A NOTE FROM PASTOR RONNY…

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. I love seeing the splendor of changing colors. The cooler weather is a welcomed relief. The taste of Honeycrisp apples is a delightful pleasure. As I think about the changing seasons, I testify that our God is creative! 

September brings two guest preachers to First Baptist Church. Dr. Randy Davis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Baptist Convention, will be with us on Sunday, September 1. Dr. Davis is no stranger to our church family. Dr. Jeff Iorg, the new President of the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention, will be with us on Sunday, September 8. I'm excited to welcome both of these convention leaders to the pulpit. Thank you for praying for them.  

The Faith Building Project continues to move forward. I know the process has been emotional and hard. I'm praying for our church as we pursue God's preferred future. The steps we've taken will bless the next generation, not burden them. We captured the demolition on camera. We have that footage as a historical resource. By the end of October, we expect Phase One to be completed. Our Ad Hoc Teams are serving well. We'll keep you posted about the sale of the land and the costs of Phase Two. I love seeing our church family unified. Our unity is healthy for us and brings glory to our heavenly Father. 

On Wednesday night, October 2, I plan to lead a service that focuses on prayer, fasting, and celebration. We'll take time that night to open the contents found in the Faith Building Time Capsule. I want to do this with our church family. It'll be a special night of worship.  

I encourage you to stay engaged in the life and ministries of the church. You're needed to pray, attend, give, and serve. Our giving has been strong. However, at this point of the year, we're behind budget. This is rare for our church. We've managed expenses, leading us to remain in a healthy financial position. I appreciate our staff team staying alert and intentional with purchases. I seldom talk about money. As I say that, I believe that giving is a discipleship and worship issue. The Lord gave us His best, His Son, Jesus Christ. Are you and I giving the Lord our best? May we support the ministries of First Baptist Church by being generous and faithful with tithes and offerings! 

As the school year continues, let's continue to pray. May the Lord bless staff and students with His protection and wisdom! We have two Good News Clubs this year. One club meets on Tuesdays, and the other club meets on Thursdays. We still need more volunteers. If you'd like to serve, please contact Jason Johnson in the Missions Office. He can share expectations and connect you with the proper team leaders. What a joy to share Jesus and love students and their families.  

I hope you'll be faithful in Connect Groups and worship gatherings this month. We have incredible teachers and leaders. Connect Groups allow you to study God's Word, build relationships, and love people in their ups and downs of life. God created us for community. In our worship gatherings, we pray to adore the Lord in spirit and truth. We pray, baptize, sing, give, preach, invite, and obey.   Bible study and worship are nutrition for the soul. Let's allow the Lord to deepen and strengthen our walk with Him.    

Angie and I love you! We're blessed to serve Jesus with you!  

Grace and Peace, 
Pastor Ronny
John 3:30 

2024 Bible Reading Plan

Follow along with us as we read the Bible through in 2024! There are three versions you can choose from to follow along with, 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 23 - 6:00-8:00pm: Pickleball Information/Interest Meeting and Clinic | FBCT Gym | fbct.org/pickleball

• September 26 - 6:00-8:00pm: Pickleball Information/Interest Meeting and Clinic | FBCT Gym | fbct.org/pickleball

• September 29 - 10:30am: Lord’s Supper

• September 30-October 6: Week of Prayer and Fasting | fbct.org/prayerandfasting

• October 2 - 6:00pm: Time Capsule Service | Grace Worship Center

• October 16: 6:00pm Large Group Bible Study ONLY (Fall Break Week - No Dinner, Preschool, Kids, Students, Choir, or Small Groups)

• October 20: Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Kickoff

• November 17: Missions Day

• November 20 - 4:30-6:00pm: Thanksgiving Dinner | Laida Fellowship Hall

• November 27: NO Wednesday Evening Activities (Thanksgiving)

• November 28-29: Church Offices Closed

• December 18 - 4:30-6:00pm: Christmas Dinner | Laida Fellowship Hall

• December 24-27: Church Offices Closed

• December 24 - 5:00pm: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

• December 25: NO Wednesday Evening Activities (Christmas)

• December 29: NO 9am Connect Groups - 10:30am Worship ONLY

• December 31-January 1: Church Offices Closed

• January 1: NO Wednesday Evening Activities (New Years)

• January 26, 2025 - 12-2pm: First Steps Class | fbct.org/firststeps

• October 11-22, 2025: Journeys of Paul Tour | fbct.org/journeysofpaul

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 15 | 9:00 & 10:30am

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 15 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 Ceremony

Sunday, September 29th | 9am

We have loved watching your child grow in their knowledge of God, and we are honored to celebrate the milestone of your child entering Kindergarten by presenting them with a Bible of their very own.

