The Bridge

Published August 8, 2013

100 N. Hickory St.

Phone: 318-336-7111

Fax: 318-336-7112

www.&cvidalia.com

First Baptist Vidalia - 00000426

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

PERCEPTIONS By Rev. Bill McCullin, Senior Pastor

For many Chris*ans, the indoor sport of choice is gossip. Only we

don’t call it gossip—we say we are “sharing a prayer request.” The

book of Proverbs speaks volumes about the poison that can be

spread by the tongue: “He who repeats a ma4er separates

friends.” (Proverbs 17:9)

A story is told of a woman who learned this lesson the hard way.

She gossiped extensively about another woman, only to discover

that all she had been repea*ng was not true. She sought the advice

of her pastor on how to make things right. He told her to take a

feather pillow, cut a hole in it, and go around town sprinkling the

feathers everywhere she went.

The next day, he told her to go back through town and collect each

of the *ny feathers. The woman realized that she could no more

retract the damage done by her words than she could collect the

thousands of *ny feathers sca4ered by the wind.

”He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a

ma�er separates friends.” (Proverbs 17:9)

—Bro. Bill

Total Pledged Amount $404,511.00 Total Pledged Amt. Rec’d as of 8/4/13 $214,192.00 Pledge Balance $190,319.00 Loan Balance as 8/4/2013 $526,486.31

RRR CAPITAL FUNDS CAMPAIGN REPORT

Rejoice in God’s plan & provision! Rejoice in God’s plan & provision! Rejoice in God’s plan & provision! Rejoice in God’s plan & provision!

Refresh your vision of God’s plan! Refresh your vision of God’s plan! Refresh your vision of God’s plan! Refresh your vision of God’s plan!

Renew your Commitment to God’s plan!Renew your Commitment to God’s plan!Renew your Commitment to God’s plan!Renew your Commitment to God’s plan!

ATTENTION ATTENTION ATTENTION LADIESLADIESLADIES

FBCV WILL HOST THE Beth Moore Living Proof Live Simulcast on Saturday, September 14. Beth Moore is a speaker & author of best-selling Bible studies and other women’s books. Beth is a woman of purpose, preparation, prayer and passion. It’s apparent in everything she does, from teaching Bible studies at her home church and on her blog to speaking to the thousands of women who attend her Living Proof Live conferences each year. This all day event is just $15 and that includes your materials and snacks! Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from this amazing teacher and spend a Spirit-filled day with other women from this community. Tickets can be purchased in advance and will also be available at the door. Schedule: Doors open at 8:30 and the first session will begin at 9:30 with worship led by Travis Cottrell. Lunch break is at 11:30 and everyone is responsible for their own meal. The second session begins at 1:00 with worship and ends at 3:00 with an invitation and break. The last session is from 3:30 to 4:15 when the Simulcast will conclude.

POUNDING FOR MATT & HANNAH

Mark your Calendar: Sunday, September 8th

Set your Clocks: 2-3:30 PM

Set your GPS: FBCV Fellowship Hall

Know the Why: Welcome Matt & Hannah with Gift Cards/Money Tree

What to Bring: Gift Cards—IKEA, Lowe’s, Wal-Mart, Stine’s

Please come visit and hear the dreams & hopes they have for their new church home & their house on Stampley St. Show them we are here to support them as they begin this new ministry in our church and community.

How Deep the Father’s Love For Us

By Matt Duff

Associate Pastor of Worship and Creative Ministries

“How Deep the Father’s Love For Us” - what a beautiful

song. How often do we sit and meditate on the Father’s

love? How often do we meditate on the Passion of Christ?

Paul prayed in Ephesians 3 that the church would “grasp

how wide and long and high and deep is the love of

Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge”.

Paul wanted the church to see the power of the love of God,

“how vast beyond all measure.”

We should never forget and always be passionate that, “God

shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners,

Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Because of this love, we

can be “partakers of His divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4) and

imitate Christ and His love and His goodness if we believe in

this great love. As believers, we are now co-heirs with Christ

Jesus being “brought to glory” by Him tasting death for all

(Hebrews 2:9-10) because of the love of God. What great

hope! What great peace! Always remember, this is not

because of anything that we could do on our own accord,

but what He has done for us - “That He would give His Only

Son to make this wretch a treasure.”

