“Among Friends”

Some of you have taken time to ask me about my

upcoming speaking commitment a month from now at
the New Baptist Covenant gathering here in Atlanta. I
thought I’d respond in the form of a little Question and
Answer dialogue. (Warning—one or two of the
following questions might be slightly fictitious—but
I’m not telling which ones. ☺)

Q. Dear Julie:
It seems to me that a lot of big-name politicians are on the program
and I don’t like the whiff of some of their political views. Why are
you endorsing partisan politics by speaking at this event?
Disconcerted in Decatur

A. Dear Disconcerted:
It’s true that there are a number of Baptist politicians participating in
this event—some from “red states” and some from “blue states.”
There are other folks speaking at the plenary sessions as well—
authors, teachers, a children’s advocate and a number of pastors. I
accepted this invitation back in February of 2007 with the goal of
endorsing Jesus, not anybody’s agenda—political or otherwise. The
purpose of this gathering is to bring Baptist believers together under
Christ. I’m for that!
Spread the gospel. Promote peach with justice. Feed the
Q. Dear Pastor Julie: hungry. Clothe the naked, Shelter the homeless. Care for the sick
Baptists have meetings all the time and they’re not always a whole and marginalized. Welcome the strangers among us. Set at
lot of fun, if you know what I mean. Why should I bother to show up liberty those who are oppressed.
for this one? Bored Baptist in Buford
These biblical mandates are shared by Baptists of all North
A. Dear Bored: American geographies, races, cultures and theologies. Members
You should come to this meeting because for three days, 20,000 from all groups will gather in Atlanta Jan. 30-Feb. 1 and explore
Baptists are going to put a lid on our little pot full of differences and ways to accomplish-together–the goals that Jesus inspired in
spend some time stirring that big, common kettle of faith, hope and Luke 4:18-19. The New Baptist Covenant Celebration will be a
love in Christ. Now that’s news! And it sounds like a whole lot of history-making event. Register for it today and experience the
fun to me. power of unity at work. You can register free at
www.newbaptistcovenant.org or call 678-547-6455.
Q. Dear Pastor Whom I’ve Never Met:
Though I have no personal stake in this situation whatsoever, I
would imagine that if you “lay an egg” when you speak at this
PLENARY SPEAKERS:
historic gathering, it could be an embarrassment for all who are
affiliated with your church. This is just a random observation, of ▪ Charles Adams ▪ Chuck Grassley
course, since I am in no way connected with First Baptist Decatur. ▪ Tony Campolo ▪ Joel Gegory
But I thought I would bring it up. Hypothetically. A Casual ▪ Jimmy Carter ▪ Bill Moyers
Observer from Another State ▪ Bill Clinton ▪ Julie Pennington-Russell
▪ Al Gore ▪ William Shaw
A. Dear Ryan Forbes: ▪ Lindsey Graham ▪ Marian Wright Edelman
First of all, use a computer next time—I totally recognized your
handwriting! In answer to your question, it is my sincere desire not
to “lay an egg” at the NBC on the evening of January 31st. I am Plus 16 special interest sessions
carving out special time this month for study and preparation. Pray
for me! Wednesday Night at the GA World Congress Center
We hope to have a large FBC Decatur turnout at the New Baptist
Seriously, friends, pray for this gathering. And come to as many Covenant! On Wednesday night, January 30, we’re taking a
of the sessions as you can. There is enormous potential here for 1-week break from our regular activities so that as many FBC
some significant “God-stuff” to happen. folks as possible can attend the opening night session at the GA
World Congress Center. Childcare will be available at the
Expectantly, church that night by reservation.
 Thomas Wysocki Chris and Rebekah Edmonds Opal Godwin
Date joined: August 12, 2007 Date joined: August 12, 2007 Date joined: August 19, 2007

Evelyn Roper Jan Beard Michael and Tifanie Haun

Date joined: August 19, 2007 Date joined: September 2, 2007 Date Joined: October 14, 2007

Katie Johnson Ian Johnson Robert Cushing

Date joined: November 11, 2007 Date joined: November 11, 2007 Date joined: November 11, 2007