We invite you to participate on Sunday morning, September 29, during 9:00am Connect Hour in Room 3109-12.

Registration begins on September 1st. Click on the link below to register your child to participate in the Bible Presentation Ceremony. To help with our preparations, we need to know who will participate on Sunday.

Click HERE to Register. 

FIRST LEARNERS PRESCHOOL - OUR FIRST DAY

After missing all our little learners all summer, we are excited to kick off the 2024-2025 First Learners Program Year! Our first official day was Thursday, August 22nd. Our students learned about coming to school just as Jesus came to church when He was little. Our FLP friends learned that church and school is a safe, fun place. We cannot wait for our next program day! For additional information about First Learners Preschool, visit www.fbct.org/firstlearners 

PARENT/CHILD DEDICATION SERVICE

October 27, 2024

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 27, 2024, please complete the online registration form at fbct.org/childdedication or click here.

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

D-CONNECT GROUPS

SUNDAY NIGHT D-CONNECT GROUPS:

• GriefShare, Room 2208, Led by Lyle and Pam Carlson, July 7-September 29

  GriefShare is a support group to help you move through the grief process. It is a safe, welcoming place where people understand the difficult emotions of grief.

TUESDAY MORNING D-CONNECT GROUPS:

• Men’s Prayer Group, Chick-Fil-A, 6:30am, Led by Ron Pendergrass

  Currently they are going through the minor prophets.

Wednesday Night D-CONNECT GROUPS (6:00pm):

• Pastor’s Study, Grace Worship Center, Led by Dr. Ronny Raines
  Pastor Ronny is going through an overview of the Bible where a different book of the Bible is taught each Wednesday night.

• Hispanic Bible Study, Room 2120, Led by Nestor Martinez

• Seamless | Room FH2230 | Led by Mikka Doyle | 7 week Bible study for ladies.
  In 7 sessions, Seamless covers the people, places, and promises of the Bible, tying them together into the greater story of Scripture. Whether you’ve grown up hearing Bible stories or you’re exploring Scripture for the first time, the full story of the Bible can be overwhelming. Experience the Bible as a whole as you gain clarity and confidence in your understanding of Scripture. Discover a biblical context that reshapes and brings to life stories from the Old and New Testaments.

• Revelation by Jen Wilkin, Room 2327, Led by Debbie Farrell
  Perhaps no other book of the Bible feels as inaccessible and as intimidating to us as the very last one. The book of Revelation overflows with images and ideas that confound our modern ears. But if all Scripture is God-breathed and profitable, we should assume Revelation is as accessible and helpful as any other book of the Bible. Why don’t we see it that way?
  Two thousand years ago, John’s Revelation was circulated and read aloud among seven churches in Asia Minor. Those who heard the letter understood it and drew encouragement from its message. The same can be true for you today. Over 10 sessions of verse-by-verse Bible study, Jen Wilkin helps you discover how the last book of the Bible—the culmination of God’s great story—speaks both a steadying word of assurance and a strong call to endure to the church in every age

MOMLIFE REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 2024-2025

WHOLEHEARTED - LOVING GOD: HEART, SOUL, MIND, & STRENGTH

Mom Life FBCT will meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 6-8 pm. We will begin in September and meet through May.

Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:29-31, ESV)

MomLife Ministries provides easy-to-use curriculum, encouragement, and practical resources to help groups of moms grow in their faith and spiritual friendships. MomLife is designed for moms to gather twice a month (August to May) to watch a teaching video, engage in discussion, and build life-giving community. Whether you just found out you are pregnant, you are an empty nester, or your motherhood journey is somewhere in between, MomLife is for you!

Join us this year at MomLife as we learn to wholeheartedly show up each day—completely and sincerely devoted, free from all reserve or hesitation—holding steady to Jesus.

Register now at fbct.org/momlife.

SENIOR ADULTS

conNect groups

CONNECT GROUPS on Sunday mornings are our main time of discipleship. There are classes for everyone at 9am on Sundays followed by worship at 10:30am.

Grace & Grit Ministry

September 10 | 10:00am | Becky Bourne's House

Come join Grace & Grit, our widow’s ministry, on September 10, 2024. We will have a time of fellowship and food. Becky Bourne will be providing a brunch for everyone.

