A NOTE FROM PASTOR RONNY…

Changes are in the air.

- Temperatures are finally starting to drop. 

- Students are back on college and university campuses. 

- Certain businesses are offering pumpkin spice drinks 

- Leaves will begin to change colors soon. 

- The church is transitioning to a fall season of ministry. 

As you and I know, the message of the gospel never changes. Methods, the way we do church, often change to meet the needs of people and the times. I love Hebrews 13:8. That text says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." 

September is a month that brings changes, transitions, you might say. Let me give you a few insights and prayer requests for this month. 

Open Staff Positions 

I'm meeting with several pastoral and administrative candidates this month. I'm praying to see us fill the open positions related to missions and discipleship. We need the right people on our "ministry bus" and sitting in the right seats. We're trusting God for His direction and peace.     

Developing Future Leaders

I'm thankful our church invests in interns. We're seeking to develop more and more gospel leaders. It's becoming more difficult to find pastors and staff members. We have interns involved in student and kids' ministries, pastoral care, and missions ministries. The Lord is calling people to serve Him in vocational ministry. I'm grateful that we're calling out the called.    

Training Seminary Students

Our church is blessed to have several members involved in seminary education. It's a joy for me to serve in a mentor role for two of our SBC seminaries. I'm mentoring for three classes this semester: Church Revitalization, Discipleship and Spiritual Formation, and Expository Preaching. What a blessing to spend time and invest in seminarians!  

Deacon Selection Process      

It's that time of the year to select deacons. You'll have the opportunity to nominate men to serve as deacons on Sundays, September 13, 20, and 27. Our church is blessed by our deacons. These men serve and help us in ministry. You'll find information sheets, nomination forms, and ballot boxes around the concourse. I encourage you to pray and nominate godly, qualified men to serve as deacons at FBC Clarksville.   

Upcoming Pastors' Retreat

My next Pastors' Retreat is scheduled for October 26-27, 2026. We'll have eight pastors join us for these two days of encouragement, instruction, and support. I'm thankful God is using FBC Clarksville to make a kingdom investment in these servants and the churches they serve. This retreat is going to be held in the Nashville area at the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board's offices.   

Here are five prayer points for you to pray this month:

- God's Wisdom: As we meet with candidates for staff positions, pray that we'll have God's wisdom to know His heart and leadership. 

- Seminary Students: Seminary studies are demanding. Pray for Cole McCartney, Marcos Crespo, Ryan Martin, and Jacob Moore. 

- Future Deacons: Our church is large with many needs. The ministry team and I value the partnership of our deacons. Pray for the deacon selection process. 

- Pastors' Retreat: Final plans are in the works. Names of the participating pastors will be shared soon. Pray for the final details to come together.

- Ministry Interns: Our interns are involved in weekly meetings and ministries. Pray for them to be prepared to serve in the local church. 

I want to give you a "sneak peek" into October. On Sunday, October 4, we're having a Generosity Sunday. You may remember "Prove the Tithe" Sundays. It's a similar focus with a different name. God has called His people to be givers (Acts 20:35). A foundational behavior of discipleship and worship is generosity. You'll hear more details soon. 

On Sunday night, October 4, we have our next Evening of Prayer and Praise. This will be our third one. We'll sing, pray, testify, and observe the Lord's Supper. I encourage you to put this evening of worship on your calendar now. More details will be shared soon. We're praying for God to move greatly that evening. 

On Monday, October 5, we have our annual Staff Planning Day. We'll meet all day to pray, plan, learn, and fellowship. Food will be involved. Our goal that day is to plan for 2027 ministries and events.   

FBC Clarksville will celebrate 195 Years of Gospel Ministry in October, too. Praise the Lord for the faithfulness and longevity of His glorious church!                    

Angie and I love you and pray for you every morning. 

I'm grateful for our church family, the many people who serve, and the staff team who leads. 

The Lord has blessed FBC Clarksville. 

