I don’t get it when it comes to the sudden popularity of zombies. Zombies are

in vogue these days. Movies, television shows (have you seen The Walking Dead?), and heck, even commercials are featuring the un-dead staggering and crawling about. Hollywood make-up artist are having a ball! Personally, I’d rather watch Duck Dynasty, but that’s just me. It seems everybody else I talk to is talking about zombies. Wonder why? The current zombie craze has hit upon something and touched a nerve in our culture. The popularity of zombies has something to do with our deep-seated struggle against death. We do not want death to have the last word. We do not like the finality of it. Since the beginning, as humans have watched others die, we have stood at graves and wished for more. We shouted out loud and under our breaths, “Please tell me that

this is not all there is! Please tell me that there is more to the human soul than a few decades walking around on this planet!” Sentiments like this, even words almost identical to this, can even be found in the Bible. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:20 that if all of our hopes are tied up in “this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.” Somebody, please tell us that the grave is not our final destination. This is the common cry of humanity. So, when the entertainment industry throws out a seemingly off-the-wall genre like zombies, maybe we shouldn’t be surprised it becomes so popular. They have tapped into an ancient yearning that goes unsatisfied in this life. Unless, of course, you’re a Christian. Christians yearn for more too, but we also know where we can find it. The Christian gospel knows all about this desire to overcome the grave. It’s why Easter is our favorite celebration. Our founder, our hero, our Savior, Jesus Christ did triumph over

death on that first Easter morning. But, He arose and walked out of the tomb, He was no zombie! Oh no, He was fully alive, eternally alive. Peter, who actually saw the Risen Christ, wrote in Acts 2:27 that God did not “allow Thy Holy One to undergo decay.” Easter is our most important day because it addresses the age-old fear that death is the end of us. Death is not the end for those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. The current zombie craze points out just how much this means to the human heart. It means everything. But the gospel has an answer: “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? . . . thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Happy Easter! This is exciting. Dr. Phillip Reynolds, Senior Pastor

Wednesdays 6pm Prayer and Bible Study Dr. Phillip Reynolds

April 7 - 8:30 and 10:55am What Difference Does It Make? - Rev. Rendell Hipps

April 14 - 8:30 and 10:55am The Flood - Dr. Phillip Reynolds

April 21 - 8:30 and 10:55am The Promise - Dr. Phillip Reynolds Senior Adult Sunday

April 28 - 8:30 and 10:55am Youth Sunday - Bonnie Opdyke

MUSICAL NOTES Reflection on "From Ashes to Easter" - We want to express our thanks to all of those who have made our Lenten journey, "From Ashes to Easter," such a meaningful time. Our decorating committee and Lenten families deepened our visual and spiritual focus. Our musicians drew our hearts and minds along the way. And, our drama team challenged our thoughts and spirits as they re-enacted the Lord's Supper. Your time and work have blessed us. And, for this we say, "Thank You!" Refuge Youth Choir in Concert - On Sunday evening, April 28, at 6:00pm, our Refuge Youth Choir singers will be combining with those of First Baptist Church of Lincolnton to present a worship concert of the North Carolina CBF Youth Choir Festival music. This event will take place in the sanctuary of FBC, Lincolnton. Come and support our faithful youth singers as they combine their voices with other youth. A SPECIAL WORSHIP OPPORTUNITY Mark Sunday, May 19 - 3:00pm on your calendar for "A Hymn Festival." Dr. John Ferguson, outstanding organist, composer, and worship leader from St. Olaf College in Minnesota, will be coming to work with our choir and other local singers and musicians to prepare an awe inspiring worship experience with hymns. Dr. Ferguson is an internationally respected leader of hymn festivals. Plan to come and worship, singing "the great songs of the faith."

$180 per student $50 currently due

Introducing Rylee Michelle Skinner, born March 16, 2013. Thank you for all your love, support, prayer and generous gifts to our little girl and our family.

