IN THIS ISSUE Page 2

A Word from Our Pastor“Dave Says” by Dave Ramsey

Page 3 Education Ministry

Cheergivers MinistryThe Counselor’s Corner

Page 4Worship Ministry

Stewardship EmphasisStudent Ministry

Page 5 Senior Adult Ministry

Children’s Ministry Page 6

“In Touch with the Church Family”

Welcome, New Members Page 7 May Calendar

Ministry Weekend Rotation Page 8

General Information

Sign up on-line today.

“Becoming Great Commission Christians by Making Much of Jesus”

A Monthly Publication of the First Baptist Church of Pelham

“Christians are not citizens of earth trying to get to heaven but citizens of heaven making their way through this world.” —Vance Havner

May 2011

“2 A Word From Our Pastor

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your support and participation in All in

April. A big “thank you” to all of our workers who trained the boys and girls in our Bible drills. We were blessed to see so many taking part and doing so well as they learn more and more about God’s Word. I was so amazed at how well all of our participants did in the church Bible drill. They will go on to the Associational and District Bible drills. I know they are working hard at becoming good students of God’s Word. Thank you, thank you, thank you to our youth leaders and students. Our student ministry Sunday school numbers are way up. It is so encouraging to see young people on fire for God. Bro. Donnie and Bro. Ben are giving great leadership and God is sending us young men and women who

want to make a difference for Christ. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your faithful stewardship. Our income is up this year and we are not in a “crisis-mode” because of a large budget deficit. God promises to bless those who are obedient and good stewards. We are blessed to have opportunities to minister here in Shelby county and around the world. May God be glorified and honored in all that we do for his kingdom! I love you, I love you, I love you. God bless you and God bless America!

Bro. MikeDr. Mike ShawSenior Pastor

Dear Dave, I had a wreck seven months ago. As a result, I lost my job and have been drawing unemployment for the last five months. I was making $1,200 a month in retail management before this happened, but I’m getting just as much with unemployment, even though I can work again. I have a small daughter, and my wife doesn’t work right now. Should I continue taking unemployment so I can stay home and help with our daughter? TimDear Tim, Absolutely not! You need to get a job right now. You could make more than you did at your old job or taking unemployment by delivering pizzas full-time. I know you probably wouldn’t have benefits running pizza, but how about the benefit of working for a living and making some money? You need to get up now and find something to do — maybe even two or three things to do — until you find a job that pays well. And I don’t think I’d go back into the kind of management you were in before, because even working that gig you guys were barely getting by. It’s sweet that you’re there with your baby, but it’s seriously time for you to

get a real job. Take classes and further your education, or get into another line of work. You’ve got some serious responsibilities, and it’s time to be a man and take care of things! DaveDear Dave, My husband and I almost feel guilty about spending any money we’ve worked so hard to save. Is it common for older people who have saved their entire lives, have no debt, good pensions, and Social Security income, to become obsessed about not spending their money? ConnieDear Connie, It’s very common, especially among folks who have developed a pattern of

living frugally for 40 or 50 years. I call it the embarrassment of riches. I’ve heard some people in your situation say that they’re even too embarrassed to order dessert in a restaurant. They feel like it’s a betrayal of who they are as a person. You guys have worked hard, saved big, and now it’s time to begin enjoying some of that money. You don’t have to do things that are outlandish or wasteful, but there’s nothing wrong with having a little fun with your money when you can afford to do so. Here’s an idea that might help you loosen up a bit. Every time you spend money on a luxury, or something fun for yourselves, give a percentage of the amount you spent to help someone else. You don’t have to match it dollar-for-dollar, because you don’t want to blow through your nest egg and have nothing left. Give it a try. It will bring balance to your life. You’ll be able to have some fun with your money, plus you’ll get the satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped other people! Dave*For more financial advice, you mayvisit www.davesays.org.

