Dr.

Hayes Wicker, Senior Pastor

In the New Testament, Christians are described as runners for Christ. Paul said of the forerunner of the Messiah, John fulfilled his course (Acts 13:25). That verb means to finish running the race. John was given a special track on which to run. He appeared to be a failure as a martyr. John himself even wondered! But Jesus made it clear that he was a great man and a true winner (Matthew 11:1-15). Paul expressed that his ministry desire was to finish his course with joy (Acts 20:24). He said that he had fought a good fight at the end of his life (2 Timothy 4:7-8), which does not refer to military battle or boxing, but to the exertion of a runner as he nears the end of the race and sees the finish line. Paul was greatly burdened that the special offering and ministry for the poor of Jerusalem be completed after a years delay. We urged Titus that as he had started, so should he complete among you this act of gracethat believers overflow in a wealth of generosity (2 Corinthians 8:6, 2). Again he reminded, So now finish doing it as well (2 Corinthians 8:11). We not only ask and seek, but also give out of obedience in knocking (Matthew 7:7). When we built our Phase 2 multiple-complex on our campus for $30 million, we knew that both First Fruits gifts and pledges would be necessary. The great recession unexpectedly hit us. However, during a challenging time, we have been able to reduce our debt from $30 million to around $3.7 million. The Finance Committee, lay leaders, and staff urge that we have a special offering and make a two-year pledge on March 29/30. Please arrange in advance for your promised gift in both of these areas (2 Corinthians 9:5). Ask for Gods wisdom. I realize that this requires sacrifice. Paul often used the Greek term, agonizomai, to refer to the Christian life, meaning to fight, labor, and contend. This described an athlete giving his best as he competes in the games (Philippians 1:30; Colossians 1:29, 2:1). Christ is certainly the greatest Runner of all, Who laid aside everything to run the race (Hebrews 12:1, 2). He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem and would not be detoured (Luke 9:51). May we pay what we owe, releasing funds for more missions and ministry, thus being able to run without any encumbrance. We praise God for what He did in the past, but we are also forgetting what lies behind and press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13, 14). Now thats higher ground!

Churchwide
This U.S. Congressional candidate forum is free and open to the public. These candidates are applying for a job with you, so this forum is designed to facilitate your interview with them. We encourage you to seek the candidate who best demonstrates courage, honesty, and anything else that would honor the Lord and accomplish His purposes.

Missions Ministry
Meet the Candidates

Finish the Race

Thursday, March 20 at 7:00pm in the Chapel

Sign-up tables are in the Commons and Fellowship Hallway this weekend. We could still use you. Please stop by for more information!

Next Saturday, March 22 from 8:00am-12:00pm

Car Care Needs More Volunteers

Pregnancy Resource Center of Southwest Florida exists to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, provide compassionate care, and promote life-affirming choices to women facing a crisis pregnancy. We believe every life matters and God has a plan and purpose for every child. Visit us in the Missions Kiosk this weekend to find out how you can partner with us and volunteer in making every life count.

At the Missions Kiosk in the Commons

Pregnancy Resource Center

The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry Movie

Kirk Cameron said about this Christian film (starring Gavin MacLeod) I recommended this for everyone. And Josh McDowell said The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry will literally impact both the young and old. The movie is free, and no childcare is being provided for this family friendly movie.

Sunday, April 6 at 6:00pm in the Chapel

Operation Soldier Care has been sending care packages to our troops serving in the Global War on Terror for over ten years. If you have a family member or close friend serving in Afghanistan or the Middle East and would like for him/her to receive care packages, please go to soldiercare.org (click package request). If you would like to provide financial support, click the contributions tab.

Care Packages for our Troops

Operation Soldier Care

Childrens Ministry
We need encouragers before the worship services on Saturday night and Sunday morning to walk families to their childs classroom and guide the parents from there. Call Beverly at 596-8600 x351 for more information.

Join us for this free worship service. There are no tickets required, but an offering will be taken to help offset expenses. There will be child care for infants through PreK4.

