FIRST WORD April 16 & 17, 2011

PALM
SUNDAY

First Baptist Church Naples

 D.O.A.
Have you ever been so sick that you thought you would
have to get better to die? Bruce Cummins of Bullhead City,
Arizona had to die in order to get better. When he checked
into the local hospital complaining of a severe headache, a
cherry-sized aneurism was discovered. As you know, that is
a sort of bubble in an artery; if it ruptures, this circulatory
time-bomb, which is so close to the think-tank, will have a
grenade-like effect of explosive death.

The doctors opted for a radical procedure – kill the patient, temporarily,
of course. His body was chilled to about 62 degrees, which arrested heart
and brain activity. For ten minutes, Bruce lay legally dead on the operating
table. After the aneurism was snipped off, the doctors jump-started his
heart.

While the common term, “dead on arrival” is chilling news, D.O.A. reminds
us that we are also Dead Or Arising. We have a sin problem, which the
aspirin of religion cannot cure. Our only true and live option is to “reckon
ourselves dead with Christ” in His cross and tomb and be declared legally
and spiritually dead. The often forgotten truth of Easter resurrection is that
by faith we remember that Jesus “Died to sin once for all, but the life that
He lives, He lives to God; even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin but
alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:10, 11). Jesus arising from the dead
caused His substitution for our sins to make possible new life. “Do not let
sin reign in our mortal body…but present yourselves to God as those alive
from the dead” (Romans 6:12, 13). So you have a choice – to either be dead
or arising. You cannot enjoy resurrection life without dying to self. Only
when we lie passive, resting from our works, does the indwelling power of
Christ become active in us. Only as we see the impossibility of defeating
sin in our own strength can we enjoy the reality of what has already been
provided in His victory.

We gloriously picture this death, burial, and resurrection truth through

believers’ baptism in water, allowing a pastor to lower you down through
immersion (“Buried in the likeness of His death, raised in the likeness of His
resurrection”). I urge you even this weekend to follow Him in obedience
by being willing to be baptized in the church baptistry or in the Gulf. “We
are witnesses of all the things He did…God raised Him up on the third
day…surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized in the
name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 10:39, 40, 47, 48).

Rest and Rise in peace.

Guest Reception
There is a guest reception in the Commons immediately following the
Saturday night and Sunday morning 11:00 a.m. service. Come and meet
Dr. Wicker.
 Easter Weekend Preschool & Children
Good Friday Service
Babies through 5 years in the Education Building.
Saturday Night 6:00 p.m.
Babies through kindergarten in the Education Building.
1st through 4th grades at KidzTown in the Discipleship Building.
Saturday Night 7:30 p.m.
Preschool and children Bible and Life Groups in the Education Building.
Easter Sunday 8:00 a.m.
Babies through PK4 in the Education Building.
Easter Sunday 9:30 a.m.
Babies through kindergarten in the Education Building.
1st through 4th grades attend KidzTown in the Discipleship Building.
Easter Sunday 11:00 a.m.
Babies through kindergarten in the Education Building.
1st through 4th grades Bible & Life Groups in the Education Building.
 Please join with fellow believers at the National Day of Prayer
observance on Thursday, May 5 at Noon. This event is held on the steps
of the Collier County Courthouse. The evening event is meeting at the
bandshell behind the Golden Gate Community Center at 7:00 p.m.
The theme of this year’s observance is “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.”
Please encourage everyone to come to these amazing events...
for our city, our state, and our nation!