Legacy First Thursday Lunch

September 5, 2024 | 10:30am-1:00pm | Laida Fellowship Hall

For all who are 55 and older, join us on Thursday, September 5, 2024, starting at 10:30am for a special time of spiritual enrichment, lunch, and fun. Bible study starts at 10:30am. At 11:30am after delving into God’s Word, we’ll enjoy a delicious meal, offering a chance to connect and share stories in a relaxed setting. The day will end with a variety of engaging activities, including guest speakers, informational meetings, etc.

Come and be a part! We can’t wait to see you there!

Please RSVP by calling Karen Bone at 931.245.0004 or email Karen at karen.bone@fbct.org

MISSIONS

Backpacks For Our Community 

Thank you for providing enough school supplies to pack all 75 backpacks for elementary children in need. Our Hispanic ministry was able to connect with our community at an event on August 3. The gospel was shared before all 75 packpacks were given out. Many contacts were made that our church is following up on. 

Volunteers for Good News Club

We are excited to announce that our church has been invited to start a Good News Club at Norman Smith Elementary School. Starting in the fall for the 2024-2025 school year, we will meet on Thursday afternoons. The purpose of the Good News Club is to evangelize boys and girls with the Gospel of Jesus and disciple them in the Word of God. We also aim to connect kids to a local church for Christian living. The public school is a mission field. We are praying for God to build a team from our church to serve. There are many ways you can serve as a team member. If you are interested in learning more about this serving opportunity, please contact Susana Crespo at Susana.crespo@fbct.org. 

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Our church is praying and exploring the possibility of beginning an ESL ministry. We believe an impact can be made for Jesus by helping others in our community to speak English or improve their English while also sharing the gospel of Jesus. If you have any interest in potentially serving in this ministry, please contact Susana.crespo@fbct.org. 

RECREATION MINISTRY

Pickleball Information/Interest Meeting and Clinic

First Baptist Church Gym
Monday, September 23 and Thursday, September 26, 6-8pm
Open to beginners to advanced players.
Come learn the basics.
Open play for experienced players
Paddles provided or bring your own
For more information, please contact Mark Webb at 931.624.6303. 

Library

SEPTEMBER LIBRARY NEWS

• 1 World Letter Writing Day—Write a LETTER to someone you admire

• 2 Labor Day

• 8 Grandparent’s Day

• 16 Collect Rocks Day—Start a collection

• 22 First Day of Fall

• 25 Punctuation Day—instead of minding your p’s and q’s, do you mind your  ?  !  , . ; ” “ correctly when writing?

• 27 1935 first edition of GUINESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS was published

• Classical Music Month    

• Ethnic Food Month     

• Honey Month

• Hispanic Heritage Month    

• Library Card Sign-up Month

• Mushroom Month

• Piano Month  

As we go back to school this month and focus on education and reading, are you aware of these facts?

• Sharing books and stories is important to your child’s brain development.  

• A child’s brain develops most rapidly before the age of three.  

• A toddler’s brain creates up to two million new connections every second.  

• The ability to learn language skills is greatest before the age of six.

• Children who are read to at an early age are more successful in school.  

• Children who are read to have bigger vocabularies when they enter school.  

For a description of recent additions to the church library go to fbct.org/library.

Mother reading to child:

WEDNESDAY NIGHT Menu:

Dinner: 4:30-6pm | $10 per person, Kids 10 and under eat FREE!

• September 18: Hot Dogs and Chili
  Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Salad Bar, Choice of Dessert

• September 25: Mission BBQ
  Choice of Sliced Brisket or Pulled Pork, Macaroni and Cheese, Baked Beans,  Choice of Slider Bun or Cornbread, Cole Slaw, Fresh Fruit, Banana Puddin’

• October 2: Week of Prayer and Fasting – No Meal

• October 9: Lasagna 
  Roasted Veggies, Garlic Toast, Salad Bar, Choice of Dessert

• October 16: Fall Break – No Meal 

• October 23: Chick-Fil-A Box Meal
  Choice of Chick-Fil-A Sandwich or Nuggets, Chips and Cookie, Salad Bar

• October 30: Breakfast for Dinner
  Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Hashbrown Casserole, Biscuits and Gravy, French Toast Casserole, Fresh Fruit

• November 6: Fried Chicken
  Loaded Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Roll, Salad Bar, Choice of Dessert

