A NOTE FROM PASTOR RONNY…
2025 Bible Reading Plan
Follow along with us as we read the Bible through in 2025! There are three versions you can choose from to follow along with, Through the Bible, Chronological, and New Testament.
NEW to First Baptist Clarksville? WELCOME! We’re so glad you’re worshiping with us! We’d love for you to fill out an online Connect Card so that we can learn more about you and help get you connected! Visit fbct.org/connectcard and someone will contact you shortly!
IN-CHURCH WORSHIP
ONE in-church worship at 10:30am
ONLINE WORSHIP
There are so many ways to watch our morning worship even if you are not able to be with us in person. You can watch live on our church website at fbct.org/live.
LIVE on Facebook: facebook.com/firstclarksville. After the live event, you can replay on this same Facebook page. We will stream on Sundays at 10:30am, 2pm, and 7pm, Mondays at 7pm, Wednesdays at 6pm, and Saturdays at 7pm.
LIVE on Youtube: youtube.com/c/firstclarksville.
You can listen to and watch past services at fbct.org/sermonarchive
You can also watch a recent sermon on television through WCKV-TV which is Channel 6 on Charter/Spectrum, Channel 12 on CDE Lightband and over the air through an antenna on Channel 22.1. These programs air at:
- 9am on Sundays
- 4:30am on Mondays
- 7pm on Mondays
- 8:30am on Wednesdays
- 4:30am on Thursdays
- 4am on Fridays
SAVE THE DATES:
November 26: NO Wednesday evening activities
November 27-28: Church Offices Closed (Thanksgiving)
December 6 - 5:00-8:00pm: Clarksville Christmas Parade and Tour of the Trees
December 12: Legacy Trip - Nashville Christmas Cruise Aboard the General Jackson
December 17 - 4:30-6:00pm: Christmas Dinner | Laida Fellowship Hall | fbct.org/christmasdinner
December 24-26: Church Offices Closed (Christmas)
December 24 - 5:00pm: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service | Grace Worship Center
December 28: Worship ONLY at 10:30am (No Connect Groups at 9am)
December 31: NO Wednesday Evening Activities
December 31-January 1: Church Offices Closed (New Years)
January 11, 2026 - 12-2pm: First Steps Class | fbct.org/firststeps
January 18 - 12:00–1:00pm: 2026 Mission Opportunities/Trips Informational Meeting | Original Fellowship Hall
LIVESTREAM - SUNDAYS AT 10:30AM
Aren’t available to join us in-person on Sunday? You can livestream our 10:30am service while it is live in the room from wherever you are! Click the link below or visit fbct.org/livestream.
CHRISTMAS Parade and TOur of trees
Saturday, December 6 @ 5:00pm | Grace Worship Concourse
During and following the Christmas parade our campus will be open to the public for warm beverages and the Tour of Trees in the Grace concourse. We will also have warm drinks and snacks available during the parade! Look for us outside on Franklin Street! For tours of the trees, please enter the Steeple entrance.
SELF-GUIDED TOURS
November 24 - December 30 | Grace Worship Concourse
Over 40 beautifully decorated spiritual Christmas trees will be on display at First Baptist throughout the Christmas season! Each tree will tell a part of the gospel story of Jesus.
SELF-GUIDED TOURS (No Tour Guide)
Monday through Thursday: 9:00am-3:30pm
Friday: 9:00am-11:00am
Sundays during worship hours 9am-noon
(no reservations required for self-guided tours)
CHRISTMAS DINNER AND FELLOWSHIP
December 17 | 4:30-7:00pm | Laida Fellowship Hall
Join us on Wednesday, December 17 from 4:30-6:00pm in the Laida Fellowship Hall for Christmas Dinner. At 6pm Preschool, Kids, and Studets will meet in their areas, and Adults will remain in the Fellowship Hall for a time of Worship.
Reservations are suggested but not required. This will help us get a head count for dinner! Dinner will be $10 per person (kids 10 years old and under eat free).