Collier County -- A Call to Prayer

In the days leading up to the National Day of Prayer, Collier County
organizers are asking you to pray for the following:
1. Pray for the church to be passionate about saving our city from disaster.
(Genesis 18:20-33)
2. Pray for the Christians in the marketplace to weep as we intercede for our
city’s broken walls and gates, cry out to the Lord, and receive the favor of
secular leaders. (Neh. 1:1-2:10)
3. Pray for our church leaders to have a God-sized concern for our city. (Jon.
4:10-11)
4. Pray for Christians to not be ashamed of the gospel but rather be bold to
proclaim the mystery of the gospel. (Ro. 1:16, Eph. 6:19)
5. Pray for an unprecedented receptivity to the gospel across our city for
people for all ages, races, and economic statuses. (1 Thess. 1:19)
6. Petition the Lord for the gospel to be discussed and debated in our
community’s places of learning. (Acts 17:16-34)
7. Pray for the elected officials in our community, that they be God fearing
and recognize that they are accountable to Him for each decision and act.
(Prov. 9:10)
8. Pray for Christians to be involved in the governing process, registered
to vote, and willing to step into office if that is God’s call in their life. (Matt.
5:14-16)
9. Pray for our school board members in their search for a new Collier
County School Superintendent, that he or she would be God appointed
and anointed. (2 Tim. 2:15)
10. Pray God’s blessings on each school board member and His will to be
done at board meetings. (Ro. 13:1)
 Discovering First Baptist Church Naples
Monday, May 2nd
6:30 p.m. in Room DC121
Led by Senior Pastor Hayes Wicker,
this is a very informative dinner
seminar. It is held for those who
are new to First Baptist Church
Naples, those who want to join
the church, or those who would
like more information about our
church and ministries. Please
RSVP by calling 596-8600 x679.

This dinner is designated for adults and children 11 and older.

Childcare is available for children 10 years old and younger
by advanced reservation. Please make your childcare
reservation by calling 596-8600 x360. Please plan to feed
your child beforehand.
Organ Fund
We are now collecting money for a Rodgers Organ for ongoing use
in our Chapel for weddings, funerals, and special events (and for
occasional use in our Worship Center). We have the opportunity to
purchase a well cared for instrument because a church in Florida
has upgraded from a two manual organ to a four manual organ. This
wonderful instrument will serve our needs well and will be a welcome
addition to our music ministry. The two manual
organ installed will be $35,000. If you would like
to give toward this instrument, please use an
envelope in the chair rack and designate “Organ
Fund”. If you would like more information, please
call the music ministry office at 596-8600 x229.

BEACH BAPTISM THIS SUNDAY

If you would like to be baptized in the
beautiful Gulf of Mexico this Sunday,
please see a pastoral staff member today.
 Freedom Crosses USA
Our nation was founded on Judeo-
Christian principles. Yet, almost
every public institution of our great
country has been challenged to
remove any reference to God or
prayer. It is time that we Christians
take a stand to demonstrate our
faith and belief in God to the world
before our freedoms are further
challenged.
What a beautiful thing it would be to see a small white cross placed in front
of Christian homes all across America. What a powerful, peaceful statement
this would be that Christians of America are united and standing together
to express their freedom of religion. It is also a way to thank God for so
richly blessing our extraordinary nation and our lives.

A Christian woman who is deeply concerned about efforts to remove

symbols of Christianity from our lives founded Freedom Crosses USA to
produce small white crosses for purchase. We hope that you will join us
in our mission by placing one of these crosses where it easily can be seen
as a testament to your Christian faith. Place your cross in your front yard,
on your front door, in a window or on the graves of loved ones. Let’s not
forget those who fought and died to preserve the liberty and freedom we
Americans enjoy today!

It takes one person, one church, one community to forward this movement
and inspire others. Soon, crosses will be seen across our great nation once
again — a Christian symbol of peace, hope, love and unity. Imagine the
bond this will create among Christians.

Every cross is made of a durable resin composite material that can withstand
weather conditions for several years and is engraved with the words “In
God We Trust” or “God Bless America.” The crosses are proudly made in the
USA! Sizes: Two sizes are available for purchase: 14” high x 7” wide and 20”
high x 10” wide. Each has an attachable ground anchor for placement.

You can order your cross, or just find out more information
about the crosses, this weekend at their table in the Commons
(by the Bookstore).
Mission Statement: To distribute Freedom Crosses as a symbol of freedom of
religion, freedom of expression, and UNITY among Christians and patriotic
Americans. To inspire Americans to express the fundamental values of our
founding fathers by placing Freedom Crosses on their property for the
whole world to see.
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Session 1: “Skeptic’s Quest”:
Josh shares his testimony
Session 2: “The Bible: Fact, Fiction, or Fallacy?”
Session 3: “Why True Love Waits”:
A Message of Abstinence, Purity, and Love
For more information about Josh McDowell and his ministry, visit www.Josh.org

Josh McDowell books NOW ON SALE in the Bookstore (this

weekend and before/after he speaks on Monday only):

More Than a Carpenter (Reg. $6.99/Sale $5.00)

The Unshakable Truth (Reg. $24.99/Sale $15.00)

The Witness (Reg. $14.99/Sale $10.00)

Why True Love Waits (Reg. $16.99/Sale $10.00)

Bare Facts DVD (Reg. $29.99/Sale $20.00)

 ights:
Night’s Highl
Some of the

- Pizza
: for girls
- Chick Chat
fo r mothers
- Mom Talk:
pcorn
- Movie & Po ibility)
(Sen se & Se ns

Come dressed in your pj’s and plan on

a night full of fun and laughter.

