Vol. XXXVIII • No.

4 • February 29, 2008

 But as I’ve said often here, if we’re on the road with Christ we’ll
“Among Friends” always be attempting a few things that we realize are flat out
impossible apart from God’s help.
Sawatdee! (I think this is how you say both hello
and goodbye in Thai. However, I may have just Will you continue to pray for our church and for our leadership
wished you happy birthday.) As you read this teams as conversations about the possibilities ahead continue to
column our team will have been on the ground in unfold? As you read the ministry description below, would you let
Thailand for several days already. We can’t wait to yourself imagine First Baptist Decatur in a new light?
share with you what we’ve observed God doing in this beautiful
country! See you soon, friends… Sawatdee.
In the meantime, as promised I’d like to share with you the
pastoral staff proposal that I alluded to in worship on February 17
and that I shared in full with our deacons and finance committee last
Tuesday night.
Minister of Spiritual Formation & Mission
Engagement—Oversees FBC Decatur’s comprehensive
What?
ministry of growing men and women into mature
I propose that FBC Decatur add to our pastoral staff team a minister
followers of Christ by rooting them in Scripture. In some
for Adult Spiritual Formation & Mission Engagement. Along with
larger churches this person is sometimes known as a
this addition, I propose that Bob Williamson shift from his current
“Teaching Pastor.”
area of leadership (Education, Missions and Administration) into
the new role of minister for Congregational Care & Senior Adults.
Areas of responsibility:
-Work with the pastor to develop multiple circles of
Why?
prayer within the FBC Decatur family.
With regard to the new pastoral care and senior adult position—
caring for each other is hugely important. And though our laypeople
-Significantly expand our teaching ministry among long-
and staff have stepped up to the plate beautifully with our senior
time believers, those new to faith, and those who are
adult ministry and throughout the congregation, we need some more
not yet “on the page” with God.
help! I have been inspired again and again by Bob Williamson’s gift
for listening, caring and serving. He and I have spoken often about
-Strengthen and expand our Sunday morning and
this proposal and he has expressed joy and enthusiasm at the
Wednesday night Bible study environments.
thought of giving leadership in this area.
Regarding the new adult spiritual formation and mission
-Give primary leadership in our equipping ministry—
engagement position—when Tim and I were in conversation with
helping every believer in our congregation to be
First Decatur’s pastor search committee last spring, I shared with
engaged in some form of ministry/mission.
them my conviction regarding the importance of serious, intentional
adult spiritual formation in any congregation that hopes to be
-Give primary leadership in our objective of being a
vibrant and alive. This conviction is stronger than ever these days as
missional congregation both in our giving and in our
I meet new people every week at FBC Decatur who are brand new
“going.”
to faith or are coming back to faith. I believe that bringing onboard
someone who will give exclusive attention to helping men and
-Give primary leadership in our mentoring ministry with
women become intentional followers of Christ will help create a
seminarians.
kind of “tipping point” for our congregation.
-Begin laying early foundations for a comprehensive
Who?
small groups ministry at FBC.
I shared with you on February 17 how much I value openness in our
dealings with each other in the body of Christ. In that spirit, it is
important for you to know that I have an individual already in mind Mission’s Corner
who I believe would be a superb match for our church. I have had
the opportunity to know a great many leaders and ministers through March is DEAM Collection Month
the years and this individual is as good as they get. At this point in Please bring your donation of canned goods and non-perishable
the process I’m afraid I can’t share a name with you, but I wanted food items for the Decatur Emergency Assistance Ministry (DEAM)
you to know up front that I do have someone in mind. during the month of March. Boxes will be placed through-out the
church to collect your donations.
How?
Bringing on a new staff member will not require us to increase this Moncrief Center Needs
year’s budget. Currently there is some flexibility or “wiggle room” The Moncrief Center, a ministry of the Atlanta Metro Baptist
in our 2008 personnel budget to cover the addition of a new staff Association and directed by our own Tara Jonick, is in need of some
position. At the same time, while increasing our ministry budget specific donations. They have requested: children’s new shoes (any
goal will not be necessary, bringing on another staff member will size), juice, ritz crackers, fruit snacks, paper towels, plastic cups,
greatly elevate the importance of our achieving this year’s budget forks and spoons, zip-lock bags (any size), children’s books and
goal. Do I believe we are up to this challenge? Yes! Will this step Kroger/Target/Wal-Mart gift cards. Please bring your donations to
stretch our faith and our finances? Yes! the church office.
Congregational Life Prayer Concerns as of
February 25, 2008
Current Wednesday Night Series—
“The Six Hottest Moral Issues of Our Time” Sympathy To:
Dr. David Gushee, the Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at ▪ Patsy Klingler and James
McAfee School of Theology, will be leading our Wednesday Night discussions Klingler on the loss of their hus-
band and father, Donald Klingler.
starting February 27 through April 9. The schedule of issues to be discussed:
▪ The family of Hal Davis.
Feb. 27 – war Mar. 19 – euthanasia
▪ Barbara Long on the death of her
Mar. 5 – marriage & divorce Apr. 2 – reproductive technology
mother, Nannie Mae Long.
Mar. 12 – ecology Apr. 9 – terrorism & torture
▪ Opal Godwin on the death of her
niece.
New Fresh Start Bible Study
▪ Evelyn Jackson on the death of
