09/09/2026
FROM THE PASTOR'S HEART
Church Family,
“To obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.” — 1 Samuel 15:22
Sometimes we try to give God something we want instead of giving Him what He actually asked for. We serve, give, worship, and make sacrifices but none of those things can substitute for simple obedience.
King Saul learned this the hard way. God gave him clear instructions, but Saul partially obeyed and then tried to justify his disobedience by pointing to the sacrifices he intended to offer God. Samuel's response was unmistakable: God desires obedience more than religious activity.
Partial obedience is still disobedience. We cannot ask God to bless what He never asked us to do simply because our intentions seem good. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Our obedience reveals that we trust His wisdom above our own.
Sometimes obedience will require sacrifice, but the sacrifice must flow from obedience, not replace it.
So perhaps the question today isn't, “What am I willing to give God?” but rather, “What has God already asked me to do that I have not yet obeyed?”
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your perfect obedience and Your sacrifice on the cross for my sin. Forgive me for the times I have substituted activity, excuses, or good intentions for obedience. By Your Spirit, give me a humble and surrendered heart. I don't obey to earn Your grace, I obey because Your grace has changed me. Whatever You ask, wherever You lead, may my answer always be yes. Amen.
All for Jesus,
Pastor Jeff
---SEPTEMBER is MISSIONS EMPHASIS MONTH
An annual opportunity for us to connect with the ministries that we support and hear a report of how the Kingdom of God is advancing through the sacrifice and selfless faithfulness of His people!
-September 13: Mrs. Dorothy Wallis with Caring to Love Ministries will join us to kick off our annual Baby Bottle Campaign as well as give us a report on the Pro-Life battle.
-September 27: Mark and Lori Connell, the directors of our mission to Honduras and Mi Esperanza will be joining us. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED in going on our trip to Honduras next summer, PLEASE join us after service for a light lunch and Q&A with them and our 2026 mission team!
---FAMILY MEETING
SEPTEMBER 13, immediately following service, please join us for a short family meeting in the Sanctuary. At many churches the drudgery of a business meeting can be joyless and draining as the work of the church is separated from the ministry of the church. NOT AT FIRST BAPTIST!
We strongly feel that the business of the church is evidence of the outpouring of God's faithfulness and MUST be conducted with selflessness and praise as we humbly THANK HIM for His provision.
Our Buildings and Grounds team are presenting a few needs on our campus that we are able, by His grace, to meet.
" For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen." Rom 11:36
---Honduras Mission Trip '27
$500 deposit due by December 1
Passport applied for by December 1
TRIP DATES: MAY 29 - JUNE 5, 2027
---LADIES BIBLE STUDY
Does God care? Is He fair? Is He even there? Although you may know all the right answers, they don't always feel right. Explore these and other questions in this realistic look at the messy, mysterious uncertainties of faith. God's ways don't always make sense, but He is trustworthy. Come close to Him. Trust Him more than your feelings. God will reveal Himself and fill in your missing pieces.
JOIN this 7-week study STARTING
-Thursday, October 1 at 6:30pm (Loretta Robillard)
AND
-Friday, October 2 at 9:00 am (Katie Vincent)
in the Dining Room of the Activity Center.
SIGN UP in the Foyers of the Sanctuary!
---FALL FEST '26 is RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER
Sunday, October 25, 4:00 - 7:00 pm
Starting thinking about those Trunk or Treat themes and costumes as we get ready for one of the largest community outreaches we do each year!
---MONTHLY MENS' and WOMENS' GATHERINGS
-THURSDAY, September 17 LADIES' GATHERING
Join us at 6:00pm in the Dining Room of the Activity Center!
-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 MEN'S BREAKFAST
Join us at 8:00am in the Dining Room of the Activity Center!
---HOURS OF OPERATION
Church Office
Monday - Thursday
9:00AM - 12:00PM
Ministry Staff
Monday - Thursday
9:00AM - 4:00PM
Please call to make an appointment,
as schedules and duties vary each day
---WEDNESDAY GATHERINGS
10:30 AM:
JOY FELLOWSHIP
Sr. Adult Ministry
6:00 PM:
MIDWEEK SERVICE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
ADULTS in the Sanctuary
FIRST STUDENTS in the LOFT
JR HIGH / MIDDLE SCHOOL in the GYM
FIRST KIDS in the Children's Building
FIRST STEPS NURSERY in the Children's Building
---SUNDAY GATHERINGS
9:00 AM:
Biscuits & Coffee
Activity Center Dining Room, RM 310
9:15-10:15 AM:
Bible Studies
ADULT:
Sr Adult: RM 300
Adult: RM 219
Ladies: RM 220
Young Adult: RM 301
STUDENT:
5th-8th: RM 303
9th-12th: Loft
CHILDREN:
3rd-4th: RM 211
K-2nd: RM 213
NURSERY:
2's & 3's: RM 209
PreK 3-4: RM 214
Nursery: RM 212
10:30 AM:
Children’s Church Service in the FirstKids Worship Center
Main Worship Service in the Sanctuary.