Give-aways for best slippers, best mom/daughter

matching pj’s, and best overall pj’s.

Who should attend: Mothers and daughters (7th - 12th Grade)

When: Friday, May 6 @ 7pm - 12 midnight

Where: The Commons

Cost: $10
Tickets will be on sale during Enricher or at Lighthouse bookstore.
Please remember to bring pillows, beach chairs, and blankets
for your movie enjoyment.

For more information, please contact the Women’s Ministry at 596-8600 x241.
 Awestruck Ministries, Inc.
Reverence ~ Holiness ~ Compassion

Awestruck Ministries is headed to Baja California,

Mexico again next month!
Please join us in prayer as we send
Michael Barnes and Byron Cobb to the
southern half of the Baja peninsula.

The trip is scheduled for May

28 through June 4th and has two
th

primary objectives: 1. Visit, fellowship

with, encourage, disciple, and pray
with our partners, and 2. Establish more effective communications
between the remote parts of Baja and the US. Our desire is to see these
objectives met resulting in a church
planting movement that reaches to
the remotest mountain ranches of
Los Californios.

Please pray for us as we go. Pray for

our families as we are away and pray
that much fruit will be borne and
remain as a result of our partnerships in this corner of our world. We
are seeking the LORD to manifest a great work for His Kingdom among
these remote and rugged peoples.

To learn how you can partner

with us, stop by the Missions Kiosk in
the Commons or contact us at
info@awestruckministries.com or P.O.
Box 112404, Naples FL 34108.

Awestruck is a ministry partner of FBCN and is a non-profit 501(c)(3)

organization; all donations are tax deductible.
www.awestruckministries.org
www.awestruckministries.com
 Tickets on sale NOW in the Lighthouse Bookstore

Bookstore Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:00 am-4:00 pm • Wednesday 8:00 am-9:00 pm
Friday Closed • Saturday 5:00 pm-9:00 pm • Sunday 8:30 am-1:00pm

Thank you to Wynn’s Catering for providing dessert!

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering envelopes are in the backs of the
worship center chairs. Every cent collected goes directly to support
our North American missionaries.

The Truth with Love Seminar

Ephesians 4:14-15
Helping those struggling to address
same-sex attraction issues with God's
Truth and Love.
Saturday, April 30th
9 a.m.-2 p.m. (Box lunch available)
The erosion of sexual boundaries in our society is causing increased
confusion for our teens and young adults, making them more open to
considering alternative lifestyles. Homosexuality and same-sex attraction
are issues toward which churches have often been extremely unloving
or strangely silent. If you or a family member is struggling with this issue
and you need help to respond the best way possible, this seminar is for
you.
Steve Hayes and Alicia Diller, our FBCN counseling staff,
will be hosting this seminar with RICHARD HOLLOMAN,
a consultant to the SBC Ethics Committee and a Life-
Way issues committee as our guest speaker. Richard
will speak from both a personal and professional
perspective. Richard is also the founder of "The Sight
Ministry". (Visit thesightministry.org to learn more.)

Registration: Is selective and confidential-call Steve (ext.266) or

Alicia (ext.264) at 239-596-8600.
Registration Fee: $50 (Individual or family)
(If this fee is an obstacle for you, please call anyway!)
 Christian Vocation Scholarship
for Seminary and College Students
Scholarship applications for the 2011-2012 school year are now available
to college or seminary students who are FBCN members and meet the
criteria. In 1982, Hal & Jimmy Lou Jacobs encouraged our church to
establish a fund to help young people fulfill God’s call on their life to full-
time vocational Christian service. To date, FBCN has supported 93 men
and women who are completing their studies or currently serving our
Lord in ministry.

To apply, or if you have any questions, please contact Susan Dickson,

Scholarship Committee Chairman, at 455-4224. Deadline to apply is
May 1st.

