Beth Moore Sumulcast

**Today** August 31 is the last day to get tickets!  They are available at the First Baptist Church office.  Don't forget to pick one up TODAY!

  September18, 2010   @  First Baptist Church,  Live Oak

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  Doors open at 9:30 AM
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  Conference begins at 10:30 AM
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  Lunch is provided
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  Conclusion at 5:00 PM

Tickets are $20.00 which includes lunch and listening guide.  *Caroline will be going this week to purchase tickets if you are unable to make it to First Baptist.*  They are also available at the First Baptist Church office August 2-31. There will  be a sign up sheet on the bulletin board.  Ladies, this is a perfect opportunity to "Get Away, Get Renewed and Get a Fresh Word from God".  Please make plans to come!

Funeral Arrangements

The arrangements have been set for Joan S.'s husband who passed away Sunday.  The viewing will be at 10:00 AM Wednesday followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM, both will be held at Antioch.  Following the funeral, a lunch will be served.

Ladies, you are encouraged to bring a food dish Wednesday morning for the lunch and if you are able to help serve, your assistance is needed.  This is a wonderful opportunity to be a blessing and offer practical help in time of need.  Thank you for the abundance of love you always show to the family with this ministry.

Brotherhood Meeting Tonight

Men, you are encouraged to join other men as they enjoy some great fellowship and godly encouragement in the quest to be a man of God.  Brotherhood will meet at the home of Joey and Tammy W. at 7:00 PM.  You are also welcome to ride in the church van which will leave the church at 6:45 PM.  Come on out enjoy a great time of food, fellowship and hearing a word from the Lord, just for men!

Prayer Request

Last week we experienced the joy in our church family with the birth of two little baby boys!  Troy and Crystal F. were blessed with a baby boy and they are all doing well.  Tamos and Rebecca S. were blessed with a baby boy and much of last week we anxiously prayed and lifted this family up in prayer as the baby has many health issues to overcome.  The good news is that little Larson is improving, but stilll needs our prayers and support.

This week begins with sad news.  Joan S. (who is the daughter of the late Margaret B. and sister to Gene B.) lost her husband last night.  He died suddenly at their home.  Please keep Joan and the family in your thoughts and prayers.  Details will be shared as they become available.

God's Word encourages us in Romans 12 to:  "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another."  This week may we follow and obey God's Word and bless, love and support one another.

It's A Boy!!

Ragen Leon

Born August 28 ~ 12:27 PM

7 lbs. 6 oz.  21 inches long



Congratulations to Crystal and Troy F. on a beautiful gift from God.  Mom and baby are doing great.  We rejoice with the family over God's blessings and answered prayers.

Making A Difference In Life

"Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;"  Colossians 4:2

As we examine the blessings of spiritual disciplines, one of the most challenging is the discipline of prayer.    A quote by F.B. Meyer reminds us "It is not unanswered prayer but unoffered prayer that is the greatest tragedy."

Are We Praying?  As a church, family and individual.

Here are some things we are called to in prayer.

We are called to Pray Persistently.  We are to be dedicated to prayer, make time for and plan for it.

We are to Pray Passionately:  Passionate prayer opens the heavens and shines God's light upon our path.

Prayer from the heart is passionate prayer.

Pray Gratefully:  Pray with a thankful heart.  Gratitude should  be a natural part of our prayers.

Pray Selflessly:  Practice praying for others.  Intercessory prayer is praying on behalf and for the needs of others.

Prayer Request

You are encouraged to be in prayer for Alvin F. (Wesley F's brother and Tammy C's father) who was diagnosed with acute appendicitis.  He will undergo surgery first thing in the morning.  Please keep him and the family in your prayers. 

Prayer Requests and Reminders

There are several prayer requests for the church family to share for this week:

Tamos and Rebecca S.'s newborn baby boy is still in critical condition, but receiving treatment

Crystal F. may deliver her baby boy today as she is supposed to be induced today

Don S. who is recovering from heart surgery is in rehabilitation

Joe R's father has been in the hospital for several days and continues to need our prayers for his health

There are some special things going on this Sunday.  A bridal shower will be held for Elisha P. Sunday afternoon at 2:30 in the church fellowship hall.