Kathy Hayes Tara Jonick Thelma Brown

Date joined: November 18, 2007 Date joined: November 25, 2007 Date Joined: November 25, 2007
Albert and Delores Trujillo/Lynn Garner Paul and Nicole Moody Zeno and Shannon Douglas
Date joined: December 2, 2007 Date joined: December 2, 2007 Date joined: December 2, 2007

David, Jeanie, David and Marie Gushee Kate Perry Joy Henderson
Date joined: December 2, 2007 Date joined: December 9, 2007 Date joined: December 20, 2007

Not Pictured:
John and Annie Mullins. Date joined: August 12, 2007
Lynna Williams. Date joined: August 19, 2007
Fred and Janice Johnson. Date joined: September 23, 2007
Emiliya Sluchek. Date joined: November 9, 2007
Congregational Life Sharing in Prayer as of
January 2, 2008
Re-Dreaming Our “First Welcome”-This Saturday,
January 5, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Thanks Be to God!
This Saturday morning, Pastor Julie will lead a ▪ Nathan Connelly is home from
brainstorming and planning session for re-launching our First Welcome ministry. A number of Iraq.
folks who were at the Welcoming Summit have signed up. Want to join in? Call the church ▪ John and Anita Adair had a baby
office to reserve a spot. A light breakfast will be served. boy, Jackson Lee, on Dec. 24.
Sympathy To:
Davidson College Symphony Orchestra to perform this Saturday! ▪ The family of Robert Burch.
The Davidson College (Davidson, NC) Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble will be in ▪ The family of George Klein.
concert here this Saturday, Jan. 5 at 7:30pm in the sanctuary. The Symphony Orchestra is an ▪ Lanny Lautenschlager and
ensemble of approximately fifty-five student musicians from 11 states and countries. The family on the death of his brother.
Davidson College Jazz Ensemble is an auditioned “big band” of approximately eighteen ▪ Sarah Bell on the death of her
musicians. Many in our congregation are helping with this event through housing students on brother-in-law, Doyle Bell.
Saturday evening. Thank you! ▪ The family of Marilyn Lamborn.
▪ Rita Bowers and family on the
2008 Wednesday Night Kick Off—Next Wednesday January 9th death of her father, John White.
Lets plunge into the new year together on Jan 9th with at Pizza Party for all ages. Dinner will ▪ Norma Christopher on the death
begin at 5:30. Discovery Kids will kickoff at 6:15, Pastor Julie will begin a series on of her sister, Ann Standbridge.
“Unpacking” The Upside-Down Church at 6:30 for adults and Youth Half Time starts at 6:30. ▪Johnnie Hudgins on the death of
Dinner cost: Adults $6.00; Children $3:00; Family Max $20.00 her mother, Georgia M. Johnston.
Please call the office for reservations by Tuesday at noon, 404-373-1653.

Deacon Ordination Sunday, January 13 Tithes & Offerings

On Sunday morning, December 13, we will ordain our new deacons in both worship
services. On the day before, January 12, all of our deacons will come together for a mini-retreat
at the church. Please pray for our deacons as they begin a new year of leadership and service.
A Celebration of Gifts
2007 Ministry Action Plan
Financial Peace University to start Sunday Jan. 13
Weekly Need: $ 27,333
FBC Decatur is proud to announce the second FPU class,
Received on Dec. 16: $ 15,096
beginning on Sunday, January 13, 2008 from 4:00-6:00p
Received on Dec. 23: $ 35,621
in the Fellowship Hall! FPU is a 13-week biblically
Y-T-D Need: $1,393,969
based program that teaches you to manage God's money
Y-T-D Received: $1,155,647
and resources in a godly way. You will learn how to
Surplus/(shortfall): (238,322)
eliminate debt, build wealth, and give like never
before. The average family in our first class reduced debt by over $7,000! Childcare will be
“Years of Opportunity 2007-09”
provided and the only cost for the class is the curriculum work book. Please contact Mark Carter
for more information (markca9688@yahoo.com). Campaign
Given to Date: $7,925,454
Bank Loan Balance: $325,299
Fitness Boot Camp available in January
FBC Fndtn. Balance: $180,000
First Baptist Church Decatur is hosting a fitness boot camp starting January 21, 2008. The boot
camp will be directed by a master personal trainer who will also be available for personal fitness
*Year-end gifts and contributions
and nutrition assistance. Our boot camp will meet on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and
are still coming into the finance
Fridays at 6:30 each morning. Each session will include 16 meetings spread out over four weeks
office. Final figures for Dec. 30
and the cost will only be $200.00 per session. This is a great value for those of you who are
and 2007 will be given in the next
looking to lose weight, gain strength or cardiovascular endurance, or maintain your current level
issue of The Outlook.
of fitness. If you have questions or would like to register please contact Kurt Varney
(kvarney@fbcdecatur.com or 404/219-3920) or call The Decatur Bootcamp Company
404/539-1939.
Wednesday Dinner Menus
Our “New Look” Parking Lots
Two Sunday School classes provided the funds to have these area repaired and re-striped. A big January 2
“Thank You” to them for making this happen. One thing we ask is that you observe the “No No Wednesday Evening Meal
Parking” areas that are striped in diagonal white lines. These areas are marked-off to allow for Happy New Year!
safe driving lanes and also to allow easy access to the building. Thanks for your help in working
with us to make our church a safer place to park and providing easier access to our facilities. January 9—Pizza Night, 5:30

