The Bridge

Publication date May 17, 2012

100 N. Hickory St.

Phone: 318-336-7111

Fax: 318-336-7112

www.fbcvidalia.com

First Baptist Vidalia - 00000426

First Baptist Vidalia! Connecting People to God, to Each Other and to the WorldFirst Baptist Vidalia! Connecting People to God, to Each Other and to the WorldFirst Baptist Vidalia! Connecting People to God, to Each Other and to the WorldFirst Baptist Vidalia! Connecting People to God, to Each Other and to the World

VBS at FBCVVBS at FBCVVBS at FBCVVBS at FBCV June 11June 11June 11June 11----15, 8:30 to Noon15, 8:30 to Noon15, 8:30 to Noon15, 8:30 to Noon

Students Pre K through Grade 6Students Pre K through Grade 6Students Pre K through Grade 6Students Pre K through Grade 6 Helpers, Teachers, Leaders NeededHelpers, Teachers, Leaders NeededHelpers, Teachers, Leaders NeededHelpers, Teachers, Leaders Needed

Sign up in the church foyer.Sign up in the church foyer.Sign up in the church foyer.Sign up in the church foyer. Kassidy Adams, VBS DirectorKassidy Adams, VBS DirectorKassidy Adams, VBS DirectorKassidy Adams, VBS Director Beth Houghton, CoBeth Houghton, CoBeth Houghton, CoBeth Houghton, Co----DirectorDirectorDirectorDirector

Mark your calendar for June 2ndMark your calendar for June 2ndMark your calendar for June 2ndMark your calendar for June 2nd The VBS Block Party will need your help!The VBS Block Party will need your help!The VBS Block Party will need your help!The VBS Block Party will need your help!

Call the office or sign up in the foyer ...

Get on board today!

AttentionAttentionAttentionAttentionAttentionAttentionAttentionAttentionAttentionAttentionAttentionAttention Parents of CParents of CParents of CParents of CParents of CParents of CParents of CParents of CParents of CParents of CParents of CParents of C------------FugeFugeFugeFugeFugeFugeFugeFugeFugeFugeFugeFuge

Students!Students!Students!Students!Students!Students!Students!Students!Students!Students!Students!Students! Your final payment for Your final payment for Your final payment for Your final payment for Your final payment for Your final payment for Your final payment for Your final payment for Your final payment for Your final payment for Your final payment for Your final payment for

camp is June 3. camp is June 3. camp is June 3. camp is June 3. camp is June 3. camp is June 3. camp is June 3. camp is June 3. camp is June 3. camp is June 3. camp is June 3. camp is June 3. Camp dates areCamp dates areCamp dates areCamp dates areCamp dates areCamp dates areCamp dates areCamp dates areCamp dates areCamp dates areCamp dates areCamp dates are June 18June 18June 18June 18June 18June 18June 18June 18June 18June 18June 18June 18------------22!22!22!22!22!22!22!22!22!22!22!22!

PERCEPTIONSPERCEPTIONSPERCEPTIONSPERCEPTIONS By Rev. Bill McCullin, Senior PastorBy Rev. Bill McCullin, Senior PastorBy Rev. Bill McCullin, Senior PastorBy Rev. Bill McCullin, Senior Pastor

As some of you may know, Sean Keith’s time with us as our

Temporary Minister of Education will be coming to an end next month.

I for one am very appreciative of the things that he has helped us to do

here at FBC Vidalia.

In his time here, we have successfully gone to two services and

two Sunday Schools. He has helped to begin 5 new classes, organized

our Sunday School rooms, encouraged the renovation of two Sunday

School classrooms as well as the current updating of our Children’s

Wing that is taking place now. He has assisted in our getting

in-line with insurance requirements such as doing background checks

on all children and youth leaders. He has also had periodic Sunday

School meeting and training for our leadership.

When you see Sean over the course of the next couple of

weeks, please tell him thank you for all his work. The work will not stop

with his time coming to an end, he will still be helping us on a

consultant basis and we will continue the things that he has begun

here at FBC Vidalia.

Thank you Sean!

Bro. Bill

V.B.S.V.B.S.V.B.S.V.B.S. BLOCK PARTYBLOCK PARTYBLOCK PARTYBLOCK PARTY

June 2, 5June 2, 5June 2, 5June 2, 5----8 pm8 pm8 pm8 pm

BlowBlowBlowBlow----Up Games!Up Games!Up Games!Up Games!

PartyPartyPartyParty----Time. Invite Time. Invite Time. Invite Time. Invite your neighbors!your neighbors!your neighbors!your neighbors!

Memorial Day May 28th

The Church Office will be closed in

memory of those who paid the ultimate

price for our freedom!