Sunday night at 6:00 will be a 5th Sunday Night Sing.  You are welcome to share a talent, song, testimony or favorite Scripture with the church.  This is always a blessed time together as we share and give glory to the Lord.  Following the sing, we will meet in the fellowship hall and enjoy some boiled peanuts and homemade ice cream!  This is an annual fall tradition for Antioch.  If you have an ice cream church, you are encouraged to make some ice cream. 

Make your plans now to be a part of what is going on at Antioch!

Prayer Requests

Please be in prayer for the newborn baby boy of Tamos and Rebecca S. (Morris and Ann D's daughter).  The baby is in critical condition with pulmonary issues and blood issues.  He has undergone a blood transfusion and may have to have another one soon.  Please keep this family in your prayers.

Prayers For Back To School

This week our children go back to school.  What an opportunity to minister by keeping our students and teachers in prayer through the year.  Here are a few 'back to school prayers'.

A Student's Prayer


Help me remember that you’re always by my side
at school and all day long.
Help me be the best student I can be,
using all the gifts and talents you’ve given me.
Help me study well and often
– especially when I don’t feel like studying at all!
Help me finish all my homework – on time.
Help me listen to my teachers and coaches.
Help me play fair and play safely,
Help me be honest when I’m tempted to cheat.
Help me always tell the truth.
Help me be kind to everyone at school
and to treat others as I’d want them to treat me.
Help me make good friends
and help me be a good friend to others.
Help me know how I can help others
and to ask for help when I need it myself.
Help me love and respect, trust and appreciate my parents
- and to be honest with them.
Help me remember that you’re with me always, Lord,
and that you’ll never leave my side.
Amen.

A Parents' Prayer for Students


Dear Lord,
As my children leave for school,
I pray that you will keep them in your care.
Send your Spirit to open their minds
to all that is true and beautiful and good.
Help them to see the gifts and talents
You have given them and to use them well.
Help them to grow in knowledge and wisdom.
Help them to be kind to others
and lead others be kind to them.
Give their teachers patience and understanding
and help them teach what is just and true.
Send your angels to guide and guard my children
and to keep them from all harm.
Open their young hearts to your presence
and enfold them in your peace and protection.
Hold them in the palm of your hand
and bring them home safely at day's end.
Amen.

A Teacher's Prayer


Dear God,
A new school year is about to begin
and my classroom door will soon open
to the students you've assigned to my care...
Open my mind and heart to each of them
and especially to the ones
who will challenge me the most...
Help me challenge my students, all of them,
to study, to learn, to grow in knowledge
and even a little wisdom...
Help me remember, Lord,
how young my students are:
give me patience to help them grow up
and insight to know the help they need...
Help me to understand that sometimes
my students may not understand me:
may I be clear in the things I say and do,
and in how I say and do them…
My students don't know the burdens and worries
my heart brings to the classroom,
so help me remember, Lord,
how anxious and heavy my students' hearts may be...
Keep me from favoring any particular students, Lord,
except for those who most need my help...
Let my decisions in the classroom
be fair and just, honest and true...
Send your Spirit to fill me with gifts
of knowledge and understanding, counsel and wisdom…
Lord, open my mind and heart to my students' parents,
especially those who will challenge me the most...
Help me challenge parents to challenge their children
to study, to learn and to grow...
Help me to teach as you would, Lord:
help me be understanding when I need to be firm,
gentle in all things,
and patient until the last bell rings…
A new school year is about to begin, Lord,
and I wonder,
what will you teach me today?
Amen.

Christmas In August

The children involved in mission class are asking for your help.  They are participating in Christmas In August which provides a missionary family with items to bless and meet the needs of those they minister to.  The family they are sponsoring - Tim and Kathy work with children from more than 145 different countries.  They help children with homework and tell boys and girls all over the world about Jesus.  Your gifts help these young immigrant children succeed in school.  Some of the items which would help this mission are:

• 1 inch binders
• baby dolls
• basketballs
• calculators
• Bibles
• colored pencils
• craft supplies
• crayons
• scissors
• soccer balls

All of these items are available now for fantastic prices for back to school.  The kids will be collecting donations through August.  Thanks for your support!