Blessings, 
Pastor Ronny 
John 3:30  

2027 HOLY LAND TRIP

FEBRUARY 17-26, 2027

Interested in joining us for our next Holy Land trip in 2027? Fill out the Interest Form below.

2026 Bible Reading Plan

Follow along with us as we read the Bible through in 2026! There are six versions you can choose from to follow along with, 52-Week Theological for Kids, 365 Days Theological, Chapter A Day, Through the Bible, Chronological, and New Testament.

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:

• September 3 - 10:30am-1:00 pm: Legacy First Thursday

• September 7: Labor Day (Church Offices Closed)

• September 9 - 5:00-7:00 pm: First Steps Class | Dinner: 5:00-5:45pm (Steeple Landing) Class: 5:45pm (Steeple Landing) | fbct.org/firststeps

• September 13: Deacon Selection Process Begins

• September 15 - 2:15-3:30 pm: Arise2Read Kicks Off

• September 23: Students - See You at the Pole

• September 26 - 9:00-11:00 am: Show and Shine Car Show | Grace Parking Lot

• October 18 - 10:30 am: Parent Child Dedication Service | fbct.org/childdedication

• October 4 - 10:30 am: Harvest of Hope, Sewing Seeds of Generosity Sunday

• October 4 - 5:00-7:00 pm: Night of Prayer and Praise | Grace Worship Center | fbct.org/prayerandpraise

• October 28 - 6:00 pm: Quarterly Church Conference | Grace Worship Center

• November 15: Serve 1:8 (Missions Day)

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.

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

IT’S NOAH’S ARK SUNDAY!

SEPTEMBER 13, 2026

Calling all lions, pigs, parrots, cats and more! It’s time to get those animal costumes ready for one of the most FUN Sundays of the year in the FBCT Preschool Ministry! On Sunday morning, September 13 our preschoolers will be learning that God keeps His promises through the story of Noah and the animals on the ark. 

All babies-kindergartners are encouraged to come dressed as their FAVORITE animal on Sunday for Connect Groups @9am AND stay through the Smiles Worship Hour @10:30am for additional activities as well as our special guest. Classes are available for moms and dads, too.

Your child will not want to miss “Noah,” as he tells the children all about the Big Boat that God had him build for all those animals! 

Entering Kindergarten Bible Presentation

SEPTEMBER 27, 2026

Entering Kindergarten is a big milestone in the life of a child—and an opportunity to help them grow in their walk with Jesus. As a church family, we are honored each year to present our new Kindergarteners with their very own Bible—God’s Word placed in their hands as they begin this exciting new season.

This year’s Bible Presentation Ceremony will take place on Sunday, September 27, during the 9:00am Connect hour.

Together, we will pray over these precious children and encourage them as they begin learning more about Jesus and His great love for them.

If your child would like to participate, please register online at fbct.org/bibleceremony or call the Preschool Ministry at 931-245-0004.

Let’s celebrate what God is doing in the hearts of our youngest disciples!

PARENT/CHILD DEDICATION SERVICE

OCTOBER 18, 2026

Moms and Dads, your FBCT church family is excited to celebrate, support and partner with you as you dedicate your child to God as part of our semi-annual Parent and Child Dedication Celebration. This time of dedication is one of the most important first milestones you will have as a parent. We cannot wait to celebrate and pray for you and your family! 

If you have any questions, call 931-245-0004 and ask for Mrs. Karen or Mrs. Cheryl. If you are interested in or to register for the Family Dedication Service on October 18, 2026, please complete the online registration form at fbct.org/childdedication. 

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

Sunday morning VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR KIDS!

Interested in serving in Kids? We would love to have YOU! Sunday morning 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

• September 10-16: Evangelism Blitz (Mission Trip to our Schools)

• September 23: See You at the Pole

STUDENT NEWSLETTER

Check out the monthly Newsletter for Students at fbct.org/students.