You can purchase tickets online at fbct.org/christmasdinner or you can also call the church office at 931.245.0000 or email info@fbct.org.
CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
Wednesday, December 24 @ 5:00pm | Grace Worship Center
The warmth of Christmas will fill the room by the beautiful glow of candles held by all who attend. The sweet sound of Christmas carols will fill the air. Our hearts will be humbled as we observe the Lord's Supper and hear an uplifting message that reminds us of the greatest gift we have in Christ.
FIRST STEPS CLASS
NEXT CLASS: SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 2026 | 12-2PM
LOCATION: HOPE BUILDING, ORIGINAL FELLOWSHIP HALL
Our First Steps class is designed for new members and guests. We invite you to join our Senior Pastor, Dr. Ronny Raines, and our ministry team for our next membership class. We'll treat you to a delicious lunch and then help you discover how God wants to use you at First Baptist Church. As you attend the class, we'll cover the following subjects:
A personal relationship with Jesus Christ
Meaning of church membership
Biblical baptism
The Lord's Supper
The church's beliefs and vision
Opportunities to give
Ways to serve in the church
Ministries at First Baptist Church
Meet our ministry team
Time for Q&A
Tour our church facilities
We hope you'll join us for our next First Steps class. You can register by filling out the online form at fbct.org/firststeps or by contacting Dana in the pastor's office at 931.245.0000 or dana.abee@fbct.org.
RIGHTNOW MEDIA
First Baptist Clarksville provides members full access to a large streaming library of Bible studies for men, women, youth, marriage, and family, leadership, children shows, history, missions and outreach, and so much more. RightNow Media is an excellent online resource for our Connect Groups, personal or family devotions, and animated shows for children like Veggietales and Adventures in Odyssey. Rightnow Media también tiene muchos recursos en español. Please clink link below to request an invitation to RightNow Media and begin exploring a growing online Christian resource.
MEMBERSHIP AND GIVING TOOLS
Fellowship, Worship and Discipleship are fundamental to an obedient life in Christ. First Baptist Church maintains several tools to help us stay connected, share and offer the sacrifice of praise, and grow together. Scroll to the bottom of the home page at fbct.org and click on "app" to see options for adding these tools to your phone or other device. You can use these tools to stay connected to your discipleship group, contact the church, watch past worship services and sermons, as well as support the FBC financially as the Lord directs for you and your family. There are even instructions for how to access these tools using your web browser.
Using these apps, updating your profile information to share with the church is easy. When changes occur in your family life such as a move to a new home, change in email address, etc. you can update your information to be sure that our communication with you is efficient. You can even add a picture to make it easier for your church family to put a name with a face!
Information about any groups that might be of interest to you, such as Connect Groups, teams, committees, etc will be available as well. Group Leaders can use the tools to take attendance online and access other features. You can contact the church through the app, read messages from group members/leaders and browse the church directory.
Check out fbct.org/app for instructions on how to get the app and reach the membership and giving website.
FRIDAYS - DAY OF PRAYER
We invite you to join us every Friday for a Day of Prayer. No need to sign up, just pray. We ask you to set aside 15 minutes during the day to stop and pray. A new prayer guide will be posted at fbct.org/pray each Thursday to help direct your prayer time. Every day is a day for us to pray. We are reminded to continually be in a spirit of prayer.
2 Chronicles 7:14 ”And my people, who bear my name, humble themselves, pray and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.”
ONLINE BULLETIN
Whether you worship at home or join us in-person, you can now visit fbct.org/bulletin and find out about what's happening at First Baptist Clarksville through our NEW online bulletin! You can find helpful links, give, and follow along with sermon notes! Check back each week for updated information!
FIRST BAPTIST MUSIC
You can now view and listen to our First Baptist Worship Team music that is used for our online worship! Head over to fbct.org/music and be sure to share the page and your favorite songs with others!
