Up and At’emSince preachers tend to be known for their talking, it should come as no surprise to anyone that at least at one time in my life I used to talk in my sleep. I would usually mumble something, occasionally preach part of a sermon or yell at an imaginary intruder. In my early years, I also walked in my sleep. It took years to discover that I was affected by the caffeine of chocolate eaten late at night.

My walking was so bad as a child that my parents would put chairs in my room as an obstacle course. In my first summer

as a teen working in the mountains, away from home, I climbed up on the top bunk and stared at my roommate and scared the living daylights out of him! While rooming with a college All-American baseball player, I actually started slapping him on the face in my sleep. Startled, Paul threw a right hook into my chin, knocked me flat on the floor, and only then did I wake up. Paul yelled, “Wake up, Wicker, get back to bed.” I got the point.

God has called Christians to not “walk in their sleep.” Concerning the end times in 1 Thessalonians 5:5 & 6, “As children of light and of the day…let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.” A watchful, wide-awake Christian is infinitely more useful and intelligent than one who is “asleep.” While physical sleep is necessary, we only wear ourselves out when we are not fully engaged in the Lord’s work.

A sluggish, sleepy believer must arouse himself, discern the times, keep his head up and his feet moving. We not only rest in the Lord, but drink deeply from the fountain of Living Water, and “walk by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16).

A dear woman shared with me last week after the worship service how God had “opened her eyes to see the darkness” and despair of the old life without Christ. I told her that I could easily “see the light in her eyes” and the joy in her heart. While we have peace, joy, and light, we must be alert to the forces of evil that reflect the darkness of their hearts and of the last days. However, Jesus is coming and “God has not destined us for wrath but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:9). Repent of your sins. Turn to Christ in faith “while it is day, night comes when no one can work” (John 9:4).

Churchwide Dr. Hayes Wicker, Senior Pastor

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

Guest Reception

Missions Ministry

Building Kingdom FamiliesSaturday, September 6 - October 11 at 7:30pm in the Chapel

What is your plan for passing on a godly heritage to your children? What are some key biblical imperatives that will help you? Join us for this six session Block BLG taught by Tom Rider. It is a unique opportunity to equip parents to be all that God intends for you to be.

Various Ministries

DivorceCareNew Session Begins Saturday, Sept 6 at 7:15pm in Room DC113

This class is for everyone who is suffering with the pain of divorce. For more information, go to www.divorcecare.org/groups/45417 or call Rhonda at 596-8600 x261.

Financial Peace UniversityNew Session Begins Tuesday, September 16 at 6:30pm

Dave Ramsey teaches you how to manage your finances in this fun and informative class. You must sign-up online at www.daveramsey.com/fpu/classfinder. For more information, you may call Rhonda at 596-8600 x261. Visit our table in the Commons the weekend of September 6 & 7.

9/11 Commemorative ServiceThursday, September 11 at 6:00pm

in the Worship CenterJoin us for this time of reflection with music, a wreath presentation, and special speakers Frank Silecchia (NYC Fireman who found the steel cross at the Trade Center site) and Patrick White (representing Shanksville, PA).

Additional Adult Choir RehearsalBegins Sunday, September 7

5:00-6:30pm in the Adult Choir RoomLed by Sonya Stearns, this is a great choir option for those who are involved in Wednesday night ministries. If you have been wanting to sing in our Sunday Worship Choir but couldn’t because of other conflicts on Wednesday nights, now you have a new option of participating! Come and join us!

Living Christmas Trees “Journey to the Manger”Drama Information Table in Commons This Weekend

LCT Choir Retreat Saturday, September 6We want more singers in the trees than we’ve ever had before to make this 32nd anniversary presentation special! Our annual LCT Choir Retreat is next Saturday. Breakfast is at 8am, and rehearsal is 9am-3pm with a catered lunch. Registration is $10. Please contact Tina at 596-8600 x229 if interested. Please pray about being a part of this wonderful ministry.Sign-up for LCT Drama, Stage Ensemble, and Nativity at the information table in the Commons by the staircase.

Spaghetti Splash LuncheonSunday, September 7 at 12:20pm in the Commons

Enjoy great food and even better news, featuring short reports from the Watsons, the Kentucky Mission Team, and Anne Bessette (Haiti mission trip). Lunch will be provided by the Missions Committee (monetary donations are welcomed). Gluten free options will be available. Please RSVP by Wednesday, Sept 3 to sgraham@fbcn.org or call 596-8600 x630. You may also sign-up at the special table at the Missions Kiosk in the Commons.