Dave Says

Dave Ramsey

3 Education Ministry

The Counselor’s Corner

Your attitude toward prayer can determine how fulfilling your prayer life is. For some, prayer is done only when they are in trouble and in need of divine intervention. In fact, that may be the only time that many individuals pray. If you are one who tends to pray mainly when there are problems, then prayer for you is not a joyous event. Without real-izing it, prayer has become something negative in your life; something that you avoid until absolutely necessary. In Luke 11:1, Jesus prayed and the disciples were present. It seems that it must have been a beautiful sight to behold and even something to look forward to; a place where you find contentment, peace and understanding.

Luke records that the disciples wanted to learn how to pray as well. What was it about the way Jesus prayed that so captivated their attention? Was it God’s presence? Was it the peace and contentment that must have sur-rounded Jesus? Whatever it was, it drew the disciples to prayer, not away from it. Consider your prayer life. Are you drawn to prayer or away from it? Is it a happy time or a sad time? Perhaps a time of boredom? Do you pray because you want something from God or because you want to give something back to Him? I am convinced that when we do not take time for prayer, no matter what the reason, that we suffer tremendously both

physically and mentally. It seems we mostly turn to God when we recognize that we are in a desperate state. It is very unfortunate that we do not recognize that this desperate state exists every day. As Christians, a lack of prayer puts us on dangerous ground, because we are unplugging from the socket that gives us energy. When you unplug a lamp, the light goes out. There is no better time than now to develop a new attitude to-ward prayer and begin seeking what the disciples sought when they said “Lord, teach us to pray”.

—Linda Story The HOPE Center

Attitude Toward Prayer

Thank You The Lord truly blessed us in the month of April! I want to thank all the volunteers for all the hard work put forth to make All in April not only happen, but successful. It was wonderful to see so many of our church family band together to make all the events become a reality. Let’s not end just because April is over, but continue to work together for the glory of God!

Pot Luck and Mission Meeting On Sunday evening, May 1, at 5 PM we will join together for a time of celebration and fellowship in the Annex. We will be looking back at all that God accomplished through All in April. Immediately following the fellowship, there will be an informational meeting for anyone interested in the Summer Mission Trip to Jackson, MS, June 25 – July 1. Please make plans to attend.

Cheergivers Easter Ministry Happy Easter from the Cheergivers! Jesus Christ has risen, ascended and will come again. Praise God! We ask you to continue to pray for Mott Gentry and Mary Lou Smith, two of our homebounds who have recently been in the hospital. We have also had three birthdays recently. They are: Tena Shelton on March 20, Nettie Harris on March 31 and Helen McKinney on April 4. During the month of April, we de-livered boxes of chocolates for Easter. Those of you who have donated to this project, thank you for your generosity. If you would like to volunteer, have someone to add to our list, or just want to know more about Cheergivers, please contact Jeanette Owens at 664-9700.

4

Stewardship Emphasis

Worship Ministry

Wow! April was full. Thank you so much for all of the sup-port through prayer, volunteering, and attending. As we edge ever closer to summer I hope you will continue to be faithful.

Answers in Genesis Weekend is coming in June On Sunday and Monday, June 12 and 13 (the weekend after VBS), we are excited to have Dr. Tommy Mitchell from Answers in Genesis (AIG) in all three morning services, on Sunday night from 5 until 7 PM, and on Monday night at 7:00 PM. This will be an excellent conclusion to our VBS, since we are teaching AIG material again this year in VBS. I hope you will invite your friends to attend with you. —Donnie

I love the hymn Amazing Grace. I have heard Bro. Mike say many times that he also loves the new version “Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone”. It is truly a beautiful rendition of a classic. I wanted to share with you the story of the original hymn version. I found this story in a book by Robert J. Morgan, titled Then Sings My Soul. “John Newton wrote the words to Amazing Grace and the original tune is a traditional American Melody. At the end of his life he became one of the most powerful evangelical preachers in