Student Ministry Remind

Parents, sign up for our students ministry remind app for an extra layer of fast communication. Just text “@2k9abc” to 81010

COLLEGE ministry

We are excited to kick off our new College Connect Group that meets on Wednesdays at 6:00pm in the Loft, 3rd Floor Hope Building. We also have a College Class that meets every Sunday at 9am in the Loft! Come join us!

WOMEN’S MINISTRY

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDIES

MOMLIFE - TUESDAY EVENING WOMEN’S GROUP

MomLife FBCT meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 6-8 pm. We will meet through May 2027 in the Hope Parlor, 2nd Floor Hope Building.

Registration/Tuition is $50.00.  Please note that there is no KidLife [childcare] available for the Tuesday Group.

MOMLIFE - FRIDAY MORNING WOMEN’S GROUP

• MomLife FBCT meets on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month from 9:15-11:30am. We will meet through May in the Hope Parlor, 2nd Floor Hope Building.

  MomLife (Friday Group) costs a total of $50 a year. If KidLife (childcare) is needed the total would be $70.00 split into two payments. Fall Payment of $35, and a Spring Payment of $35, due in January. Please register online at fbct.org/momlife.

adults

WEDNESDAY NIGHT GROWTH GROUPS

• EXPERIENCING GOD, HENRY BLACKABY

  Leader Dr. James Sanders, Room FH2230 - COST $10

  This life-changing study will help you recognize where God is at work, deepen your relationship with Him, and discover how to join Him in His mission. Whether you're new to the study or revisiting it, you'll be encouraged and challenged to grow in your walk with Christ.

• NOT MY JESUS, SHANE PRUITT

  Leader Ryan Martin, Room FH2232 - COST $10

  Not My Jesus, a thought-provoking study that challenges common misconceptions about Christ and helps us discover the Jesus revealed in Scripture. In a world filled with opinions about who Jesus is, this study will strengthen your faith, deepen your understanding of God's Word, and help you follow the real Jesus with confidence.

• DISCERNING THE VOICE OF GOD, PRISCILLA SHIRER

  Leader Tabitha Dowdy, Original Fellowship Hall (Women’s Study) - COST $10

  Discover how God speaks through His Word, His Spirit, and His purposes. This encouraging study will help you grow in confidence as you seek God's direction, recognize His leading, and respond in faithful obedience to His call.

• REUP - LIVING BY THE LIFE OF ANOTHER

  Leader Ron Pendergrass, Room 2317-19 (Men’s Study) - COST $10

  A biblical man understands that the Christian life is not lived by his own strength, but by the life of the One who died and rose again for him. In Christ, we find true rest, lasting victory, and the power to live the life God has called us to live—not through self-effort, but through Jesus living in us. If you've completed Identity Modules 1 and 2, I encourage you to take the next step by registering for the third and final module in the Identity series, Living by the Life of Another—Jesus. Discover what it means to stop striving and begin living daily through the power and presence of Christ.

  Sign up at fbct.org/growthgroups.

WEDNESDAYS AT FIRST BAPTIST

6:00-7:15pm | No Cost or Registration

• Large Group Bible Study - “One Another” Pastor Ronny - Grace Worship Center
  Our church’s vision statement reads, “We exist to worship God, love people, share Jesus, and make disciples.” Loving people is about how we treat one another. The Bible has over fifty “one another” passages. As an example, God’s people are to pray for, love, and forgive each other. Pastor Ronny plans to teach many of the “one another” passages this fall on Wednesday nights. Relationships matter in the local church. Beginning August 12th, join us for this timely study in the Grace Worship Center.

