IN THIS ISSUE Page 2

A Word from Our Pastor“Dave Says” by Dave Ramsey

Page 3 The Counselor’s Corner

Cheergivers MinistryStewardship Ministry

Page 4Student/Activities Ministry

Worship Ministry Page 5 Senior Adult Ministry

Men’s MinistryChildren’s Ministry

Page 6“In Touch with

the Church Family”Our Newest Members

Page 7 May Church Calendar

Ministry Weekend Rotation Page 8

Wednesday Night MealsGeneral Information

Sign up on-line today.

“Being Great Commission Christians by Becoming Completely Committed Followers of Jesus”

A Monthly Publication of the First Baptist Church of Pelham

“Walking by faith means being prepared to trust where we are

not permitted to see.”John Blanchard, as quoted in

Today’s Turning Point

2012

Dear Dave, My husband and I need to update our will, but we’re not sure how to divide the money. All of our children are grown, including my three stepsons. The problem is that two of my stepsons are irresponsible with money and are drug users. Do you have any advice? ColleenDear Colleen, Typically, if you give money to a drug user they’ll use it for one thing: drugs. Your goal as a parent is to love them and teach them to the best of your ability. Buying their drugs upon your death doesn’t fall into either of those categories. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with you deciding not to leave them any money as long as they’re involved in this kind of activity. If it were me, I’d sit down with the family members and explain why you’ve updated the will in this manner. Let them know you love them and want what’s best for them, but you and your husband have decided you’re not going to take a chance on funding any misbehavior on their part. Make sure you let them know, too, that things can

change if they change. They might be mad and fuss about it, but that’s okay. Let them be mad. It’s perfectly all right for you to attach stipulations to any inheritance they might receive, especially when it’s for their own good! DaveDear Dave, I want to keep one of our credit cards open and use the bill-pay option for utilities and other monthly bills. I want to do this so we can continue earning rewards points, and the way I look at it, we’d just be re-routing the money and paying it off every month. My husband doesn’t like this idea and

thinks we should get rid of them all. Am I just asking for trouble by wanting to keep the rewards card open? CherylDear Cheryl, Yes, you are. Life never works out exactly the way you think it will. You can make all the well-reasoned and best-intentioned plans you want, but sooner or later that snake is going to bite you. The only thing I’d consider in a situation like this is a debit card that has a rewards system attached. Lots of debit card programs offer the same kinds of rewards programs offered by credit card companies, with one big exception—you don’t have to go into debt! You need to stop chasing these stupid brownie points, Cheryl. According to Consumer Reports, 78 percent of credit card airline miles are never redeemed. Studies also show that people spend more when using credit cards as opposed to cash. That extra money you spend on things you don’t need is money you could have been saving and investing. So, where’s the reward? Cut up the card and close the account, Cheryl. You don’t build wealth by using credit cards! Dave*For more financial advice, visit www.davesays.org. .

Dave Says

Dave Ramsey

“2 A Word From Our Pastor

We have some great opportunities for celebration coming up this month.

On May 6 we will recognize our “Senior Saints” on Senior Adult Sunday. On May 13 we will praise God for our mothers as we observe Mother’s Day. We will honor and recognize our High School and College graduates on May 20 as we celebrate these important milestones in life’s journey. On May 27 we will remember those who have paid the supreme price for freedom as we observe Memorial Day. We do not worship senior adults, mothers, graduates or patriots — We worship God! Don’t think because we observe these special days that we want to be remiss in worshipping the True and Living God. We will also commission the

May — A Month of Celebrations

Africa, Peru, and Vacation Bible School missionaries in May. Don’t Miss it! On a personal note, thank you, thank you, thank you for all those who prayed for Mary during her recent sinus surgery. A special thanks to Brother Jim Minor for his visit, and to all those who brought meals while she was convalescing. She is getting better every day, and we praise God for the good results and all the love showered upon us. We love you, we love you, we love you. God bless you and God bless America!