LA TECH vs LAMARLA TECH vs LAMARLA TECH vs LAMARLA TECH vs LAMAR Saturday, September 7thSaturday, September 7thSaturday, September 7thSaturday, September 7th

Cost $25Cost $25Cost $25Cost $25

Spots are limitedSpots are limitedSpots are limitedSpots are limited――――Sign up ASAPSign up ASAPSign up ASAPSign up ASAP

We will meet at the church at 2:15We will meet at the church at 2:15We will meet at the church at 2:15We will meet at the church at 2:15 And return around 11:30.And return around 11:30.And return around 11:30.And return around 11:30.

For more information contactFor more information contactFor more information contactFor more information contact

Dusty CarsonDusty CarsonDusty CarsonDusty Carson

Youth and Family News By Dusty Carson

Associate Pastor of Youth and Families

Brennan Manning was one of my heroes of the faith. Sadly he passed away just recently. Brennan and I didn’t agree completely on doctrine. The one thing I can say is that this man loved people and was desperate for God. He never pursued God casually. We all have some casual acquaintances, the people you say hi to when you see them at the Vidalia Market, and you might even shake their hand or give them one of those handshakes slash half a hug. I look back and can say there have been times that I casually pursued God. Basically, I would go to God when I felt like it, and on my terms. These times, even though I would smile and play the part of “happy little Christian” I was miserable. The way to truly be happy is to have intimacy with the one who loves and desires you beyond your failures, beyond your insecurities and beyond your passive walk with him. As Brennan would always point out Abba (Greek word for father, Daddy) waits with anticipation to hear from you and to love you and to be your guiding light in a dark word. Brennan you are in the arms of Abba, and there is nowhere else that is as sweet and comforting. Nowhere else you’d rather be. Are you in the arms of Abba, or are you’ll just casual acquaintances?

Ragamuffin for Abba, Dusty Carson

Back to School Schedule for Students

S.S. PROMOTION: SUNDAY, August 18th

����������������

LEGACY for students Gr 6-12

5:45 Hangout Time in the Fellowship Hall

6:15 Worship Time in the Warehouse

����������������

AWANA 6:15 ~ August 21st (Age 2-Grade 5)

FROM MY HEART to YOURSFROM MY HEART to YOURSFROM MY HEART to YOURSFROM MY HEART to YOURS by CAITLYN HENDRICKSby CAITLYN HENDRICKSby CAITLYN HENDRICKSby CAITLYN HENDRICKS

Since June, our kids ages 4-11, have been learning and practicing our

summer musical, The WORD Connection. Let me tell you, it was

chaotic on most Wednesday nights and I am sure many of us were

thinking, “How is all of this going to come together?” Well, on

Sunday, August 4th at 6:00 pm, it totally fell into place. I could

ramble on the “success” of the final performance, but there is

something worth much more than that. What is more, these kids,

keeping in mind they are 4 to 11 years old, have memorized scripture

through songs. You may be thinking, “Why is that so amazing?” It is

amazing because these kids worshiped that night. It was so simple for

them and we adults make it so hard to just worship! Yes, they were

precious standing up there doing their motions and for the ones who

had speaking parts to sometimes fumble a line, but who cares! GOD

was so pleased, I just know it. 1 Timothy 4:12 says, “Don’t let

anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example

for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”

These kids definitely set the example. I say we create some hand

movements to go along with a song and get excited about praising

God! Thanks to all who came to support, cheer, laugh and applause

with us.

FBC Vidalia - Page 3

BIBLE STUDY every SUNDAYBIBLE STUDY every SUNDAYBIBLE STUDY every SUNDAY

9:15 AM and 10:30 AM 9:15 AM and 10:30 AM 9:15 AM and 10:30 AM

Why Study the Bible?

Jesus

For Christians the Bible culminates in the New Testament

account of the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus

Christ. Some 2,000 years after the time of Christ, His life and

ministry remain relevant even in our contemporary world.

Regardless of how one views Christ, like the Bible, He

cannot be ignored. Far from being a distant prophet or

irrelevant figure in history, Jesus Christ is at the Christianity's

foundation. Particularly studying the four Gospels of

Matthew, Mark, Luke and John will help anyone gain a better

understanding of Jesus and His mission.

Sunday School:

9:15 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

A Class for Everyone!

