First Word First Baptist Church Naples

June 13 & 14, 2009

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 De-baptism or Discipleship?
Recently in London over 100,000 people downloaded
“Certificates of De-baptism” from the internet to renounce
their membership in the Church of England and their so-called
Christian faith. The National Secular Society followed the
example of other atheistic campaigns. John Hunt, a 58-year
old Londoner, felt that he was too young to make any decision
for Christ when he was christened at five-months old. Michael
Evans branded baptizing children as “a form of child abuse” and was told to
contact the European Court of Human Rights. Many see this as a reaction to the
more politically active Catholic Church and “a strong feeling of wanting to punish
the church by leaving it,” said a representative of the movement. Of course, self-
centered living is the real reason. As one bus poster noted: “There is probably no
God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.”

While we abhor such apostasy and blasphemy, for hundreds of years Baptists and
others have believed in “a regenerate church membership” of baptized believers.
I believe that it is premature to christen infants as a “believer’s baptism,” though
denominations say that it is a commitment to covenant teaching in the context of
the church. We believe that faith is the prerequisite (Acts 2:41). “Disciples” are
to be “baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19)
as those who desire to “observe all” that Jesus “commanded” us (verse 20). We
picture that Jesus died, was buried, and raised for us. We repent, which is the “no”
and believe, which is the “yes” of discipleship. Those two words imply following
Christ. We never master either fully and graduate to higher things.

Though we should be baptized initially after salvation, we would never think of

being involved in a “collective apostasy campaign” with the slogan “not in my
name,” as an Argentinean secularist movement declares. The true Christian will
never want to be de-baptized or detached from his Lord. He actually keeps us
from worrying and helps us to enjoy life. The 24 who were baptized in the Gulf
in driving rain on May 17 have no regrets!

Guest Reception
There is a guest reception in the Commons immediately following the Saturday night
and Sunday morning worship services. Come and meet Dr. Wicker.

Prayer and
Fellowship Night
Sunday, June 14 at 6:00 p.m.
in the Chapel
Join together as a church family to pray and seek God’s will for our
lives and our church. The prayer time will be followed by a time of
fellowship in the Courtyard with funnel cakes and ice cream!
 June 15 - 19
9am - 12:15pm

Register at
www.fbcn.org/vbs

Incoming 5th & 6th grade students (current 4th & 5th
graders) are invited to join us on an extreme adventure
beginning Mon, June 15th. Check in begins @ 8:45 am in
the Commons along with Crocodile Dock VBS.

Janet’s Summer
Reading Club
Ladies, once again this year, join us for a precious time of book discussion with
our Senior Pastor’s wife, Janet Wicker. This year promises to be even more
exciting and rewarding than last year. All books are available in our bookstore.
O u r F i r s t N i g h t i s Tu e s d a y, J u n e 3 0
at 7:00 p.m. in the Commons
“Shadow of the Almighty”
by Elisabeth Elliot
This book tells the gripping story of the life and testament of
Jim Elliot. This very personal account by the woman who would
become his wife reveals a missionary story that is truly a heroic
spiritual pilgrimage. Original writings from Jim Elliot himself are
included and give insight into the heart of a man who could pray,
“Give me not a long life, but a full one, like you, Lord Jesus.” It is considered a
modern Christian classic.
 Experiencing

GOD
Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Worship Center,
Men’s Ministry and Women’s Ministry meet together
around tables organized by Bible and Life Group.

Workbooks are on sale in the Lighthouse Bookstore.

Calling all actors and writers!

FBCN WANTS YOU
TO BE INVOLVED!
If you have a talent either as an actor/actress or in writing scripts, or
maybe it is something you have always wanted to try, please let us know!
We are excited about beginning a new drama ministry in which we will
participate in worship services both on Saturday and Sunday, Living
Christmas Trees, and other ministries throughout FBCN. We would like
all ages to be involved and training will be provided. If you are interested
in becoming part of our team, please contact Keith in the music office at
596-8600 x229.
ROUTE 56 is an exciting new preteen ministry uniquely designed for 5th & 6th
grade students. We want to help them identify who they are in Christ and how
they fit into His Body, with a goal of helping them develop into Godly teenagers!
BIBLE & LIFE GROUPS: (beginning June 6/7)
Students will begin in a large group and then break off into age & gender
based classes for close fellowship and Bible study.
Saturdays at 7:30pm in ED222 Sundays at 11:00am in ED222
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS: (beginning June 10)
Students will begin in a large group for praise & worship, Bible study and
games and then break off into age & gender based groups.
Wednesdays at 6:30pm in DC121
 Athletic Field
Update