GET CONNECTED
We have many online and in-church Connect Group opportunities for you and your family! Visit fbct.org/connectgroups to learn more!
RightNow Media is an awesome tool for small groups. To get plugged in to Right Now Media, simply text to get started! Text: RightNow FBCClarksville to 41411
Preschool
Thanksgiving Break
November 27-29
Please note that there will be no Wild Adventures on Wednesday, November 26th or First Learners Preschool on Tuesday, November 25th & 27th.
Christmas Parent Night Out
December 12 | 6-9pm
All parents of preschoolers and kids ages 12 weeks to 3rd grade
Our FBCT family is offering you the opportunity to have a few hours of childcare during the busy Christmas season. Imagine what you could do: Christmas shopping without kids, fellowshipping with Connect Group members, dining out with a spouse or friend, or just enjoying some peace and quiet.
Our trusted and caring FBCT childcare workers and volunteers will engage your children with fun, age-appropriate Christmas activities, ensuring they’re well taken care of while you’re out.
Rest easy knowing your children are in a safe, nurturing environment, and take this chance to recharge, knowing you’re coming back to happy kids!
* Registration will close on December 10th.
* The cost is $10.00 per child with a $25.00 family max.
Register Early as Space is Limited! Click here to register or visit fbct.org/pno:
Contact Karen Bone at 931.245.0004 or email Karen at preschool@fbct.org with any questions or concerns.
kidS
KIDS CONNECT GROUPS
Wednesdays: Every Wednesday night at 6pm in the Kids Worship Room
Connect Groups: Every Sunday morning at 9am in the Kids Area
KIDS EAT FREE ON WEDNESDAY NIGHTS!
Did you know that Kids 10 and under eat FREE every Wednesday night at First Baptist?! Join us on Wednesdays from 4:30-6:00pm in the Laida Fellowship Hall for a meal before Wednesday Night Connect Groups at 6pm! We can’t wait to see YOU there!
WEDNESDAY NIGHT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR KIDS!
Interested in serving in Kids? We would love to have YOU! Wednesday night volunteers are needed. Email Tabitha Dowdy, Kids Ministry Director, at tabitha.dowdy@fbct.org for more information or to sign up for this opening.
STUDENTS
SAVE THE DATES!
MDWK: Every Wednesday night at 6pm in the Student Space
Connect Groups: Every Sunday morning at 9am in the Student Space
STUDENT NEWSLETTER
Check out the monthly Newsletter for Students at movementstudents.org.
Student Ministry Remind
Parents, sign up for our students ministry remind app for an extra layer of fast communication. Just text “@2k9abc” to 81010
adults
WEDNESDAY NIGHT GROWTH GROUPS
6:00-7:15pm | Cost: $10
GROWTH GROUPS
A Jesus Shaped Life (Women’s Study): Pam Carter- Original Fellowship Hall (Mark Briggs’ Classroom)
In this 7-session Bible study, Lisa Harper invites you to explore the depths of God's character, God's love for you, and how your relationship with Him transforms you. Ultimately, you will experience how biblically sound theology deepens your relationship with God and each other.
Unpack rich theological concepts, like:
Imago Dei—what it means to be made in God's image
Hypostatic union—Jesus as fully God and fully human
Christ's Transcendence—that He is above and beyond all creation. He is holy, eternal, and sovereign.
Christ's Immanence—that He is present with and near to His creation.
Coram Deo—living every moment in the presence of God.
Pneumatology—the Holy Spirit, His role, and His work in our lives
. . . and so much more!
When God Speaks (Co-ed Study): Scott Moncrief - Room 2230
When God Speaks by Dr. Henry Blackaby is an extensive study of the important truths concerning God's speaking to His people. God does speak to His followers. He gives clear, personal instructions that enable you to experience fully His power, presence, and love. When God Speaks will help you understand the ways God speaks and be obedient to His voice.