Friday, April 18 at 7:00pm in the Worship Center

Good Friday Service with Larnelle Harris

Great Opportunity for Encouraging People

Vacation Bible School Needs Volunteers

Become a special agent at Agency D3 to help children Discover, Decide, and Defend their faith. To volunteer, or for more information, please call Judy Miller at 514-1374 or Nancy at 596-8600 x350.

June 9-13 from 9:00am-12:15pm

This class is for parents wanting to dedicate themselves and their child to the Lord during a worship service. Please call Kim at 596-8600 x360 to RSVP.

Saturday, March 22 at 4:45pm in Room ED160

Parent/Child Dedication Class

Senior Adult Ministry

Ministries
Bahamas Clothing Need
Used clothing is needed for ministry in the Bahamas: Children (ages 1-16), Women (slacks, modest shorts, dresses, skirts, blouses, t-shirts), Men (jeans, shorts, cotton pants, dress shirts, golf shirts, bathing suits), Other (shoes, sandals, Christian books and DVDs). Drop off items at the Information Desk in the Commons by Sunday, April 6.

There is a guest reception in the Commons following the Saturday night and Sunday morning 11:00am worship services. Pastor would love to meet you!

Guest Reception

Bring your refreshments and board games for a great time of fun and fellowship. Our game days are the last Thursday of each month. Mark your calendars so you wont miss it. This is a ministry of the deacons wives to the widows of our congregation. Join us for fellowship and encouragement from Gods Word. Its time to spring into spring! Please signup in the Fellowship Hallway, or call Vada at 596-8600 x268.

Thursday, March 27 1:00-4:00pm in WC117

Day of Fun and Games

Drop Off By Sunday, April 6

Monday, March 31 at 1:30pm in WC117

Annas Tea

A.S.K. (Ask, Seek, Knock) - Week 6

We only have two weeks left in our emphasis of seeking the Lord. We encourage you to keep pressing on and pressing in to Jesus as you lift up your prayers to Him and read His Word. If you have not already done so, we urge you to set aside an extended time to seek the Lord and listen for His voice without the distractions and stresses of the world. For more information and resources, please visit the Information Desk in the Commons, or go to fbcn.org/ASK. This Weeks Scripture Reading (Sunday-Sunday): 1 Thessalonians 2 - 1 Timothy 1 (a chapter a day)

Bible & Life Groups of the Week

Jims 5:00 class is currently studying The Book of Daniel and his 7:30 class is currently studying Seeking Him.

Jim Evans teaches 20-30 year olds at 5:00pm and 30-40 year olds at 7:30pm in DC109 (First Floor of the Discipleship Center)

Saturday Night at 5:00pm & 7:30pm

Runners, join us to support this great cause! Registration fee is one new pair of childrens shoes (bring the day of the race). Deadline is March 24 in order to have a t-shirt the day of the race. Prizes awarded to the first three finishers in each age group, as well as special awards for the first three overall men and women. For information or to register online, go to runforimmokalee.com.

Saturday, April 12 at 7:30am at FBCN

Run for Immokalee 5K

Mark your calendars to join us for this special time of seeking the Lord as a church family. You will be blessed as we join our hearts in prayer and ask God to move mightily in us and our nation.

Wednesday, March 26 at 6:30pm in the Worship Center

A.S.K. Family Service

Ken is currently teaching through The Book of John.

Ken Hess teaches all ages in DC220 (Second Floor of the Discipleship Center)

Sunday Morning at 11:00am

FBCN member Alan Law passed away on March 9. We are praying for and express our sympathy to his wife, Sue, and the rest of the family. FBCN member Diane Grover passed away on March 9. We are praying for and express our sympathy to her husband, Lee, and the rest of the family.

Absent from the Body, Present with the Lord

Last Weekend
Statement of Faith Shane Shirey Tiffany Shirey

Decisions for Christ

Baptisms (church) Christopher Burgess Leland Casebeer

March 8 & 9

Worship Attendance
1,385 1,794 1,252 4,431

First Time Guests

Sundays Beach Baptisms are listed on the back of First Word.

Saturday Night Sunday 9:30 a.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. Total

We are glad that you came to worship with us today. Our worship services are intended to give praise to God and reveal how Jesus gives hope for all who call on His name. We hope that you feel at home here! Greeters at the doors can help with any immediate needs/questions that you may have. Thank you for joining us today! For more detailed information about our church and ministries, please call Lou Falorio at 596-8600 x258.