Before filling out an application, you are asked to email the following
information to susandickson2@embarqmail.com - subject line:
SCHOLARSHIP...(1) Your name, phone number, and email address;
(2) Which school you will be attending? Have you been accepted?
(3) What year will you be starting? (i.e., College Freshman, 2nd year
Seminary); (4) What degree will you be seeking? (i.e., Bachelors or Masters
in ___________); and (5) What Christian vocation has God called you to?

You’re Invited to….

Anna’s Tea
Join us for fellowship and encouragement from God’s Word.
**A ministry of the deacon’s wives to the widows of our congregation**
Special Music by ROBIN JEWELL
Monday, April 18
Room WC-117
1:30pm –3:30pm
Please sign up in the Fellowship Hallway.
 Men’s Ministry
BAND OF BROTHERS
A Ministry for Men of All Ages
Acts-tion Heroes from the Book of Acts
Wednesday Evening Men’s Study
6:25 - 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel
Speaker This Week: Dr. Hayes Wicker
This is a time of worship, study, discussion, and fellowship for men
to learn how to apply God’s Word in every area of their lives.

Student Leadership University...unlike anything you’ve ever encountered...

What: SLU101
When: July 11-14, 2011
Cost: $595
Who: 7th & 8th graders
Where: Orlando, Florida

What is Student Leadership University??

Modeled after Fortune 500 corporate leadership seminars, each student is exposed to
comprehensive programs focusing on leadership skills. These skills include time and life
management, goal setting, dealing with conflict and difficult people, and developing a
Christian worldview. SLU challenges students to develop the ability to rise above self,
circumstances, obstacles, change and the crowd. Our aim is to equip, motivate, enable
and empower students for present and future leadership in their schools, churches, teams,
families and workplaces. We believe our training gives them a 20-year quantum leap on a
global level that accelerates their leadership decisions.

For more information, please attend a parent/student meeting

on Wed 4/27 @ 8:15pm in DC121

In Sympathy
FBCN member Robert Van Hoven passed away on
April 7, 2011. We express our sympathy to his wife,
Charlene, and the rest of the family.
FBCN member Mary Constant-Chilcote passed away on April 3,
2011. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur Chilcote in
2009.
 high school
And
college graduates...

Please submit your name, the name of the school you are graduating from,
and your favorite scripture verse, along with your digital photo to the student
ministry office by Fri, 5/13 to be included in our special graduation issue of
First Word. All information must be sent electronically to gpeiffer@fbcn.org.
For more information, please call 449-4480.

SENIOR-ITIS
“Itching to get into the Real World? Let’s prepare ourselves!”

May 1 & May 15

6pm-8:30pm
Dinner Provided
(RSVP by Wed 4/27)

@ the Moore’s home

5960 Dogwood Way

For more info all 449-4480

 Thank You
From Helps Outreach

Praise God for a huge bounty last weekend as God blessed Helps
Outreach with over 1,000 bags of groceries. Many lives will be touched
with this food and we lift up Joe & Angie Valentini and their staff in prayer
as they distribute this food to those so much in need of it.

Used Book Sale!

CHRISTIAN
Lighthouse Bookstore
USED BOOK
selling gently
used and new SALE!
Saturday, April 16
Christian books and
this weekend! Sunday, April 17

Now set up outside the Lighthouse Bookstore

in the Commons Area
Hardbacks $5, Paperbacks $1-$3, Bibles $10
 REGISTRATION FORMS
SPONSOR INFORMATION
“BALL DROP FOR THE BUS”

FBA Jr. Summer Camp Program

for 4-7 yr. olds/M-F
May 31st-July 29th
3 Day full-day (8a-4p) &
5 Day full (8a-4p) or half day (8a-12p)