Bro. MikeDr. Mike ShawSenior Pastor

3

Cheergivers Ministry

The Counselor’s Corner

Our relationship with God is often the first to go whenever we are busy or stressed. Why? Is it because we know God understands? That He will forgive? He knows we will get back to Him? Maybe. God knows all that, but He also knows that if we do not stay close to Him and continually drink from the wa-ter that He offers that we will continue to grow weaker in spirit, stamina and strength. What happens that we lose all ability to understand that? It seems that sometimes we have selective memory and tend to act more in the moment and on impulse than on the truth that we will dry up without God’s wellspring of nourishment. It is not possible to survive without water. In order to survive physically, we need a continuous supply of water. Think

about how dry it gets in the winter. Our skin becomes dry and starts to itch. Our sinuses become dry and cause problems like nosebleeds, stuffiness and infec-tions. We awaken in the night and find that we are thirsty, our mouths so dry our throats become sore. We are drying up, becoming withered and craving water. We know and recognize the signs of dehydration. Our common sense tells us what we need to do. We know what to do physically; drink water continually until we are no longer thirsty. In fact, we must drink water daily in order to retain physical strength, health and life. This very same concept applies to our relationship with God. We are physi-cal, psychological and spiritual. Ignoring any one of those characteristics would be like ignoring one of your hands when

washing them, shining one shoe and leaving the other dirty, putting gas and oil in the car but never putting in water. Without water, it fails to function. Psychologically: Listen to how you talk to yourself. Bring into captivity every thought and make it obedient to Christ. Drink in the living water that feeds your mind. Physically: Find structure, exercise regularly, eat well, rest and drink water. Spiritually: Do not forsake God. Continue to listen to Him. Study His word, listen to Christian talk radio, and praise Him. Drink the living water on a daily basis.“Whoever drinks of the water that I give him will never thirst” John 4:14. —Linda Story The HOPE Center — 663-2779

Keep your relationship with God active

Florence Strickland with her

Cheergivers Easter Basket

In the month of April we celebrated Easter! HE CAME! HE DIED! HE AROSE! HE ASCENDED! HE IS COMING AGAIN!We serve a risen Savior and He is alive today. We also worship and celebrate our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ throughout the year and all the days to come. In the month of April, the Cheergivers delivered 28 Easter baskets to our “precious people” who are homebound, in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. We filled them with candy, chocolate bunnies and other good things for them to eat. We also put cards with scriptures about the resurrection and the plan of salvation. They love their baskets. Some of you have helped us by giving donations and we would like to say “Thank you”. We couldn’t do it without you. If you ever have time, you would be blessedby visiting some of these wonderful people. If you are interested in our ministry, please call Jeanette Owens - 664-9700 This month we only have one birthday: Mr. James McKinney Columbia Cottage3776 Crosshaven Dr Birmingham, AL 35223

The Cheergivers Ministry

The Stewardship Ministry

4

Centifruge!June 11-16

Union University, Jackson, Tennessee We have 35 people signed up for our Summer Camp. If you are interested in participating, contact the Student Ministry Office for information (664-0237).

We have Six Flags Tickets! Our Student Ministry offers tickets to Six Flags and White Water at greatly reduced rates. If your class or family is going to either park, we would love to make tickets available to you. Tickets are on sale in the Student Ministry Office.

Student/Activities Ministry

Graduation RecognitionMay 20, 9:15 and 10:45 services There will be a Senior Luncheon following the 10:45 service in the Annex. Seniors and families must make reservations no later than Sunday, May 6. College graduates should call the Student Ministry Office for information.

Kidz Kamp (for Grades 4-6)Date: June 18-21Cost: $180.Deadline: Turn in your $80 deposit and completed forms to the Student Ministry Office no later than May 27.Jr. Kids Kamp (for Grades 1-3)Date: July 17-19 Cost: $115Deadline: Turn in your $50 deposit and completed forms no later than June 24 in the Student Ministry Office.

Gong ShowSunday, May 6, 5-7 PM It is time for another one of our church wide fellow-ships. On Sunday night, May 6, we will have a covered dish supper followed by a FBCP “Gong Show”. Acts will last 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. If you are interested in being a part of the program, please call the Student Ministry Office at 664-0237.

Mission Trip Planning Meeting Dates If you are going on our Domestic Mission Trip to Jackson, Mis-sissippi, please plan to attend all the training meetings. For Sports Camp and Backyard Bible Club, training meetings are at 5:00 PM on May 20 and 27 and June 3, 10 and 17. For Creative Ministries, be here at 6:00 PM each Sunday night.

