aie BAPTIST correla LNMT RS aH SENIOR PASTOR Pade Ue aalig The beloved carol, "Silent Night,” is sung at more Christmas worship services than any other. We traditionally sing it at the climax of our Candlelight Service, particularly because of its hope-filled words, “Silent Hy a hol night! Son of God, love's pure light. Radiant beams from Thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace. Jesus, Lord of Thy birth. Jesus, Lord of Thy birth.” Zechariah’s prophetic song noted how “The Sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet in the way of peace" (Luke 1:78-79). “Silent Night" was written by a 25-year old assistant Austrian priest at St. Nicholas Church who saw it as an answer to prayer for a new song for his church's Christmas Eve worship service. Dealing with the frustration of a broken organ, he urged a 31-year old school teacher, Franz Gruber, to oe the ensemble with his guitar. “At the last minute" the light shone! Remember that the Lord answers prayers and cares about every detail of our lives, just as the Lord rescued that Austrian worship service. As the God of “tender mercy" He “guides our feet into the way of peace," not only during holidays, but every day (Luke 1:78-79). Let the candles and the shining lights and ornaments on our Christmas trees remind us that His “word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path" (Psalm 119:105, 130). His lamp can guide you as you get involved in a Bible and Life Group, Band of Brothers and RefresHer during the midweek. “The unfolding of His Words gives aie in daily Bible reading and meditation (Psalm 119:105). All adults should attend the Wednesday night worship service on January 4 as we ele upcoming ministries, rejoice in past victories, and hear my challenge from God's Word about our vision for 2017. GeUPCOMING EVENTS i SPROLer-T HIT asonal Service Resumes NEW YEAR KICK-OFF DEACON ORDINATION SERVICE ‘11AM WORSHIP CENTER SERVICE Jan. 4 at 6:30pm in the Worship || Jan. 8 at 6pm in the Chapel.} | We will resume the seasonal Center. Time of worship and] |All church members are] | 11am service in the Worship prayerwith a devotion from Pastor.) | invited to attend. Center on Jan. 8, 2017. IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMEN i FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY This 9-week session begins Jan. 17 in DC108 at 6:30pm. Please register at daveramsey.com/findclass or contact FBCNFPU@gmail.com for more information. LEGACY BUILDERS SENIOR ADULTS Begins Thursday, Jan. 12 at 10:00am in the Choir Room. The Legacy Singers sing hymns and encourages those in assisted living facilities. No need to memorize music, and no evening events. You are welcome to join us! JOY COMES INTHE MORNING HOME BLGs ‘SEASONAL BIBLE AND LIFE GROUP Widows, join us on Jan. 7 at Winter/spring semester will Beginning Jan. 8 at 11:00am in DC109. This begin the week of Jan. 22. J} 9:30am in DC121. “The ministry meets on the first Sign-ups will begin on Jan. 7 Most Influential Christian Saturday of each month at the Connection Point in Writings Of All Time” taught from 11:00am-1:00pm. the Commons. These BLGs by Steve Plaster. will fill up fast! 2016 YEAR END STOCK GIFTS Stocks must be received in our brokerage account by Tuesday, Dec. 27. For further information, please contact Carmen Rodriguez at 596-8600 x255. 2016 YEAR END CONTRIBUTIONS To be included in 2016, donations must be received on Dec. 31 by offering or drop box. Donations that are mailed must be post-marked by Dec. 31. SURRENDERING THE SECRET A post-abortion healing Bible study will begin Thursday, Jan. 12. For more information, please call 596-8600 x284 or email sts@fbcn.org.WEEKEND 12/17- 18, 2016 ATTENDANCE Worship 3,059 Bible and Life Groups 2,016 Mid-Week Actitivies 1,132 IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE? December 26 - January 1 Call the Deacon Hotline (800) 732-9573 Our deacons of the week Dennis Wheeler and Steve Richart WEDNESDAY DINNER Jan. 4, 2017 4:45pm - 6pm (Fellowship Gym) $6 each/$25 for the family (buy at door/cafe) Beef Tips and Noodles, Salad, Veggie, and Dessert DECEMBER 31-JANUARY 4 SCHEDULE Sat. 6:00 PM, Band-Led Service Sun. 9:30 AM, Choir/Orchestra Service Sun. 11:00 AM, Band-Led Service Wed. 6:30 PM, Bible Studies (All Ages) IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE? January 2 - January & Call the Deacon Hotline (800) 732-9573 Ourdeacons of the week: Russ Ayers and Dennis Wheeler DECISIONS FOR CHRIST Membership by Statement: Hannah Toepfer Membership - Spanish: Raquel Constantino Beatrice Gonzalez FBCN SEASONAL CONCERTS Feb. 9 at 7pm: Lindsey Graham; Love Offering. Mar. 5 at 6:30pm: J. Mark McVey, Erie Haase and Signature Sound; $15 General Admission. Mar. 26 at 7pm: SaviourA Modern Oratorio, featuring Veritas along with our FBCN Choir and Orchestra; Love Offering. Apr. 28 at 7pm: Florida Worship Choir and Orchestra; Love Offering. CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEARS SCHEDULE One service on Christmas Day at 9:30am. No Wed. night ministries on Dec. 28. No Bible and Life Groups on Dec, 24, 25, 31, and Jan. 1, No TownSquare or BLGs for 1st-4th grade on Dec. 24, 25, 31, and Jan. 1. Families are encouraged to worship together. Childcare will be provided for infanis-Prek except on Christmas Eve. The church offices will be closed on Dec. 26, 30 and Jan. 2. De ag HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT FBC NAPLES? CONNECTION P@INT Email: FBCN@fbcn.org Main Office: 597-6057 Extensions: 596-8600 ext____ First Baptist Academy: 597-2233 24-hr Prayer Line: 597-PRAY (7729) Lighthouse Bookstore: 449-4488 3000 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples, FL 34109 Office: Mon - Fri, 8:30 AM to 5 PM FBCNaples GHtSCB visit focn.org for more