Welcome to First Baptist Church Naples

2013-2014 Operating Revenues July 1, 2013 - March 9, 2014 Budget Actual Variance
$5,409,150 $5,326,985 ($82,165)

Financial Stewardship

March 8 & 9

Bible & Life Attendance

757 170 439 753 883 3,002

This Upcoming Week

Deacon of the Week March 17 - 23 Lee Norton & Sherrill Woods

Debt balance as of March 9 $3,739,747

See what God is doing!

Saturday Night Sunday 8:15 a.m. Sunday 9:30 a.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. Home Groups Total

How does a big church feel like a small community? By discovering our Bible & Life Groups! Bible & Life Groups are people experiencing life-changing Bible study and engaging in a lifestyle of reaching and serving others for Jesus Christ with a group of genuine friends. Visit the information desk in the Commons. The helpful volunteers there can guide you to a Bible & Life Group fitted just for you.

Visit a Bible & Life Group Today... We Will Help You Find One!

Consider Donating Your Car Celebrate Recovery Beach Baptisms

Wednesday Family Meal

Saturday, March 15
5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 8:15 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m.

Weekly Schedule

If you need assistance, please call the church deacon hotline at 800-732-9573. For Spanish, call 404-7764.

Tickets may be purchased at the Lighthouse Cafe or at the door for $6 each or $25 for a family. Alternate choices available.

March 19 (4:45-6:00pm in the Fellowship Recreation Gym) Baked Stuffed Sole, Rice Pilaf, Vegetable, Salad, Dessert www.fbcn.org/wednesdaymeal

Going anywhere is a long way when you dont have a car. Our Single Parent Ministry is looking for donated cars to give to those without. Instead of trading, consider donating to us. Call Jim Hill at 596-8600 x242. Celebrate Recovery is a special community of mens and womens groups where you can find safety and support for dealing with lifes hurts, habits, and hang-ups through a twelve-step discipleship and recovery program. We meet Thursday nights 6:00-8:30pm in DC121. For more information, call 596-8600 x266.
Pat Barkman Ethan Boone Jessie Brave Johnson Brave Calogero Carollo Austin Edie Jonathan Edwards Kailee Edwards Laina Edwards Jerry Gibson Sylee Gibson Hugh Hedley Travis Hicks, II Hunter Jolliff Thomas Marcel Anthony Marchione Jim Martin Sunshine Mikaid Jeff Reed Rita Reed Nick SanFilippo Jacob Welch Melissa Williams

Thinking About Trading Your Car? Donate Instead!

Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus Worship Service: Worship Center Spanish Worship Service: Chapel Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus Haitian Bible Study & Worship: ED207 Vietnamese Worship & Bible Study: DC221 Worship Service: Worship Center Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus Romanian Bible Study & Worship: Modulars 3 & 4 Worship Service: Worship Center Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus Spanish Worship Service: Student Center Romanian Worship Service: Modular 4

Sunday, March 16

Ways to Connect Online with FBCN

Live streaming Saturday at 6:00pm and Sunday at 9:30am & 11:00am at fbcn.org! Like us on Facebook: FirstBaptistChurchNaples Visit our website: fbcn.org Follow us on Twitter: @fbcn @hayeswicker

Tuesday, March 18
4:45 p.m. 6:20 p.m. 6:25 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.

9:00 a.m. RefresHer Womens Ministry: Worship Center

Wednesday, March 19

Family Meal: Fellowship Recreation-Gym AWANA for Kids: Education Building Band of Brothers Mens Ministry: Chapel RefresHer Womens Ministry: Worship Center High School Ministry: Student Center Middle School Ministry: Family Life Center-Gym Worship Choir Rehearsal: Choir Room

Contact Us

Other events this week include: Children/Youth Choirs, Holding onto HOPE, MOPS, Prayer for our Pastors, Celebrate Recovery, Grief Share, Meet the Candidates Forum, Prayer Shawl Ministry Meeting, and C2 3rd Friday Fellowship For a full weekly schedule, please go to fbcn.org/weeklyschedule.

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

First Baptist Church Naples