Saturday, May 19Leave the Annex: 5 PMPregame Show: 5:45Game begins: 6 PMDeadline to sign up: May 13

Worship Ministry I can still remember the first time I ever went to the Southern Baptist Convention. It was in the summer following 5th grade. I was so excited that Jerry Clower was going to be there and I met him after he spoke and we took a picture together. I was so excited! I, however, had no idea that the one thing that would stick with me for a lifetime was the fact that I saw missionaries commissioned prior to leaving for the mission field. I remember it being so special and Holy Spirit filled! Just to be there in that room and witness that occasion changed me forever. That same summer I went to GA camp and met my first “real” missionary. I cannot remember where in the world she served, but I can remember that she came into my cabin and sat down with me and talked about God’s call on my life for missions. My love for missions began that day at Shocco Springs. I had no idea then that my daughter and son-in-law would be entering the mission field and moving to Africa in the summer of 2012, close to forty years later. Liv and Brian are leaving for Tanzania, which is in East Africa, on May 18, 2012. They are abandoning everything to follow the call of God on their lives. We here at FBC Pelham have a tremen-dous opportunity to pray for them, to encourage them and to stay connected with them for years to come. We will be having a Celebration Service to commission them and to pray over them on Saturday night, May 12 at 6:00 PM in the Sanctuary. Please consider attending this special service. I encourage each one of you to consider what God is calling you to do for His honor and glory. I love you all and pray God’s richest blessings on every family. Paula Kornegay

5

Dear Senior Adults, Our Senior Adults have been “busy as bees” in the last few months! I learned an ancient Hebrew expression from the Seminary President while in New Orleans. Wow! That just about describes our mission trip to New Orleans. The ministry sites we were able to serve are still rejoicing over what was accomplished that week. Our church made it possible for 41 Senior Adults to build a workable kitchen. This was our largest senior adult trip. We were able to raise about $3,000 for the project, but could still use a little more help to balance the books. Thank you again for your loyal support! Now on to further events: Remember our Senior Adult Choir rehearsals on the schedule. The rehearsal on Wednesday, May 2 at 6:30 will be with our Celebration Choir. We want the choir to be ready to sing for Senior Adult Day on May 6. Remember, we must make reservations for the Senior Adult Banquet on Saturday night, May 5 at 6:30 in the Annex. If we feed you, you should be able to sign up. Right? The Alabama Baptist Senior Adult Evangelism Conference will be held this year at First Baptist Church of Pelham on Monday, May 7 from 9:30 AM until 3:30 PM. We have wonderful speakers: Junior Hill, Bailey Stone and Charles Roesel. Music will be done by Paid-in-Full. You will not want to miss this conference. We don’t often get the opportunity to host such a wonder-ful event. Let us be here to welcome the guests (400-500 of them). We will also have our regular Senior Adult Luncheon on May 15. If you are not on a call list, please let us know so you will not miss anything. VBS workers are still needed! Contact Bonnie Elder “immediately” For His Glory, Bro. Paul

Senior Adult Ministry

Vacation Bible School is June 4-8Praise God, we have had a few additional volunteers to sign up, but we still have some areas of need. Please join us in prayer as we seek volunteers for VBS.

Children’s MinistryMay and June Activities

May 6 Church • Wide Potluck Dinner and “Gong Show”May 9 Last night of Spring Semester • Preschool Choir and CREWMay 12 Missionary Celebration Service• May 13 Mother’s Day Parent/Baby Dedication • No PM ActivitiesMay 16 No Wednesday night Activities • (Christian Home Week)May 23 “What About Wednesdays” Begins• June 4-8 Vacation Bible School• July 17-19 Jr. Kidz Kamp (Grades 1-3)• June 18-21 Kidz Kamp (Grades 4-6)•

Coming in August: Revival with Reverend Ted Traylor

Mother’s Day Parent/Baby Dedication Everyone loves to welcome our newest and smallest family members. We will commit to pray for them as they grow and learn about Jesus.

“What About Wednesdays” begins May 23Summer program for Elementary and Preschool - 6:30Registration sheets can be found in the first floor preschool area and the Blues Clues area.

“Fishers of Men” Deep Sea Fishing Trip 2012Thursday-Saturday, October 4-6 - Destin, Florida

This is a great way to make some new friends and to spend time with some old ones. We can take 28 men this year for a great time of fun, fishing, and fellowship. Don’t wait. Sign up today! Contact Mike Tallent (541-7221) or Rick Speorl (908-7733) for further information. Cost is $250. $100 deposit is due now to reserve your spot. Come with us!