Beginning March 2 we will have a Fresh Start Bible Study class called “Seeking the Kingdom”
her daughter, Nancy Hendrix.
that will meet in the parlor from 10:15—11:00 on Sunday mornings. This class is for folks who
In the Hospital:
are not involved in an existing class and is for adults of all ages. David Gushee will be leading
▪ Elizabeth Sells, DeKalb Medical.
this Bible study.
▪ Eleanor Verdery, DeKalb
Medical.
Sunday, March 2 Guest Worship Leaders
▪ Carolyn Chastain, Emory.
Devita Parnell will be preaching on Sunday, March 2 while Pastor Julie is away in
Thank You Notes Received from:
Thailand. Her message will be “Pardon Our Dust: Ezekiel.” Devita is the Missions
▪ Jim Cavin
Education Specialist for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship after having served as the
▪ Pat Britt
Associate Coordinator for Congregational Life for CBF of Georgia for the past
▪ The Bower’s Family
4½ years. A native of Sandersville, GA, she is a graduate of McAfee School of
Theology and the University of Georgia. Devita has professional experience as a
missionary, campus minister, and development officer, and local church experience as a choir Tithes & Offerings
member, Sunday school teacher, missions teacher, church organist and deacon. Devita and her
husband Mark, a bi-vocational pastor and stay-at-home dad, along with their two children, Tyler A Celebration of Gifts
(age 5) and Julia (age 1), live in Lilburn. 2008 Ministry Action Plan
Weekly Need: ...................$ 27,361
Peggy Ray will be our music worship leader for the 11:00AM worship gathering on Sunday, Received on Feb. 17: ........$ 44,979
March 2. Peggy has been a member of FBC since 2006 and is active in our music ministry. A Y-T-D Need:...................$ 191,529
graduate of Southwestern Baptist Seminary, she served as the Minister of Music of the First Y-T-D Received: ............$ 177,802
Baptist Church of Tucker from 2000-2004. Peggy is presently a Bereavement Counselor and Surplus/(shortfall):............ (13,727)
In-House Musician for Crowell Brothers Funeral Home and a Musical Director for Arcado
Community Theatre. “Years of Opportunity 2007-09”
Campaign
“A Space of My Own” to host Bagels and Bedspreads Given to Date:.................$ 268,463
The Junior League of Dekalb County's A Space of My Own program is thrilled to be operating out Bank Loan Balance:........$ 271,229
of the new shopping space at FBC Decatur! A Space of My Own provides an opportunity for Owed to FBC Fdn.:.........$ 180,000
foster children to "shop" for brand new bedding and other items for their "space" to make it their
own, and to build self-esteem. We are hosting a Bagels and Bedspreads event on Sunday, Wednesday Dinner Menus
March 9th from 8:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. and invite you to come to our store on the 3rd floor, Room
304 to tour our beautiful new shopping space, have some breakfast and bring your donations. A March 5
Space of My Own accepts brand new TWIN size comforters and matching sheets (Cartoon Oven Fried Chicken, Mashed
Characters are the favorite!!!!!), as well as alarm clock radios. Please feel free to contact Katie Potatoes w/ Brown Gravy,
Ho war d ( katiep ho war d@co mcast.net o r 404-2 10 -6170 ), Michelle Minor California Steamed Vegetables,
(michelle.minor@mirant.com or 404-434-5159) or Steffani Lautenschlager Salad Bar, Yeast Rolls, Pineapple
(steff.mizzou@gmail.com or 770-880-5493) anytime with donations or questions! Upside Down Cake
Kid’s Menu
Spring/Summer Kid’s Consignment Sale—March 14-15, 9am-3pm, FBC Decatur Gym Chicken Nuggets, Mashed
Items from 130+ moms including clothes (size 0 to Junior 7), toys, books, videos, bikes, riding Potatoes, Sweet Peas, Yeast Rolls,
toys, nursery items, maternity, and much more. Everything a child could need at great bargain Ice Cream Cups
prices!! A must for all parents and grandparents!! Most items ½ price on Saturday. For more March 12
info, email Jeannie Lippy at tskidsale@bellsouth.net or call 770-414-6099. Country Fried Steak w/ White
Pepper Gravy, Baked Potato,
Clothing Room Needs Men’s Clothing Italian Cut Green Beans, Salad
The clothing room is completely out of men’s pants in sizes 28, 30, 32, 33, 34, 36 and 38. If you Bar, Buttermilk Biscuits, Lemon
have any pants in these sizes that you would like to donate, please bring them by the church office. Pound Cake
Also they are in need of men’s jackets in all sizes. Kid’s Menu
Sloppy Joes, Tater Tots, Green
Don’t forget to “Spring Forward” on March 8. Set your clocks ahead one hour! Beans, Fruit Cocktail
Youth Sp•t Pardon Our Dust—
Dust—Lenten
On Sunday evening February 17 over thirty Sermon Series
youth and adults headed out from First
Baptist for a formal night on the town. We
ate a nice dinner at Bambinelli’s, bowled a March 2: March 9:
couple games at Suburban Lanes, and Pardon Our Dust: Ezekiel Pardon Our Dust:
headed back to the church for a time of
Ezekiel 37: 1-14 Sarah
candle light prayer and a Little Debbie
dance party. In spite of the crazy weather we were able to travel and return Devita Parnell Preaching Genesis 16, 17, 21
safely. Happenings like this one are great ways to help build a strong youth
ministry that will enable youth to become more intentional followers of Christ
in all settings. Our youth ministry is open to all youth in grades 6 through 12.
Kid’s Zone
Cross Roads Kids will begin the study, “Symbols of
We meet each week at the following times:
Holy Week”. Thank you to Mary Lynne Pattillo,
Sunday Mornings at 10 for Breakfast and Bible Study
Richard Parker, & Amy Keown for leading in March.
Sunday Evenings at 5:30 for Youth Ensemble
Sunday Evenings at 6:00 for Rotisserie
Sunday, March 9 we will celebrate the ministries of
Wednesday Evenings at 6:30 for Half-Time
First School and After School in the 11:00 worship.
We also have many special activities and mission endeavors each year. If you
Also on Sunday, March 9 there will be a Parent-Child
would like to be added to our youth mailing list please email the youth
Dedication. If you are interested in participating,
ministry (youthministry@fbcdecatur.com) with your information.
please contact the church office or Debbie Britt.

