The Journey ContinuesIt is not only “beginning to look a lot like Christmas,” but the sounds of the season ring throughout the halls of our church. We are in the busy time of Christmas when our church’s focus is on giving the gospel to thousands through the unique music and drama presentation called the Living Christmas Trees. Continue to pray for Dr. Stearns, the cast, and all of the volunteers as we prepare for each presentation of “Journey to the Manger.”

We must strip away the glamour of the Christmas story by remembering what it meant for Mary and Joseph to travel all the way to Bethlehem as she was in her last trimester of pregnancy. A painting by Merson is entitled, “No Room.” It depicts with deep shadows, cold stars, a lonely street, howling dogs, and a hard-hearted innkeeper closing the door to Mary and Joseph saying, “No room here.” Our prayer is that no one who attends our worship services or special Christmas presentations will close the door to Christ. He is gently knocking and requires entrance, but the door handle is on the inside, which we alone open (Revelation 3:20). We will do our part to let them feel welcomed.

The dramatic story which runs throughout our Living Trees presentation also has an artistic context and begins in the gallery of a famous sculptor. A gentleman hopes to purchase a nativity scene for his church’s Christmas morning celebration. You will have to see the production to know the conclusion. However, the real manger scene is not just a piece of art, but the story of incredible sacrifice by our Savior.

Continue to ask the Lord to be glorified in us, because entertainment is not our goal, but that many may enter Heaven. After all, there is plenty of room in the Father’s house as Jesus described it in John 14.

You will also want to attend one of our three Christmas Eve candlelight services at 3:00, 4:30, or 6:00 p.m. In order to go all out to bring in more people, we will stretch and work harder to declare the Light of the World and the completion of their journey.

Churchwide Dr. Hayes Wicker, Senior Pastor

Celebrate RecoveryEvery Thursday at 6:00pm in Room DC121

Celebrate Recovery is a special community of men’s and women’s groups where you can find safety and support for dealing with life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups through a twelve-step discipleship and recovery program. For more information, call 596-8600 x268.

Missions Ministry

“Absent from the Body, Present with the Lord”Robert Sill passed into glory on November 24. We are praying for his wife, Susan, and the rest of the family during this time.Zana Miller met Jesus face to face on November 25. We are praying for her family during this time.Harold (Whitey) Regan began walking the streets of gold on November 30. We are praying for his family during this time.

Living Christmas Trees 2014“Journey to the Manger”

Performances Continue This WeekGet your tickets online by going to fbcn.org/lct. You may also purchase tickets before and after all worship services in the Commons by the staircase. Purchases by phone may be made Monday-Friday 9am-6pm at 888-795-1559.

*There is a guest reception in the Commons following the Saturday night and Sunday morning 11:00am worship services. Pastor would love to meet you!

Single Parent First Family ChristmasPick-up a Child’s Gift Request This Weekend

Stop by our table in the Commons this weekend and pick up a gift request from a child of a single parent that is struggling financially. Help this family by buying the child a Christmas gift. Instructions are on the cards. Deadline to return gifts is December 15 (return to the same table please).

College & Young Professionals

Support Ministry

The BridgeWednesday Night Bible Studies

This is a home group on Wednesday nights from 8:30-10:00pm. Worship starts at 8:30pm, then we dig into the scriptures with Pastor Kevin Taylor and Pastor John David Edie. There will be food and fellowship as well. December 10 will be at John David Edie’s house. December 17 will be at Kevin Taylor’s house. For more details and directions, email Rhonda at rwright@fbcn.org.

Foster Care & Adoption InformationFlorida Baptist Children’s Home

Foster Care/Adoption Informational MeetingTuesday, December 16 at 6:00pm

If you are interested in learning more about how you can help the abused, neglected, and abandoned children in Southwest Florida, please contact Amy Roller at 910-5273 or Amy.Roller@FBCHomes.org.

Legacy BuildersBuild a Gingerbread House

With FBA Third GradersWednesday, Dec 10 at 9:00am in Room DC121

Senior Adults, please sign-up in the Fellowship Hallway to help FBA third graders build a gingerbread house. Or you may call Vada at 596-8600 x268 for more information or to register.