The athletic field is well on its way to the completion date of August
1st. This new field will be used for field and track meets, soccer
events, and football. During the month of June, the installation
of the synthetic turf will begin. All of this was made possible by
an anonymous, generous designated gift by one of our members.
More photographs and updates will be provided in First Word in
the weeks to come so you can take note of the progress.
 Our Special Guest the
Weekend of July 4 & 5 is
Dr. Richard Land
President of the
Southern Baptist Convention’s
Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission

Princeton (A.B., magna cum laude) and Oxford (D.Phil.) educated,

Dr. Richard Land has served as president of the Southern Baptist
Convention’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission since 1988.
Dr. Land has represented Southern Baptists and other Evangelicals’
concerns in the halls of Congress, before U.S. Presidents, and in
the media. In 2005, Dr. Land was featured in Time Magazine as one
of “The Twenty-Five Most Influential Evangelicals in America.”
As host of “For Faith and Family,” “For Faith & Family’s Insight,”
and “Richard Land LIVE!” (three nationally syndicated radio
programs), Dr. Land speaks passionately and authoritatively on
the social, ethical, and public policy issues facing our country. The
“For Faith & Family” Broadcast Ministry is heard by listeners each
week on over 600 radio stations across the country and throughout
the world on the Internet. Dr. Land’s latest book, The Divided
States of America? What Liberals and Conservatives are Missing
in the God-and-Country Shouting Match! is published by Thomas
Nelson.
 Life Action
Revival Ministries
Critical Needs
Life Action just concluded their 38th season of ministry in local churches
around the country. They have concluded what has been the most fruitful
year ever as measured by impact and even financial provision through love
offerings. Fifty-three communities felt a measure of revival and subsequent
authentic Christianity. Hopefully, small movements of personal and corporate
revival and awakening were ignited. But, their passion of seeing our nation
touched by God escalated to almost unbearable levels. Just last week, two
Muslim nations expressed hesitancy about talks with President Obama because
of the “degradation” they see in America. Not coincidental, last week they
also received a White House press release proclaiming June LGBT (Lesbian,
Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender) month. Our country has fallen a long way, but
just think how much further toward destruction we would be as a nation if
it were not for the churches who are reaching millions with the power of
the gospel! Times of desperation are ripe for seasons of revival. Therefore,
Life Action has never been more excited about their mission and message!
However, they are still lacking a few key recruits for this next ministry
year. They are looking for young people who have hearts for the Lord, basic
character, servant’s hearts, teachable spirits, and specific skills applied to each
area of need. Would you please pray and see if the Lord impresses your heart
to suggest to them someone for the following positions:

1. A youth revivalist - This person could be single or married but without

children. He will travel with one of our teams and teach youth an average of
6 times per week.

2. Music Director - This is someone who can lead and train a team musically
both congregational worship and a variety of vocal venues.

3. Percussionist - This is for a quality, worshipful drummer.

4. Male Singers - They need quality vocalists who radiate/convey their love
for the Lord and engage easily with the audience.
These are very critical needs. It would require these individuals to arrive by the
end of July. As with all of their road team ministry and ministry staff, it would
also require raising a modest amount of financial support as a missionary.

Please feel free to contact Byron (Executive Director of Life Action Revival
Ministries), or his assistant, Cristi, personally by email for more information
at bpaulus@lifeaction.org or cfredericks@lifeaction.org.
 Summer Days at Your
Lighthouse Bookstore
Janet’s Summer Reading Club!
Wednesday Night’s
“Experiencing God” Study!
Father’s Day!
Weddings!

Bibles, books, music, home decor...

all at the bookstore,
and all at 10%, 15%, even 20% off!