British history and the author of hundreds of hymns. Here are some things you may not know about Newton’s most famous hymn. His title for it wasn’t originally ‘Amazing Grace’ but ‘Faith’s Review and Expectation.’ It is based on Newton’s study of 1 Chronicles 17:16-17: ‘King David…said: ‘Who am I, O Lord God? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far? And yet…You have spoken of Your servant’s house for a great while to come, and have regarded me according to the rank of a man of high degree….’” And here’s a nearly forgotten verse that Newton added near the end of “Amazing Grace.” Chris Tomlin included it in his version, “Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone”. The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, the sun forbear to shine; But God, Who called me here below, shall be forever mine. Have a wonderful May! I love you all, Paula

Attention Graduating Seniors! We will be recognizing graduating high school and college seniors on Sun-day, May 22. We will acknowledge their accomplishments in the 9:15 and 10:45 services. Then there will be a luncheon for graduates and their families following our 10:45 service. Please call the Student Ministry Office (664-0237) and ask for an information packet if you would like to participate.

Are you ready for Tribes?Meeting dates: June 1, 8, 15 and 22 July 6, 20 and 27 August 3.

Upcoming Youth EventsSix Flags — All Students — June 16Kidz Kamp (4-6 grade) — June 20-23Church-wide Mission Trip — June 25-July 1Student Camp — Creation Museum — July 11-15Jr. Kidz Kamp (1-3 Grade) — July 19-21

Student Ministry

5

Children’s Ministry

Dear Senior Adults,

Our Senior Adult Mission Trip to New Orleans was wonderful! Our host, Walter Zschiedrich, The Women at the Well, and the Kingsley House mission were all very recep-tive. I am now looking for several of our seniors to participate in the church-wide mission trip to Jackson, Mississippi this year. If you haven’t signed up to go to Jackson on June 25-July 1, please do so ASAP. The Senior Choir will sing on May 1 in the 9:15 and 10:45 services for Senior Adult Recognition Day, so I hope to see you at Senior Choir. Our next Senior Adult Luncheon will be on May 10 in the Annex (no choir practice). Remember also that on Monday, May 2, we will be going to Prattville for the Senior Adult Evangelism Conference. Junior Hill will be speaking and Paid-in-Full will be singing. We will leave at 8:00 AM that morning. Lunch is on our own. Then on May 19, we will be attending the Shelby County Senior Picnic at Down By The Old Mill Stream (Buck Street Park) in Alabaster. We will be leaving at 9:00 AM. For His Glory, Bro. Paul

Senior Adult Ministry

New lock box will help you to return forms

The Preschool and Children’s Department has placed a GREEN lock box in the Kids Gathering Area on the 2nd floor. Please place all forms for the Preschool and Children’s Department in the box that is located by the beeper desk. You may paper clip checks and/or cash to the forms before placing them in the box. Thank you.

Upcoming EventsMay 8: Parent/Baby Dedication in the 9:15 and 10:45 Worship Services June 20-23: Kids Kamp at Shocco SpringsMay 18: “What About Wednesday” begins for Preschoolers and Elementary July 19-21: Jr. Kids Kamp in Tishomingo, Mississippi

We need many more workers. There is an organizational meeting with ALL teachers on Sunday, May 1 at 3:30 in the 2nd floor Kids Church Room.

Vacation Bible SchoolJune 6-10

9:00 AM until 12:00 Noon

May 8-14 is Christian Home Week There will be no evening activities on Sunday night, May 8, or through the remainder of the week.

Armed Forces Day Armed Forces Day, the third Saturday of May, is a time to remember and appreciate people who have served or who are now serving in the military. Today, service members are volunteers who willingly leave their families and homes to serve as protectors, defenders and servants of our beloved country. Their roles often involve great danger, perilous missions and harm to their bodies, minds and spirits. Let those in military service know that you appreciate their service and sacrifice on behalf of America. Pray for them, speak appreciatively to them and let them know of your support. —copied

6 In Touch With the Church Family

Welcome, New Members!

