First Baptist Church, Knoxville, Tennessee

A Word from Your Finance Committee

As you know, the Finance Committee voted in January to take 20% of certain designated accounts and place those funds into the general operating receipts. The committee has since met and voted to rescind this decision. All of these funds will be returned to the designated accounts that were debited. This matter has been tabled for review at a later time.

Also, we successfully funded our Reaching Beyond pledges. In light of this, the Finance Committee voted to take all future Reaching Beyond contributions and apply those funds towards retiring debt that was left over from our previous Fulfilling the Promise campaign.

Renovation in Sanctuary

Sometime in the next few weeks, work will get underway to renovate the stained glass in the sanctuary.  Installed in 1924, the windows have been subject to decades of wear and tear.  Because of a kind gift from the estate of Robert McGinley, Jr., we can look forward to completion of the project about six months from the start date.  So, as the saying goes, “Please excuse our dust!”

Generosity: Moving Toward Life That Is Truly Life

Gordon MacDonald has written a four-week devotional centered on the Christian's journey toward generosity. Arleen and Ray Malcolm have created a wonderful display in our church library's window calling our attention to the joy of Christian giving.

Copies of MacDonald's Generosity:  Moving Toward Life That Is Truly Life are available in the library at $6 per copy.

Lenten Bible Studies with Carol McEntyre ~ Brown Chapel,  Wednesday nights ~ February 24 through March 24 ~ 6 PM

In Flawed Families of the Bible, David Garland and Diana Garland offer an honest and careful reading of scripture, showing that the families of the Bible were not so different from imperfect families today. Even so, God worked through those imperfections to reveal hope and grace to families then, just as he does today.

Diana Garland will join us by conference call during the study on Wednesday evening, March 17. The books are available for purchase on Wednesday nights in Trentham Hall and on Sundays in the Reception Area. The cost is $15.00.

Mid-week Lenten Services

12:10 PM – Worship             12:30 PM − Soup & Sandwich Lunch               Lunch is free, but donations will be accepted

Come worship and fellowship with your neighbors during these brief midweek Lenten Services:

March 17 ~ Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 414 W. Vine Avenue

March 24 ~ St. John's Cathedral, 413 W. Cumberland Avenue

Young Musicians Musical & Church-wide Lunch ~ Sunday, March 14 ~ 12 Noon ~ Trentham Hall

Bring your appetite and join us in Trentham Hall immediately following the 11:00 AM worship service for a church-wide lunch (Wednesday night meal prices). Our Young Musician's Choir, under the direction of Ann Buchanan, will present the musical, Parablelooza! This interactive children's musical combines the excitement of the game show phenomena with Jesus' lessons. Each parable has a corresponding game and song, but there's a twist -- actual winners aren't revealed until the end because the games are played live, so each performance has a different outcome. May the Lord be glorified and praised -- and let the games begin!

Saints Alive! Sage Advice from Sam Venable ~ Thurs., March 25~Trentham Hall~Lunch at 11:30 AM, program follows

Everyone is invited to join us for lunch and to hear Sam Venable tell us, "You Don't Have to Be a Liar to Make This Stuff Up!" To make lunch reservations, contact Kim Pieratt by Monday, March 22, at 246-4655 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

EGGstravaganza 2010  ~  Saturday, March 27 ~ 10:00 AM ~  Everyone is welcome, so bring friends and family!

Mark your calendars for FBC's annual EGGstravaganza; it's right around the corner! It's a fun-filled morning for children and their families as we hide, hunt, and enjoy hundreds of treat-filled eggs!  The egghunt for preschoolers starts at 10:00 and a hunt for elementary age children immediately following. There will be refreshments on the lawn and a presentation of the Easter story.

There are several different ways you can help. Want to volunteer? Please contact Susan Tatum, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or 567-5920. 

Candy Donation Information

Sunday, March 7, we will begin collecting pre-wrapped candy to fill over 700 eggs. Candy should be able to fit inside a plastic egg. Please do not bring items with nuts or peanut butter. Please leave items in the baskets outside the sanctuary and on the second and third floors. ***NOTE: We do not need plastic eggs, just candy!!***  Thanks so much!

 
Menu – March 17

Lenten Bible Studies with Carol McEntyre ~ Brown Chapel,  Wednesday nights ~ February 24 through March 24 ~ 6 PM

In Flawed Families of the Bible, David Garland and Diana Garland offer an honest and careful reading of scripture, showing that the families of the Bible were not so different from imperfect families today. Even so, God worked through those imperfections to reveal hope and grace to families then, just as he does today.

Diana Garland will join us by conference call during the study on Wednesday evening, March 17. The books are available for purchase on Wednesday nights in Trentham Hall and on Sundays in the Reception Area. The cost is $15.00.

Mid-week Lenten Services

12:10 PM – Worship             12:30 PM − Soup & Sandwich Lunch               Lunch is free, but donations will be accepted. Donations collected will cover the cost of lunch. Any extra proceeds will be given to the      Volunteer Ministry Center.

Come worship and fellowship with your neighbors during these brief midweek Lenten Services:

March 10 ~ First Presbyterian Church, 620 State Street

March 17 ~ Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 414 W. Vine Avenue
 
March 24 ~ St. John's Cathedral, 413 W. Cumberland Avenue

Sacred Choral Concert – Furman Singers ~ Sunday, March 7 ~ 7:00 PM ~ Sanctuary           Preschool childcare provided

Join us for the final offering in our 2009-10 concert series as the Furman Singers share a magnificent concert of sacred choral works, as well as lighter fare to close out the evening. This will be the final tour for Dr. Bing Vick as conductor of the Furman Singers after a successful 40-year career as their leader. A love offering will be taken. The concert is free, but tickets are needed and are available on Sunday mornings in the Welcome Center, or by calling Kim in the Music Office, 246-4655.