Men’s Ministry

6

Our Newest Members

Congratulations: to Jerri Corn on the birth of her first great-grandchild, Bentley Trey Corn, on April 10; to Terry & Judy Lee on the birth of their grandchild Mary Elizabeth (Mary Beth) McCanna on April 17, born to FBCP attenders William and Tricia Mc-Canna, with siblings Victoria, David and Matthew; to Erin and David Coram on the birth of Charlotte Ann Coram on April 20, with a proud big sister, Sarah Katherine; to Jan and Steve Vickers on the birth of their grandson Kingston Jace Collins on April 19, born to Jeremy and Deonna Collins and big brother Cannon; and to Shannon and Steve Johnson on the birth of Hudson Mac Johnson on April 16 (big brothers are Wade, Garrett and Zach).

Willard Payne and family in the death of his sister, Patricia Ogles;Bryan Hill and family in the death of his grandmother, Mildred Hill;Bridget Rose and family in the death of her grandmother; Ken Bell and family in the death of his mother; Ronnie Wardlow and family in the death of his mother, Frances Wardlow; Family and friends of Mr. Jesse Weaver in his death on April 10th; Patti Raymond in the

death of her mother in Florida on April 18th; and Susan Clark in the death of her Aunt Addie Harris.

In Touch With the Church Family

2012Church Family Giving

(through 4-23-12)

General Fund given to date $ 731,076.10 Year to Date Expenses $ 679,501.12 Debt Retirement given in 2012 $ 17,737.24 Loan Balance as of 4/15/12 $ 8,485,909.74

During our time of sorrow we learn how much our friends mean to us. Your kindness and sympathy will always be remembered by the family of Frances Wardlow. Sincerely, Jim and Ronnie WardlowTo Our Church Family, Thank you for the love and support shown to our family dur-ing Matt’s illness and recent death. Every expression of love has meant so very much to us, and we appreciate your ministering to our needs. God has been gracious to us in many ways, and while we mourn for Matt greatly, we look forward to eternity with our

Savior and loved ones, Matt among them. Our continued prayer is that Matt’s greatest wish be realized, that his faith and his story point to the Cross, that Christ be magnified above all else and

receive the Glory. Thank you for being our Faith Family. God Bless, The BlountsDear Church Family, Thank you for all your prayers, visits, cards and calls for me as I had my foot surgery. I know I was lifted up in prayer because of the because of the peace I felt. God is so faithful and

Forrest Oates and Minnie Lee Oates Scholarship is available Mr. and Mrs. Oates were members of First Baptist Church of Pelham. Mrs. Oates wanted to see young people of our church have the advantage of continued education. She left a fund to be used for that purpose. Applications are available in the Pastor’s Office and are due back in the office no later than June 29, 2012.

Dora Mae Callahan by letter

Bobby and Deb-E Rhoades - by letter

John Turnerby letter

Mary Katelyn Lathamfor baptism

Nicholas Hohnsteinfor baptism

Margie Robsonby letter

Janet and Bob Rice - by letterLindsey Weigantfor baptism

Photo Unavailable for: Chance Walton

(for baptism)

I am so blessed! In Christ’s love, Marsha Yates

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

7May Schedule

SUNDAY SCHEDULE 7 AM Prayer Team8, 9:15, 10:45 AM Sunday School & Morning Worship5 PM Mission Trip Preparation Celebration Recovery Handbell Choir Rehearsal6 PM Creative Ministries Adult Discipleship Training

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE 5 PM Wednesday Night Church Family Meals6 PM Prayer Meeting (Annex)6:30 Musicmakerz Choir (for Preschool) Ends on May 9 The C.R.E.W. (for Elementary) Ends on May 9 What About Wednesdays Begins May 23 (Preschool and Elementary) Refuge (Students) Celebration Choir Rehearsal Adult Discipleship Training

May Ministry Staff Weekend Hospital RotationMay 5-6 - Paula Kornegay - 230-8987 May 19-20 - Ben Birdsong - 907-6623May 12-13 - Donnie Sisk - Home 620-1157, Cell 567-7475 May 26-27 - Mike Shaw - Home 663-1788, Cell 283-4749

9:30 AMMOPS

(Quad Room)

9:30-3:30State

Senior Adult EvangelismConference(Sanctuary)