For your shopping convenience,

the store is open Saturday, Sunday,
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday!
We are here and waiting to serve you.
Come see us soon!

Remember your bookstore is a ministry of FBCN.

All profits go to furthering God’s Word
in Southwest Florida and beyond.
Lighthouse Cafe
Special Summer Hours

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
(Re-Open Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.)
Closed Friday
Saturday
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday
8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Don’t forget some of our

regular summer favorites
Ice-spressos (regular or light),
Edy’s ice cream, Smoothies,
Lattes, Cappuccinos, Espressos,
etc.

Monday - Thursday Lunches

Salads and Sandwiches
All prepared by
Chef Herb Small
Made with Boars Head
meats and cheeses
Only $4.95
 Important Announcements
Worshipful Atmosphere
It is our desire that Jesus be the focus in our worship services. Therefore, in
consideration of others desiring to worship with limited distraction, we ask each
person to do the following:
- Please turn your cell phone off or set to vibrate.
- Please remain in the worship center (except in the case of
emergency) once you have entered to worship.
- Should your child become unsettled or noisy during the
worship service, please take your little one to the Fellowship
Hallway or preschool ministry area in the Education
Building where you can comfortably watch the service
on a television monitor.
Thank you for helping us maintain a worshipful atmosphere for everyone!
Personal Contact Information Update
Has 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 personal contact updates to
changes@fbcn.org or call 596-8600 x463.
Vote on Church Budget
Church members will have the chance to vote on our 2009-2010 church
budget during the worship services the weekend of June 13 and 14. The
budget is available for you to see in any of the turnstiles in the Fellowship
Hallway and in the Commons.
Celebrating a 50th, 60th, or 70th Anniversary?
Please call Vada at 596-8600 x268 to give her the date of your 50th, 60th,
or 70th wedding anniversary to be announced in First Word.

Vacation Bible School Extras

If You Bought Online...
Vacation Bible School t-shirts, music cds, dvds, and
Extreme Roadtrip t-shirts that have been pre-bought
online will be available for distribution before
and after worship services on June 13 and 14 in
the Commons area. We will also have t-shirts and
cds for sale if you haven’t already bought yours.