Joy Comes in the Morning (A Ministry to Widows)Begins Saturday, September 13 at 10:00am in DC121

Are you a woman who would like to meet with other widows for fellowship, prayer, and encouragement from God’s Word? Then please join us! RSVP by calling 596-8600 x115 or email jcmministry@fbcn.org.

Our Benevolence Fund Needs HelpThe Benevolence Fund is what we use to bless those from our church family who find themselves going through a rough time financially. Currently this fund is very low. Please consider a donation to replenish this fund so that we can continue to help. Just make a check to “First Baptist Church Naples” and put “BN” in the memo section.

Home Bible & Life Groups

The fall session will run for 12 weeks starting the week of September 14.

Russ & Linda Ayers Tuesdays 6:30pm/Autumn WoodsLaugh Your Way to a Better MarriageAl & Janie WintermanMondays 6:30pm/Old NaplesLaugh Your Way to a Better MarriageLee & Debbie NortonMondays 6:30pm/Carlton LakesLaugh Your Way to a Better MarriageKent & Lisa AndersonMondays 6:30pm/Quail WoodsCouples mid-30s to early 50sLaugh Your Way to a Better MarriageCarleton & Cindy CaseMondays 7:00pm/Victoria ParkLaugh Your Way to a Better MarriageLuis & Carmen RodriguezSundays 6pm/WaterwaysSpanish Speaking Group

Sign-up today at our tablesin the Commons

next to the Information Desk.

Mike & Angel JarvisSundays 6:30pm/Golden Gate EstatesBecoming a Contagious ChristianCouples with elementary-aged childrenNathan & Martha PhillipsTuesdays 6:30pm/Autumn WoodsThe Art of MarriageMarried adults 32 years old or youngerSharon GammonsThursdays 6:30pm/Airport & VanderbiltOvercomeLadies only (emphasis on widows)John & Jennifer PattersonMondays 7pm/Golden Gate EstatesMarriage, Parenting, & Topical Studies

** Find out more information about each group at our table in the Commons.**

Tactica is at the Missions Kiosk in the CommonsTactica Ministries is in need of both golfers and hole sponsors for their second annual golf tournament on October 25. Proceeds will go toward the purchase and operation of the Tactica Ministry Center in San Jose, Costa Rica. Please visit with them at the Missions Kiosk for more information, or email Mike at mikedolan05@comcast.net.

Muslim Bible Day OfferingSeptember 6 & 7

Our church is helping carry God’s Word and the gospel to people who desperately need it. This is a strategic project to publish and distribute the Scriptures to Muslims. We will be taking an offering next weekend in special marked “Muslim Bible Day” envelopes.

Senior AdultsTrip to Burroughs House

Thursday, September 11 at 10:30amJoin us as we visit this historic home in Ft. Myers. We will leave the church at 10:30am. Cost is $25 (includes transportation, tour, and lunch). Sign-up in the Fellowship Hallway, Information Desk, or call Vada at 596-8600 x268.

Special Musical Guests This WeekendMark & Christi Bovee

In Both Services This WeekendMark is the owner/president of Creative Ivory Music in Woodland Park, CO. He grew up in Sitka, AK. Mark toured for three years with the Christian group “TRUTH” where he met his wife, Christi (who travels and sings with him). He earned a Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas in 1992. Mark served on the music staff at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Dallas for more than five years as pianist/arranger/orchestrator. He has been working as a producer, arranger, and orchestrator for Prism Music in Nashville since January 1999.

Old Pictures/Videos of FBCN NeededDo you have pictures or video footage of FBCN in its early years? We are bringing together the story of FBCN and would like your pictures and videos to help share it. If you have memorable pictures from previous locations, pastors, and members or activities, we are interested in seeing your media. Please contact Mark at 596-8600 x230 or send your images to mtucker@fbcn.org.

Quilting/Sewing “Back to Basics”Begins Monday, September 8 at 6:30pm in Room WC117

Come join us to learn how to quilt or sew. If you already know how, come and fellowship while you work on a project. Having experience, a machine, or materials does not matter as we have items to be used and shared. Call/text Pam at 272-5583 or email pcole@fbcn.org for details.