Women on Mission NewsWomen on Mission NewsWomen on Mission NewsWomen on Mission News

August 20, 1:30 Work DayAugust 20, 1:30 Work DayAugust 20, 1:30 Work DayAugust 20, 1:30 Work Day

We still need small boy toys for the We still need small boy toys for the We still need small boy toys for the We still need small boy toys for the

Christmas Shoe Box Ministry.Christmas Shoe Box Ministry.Christmas Shoe Box Ministry.Christmas Shoe Box Ministry.

There is a box in the foyer for your convenience..There is a box in the foyer for your convenience..There is a box in the foyer for your convenience..There is a box in the foyer for your convenience..

������������Young at Heart Young at Heart Young at Heart Young at Heart Young at Heart Young at Heart Young at Heart Young at Heart Young at Heart Young at Heart Young at Heart Young at Heart ������������ Tuesday, September 10 ~ 5:30 pmTuesday, September 10 ~ 5:30 pmTuesday, September 10 ~ 5:30 pmTuesday, September 10 ~ 5:30 pmTuesday, September 10 ~ 5:30 pmTuesday, September 10 ~ 5:30 pmTuesday, September 10 ~ 5:30 pmTuesday, September 10 ~ 5:30 pmTuesday, September 10 ~ 5:30 pmTuesday, September 10 ~ 5:30 pmTuesday, September 10 ~ 5:30 pmTuesday, September 10 ~ 5:30 pm

Adults 50 plus!Adults 50 plus!Adults 50 plus!Adults 50 plus!Adults 50 plus!Adults 50 plus!Adults 50 plus!Adults 50 plus!Adults 50 plus!Adults 50 plus!Adults 50 plus!Adults 50 plus!

Join us for Food! Fun! Fellowship!Join us for Food! Fun! Fellowship!Join us for Food! Fun! Fellowship!Join us for Food! Fun! Fellowship!Join us for Food! Fun! Fellowship!Join us for Food! Fun! Fellowship!Join us for Food! Fun! Fellowship!Join us for Food! Fun! Fellowship!Join us for Food! Fun! Fellowship!Join us for Food! Fun! Fellowship!Join us for Food! Fun! Fellowship!Join us for Food! Fun! Fellowship!

Meat & drinks furnished. Meat & drinks furnished. Meat & drinks furnished. Meat & drinks furnished. Meat & drinks furnished. Meat & drinks furnished. Meat & drinks furnished. Meat & drinks furnished. Meat & drinks furnished. Meat & drinks furnished. Meat & drinks furnished. Meat & drinks furnished.

You bring sides and/or dessertsYou bring sides and/or dessertsYou bring sides and/or dessertsYou bring sides and/or dessertsYou bring sides and/or dessertsYou bring sides and/or dessertsYou bring sides and/or dessertsYou bring sides and/or dessertsYou bring sides and/or dessertsYou bring sides and/or dessertsYou bring sides and/or dessertsYou bring sides and/or desserts

You are invited to a Gift Card You are invited to a Gift Card You are invited to a Gift Card You are invited to a Gift Card

shower forshower forshower forshower for

“Breanna and Landon”“Breanna and Landon”“Breanna and Landon”“Breanna and Landon”

infants in the care ofinfants in the care ofinfants in the care ofinfants in the care of

Frank & Carrie VestFrank & Carrie VestFrank & Carrie VestFrank & Carrie Vest

August 17, 2August 17, 2August 17, 2August 17, 2----4 pm4 pm4 pm4 pm

in the FBCV Fellowship Hallin the FBCV Fellowship Hallin the FBCV Fellowship Hallin the FBCV Fellowship Hall

While the church at Antioch was worshipping and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them

and sent them off. Acts 13:2-3

Deacon Election

Sunday August 25

THANK YOU NOTE

Thank God for a church like ours; for your prayers, the calls, the

food; we have felt your love through the en"re "me of Bill’s

illness and surgery. There is not enough space to name

everyone who came for Bill’s surgery, and all who have called,

and the Sunday School classes who have prayed, but our family

wants you to know that we greatly appreciate every expression

of love and care that you have given us. We can hardly wait to

get back to see everyone in Sunday School and Worship. Bill’s

recovery is going well and with God’s help it won’t be long

before we are able to return.