I am continuing my discussion on the Gospel this

week. In my last article, I wrote about the source of our knowledge

of the Gospel, which is scripture. I also introduced you to four

questions that Paul directs us to in Romans 1 through 4. The first

question is “Who made us and who are we accountable to?” This is

what I will write about today.

God is our Righteous Creator. This title has two implications.

First, let’s look at God as creator.

The beginning of the Christian story starts, appropriately, at

the beginning of the Bible where we read about God’s creation. We

learn how he created light, water, dry land, birds, fish, animals, and,

the pinnacle of his creation, man and woman. The fact that God

created everything has great implications. This means that we are

not autonomous, or free, because we are owned. God created us,

thus he owns us. Since God owns us, he has the right to tell us how

to live. In Genesis 2:16-17, God tells Adam and Eve that they may

eat of any tree in the Garden of Eden except one, the tree of the

knowledge of good an evil. God doesn’t give us guidelines to act as

some kind of bully, but he knows what is best for us. As we all

know, Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate from that tree.

Understanding this is necessary. God created us, and therefore, he

owns us.

God is also holy and righteous. When Moses asks God to

show him his glory, this is what God said: “The Lord, the Lord, a God

merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast

love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands,

forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin…” (Ex. 34:6-7) God says,

about himself, that he is loving and gracious. But, there is

something very important in these verses that often gets left out. If

you keep reading verse 7, you will read, “…but who will by no

means clear the guilty.” Or in other words, “I will not leave the

guilty unpunished.” Many people cannot conceive God being loving

and compassionate yet punishing sin. God’s love does not cancel

out his justice and righteousness. The psalms tell us that God loves

righteous deeds and righteousness and justice are the “foundation

of his throne” (Pss. 11:7, 33:5, 89:14, 97:2) God’s sovereign reign

over the universe is founded on his perfect righteousness and

justice. People will often deny that God would judge them, but they

desire a God who will punish those who wrong them. We have

done a great job telling the world that God loves them, but we do

them a great injustice by leaving out that God is a righteous judge.

This truths are vital to one’s understanding of the Gospel. God is

determined to never overlook, ignore or tolerate sin. This is what

makes the good news of the Gospel so good!

But, in order for someone to understand the gospel, they

must understand their sinful nature and that it cannot go

unpunished. This is the bad news and that is what we will talk about

in the next article.

Youth and

Family News

By Dusty Carson

I’m continuing this week on how to become a person of

influence. How can we influence others, how can we make an

impact on their lives? How can we become an influence in

someone’s life, so that we can use that influence to bring them to

Christ, or bring their closer in their relationship with him? Last

time we discussed how we model integrity. You have to be a

person of deep moral conviction for people to be willing to allow

you to influence them.

This second step is learning how to be a natural nurturer.

There are several ways that we can encourage and nurture others

in our attempts to be a Godly influence in their life. Commit to

them, let them know and realize you are invested in them. The

bible is very clear on the importance of friendships. (Proverbs

27:17) Next, believe in them. Give them your hope and trust and

they will do all they can to live up to it. Be optimistic about people,

not pessimistic. People live up to the standard you set for them.

Being accessible to them, is a key. You can’t influence people from

a distance. Allow certain people access to you when they need

you. This principle applies to those of the same sex, not opposite.

Give people opportunity to succeed. Allow people to grow. A child

is a great example; once they have succeeded give them more

opportunities to succeed again. Next, lift them to a higher level.

Our words can make people or break people. If people see you

really care for them, and you use kind words as one way to show

it, people are more likely to let you influence them. This is not a

typical Baptist message article. The purpose of this article is so

that you can fulfill Colossians 4:5-6 “Live wisely among those who

are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let

your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have

the right response for everyone.”

Trying to Influence Others for Christ,

Dusty Carson

Honduras Mission Jul 28—Aug 3 Ministry/VBS

Honduras Mission Team Meeting Sunday after services in the Worship Center

Belize Mission: May 20-26

Your prayers are coveted as we are in Belize doing Medical and Children’s ministry

Notes by Stephen Powell Associate Pastor of Worship

Youth Sunday School ~ 9:15Youth Sunday School ~ 9:15Youth Sunday School ~ 9:15Youth Sunday School ~ 9:15

Grades 6Grades 6Grades 6Grades 6----8 Boys8 Boys8 Boys8 Boys B.J. Neely, TeacherB.J. Neely, TeacherB.J. Neely, TeacherB.J. Neely, Teacher