For more information or to register

Contact Sandra Maciques
239-450-1886 or smaciques@fbalions.org.
 Upcoming Events
Saturday, April 16
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, April 17
Palm Sunday
8:15 a.m. Bible and Life Groups/Various Rooms on Campus
9:30 a.m. Worship Service/Worship Center
9:30 a.m. Bible and Life Groups/Various Rooms on Campus
9:30 a.m. KidzTown Children’s Worship/DC120
9:30 a.m. Romanian Baptist/Modulars 3 & 4/SC117
10:00 a.m. Vietnamese Bible Study and Worship/DC220
11:00 a.m. Worship Service/Worship Center
11:00 a.m. Bible and Life Groups/Various Rooms on Campus
12:30 p.m. Hispanic Worship Service/Student Center
1:30 p.m. Beach Baptism/Meet in Fellowship Hallway
5:00 p.m. Resonate Student Choir/Choir Room
6:00 p.m. Romanian Baptist Congregation/Modulars 3 & 4
Tuesday, April 19
6:30 a.m. Raising a Modern Day Knight/WC117
9:00 a.m. EnricHer Women’s Ministry/Various Rooms
Wednesday, April 20
4:45 p.m. Family Meal/Gym
6:20 p.m. AWANA/Education Building
6:25 p.m. Band of Brothers Men’s Ministry Bible Study/Chapel
6:30 p.m. EnricHer Women’s Ministry/Various Rooms
6:30 p.m. High School Ministry/Student Center
6:30 p.m. Middle School Ministry/Family Life Center-Gym
6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal/Choir Room
8:00 p.m. Orchestra Rehearsal/Worship Center
Thursday, April 21
9:15 a.m. Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS)/WC117
11:00 a.m. Pray for our Pastors/AD184
6:00 p.m. Celebrate Recovery/DC121
6:30 p.m. Divorce Care & Divorce Care for Kids/DC107, DC109, DC211
6:30 p.m. Grief Share/AD145
Friday, April 22
Good Friday - Church Offices Closed
7:00 pm. Good Friday Service/Worship Center

FBA Help Wanted

The FBA Athletic Department is currently looking for
Volleyball Coaches for the Fall 2011 season. If you are
interested, please contact Billy Sparacio at 272-2364 or
bsparacio@fbalions.org.
Last Weekend
Decisions For Christ Worship Attendance
Statement Baptisms April 9 & 10
of Faith Kimberly Doria Saturday Night 1,093
Kristie Schmidli Maria Grillo Sunday Morning 9:30 1,812
Eduardo Rodriguez
Maria Roca Sunday Morning 11:00 1,038
Rededication Carolina Sanchez Total 3,943
Genaro Valladares Andrea Tello
Erick Tello
Gina Tello

Financial Stewardship Bible & Life Attendance

2010-2011 Operating Revenues April 9 & 10
July 1, 2010 - April 10, 2011 Saturday Night 866
Budget Actual Variance Sunday 8:15 116
`

$6,081,922 $5,895,272 ($186,650) Sunday 9:30 313

Sunday 11:00 790
Debt balance as of April 10 Home Groups 689
$9,758,487 Total 2,774

Next Week
Deacon of the Week
April 18 - 24
Norm Long & Carleton Case
If you need assistance, please call the church
deacon hotline at 800-732-9573.
For Spanish, call 601-6051.
Dr. Wicker on the Radio
You can hear Dr. Wicker every day at 1:00 p.m.
on 91.5 Kingdom FM WJYO. Dr. Wicker is
also 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.

Wednesday Family Meal

Meal for April 20th (4:45 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Recreation Bldg.)
`

Chicken Piccata, Bow Tie Pasta, Salad, Vegetable, and a Dessert

Tickets may be purchased at the Lighthouse Cafe during regular business hours or at the
door for $6.00 each or $25.00 for a family (please, immediate family residing in home).
Alternate choices include grilled chicken breast, hamburger, pizza, or a grilled foot long hot dog.

Cafe Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Closed
Wednesday 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Bookstore Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday 8:00 a.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.
 Bridge 78:April 29-30

Registration is required. Cost is $10 per person. You

may register online at www.fbcn.org or at the snack
shack in the Family Life Center. Please join us for an info
meeting on Wed, 4/27 at 8:15pm in DC121

For more information, please call the student ministry office at 239-449-4480.

Pastoral Staff
Dr. Hayes Wicker................................................................................................. Senior Pastor
Miguel Cruz.............................................................................. Hispanic Congregation Pastor
Beverly Day............................................................................. Director of Preschool Ministry
Justin Faircloth........................................................ Associate Pastor/Middle School Ministry
Steve Hayes....................................................................Associate Pastor/Biblical Counseling
Forrest Head........................................................................................ Senior Associate Pastor
Jim Hill................................................................................Director of Single Adult Ministry
Lewis Howard............................................................................... Associate Pastor/Education
Don Ingle.......................................................................................Director of Men’s Ministry
Shannon Moore.........................................................................Director of Women’s Ministry
John Patterson..................................................................Associate Pastor/Media & Technology
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/Sports Outreach

First Baptist Church Naples

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