First Word

First Baptist Church Naples

April 11 & 12, 2009

Celebrate the
Risen Lord!
“He is not here,
for He has risen,
just as He said.
Come and see...”
Matthew 28:6
 “Ta-Da!”
Laurie Beth Jones notes that a child interpreted Jesus’ first
words after stepping out of the tomb on that Easter morning as
“Ta-Da!” Resurrection morning, called Easter, was God’s great
“Ta-Da!” It was the grand surprise for men cowering in fear,
guards watching the tomb, and women weeping over losing the
Best Person and the Greatest Friend that they had ever known.
It is the miracle whose magnitude legitimizes our faith. It is the
answer to Ponce de Leon’s search through the Florida swamps
for the Fountain of Youth. It is a resounding answer from Heaven of Job’s plea for
hope, “If a man dies shall he live again?” Jesus was not a magician but the Master
over sin, death, hell, and the devil. His resurrection was no illusion.
My old friend, Dr. Calvin Miller, wrote about the great “Ta-Da” some years ago as
he described the death of his grandfather who came in 1893 to Oklahoma territory
to the town where I later pastored. Calvin noted that in later years he looked like
Moses: “There were no mountains in Oklahoma or he surely would have ascended
one of them and brought back a second set of the Big Ten.” Until he died, he
preached. Then he died! As Calvin wrote: “Who would keep Oklahoma safe from
Methodist liberalism and godless philosophy professors? I was in the notion of
asking God ‘why?’ when in the distance came a familiar sound. God showed up
with a big handkerchief and wiped the tears from my eyes. Then I heard those
trumpets, the Grand Ta-Da.”
You can have that same assurance of eternal life and of seeing our saved loved
ones again. We have provided a special response card with a new take on the
ABCD’s. Whenever we hear the gospel, we make a decision. Which letter will
you choose?
A…Already trusted Christ.
B…Believed today.
C…Considering decision.
D…Don’t want to make a decision.
If you have chosen letters A and B, then you have already
embraced the great “Ta-Da!”
Guest Reception
There is a guest reception in the Commons immediately following the Saturday night
and the 11:00 a.m. Sunday morning services. Come and meet Dr. Wicker.
Annie Armstrong Easter Offering
Your Southern Baptist North American missionaries,
working in partnership with state conventions, associations,
and local churches, are sowing in the fields of the United
States, Canada, and their territories and living with urgency
to share Christ and reap a harvest for His glory. The Annie
Armstrong Easter Offering is their main source of income for the year. Please pray
about giving to this missions cause. Offering envelopes are in the backs of the chairs.
You may make your check payable to FBCN and put in the note section “Annie
Armstrong.”
 BIBLE & LIFE
GROUPS
Saturday Night BLGs
20-29 year olds Room DC111 Forrest Head
Live Like You Were Dying
30 year olds Room DC115 Jim Evans
Heaven
30/40 year olds Room DC108 Jim Powers
Trials & God’s Refining Process
40 year olds Room DC121 Price/Kantner
Spiritual Warfare
40 year olds Room DC110 Steven Mendez
Ephesians
40/50 year olds Room DC107 Al Micieli
Developing a Passion for Christ
40/50 year olds Choir Room Nathan Phillips
Marriage Boundaries and Doors
50 year olds Room WC117 Lee Norton
Isaiah
50+ year olds Room DC112 Ernie Labrador
Hebrews
All Ages Room DC114 John Heerema
John
Singles 18-23 Room DC211 Terry Cole
Singles 24-29 Room DC209 Bill Dean
Singles 30’s Room DC213 Adley Brewer
Singles 40+ Room DC215 Steve Hayes
Single Parents Ladies Room DC214 Cindy Sirk
Single Parents Coed Room DC221 Jim Hill
High School Family Life Center Nathan Dooley
Middle School Student Center Kevin VanDuser
 BIBLE & LIFE GROUPS
Sunday Morning at 8:15 a.m.
60+ year olds Room DC107 Jack Palmer
2 Thessalonians & Isaiah

Sunday Morning at 9:30 a.m.

30+ year olds Room DC108 John Shelford
Tally Ho, The Fox (Spiritual Development/Disciple-Making)
Beginning April 19, this class will move to 11:00 a.m. in Room DC110
60+ year olds Room DC121 Tom Rider
Life’s Hard Questions - Ecclesiastes
60+ year olds Room DC111 Bill Combs
Names of God
60+ year olds Ladies Room AD145 Sally Cowfer
Do You Need a Fresh Start?

Sunday Morning at 11:00 a.m.