Grades 6Grades 6Grades 6Grades 6----8 Girls8 Girls8 Girls8 Girls Beverly Chalmers and Heidi Carson, TeachersBeverly Chalmers and Heidi Carson, TeachersBeverly Chalmers and Heidi Carson, TeachersBeverly Chalmers and Heidi Carson, Teachers

Grades 9Grades 9Grades 9Grades 9----10 Co10 Co10 Co10 Co----EdEdEdEd Milah McGraw and Jordan Chandler, Teachers Milah McGraw and Jordan Chandler, Teachers Milah McGraw and Jordan Chandler, Teachers Milah McGraw and Jordan Chandler, Teachers

Grades 11Grades 11Grades 11Grades 11----12 Co12 Co12 Co12 Co----EdEdEdEd Whest and Dara Shirley, TeachersWhest and Dara Shirley, TeachersWhest and Dara Shirley, TeachersWhest and Dara Shirley, Teachers

Go into all the world and make disciples … Matthew 28:19

For your Information:For your Information:For your Information:For your Information: VBS Decorating will begin May 31st.VBS Decorating will begin May 31st.VBS Decorating will begin May 31st.VBS Decorating will begin May 31st.

You may contact Kassidy Adams regardingYou may contact Kassidy Adams regardingYou may contact Kassidy Adams regardingYou may contact Kassidy Adams regarding

times if you are able to helptimes if you are able to helptimes if you are able to helptimes if you are able to help

601601601601----660660660660----4501450145014501

FBC Vidalia - Page 3

Single MomsSingle MomsSingle MomsSingle Moms Dinner and a MovieDinner and a MovieDinner and a MovieDinner and a Movie

Friday, June 15, 6:30 pmFriday, June 15, 6:30 pmFriday, June 15, 6:30 pmFriday, June 15, 6:30 pm

Child care provided!Child care provided!Child care provided!Child care provided! Call Lisa for more info 601Call Lisa for more info 601Call Lisa for more info 601Call Lisa for more info 601----597597597597----7303730373037303

FBCV

Vacation Bible School

BLOCK PARTY Saturday, June 2

5 to 8 pm

At First Baptist Church

608 Texas St. Vidalia LA Join us for space jumps, games, water fun, music,

Food and more as we kick off VBS 2012!

We hope to see you and your family there!

What do you need to Celebrate Recovery from?

OverworkingOverworkingOverworkingOverworkingOverworkingOverworkingOverworkingOverworking OvereatingOvereatingOvereatingOvereatingOvereatingOvereatingOvereatingOvereating AnxietyAnxietyAnxietyAnxietyAnxietyAnxietyAnxietyAnxiety

AbuseAbuse PornographyPornographyPornographyPornographyPornographyPornographyPornographyPornography LyingLying FearFearFearFearFearFearFearFear AlcohoAlcohoAlcohoAlcohoAlcohoAlcohoAlcohoAlcoho llllllll OverspendingOverspending DivorceDivorceDivorceDivorceDivorceDivorceDivorceDivorce

GriefGriefGriefGriefGriefGriefGriefGrief CodependencyCodependency GuiltGuilt GamblingGamblingGamblingGamblingGamblingGamblingGamblingGambling

H u r t f u l R e l a t i o n s h i p sH u r t f u l R e l a t i o n s h i p sH u r t f u l R e l a t i o n s h i p sH u r t f u l R e l a t i o n s h i p sH u r t f u l R e l a t i o n s h i p sH u r t f u l R e l a t i o n s h i p sH u r t f u l R e l a t i o n s h i p sH u r t f u l R e l a t i o n s h i p s DrugsDrugsDrugsDrugsDrugsDrugsDrugsDrugs RageRageRageRageRageRageRageRage

Sexual Addictions Procrastination Anger

WOMEN ON MISSION

Regular Meetings will be Sunday June 3, 2:30 at the church

Tuesday, June 19, 2:30 at the church

Mission Activity: Help with Vacation Bible School

We are still collecting used eye glasses. If you have some you

may put them in the box at the church office.

Women on Mission are collecting the following items

for Samaritan Purse Shoe Box Ministry:

Crayons and hand held pencil sharpeners

ALL CHURCH FELLOWSHIP!

SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 2 PM

Join us for our first ever

“Ice Cream Churn-Off” Bring your favorite homemade ice cream.

We will have a panel of judges and

Prizes will be awarded.

CHURCH COUNCIL MEETINGCHURCH COUNCIL MEETINGCHURCH COUNCIL MEETINGCHURCH COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, May 29th, 5:30 p.m.Tuesday, May 29th, 5:30 p.m.Tuesday, May 29th, 5:30 p.m.Tuesday, May 29th, 5:30 p.m.

THANK YOU!THANK YOU!THANK YOU!THANK YOU!