Chris & Bill Roberts & Family

We would like to thank each of you that were able to be a part We would like to thank each of you that were able to be a part We would like to thank each of you that were able to be a part We would like to thank each of you that were able to be a part

of our special birthday surprise. Thank you for the sweet cards of our special birthday surprise. Thank you for the sweet cards of our special birthday surprise. Thank you for the sweet cards of our special birthday surprise. Thank you for the sweet cards

and presents but most of all thank you for being such a loving and presents but most of all thank you for being such a loving and presents but most of all thank you for being such a loving and presents but most of all thank you for being such a loving

family, church family and friends. Mandy, Ivan, Joan & Nick family, church family and friends. Mandy, Ivan, Joan & Nick family, church family and friends. Mandy, Ivan, Joan & Nick family, church family and friends. Mandy, Ivan, Joan & Nick

and everyone else who helped, thank you for all the hard work and everyone else who helped, thank you for all the hard work and everyone else who helped, thank you for all the hard work and everyone else who helped, thank you for all the hard work

and effort that it took to get this together. It was truly a and effort that it took to get this together. It was truly a and effort that it took to get this together. It was truly a and effort that it took to get this together. It was truly a

wonderful surprise. We are very blessed to have you all in our wonderful surprise. We are very blessed to have you all in our wonderful surprise. We are very blessed to have you all in our wonderful surprise. We are very blessed to have you all in our

lives.lives.lives.lives.

Dorothy Ames and Allie LaBordeDorothy Ames and Allie LaBordeDorothy Ames and Allie LaBordeDorothy Ames and Allie LaBorde

AWANA STARTS WED, AUG 21ST

CHILDREN AGE 2 THROUGH GRADE 5

6:15 PM

Pre-Register your child off the Worship

Center foyer prior to service

Aug 14 and 18

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

Birthday Greetings!Birthday Greetings!

Aug 18: George Cupit, Peyton Hicks,

Ma" Duff

Aug 19: Evalena King, Sandy Middleton

Aug 20: Chase McGraw

Aug 21: J. P. Ethridge

Aug 22: Paula Yarbrough, Garre" Floyd

Aug 24: Tom O’Neal, Micalet Kemp,

Danielle Hutchins

Aug 25: Roy Cupit, Rosalie Ethridge, Ken

Vines, Darla Wilkinson, Dusty Carson

Aug 27: Sue Dayton, James Hancock,

Junior Williams

Aug 28: Julia Harrell, Kesha Sibley,

Heidi Carson

Aug 29: Esteen Cupit, Vera Verdel,

Sidney Holt

Aug 30: Drew Brown

Aug 31: Barry Dayton, Phillip Doucas

August 18:

Nursery: Adam/Shannon Probst, Heidi Carson,

Shanda Richardson, Una Knapp, Leslie Hunt,

DeeDee Roberts, Cindy Roberts, Budda

McCullin; 8/21 Chris Rouse, Jamie Ross

Greeters: Gary Gibson, John Tu"le, Natalie

Brown, Peggy McCall, Mary A. Doughty, Jerry/

Kim Clark, Doug Clark; 8/21 Hil Burge

Counter: Diane Costan?ni

Celebrate Recovery Nursery: Dawn Moss

August 25:

Nursery: Beth/Chad Houghton, Crystal/Kent

Ozment, Mary Ann Doughty, Rebecca Young,

Misty Graning, Melissa Kunkle, Sylvia Strahan;

8/28 Barbara Tu"le

Greeters: Grady Boykin, Rosemary Rose, Chris

Roberts, Lynn/Kenneth Case, Kenneth Young,

Tim Fuqua, Patsy/Donnie White; 8/28 Linda

Crain

Counter: Gwen McKinney

Celebrate Recovery Nursery: Chris Sanders,

Mandy Hedrick

September 1:

Nursery: Janna Burns, Alan/Carol Holland,

Be"y Woody, Carrie/Frank Vest, Dara/Whest

Shirley, Sue Wilson; 9/4 Belinda Welch

Greeters: Roy McKinney, Chris Sanders, Keith

Darnell, Frank Vest, Marie Allred, Sue Wilson,

Budda McCullin, Jimmy Dickey, Maxine Smart;