9 AMJob Concerns

1 PM “Crafty Chicks”

7 PMDeacons Meeting

9 AMJob Concerns

Ministry

10 AMWomen on Mission

1 PM “Crafty Chicks”

Isaiah 18-22 Isaiah 23-27

Isaiah 31-35

Isaiah 28-30

Isaiah 59-63Isaiah 54-58Isaiah 49-53Isaiah 45-48Isaiah 42-44Isaiah 36-41

Jeremiah 18-22Jeremiah 14-17Jeremiah 10-13Jeremiah 7-9Jeremiah 4-6Jeremiah 1-3Isaiah 64-66

Jeremiah 23-25 Jeremiah 26-29 Jeremiah 30-31 Jeremiah 32-34 Jeremiah 35-37 Jeremiah 38-41 Jeremiah 42-45

Jeremiah 46-48 Jeremiah 49-50

11 AMSenior Adult

Covered DishLuncheon

6:15“What About

Wednesdays” Begins

6:30Scout Troop

Meeting

6:30Scout Troop

Meeting

6:30Scout PLC Meeting

Isaiah 9-12 Isaiah 13-17

5 PMFamily Supper“Gong Show”

6:30Scout Troop

Meeting

AMParent/BabyDedication

onMother’s Day

6:30Africa Missions

Meeting(Choir Room)

CHURCHOFFICESCLOSED

FOR

Jeremiah 51-52 Ezekiel 1-4 Ezekiel 5-8

6:30Scout Troop

Meeting

6 PMSenior Adult

Banquet(Annex)

AMSenior Adult

MinistryHighlighted

11 AMTable Scapes

No EveningActivities

No EveningActivities

6 PMProverbs 31 (Quad)

C h r i s t i a n H o m e W e e k

5 PMMission Trip

Preparation Night

6 PMAfrica Missions

Meeting(Choir Room)

Peru Mission Trip — May 25-June 1

Africa Mission Trip May 26-June 8

5 PMMission Trip

Preparation Night

4 PM VBS Meeting(3rd Floor)

6 PMLiv & Brian Meany

Going AwayMissionaryCelebration(Sanctuary)

(No Church-wide Evening Meetings)

AMGraduationRecognition

7 PMKindergartenGraduation

5 PMStudent Baseball

Outing

Last WednesdayNight Church Family

Meal

Address Correction Requested

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

Non-Profit Org.PERMIT NO. 7

Pelham, AL 35124

Dated Material

Pelham Vision is published one time per month. Items for publication are accepted on a space-available basis and are subject to Post Office regulations for our class of mail. Please submit in writing or email pat@fbcpelham.org. No phone submissions, please. Pelham Vision exists to inform and to show the Good News in action. Check out all our activities and read us online at www.fbcpelham.org. Editor: Pat MacKay

CHURCH STAFFDr. Mike Shaw, PastorDr. Paul Moore, Assoc. Pastor: Ministry/Senior AdultsRev. Donnie Sisk, Pastor to Students/ActivitiesRev. Jonathan Williams, Preschool/Children’s DirectorPaula Kornegay, Worship LeaderLinda Kennemore, Administrator

GENERAL INFORMATIONOffice Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00-5:00Church Office Phone: 664-0237Children’s Offices: 216-0028Fax: 621-2351HOPE Center: 663-2779School of Fine Arts: 664-2466Sunday School Annex: 664-0237, ext. 5020 (All phones are area code 205)Web Site - www.fbcpelham.org

2867 Pelham ParkwayPelham, Alabama 35124-1728

Monthly publications are subject to change. Please check www.fbcpelham.org for the latest information.

Wednesday Night MealsChurch Family Meal at 5 p.m.Prayer at 6 p.m.Please check the First Baptist Church of Pelham web site and/or your Sunday bulletinfor current menus.Prices: Adults - - - - - - - - - - - - $ 5.00 Children (12 and under) - $ 3.50 Family maximum (one household) $18.00Reservations: Before noon on Monday (no exceptions, please) Standing reservations payable in advance monthlyServing time: 5:00-5:45 PMThis is a volunteer, self-supporting ministry (non-profit) from our church cook team. (Complimentary dinner for 1st time visitors by reservation.)

Careful of Counterfeits Satan is good at counterfeiting in the spiritual realm. He can produce signs and wonders and can make his apostles look like Christ’s apostles. Christians must be careful. Spritual appearance is not a guarantee of spiritual integrity. We must “test the spirits to see whether they are from God” as John wrote (1 John 4:1 NIV). It is up to us to obey the Bible’s exhortation: “Do not be deceived” (Galatians 6:7). There are powers that can counterfeit almost anything in the Christian life. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Today’s Turning Point with David Jeremiah, April 17