Thank you for your support and encouragement following the loss Thank you for your support and encouragement following the loss Thank you for your support and encouragement following the loss Thank you for your support and encouragement following the loss of my husband Ellwood. Your calls, cards, visits and prayers of my husband Ellwood. Your calls, cards, visits and prayers of my husband Ellwood. Your calls, cards, visits and prayers of my husband Ellwood. Your calls, cards, visits and prayers meant a lot to our family.meant a lot to our family.meant a lot to our family.meant a lot to our family. Obye Jo Simmons Obye Jo Simmons Obye Jo Simmons Obye Jo Simmons

THURSDAYS 6 PM AT FBCVTHURSDAYS 6 PM AT FBCVTHURSDAYS 6 PM AT FBCVTHURSDAYS 6 PM AT FBCV

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

FOR CHURCH OFFICE

We have two spots open for volunteers

at the reception desk—Monday and

Thursday mornings. The Monday

morning volunteer position is for the

summer only, starting on June 4th. The

times are 8:30 to 12:30. The work is

contingent upon your skills. Some of

our volunteers only answer the telephone and receive visitors,

others use the computer and keyboard, file and help with general

office duties, along with processing bulletins, prayer guides, mass

mailings, etc. If you are interested, please call me at 336-7111, I will

be happy to answer your questions to the best of my ability. Our

volunteers are crucial to the work done through our church office.

FIRST BAPTIST VIP’s “… It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:24b

Birthday Greetings!Birthday Greetings!

May 28: Johnnie Donald, Maxine Powell, Lynn

Clark, Angelia Weeks

May 29: Dewayne Kenney

May 30: Jennifer Smith, Elizabeth Sibley

Jun 1: Jeff Ferguson, Michelle Wilson, Michael

Ferguson

Jun 2: Jerry Clark, Kaylee McMullen

Jun 4: Lillian Mashon, Katie Donald, Caleb

Holland, Casey Cupit

Jun 5: Logan Wilson

Jun 7: Brenda Wallace, Pam Higgins, Josh

Wilson

Jun 8: Blair Armstrong

Jun 9: Laci Gibson, Whitney Weeks

May 27

Nursery: Linda Foster, Sylvia Strahan, Emily Probst,

Alethia Lawrence, Hilie McFarland, Sheila Lillie,

Brenda Brown, Monica McMullen, Tammy Rouse;

(Wed 5/30) Cheryl/Tommy Probst, Belinda Welch

Greeters: 8:40 Donnie/Patsy White; 9:00 Frank/

Chris Vest, Chris Sanders; 10:10 Budda McCullin,

Sue/Junior Smith; Wed 5/30 Hil Burge

Counter: May 29: Diane Costantini

Celebrate Recovery Nursery: 5/31 Brenda Brown

(Would someone please volunteer to help)

June 3

Nursery: Jami Ainsworth, Joey/Kathy Martin, Vickie

Jowers, Daniel/Lacee Holland, Laverle McEntyre,

Mary Huhn, Josh Hargon, Betty Woody ; 6/6 Clare/

Tammy Shields, Susan Hinson

Greeters: 8:40 Roy McKinney, Ken Allen; 9:00 Junior

Smith, Gary Gibson; 10:10 Roy McKinney, Jami

Ainsworth, Grady Boykin; 6/6 Gail Rushing

Counter: Gwen McKinney

Celebrate Recovery: 6/7 Megan Powell, Chris

Sanders

June 10

Nursery: Dorothy Ames, John/Darla Wilkinson, Lisa

Chandler, Milah McGraw, Stacy Ensminger, Chris

Sanders, Denise Boyd, Tonya Barrington, Marissa

Beesley; 6/13 Beverly Chalmers, Vickie/Alan Fort

Greeters: 8:40 Roy McKinney, Jo Sebille; 9:00 Jerry/

Kim Clark; 10:10 Roy McKinney, Jerry/Kim Clark;

