for his life. Caleb’s parents are DeLane and Joanna, and he is a 7th grader

at Noble Middle School.

Jamie WitmerJamie is a loyal friend to those

at school and his buddies at church and brings a lot

of energy to the FBC Youth Ministry. Jamie is excited

about being baptized with his two younger sisters, Katie and Claire. Jamie accepted Jesus’

call to follow him at the youth DNOW fall retreat at Caswell. Jamie’s mother, Lori Herring,

also shares in his excitement. Jamie is a 7th

grader at Noble Middle School.

Will HartmanWill’s peers unanimously

say that Will demonstrates the fruit of the spirit kind-ness. Will’s smile and laugh

always light up a room. It was neat to see how

personal Will’s decision to accept Jesus was at the

youth fall retreat at Caswell. He is looking forward to

his baptism at FBC with the support of his parents, Judd and Keri, older brother Da-vis, and older sister Leyton. Will is a 7th grader at Noble

Middle School.

Rick & CherryMitchell

We welcome the Mitchells to our church family upon transfer of their member-ship from a church in the Raleigh area. They have

retired from careers in real estate and banking and

relocated to Wilmington to be nearer to their adult children. Cherry and Rick were introduced to FBC

by their neighbors that live in The Reserves. Welcome them to Wilmington and

FBC.

The following memorials have been given generously, and we are deeply grateful:

Tuesday NoonJoin us each Tuesday as we enjoy a meal, prayer time and a brief

devotional in Smith Hall at the Activities Center. The service starts at noon, and everyone is invited to attend. No reservations are required.

Cost of the meal is $4. Here is what’s in store for the month of November:

November 6– Speaker: Daryl TrexlerMenu: Farmhouse dinner casserole with steamed veggies, dinner roll and dessertNovember 13– Speaker: Jim EveretteMenu: Jimmy Wallace’s Cooking DayNovember 20- No Tuesday Noon

November 27– Speaker: Stefanie RileyMenu: Ham, mac n’ cheese, green beans, dinner roll and dessert

You can always check the FBC website for the menu each Tuesday at www.fbcwilmington.org!

Giving YTD Requirements $1,680,238.78

YTD Receipts $1,470,603.40Budget Shortfall/Overage

$(-209,635.38)

October Requirements $167,302.19 October Receipts $140,971.88Oct. Shortfall/Overage $(-26,330.31)

World Hunger $1,392.00

Attendance

Worship 639 673 679 579 Sunday 445 477 473 366 School

Memorial GiftsIn Sympathy Christian sympathy is extended to Al Clyburn on the death of his father, James Leo Clyburn, on October 12, 2012 in Raleigh. Christian sympathy is extended to Betty Hendricks and Kim Williford on the death of Earl Hendricks, their husband and father respectively, on October 7, 2012. He was a member of FBC for 5 years.Christian sympathy is extended to Tom West on the death of his brother, James West, on September 29, 2012 in Greensboro, NC.

Christian sympathy is extended to Susie Greene on the death of her father, Steve Vuksanovich, on October 2, 2012 in Winston-Salem, NC.

Birth AnnouncementsCongratulations to Andrew and Melissa Fallis on the birth of their son, Banks Andrew, on October 22, 2012. He weighed 7 lbs.

Congratulations to Jason and Amanda Hendrix on the birth of their daughter, Beatrix Carol, on September 11,

2012. She weighed 6 lbs. 10 oz.

General FundIn memory of Jean McCall Gray by

Mrs. Ruby Bissette

In memory of Carol Queen by Mr. and Mrs. Bill Hance, Jr.

Charlie and Eleanor Patterson IIIJohn and Harriet Smith

Linville and Mary Jon Roach

In memory of Earl Hendricks byBrady and Ann Morrison

Janet H. MonteroseDouglas and Carla Davidson

Loretta W. WillifordDeak and Donna Walden

Promise and PurposeIn memory of Jean McCall Gray by

Tracy and Nancy Formy-Duval

Baptist Children’s HomesIn memory of Ethel Elliot byDobson Sunday School Class

In memory of Dick Gough byLois Johnson

Local MissionsIn memory of Larry West by

Carolyn S. Pearce

Fellowship FundIn memory of Earl Hendricks by

Jane and Jack Davis

Music MinistryIn honor of Jean Wachtel by

Myra Norris

In memory of Florence Gordy byMrs. Bettianne Harris

In honor of Nancy and Frank Davis by Mrs. Ruby Bissette

Bereavement FundIn memory of Dick Gough by

Mary GoughDick and Vivian Gough, Jr.

Oct 7

Oct 21

Oct28

Oct 14

Thanksgiving Offering for Baptist Children’s Homes of NCBaptist Children’s Homes (BCH) of NC began as one orphanage over 125 years ago and has evolved into campuses across our state where hurting children are cared for and shown the unconditional love of Christ in incredible ways by committed Christian child care professionals. The children who populate the campuses come from virtually every county of North Carolina including the Cape Fear region. The children are suffering emotionally, physically, socially and some of them are adult children with developmental disabilities. Some of the children come into the care of BCH because of family challenges or the adults in their lives have let them down. Some of the children are runaways, and others have been thrown away. 70% of the children that find themselves living on one of the campuses or thera-peutic camp settings of BCH come into the care of BCH possessing no faith base whatsoever. They see, hear and experience the presence of Jesus in the admin-istrators, therapists, social workers and house parents that pick up the broken pieces of their lives and put them back together. It is the blessing of our church to have a part in helping these hurting children and healing the broken families from which they come. We have been a support system of BCH since its earliest days by sending missionaries to serve as staff, clothes and food for the children, finances used to care for and shelter the children, trustees that have helped to

guide decision-making and prayers that are lifted up daily for the children and staff of Baptist Children’s Homes

of North Carolina.