2011 Church Family Giving

(through April 24)

General Fund given to date $ 722,546.59 Year to Date Expenses $ 713,360.62 Debt Retirement given in 2011 $ 13,690.00? Loan Balance as of 4/15/2011 $ 8,739,052.04 Annie Armstrong $ 6,674.55 Total Funds for Africa Well $ 42,708.37

Jeff and Sarah Weaver(by letter)

Congratulations to … Dawn and Jason Elsberry on the birth of Landon Cole Elsberry on March 28th. He weighed 7 lb. and measured 19 1/2 inches. Gisela and Greg Westerkamp on the birth of Lena Hermina Westerkamp on April 1. Lena weighed 6 lb. 10 oz. and measured 20 inches. Her proud big brother is Louis. Pat MacKay and Betty Spear on the birth of granddaughter/great-granddaughter Ella Grace MacKay, born to Tommy & Krista MacKay on April 2, weighing 7 lb. 15 oz. and measuring 21 1/4 inches. Big brother is Owen. Jennifer and Jacob Bain on the birth of Jonah Ryan Bain on Easter Sunday, April 24th. Jacob weighed 8 lb. 4 oz.

First Baptist Church Pelham, Thank you so much for the beautiful plant from the church, but especially thank you for the outpouring of love, support, service, and prayers from so many. We have truly been humbled by the love our church family has shown us. We are truly blessed to have you all in our lives. God bless you for being a vessel of God’s love to us. We truly appreciate and treasure it. Much love, David and Erin Coram Thank you church family for your prayers and concern during my sickness, and for Bobby Also. Thank you Cheergiv-ers for your ministry. The Wyatts Bobby and BeverlyDear Church, Thank you for your prayers during my surgery and stay in the hospital. God is so good and faithful to hear your prayers. Special thanks to all the staff for the visits and prayer. I am truly blessed and grateful for my church. Blessed, Sharon Dillahunty

…Mrs. Patricia Hunter and Katie in the death of their husband/father Victor Hunter.

…Mrs. Bernice Minner and son Jeff Minner in the death of Bernie’s brother and Jeff’s uncle Bill Baker.…Mrs. Jodi Dickens in the death of her mother, Pansy Pritchard.…Mrs. Bonnie Peck in the death of her sister, Betty Escue.

Scholarship is available for deserving students The Forrest C. Oates and Minnie Lee Oates Scholarship is now open. Mrs. Oates was a member of First Baptist Pelham. She left a will in 1985 which provided for a trust that was to be used to help in the education of worthy young people of our area. Applications may be picked up in the Pastor’s Office. They must be completed and returned to the Pastor’s Office no later than June 30.

Jack Stanfield(for baptism)

Baptized November, 2010. Photo was not available then.

Chris Godfrey(by letter)

Allison and Ashley Webster(by letter)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

7 May Schedule

SUNDAY SCHEDULE 7 AM Prayer Team8, 9:15, 10:45 AM Sunday School & Morning Worship 5 PM Handbell Rehearsal F.W. Friends (Preschool) Bible Drills (Elementary) 4:00 PraiseMakeerz Choir (Grades 1-5)5:00 Adult Discipleship Classes and BYBC & Sports Camp (5/15)6:00 Student Creative Ministries

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE 6 PM Prayer Meeting (Choir Room)6:30 Celebration Choir Rehearsal Discipleship Training Refuge (Students) College Bible Study Music Maker (Preschool) The Crew (Elementary)

May Ministry Staff Weekend Hospital RotationMay 7-8 - Robert Heard - Home 663-8767, Cell 936-2302 May 21-22 - Mike Shaw - Home 663-1788, Cell 283-4749May 14-15 - Jonathan Williams - Home 663-4325, Cell 223-4277 May 28-29 - Donnie Sisk - Home 620-1157, Cell 567-7475