20/30 year olds Room DC107 Troy Baker
Tom Rider teaches Kingdom Parenting
40/50 year olds Room DC108 Dave Ridge
Spiritual Conformity: How to Grow Up In Christ
40+ year olds Gym Les Dickson
Daniel
50+ year olds Room DC121 Greg Davidson
Romans
50/60 year olds Room DC109 John McGillicuddy
A Study of the End Times/Seen Through Book of Revelation
All Ages Ladies Room AD145 Yvonne Fisher
1 & 2 Thessalonians
All Ages Ladies Room AD184 Betty Coopersmith
Beloved Unbeliever
All Ages Coed Adults Room WC117 Roy Fisher
The People Jesus Met
Worship Ministry Class Choir Room Todd Stearns
1 & 2 Samuel - Study of David
Singles 35+ Room DC215 Martin Ries
Singles 50+ Room DC221 Bill Ringland
Single Parents Coed Room DC212 Jim Hill
High School Student Center Nathan Dooley
Middle School Student Center Kevin VanDuser
We want to celebrate your graduation! Please
submit your name, high school, college choice,
intended major, favorite scripture verse and
senior photo to the high school student ministry office by May 1st. Look
for a special graduation issue of First Word on May 23 / 24.

April 19, April 26,

May 3, & May 17
6:30pm - 8:30pm
At the Moore’s house
5960 Dogwood Way
“Itching to get into the real world? Let’s prepare ourselves!” Naples 34116
Study for seniors going into the real world.

Sat, April 25
7:15pm - 12:15am
Bring $20
Depart from Student Center
Wear jeans, sneakers, & a
hoodie!! Juniors & Seniors

A special time to recognize & honor our graduates!

Saturday, May 16th at 7:15pm
Parents are welcome. Please contact the student
ministry office by May 8th if you plan to attend.
Dinner will be served.

High School Student Ministry Office: 239-449-4480

 RefresHer “Esther” Purim
Celebration Pictures
What a great time we had during our “Esther”
Purim Celebrations!
If you would like to see the slideshow of pictures
from our RefresHer “Esther” Purim Celebration,
please go to: http://www.fbcn.org/home/
ministry/ministry-pages/womens-ministry/
esther---purim. You can also order pictures
off of that website as well.

Nancy Bramlett
“It’s Always Too Soon to Quit!”
Nancy is married to former NFL player John Bramlett,
whose life was dramatically changed by the Lord Jesus.
Though a believer, she was tempted to give up on her
difficult marriage before he gave his heart to Christ. Her testimony
will inspire other women concerning their marriages, and about godly
perseverance, and faithful love. If you were unable to attend the luncheon,
or would like to put her message of hope and encouragement in the hands
of another woman, please pick up the CD of her message and her book
It’s Always Too Soon To Quit, in the Lighthouse Bookstore.

New BLG Parenting Study

“Building a Kingdom Family”
Tom Rider, our FBA Administrator, will be leading a
new BLG parenting study called “Building a Kingdom
Family.” This class will be held on Sunday mornings at 11:00 a.m. in
Room DC107 beginning on April 19 (for six consecutive Sundays).
This is an opportunity for parents to learn practical and biblical wisdom
in developing a plan for their family that both honors the Lord and equips
each member of the family to grow and impact our community.

Crown Financial Small Group Study

A Crown Financial Small Group Study called “A New
Start” begins April 25 & 26. To sign-up for one of these
classes and get your books, you must attend one of the
orientation meetings. Orientation meetings will be held
Saturday, April 18 at 8:35 p.m. in Room DC221 and
Sunday, April 19 at 12:15 p.m. in Room DC212.
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Flag-Football is offered to boys and girls, ages 7-14. We follow a 4-on-4 format games. The flag-football league
focuses on the development of basic football fundamentals and techniques.
Season Begins: Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Volleyball is offered to boys and girls, ages 7-14. The league will focus on the development of basic volleyball
fundamentals and drills.
Season Begins: Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Speed & Agility is offered to boys and girls, ages 7-17. Our state-of-the-art speed training equipment will develop
and enhance athletes in all sports and activities. FBCN is excited to offer Sports Performance Training
for a second year.
Sessions Begin: Monday, April 20, 2009
 2008-2009 REGISTRATION FORM
Last Name _____________________ First Name_____________
Address______________________________________________
City_____________________ State_________ Zip____________
Phone (H)_____________________(Cell)___________________
Parent’s Name: ________________________________________
Parent’s Email: ________________________________________
Player’s Allergies, Disabilities, Illnesses, etc.:
____________________________________________________
PLAYER INFORMATION AND SIZING INFORMATION:
Date of Birth (__________/_________/______________)
Grade: __________ Age: _________ Gender: M / F
Shirt Size: YS YM YL AS AM AL AXL AXXL
CHECK SPORTS FOR REGISTRATION
2009 SPRING ACTIVITIES
Flag-Football Volleyball Speed & Agility
* $80.00 Registration Fee for each activity
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO FBCN