BAPTIST WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

Monday, November 5, 2012 at 9:30 a.m. Continental breakfast will be served.CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH423 North 23rd Street, Wilmington, NCSpeakers: Richard and April Rivenbark and Christian Humanitarian Aid Workers serving in Pakistan, currently living in the WBA Mission House.

Alderman Elementary Needs Our HelpOur church has made a commitment to assist in enhancing the educational experience of the children

that attend Alderman Elementary School (across the street from our Activities Center). We have already assisted in beautifying the grounds and classrooms on the campus through our involvement on Mission

Possible Day a few months back. Some of our Sunday School classes have provided snacks for the children and sweet surprises of appreciation for the teachers. We have opened our Activities Center to the staff and

students for recreational and athletic opportunities. Because the students are required to wear uniforms to school each day, we have assisted by providing tee shirts, belts and socks to the Social Worker/School Counselor to be shared with those students that are in need of such. We assisted with Back to School sup-

plies and back packs for students. Below is a list of additional ways you can make a difference in the educa-tion of children that attend “our” school.

5 Easy ways to support the students and faculty of Alderman Elementary: 1.Donate school supplies by placing them in the Alderman Elementary donation box at the Activities Center.

2.VIC cards (Harris Teeter) can be linked for the Together in Education program. By linking your VIC card to Alderman Elementary, they get a percentage of your Harris Teeter spending! Stop by the Customer Service counter at your Harris Teeter, hand them your VIC card and ask them to link it to E. A. Alderman Elementary School (Alderman’s ID# is 2085). You can also link online at harristeeter.com. It’s a simple FREE way to support any local school! 3. Clip Box Tops for Education and drop them in the jar in the Alderman Elementary donation box at the Activ-ity Center. ( http://www.boxtops4education.com for a list of brands)4.Volunteer an hour or two a week in the school- reading, running copies, tutoring, or eating lunch with a child!5.Pray for the school, staff and students each day!

Senior Adult & Retirees Boat TripOn October 23rd, FBC senior adults had a great time on the Wilmington Boat Tour. It was a beautiful day to enjoy lunch and a boat cruise on the Cape Fear River!

UpcomingWorship Services

In God We TrustNovember 4

“Worshipping a Giving God”

Deuteronomy 8:1-20Dr. Matt Cook

November 11“Shaped by a Giving

God”Philippians 2:1-11

Dr. Matt Cook

November 18“Giving God, Generous

Church”Acts 4:32-37

Dr. Matt Cook

November 25“Extravagant Generosity”

Matthew 25:29 Dr. Jim Everette

Nathan Tuttle “Official” Youth MinisterRev. Nathan Tuttle is now our “official” Minister to Students after being a part on our

pastoral staff in an interim capacity for the past year. With the decision of our Personnel

Committee to invite Nathan to join our staff, he and his wife, Tara, have joined our church by transfer of their mem-bership from a sister church in Wilmington. Our church and staff are made stronger by the addition of the Tuttles and we look forward to a long tenure of their serving with us. They are already helping our church grow in that they are expecting the birth of their daughter, Charlotte, in the next few weeks. Congratulations, Tara and Nathan, and welcome.

Don’t Miss These Great November Events!

The Seagrove area is known worldwide for its pottery. There are well over 100 potters in the vicinity, and at least 60 of them will be displaying their wares at the festival. On Saturday, November 17th, we will have a day full of pottery enjoyment. We will leave the Activities Center at 5:30 a.m., and the cost is $20 per person for the bus and entrance to the festival.

Seagrove Pottery Festival

On Thursday, November 8th, we will take the bus to Charlotte to the Southern Christmas Show. This event fills three buildings at the former Merchandise Mart and includes new and vibrant ideas for holiday decorating, shopping and entertaining. The cost for your transportation and ticket to the show is $20. We will leave Wilming-ton at 5:45 a.m. and stop for breakfast on the way to Charlotte. Get your name on the list soon!

Southern Christmas Show

BAPTIST WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

Monday, November 5, 2012 at 9:30 a.m. Continental breakfast will be served.CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH423 North 23rd Street, Wilmington, NCSpeakers: Richard and April Rivenbark and Christian Humanitarian Aid Workers serving in Pakistan, currently living in the WBA Mission House.

411 Market StreetWilmington, NC 28401

Kingdom News is a monthly publication of First Baptist Church of Wilmington, NC

USPS-295-400411 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28401

Periodicals postage paid at Wilmington, NC

One Small Box Makes One Big DifferenceOperation Christmas Child is one program that brings smiles to children all over the world. Millions of shoe box-es will be delivered to children everywhere this December. Materials are available at the church or can be downloaded at www.samaritanspurse.org. Shoe boxes will be collected at the Wildlife Banquet on November 18th. Please include a $7 donation for shipping (payable to Samaritan’s Purse). If you do not have time to pack a shoe box, you

can donate $20 and a shoebox will be prepared for you ($13 for supplies and $7 for shipping). If you have a

shoe box prepared for you, please donate by November 11th. Envelopes

will be available in the church pews for Operation Christmas Child. Shoe

boxes can also be dropped off at Southside Baptist Church (3320 S.

College Rd.)