Dr.

Hayes Wicker, Senior Pastor

Sacred Ground

A 17-acre plot in Adams County, Pennsylvania became

hallowed ground when President Lincoln dedicated a
cemetery and delivered the Gettysburg Address. The
land that originally sold for $2,500 is now one of the most
cherished sites in America. Janet and I have walked each
of the areas of conflict of the greatest battle ever fought on
the North America continent.
It was the turning point of the war. The Battle of Gettysburg
was the bloodiest of the Civil War with almost a third of those
engaged 51,000 men being lost. The north suffered 23,000 casualties, while
the south lost 28,000. The 2,400 inhabitants of Gettysburg were left to tend to
ten times that many dead and wounded.
For years, people have studied leadership mistakes made at the battle of
Gettysburg. For instance, southern troops under the leadership of the brilliant
Robert E. Lee felt that they were invincible. Foolishly, fifteen thousand men
in Picketts Charge marched across a mile of open ground: With banners
waving, with steady step, they swept on, noted a Union soldier. General Lee
tragically made the mistake of leading them into a killing zone of enfilading fire,
with 6,500 losses. As a result, his second-in command, General Longstreet,
called it, the slaughter of his division. Lesson: recognize weaknesses and
vulnerability. Only by God can we win, and He wants to give us discernment for
wise strategies.
Even the most competent can fail to make good choices. My distant relative
(according to family historians), General Jeb Stuart, was in charge of Lees
cavalry as his eyes and ears. He was off capturing a wagon train instead of
scouting the enemys strength. Lesson: do your job; dont get side-tracked
make the main thing the main thing. Temporary gains may actually be long-term
losses.
We must also remember the spiritual and material sacrifices of Christian
soldiers who make the ministry at First Baptist Church possible. We fight
against the satanic powers that hold ground in lives and also provide a spiritual
M.A.S.H. unit for the wounded. Though I am grateful that God has allowed
me to serve as your pastor for 24 years, this former orange grove is hallowed
ground not by speeches or sermons, but by the loving service of those who
have prayed, given, sweated, and fought for the faith.
Pray for your ministers and for me for wisdom (James 1:5, 6), spiritual growth,
and to be courageous in dangerous times. Pray for us to be godly, diligent,
faithful, and loyal. May we all resist any assault on the union and unity of the
Body. Thankfully, FBCN is a place of resurrected life, not a cemetery. We note
and long remember what has been done here at this sacred place. Lets
continue to possess the land that God has given to us (Joshua 23:5).

*There is a guest reception in the Commons following the Saturday night and
Sunday morning 11:00am worship services. Pastor would love to meet you!

Welcome Guests!

We are so glad you joined us for worship! Greeters at the

doors can help with any immediate needs. Volunteers at
the Connection Point in the Commons can assist you in
finding the perfect Bible and Life Group. If you are a first
time visitor, stop by the Connection Point for a free gift!

Beach Baptism
Sunday, May 1

If you would like to make your public profession of faith

in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior at the beautiful Gulf
of Mexico, please sign-up at the Connection Point in the
Commons, or call Linda at 596-8600 x280.

Churchwide

Missions Ministry

This week, we recognize Dr. Wickers 24th anniversary

as our Senior Pastor. We are grateful for Gods goodness
to us in all His many blessings over these 24 years. We
encourage you to thank Dr. Wicker for his faithfulness to
serve the Lord and lead us as our pastor, as well as pray
for Gods leadership and blessing for the years that are
to come.

Parent Dedication

If you are interested in dedicating your child to the Lord in

the Mothers or Fathers Day weekend services, please
make your reservation to attend the Parent Dedication
class on Saturday, April 9 at 4:45pm by contacting Kim at
596-8600 x360.

Discovering First Baptist Church Naples

Monday, April 11 at 6:30pm in DC121

Led by Pastor Hayes Wicker and the pastoral staff, this

dinner seminar is for those who are new to FBCN, want
to become a member of the church, or would like more
information about our ministries. Please RSVP in the
Commons at the Connection Point, or by calling 596-8600
x679. Childcare is available, but needs to be reserved
separately by calling 596-8600 x360.