Total Payment = $ _________________ Payment Type = _______________

I am interested in coaching and/or volunteering.
Volunteer Name:_______________________________________
Phone Number: ________________________________________
Sport / Session: ________________________________________

WWW.FBCNSPORTSOUTREACH.COM
 Praise Kids Spring Musical
Praise Kids will present their spring musical,
Through the Window, on Sunday evening,
April 26 at 6:00 p.m. in the Worship Center.
The adult choir will be joining them as well.
This is a culminating concert highlighting
multi-generational worship that is honoring
to the Lord.

Art Sale at the

Lighthouse Bookstore!
Now through Thursday, April 30, you can
acquire that piece of art you’ve been longing
for at 33% off retail! All sale pieces will be
displayed throughout the store and outside in
the Commons. Come and browse your very
own art gallery. It’s spring and time for a change... replace some
old art for new scripture art, displaying God’s Word throughout
your home. Due to the special pricing, all sales will be final. Visit
us soon for all your Bible, book, and Christian gift needs.

Lighthouse Cafe
Specials
Monday - Thursday Morning Special
Brewed Coffee or Tea and a Bagel
Only $2.50
Monday - Thursday All Day Special
Vitamin Water and a Bagel
Only $2.50
Monday - Thursday Lunches
Salads and Sandwiches
All prepared by Chef Herb Small
Made with Boars Head meats and cheeses
Only $4.95
 Important Announcements
Worshipful Atmosphere
It is our desire that Jesus be the focus in our worship services. Therefore, in
consideration of others desiring to worship with limited distraction, we ask each
person to do the following:
- Please turn your cell phone off or set to vibrate.
- Please remain in the worship center (except in the case of
emergency) once you have entered to worship.
- Should your child become unsettled or noisy during the
worship service, please take your little one to the Fellowship
Hallway or preschool ministry area in the Education
Building where you can comfortably watch the service
on a television monitor.
Thank you for helping us maintain a worshipful atmosphere for everyone!
FBCN Blood Drive
Saving the world isn’t easy, but saving a life is! At the Community Blood
Center...what’s collected here, stays here! Consider giving blood on
Wednesday, April 15 from 1:30-6:00 p.m. in the church parking lot. To
sign-up, please call 436-5455 or email Karen.monzone@nchmd.org. Visit
us on the web at www.givebloodcbc.org.
KidzTown
Attention Parents! We will be celebrating the resurrection of our
Lord in KidzTown this weekend as we look at His death and
resurrection in our final lesson of our series “Treasure Quest.”
This week and every week at KidzTown, our children in 1st
through 5th grades have the opportunity to worship the Lord “Kid Style.” With creative
puppetry, skits, and games, the lessons learned each week are reinforced. Your child
will not want to miss this week’s KidzTown Worship which meets in Room DC120 on
Saturday at 6:00 p.m. or Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Afterwards, your child will be escorted
to a BLG class where they will further learn God’s Word and experience the love of
God in a relational small group atmosphere.
Work Ministry
Our new work ministry is up and running. If you are currently unemployed
and are looking for a job, please check out our website at www.fbcn.org,
hover over “FBCN Ministries,” and then click on “Work Ministry.” As we
receive “help wanted” information from our church membership, we will post those
positions on this site. If you are hiring, or know of someplace that is hiring, please
email rwright@fbcn.org with those details so that we may post that information too.
First Steps Class
A First Steps Class will begin on Sunday, April 19 at 11:00 a.m. for
all children in 1st-5th grade who are interested in getting baptized. This
4-week class covers the topics of salvation, baptism, communion, being
a part of the church, and growing as a child of God. Please contact the
Children’s Ministry Office at 596-8600 x350 to sign up your child and
to pick up a workbook for the class.
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Christian Business Owners and Professionals
Our next meeting is Tuesday, April 14 at 6:00 p.m. in Room
DC108. All members, and anyone interested in membership, please
plan to attend. We have plumbers, accountants, realtors, cleaning
services, doctors, photographers, insurance agents, general contractors, handyman
services, tile contractors, air conditioner contractors, landscapers, and a whole lot
more! Check out our website at www.cbopnaples.com.