Blessing Christ MinistryIn the Missions Kiosk This Weekend

Start Christmas with a local mission trip delivering God’s Word plus food and toys to needy families in Immokalee.Return your box to the missions kiosk this Sunday, December 7. You are also invited to join us on Saturday, December 13 at the Collier County Fairground at 9:00am to deliver the boxes. See our website blessingchrist.org, or call Chao at 353-5909 for more details.

RefresHer Women’s MinistryProverbs: The Ways of Wisdom

Begins Tuesday, Jan 6 at 9:00am and Wednesday, Jan 7 at 6:30pm in the Worship Center

This study leads the reader in a detailed study of this book of wisdom. Each lesson has five days of questions (along with helpful comments and context) that guide in a process of careful examination and application of the biblical text. You will learn to follow the voice of wisdom into every corner of your life as you hear God’s voice more clearly and see His light more brilliantly.

Home Bible and Life GroupsStart Back at the End of January

The winter/spring semester of our home group BLGs will begin at the end of January. We are in the process of recruiting host homes and facilitators for new groups. If you are interested, or for more information, please contact John David Edie at rwright@fbcn.org.

Kids of Single Parents Shop for their ParentSaturday, December 13 from 9am until Noon

In our Lighthouse BookstorePlease sign-up by this Sunday, December 7. We also need adult volunteers. Register in the bookstore, by calling 449-4488, or email rmanchester@fbcn.org.

Please Pray for our Uganda Mission TeamIn Uganda through December 14

The Uganda mission team is currently ministering to the spiritual, physical, and practical needs of widows and orphans in Kamonkoli (a village in eastern Uganda) with our mission partner Orphan’s Heart. Please pray for fruitful ministry, renewed strength, and God’s protection.

All Widows are InvitedSaturday, December 13 10:00am-Noon in Room DC121

Come celebrate Christmas with a potluck at “Joy Comes in the Morning.” We will have a devotional, some fun together, and then a potluck, so bring a dish to share. Please contact Nancy at 596-8600 x115 or email JCMMinistry@fbcn.org to sign-up or for more information.

Personal Contact Information UpdateHas your email address changed recently? Have you just moved? Did you change jobs or cell phone numbers? We would like to update our records. Please send updates to changes@fbcn.org or call 596-8600 x238.

Annual Lottie Moon Christmas OfferingFor International Missions

Southern Baptists send missionaries around the world through the International Mission Board. In that partnership, Southern Baptists provide the funding to send and support these missionaries and their ministries through the Lottie Moon annual Christmas offering. A special envelope is in the chair rack in front of you. You may place this in the offering plate as it is passed. Please join us in supporting the spread of the gospel all over the world!

Quarterly Business MeetingWednesday, December 17 at 8:00pm in the Chapel

All church members are encouraged to attend. We begin immediately following the Wednesday night ministries.

Home Bible & Life Groups

Special FBCN Christmas ScheduleWednesday, December 24 - Christmas EveChristmas Eve Candlelight Services3:00pm, 4:30pm, and 6:00pm in the Worship CenterNo Wednesday Night MinistriesChurch Offices ClosedThursday, December 25 - Christmas DayChurch Offices ClosedSaturday, December 27 and Sunday, December 28Regular Worship Service ScheduleNo Bible and Life GroupsNo Kidztown WorshipWednesday, December 31 - New Year’s EveNo Wednesday Night Ministries

First Baptist Church Naples3000 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples, FL 34109

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Church Receptionist ..................................................................597-6057Enter ext. # for direct connection ...............................................596-8600Lighthouse Bookstore ................................................................449-4488First Baptist Academy Naples ...................................................597-223324-Hour Prayer Line .....................................................597-PRAY (7729)Church Email ..................................................................FBCN@fbcn.org

December 8 - 14Keith Rinker

&Mark Shaw

If you need assistance, please call the church deacon hotline

at 800-732-9573.

Deacon of the Week Wednesday Family Meal

Live streaming Saturday at 6:00pm

and Sunday at 9:30am and 11:00amat fbcn.org!