6 PMParents Night Out

9 AMJob Search Ministry

1 PM “Crafty Chicks”

7 PMDeacons Meeting

6:30 PMEcuador Meeting

in Choir Room

9 AMJob Search Ministry

1 PM “Crafty Chicks”

MOPS(Final Meeting

Until Fall)

9 AMJob Search Ministry

10 AMWMU Meeting

1 PM “Crafty Chicks”

6:30 ScoutTroop Meeting

6:30 ScoutTroop Meeting

No PM Activities

5 PMChildren - Laser Tag

6:30 ScoutPLC Meeting

9 AMJob Search Ministry

1 PM “Crafty Chicks”

AMSenior AdultRecognition

5 PM “Exhale”Pot Luck Dinner and

Fellowship

7 PMMission Trip Info

Meeting

Sr. Adult Evangelism Conference

at East MemorialBaptist in Prattville

1 PM Tee Off:Missions

Golf Tournamentat Ballantrae

AFRICAMission Trip

May 7-20

AMParent/babyDedication

No Evening Activities

10:30Sr. Adult

Covered DishLuncheon

6:30 ScoutTroop Meeting

6:30 ScoutPLC Meeting

Christian Home Week - - - - - - No Church-wide Evening Activities This Week

No Evening Activities

“What About Wednesday” Begins

KindergartenGraduation

6 PMEcuador Missions

Meeting(Quad Room)

AMGraduation Recognition

and LuncheonShelby CountySchools End

at 3 PM

ECUADORMission Trip

May 27-June 4

CHURCH OFFICESCLOSED

5 PM BYBC and

Sports CampTraining

Address Correction Requested

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

Non-Profit Org.PERMIT NO. 7

Pelham, AL 35124

Dated Material

Pelham Vision is published one time per month. Items for publication are accepted on a space-available basis and are subject to Post Office regulations for our class of mail. Please submit in writing or email pat@fbcpelham.org. No phone submissions, please. Pelham Vision exists to inform and to show the Good News in action. Check out all our activities and read us online at www.fbcpelham.org. Editor: Pat MacKay

CHURCH STAFFDr. Mike Shaw, PastorRev. Robert Heard, Administrative PastorDr. Paul Moore, Assoc. Pastor: Ministry/Senior AdultsRev. Donnie Sisk, Pastor to Students/ActivitiesRev. Jonathan Williams, Preschool/Children’s DirectorPaula Kornegay, Worship LeaderLinda Kennemore, Administrator

GENERAL INFORMATIONOffice Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00-5:00Church Office Phone: 664-0237Children’s Offices: 216-0028Fax: 621-2351HOPE Center: 663-2779School of Fine Arts: 664-2466Sunday School Annex: 664-0237, ext. 5020 (All phones are area code 205)Web Site - www.fbcpelham.org

2867 Pelham ParkwayPelham, Alabama 35124-1728

Monthly publications are subject to change. Please check www.fbcpelham.org for the latest information.

“The Bible tells us to give thanks in all things. We’re not always thankful for all things; but in the midst of trouble we have flashes of joy, unfailing compasson, and mercy without ceasing. Don’t be discouraged. God is at work even in times of great tribulation.” —Today’s Turning Point with David Jeremiah, 6-1-10

Memorial Day Memorial Day emerged from the grim shadows of the American Civil War. Before the close of the war, women began decorating the graves of soldiers who had died in that war. The practice quickly spread, and a few years later May 30, 1968, was designated as Decoration Day — a day for placing flow-ers on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers throughout the United States. In 1882, Decoration Day became known as Memorial Day, and soldiers who died in other wars were also honored. Over the years, it has become a day when all loved one who have died — in war and otherwise — are remembered. In 1971, the United States Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be observed annually on the last Monday in May. On this Memorial Day, remember those who gave their lives for our country. But also pray for those who continue serving to keep America free, especially those who are in harm’s way.

—copied