First Baptist Church Naples

It’s Greek to Me!

As you know, the New Testament was written in the
language of Koine Greek, a picturesque language with
many shades of meaning and perfect for the Holy Spirit
to use in revelation. Before I ever studied Greek in college
and seminary, I heard that old expression, “It’s Greek to me.”
It certainly seemed that way as I wrestled with this very
difficult language. However, as Paul wrote to the Romans in Koine Greek,
he gave a powerful picture of the difference which a Christian can make
in the world as “Ministers of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a
priest the gospel of God” (Rom. 15:16). This was not the usual word for
servant. This word “Minister” is one from which we get “Liturgy.” Those who
were saved through Paul’s missionary preaching of the gospel were a far
better offering to God than lambs or grain.

There is great dignity in the midst of our difficulty as we accept the

wonderful honor of helping our missionaries around the world. God’s
desire is that He might be glorified among the nations. This is why a large
part of our church budget goes to the Cooperative Program of the
Southern Baptist Convention or to our missions partners, and why we seek
to pray for them in the Great Commission Connection. You can still sign
up to help us by adopting a group of three missionaries for connection
and prayer.

But Paul also prayed in that same verse that his “offering of the Gentiles may
become acceptable.” This “ministry” and “offering” was used by the Greek
Athenians to refer to the supply for a chorus for dramas, with as many as 18
festivals being performed. Your financial offerings to our ongoing budget
allow us to present the drama of redemption in an unforgettable way.
The word was also used of the ten tribes who funded the torch races for
athletes. God has called us to hand off “the truth torch” to each generation
as we “make disciples.” The word also pictured a common meal and how
various citizens took care of the expenses. Feeding the Word of God to
His sheep requires such offerings and ministry. The word was also used of
providing the expenses of a war ship, called a trireme, for one year. Those
fighting for the gospel overseas and on our continent need our help. So
may our ministry be a “Big, fat Greek” offering!

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.
 Great
Commission
Connection

CONTINUES THIS WEEKEND

If you haven’t participated in the Great Commission
Connection yet, this is a great time to get involved. We
have a new set of missionaries just waiting to hear from
you and feel your prayers. If you are already a participant,
you can either keep the missionaries you currently have,
or exchange your packet for a new set of missionaries.
COME VISIT OUR TABLE IN THE COMMONS!
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!

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.
 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.
 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.

PRIME TIMERS LUNCHEON

APRIL 14 ***** 11:30 am
COST: $7.00 pp – WC-100

GUEST SPEAKER : Connie Ledbetter (on the

SAFETY AND SECURTY FOR SENIOR CITIZENS)

TICKETS ON SALE BEFORE AND AFTER SERVICES at

the MEDIA WINDOW, or STOP BY CHURCH OFFICE
DURING THE WEEK.
DEADLINE TO PURCHASE TICKETS-APR 10th!!
 Protected Harbor
For many of us, our lives
are filled with ‘Precious
Moments,’ and wisely we
cherish these moments
as gifts from God! The mission of
Protected Harbor is to act as a conduit
in fulfilling ‘Precious Moments’ for
those who are less fortunate than us!

Protected Harbor has the

mission of building Christian
care homes for developmentally
disabled adults. More than
ten years ago the organization was founded as a faith-based,
non-profit, fundraising organization for the construction and
maintenance of Group Homes for Developmentally Disabled Adults.

Six residents along with two sets of house parents will occupy each
residence. The management of the home is an undertaking of Florida
Baptist Children’s Home, headquartered in Lakeland and Fort Myers.
Our focus is to ensure that each resident reach their full potential in life.
Residents of the home will receive full time, quality care, living skills
instruction, workshop and vocational opportunities for earned wages,
classroom and physical education, along with social activities and
companionship. Succinctly stated, they will find a place to feel loved,
respected and needed! We are a foundation of love: showing God’s grace,
teaching and implanting God’s Word, and accordingly encourage the
growth and development of our residents spiritually and emotionally.

We have truly been blessed by the generosity of people like you, and have
already opened and operate our first home on the campus of McGregor
Baptist Church in Fort Myers. We are now actively fundraising for our second
home, and welcome your assistance and further generosity. As God’s Word
reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9: 6-8, God blesses abundantly a cheerful giver!

We would love to meet you,

and will be available at the
kiosk in The Commons all
weekend. We would enjoy
the opportunity to provide
you with more information
about Protected Harbor!
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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

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?
 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!)
 Ashley Hiers
Ashley will be serving for two years in Nigeria as part of the
International Mission Board’s Journeyman program. She will
be filling the position of logistics coordinator, which consists
primarily of coordinating travel/arrangements for short term
teams from the States, as well as providing support for the
career missionaries in Nigeria. The ultimate goal, however, is
to cultivate relationships with the people of Nigeria, in hopes
of sharing the life-changing hope of the gospel.