Visit our website:fbcn.org

Like us on Facebook:FirstBaptistChurchNaples

Follow us on Twitter:@fbcn

@hayeswicker

Ways to Connect Online with FBCN

Contact Us

Weekly Schedule

Last Weekend

This Upcoming Week

2014-2015 Operating RevenuesJuly 1, 2014 - Nov 30, 2014

Budget Actual Variance$2,890,514 $2,870,740 ($19,774)

Financial StewardshipBible & Life Attendance

November 29 & 30Saturday Night 1,090Sunday 9:30 a.m. 1,387Sunday 11:00 a.m. 686Total 3,163

Thanksgiving Service 513

Decisions for Christ Worship Attendance

See what God is doing!Debt balance as of Nov 30

$871,160

First Time GuestsWelcome to First Baptist Church Naples

We are glad that you came to worship with us. Our worship services are intended to give praise to God and reveal how Jesus gives hope for all who call on His name. We hope that you feel at home here! Greeters at the doors can help with any immediate needs/questions that you may have. Volunteers at the Information Desk in the Commons are there to assist you in finding the perfect Bible & Life Group. Thank you for joining us today! For more detailed information about our church and ministries, please call Linda at 596-8600 x280.

Visit a Bible & Life Group Today...We Will Help You Find One!

How does a big church feel like a small community? By discovering our Bible & Life Groups! Bible & Life Groups are people experiencing life-changing Bible study and engaging in a lifestyle of reaching and serving others for Jesus Christ with a group of genuine friends. Visit the information desk in the Commons. The helpful volunteers there can guide you to a Bible & Life Group fitted just for you.

Dual MembershipKaren Valentine

November 29 & 30Saturday Night 645Sunday 8:15 a.m. 137Sunday 9:30 a.m. 329Sunday 11:00 a.m. 570Home Groups 513Total 2,194

Dr. Hayes Wicker Senior PastorBeverly Burgoyne Director of Preschool MinistryGreg Clydesdale Pastor of Middle School MinistryJohn David Edie Pastor of Discipleship MinistryBetsy Evans Director of Children’s MinistrySteve Hayes Pastor of Family MinistryDr. David Heath Pastor of MissionsShannon Moore Director of Women’s MinistryJohn Patterson Pastor of Media MinistryDouglas Pigg Executive PastorTom Rider Pastor of Academy EducationLarry Rigley Pastor of Pastoral Care & Senior AdultsDr. Todd Stearns Pastor of Worship & MusicKevin Taylor Pastor of Student MinistryKevin VanDuser Pastor of SportsOutreachEric Yeldell Pastor of Contemporary Worship & Ministry

Find out more about each Pastoral Staff member by going to our website:www.fbcn.org/staff.

Pastoral Staff

December 10 (4:45-6:00pm in theFellowship/Recreation Gym)

Roast Pork, Roasted New Potatoes,Vegetable, Salad, Dessert

Tickets may be purchased at the Lighthouse Cafe or at the door for $6 each or $25 for a

family. Alternate choices available.

Statement of FaithCole BurlisonKevin BurlisonSamantha BurlisonSusan Burlison

Saturday, December 65:00 p.m. Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus6:00 p.m. Worship Service: Worship Center6:00 p.m. Spanish Worship Service: Modulars 1 and 27:30 p.m. Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on CampusSunday, December 78:15 a.m. Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus9:00 a.m. Haitian Bible Study & Worship: ED2069:00 a.m. Vietnamese Worship & Bible Study: DC2219:30 a.m. Worship Service: Worship Center9:30 a.m. Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus10:00 a.m. Romanian Bible Study & Worship: Modular 411:00 a.m. Worship Service: Worship Center11:00 a.m. Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus1:00 p.m. Spanish Worship Service: Student Center6:00 p.m. Romanian Worship Service: Modular 46:30 p.m. Haitian Worship Service: Modular 2Tuesday, December 99:00 a.m. RefresHer Women’s Bible Study: Worship CenterWednesday, December 104:45 p.m. Family Meal: Fellowship Recreation-Gym6:20 p.m. AWANA for Kids: Education Building6:25 p.m. Band of Brothers Men’s Bible Study: Chapel6:30 p.m. RefresHer Women’s Bible Study: Worship Center6:30 p.m. High School Ministry: Home Groups Off Campus6:30 p.m. Middle School Ministry: Student Center & Family Life Center

Other events this week include: GriefShare, Legacy Builders with FBA 3rd Graders, Celebrate Recovery, Kids of Single Parents Shop for their Parent, and Living Christmas Trees