Climbing Higher, Shining Brighter

When I was ordained to pastor my first church, I chose the hymn Higher Ground, as the central musical message. Then and now, I want to press onreaching forward to what lies ahead (Philippians 3:13-14). Of course, the old song says, I am pressing on the upward way, new heights Im gaining every day, still praying as Im onward bound, Lord plant my feet on higher ground. We should always be seeking to Climb Higher and Shine Brighter. Caleb was an old man who still dreamed new dreams, desiring to be a spiritual mountaineer (Joshua 14). He was willing to fight the giants in the hill country and is an inspiration to any who think that they are too old for new adventures or too weak to face big giants. God promised Joshua and him that they would possess the land (Joshua 1:6) forty-five years earlier as part of the 12-man reconnaissance team. God allowed us to possess this orange grove and then to build a wonderful facility for multiple kinds of ministries. However, the climb is not over. Our Lighthouse must still shine in a dark world. Like Israel, some had hearts which melted with fear back in the nineties, but most of us followed the Lord our God fully (Joshua 14:8). I am asking all of our church to be praying over the next few weeks about significantly reducing our remaining debt on the Phase II construction project. The remaining amount is $8,557,761 as of February 26, plus interest folded into our General Operating Budget. Most of you have finished your threeyear pledges. Hundreds have joined the church over the last few years and have not yet gotten involved. All of us must Join the Journey and Run to Win, to quote our last two campaigns. We will give a special offering on March 24 & 25 with as much cash and appreciable assets as possible in order to release more money for ministry in our budget and to shorten our payback time. The wicked borrows and does not pay back, but the righteous is gracious and gives. Those blessed by Him will inherit the land (Psalm 37:21, 22). Be also in prayer that God will impress others in our congregation to give by prayer on your behalf (2 Corinthians 9:14). This incredible ministry, used by God to touch lives on a daily basis, is worth your love. Climbing great heights for God involves vision (you have got to see it by faith), information (you have got to know the need), passion (you have got to want it passionately), inspiration (you have got to hear from God), and perspiration (you have got to do it). After all, the view from the top is worth the climb.

There is a guest reception in the Commons immediately following the Saturday night and Sunday morning 11:00 service. Come and meet Pastor Wicker. Next Sunday, March 11th, begins Daylight Savings Time! Dont forget to set your clocks AHEAD one hour when you go to bed next Saturday night!

Guest Reception

Daylight Savings Time Begins

**** EVENT ALMOST FULL ****

They both will be discussing Current Events & Questions from the Audience will be answered
Brit Humes Powerful Testimony
Brit Hume will give his testimony of coming to faith in Christ, and then Chuck Colson will join him on stage to discuss current events & answer questions previously submitted by the audience members.

plus

Friday, March 9th 7:00-9:00 pm Worship Center

www.BigLifeOnline.org
*Please note that this is a fundraising event to benefit BIGLIFE

For more information and registration visit

Next Saturday, March 10

We need drivers (car movers), mechanics, and faith workers. To volunteer, go to www.fbcn.org/carcare, send an email to carcare@fbcn.org, or call Rod at 851-6011.

Car Care

Volunteers Needed for

Womens Ministry Announces our New Spring Bible Study . . .

Our teacher will be our Senior Pastors wife, Janet Wicker.

Introducing a Bible study from beloved Bible teacher Kay ArthurLord, Teach Me to Pray: Practicing a Powerful Pattern of Prayer. This four week teaching series focuses on key elements found in the Lords Prayer. You will gain insights from Gods Word on how to pray, what to pray, and what to expect when you pray. This practical and encouraging study will lead women to experience a richer, more fulfilling prayer life.

Beginning. . . Tuesday, March 6th at 9 a.m. & Wednesday, March 7th at 6:30 p.m. in the Worship Center, east side.
Study books are available at the Lighthouse Bookstore and in RefresHer.
Preschool childcare is wonderfully provided for sessions. Pre-register your child by calling 596-8600 ext. 360.

A Night of Gospel & Bluegrass with

A benefit for St. Matthews House

Harbor Ministries presents

and Lindsey Graham

The Isaacs

(doors open at 6:00 p.m.) Tickets: $20 (Kids 12 and younger FREE)
Dont miss this incredible evening with acclaimed Nashville group, The Isaacs. Soloist Lindsey Graham will also be performing. Please bring a nonperishable food item to help replenish the food pantry at St. Matthews House. Their trucks will be parked near the entrance to receive the donations. A love offering for St. Matthews House will be taken as well. Please call Julie Clay at 774-0500 for more information.

