Lee Nate CHURCH NAPLESSENIOR PASTOR DR. HAYES WICKER Before the Battle of Long Island, General George Washington reminded his troops that they were Not just fighting for the freedom of first-generation Americans: “The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God, on the courage and conduct of this army.’ We are in another battle and face the daunting prospect of deciding the fate of generations to come. We need the same courage of conviction as Washington. Our so-called “culture war" is really not about preferences of political parties or candidates. We are fighting to protect the Constitution from being discarded as a relic. We are fighting to protect unborn babies. We are fighting to preserve marriage as God intended and even the right of our children to use a restroom without fear of molestation. We are fighting for religious liberty in the workplace, in our schools, and in our churches. We even fight for the ability to fight in national defense. Our weapons are not bullets but ballots and the willingness: "To do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God" (Micah 6:8). | encourage you to read /f You Can Keep It, by Eric Metaxas, the best single volume | have read concerning the foundation of our nation and why America has been so blessed by God. | also urge you to humble yourself, seek God's face, and pray, as well as turn from sins (2 Chronicles 7:14). Only the Master and Creator can say in the midst of our storm, “Be still” and therefore “heal our land.” In the book of Esther, we read how God's people were threatened by an evil decree from a corrupt government. Queen Esther fasted and prayed then took appropriate action. Encouraged by her uncle, she realized that she had “come to the kingdom for such a time” (Esther 4:14). We must take action as she did. | trust that you are registered to vote, know your polling station, decide a time of day to vote, let your employer know when you are voting, make sure you have a way to get there and provide for your children. If you need a ride, call our church. If you know someone who needs aride, help them out. Have proper identification, Research the issues. Candidates are sinners. We ask about the choices for the highest office, “Is this the best that America has to offer?" Tragically, unbecoming behavior reflects what we have become. If | am having a heart attack and the only paramedic who comes to help is a rookie, | will pray and let that person do his/her best. Not voting is not an option. Vote according to your biblical convictions. Vote concerning all Amendments, candidates, and issues. Don't forget that the next President will immediately appoint at least one Supreme Court justice which will turn the direction of the High Court for years to come. As Jesus urged, “Give to Caesar the things that belong to Caesar and to God the things that belong to Him” (Mark 12:17). Give our children a chance. (att hinPRAYER MEETING Join us Oct. 30 at Spm in the Chapel for a special time of prayer for our nation. NAPLES CHRISTMAS SPECTACTULAR Tickets are available online at fbcn.org, in the Commons or call 1-888-795-1559. WOMEN'S CRAFT NIGHT Nov.4 at 7p in the Fellowship/ Recreation Center. To sign up, call Valerie at 596-8600 x241. FOSTER AND ADOPTIVE FAMILIES MINISTRY DISCOVERY FIRST BAPTIST AND BEACH BAPTISM If you are a foster or adoptive family home, you are invited to join us on Monday Oct. 24 at 6:00pm in DC121. For childcare, email santanafosteradopt@gmail.com. Dinner: Nov. 7 at 6:30pm; RSVP at the Connection Point, or call 596-8600 x679. Baptism: Nov. 13; sign-up at the Connection Point in the Commons, or call Linda at 596-8600 x280 . FIELDS OF FAITH This free FCA sponsored event is scheduled for Oct. 25 from 6:30-8:30pm at Naples High School football field featuring Matt Birk and Winston Justice. ELECTION MATTERS Transportation assistance is being offered to polling places on Nov. 8. If you need a ride or can offer a ride, sign up in the Commons or call 449-4488. JOV COMES IN THE MORNING Widows, join us on Nov. 5 at 11:00am in DC109. This ministry meets on the first Saturday of each month from 11:00am-1:00pm. PREGNANCY RESOURCE CENTER Walk 4 Life and Fun Fest at Golden Gate Community Park on November 5 from 8-11:30am. Please register at supportprcorg or to volunteer call 513-9775. LEGACY BUILDERS LUNCHEON Nov. 10 at 11:30am in the Worship Center. Early bird price deadline is Nov. 6. Purchase tickets at the Media Window, Church Office or call Vada at 596-8600 x268. OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD Please fill a shoe box with love and bring it to the Commons POD to help us spread the gospel. For further information, email statile@fbcn.org.LAST WEEK'S ATTENDANCE WEEKLY SCHEDULE Worship 2,994 Wed. 6:30 PM, Bible Studies (All Ages) Bible and Life Groups 2,032 | | Sat. 6:00 PM, Band-Led Service Midweek Activities 1,238 Sun. 9:30 AM, Choir/Orchestra Service Sun. 11:00 AM, Band-Led Service WEDNESDAY DINNER IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE? October 26, 4:45pm - 6pm (Fellowship Gym) October 24 - October 30 $6 each/$25 for the family (buy at door/cafe) Call the Deacon Hotline (800) 732-9573 Chicken & EggPlant Parmesan, Veggies, Our deacons of the week: Salad, and Dessert Jim Allen and Al Winterman DECISIONS FOR CHRIST OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY Baptism: We would like to express our deepest Luke Maloney condolences to the family of Rose Marie Peck for her recent passing. FIRST BAPTIST ACADEMY Jans TRu7, FBAis celebrating 20 years teaching, training, and equipping the om o, next generation of leaders for service in the Kingdom of God. . God faithfully led FBA from a humble beginning to become a 20 premier accredited Christian school of over 500 students in First Baptist 2 grades PK-12. This commemorative year will feature many % Academy 2 special events to honor and glorify God forall He has and *e, will accomplish through FBA. Go Lions! 76. rpai™ NEED HELP WITH SPIRITUAL MATTERS? |) Kefe)SIi=equfo)y] Maya isa) P G@INT Email: FBCN@fbcn.org 3000 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples, FL 34109 Main Office: 597-6057 Office: Mon - Fri, 8:30 AM to 5 PM Extensions: 596-8600 ext___ First Baptist Academy: 597-2233 FBCNaples 24-hr Prayer Line: 597-PRAY (7729) C2608 Lighthouse Bookstore: 449-4488 visit focn.org for more