More VBS 2010

Salad and Potato Bar

This Sunday the youth will be hosting a salad/potato bar immediately following the morning service.  The plates include a salad and large baked potato and all of the toppings, dessert and drink.  Donations will be going toward a youth trip in September.  Pleas plan to stay after church and enjoy a delicous meal, great fellowship and the blessing of supporting our youth.

Church Outreach

Church Outreach and Visitation will be Saturday at 10:00 AM.  You are encouraged to come out and spend some time reaching out to others and inviting them to church.  There are names of those who have not attended in a while and may need an invitation and friendly welcome and those who have visited before and may need a warm welcome to come back. 

What a great opportunity this is to share God's love with those in our area. May our church be known for it's love, kindness and reaching out to others.  Church Outreach is a way to make that happen!

5th Sunday Night Sing

August 29 will be a 5th Sunday Night Sing and Testimony Time.  You are welcome and encouraged to share a talent, song, testimony or favorite Scripture.  Pray about what the Lord would have you to do.

Following the sing, there will be the annual boiled peanuts and homemade ice cream fellowship.  If you have an ice cream churn, we hope that you will make and share some homemade ice cream on that evening.

Make plans to come and share!

Help Wanted!!

Help Wanted.  In today's world those words are able to bring a huge response.  When a help wanted cry comes from the church, you can often times see an immediate reaction of finding an excuse not to accept the job!  "I don't have time", I can't commit to a year of serving in this area", "Let someone else do it", "I'm too tired and have too many commitments already" are many of the reasons people feel unable to serve in the church. 

Our nominating committee is currently in the process of seeking willing workers to fill ministry positions in the church.  There are several opportunities in our church for people to serve.  It takes a lot of people working together to equip a church.  Especially if the church desires to have ministries that grow and encourage people. 

God has gifted each Christian with talents, gifts and abilities.  We are His workmanship, created for good works.  We are already gifted and equipped to serve Him!  Setting aside all excuses, what hinders you from serving the Lord in the area He has gifted you?

During the next few weeks, you are encouraged to ponder and search your heart for that special group or ministry that inspires you.  The one that you have ideas about or are have a special interest in.  It could be anywhere from serving in the nursery, in the kitchen, in the choir to leading a ministry class.  Pray and ask God to show you where He would have you to serve this upcoming church year. God will show you and make a way for you to be blessed and to be a blessing!

"God doesn't call the qualified -

He qualifies those who He calls"

Taking In God's Word

The sermon Sunday morning began with the penetrating question:  "Are you satisfied with your spiritual life right now?"

Most of us would desire to be closer to God, to be a more faithful follower to Him and be more effective in our Christian witness.  BUT...as with anything that is worth anything...it takes discipline - spiritual discipline.  Often our first reaction is time:  "I just don't have the time."  Again a penetrating statement was made..."If something is important to us, we make the time for it."  

God's Word equips us with everything we need to grow spiritually.  His Word is perfect, complete and lacks nothing.  The effect is has on us is to call us back into a right relationship with Him.  

Here are "Five Ways To Practice Daily Taking God's Word and Putting It Into Our Lives."

1.  Read It:  

Get a schedule, a reading plan, a notebook, whatever tools will work to incorporate daily Bible reading into your day.  Read a different translation for greater understanding.

2.  Meditate and Reflect On What God's Word Says:  Think over what was read, ponder it in the heart.  Write down or highlight what speaks to us.

3.  Memorize It:  Hide God's Word in your heart to bring up when it is needed.  

4.  Share It:  Tell others what God shows us in His Word.  What a powerful testimony and blessing this can be.

5.  Respond To It:  Don't just be a hearer...be a doer.

Prayer Walk This Friday

An Association-Wide Prayer Walk will be held this Friday (8-130.  Here are the details:

We will be meeting at the Association Office at 8:30 am Friday, August 13 to begin our PrayerWalking the perimeters of these schools:   Suwannee Middle, Suwannee Elementary and Suwannee Intermediate where we will have a cool water/rest break under the East pavilion. From there we'll prayerwalk the perimeter of Suwannee High then on to Suwannee Elementary where we're hoping to be able to cover the hallways. There is a tree shaded service lane back to the Association. We will be accompanied by staff of Suwannee County Schools, who appreciate this ministry. This will take most of the morning we'll need comfortable clothes, hat, shoes, fans and water! There is the probability that there can be carpooling for those who would like to join the prayer-time on the schools' campus. We welcome all to join us but please have your congregation praying with us regardless where they are Friday morning!