Learn more and sign up at fbct.org/growthgroups.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT GROUPS
6:00-7:15pm | No Cost or Registration
Large Group Bible Study - Pastor Ronny - Faith Sanctuary through October 29 and Grace Worship Center beginning November 4
We hope you’ll participate and study with our pastor and fellow church members how Jesus’s timeless sayings can transform our lives today!The Man Journey Men’s Bible Study - Closed Group
Students - Cole McCartney - Student Space
NextGen Pastor Cole McCartney will spend the fall walking through the spiritual disciplines. If you are a student in grades 6-12, we welcome you to join fellow students, Cole, and other student leaders for an encouraging time of worship, fellowship, and teaching.Kids’ Night Children’s Ministry, Hope Building - 1st Floor
Join us at Kids Night for a high-energy mid-week ministry that encourages kids to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ through Bible Study, missions education, worship, and recreation games.Preschool Wild Adventures, Grace Building - 1st Floor
Wild Adventures is our Wednesday night program where preschoolers rotate through Bible study, crafts, music and recreation to learn about the love of Jesus.Hispanic Ministry - Dr. Ed Rocha - Room 2322 and 2313
Adult Choir Rehearsal, Grace Building Choir Room
Join us to lead our congregation in worship. For more information, please contact John Mark Cox, Worship and Creative Arts Pastor, at john.cox@fbct.org.
D-CONNECT GROUPS
TUESDAY MORNING D-CONNECT GROUP (6:30am):
Men’s Prayer Group, Chick-Fil-A, 6:30am, Led by Scott Moncrief and Greg Utley
This Bible Study teaches topics relevant for modern men based on Biblical principles from the whole counsel of Scripture. We serve to encourage, build up and unify the men of our community under the ministry and mission of our church. We take off the month of July and December, and follow the Montgomery County school schedule for cancellations and fall/spring break. Men are always welcome to meet at CFA for prayer and social time when we are not formally having a study. Please feel free to call/text Scott Moncrief with questions at 931-378-4110, and to get on our weekly email list for updates, contact spanishbay99@yahoo.com
TUESDAY NIGHT D-CONNECT GROUP (6:00Pm):
Mom Life, August 2025 - May 2026
Mom Life FBCT (Tuesday Group) meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 6:00-8:00pm through May in the Fellowship Hall, 2nd Floor Hope Building. Registration/Tuition is $50.00. Please note that there is no childcare available for the Tuesday Group. Learn more and register at fbct.org/momlife.
WEDNESDAY MORNING (9:30AM):
Explorers, 3rd Floor Hope Building, 9:30-11:30am, August-May, Led by Becky Bourne
fbct.org/explorersKorean Ministry, Room 2125, 10:00-11:00am, 1st Floor Hope Building, Korean Pastor John Lee
The Korean Ministry will be studying the Gospel of John.
FRIDAY MORNING D-CONNECT GROUP (9:00am):
MomLife, August 2025-May 2026.
Mom Life FBCT (Friday Group) will meet one Friday a month from 9:00am-11:30am. We will begin on Friday, August 29th and meet through May in the Student Space, 3rd Floor Hope Building. Registration/Tuition is $90.00. Please note that childcare availability is limited for the Friday Group. Learn more and register at fbct.org/momlife.
WOMEN’S MINISTRY
ORNAMENT EXCHANGE
On Sunday, November 9 our ladies gathered for an Ornament Exchange. It was a wonderful time of fun, fun, and fellowship.
SENIOR ADULTS
Legacy
The Legacy Ministry is for anyone who is 55 years and up, designed to help you stay connected, encouraged, and involved in meaningful Kingdom work. It’s been such a great year, and we’re truly thankful for you and all the ways you continue to serve and bless others. We have Legacy Connect Groups every Sunday morning at 9:00am
For those who are signed up for the General Jackson Legacy Day Trip, please be ready to depart on December 12 at 9:30am from the church parking lot. This trip is full, but we have another trip planned in the Spring 2026.