Womens Ministry

FCA 9th Annual Banquet

Thursday, April 7 at 6:30pm

This year the SWFL FCA is hosting MLB Champion,

Darryl Strawberry, at the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf
Club. Come support FCA and hear the testimony of this
two time cancer survivor. For ticket information, please
contact 784-3377 or visit www.swfloridafca.org.

SportsOutreach 2016 Summer Camps

SportsOutreach will offer several camps this summer which

will include Football, Basketball, Elite Girls Soccer, and
Girls Volleyball. Please visit our website for further details
and online registration at www.BeaconSportsOutreach.
com or you may contact Naomi at fbcnbeacons@fbcn.org
or 596-8600 x213.

David and Carleen Heath

At the Missions Kiosk

In the Commons This Weekend

Come to the mission kiosk and meet David and Carleen

Heath, missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators. The
Heaths are involved in 5+ languages and Bible translation
projects in NW Nigeria. They have a passion for making
the Gospel accessible to the languages of Nigeria through
Bible translation.

Interested in going on a Germany Mission Trip this Summer?

Surrendering The Secret

Tuesday, April 5 @ 7:00pm

Are you suffering from the guilt and shame of a past

abortion/s and in need of healing in a safe and confidential
environment? Surrendering the Secret, an 8 week postabortion Bible Study, will begin a new study on Tuesday,
April 5th. Please contact Cindy at 239-596-8600 X 284 or
sts@fbcn.org. All contacts are confidential.

EnricHer Spring Teaching Series

Begins Tuesday, April 12 and
Wednesday, April 13

Registration before and after RefresHer Tuesday or

Wednesday. There are many classes to choose from
on a variety of subjects. For further information, please
contact the Womens Ministry Office at 596-8600 x241.

April Book Club

April 28 - 6:30pm

Eternity in Their Hearts, by Don Richardson will be our

selection for Lighthouse Bookstores April Book Club. This
book includes real-life examples of ways people groups
have exhibited terms and concepts in their histories that
have prepared them for the gospel. David and Carleen
Heath will lead the discussion on Thursday, April 28th
at 6:30pm in the Commons. Sign up is required in the
Lighthouse Bookstore.

Christian Vocation Scholarship

Deadline May 1

This scholarship is available for any college or seminary

student who is pursuing a degree in a church ministry,
missions, or Christian counseling. You may download
detailed directions and an application at fbcn.org/college
or contact David George at dgeorge@fbcn.org for more
information.

Join us on Saturday, April 23 at 4:00pm in Room DC121 for an informational

meeting. Bring all of your questions. For further information, contact Rhonda
at rwright@fbcn.org.

Childrens Ministry

Vacation Bible School

June 13-17 - 9am-12:15pm

Join us as we get Submerged in VBS June 13th - 17th

from 9:00am - 12:15pm! Children entering Kindergarten
through 6th grades will dive deep into Gods Word to
discover the truth that lies below the surface. To register
your child visit fbcn.org/vbs. We would love to have you
dive in with us! If you are interested in volunteering, please
contact Nancy at 596-8600, ext. 350 or nlyon@fbcn.org.

Student Ministry

2016 FBCN Students Summer Camp

This summer, FBCN students will be attending Camp Geneva Monday, July
25th through Friday, July 29th. Early bird pricing is $299 (BEFORE MAY 1st).
Register online at MSMFBCN.com or HSMFBCN.com.

2015-2016 Graduation Publication

Any student graduating in the Fall 2015 - Summer 2016

semester is eligible to be posted in the publication. To
be included, please forward the following information to
Joshua Jones at jjones@fbcn.org in Student Ministry by
May 2nd, 2016: (Full Name | High School, College or
Seminary Graduating from | Favorite Scripture reference
| Semester graduating | High quality picture for the
publication of the student).

Used Book Sale This Weekend

The Lighthouse Bookstore is selling a large selection of gently used Christian

books now through April 10th. Hardbacks are $5 each or 3/$10. Paperbacks are
$3 each or 5/$10. Bibles are $10.