• College Growth Group - "How Do We Live as Christians?" - The Loft
  Following Jesus is about more than simply believing the right things—it is about living out our faith every day. What does it mean to love God, love others, represent His Kingdom, and make disciples in today's world? Join us as we explore these questions through "How Do We Live as Christians?", a Bible study designed to help you grow in your walk with Christ and learn how to faithfully follow Him wherever He leads

• Students - Cole McCartney - Student Space
  It has been an exciting summer to say the least! Week after week, we have gathered expectant of what the Lord would do in our times of worship through song, the reading of His Word, and fellowship with one another. The Fall will be no different! This Fall, students, grades 6-12, will walk through the Bible and see how God's people have encountered His holy presence and what our response to that presence should be. As students see how God has drawn near to His people throughout Scripture, our prayer is that they would draw near to Him in return. We want them to grow in a walk with Jesus that shapes how they worship God, love people, share Jesus, and make disciples.

• Kids’ Night Children’s Ministry, Hope Building - 1st Floor
  Our Kids Ministry, grades 1-5, has exciting Bible teaching planned each week! During August, children will discover the truth "I Am Designed for a Purpose" as they learn to serve, trust, and love like Jesus. In September, they'll explore "I Am Valued", discovering their identity and worth through God's incredible love and His plan for their lives.

• Preschool Wild Adventures, Grace Building - 1st Floor
  Our preschool ministry, babies-completed kindergarten, will continue providing a safe, loving, and engaging environment where even our youngest children can begin learning foundational biblical truths and experience the love of Jesus in age-appropriate ways.

• 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.

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY GROUP

TUESDAY MORNING MEN’S GROUP:

• Men’s Prayer Group, Chick-Fil-A, 6:30am, Led by Greg Utley
  Our Men’s Bible Study addresses real issues facing modern men through the timeless truth of God’s Word. Rooted in the full counsel of Scripture, each study is designed to strengthen faith, sharpen character, and apply biblical principles to everyday life.

  Our mission is to encourage, equip, and unify the men of our community in support of the ministry and mission of our church. Together, we seek to grow as godly leaders in our homes, workplaces, and community.

HISPANIC MINISTRY

BREAKFAST MEETING (EVERY LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH)

August 26 | 7:00am | Jersey Bagels

Every last Saturday of the month at 7:00am, we will be having a breakfast meeting for business owners, merchants, Entrepreneurs, and professionals at Jersey Bagels (2400 Madison Street Suite 3 Clarksville, TN 37040).  The event is an outreach where we have a time together to share principles based on the Bible for these sectors of the commercial industry in order to share the Gospel and serve the Hispanic Community of Clarksville and Montgomery County.  The whole event is conducted in Spanish.  

SENIOR ADULTS

Legacy GRACE & GRIT

September 8 | 10:00am-11:00am | Room 2208, Hope Building

You’re invited to join Grace & Grit, our widow’s ministry, that meets on the second Tuesday of each month. 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

September 3 | 10:30am-1:00pm | Laida Fellowship Hall

For all who are 55 and older, join us on Thursday, Septe, 2026, 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 for the Legacy lunch, please call Karen Bone at 931-245-0004 or email Karen at karen.bone@fbct.org.

military

MILITARY MINISTRY VOLUNTEER TEAM

Our Military Ministry exists to support, encourage, and ministry to service members, veterans, retirees and their families.

Volunteer Service Team Opportunities:

Prayer Team: We pray consistently for service members, veterans, retirees and their families–interceding for their needs, protection, and strength.
Connection and Visitation Team: We build relationships, stay in touch, and visit military members, retirees, and their families to encourage and support them.
Projects, Deployment, and Support Team: We provide practical help and support during deployments and times of need.

If you are interested in serving with the Military Ministry or have any questions, please contact Dr. Ed Rocha, Military Ministry Pastor at ed.rocha@fbct.org. You can also register to volunteer online by scanning the QR code.