- Ronny &Ashley

As you see our NEW MEMBERS around FBC, be sure to welcome them to our family.

Stephanie Clawson

Joined 2-24-13 Bryan & Jessica Blaylock

Joined 2-24-13 Sara King

Awaiting Baptism Tom Macchia

Joined 2-24-13

1st MOMS is a new ministry of FBC to connect and encourage mothers of young children and to provide a place for sharing the joys and challenges of parenting in a Christ-centered environment. This group is specifically for mothers of young or school-aged children who are in the “trenches” and value the support and fellowship of other mothers. This group will begin by hosting a Wednesday night Bible Study for three weeks, just for mothers beginning, April 10, 6:00-7:00pm in the Parlor. Mothers are invited to spend time with each other studying God’s word in a devotional style format. There is no cost. For more info please see Jennifer Summerlin or e-mail holland@fbc.cc.

CITYKID PARTNERSHIP MINISTRY We are entering our second year of our CityKids Partnership Ministry, a ministry designed to allow FBC members to develop a personal relationship

with a specific child and family in our neighborhood who participate in our CityKids ministry. These neighbors are just a few blocks away from FBC and live in the Hillside Gardens, Terrace Hills or Blue Ridge Heights communities. There is a great need for many FBC individuals and families to participate in this ministry. If you participate, we will partner you with a child who desires to be partnered. Simple actions (sending a birthday card, throwing a ball, sitting down to chat, playing a board game, praying for the child, etc.) and encouraging words can impact a child in ways we may never even know. By reaching out to those in our community on a personal level, we share the love of Christ with our words and with our actions. Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Are you interested in learning more about the CityKids Partnership Ministry? Please contact Christy Greene. We are in need of new sponsors for the upcoming year (April 2013 - April 2014). Detailed information sheets, which outline expectations and how the ministry works, are available in the church office or from Christy.

Senior Adult Sunday is April 21. Our Senior Adults will be honored in the Traditional Worship Service. A luncheon in their honor will follow the worship service in the fellowship hall. Call the office to reserve your place at the luncheon.

On May 13 the Senior Adults will travel to Samaritans Purse in Boone, NC. The cost is $4.00 per person and includes lunch and a free book written by Franklin Graham. The bus will leave FBC at 8:45am. The tour will begin at 10:00 followed by lunch at 11:30 in the Samaritans Purse dining room. Please make your reservation with Kim Hutchison by Wednesday, May 1 to reserve your place.

Important Calendar Dates: April 3 - Spring Break - no children’s

activities

April 19 - RA Campout

May 15 - Music/Missions Finale

May 26 - Children's Sunday

June 3-7 - CityKids Camp

June 12-14 - GA Camp

June 24-28 - VBS

July 8-12 - RA Camp

July 22-26 - Children's Music Camp

August 25 - Promotion Sunday

A fun, family-oriented event for families with children of all ages! The third Friday night of every month beginning in May, 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Fun theme for each event Kid-friendly meal for all Family entertainment Tons of fun for the kids Cost: $6 first adult, $5 second adult, $4 first child, $3 second child, $2 third child, $1 fourth child. Opening Night, May 17 - HALF-PRICE night with coupon (coupons available beginning in April on our web-site or in the church office) Open to our community! Call or e-mail Amanda (holland@fbc.cc, 828-328-2031) by the Wednesday before the third Friday to make your reservation.