Last Weekend

Financial Stewardship

Worship Attendance

2015-2016 Operating Revenues

July 1, 2015 - March 27, 2016
Budget
Actual Variance

First Baptist Academy

FBA Spring Musical

March 25, 26, & 27

$6,560,000 $6,503,947 ($56,053)

Kingdom Missions
$111,206
Cooperative Program (SBC) $155,732
Other Missions Support
$88,495
Total $355,433

For our sake He made Him to

be sin who knew no sin, so that
in Him we might become the
righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV

Good Friday
1800
Saturday Night
1,316
Sunday 8:00am
667
Sunday 9:30am
2,348
Sunday 11:00am
1,778
Chapel 11:00am
444
Total 8,353
Wednesday Evening
1,124

Decisions for Christ

Baptisms
Camila Exposito
Kacie Meyers (new)

This Upcoming Week

Deacon of the Week
April 4 - April 10
Vince Cordero
&
Duane Bryan

Roasted Pork Loin, New Potatoes,

Vegetable, Salad, and Dessert

If you need assistance, please call

the church deacon hotline
at 800-732-9573.

Tickets may be purchased at the Lighthouse

Cafe or at the door for $6 each or $25 for a
family. Alternate choices available.

Wednesday Family Meal

April 6 (4:45-6:00 p.m. in the
Fellowship/Recreation Gym)

Weekly Schedule

Saturday, April 2

April 14 & 15

Tickets are now on sale at the ticket kiosk in The Commons

and online at fbalions.org for FBAs Spring Musical, Beauty
and The Beast Jr. Refreshments will be available for purchase
prior to the show. The performances will be Thursday, April
14th and Friday, April 15th at 7:00pm. General seating is $15
and sponsorship boxes are available. For more information,
email beautyandthebeast@fbalions.org. We look forward to
you being our guest.

FBAs 14th Annual Golf Tournament

Saturday, April 30 at Windstar on Naples Bay

This tournament is a great way to continue the tradition of

excellence at FBA. Deadline for registration is April 16. For
registration information, please contact 597-2233 x300 or
visit www.fbalions.org.

Flowering the Cross

For the Easter Chapel, an annual tradition for FBA PK

and Elementary students is Flowering the Cross. A guest
reader shares the story of flowering the cross. Easter music
accompanies the processional of students and parents
who carry fresh cut flowers to adorn a large wooden cross.
The chapel is a beautiful reminder of the death, burial and
resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Happy 50th Anniversary

Jim and Nancy Diller will celebrate their 50th anniversary on April 3.
Congratulations!

College/20s Ministry

6:00 p.m. Contemporary Worship Service: Worship Center

7:30 p.m. Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus

Sunday, April 3
8:15 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
9:00 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.
11:00 a.m.
6:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m.

Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus

Haitian Bible Study & Worship: ED206
Vietnamese Worship & Bible Study: DC221
Blended Worship Service: Worship Center
Spanish Worship Service: Family Life Center
Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus
Romanian Bible Study & Worship: Modular 4
Blended Worship Service: Worship Center
Contemporary Worship Service: Chapel
Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus
Romanian Worship Service: Modular 4
Haitian Worship Service: ED206

Tuesday, April 5

9:00 a.m. RefresHer Womens Bible Study: Worship Center

Wednesday, April 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.

Family Meal: Fellowship Recreation-Gym

AWANA for Kids: Education Building
Band of Brothers Mens Bible Study: Chapel
High School Ministry: Home Groups
Middle School Ministry: Student Center
RefresHer Womens Bible Study: Worship Center (a)
Worship Choir Rehearsal: Choir Room

Other events this week include: Celebrate Recovery, MOPS, Divorce Care and
Operation Soldier Care.

College/20s Mission Trip to

Story City Church

Join us this summer as we travel to Los Angeles, June 22-29

in support of a new church plant doing community outreach/
street ministry. Total cost of the trip is $1300. Contact Pastor
Troy at tmaragos@fbcn.org for more information.

Contact Us

First Baptist Church Naples

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

FBCNaples

fbcn.org

You can be part of FBCNs worship services no matter where

you are. Simply go to fbcn.org on Saturday at 6:00pm or
Sunday at 9:30am for our live streaming.