News and Notes for November 6-16

{From Matt Ward: I just realized that I didn't send this out on Thursday. I apologize! This week's email update will come out on Thursday as it should.}

SupportinG First Baptist Church

Do any of you remember the old infomercial for the Hair Club for men? The company president would look into the camera and say, “I’m not just the President of the company…I’m a customer!” I’m blessed to be the lead pastor of First Baptist Church in Thomson, GA.  I really am. But I’m not just the pastor.  I’m also a member of First Baptist Thomson. Julia and I are in small groups.  Abby has a Sunday School teacher.  And we financially support our church.

I don’t just pastor the church – I support the church by giving at least 10% of my income every month.   Here are three reasons Julia and I do this:

1. We want to be an example to our daughter.  Let’s face it – we’re living in pretty selfish times. We don’t have to teach kids how to be selfish.  They just figure that out on their own!  So we want to be counter-cultural examples to our child.  Generosity is more than an attitude – it’s an action.  We want her to know that we don’t just feel generous, but that we actually give.
2. We believe in our mission.  We actually believe “Loving God, Loving People, and Serving the World Together” is important.  Those aren’t just words on a website – they are a rally cry worthy of our attention. 
3. We want to make a difference.  When we give to and through FBC Thomson, we are making a dent in eternity.  You don’t have to be an insider to know that when people give, they make a difference.  Read this e-newsletter, pick up a Cornerstone, or go to www.fbcthomson.org to see examples of the difference your giving makes. At our Budget Presentation dinner on November 16th at 5:30 PM you can learn even more about where every dollar given goes, and the impact it has for God’s Kingdom.

Those are just three reasons Julia and I give at First Baptist Church.  I’d love to invite you to do the same.  In fact, I’d love to encourage you to do what we do and– set up a system of regular giving of your tithe and offerings.  Our church uses an envelope system to help people do just that. If you do not having giving envelopes, contact the church’s financial secretary, Mrs. Sharon Pirkle, and we will get you a box.  You can also give online in two ways:

• You can set up a Bill Pay service through our bank. Then, on your direction, your bank will draft your account the amount you set up and send the church a check.  There are no extra fees with this method.

• You can also use our EasyTithe online giving service from the church’s website, but there is a nominal fee to the church for using this service.
  

However you chose to give, Julia and I want you to know that you will be blessed in ways you can’t imagine. There is something deeply moving and powerful about giving to God and knowing the impact you are making.   Another way I hope you will join us in giving is through packing a few Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes and bringing them to worship on November 16th.  You can learn more about Christmas Shoeboxes here. Grace and Peace, David

P.S. If you ever have questions about the finances or want more information, just let me know.

Happening Now Through November 16

• Operation Christmas Child shoebox collection day: Sunday, November 16! Please bring in your shoeboxes to the morning service!
• Budget Presentation Dinner: Sunday, November 16 at 5:30! Please bring a covered dish to share for our meal followed by our 2015 budget presentation.
• Drive-Through Nativity construction: Saturday, November 15. We'll take all the help we can get!

Also, be in prayer for the Georgia Baptist Convention taking place in Macon today and tomorrow. God speed and God bless you!