6/13 Rosemary Rose

Counter: Billie Chandler

Celebrate Recovery Nursery: 6/14 Lisa Chandler,

Linda Foster

Regular Schedule Weekly

Sunday

Worship 9:00 am

Sunday School 9:15 am

Worship 10:30 am

Sunday School 10:30 am

A.W.A.N.A. 4:00 pm

Wednesday

One Accord Signing Class 5:30 pm

W.O.W. - Mid-Week Service 6:30 pm

WiNk-Grades 1-5 6:30 pm

Heart Shapers - Age 2-3, PreK-K 6:30 pm

The Herd: Jr. Hi Students 6:30 pm

The Gathering: Sr. Hi Students 7:30 pm

Sanctuary Choir Practice 7:30 pm

Thursday

Celebrate Recovery 6:00 pm

Monthly

Deacons Meeting-2nd Sunday 3:00 pm

Single Moms-All ages As announced

Young at Heart - 2nd Tuesday 5:00 pm

Mature Singles - 2nd & 4th Friday 6:00 pm

Quarterly

Business Meeting 2nd Sunday of each quarter 6 pm

Fifth Sunday Get-Together 6 pm

As Announced

Sunday Connect Classes (in homes) Check bulletin

Contact Information 100 N. Hickory St., Vidalia LA 71373

Phone 318-336-7111

Fax 318-336-7112

Website: www.fbcvidalia.com

email: info@fbcvidalia.com

Our Staff

Rev. Bill McCullin ……...…..…………..…..……. Senior Pastor

Stephen Powell …………...….…. Assoc. Pastor of Worship

Dusty Carson ………... Assoc. Pastor of Youth & Families

Sean Keith ……..….……….. Interim Minister of Education

Allie LaBorde ………….……….…………………………. Secretary

Peggy Wooten ….………..……..………...Financial Secretary

Coming EventsComing EventsComing EventsComing Events

May 27: Honduras Mission Meeting

May 28: Memorial Day Holiday: Office

Closed

May 29: Church Council 5:30 pm

May 31: YOUTH: Power Lunch

May 31: Celebrate Recovery

May 31: Paint Class

Jun 2: Vacation Bible School Block Party

Jun 7: YOUTH: Power Lunch

Jun 7: Celebrate Recovery

Jun 7: Paint Class

Jun 10: Deacons’ Meeting

Jun 11-15: VBS

Jun 15: Single Mom’s Dinner & Movie

CURRENT FBCV Reports

Date Sunday School

May 6 214

May 13 217

FINANCIAL Reports May 6-13

Budget Amount Received $ 26,933.82

Budget Received to Date $270,401.86

Budget Required to Date $237,114.80

Desig’d Amount Rec’d this report $1,163.92

First Baptist Vidalia: Publication date: May 17 2012

Rejoice in god’s plan & provision! Refresh your vision of god’s plan!

Renew your commitment to god’s plan!

You are Invited to:You are Invited to:You are Invited to:You are Invited to:

A Baby Shower for

Karianna Roberts WeatherlyKarianna Roberts WeatherlyKarianna Roberts WeatherlyKarianna Roberts Weatherly Saturday, May 26, 2:30Saturday, May 26, 2:30Saturday, May 26, 2:30Saturday, May 26, 2:30----4 p.m.4 p.m.4 p.m.4 p.m.

FBCV Fellowship Hall ~ It’s a Girl!

* * * * * * A Baby Shower for

Kristin HendricksKristin HendricksKristin HendricksKristin Hendricks Sunday, May 27, 1Sunday, May 27, 1Sunday, May 27, 1Sunday, May 27, 1----3 pm3 pm3 pm3 pm

FBCV Fellowship Hall ~ It’s a Girl!

Celebrate Recovery Come for Teaching and Testimonies.

6:30 pm large group, 7:30 small groups!

Healing for Life Issues & Addictions … grief,

divorce, abuse, depression, loss, etc …

“You can’t heal a wound by saying it’s not

there.” Jeremiah 6:15

Active Deacons

Jon Betts—Chairman, Jeff Ames—Vice Chairman,

Clare Shields—Secretary, Kenneth Young, Roy Gene

Cupit, Bo Strahan, Vick Dallalio, Frank Vest

YOUNG AT HEART

Due to VBS dates, Young at Heart

will be the third Tuesday in June,

the 19th, at 5:30 pm.

Plan on Fun! Food! Fellowship! Along with Bingo.

Menu to be announced.

RRR CAPITAL FUNDS CAMPAIGN Total Pledged Amount $404,511.00 Total Pledged Amount Received as of 5/13 $ 57,830.00 Balance $346,681.00 Loan Balance as 5/7/2012 $795,250.71

SympathySympathySympathySympathy Love and Prayers to:

Gary & Karen Parnham in the death of his

mother Sophie Parnham

Carl & Brenda Greenlee in the loss of his

father, Dan Greenlee

Family of L.H. Wilkinson

Family of Billy Beall

“The Lord cares deeply when His loved one The Lord cares deeply when His loved one The Lord cares deeply when His loved one The Lord cares deeply when His loved one dies.” Psalm 116:15dies.” Psalm 116:15dies.” Psalm 116:15dies.” Psalm 116:15

WELCOME and GOD BLESS TO New Member:

Sydnee Houghton

111 Chandler Road, Vidalia LA