Friday, March 16 7:00 p.m.

Tickets on sale now at the Media Ministry window.

Band of Brothers Presents:

Every Wednesday at 6:25 p.m. in the Chapel.

Food Drive
to benefit Helps Outreach March 17 & 18
Al Micielis Bible and Life Group, along with our high school students, have planned a church-wide food drive to benefit Helps Outreach. Paper bags, along with a list of requested food items, will be given to the congregation next weekend, March 10 & 11. Please return the filled bags the following weekend, March 17 & 18. Simply place the filled bags behind your vehicle when you arrive for church, and members of Al Micielis BLG, as well as our high school students, will pick up and transport the bags to Helps Outreach. Thank you for being Christs hands and feet to a very needy Collier County.

MARCH/APRIL 2012

WHATEVER IT TAKES
Week of Prayer for North American Missions

Bringing heaven to earth

The Heritage Glen apartments are a long way from heaven. Just looking at the dilapidated tennis courts, overgrown grass and worn-out exterior shows that. For the past two years Cincinnatis Red Door Church, started by North American Mission Board missionary Josh Lenon (above) in 2010, has been trying to close the distance between heaven and earth. Throwing block parties for residents, refurbishing the complexs playground and providing Thanksgiving meals is the tip of the iceberg. We can provide just a glimpse of heaven on earth, said Josh. We can paint a picture of Gods future for them. By encouraging members to share the gospel with unbelieving friends, restore homes in broken neighborhoods, and take care of poorer neighbors, Red Door Church is doing whatever it takes to bring people to Christ. Three sisters, all under age 25, were left with a house that needed repairs and a mortgage they were unable to pay after their moms tragic and unexpected death. Volunteers from Red Door Church stepped in to offer help making the needed repairs. A connection was formed that is having an eternal impact. One of the sisters finally understood and saw God in action. Shes now learning what it means to follow Christ. We wouldnt be able to do what were doing without the support of the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, says Josh. Your gifts to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering enable missionaries like Josh to reach lost people in North America with the gospel. By trying to bring heaven to earth and giving people a glimpse of how God wants to work in their lives, Red Door Church points people to Jesus.
Visit anniearmstrong.com to learn more about your Week of Prayer missionaries.

anniearmstrong.com

What is happening at First Baptist Academy in Fine Arts?

On January 31, 2012, the Eighth Grade Percussion Ensemble from FBA traveled to Harbor Chase retirement and assisted living center to perform for the residents. Our Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of Mr. Rob Platter, had a great time playing and interacting with the folks at Harbor Chase. At one point, the residents were invited to join with the drum circle. Several of the residents, as well as family and staff, joined in while the students played!

Our mission is to develop students with Christian character and a Biblical worldview, equipping them for life, learning, and leadership.

Thank You!
Our First Baptist Church family has contributed over $800 for FBCNs Benevolence Fund through the purchasing of used books. Thank you to all who donated and made purchases.

Used Book Sale Raises Over $800!!

Please consider donating any gently read used books to the Lighthouse Bookstore for our next sale.

Run for Immokalee 5k

Hosted by FBCN SportsOutreach Saturday, March 31 - 7:30 a.m. Race starts and finishes at First Baptist Church Naples. Everyone gets shirts. Prizes awarded to the first three finishers in each age group. Special awards for first three overall men and women. Registration Fee: One new pair of childrens shoes (bring the day of the race) Please mail in your registration form by March 10 so we can have a shirt for you on the day of the race. Race day registration is available, but a t-shirt is not guaranteed. Packet pick-up starts at 6:30 a.m. the day of the race. Come to the registration tables in front of the gym. Mail registration form to: Baker 267 N. Collier Blvd., Suite G Marco Island, FL 34145 Questions? Email run4imm@comcast.net -----------------------------------------------------Name ____________________________________________________ Date of Birth ____/____/____ Age __________ Gender: F M Address __________________________________________________ City ___________________________ State _______ Zip ___________ Phone (_____)_____________ Email ___________________________ Tshirt size: YM YL YXL AS AM AL AXL AXXL

I know that running in a race is a potentially hazardous activity. I should not enter and run unless I am medically able and properly trained. I agree to abide by any decisions of a race official relative to my ability to safely complete the run. I assume all risks associated with running this event including, but not limited to, falls, contact with other participants, the effects of the weather, including high heat and/or humidity, traffic and the conditions of the road, all such risks being known and appreciated by me. Having read this waiver and knowing these facts and in consideration of your accepting my application, I for myself and anyone entitled to act on my behalf, waive and release the race organizers, the cities and towns in which the event is held, and all sponsors, their representatives and successors from all claims or liabilities of any kind arising out of my participation in this event even though that liability may arise out of negligence or carelessness on the part of the persons named in this waiver. I grant permission to all of the foregoing to use any photographs, motion pictures, recordings, or any other record of this event for any legitimate purpose.