Grace & Grit Ministry
Grace & Grit Ministry
December 9 | 10:00am-11:00am | Room 2208, Hope Building
You’re invited to join Grace & Grit, our widow’s ministry, on December 9, 2025. We would love to have
you part of our ministry. Each month, we have a different program.
To RSVP, call Karen Bone at 931-245-0004 or email Karen at karen.bone@fbct.org.
Legacy First Thursday Lunch
December 4 | 10:30am-1:00pm | Laida Fellowship Hall
For all who are 55 and older, join us on Thursday, December 4, 2025, for a special time of spiritual enrichment, lunch, and fellowship.
10:30am – Bible Study: Dive into God’s Word together.
11:30am – Lunch ($8.00 per person): Enjoy a delicious meal and fellowship.
12:00pm – The morning will end with a variety of engaging programs each month.
Come and be a part. We can’t wait to see you there. Invite a friend! To RSVP, call Karen Bone at 931-245-0004 or email Karen Bone at karen.bone@fbct.org.
MISSIONS
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD BOX COLLECTION
Thank you for being a part of this important mission opportunity. Our church’s goal was 500 shoeboxes. We surpassed that goal and put together _________ boxes that will be delivered to children all over the world in the weeks to come! Each child who receives a box will receive necessary hygiene items and toys for Christmas. Most importantly, each child will hear the Gospel of Jesus. Pray for God to open their eyes to the greatest gift of all – JESUS!
2026 MISSION OPPORTUNITIES / TRIPS INFORMATIONAL MEETING
Join us on Sunday, January 18th from 12:00 – 1:00pm in the Old Fellowship Hall as we roll out the mission opportunities for you and your family to consider in 2026. We will have both local and global opportunities. Lunch will be provided at no cost. There will not be childcare. We will have a kids’ area in the back of the room where children can color and create a craft while we share.
LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING / WEEK OF PRAYER FOR INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS
We are beginning our annual emphasis on international mission work. First, we are calling our church to pray for international missions. You will find a prayer guide on your way into the Grace Sanctuary and at Missions Landing. Second, we will collect an offering throughout December that supports Southern Baptist international missionaries. You can give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering by using an IMB envelope in the back of our church pews, or you can give online at www.fbct.org/giving. As you give, 100% goes directly to support our 3,600 missionaries worldwide. Our church goal is $25,000. As a result of SBC Churches giving to the offering in 2024, we can rejoice that:
795,482 people heard full gospel presentation
144,969 new believers
68,628 baptisms
7,025 new groups formed / 2,489 new churches formed
SAFETY AND SECURITY TEAM UPDATES
In November the Safety and Security Team (SST) participated in active shooter training provided by the Tallahassee Chief of Police.
Also in November, we stood up a Medical Team to respond to emergencies during Sunday Connect and Worship times. Any SST member with a radio can reach them.
We are always looking for a few good men and women interested in serving on the SST. We have position available for security team, medical professionals, and tech savvy volunteers to operate our camera systems. We really need more camera operators. If you are interested, please send an email to: security@fbct.org.
Library
DECEMBER LIBRARY NOTES
BOOK REVIEW
Book Spotlight: MORE THAN A CARPENTER
By Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell
The CHRISTmas season opens doors for meaningful conversations about our faith — but many of us hesitate, unsure of what to say. More Than a Carpenter is a powerful, easy-to-read book that helps believers share their faith with confidence and clarity.
Jesus is not just a storybook figure. He was a real person in history — who lived, walked, taught, died, and rose again in real places, among real people. The eyewitness accounts and historical evidence of His life and resurrection make Him the most credible figure in all of history.
And yet, Jesus was so much more than a man. His life continues to transform hearts, shape nations, and give hope to the world. He is the Faithful One, the Savior of the world, and the King who is coming again.
Josh and Sean McDowell present clear evidence for who Jesus claimed to be — the Son of God. Whether you’re deepening your faith or learning to share it, this book will strengthen and prepare you. He prepares us for battle, He calls us to be His witnesses, and His grace is amazing!
