This Sunday at First Baptist

Join us for:

Church-wide Christmas Breakfast
beginning at 8:30 a.m.
in the Fellowship Hall
Come enjoy lots of yummy, delicious,
mouth-waterin’ good food, and fellowship.

Sunday Morning Worship at 8:45 and 10:55 a.m.
Third Sunday of Advent featuring
PB&J Youth Praise Band leading 8:45,
First Baptist Belles and Older Children’s Bells
With Sanctuary Choir and Preschool choir at 10:55

Sunday Evening at 7:00 p.m.
Children’s Music Program
All our children’s choirs will sing, and
FBC Older Children’s Choir Presents

“The Good News Christmas Cruise”

A musical drama set on a cruise ship in the Caribbean? Why not?
A sequel to 2007 Summer Choir Camp play, this story includes characters such as the captain, his assistant Kimmie Everson, and others who tell the familiar story in a new way

INFORMATIONAL MEETING
There will be an informational meeting at 9:45 a.m. following the church-wide breakfast. All Adult Sunday School Classes are encouraged to attend. This meeting will last approximately 30 minutes.

CHURCHWIDE BUSINESS MEETING
Will be held this Sunday, December 14th following the 10:55 service to vote on acquisition of property.

YOUTH NEWS
Senior High Progressive Dinner is this Saturday, December 13 beginning at 5:00 p.m. Meet in the Fellowship Hall. If you want, please dress as your favorite Christmas Character (e.g. Elf, Ralphy from “Christmas Story,” shepherd, etc.) Prizes will be given for best dressed.

ATTENTION PARENTS AND YOUTH – Don’t forget the Youth Parent cook-out and New Year meeting Sunday, January 4th at 6:00 p.m. Don’t forget to bring your insurance information.

For Girls Only - Sign up NOW for the “All Access” Revolve Tour, January 23 – 24th. The cost is $80.00. Cost includes transportation, lodging, and admission (you pay for 3 meals.) Call Tommy if you want to go.

For Guys Only - Join us for the “Guys” retreat, Mano E Mano, January 30-31 at Chestnut Ridge. The cost is $55 with a deposit of $25.00 due NOW. The cost includes 2 meals, housing, and High Challenge course (you pay for fast food meal on the way). ALSO, there is a form that MUST be completed by a parent before you can go. See Tommy if you need one.

Youth Lock OUT - Friday, January 9, Prices, Time and Locations TBA….. Just save the date.

Youth Fundraiser Luncheon after worship Jan. 11

IMPORTANT INFORMATIONAL SESSION
For Parents of Preschool, Children and Youth AND all interested Church Members, SUNDAY, January 11, 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall

DO WE NEED POLICY FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH?
Janice Haywood, Children’s Ministry Consultant

We are in the process of establishing policies for our children and youth that will help protect them as well as our workers. Before we do so, we believe that parents as well as any church member who has interest in children and youth ministry should attend this very important session led by Janice Haywood. Please put this date on your calendar and plan to join us as we make steps to make our facilities and programming a safe place for all children, youth, and volunteer workers.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUTREACH
AT CHRISTMAS
Angel Tree Party: We will host the Angel Tree Party in the Fellowship Hall this Saturday, December 13 from 10:00 a.m. until noon.

WAYS YOU CAN HELP
Peanut Butter for Backpacks: We are collecting 18 oz. jars of peanut butter for the Backpack Program. If you can help, please drop your donations at the church office.

ATTENTION WOMEN
ATTENTION HUSBANDS…GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT
The Coastal Women’s Retreat will be held February 20 – 22, 2009 at Caswell. All women are invited to attend. The theme is “A Heart Full of Praise” with guest speaker, Phyllis Elliott Elvington. Phyllis will make you laugh, cry, and inspire you to live each day with a heart full of praise! The cost for the weekend is $122.00. If you would like join us for this time of personal renewal and fellowship, please sign up and pay a deposit of $61.00 by Monday, December 29th. (We have to turn in numbers and don’t want to lose our house!) Brochures with more information are available in the church office and at the Welcome Center. If you have questions, please contact Sandy Baker at 934-8365.

ON MISSION
A group will be going to the Kennedy Home on Thursday, December 11 leaving the church at 3:00 p.m. They will be giving the Bunker Cottage boys a Christmas party. If you would like to go help please call Carolyn Tharrington at 934-3749.

CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONAL
The Prayer page of the FBC Website will feature a Christmas Devotional for the month of December beginning Thursday, December 4th. and changing each Monday morning . This will be a weekly highlight and will coincide with the weeks of Advent. This page can be reached by going to the FBC Website ( http://fbcsmithfield.org/ ) and clicking on the Prayer tab at the top of the page.

OUR KNOWN SICK
Max Creech (Duke), Harold Tharrington (JMH), Wendy Kelly (Durham Regional)

DID YOU KNOW?
If you are older than 70 ½, you must take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) each year from your IRA(s). Now, for all of 2008 and all of 2009, the IRS will allow you to send all (or part) of your RMD to a non-profit such as First Baptist Church. You do not receive a tax deduction; however, your accountant or financial advisor can help further explain this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and its benefits!

DEACON FAMILY MINISTRY
Enclosed you will find an updated copy of the Deacon Family Ministry List.

THANK YOU
To my Church Family, Thank you for your support during Kenneth’s recent surgery. Thank you for all the food, cards, visits, and phone calls. It was truly appreciated. God bless all of you! In Christ’s Love, Joyce & Kenneth Smith

WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO FLOWERS?
If you would like to put flowers in the Sanctuary in honor or memory of a special person, please call the church office to check the calendar for a special date.
MUSIC NOTES
Thank you to all the Sanctuary Choir members, Praise Ringers members, Baptist Blend, and other musicians who helped make last week end’s Christmas Joy a success.

Church-wide Caroling Outing – Sunday evening, December 21st at 6:30 p.m. meet in the Fellowship Hall (dressed weather appropriate) to form groups to go Christmas Caroling for FBC shut-ins and friends. Hot Chocolate and cookies will be provided afterward. All ages are welcome to participate. This is an excellent family outreach activity.

KENLY DISASTER RELIEF OPPORTUNITY
The Johnston Baptist Association has committed to oversee four home projects over the next several months to serve those impacted by tornadoes in November. Our churches first scheduled work day is Saturday, January 17th. We will have additional work days and information coming soon. If you would like to participate on our workdays or at other times, contact Joyce Wright (934.3547.)

OPPORTUNITIES OF THE WEEK

* Nursery provided