Help WantedWe have a place for you to serve in the Food Service Ministry. If you enjoy preparing food and serving children, then we would like to meet with you. The work hours are Monday through Friday, from 9:00am to 2:00pm. Experience would be helpful, but is not required. For more information, please contact Chef Herb Small at 821-6902.

“Absent from the Body, Present with the Lord”Jane Hogan passed into glory on May 13. Melani Dietrich met Jesus face to face on August 25. We are praying for their families.

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

September 1 - 7Bill Smith

&Buddy Smith

If you need assistance, please call the church deacon hotline

at 800-732-9573.For Spanish, call 404-7764.

Deacon of the Week Wednesday Family Meal

Live streaming Saturday at 6:00pm

and Sunday at 9:30am at 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

2013-2014 Operating RevenuesJuly 1, 2014 - Aug 24, 2014

Budget Actual Variance $990,998 $950,581 ($40,417)

Financial StewardshipBible & Life Attendance

August 23 & 24Saturday Night 1,378Sunday 9:30 a.m. 1,446Total 2,824

Wednesday Night Study 297

Decisions for Christ Worship Attendance

See what God is doing!Debt balance as of Aug 24

$1,261,293

August 23 & 24Saturday Night 866Sunday 8:15 a.m. 69Sunday 11:00 a.m. 850Home Groups 186Total 1,971

Profession of FaithLarimar Webbe

September 3 (4:45-6:00pm in theFellowship/Recreation Gym)

Crabmeat Stuffed Sole, Rice Pilaf, 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.

Saturday, August 305:00 p.m. Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus6:00 p.m. Worship Service: Worship Center6:00 p.m. Spanish Worship Service: Modular 17:30 p.m. Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on CampusSunday, August 318:15 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 Center10:00 a.m. Romanian Bible Study & Worship: Modular 411:00 a.m. Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus12:30 p.m. Spanish Worship Service: Student Center6:00 p.m. Romanian Worship Service: Modular 46:30 p.m. Haitian Worship Service: Modular 2Tuesday, September 29:00 a.m. RefresHer Women’s Ministry: Worship CenterWednesday, September 34:45 p.m. Family Meal: Fellowship Recreation-Gym6:20 p.m. AWANA for Kids: Education Building6:25 p.m. Band of Brothers Men’s Ministry: Chapel6:30 p.m. RefresHer Women’s Ministry: Worship Center6:30 p.m. High School Ministry: Home Groups Off Campus6:30 p.m. Middle School Ministry: Student Center & Family Life Center6:30 p.m. Worship Choir Rehearsal: Choir Room

Other events this week include: Labor Day (Church Closed), Prayer for our Pastors, Celebrate Recovery, and LCT Choir Retreat

Preschool & Children’s MinistryWeekday Part Time Employment and Volunteers Needed

Teachers and assistants are needed to serve with young children on Saturday nights and Sunday mornings. Teachers and assistants are also needed to teach preschoolers (birth through four years old) during MOPS every other Thursday morning. For details about any of these positions, call Beverly at 596-8600 x351.The Children’s Ministry has a need for a 4th grade BLG assistant teacher on Sunday mornings. Please call Nancy at 596-8600 x350 for more details.

First Steps ClassBegins Saturday, September 13 at 7:30pm

This is for children in 1st through 4th grade who would like to get baptized. It covers the topics of salvation, baptism, communion, being part of the church, and growing as a child of God. Please call 596-8600 x350 to register your child.

First Baptist AcademyAlong with new record enrollment, FBA celebrated four generations of Kingdom Education as we begin our 19th year of service to the Christian community of Naples. Pictured is Rita Lezgus (grandmother and FBA Resource Teacher), her daughter and FBA graduate Lisa (Lezgus) Albero, Sarah Lezgus (a current FBA Senior), and Alivi Albero (currently attending FBA kindergarten). FBA is blessed to serve all our families with excellence to the Lord.

Big Daddy Weave ConcertThursday, October 9 at 7:00pm

Also featuring Chris August, Group1Crew, and Dara MacLean. Tickets are available exclusively at chosentickets.com. (General admission is $25.00. Groups of 10 or more are $22.00. All VIP seating is sold out.)

Major Concert Announcement

Transfer of LetterJennifer ShootsRoy Shoots