VBS Snacks
Cookies are needed as snacks for Vacation Bible School. There are bins in
the Fellowship Hallway and Education Building for collecting cookie
donations. We are asking for Oreos (chocolate or vanilla hydrox-type cookies)
or chocolate chip cookies.
 KidzTown
Attention all KIDZ! Have we got a great worship experience for
you in KidzTown Worship today! This week, we will be continuing
in our sports theme in “Super Sports Spectacular” as we worship
the Lord together “Kid Style.” We will be looking at the pride of
James and John seen in Mark 10. KidzTown Worship is exclusively for all children
in 1st through 3rd grades (2008-2009 school year). It starts promptly at 6:00 p.m.
on Saturdays and 9:30 a.m. on Sundays and is located in DC120. KidzTown Worship
is followed by an exciting hour of small group time in our KidzTown Neighborhoods
(BLGs). You will not want to miss one moment, unless you are allergic to fun!
Family Deaths
William Jones (husband to Betty Lou Jones) passed away on May 29,
2009 in Pennsylvania following complications to heart surgery.
Leopoldo Saul Jimenez, born December 9, 1948 (father of C.J.
Jimenez) passed away on June 3, 2009 with pancreatic cancer.
Our deepest sympathies go out to both families!
PrimeTimers Senior Adult Luncheon
Come and join our PrimeTimers on June 25 to celebrate the 4th of
July! Cost is $7.00 per person. Be sure to wear your red, white, and
blue! Please note that we will be meeting in the Student Center for
this inside picnic celebration featuring hamburgers with fixings and making your own
sundaes. See you there 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Absolute deadline to purchase your
tickets is the morning of June 22. Please call Vada at 596-8600 x268 for details.
Anna’s Tea
Our next Anna’s Tea is Monday, June 22 at 1:30 p.m. in WC117. This is
a ministry to widows and single women 55+ led by Yvonne Fisher. Come
and join us for sweet fellowship and encouragement from God’s Word.
Please sign-up in the Fellowship Hallway. Call Vada at 596-8600 x268 for details.
Summer Camp SOS
Camp sponsors are needed for middle and high school students who
are not able to afford to go to camp. If you are able to Sponsor One
Student, please call Ginny in the Student Ministry office at 449-4480.
Work Ministry
Our new work ministry is up and running. If you are currently unemployed
and are looking for a job, please check out our website at www.fbcn.org,
hover over “FBCN Ministries,” and then click on “Work Ministry.”
As we receive “help wanted” information from our church membership, we will post
those positions on this site. If you are hiring, or know of someplace that is hiring,
please email rwright@fbcn.org with details so that we may post that information too.
Planning on Getting Married?
The Marriage Savers program will help you have a healthy marriage
and will enhance your relationship. It is a requirement here at
FBCN and involves a premarital inventory and a mentor couple who
will meet with you for six sessions. Please contact Pastor Roy Fisher
at 596-8600 x265 for an appointment or for more details.
 FBCN Employment Positions Available
First Baptist Church Naples is currently accepting applications (with
a July 1st start date) for a Ministry Assistant to the Associate Pastor
in Education. Qualifications for this position include strong computer
skills (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook), great organizational skills,
multi-tasking is a must, and good people skills are essential as well. Qualified candidates
may go online to www.fbcn.org to retrieve an application to print, complete, sign, and
forward to Human Resources. You may also pick up an application at the church office
Monday-Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
FBCN is also accepting applications (this position is for immediate employment)
for a Membership Information Ministry Assistant. Qualifications for this position
include good computer and organizational skills (experience with a database is helpful).
Qualified candidates may go online to www.fbcn.org to retrieve an application to print,
complete, sign, and forward to Human Resources. You may also pick up an application
at the church office Monday-Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
First Baptist Academy is seeking a part-time Assistant Football Coach (prior
coaching experience desired) and a part-time Athletic Trainer. Please contact Billy
Sparacio at 596-8600 x652 or bsparacio@fbalions.org.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Our next Prayer Shawl Ministry meeting will be Friday, June 19 at
10:00 a.m. in the large conference room (AD145). Anyone interested
in making prayer shawls for the sick are welcome to join us.
Homebound Ministry
We are thankful to the Lord for those who visit and minister to our
homebound people, week by week, month by month. We refer to our
members as “C.I.A.” (Christians in Action). This is a vital ministry.
One day, we may be in that same situation and it means so much to
those who are visited that FBCN lovingly cares for them. Should you
have an interest in this ministry, please contact Pastor Roy Fisher at
596-8600 x265 for more information.
Christian Business Owners and Professionals
Please stop by the kiosk at the bottom of the stairs in the Commons
this weekend before and after all worship services to see how you can
place your business in the online directory of Christian Business
Owners and Professionals. You can also stop by to get information on how you can
use the directory to find fellow church members’ businesses. If you have any questions,
please call Jody at 253-0954.
Holding on to H.O.P.E.
(Helping Others through Pregnancy Encouragement)
This new ministry offers Christ-centered support and
encouragement to married women who are struggling with
the pain of infertility challenges, including primary and
secondary infertility, pregnancy loss, early infant death, and adoption loss. This group
of women will meet monthly for a time of prayer, discussion, and encouragement
from God’s Word and other Christian supplemental materials. If you find yourself in
need of H.O.P.E., please join us on Thursday, June 18 in the Discipleship Center,
Room DC108 at 6:30 p.m.. For more information, please contact Sue Gonzalez at
sgonzalez@fbalions.org or call the Women’s Ministry office at 596-8600 x241.
Upcoming Events
Saturday, June 13
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, June 14
8:15 a.m. Bible and Life Group for 60+/DC107
9:30 a.m. Worship Service/Worship Center
9:30 a.m. KidzTown Children’s Worship/DC120
10:00 a.m. Romanian Bible Study and Worship/Modulars 3 & 4
10:00 a.m. Vietnamese Bible Study and Worship/DC220
11:00 a.m. Bible and Life Groups for All Ages/Various Rooms on Campus
12:30 p.m. Hispanic Worship Service/Student Center
2:00 p.m. Romanian Celebration/Chapel
6:00 p.m. Prayer and Fellowship Night/Chapel & Courtyard
Monday, June 15
8:45 a.m. Vacation Bible School Check-in Begins/Commons
Tuesday, June 16
9:00 a.m. Vacation Bible School
7:00 p.m. The Vine College & Career Service/Student Center
Wednesday, June 17
9:00 a.m. Vacation Bible School
4:45 p.m. Wednesday Night Family Meal/Gym
6:20 p.m. Wacky Wednesdays Children’s Ministry/DC120
6:30 p.m. Combined Men’s & Women’s Ministries “Experiencing God”/WC
6:30 p.m. Middle School Ministry/Gym
6:30 p.m. High School Ministry/Student Center
6:30 p.m. Worship Choir Rehearsal/Choir Room
7:00 p.m. Hispanic Bible Study/Modulars 2, 3, and 4
8:00 p.m. Worship Orchestra Rehearsal/Worship Center
Thursday, June 18
9:00 a.m. Vacation Bible School
6:00 p.m. Celebrate Recovery/Student Center
6:30 p.m. Holding on to H.O.P.E./DC108
Friday, June 19
9:00 a.m. Vacation Bible School
10:00 a.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry/AD145 Large Conference Room