___________________________________________ _____________ Signature of Participant (or parent/guardian if under 18) Date

DuringSpringBreak,theHighSchoolMinistryMissionsTeam willbetravelingtoArgentinawheretheywillbepartnering with a local church planter. One of their responsibilities will be to distribute greatly needed Bibles to the people of Argentina. A Bible sponsor gift of $10 will provide for the purchaseanddeliveryofaSpanishBiblebyourstudents.The teamhasagoalofdelivering2,000BiblesaGodsizedtask! Currently,over1100Bibleshavebeensponsored! PleasestopbytheMissions Kiosk andspeakwithoneofour teammembers. Somewaysyoucan help: SponsoraBible Donatetothe missiontrip Prayfortheteam

High School Ministry Missions Team

Formoreinformation,contactthestudentministryoffice4494480.

WinShapeCampsforCommunitiesiscomingtoNaples!! Businessownersandorganizationrepresentativesareinvitedtojoinusforan excitinginformationalluncheonregardingWinShapeCampsforCommunities, theultimateweeklongdaycampexperience.

Tuesday,March13,2012@12:30pm1:30pm

Luncheonwillbeheldat: FirstBaptistChurchNaples

ComplimentarylunchwillbeprovidedbyChickFilA. Therewillbedrawingsfordoorprizesand1FREEweekofcamp. Thefirst10peopletoRSVPwillreceiveFREEChickFilAforamonth!

RSVPbyFriday,March9thtoGinnyPeiffer (239)4494480orgpeiffer@fbcn.org

The Senior Adult Ministry (55+) has changed its name to Young at Heart!

Upcoming Luncheon
11:30 a.m. in the Worship Center Cost: $7.00 Featuring: ROB PLATTER & FBA KIDS
Tickets are on sale at the Media Ministry window before and after all worship services. You may also stop by the church office during the week. DEADLINE TO PURCHASE TICKETS: SUNDAY, MARCH 4th

Thursday, March 8

Area Home Bible Studies

HSM@HomekicksoffonWednesday,March7th! On the first 3 Wednesdays in March, the HighSchoolMinistrywillbegoingoutinto the community! Students will be meeting inareahomesinsteadofhereoncampus. Several families who are closely involved with our student ministry have agreed to host students in their homes as they go through a dynamic Bible study written by Francis Chan called Surrender. Students will meet in the host homeson March7,March14,andMarch21.OnMarch28,everyone will meetintheStudentCenterhereoncampusforgroupstudyandworship.

Wehopethateverystudentwillgetpluggedintoahomestudyandinvite hisorherfriends.ThisisanAWESOMEopportunitytoreachouttoteenag ersinthecommunitywhomightnototherwisegotochurch!

Contact the student ministry office at 2394494480 for a host home near youorformoreinformation.
Student Leadership University...unlike anything youve ever encountered...

What: SLU101 When: July 9-12, 2012 Cost: $545 (Early Bird Rate) Where: Orlando, Florida Deposit: $100 due @ sign up
For students who have completed 7th grade and up

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 30 minute parent/student meeting on Wed 3/14 @ 8:15pm in DC121

Two New Bible and Life Group Studies Begin This Weekend
COLLEGE/CAREER SINGLES
David Mastrangelo is our new Bible and Life Group teacher for college and career singles in their 20s on Sunday mornings at 11:00 a.m. in the Discipleship Center, Room DC212. David is not only a gifted musician with The Phil, but he is also a gifted teacher of the Word. David and his wife, Lani, will be a great addition to our BLG leadership. If you are a college or career single in your 20s, you are encouraged to come and check out this new class. Jesus said, I will make you fishers of men. Embark on a journey of discovery and learn how Gods Spirit is moving in countries on the top ten list for Christian persecution among peoples quoted by missions watch groups as the strongest challenge to the Christian Church today. Employing simple biblical principles over a three-year period is bringing about spiritual awakening. What are these principles and how can we use them today in our own lives to see His Kingdom come? This class will be taught by Erin Roberts on Sunday mornings at 11:00 a.m. in the Discipleship Center, Room DC107 (four week course only).