Young Musicians Musical & Church-wide Lunch ~ Sunday, March 14 ~ 12 Noon ~ Trentham Hall

Bring your appetite and join us in Trentham Hall immediately following the 11:00 AM worship service for a church-wide lunch (Wednesday night meal prices). Our Young Musician's Choir, under the direction of Ann Buchanan, will present the musical, Parablelooza! This interactive children's musical combines the excitement of the game show phenomena with Jesus' lessons. Each parable has a corresponding game and song, but there's a twist -- actual winners aren't revealed until the end because the games are played live, so each performance has a different outcome. May the Lord be glorified and praised -- and let the games begin!

Saints Alive! Sage Advice from Sam Venable ~ Thurs., March 25~Trentham Hall~Lunch at 11:30 AM, program follows

Everyone is invited to join us for lunch and to hear Sam Venable tell us, "You Don't Have to Be a Liar to Make This Stuff Up!" To make lunch reservations, contact Kim Pieratt by Monday, March 22, at 246-4655 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

EGGstravaganza 2010  ~  Saturday, March 27 ~ 10:00 AM ~  Everyone is welcome, so bring friends and family!

Mark your calendars for FBC's annual EGGstravaganza; it's right around the corner! It's a fun-filled morning for children and their families as we hide, hunt, and enjoy hundreds of treat-filled eggs!  The egghunt for preschoolers starts at 10:00 and a hunt for elementary age children immediately following. There will be refreshments on the lawn and a presentation of the Easter story.

There are several different ways you can help. Want to volunteer? Please contact Susan Tatum, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or 567-5920. 

Candy Donation Information

Sunday, March 7, we will begin collecting pre-wrapped candy to fill over 700 eggs. Candy should be able to fit inside a plastic egg. Please do not bring items with nuts or peanut butter. Please leave items in the baskets outside the sanctuary and on the second and third floors. ***NOTE: We do not need plastic eggs, just candy!!***  Thanks so much!

Menu – March 10

Pork Loin
Twice-Baked Potatoes
Green Beans
Apples
Salad Bar
Kid's Meal - Pizza

Family of Promise ~ February 21-27

For one week each quarter, First Baptist houses and feeds homeless families who are working toward self-sufficiency through the ministry Family of Promise.

Help minister to these families by signing up to spend the night at the church with them. To be an overnight host, contact Jeff Sharp at 803-4547. You can also get involved by signing up to bring the families a meal. To provide food, contact Judy Russell at 675-2318.

FBC Welcomes Amy DePriest

As we say "goodbye and thanks" to Phyllis Adams, we say "hello and welcome" to Amy DePriest.

Amy is our new Ministry Assistant for Finance and comes to us as a 2005 graduate from The University of Tennessee with a Bachelor’s in Accounting.

Lenten Bible Studies with Carol McEntyre ~ Brown Chapel,  Wednesday nights ~ February 24 through March 24 ~ 6 PM

In Flawed Families of the Bible, David Garland and Diana Garland offer an honest and careful reading of scripture, showing that the families of the Bible were not so different from imperfect families today. Even so, God worked through those imperfections to reveal hope and grace to families then, just as he does today.

Diana Garland will join us by conference call during the study on Wednesday evening, March 17. The books are available for purchase on Wednesday nights in Trentham Hall and on Sundays in the Reception Area. The cost is $15.00.

Mid-week Lenten Services

12:10 PM – Worship             12:30 PM − Soup & Sandwich Lunch               Lunch is free, but donations will be accepted

Come worship and fellowship with your neighbors during these brief midweek Lenten Services:

March 3 ~ Church Street United Methodist Church, 900 Henley at Main

March 10 ~ First Presbyterian Church, 620 State Street

March 17 ~ Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 414 W. Vine Avenue
 
March 24 ~ St. John's Cathedral, 413 W. Cumberland Avenue

RA Race Day ~ Sunday, February 28 ~ Trentham Hall ~ Noon

Mark your calendars - it's RA RACE DAY! All of our RAs and their families are invited to attend this annual afternoon of thrills and excitement!

Women on Mission ~ Tuesday, March 2 ~ 10:00 AM ~ Room 302

 Joe and  Linda Ledford will tell about their Resort Ministry in Townsend, TN. Lunch will be served in Trentham Hall at noon. All churchwomen are invited to attend.

Sacred Choral Concert – Furman Singers ~ Sunday, March 7 ~ 7:00 PM ~ Sanctuary           Preschool childcare provided

Join us for the final offering in our 2009-10 concert series as the Furman Singers share a magnificent concert of sacred choral works, as well as lighter fare to close out the evening. This will be the final tour for Dr. Bing Vick as conductor of the Furman Singers after a successful 40-year career as their leader. A love offering will be taken. The concert is free, but tickets are needed and are available on Sunday mornings in the Welcome Center, or by calling Kim in the Music Office, 246-4655.

Menu – March 3

Pot Roast
Potatoes
Carrots
Green beans
Salad Bar
Slaw
Kid’s Meal - Pizza