WorshipING Together on Sunday, March 30th Thank you to our Extended Session Volunteers!

The ING Marathon hopes to register over 15,000 runners for the 2008 race Upcoming Extended Session List:
that runs down Clairemont Avenue directly in front of our church. We want March 2 March 9 March 16
to make our church a bright spot to all the runners and their supporters on Herndon Bigbie Turk
Marathon Sunday. We hope to have something big on the front lawn. We Williams Kennedy Smith
plan to have one worship service on the front lawn that morning at 11:00 Minor Palmer Mwangura
along with a picnic lunch following worship. We will need help putting this Visser Milton Edmonds
day together! If you are willing to help with anything from being part of the March 23 March 30
cheering section to helping with setup, cleanup, food service, or hospitality Anand Verdery Class
please look for the signups on Sundays and Wednesday starting March 2, Fisher
2008. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the church office, Parker
404-373-1653. Madden

The Outlook, a publication of the First Baptist Church of Decatur,

Georgia, is mailed to members and friends of the First Baptist family.

Main Office......................................404-373-1653
Finance.............................................404-370-7694
First School ......................................404-370-7688
Activities ..........................................404-373-2442
FAX ..................................................404-370-7692
Debbie Britt .....................................404-373-1653
Ryan Forbes.....................................404-370-7690
Julie Pennington-Russell.................404-370-7684
Kurt Varney......................................404-373-1653
Bob Williamson ...............................404-370-7687

Computer Connections:
Website—http://www.fbcdecatur.com
E-Mail—fbcd@fbcdecatur.com

The Outlook, USPS 600-320, is published bi-weekly, except

Christmas week, by First Baptist Church Decatur, GA

Postmaster: Please send address changes to First Baptist Church,

308 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030