Vacation Bible School Monday - Friday

June 24 - June 28 6:00 - 8:30 pm

First Baptist Church, Hickory For children age 4 (by June 24)

through rising 6th grade Register online at www.fbc.cc

VBS 2013

For Mothers, Daughters, & Granddaughters

A Dress Up Event

April 14 3:00-4:00pm

Fellowship Hall

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 339 Second Avenue, Northwest Hickory, North Carolina 28601

Volume 13, Issue 4 Published Monthly by First Baptist Church, Hickory, NC

Return Service Requested Phone: (828) 328-2031 Fax: (828) 328-4789 Email: info@fbc.cc Website: www.fbc.cc

Phillip Reynolds, Senior Pastor Jerry Rodgers, Minister to Senior Adults and Church Administration Chris Gillespie, Minister to Students Rendell Hipps, Minister of Discipleship Jim Davidson, Minister of Music Ronny Skinner, Minister of Worship Arts Florence Jowers, Organist Staff email: (last name)@fbc.cc

Non-Profit U.S. Postage

PAID Permit # 85

Our cover photo this month shows our CityKids partnership party in November 2012. The children and their “adopted” families enjoyed refreshments, games and fun. For more information about this ministry see the article inside this issue.

A Monthly Gathering of Single Adults in their 20's and 30's

Music, Message, Meal & More

April 5 - 6:30-9:00pm

www.fbc.cc/firstfriday to register Meal is $6.00 per person

WOMEN SENDING THE WORD Do you have a Bible or Bibles that you are not using and would be willing to give to someone who doesn’t have one? During April and May the WMU will be collecting Bibles, used in good shape or new. In June these Bibles will be taken to the Shelby Missions Camp for shipment to people who desire a copy of God’s word to call their own. Look around FBC for collection tubs during April and May.

FACE OF A CHILD Thanks to all those who sponsored children in the Moldovan Orphanage of Straseni. We sponsored 89 children this year through the Face of A Child Project. Together we have shown these children that God loves them specifically. God bless you! If you would be willing to head up this project for the 2014 year, please contact Beth Ballhaussen at 326-9233. "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27

GRADUATION -2013 Graduation time is quickly approaching. If you have a child graduating this year from high school OR college, please call Amanda in the office at 328-2031. Please give FULL name, date of graduation, the degree and school. This information is needed by April 22. We will have a special recognition time during the service on Sunday, May 19.

Sunday, May 5 Combined Worship

9:00am - First Sunday Fellowship 9:15am - Bible Study 10:30am - Worship - Sanctuary 12:00am - Fellowship Lunch (RSVP by calling the office)

Celebrating Greater Things in the life of FBC-Hickory.

MINISTER ON CALL

April 6 Jerry Rodgers on call (217-2597)

April 13 Phillip Reynolds on call (455-8678)

April 20 Rendell Hipps on call (228-8639)

April 27 Chris Gillespie on call (320-2741)

DEACONS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 6-12

Dennis Gaines, Coordinator 874-0158 Wink Gaines 874-0158 Jim Elliott 294-4747 Doug Frei 294-1428

DEACONS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 20-26 Bernie Whitmer, Coordinator 328-9191 Steve Palmer 304-0358 Tom Guthrie 256-8266 Steve Jones 267-0099

April 3 Potato Crusted Cod Potatoes Au Gratin Tropical Fruit Cole Slaw Salad Bar, Rolls and Dessert April 10 Spinach Stuffed Braciole Angel Hair Pasta Green Beans Salad Bar, Rolls and Dessert April 17 Peanut Butter Chicken Satay Snow Peas and Rice Balsamic Honey Peaches w/Feta Salad Bar, Rolls and Dessert April 24 Apple Pork 5 Bean Baked Beans Salad Bar, Rolls and Dessert

DEACONS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 13-19

Ruth Ann Carreira, Coordinator 256-5616 David Eggers 325-0533 Lloyd Bost 294-0585 Brenda Bost 294-0533

Dee Blackwell, Coordinator 294-3522 Alan Breazeale 294-1513 Ed Auten 324-5057

Peter Ballhaussen 326-9233

DEACONS FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 30 - APRIL 5

Refuge Student Ministries would like to thank Aaron & Fran Ballengee, Alan & Dana Bennett, Kay Bowman, Ann Clontz, Doug & Libby Frei, Dennis & Wink Gaines, Lillian Pendley, Ray & Sara Starnes, and Nolan Yount for their support of 2013 Rent A Kid in March. Contact Amanda in the office or call Chris Gillespie to sign up for Rent A Kid.

