SAM 2020 YEAR-IN-REVIEW OUR GOD IS A BIG, BIG GOD! There’s a story out right now that one 87-year-old gentleman was asked if these Covid times have been especially challenging for him. He responded no, that he’d been through polio, diphtheria, Vietnam protests, and more. He said: “I choose not to see the world through the printed headlines. I see the world through the people that surround me. See the world and realize that we love big. Then create your own headlines.”

We started 2020 with the new SAM logo “SAM, Serving the Great I AM.” We had great expectations for the new decade of Roaring 20’s. 2020 has November 2020 been quite the lion with quite a roar for sure! We’ve all suffered illness, loss, I pray that out of his glorious disappointment and change – no one has been untouched by COVID. In our ministry, we’ve had to do things differently; we’ve had to be creative and riches he may strengthen you with minister in new ways – the “new normal.” And, we have! We’ve made our power through his Spirit in your headlines. Our stories are all about loving God big and loving one another big! God has blessed us BIG! inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Our inaugural SAM Leadership Team over the last three years has served well, most especially this year! I cannot thank them enough! While Eddie And I pray that you, being rooted Stovall, Gail Stewart and Suellen Edmondson have as of September rotated and established in love, may have off their respective leadership roles, they will continue strong in our SAM ministry. We will begin introducing you to our three new Group Leaders in power together with all the Lord’s this issue of our SAM monthly newsletter, starting with Diane Poole. Susan holy people, to grasp how wide and Hornsby and Bill Bowser will be introduced in the December and January issues. long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that As we look forward to 2021, I’ve challenged our SAM Leadership Team to dream big! COVID is not over; neither are the challenges. We must continue surpasses knowledge—that you to serve our Father wherever, whenever and however He leads us. At this may be filled to the measure of all time of Thanksgiving especially, I couldn’t be more grateful to our Heavenly Father, more proud and thankful for all of you, and more excited about 2021 the fullness of God. Eph. 3:16-19 and what God has in store for us.

Seasoned Adult Minister: Bob Smith Let me close with a Jewish prayer of gratitude Diane Bowser shared with us SAM Assistant: Debbie Arrington after her heart surgery in late September. SAM Newsletter Editor: Judy Bryant Newsletter Design: Stephanie Entrup “Shehecheyanu” Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the This newsletter is prepared and emailed universe, Who has kept us alive, sustained us, monthly by and for 55+ adults of First Baptist and enabled us to reach this day. Church Trussville, Alabama. Suggested information to be included in an upcoming SAM newsletter may be emailed to sam. [email protected]. Printed copies will be available at the church Welcome Center and Events Center. Elsie Kay is the headline for Vickie and me! TOTALLY COMMITED TO YOU LORD HIS GRACE … For You Alone are Holy; You Alone are Worthy Listen on YouTube.com / Song of Moses/The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir CLICK HERE

Diane Poole, her husband John, and 19-year-old son Andy have been members at First Baptist since 2013. Diane retired from her position as executive director of the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce last year after serving for 11 years in that role. She is now doing consulting work around the area.

Diane is an active member of the Trussville Rotary Daybreak Club, an international service organization which locally has about 50 members.

She is the oldest of four children, which explains why she can sometimes be ‘bossy.’ :-) The four are very close and consider each other some of their best friends.

Diane is a proud UAB alum and holds a double major in marketing and management. She enjoys spectator sports, and her favorite teams are UAB, Auburn, and whatever team Andy plans for. She is an amateur photographer and enjoys what is becoming Diane Poole, a lost art: sending cards and letters to friends. COMMIT Group Leader

FBCT Seasoned Adult Ministry “SAM” (ages 55+) began about 3 years ago a new leadership structure within the senior adult ministry. The structure follows our FBCT Purpose. You can find our church’s Purpose published in full on the FBCT website. In September our inaugural SAM Group Leaders rotated off their three-year terms.

SAM Leadership Team as of September 2020: SAM Team Leader …. Steve Penuel SAM Team Secretary …. Debra Roberts Commit to God …. Group Leader, Diane Poole Worship, Missions, Travel Know His Ways …. Group Leader, Susan Hornsby Bible Study, Education Group, Communication Do His Work …. Group Leader, Bill Bowser Care, Service, Events Ex Officio and Support Members SAM Staff …. Bob Smith SAM Ministry Assistant …. Debbie Arrington SAM Newsletter Editor …. Judy Bryant SAM Financial Officer …. Anita Aaron THE ROAD OF LIFE

At first I saw God as my observer; my judge keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die.

He was out there sort of like a president. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I didn’t really know Him. But later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back, helping me pedal.

I don’t know just when it was that He suggested we change places, but life has not been the same since. When I was in control, I knew the way. It was rather boring but predictable…It was the shortest distance between two points.

But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains and through rocky places at breakneck speeds…it was all I could do to hang on! Even though it looked like madness, He said, “Pedal“! Dennie & Luanne Lovin

I worried and was anxious and asked, “Where are you taking me?” He smiled and didn’t answer, and I started to learn to trust.I forgot my old life and entered into the adventure. And when I’d say, “I’m scared,” He’d lean back and touch my hand.