FISHING WITH THE ENEMY

Christian Vocation Scholarship for Seminary and College Students Deadline to Apply - April 1, 2012
Scholarship applications for the 2012-2013 school year are now available to college or seminary students who are FBCN members and meet the criteria. To apply, or if you have any questions, please contact Susan Dickson, Scholarship Committee Chairman, at 455-4224. Before receiving an application, you are asked to email the following information to susandickson2@embarqmail.com - subject line: SCHOLARSHIP. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Your name, phone number, and email address. Which college/seminary will you be attending? Have you been accepted? What year will you be starting? (i.e., freshman, 2nd year seminary, etc.). What degree will you be seeking? (i.e., Bachelors or Masters in _______). What Christian vocation has God called you to?

Interested in a Small Home Group?

Interested in being part of an off-campus small home group? This type of group meets in an individuals home or office and focuses on Bible study, fellowship, outreach, and service. If you would like to know more, please contact Sandy at 596-8600 x261 or email sgraham@fbcn.org.

Staff Anniversaries for March

Hayes Wicker, Jr. Gordon Bleich Margery Bernhardt Matt Jansen Dale Lewis Sheila Nance Robyn Ritchie Senior Pastor Music Assistant-Accompanist FBA Teacher/Librarian FBA Teacher Operations Supervisor Preschool Ministry Coordinator FBA Teacher 20 10 7 4 4 3 3 years years years years years years years

This week, we will be having our Game Show Review as we look at what we have learned so far in Under the Big Top. Children will have an opportunity to review what they have learned in a way that is sure to create a lot of laughs. Each week at KidzTown, children have a great time singing, studying Gods Word, and worshipping the Lord Kid Style. Parents, if your child has not yet experienced the fun of a child-style worship experience, please bring him/her to KidzTown. KidzTown is open to all children in 1st through 4th grades and is located in DC120 Saturdays at 6:00 p.m. and Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

KidzTown Worship

FBCN Employment Opportunity

We are currently seeking a qualified individual to fill the part-time position of Administrative Assistant for Womens Ministry. This person will support the Director of Womens Ministry as well as all aspects of womens Bible studies and events. Must be proficient in Microsoft programs (specifically Word and Publisher) but a working knowledge of Adobe programs (Photoshop and InDesign) is a huge plus. Should be able to adapt to a flexible schedule, have strong organizational and people skills, and have a heart to see women know and grow in Christ. To apply, you may go online at www. fbcn.org or pick-up an application at the church reception office.

This Sunday, March 4 in the Church Parking Lot

Give blood during snowbird month! Stop by the Blood Mobile this Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. to donate.

Blood Drive

Successful blood donors will receive one Naples Zoo admission pass and gift cards from Carvel Ice Cream and Merle Norman.

FBCN member Ronald Wichman passed away on February 27, 2012. We express our sympathy to his wife, Wanda, and the rest of the family. FBCN member Darcy Neils passed away on February 24, 2012. We express our sympathy to her husband, Kevin, and the rest of the family. FBCN member Danielle Rust passed away on February 11, 2012. We express our sympathy to her family.

In Sympathy

Brigitte Gabriel CDs

CDs of Brigitte Gabriels presentation at our church this past Sunday night are now available at the Media Ministry window for just $5.00 each.

Empty Baby Food Jars Needed

The preschool ministry needs glass baby food jars for art projects. Please bring your empty ones to the preschool desk. We appreciate it!

Preschool, Kindergarten, and Childrens Ministries Need Your Help!

First Baptist Church is currently offering many exciting opportunities to teach children about Jesus. Our Preschool and Kindergarten Ministries are looking for teachers and helpers in all classes both Saturday nights and Sunday mornings. They also offer Island Kidz Worship for those who prefer a more high-energy setting. This service is especially for kindergartners and is held Saturday nights at 6:00 and Sunday mornings at 9:30. If youve been looking for an opportunity to make a difference in either of these ministries, please call Kim at 596-8600 x360. Our Childrens Ministry is looking for a Bible and Life Group teachers assistant for Saturday evening at 7:30. For more information, please call our Childrens Ministry office at 596-8600 x350.

