The 2009 FBC Christmas production Christmas Delayed was a huge success this past December 5-7. The crowd was large at every performance of the show and many guests were present. Praise the Lord for the 45 people who prayed to receive Jesus as their Savior and Lord during the performances and for those who loved them enough to invite them or bring them. God blessed this musical like no other we have ever had at First Baptist Marion. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed their time, talents, skills, money, or expertise to this production.

First Baptist Church in partnership with Hope House and the Memphis Food Bank recently had the privilege of providing over a week's worth of groceries to 150 needy families from Marion and West Memphis. The food distribution took place on Thursday, November 19th. Volunteers from FBC, New Hope Baptist Mission, Hope House, and the Good Neighbor center helped load the cars of 150 needy families. The food distribution was such a success that the Memphis Food Bank is providing food for distribution at FBC again in December. The date is not yet determined.

More volunteers will be needed for the December distribution. If you are interested in volunteering, contact us at 739-3944 or at mary@fbcmarionark.org.

First Baptist Church officially turned in 376 Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes as of 11:00 am Monday, November 23rd. Others still have them to turn in and the number will go higher. These shoeboxes will open the doors to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with children and their families all over the world. We especially appreciate the efforts of our students who brought 189 boxes!

Pastor Clay Hallmark was recently elected as President of the Arkansas Baptist Convention at its annual meeting in Benton, Arkansas on November 4, 2009. To read the full story go HERE

In addition to Pastor Clay Hallmark's election, Dr. Ron Kirkland, Pastor of West Memphis FBC, was elected as President of the Arkansas Baptist Pastors Conference for 2010 and Rev. Loren Strickland of Angels Way Baptist in Marion was elected as Vice President of the Pastors Conference. FBC Chairman of Deacons, Rob Rash, was elected by the convention to the ABSC Executive Board to represent the Tri-County Baptist Association.

The culmination of our spiritual growth emphasis of 40 Days of Purpose will be this Sunday with a huge celebration in both the 9:00 am and 10:30 am worship services. We want to take the time to celebrate and begin to apply what we have learned and what God has done during the past 40 Days. I hope you will be present and ready to worship God and study His last purpose for your life in Sunday School. Don't forget to wear your 40 Days t-shirts if you have them, as well as not forgetting to turn back your clock one hour on Saturday night.

On Sunday night, October 25th in conjunction with our 40 Days of Purpose emphasis, we will be having a Global Missions Impact worship service featuring guest speaker Dr. Wade Akins. Dr. Akins is an author, evangelist, pastor, and missionary. Dr. Akins served with the International Mission Board (IMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention in Vietnam and Brazil for 26 years. He is a leading authority on church planting using the Pioneer Evangelism strategy. He is currently an adjunct professor at Union University and Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. Additionally, he is one of the most sought after speakers in America today on the subject of missions, evangelism, and church planting. Make your plans now to be with us on Sunday night October 25th at 6:00 pm.

In addition to hearing Dr. Akins, we will also hear about the 2010 proposed FBC mission trips and projects, as well as receive a special offering for missions. See the "missions tree" between the buildings in the breezeway to see how you and your Sunday School class can be involved in this special missions offering.

The LifeShapers Childcare center of First Baptist Marion has immediate openings in several of our classes. The following classes presently have availability:

4 year old room (1 opening)

18-24 month old room (3 openings)

6 week-12 month old room (6 openings)

Openings in the After School care program

If you are interested in your child being in one of these open spots at LifeShapers, call Allison Gutt (Director) immediately at 870-739-8610 or email her at allison@fbcmarionark.org.

CALL TO GET YOUR CHILD ENROLLED TODAY!

It was recently reported in The Arkansas Baptist News that Ray Dean Davis, Associational Missionary of Tri-County Baptist Association, will nominate Pastor Clay Hallmark as President of the Arkansas Baptist Convention on November 4, 2009 at the ABSC annual meeting at FBC, Benton, AR. To read more about this news go HERE

The big 40 Days of Purpose KICK OFF EVENT was a big success on Sunday night. Over 460 people attended the event! The crowds were challenged to discover and put into practice God's purposes of worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism. The first 40 Days sermon will be preached by Pastor Clay Hallmark this Sunday, September 20th in both the 9:00 am and 10:30 am morning worship services. The first day of reading in the book, The Purpose Driven Life, begins on Monday, September 21st. We are seeking to answer this overarching and important question, "What on earth am I here for?"

The Purpose Driven Life books are currently available at the church office along with FBC t-shirts for the campaign. There is still time to host a home or business 40 Days DVD study. If you are interested in more information about hosting the study, email Pastor Clay Hallmark today at clay@fbcmarionark.org or call the church office at 870-739-3944.

Thank you to everyone who made the kick-off event such a big success.

On September 18 and 19, the Women's Ministry of FBC will be hosting the GIRLS JUST WANNA...WEEKEND featuring national author and speaker Judy Woodward Bates (The Bargainomics Lady, www.bargainomics.com) and musical guest Tawana Lowery. Judy was with us for a womens event several years ago here at FBC.

There will be a banquet on Friday night with Judy Bates and Tawana Lowery, brunch on Saturday morning, and teaching sessions. This unique event will be inspirational, challenging, and lots of fun for ladies of every age. Space is limited so get your tickets today. Tickets are now on sale at the FBC office. Early Bird tickets are $20.00 each and tickets at the door will cost $25.00. For more information, contact Women's Ministry Director, Courtney Vickers at cvickers@scsk12.org or the church office at 870-739-3944.
OK LADIES...GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!