Youth Beach Trip

Our youth took a recent trip to the beach to share God’s love with others.  They walked along the beach and passed out water, tracts and church literature.  They made contact with 81 people!    We are proud of our youth for reaching out and touching others!

New Week!

What a blessing it was to be in the house of the Lord on Sunday.  Sunday School attendance was up and we were encouraged through God's Word of the blessings of spiritual discipline.  No...not punishment, but established habits and characteristics in our live which bring blessings!  Watch for more details this week.

Some prayer requests to mention are:

Scott and Anita B. - Anita is feeling poorly and Scott will be undergoing some tests this week. 

Don S. will have a heart cauterization this week.

Rufus S. begins chemo this week.

Joe R.'s mom and dad are struggling with health issues.

Rex and Dianne's granddaughter should receive some test results this week.  We are praying for a good report.  

Sam C.'s mother had a health episode this week, and is recovering at home.

Some upcoming events this week are the softball play offs which begin Thursday.  Times will be announced soon. The youth are planning a weekend camping trip to Music Camp.  See Mrs. Liz if you are interested in going!

Let's be mindful of those on our prayer list and seek out ways to be a blessing this week!

Update on Bro. Dave

Bro. Dave finally got in to see a doctor about his ankle.  There was good news!  The ankle is not broken, but still requires some rest and care and if it isn't better is a few days, they will do further testing.  Praise the Lord for a good report!

Fun At VBS 2010

Family Meal and Fellowship

On the first Wednesday of each month the church family enjoys a meal together before mid week service.  This always brings a beautiful time of fellowship and we eat and enjoy one another.  Why is church fellowship so important?  Read the devotion below and make plans to make church fellowship a priority!

Purposes of fellowship:
To display our discipleship to unbelievers

John 13:34-35 “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know you are my disciples if you love one another”

Clearly this cannot happen if we keep to ourselves!

To exercise spiritual gifts
Many of these cannot be exercised alone. 1 Cor 12:7-11 lists spiritual gifts that are for the collective benefit of a gathering of people.

I Cor 14:
:12 “Try to excel in gifts that build up the church”

A “lone ranger” Christian cannot help build up the Church or be built up with it.

For encouragement and support

Eccl 4
:10 “Pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up”
:12 “A cord of three strands is not easily broken”

Without the support of other believers, we are more vulnerable to the stresses of life and the attacks of the enemy. The local church thus provides a God-ordained protective covering.

To establish the body of Christ

1 Cor 12:
:14 “Now the body is made up not of one part, but of many”
:25 “There should be no division in the body, the parts should have equal concern for one another”
:21 “The eye cannot say to the hand ‘I don’t need you!’”

The different parts are meant to operate together. A lone ranger Christian is like a severed limb; unable to be of benefit; unable to function!

John 17 :22 Jesus prays “that they may be one as we are one”

God wants us to be as one; united in vision and purpose in Him.

1 John 4:12 “If we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us”

For God’s love to be complete in us, we must love one another!

How does God see the church?

Eph 5:25-33 “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her”

If God loves the church, than we should love it too.

This Week!

Welcome to a new week!  It seems like summer is flying by.  Hope we can all squeeze the last little bit of relaxing and some summer fun!

Some prayer requests to mention this week are:

Bro. Dave - will be seeing  a cardiologist today and an orthopedic later this week for a possible broken ankle/foot bone.

Bessie P's baby grandson will have some minor surgery this week.

Kathy B's son is fighting an infection which is in his bone now.

Roy L. is recovering from surgery and his wife is in poor health.  They could use your support during this time.

Joe R. dad is battling cancer and will have a blood transfusion today.

Mary Lou R. is still fighting infection.

Felton and Mary Lou's daughter Lori, has had a death in her husbands' family.  His mother passed away.

Felton still has an upcoming test on his heart, but is doing well.  

This week there are two softball games - Monday and Thursday and Wednesday will be the Family Meal.  

Let's be mindful of the needs around us and ways we can meet them!