Tithing Envelopes
Please be aware that the yellow tithing envelopes will now
be mailed to you every two months instead of every three
months. When you receive your next set of envelopes, you
will notice a small number because of this change. If you are
currently not receiving yellow tithing envelopes in the mail,
please contact the Finance Office at 596-8600 x250 and we
will assist you in getting established.
Last Weekend
Decisions For Christ Worship Attendance
Professions of Faith June 6 & 7
Christopher Andrews Saturday Night Total 1,093
Robin Andrews Sunday Morning 1,594
Total 2,687

Financial Stewardship Bible & Life Attendance

2008-2009 Operating Revenues
July 1, 2008 - June 7, 2009
Budget Actual Variance
$7,066,130 $7,036,845 -$29,285
June 6 & 7
Saturday Night 829
Sunday 8:15 a.m. 16
Sunday 11:00 a.m. 891
Home Groups 113
Total 1,849

Next Week
Deacon of the Week
June 15 - June 21
Roger Curran & John Shelford
If you need assistance, please call the church
deacon hotline at 800-732-9573.
For Spanish, call 601-6051.
Dr. Wicker on the Radio
Dr. Wicker is on WSOR 90.9 FM at 8:00 p.m.
on Sunday evenings, and on Praise FM 89.5
at 1:30 p.m. Sunday afternoons. You can also
hear Dr. Wicker every day at 1:00 p.m. on
WJYO 91.5 FM.

Wednesday Family Meal

Roasted Pork Loin, Roasted Potatoes, Vegetable, Salad, Roll, and Dessert
Advance tickets may be purchased in the Lighthouse Cafe at any time for $4.50,
or $18 for a family of 5 or more. At the door it is $5.50 each, or $22 for a family.
The alternate meal is a choice of pizza or hamburger.

Bookstore Hours
Monday Closed
Tuesday & Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday 12:00 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.

Cafe’s Summer Hours

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m./4:00 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.
Sermon Notes
 Did you miss last weekend’s worship service
and wish you had some way to view it?
Are you seasonal and wish you could be part of
our worship services while you are up north?
You are just one click away from being able to watch
all of our previous worship services
24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s easy!
Just go to...
www.fbcntv.com
and then simply click on the worship service you wish to watch (either the
previous Saturday night or Sunday morning). If you prefer to watch one
from previous weeks, just go to the tab on the left column that says "past
services" and then click the service you wish to view. It’s that simple!

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
Dr. Roy Fisher................................................................................ Associate Pastor/Pastoral Care
Nathan Gaddis....................................................................................................Worship Associate
Steve Hayes....................................................................... Associate Pastor/Single Adult Ministry
Forrest Head...............................................................................................Senior Associate Pastor
Jim Hill........................................................................ Director of Single Parent Family Ministry
Lewis Howard......................................................................................Associate Pastor/Education
Shannon Moore............................................................................... Director of Women’s Ministry
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/Middle School Ministry

Church Office
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