Did You Make A Donation to DEAM in Honor of a Loved One This Year?
If so, DEAM would like to give you a lovely Christmas card to send to the person honored.
These are available through the church office, 404-373-1653.
Youth Sp•t
The youth always have a good time as they meet together each week, so all youth are
encouraged to kick the new year off by being a part of our youth ministry. We meet the at
the following times each week…
Sundays: Fresh Start Worship at 9 in Fellowship Hall
Breakfast and Sunday School at 10 in the Activities Center
Sanctuary Worship at 11 in the Sanctuary
Youth Ensemble at 5:30p in the Choir Suite
Rotisserie at 6:00p in the Activities Center
Wednesdays: Half-Time for Youth at 6:30p in the Activities Center

The youth have begun collecting for their annual yard sale. We need your donations to
help make this sale a big success! You can bring your donations to the church or you can
call (404)219-3920 or email kvarney@fbcdecatur.com to arrange a pickup. Items are tax
deductible according to IRS regulations and you can call Amy in the main office to get a
donation letter.

Kid’s Zone
Cross Roads Kids (1st-5th grade)
Great things are happening at Cross Roads Kids! January’s Bible Study is titled Burning
Bush & Other Images of God, lead by Mary Lynn Patillo, Carla Stanford, and Libby Stewardship Update
Gooden. Children will have an opportunity to:
Enlarge their understanding of God through exposure to new images of God; “A Generous God…A Generous
Explore a variety of images of God in the Bible-fire, rock, eagle, and light; People…A More Generous Way”
Explore the idea that the image of God can be revealed through them and their actions.
Looking ahead…
Sunday Afternoons in February we will offer Nu Thang, a class designed for children who
are new Christians.

Noah’s Knower’s (Birth-Kindergarten)

A new year brings us new opportunities to partner with families in the spiritual Pledges to date: 218
development of their preschoolers. Total pledged to date: $ 980,431
On Sunday January 6, the 3, 4 and 5 year olds will have the opportunity to % of 2008 Ministry Plan: 68.52%
experience worship at 9:00 and 11:00. Children will worship through music, story Spending plan for 2008: $1,430,788
time, and hands on activity.

The Outlook, a publication of the First Baptist Church of Decatur,

Georgia, is mailed to members and friends of the First Baptist family.

Main Office......................................404-373-1653
Finance.............................................404-370-7694
First School ......................................404-370-7688
Activities ..........................................404-373-2442
FAX ..................................................404-370-7692
Counseling Center ...........................404-874-8909
Debbie Britt ............................. cell: 678-414-0399
Ryan Forbes.............................cell: 404-273-6678
Julie Pennington-Russell.................404-370-7684
Kurt Varney.............................. cell: 404-219-3920
Bob Williamson ....................... cell: 770-633-4651

Computer Connections:
Website—http://www.fbcdecatur.com
E-Mail—fbcd@fbcdecatur.com

The Outlook, USPS 600-320, is published bi-weekly, except

Christmas week, by First Baptist Church Decatur, GA
Postmaster: Please send address changes to First Baptist Church,
308 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030