• November 13: Pulled Pork Sandwich 
  Macaroni and Cheese, Baked Beans, Cole Slaw, Salad Bar, Choice of Dessert

• November 20: Thanksgiving Meal
  Turkey or Ham, Cornbread Dressing, Turkey Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Brown Gravy, Green Bean Casserole, Cranberry Sauce, Rolls, Pumpkin Pie or Carrot Cake

• November 27: Thanksgiving Break – No Meal

• December 4: Chick-Fil-A Box Meal
  Choice of Chick-Fil-A Sandwich or Nuggets, Chips and Cookie, Salad Bar

• December 11: Meatloaf
  Loaded Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Roll, Salad Bar, Choice of Dessert 

• December 18: Christmas Meal
  Turkey or Ham, Cornbread Dressing, Turkey Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Brown Gravy, Green Beans, Cranberry Sauce, Rolls, Chess Pie or Red Velvet Cake

• December 25: Christmas Day – No Meal 

ATTENDANCE

(Attendance includes online and in-church worship)

• July 28, 2024: 5,450
  Total On-Campus: 954 Total Online: 4,496

• August 4, 2024: 5,793
  Total On-Campus: 1,024 Total Online: 4,769

• August 11, 2024: 4,829
  Total On-Campus: 1,040 Total Online: 3,789

• August 18, 2024: 4,931
  Total On-Campus: 974 Total Online: 3,957

• August 25, 2024: 6,599
  Total On-Campus: 946 Total Online: 5,653

• September 1, 2024: 6,153
  Total On-Campus: 842 Total Online: 5,311

BAPTISMS

• August 4, 2024: John Hilfiker, Joseph Hilfiker, Darius Brown

• August 11, 2024: Emili Irizarry

• September 1, 2024: Patrick Spears

• September 8, 2024: Madilynn Eason, Chance Perine

• September 15, 2024: Bethany Parrish, Dalton Pick, Karson Eason

Christian Sympathy

• Our church extends Christian sympathy to…
  …Susan Wilson (Robert) Smith in the passing of her sister, Carol Wilson Jerrell on Saturday, July 27, 2024.
  …Hope Sanders Menees in the passing of her husband, John Menees. Henry (Maxine) Menees in the passing of his brother on Tuesday, August 6, 2024.
  …Ralph (Frances) Conklin in the passing of his brother, Richard J. Conklin on Sunday, August 4, 2024.
  …Betty Morton in the passing of her husband, David Morton. Melissa Morton (Ted) Reece and Margaret Morton (Wayne) Ritchie in the passing of their father. David (Anna Beth) Reece in the passing of his great-grandfather on Thursday, August 15, 2024.
  …Sandra Jane Hale in the passing of her mother, Jeanette Loraine Miller Hale on Friday, August 23, 2024.
  …Barbara Radford Clifton in the passing of her husband, Randy Wayne Clifton on Wednesday, August 28, 2024.
  …Karen Meacham and Kathy Terrell in the passing of their mother, Tommye Elizabeth Lewis Vickrey Middleton. Jenny Meacham in the passing of her grandmother on Sunday, September 8, 2024.
  …Lisa Ann (James) Hicks in the passing of her mother, LuRue Bond on Sunday, September 8, 2024.
  …David (Judy) Hall in the passing of his mother, Patricia Ann Hall. Daniel Hall in the passing of his grandmother on Monday, September 2, 2024.

• In memoriam of…
  …Phyllis Buehler, who passed away on Saturday, July 6, 2024.
  …Tina Procter Robertson, who passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2024.

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.

JOB OPENINGS

Accountant

First Baptist Church is seeking an experienced accountant who can prepare financial reports, make journal entries and work in the general ledger, create and analyze spreadsheets and budgets, and perform other tasks related to church financial matters. Please send resumes and questions to chris.beck@fbct.org.

If you are interested in volunteering anywhere throughout the campus,
please visit fbct.org/volunteer and let us know!

PRESCHOOL MINISTRY

9 am Connect Group Hour

• Greeter/Attendance

• Connect Group Assistant Leader s

• Connect Group Leader s

10:30 Worship Hour

• Greeter/Attendance

• Worship Hour Smiles Team Member

Wednesday 6 pm

• 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

MILITARY MINISTRY

• Military Appreciation Team

• Event Coordination Team

• Mentor Group

• Research Assistance Team

• Resource Management Team

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!