As we celebrate this CHRISTmas season, remember that Jesus is faithful at all times and worthy to receive glory, honor, and praise. Share this book — and the hope of Christ — with someone who needs to know Him.
“Always be prepared to give an answer… for the hope that you have.” — 1 Peter 3:15
WEDNESDAY NIGHT Menu:
Dinner: 4:30-5:40pm | $10 per person, Kids 10 and under eat FREE!
Nov 26: Thanksgiving Break-No Meal
ATTENDANCE
(Attendance includes online and in-church worship)
September 28, 2025: 6,969
Total On-Campus: 1,004 Total Online: 5,965October 5, 2025: 7,733
Total On-Campus: 1,087 Total Online: 6,646October 12, 2025: 8,083
Total On-Campus: 770 Total Online: 7,934October 19, 2025: 6,887
Total On-Campus: 842 Total Online: 6,045October 26, 2025: 7,318
Total On-Campus: 1,070 Total Online: 6,248November 2, 2025: 9,367
Total On-Campus: 1,067 Total Online: 8,300November 9, 2025: 8,208
Total On-Campus: 1,089 Total Online: 7,119
BAPTISMS
November 2, 2025: Rose Wood, AJ Giles
November 9, 2025: Michael Singleton, Sr.
November 16, 2025: Myeongjong Jo
Christian Sympathy
Our church extends Christian sympathy to…
…Laura (Jessie) Rich in the passing of her mother Eileen Beatrice Estenson. Billy Rich, Caitlin Rich, David Rich and Bethany Rich in the passing of their grandmother. Mia Maxwell, Serenity Rich and Journee Rich in the passing of their great grandmother on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.In Memoriam of….
…Servella Terry, who passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2025.
STAFF ANNIVERSARIES
NOVEMBER
Christian Ayles - Facilities Team: 17 Years
Pastor Ronny Raines - Pastoral Team: 5 Years
TITHES AND OFFERINGS
Thank you for your faithful giving to First Baptist Clarksville. Your financial support and investment in our church has a direct impact on our ministry. God is at work in our church and because you give, we are able to see lives touched, changed and redirected to honor Him. Learn more about different ways to give at fbct.org/giving or give instantly at fbct.org/give.
If you are interested in volunteering anywhere throughout the campus,
please visit fbct.org/volunteer and let us know!
PRESCHOOL MINISTRY
9am Connect Group Hour
Greeter/Attendance
Connect Group Assistant Leaders
Connect Group Leaders
10:30am Worship Hour
Greeter/Attendance
Worship Hour Smiles Team Member
Wednesday 6pm
Wednesday PM Babies Helper
Wednesday PM Pre-K TeamKID Leader & Assistant Leader
KIDS MINISTRY
Teachers for elementary-age kids for Connect Groups
Wednesday night volunteers
STUDENT MINISTRY
Connect Group Leaders and Co-Leaders
COMMUNICATIONS MINISTRY
Photographers (capture Sunday mornings and events)
Camera Operators during in-person worship for online services
TECH MINISTRY
Audio, Video, and Lighting
WORSHIP MINISTRY
Adult Choir, Worship Team, Musicians
LEGACY MINISTRY
Loving Touch Care for the Homebound and Nursing Homes
first events/KITCHEN ministry
Kitchen Helpers (making coffee, serving food, and setting up and cleaning up after events)
FIRST IMPRESSIONS MINISTRY
Sunday Morning First Impressions Greeters and Connectors
Lillian Bradley Church Library Ministry
Displays/bulletin boards
Advertising
Book processing
Typing
Man circulation desk
We’d love for you to like and follow us on social media! It’s a great way to stay up-to-date and connected with our First Family! When you visit us for in-church worship, we’d love for you to check-in! This is a great way to invite others to join you! Or if you’re at home or in-person, take a photo of what worship looks like where you’re at and who you’re with and tag us!