Islam is prevalent throughout the country, and animistic practices involving

spirit possession are practiced in many areas as well. Nigerian believers
have faced intense persecution in recent months. Please pray that the Lord
would strengthen and encourage these Christians and that Christ’s love in
them would be evident to those desiring to bring them harm. Please also
pray that Christ’s words in Acts 26:18 would ring increasingly true in this
land: “To open their eyes so that they may turn
from darkness to light and from the dominion
of Satan to God, that they may receive
forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among
those who have been sanctified by faith in Me”.

Come visit Ashley this weekend at her table

in the Commons (in front of the Chapel).

Pray to End
Abortion.
One Remaining Saturday: April 16
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
In 2010, FBCN supported both the Spring and Fall “40 Days for Life” prayer vigils at the
Planned Parenthood center in Naples (Goodlette and Creech Roads). Since “40 Days for
Life” began seven years ago, 3,600 infants have been spared, 43 abortion workers have
quit, and 9 abortion facilities have closed. In 2010, several infants were spared right here in
Naples. To help this year, please email Jim Tindall at jrtfl@comcast.net.
 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 Hattie Cramer passed away on April 1,
2011. We express our sympathy to her daughter, Carol,
and the rest of the family.
 An Evening
of the Arts
“Let all creation
praise Him”
(Psalm 145:10)
You are invited...
to glorify God
through the visual arts!

On Thursday, April 14, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. , FBCN and
FBA will host an art exhibit and sale in the Commons lobby of
FBCN. The display will feature original works of art created by
professional artists from the FBCN church family, friends, and
FBA parents. Please contact Linda Shaw at 597-2233 ext. 301 for
more information.
 KidzTown Worship
Each week in KidzTown, our children in 1st through 4th grades
have the opportunity to worship the Lord “Kid Style.” We
have a great time studying His Word, singing His praises, and
seeking His will. With puppetry, skits, and games, the lessons learned each day
are enforced. This week Act One will be leading our service as we finish our study
in Genesis by looking at Joseph being revealed to his brothers and the triumph
of God’s plans. We will be learning that, even though we will have trials in our
lives, God is always with us. Your child will not want to miss this week’s KidzTown
Worship, which meets Saturday at 6:00 p.m. or Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in DC120.
 Staff Anniversaries for April
John Patterson Associate Pastor/Media & Technology 13 years
Melissa Rose FBA Teacher 10 years
Pam Cole Assistant to the Senior Pastor 7 years
Susan Gonzalez FBA Athletics Activities Coordinator 6 years

Parent Dedication Class

The next Parent Dedication Class will be held on
Sunday, April 10 at 11:00 a.m. in ED166. This class
is for parents wanting to dedicate themselves and
their child to the Lord during a Worship Service. Any
questions, please see Beverly or Kim in the Preschool
Department.
Prayer Shawl
The next prayer shawl gathering will be Friday,
April 15th at 10:00 a.m. in Room AD145. This
will be a special POTLUCK event! We are open to
and are always looking for new members. We make
prayer shawls for the homebound, those in the
hospital, women that just had babies, etc.

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.

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.
 Upcoming Events
Saturday, April 9
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 10
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
5:00 p.m. FAITH Evangelism/Fellowship-Recreation Gym
5:00 p.m. Resonate Student Choir/Choir Room
5:00 p.m. Praise Kids/Education Building
5:00 p.m. Project 56 Choir/DC220
6:00 p.m. Romanian Baptist Congregation/Modulars 3 & 4
Tuesday, April 12
6:30 a.m. Raising a Modern Day Knight/WC117
9:00 a.m. EnricHer Women’s Ministry/Various Rooms
Wednesday, April 13
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 14
11:00 a.m. Pray for our Pastors/AD184
11:30 a.m. PrimeTimers Luncheon/WC100a
5:00 p.m. Evening of the Arts/Commons
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
6:30 p.m. Holding onto HOPE/DC111
Friday, April 15
10:00 a.m. Prayer Shawl/AD145
Last Weekend
Decisions For Christ Worship Attendance
Baptisms Dual Membership April 2 & 3
Alexis Baker Jack & Barbara Grasman Saturday Night 1,058
Anna Baker Joe & DeWanna Oliver Sunday Morning 9:30 1,995
Statement of Faith Sunday Morning 11:00 1,364
Ryan & Marjorie Johnson Total 4,417

Transfer of Letter
Leslie Pittman

Financial Stewardship Bible & Life Attendance

2010-2011 Operating Revenues April 2 & 3
July 1, 2010 - April 3, 2011 Saturday Night 851
Budget Actual Variance Sunday 8:15 104
`

$5,892,678 $5,696,482 ($196,196) Sunday 9:30 364

Sunday 11:00 877
Debt balance as of April 3 Home Groups 704
$9,769,520 Total 2,900

Next Week
Deacon of the Week
April 11 - 17
Carleton Case & Bob Bulmer
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 13th (4:45 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. in the Gym)
`

Top Round of Beef, Mashed Potatoes, 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