DEACONS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 27-MAY 3 Vic Paquin, Coordinator 409-0607 Van Pernell 322-5908 Bob Parlier 328-6712 Ken Parish 324-2932

Our Special Members This Month

Mrs. Amelia Nichols - Abernathy Laurels #108 Leonard Avenue, Newton, NC 28658

Mrs. Becky Reese - Brian Center #506, 3031 Tate Blvd SE, Hickory NC 28601

Please keep these special members in your prayers. Send a card or visit them this week.

C A R E April 7 - Hinson, Faith & Hope, Melton/Bost Classes April 14 - Allen & Foster Classes April 21 - Wachter Class April 28 - Blackwell/Woolf & Powers Classes

In Christian Love & Sympathy to… Lydia Gillespie upon the death of her grandfather

April 7

Preschool Reception Volunteers: 9:30-10:00am - Beverly Crosby 10:30-11:00am - Betsy Reynolds

Extended Session 8:20: Babies & Ones—Susan Eggers Twos thru Fours— David Eggers 10:40: Babies & Ones— Jill Pernell & Carla Burns Toddlers thru Twos— Lisa Cox Three’s and Fours— Kelly Clark & Tony Cox Coordinator: Fran Ballengee

Children’s Worship: Children are in worship.

April 14

Preschool Reception Volunteers: 9:30-10:00am - Diane Johnson 10:30-11:00am - Dana Woods

Extended Session 8:20: Babies & Ones—Rene Stilwell Twos thru Fours— Scott Stillwell 10:40: Babies & Ones— Clay Buchanan & Pam McCall Toddlers thru Twos— Kara Wittenberg & Jerry Long Three’s and Fours— Allen Wittenberg & Kristen Keener Coordinator: Terry Starnes

Children’s Worship: 8:30 - Diane Johnson, 10:55 - Sheryl King April 21

Preschool Reception Volunteers: 9:30-10:00am - Jean Lambert 10:30-11:00am - Dale Uptegraft

Extended Session 8:20: Babies & Ones—Beth Watson Twos thru Fours— Mechele McCormack 10:40: Babies & Ones— Renea Featherstone & Elizabeth Sledge Toddlers thru Twos— Carol Lupton & Carla Ingram Three’s and Fours— Julie Hampton & Matt Ingram Coordinator:

Children’s Worship: 8:30 - Norma Flores, 10:55 - Judi Tucker April 28

Preschool Reception Volunteers: 9:30-10:00am - Jan Rodgers 10:30-11:00am - Lydia Gillespie

Extended Session 8:20: Babies & Ones—David Moore Twos thru Fours— Sara Moore 10:40: Babies & Ones— Tiffany Hightower & Phillip Bumgarner Toddlers thru Twos— Noelle Wachter & Scott Crosby Three’s and Fours— Ashley Hightower & Beverly Crosby Coordinator: Shellie Bumgarner

Children’s Worship: 8:30 - Kara Wittenberg, 10:55 - John & Johnnie Melton

Thank You Notes Have been received from The Hickory Soup Kitchen and The American Red Cross. These notes have been place on the board across from the chapel.

NC BAPTIST MEN DISASTER RELIEF TRAINING OFFERED April 19-20, REGION 5 (GUILFORD COUNTY) NCBM Disaster Relief Training is available to all believ-ers who have a passion to serve others. Disaster re-sponse is a unique mission experience because of the sudden nature of the event, difficult conditions, and high expectations from other relief organizations and survivors. Visit them at www.baptistsonmission.org for more information.

Congratulations to… Stephanie Palazzo on the birth of a son, Tanner on 2-13-13 Ronny & Ashley Skinner on the birth of a daughter, Rylee Michelle on 3-16-13