9/4 Tammy/Clare Shields

Counter: Billie Chandler

Celebrate Recovery Nursery: Lynn Case, Linda

Foster

Regular Schedule Weekly

Sunday

Worship 9:00 am

Sunday School 9:15 am

Worship 10:30 am

Sunday School 10:30 am

Wednesday

One Accord Signing Class 5:30 pm

Children’s Music Class: June 12-Jul 30 6:30 pm

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

Wednesday Night Youth: Gr 6-12 6:30 pm

Sanctuary Choir Prac+ce 7:30 pm

Thursday

Celebrate Recovery 6:00 pm

Monthly

Deacons Mee+ng-2nd Sunday 3:00 pm

Young at Heart - 2nd Tuesday 5:30 pm

Quarterly

Business Mee+ng: 2nd Sunday of each quarter 6 pm

As Announced

Small Group Studies Check bulle+n

Contact Informa?on 100 N. Hickory St., Vidalia LA 71373

Phone 318-336-7111

Fax 318-336-7112

Website: www.<cvidalia.com

email: info@<cvidalia.com

Our Staff

Rev. Bill McCullin: Senior Pastor

Dusty Carson: Assoc. Pastor of Youth & Families

Ma? Duff: Assoc. Pastor Worship & Crea+ve Ministries

Caitlyn Hendricks: Summer Intern Children & Youth

Allie LaBorde: Church Secretary

Peggy Wooten: Financial Secretary

Sylvia Strahan: Part-Time Secretary

Coming EventsComing EventsComing EventsComing Events

Aug 19: Church Council Budget Mee?ng

Aug 20: Women on Mission

Aug 20: Belize Open Mee?ng

Aug 21: Awana begins

Aug 25: “Purity” Ring Ceremony

Sep 2: Labor Day: Office Closed

Sep 8: Pounding for Ma" & Hannah Duff

Sep 14: Beth Moore Simulcast

Sep 15: Belize Fundraiser: Meal aIer church

Sep 28: New Orleans Mission Trip

Sep 29: FiIh Sunday Gathering

Current Reports: Jul 28—Aug 4

Sunday School

July 28 196

August 4 235

Tithes and Offerings

Budget Amount Received $26,033.82

Budget Received to Date $436,814.94

Budget Required to Date $402,783.00

Desig’d Receipts this report $1,887.02

First Bap+st Vidalia: Published August 8, 2013

Ac?ve Deacons

Jon Be?s, Jeff Ames, Tim Welch, Alan Holland,

David Moss, Clare Shields, Kenneth Young,

Art Verdel, Greg Randall, Joe Doughty, Ricky Knapp

CELEBRATE RECOVERYCELEBRATE RECOVERYCELEBRATE RECOVERYCELEBRATE RECOVERY Every ThursdayEvery ThursdayEvery ThursdayEvery Thursday 6:00 pm Meal6:00 pm Meal6:00 pm Meal6:00 pm Meal

6:30 Large Group Worship6:30 Large Group Worship6:30 Large Group Worship6:30 Large Group Worship 7:30 Open Share Small Groups7:30 Open Share Small Groups7:30 Open Share Small Groups7:30 Open Share Small Groups Open to everyone with hurts, habits Open to everyone with hurts, habits Open to everyone with hurts, habits Open to everyone with hurts, habits

and/or hangand/or hangand/or hangand/or hang----ups!ups!ups!ups!

You are Invited to a You are Invited to a You are Invited to a You are Invited to a Wedding ShowerWedding ShowerWedding ShowerWedding Shower

forforforfor

HALLEY WILLIAMSHALLEY WILLIAMSHALLEY WILLIAMSHALLEY WILLIAMS Daughter ofDaughter ofDaughter ofDaughter of

Junior and Connie WilliamsJunior and Connie WilliamsJunior and Connie WilliamsJunior and Connie Williams

Monday, August 26Monday, August 26Monday, August 26Monday, August 26 7 pm7 pm7 pm7 pm

In the Fellowship Hall In the Fellowship Hall In the Fellowship Hall In the Fellowship Hall Of First Baptist VidaliaOf First Baptist VidaliaOf First Baptist VidaliaOf First Baptist Vidalia

You are invited To a baby shower

for

Kayce Hinson

August 24, 10:00 a.m. First Baptist Vidalia

“It’s a Boy!”

BELIZE MISSION “INTEREST” MEETING

Open Meeting for Everyone who “May” be

interested in going to Belize for 2014 trip

August 20, 6:30 pm

FBCV Fellowship Hall