Save the Date

First Baptist
Academy
7th Annual
Golf
Tournament Join your friends at FBA by
The Quarry participating in our
Golf Club

† Registration 8:00 a.m.

7th Annual
Golf Tournament
† Shotgun start 9:00 a.m.

† Continental breakfast
The Quarry Golf Club
May 2, 2009
† Lunch
For more information:
† Awards 239-597-2233 or golf@fbalions.org or
www.fbalions.org
† Silent Auction
 50th Wedding Anniversary
John and Jane Walker are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary
on April 12, 2009.
Holding on to H.O.P.E.
(Helping Others through Pregnancy Encouragement)
This new ministry offers Christ-centered support and encouragement
to married women who are struggling with the pain of infertility
challenges, including primary and secondary infertility, pregnancy
loss, early infant death, and adoption loss. This group of women will meet monthly for
a time of prayer, discussion, and encouragement from God’s Word and other Christian
supplemental materials. If you find yourself in need of H.O.P.E., please join us on
Thursday, April 16 in the Discipleship Center, Room DC108 at 6:30 p.m.. For
more information, please contact Sue Gonzalez at sgonzalez@fbalions.org or call the
Women’s Ministry office at 596-8600 x241.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Our next Prayer Shawl Ministry meeting is this Friday, April 17 at
10:00 a.m. in the large conference room (AD145).
Mothers of Preschoolers
Our next MOPS meeting is this Thursday, April 16 at 9:15 a.m. in
Room WC117. All mothers of preschoolers are welcome.
Vacation Bible School News
Help Us Create VBS Decorations
We are creating Vacation Bible School hallway decorations on
Wednesday, April 15 and Wednesday, April 29 at 10:00 a.m.
in DC120. If you are able to trace, cut, color, or paint, then please
join us by helping create the fun atmosphere for VBS this summer.
Please contact Kathy at 449-8505 if you have any questions.
VBS Training Breakfast For All Vounteers
A training breakfast for all Vacation Bible School volunteers will be held Saturday,
April 18 at 9:00 a.m. in the Discipleship Building Room DC121. This meeting will
help equip everyone with the information needed to successfully run a classroom and
for all to get excited and see the vision for this year’s VBS. It is important for our
classroom workers to attend this training and limited childcare will be offered to those
who do not have anyone to care for their children. You must reserve your child’s spot
by Monday, April 13 by calling the Children’s Ministry Office at 596-8600 x350.
VBS Snacks
Cookies are needed as snacks for Vacation Bible School. There are bins in the Fellowship
Hallway and Education Building for collecting cookie donations. We are asking for
Oreos (chocolate or vanilla hydrox-type cookies) or chocolate chip cookies.
Online Registration for VBS
Online registration for Vacation Bible School is now taking place. All children who
have completed Kindergarten through 3rd grade must register for Crocodile Dock
online at www.fbcn.org/vbs. If your child is already enrolled in Parent Pager, you
still need to register them online this year. They will not automatically be registered
into VBS. If you can not register your child online, then you can visit the Children’s
Ministry Information Booth to pick up a registration form.
 Upcoming Events
Saturday, April 11
6:00 p.m. Worship Service/Worship Center
6:00 p.m. KidzTown Children’s Worship/DC120
7:30 p.m. Bible and Life Groups/Various Rooms on Campus
Sunday, April 12
Happy Easter!
8:15 a.m. Bible and Life Group for 60+/DC107
9:30 a.m. Worship Service/Worship Center
9:30 a.m. Bible and Life Groups for Adults/Various Rooms on Campus
9:30 a.m. KidzTown Children’s Worship/DC120
10:00 a.m. Romanian Bible Study and Worship/Modulars 3 & 4
10:00 a.m. Vietnamese Bible Study and Worship/DC220
11:00 a.m. Worship Service/Worship Center
11:00 a.m. Bible and Life Groups for All Ages/Various Rooms on Campus
12:30 p.m. Hispanic Worship Service/Student Center
5:00 p.m. Romanian Baptist Mission/Modulars 3 & 4
Monday, April 13
7:00 p.m. Men’s Open Basketball/Family Life Gym
Tuesday, April 14
9:00 a.m. EnricHer Women’s Bible Study/WC100a
7:00 p.m. The Vine College & Career Service/Student Center
Wednesday, April 15
1:30 p.m. Blood Drive/FBCN Parking Lot
4:45 p.m. Wednesday Night Family Meal/Gym
6:20 p.m. AWANA Children’s Ministry/Education Building
6:25 p.m. “Band of Brothers” Men’s Ministry/WC100c
6:30 p.m. EnricHer Women’s Ministry/WC100a
6:30 p.m. Middle School Ministry/Gym
6:30 p.m. High School Ministry/Student Center
6:30 p.m. Prayer Meeting & Bible Study/WC103
6:30 p.m. Worship Choir Rehearsal/Choir Room
7:00 p.m. Hispanic Bible Study/Modulars 2, 3, and 4
8:00 p.m. Worship Orchestra Rehearsal/Worship Center
Thursday, April 16
11:00 a.m. Pray for our Pastors/AD184
6:00 p.m. Celebrate Recovery/Student Center
6:30 p.m. Divorce Care/DC107 & DC109 & Divorce Care for Kids/DC113
6:30 p.m. Holding on to H.O.P.E. Meeting/DC108
7:00 p.m. International English School/Education Building (2nd floor)
60th Wedding Anniversary
Bruce and Carolyn Ingersoll celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary
on April 10, 2009. The beautiful flowers in the Fellowship Hallway
were donated in honor of their family by their four children.
Last Weekend
Decisions For Christ
Professions of Faith
Joe Arosemena
Christine Burkhart
John Swanson
Rodney Watson
Rededication
Peter Larson
Financial Stewardship
2008-2009 Operating Revenues
July 1, 2008 - April 5, 2009
Budget Actual Variance
$5,806,969 $5,787,659 -$19,310
Worship Attendance
Baptisms April 4 & 5
Edson Erwin Saturday Night Total 1,071
Nicci Gamble Sunday 9:30 a.m. 1,826
Sunday 11:00 a.m. 1,341
Total 4,238
Bible & Life Attendance
April 4 & 5
Saturday Night 814
Sunday 8:15 a.m. 34
Sunday 9:30 a.m. 353
Sunday 11:00 a.m. 808
Home Groups 144
Total 2,153