Upcoming Events
Saturday, March 3
6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Worship Service/Worship Center KidzTown Childrens Worship/DC120 Hispanic Worship Service/Chapel Bible and Life Groups/Various Rooms on Campus Bible and Life Groups/Various Rooms on Campus Worship Service/Worship Center Blood Drive/FBCN Parking Lot Bible and Life Groups/Various Rooms on Campus KidzTown Childrens Worship/DC120 Romanian Baptist/Modulars 3 & 4/SC117 Haitian Bible Study & Worship/ED222 Vietnamese Bible Study and Worship/DC220 Worship Service/Worship Center Bible and Life Groups/Various Rooms on Campus Hispanic Worship Service/Student Center Beach Baptism/Meet in Commons Equipping to Share Jesus/WC100a Resonate/Student Center Praise Kids/Education Building Project 56/DC220 Romanian Baptist Congregation/Modulars 3 & 4 RefresHer Womens Ministry/WC East Side Family Meal/Fellowship Recreation-Gym AWANA Childrens Ministry/DC120 Band of Brothers Mens Ministry/Chapel RefresHer Womens Ministry/WC East Side High School Ministry/Student Center Middle School Ministry/Family Life Center-Gym Choir Rehearsal/Choir Room Orchestra Rehearsal/Worship Center Prayer for our Pastors/AD184 Young at Heart Luncheon/Worship Center Celebrate Recovery/DC121 Womens Book Club/DC108 Grief Share/AD145 Holding onto HOPE/DC111 Big Life Presents Chuck Colson & Brit Hume/Worship Center Car Care Event/FBCN Parking Lot

Sunday, March 4
8:15 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 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. 1:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m.

Tuesday, March 6
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. 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 7

Thursday, March 8
11:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:15 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m.

Friday, March 9

Saturday, March 10

Last Weekend
Decisions For Christ
Profession of Faith Merle Robaul

Worship Attendance
February 25 & 26
Saturday Night Sunday 9:30 a.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. Total 1,440 2,236 1,385 5,061

Financial Stewardship
July 1, 2011 - February 26, 2012 Budget Actual Variance $4,965,828 $4,865,963 ($99,865)

Bible & Life Attendance

February 25 & 26
Saturday 5:00 p.m. Saturday 7:30 p.m. Sunday 8:15 a.m. Sunday 9:30 a.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. Home Groups 74 954 153 475 874 713

2011-2012 Operating Revenues

Debt balance as of February 26 $8,557,761

Next Week
Deacon of the Week
If you need assistance, please call the church deacon hotline at 800-732-9573. For Spanish, call 601-6051.

` 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 (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 Wednesday Saturday Sunday Closed 3:15 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Closed 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday Wednesday Friday Saturday Sunday

Bookstore Hours

Total

3,243

Dr. Wicker on the Radio

You can hear Dr. Wicker every day at 1pm on 91.5 Kingdom FM WJYO. Dr. Wicker is also on WSOR 90.9 FM at 8pm on Sundays. You can hear our Band of Brothers Mens Ministry on WJYO 91.5 at 11am & 9pm on Saturdays.

Daryl Kniep & Micheal Rogers

March 5 - 11

Wednesday Family Meal

Meal for March 7 (4:45 p.m.-6 p.m. in the Fellowship Recreation-Gym) Baked Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Salad, Vegetable, and a Dessert

Sermon Notes

Is your world filled with people who seem impossible to reach? This week, you will read about the gospel affecting a devil worshipper, a powerful treasurer of a nation, a possible murderer, and a military officer. The gospel can touch ALL of our hearts. Sunday - Acts 8:14-25 / Monday - Acts 8:26-40 Tuesday - Acts 9:1-9 / Wednesday - Acts 9:10-22 Thursday - Acts 9:23-31 / Friday - Acts 9:32-43 Saturday - Acts 10:1-8

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 Mens Ministry Shannon Moore ........................................................................Director of Womens Ministry John Patterson..................................................................Associate Pastor/Media & Technology Doug Pigg ................................................................Associate Pastor/Church Administration Tom Rider .................................................................. Associate Pastor/School Administrator Larry Rigley .................................................................. Associate Pastor/Childrens Ministry Dr. Todd F. Stearns ........................................................ Associate Pastor/Worship and Music Kevin Taylor ..............................................................Associate Pastor/High School Ministry Kevin Van Duser .................................................................Associate Pastor/Sports Outreach Eric Yeldell.........................................Associate Pastor/Contemporary Worship & Ministries

First Baptist Church Naples

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

3000 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples, FL 34109 Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.