MISSIONS

ARISE2READ - NORMAN SMITH ELEMENTARY 

Our church has just been given an opportunity to be the hands of feet of Jesus in our community. This opportunity is to serve the 2nd grade students at Norman Smith Elementary School with their reading deficits. It is an easy sight word program and you don’t have to have a teaching background to make a difference. We will serve the kids on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:15-3:30pm following the CMCSS schedule. You can participate on either day. Arise2Read will kick off on September 15. If you are interested, please contact Lisa Hicks at 901-601-7214. 

Serve 1:8

Mark your calendars for Serve 1:8 on November 15! Formerly known as Mission Day, Serve 1:8 is a church-wide emphasis on living out Acts 1:8 by sharing the gospel in our Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Please begin praying now that God will use this special day to mobilize our church for missions.

CONSERVATORY

The First Clarksville Conservatory is hiring!

The First Clarksville Conservatory is a Christian music lesson program providing students and adults the opportunity to study music in a church environment. Our application for Fall semester instructors is now open! The Conservatory is seeking instructors for piano, voice, violin, viola, and guitar. While many of our instructors have degrees in music, you are welcome to apply if you have studied music previously and would like to share your talents by teaching the next generation of church musicians. 

Our application is available online through the following link:  First Clarksville Conservatory Employment Application

For more information about the First Clarksville Conservatory please visit our webpage at www.fbct.org/conservatory  

SAFETY AND SECURITY TEAM UPDATES

• Thank you and congratulations to Kent Brown, our latest graduate from the Tennessee Armed Guard Course.

• In August the Safety and Security Team completed Enhanced Stop the Bleed training.  The training focussed on treating major bleeding until paramedics can arrive.

• We are looking for medical professionals for our Medical Team.  You would be on call while at FBC.  Scope of practice does not exceed that covered as a good Samaritan.    

• We are always looking for men and women interested in volunteering for the Safety and Security Team.  The commitment is to serve one Sunday morning a month.  

• We have positions for armed and unarmed guards and tech savvy volunteers to operate our camera systems.  

• If you are interested, please send an email to:  security@fbct.org. 

Library

WEDNESDAY NIGHT Menu:

Dinner: 4:30-5:40pm
Meal Prices: $12 per adult, $2 per child (10 and under)

• August 26: Cracker Barrel
  Grilled Tenders and Fried Crispy Tender Dippers, Green Beans, Macaroni and Cheese, Buttermilk Biscuits, Salad Bar, Fresh Fruit, Dessert

ATTENDANCE

(Attendance includes online and in-church worship)

• July 26, 2026: 7,648
  Total On-Campus: 1,041 Total Online: 6,607

• August 2, 2026: 6,528
  Total On-Campus: 1,073 Total Online: 5,455

• August 9, 2026: 9,158
  Total On-Campus: 1,101 Total Online: 8,057

• August 16, 2026:
  Total On-Campus: Total Online:

BAPTISMS

• August 8, 2026: Sue Rye

• August 16, 2026: Kinsley Zbinden

Christian Sympathy

• Our church extends Christian sympathy to…
  …Jan Kraeske in the passing of her mother. Whitney (Tye) Milliken in the passing of her grandmother Janie D. Whitley on Monday, August 3, 2026.
  …Vikki Fuller in the passing of her daughter. Nikki Peckham in the passing of her niece Vikki Micheal Fuller on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
  …Billie Gwynn Swann in the passing of their husband. Mary Allen (Charlie) Bumpus in the passing of her father. Will (Ashlyn) Bumpus and Nate (Alexa) Bumpus in the passing of his grandfather Jackie Cook Swann on Sunday, August 9, 2026.
  …Kathy (Dick) Littleton, Mike McWhirter, Theresa (Paul) Harrington, John (April) McWhirter, Richard (Amy) McWhirter, Billy (Elaine) Smith Jr. and Melba Dowdy in the passing of their mother. 18 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren of their grandmother/great-grandmother Mary Margaret Smith on Monday, August 10, 2026.
  …Kathy (David) Bearden in the passing of her mother Angel Moore on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

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

COLLEGE AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

• Wednesday Volunteers

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!