Next Week
Deacon of the Week
April 13 - 19
David Ritter & Bob Dyer
If you need assistance, please call the church
deacon hotline at 800-732-9573.
For Spanish, call 601-6051.
Dr. Wicker on the Radio
Dr. Wicker is on WSOR 90.9 FM at 8:00 p.m.
on Sunday evenings, and on Praise FM 89.5
at 1:30 p.m. Sunday afternoons. You can also
hear Dr. Wicker every day at 1:00 p.m. on
WJYO 91.5 FM.

Wednesday Family Meal

Baked Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Vegetable, Salad, and Dessert
Advance tickets may be purchased in the Lighthouse Cafe at any time for $4.50,
or $18 for a family of 5 or more. At the door it is $5.50 each, or $22 for a family.
The alternate meal is a choice of pizza or hamburger.

Bookstore Hours
Monday Closed
Tuesday & Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday Closed
Saturday 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Cafe Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday Closed
Saturday 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Sermon Notes
 Did you miss last weekend’s worship service
and wish you had some way to view it?
Are you seasonal and wish you could be part of
our worship services while you are up north?
You are just one click away from being able to watch
all of our previous worship services
24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s easy!
Just go to...
www.fbcntv.com
and then simply click on the worship service you wish to watch (either the
previous Saturday night or Sunday morning). If you prefer to watch one
from previous weeks, just go to the tab on the left column that says "past
services" and then click the service you wish to view. It’s that simple!

Pastoral Staff
Dr. Hayes Wicker....................................................................................................... Senior Pastor
Miguel Cruz.....................................................................................Hispanic Congregation Pastor
Greg Davidson....................................................... ......Associate Pastor/Evangelism & Discipleship
Beverly Day................................................................................... Director of Preschool Ministry
Nathan Dooley.......................................................................Associate Pastor/High School Ministry
Dr. Roy Fisher................................................................................ Associate Pastor/Pastoral Care
Nathan Gaddis....................................................................................................Worship Associate
Steve Hayes....................................................................... Associate Pastor/Single Adult Ministry
Forrest Head...............................................................................................Senior Associate Pastor
Jim Hill........................................................................ Director of Single Parent Family Ministry
Lewis Howard......................................................................................Associate Pastor/Education
Shannon Moore............................................................................... Director of Women’s Ministry
Doug Pigg...................................................................Associate Pastor of Church Administration
Tom Rider..........................................................................Associate Pastor/School Administrator
Larry Rigley......................................................................... Associate Pastor/Children’s Ministry
Dr. Todd F. Stearns................................................................Associate Pastor/Worship and Music
Kevin Van Duser........................................................... Associate Pastor/Middle School Ministry

Church Office
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
Church Website..........................................................................................................www.fbcn.org