He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance, and joy. They gave me gifts to take on my journey, my Lord’s and mine.

And we were off again. He said, “Give the gifts away; they’re extra baggage, too much weight.” So I did, to the people we met and I found that in giving I received, and still our burden was light. I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life.

I thought He’d wreck it; but He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, knows how to jump to clear danger, knows how to fly to shorten scary passages.

And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places. And I’m beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ.

And when I’m sure I can’t do anymore, He just smiles and says, “Pedal.”

-Author Unknown 1821 – 2021: 200 YEARS By Sandra Bearden

In February, just as COVID-19 was making its way into our lives, Sandra Bearden began writing historical pieces for our newsletter as FBCT approaches our 200th anniversary in 2021. She will continue into next year with these most informative and interesting articles. What a legacy of faithfulness this church has handed down to us.

Trussville Brothers Helped Pioneer Birmingham Medical History

If you’ve lived in the Birmingham area awhile, you may have benefited from specialists affiliated with the University of Alabama at Birmingham. UAB has long been recognized as a leading research and treatment center for many diseases, and its scientists now serve on teams developing cures and treatments for the coronavirus.

Among medical pioneers who founded this important institution were two physicians born in Trussville—John Daniel Sinkler Davis and William Elias Brownlee Davis—sons of the Dr. Elias Davis from Trussville whose life ended during the Civil War battle of Petersburg in August 1864.(See story in October SAM newsletter.) John, a toddler when their father died, and Elias, then still a baby, were reared by their mother, Georgiana Lathem Davis, in Trussville, then a tiny rural hamlet.

We can imagine life for the young widow was difficult, and that she received both practical help and moral support from family and friends who were members of the church which later became First Baptist-Trussville. We can surmise that church members as well as their mother and other family influenced the boys’ development, too. John was baptized into the fellowship at the age of 11, and Elias was baptized as a teenager. Both boys attended schools in Trussville, later studying in institutions in the and Europe.

John followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, studying with tutors, in school at Montevallo, and graduating from the Medical College of Georgia. Elias attended the University of Alabama and then studied medicine, graduating from New York’s Bellevue Medical College. Following that, he spent time and practiced at surgical clinics in London, Berlin. and .

The brothers began two decades of joint clinical practice, research, and education in 1884, establishing the Alabama Surgical and Medical Journal, first published in 1886. Although the Davis brothers specialized in gynecology, they also practiced general and abdominal surgery. They were among nine physicians who founded the Medical College of Alabama, precursor to the UAB School of Medicine.

Unfortunately, the life of William Elias Brownlee Davis, like that of his father, ended early and tragically. He was killed in an accident at a railroad crossing in February 1903 at the age of 40. John Davis lived into his 70s, dying in 1931. This of Trussville native Dr. William Elias Brownlee Davis stands on the University of Alabama at Birmingham campus in tribute to local medical pioneers, who also included Davis’s older brother John. The bronze is the creation of Giuseppe Moretti, who cast the work in 1904, the same year his statue of Vulcan was exhibited at the St. Louis Exposition. HOWHOW TOTO BEBE SATIONAL!SATIONAL! with KENKEN LASSLASS

By Ken Lass

Matthew 7:14 “How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.”

This verse in the Bible has always been worrisome to me. There are millions of Christians in the world, billions throughout history. We’re all going to heaven, aren’t we?

Maybe not. God’s word seems to say it takes more than just calling yourself Christian. From the time most of us are first taken into church as children we are told “You can’t earn your salvation. It is a free gift through belief in Jesus Christ.” Of course, that’s true, but perhaps a bit misleading.

We accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Many of us see salvation only as far as the “savior” part. We don’t pay enough attention to the “accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord” part. As Lord, He gets to set the path for our lives. He demands that we live lives of, among other things, self-control and service to others. That means there must be “acts.” The word “acts” is a shortened form of the word “action.”

That could especially be an issue in the SAM age group. After all, we’ve run our race, right? We raised our families, worked our jobs, led a good life. Surely our place in heaven is already secure?

Verse 21 of this chapter states “Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” That path, the one He sets for us, doesn’t end until He calls us home. There’s much work for us to do. Having trouble figuring out your path? Just ask Him. But be prepared. He will answer. It may not be what you want to hear. His will for your life will likely not be easy. It’s not supposed to be. If it were easy, it wouldn’t demonstrate your faith.

So let’s make sure we are among the few who enter through that narrow gate. Let’s make sure others see Jesus in us. Let’s make sure we are SAMsational for Jesus! AND OUR GIFTS GO ON... --Barbara Patton

“Don’t you love to get a present, wrapped in a Christmas THAILAND: Because of your tithes and offerings, FBCT bow?” Back in 1983, Sandi Patti sang this Christmas song sends a special monetary gift to Mae Yuam House about God’s gift. She sang “the Father gave the Son, Church each year for their Christmas celebration. the Son gave the Spirit, and the Spirit gives us life, so we Thailand is predominately Buddhist, but everyone in can give the gift of love.” There is no better time than the area is invited. The church has about 100 members. Christmas for sharing God’s love because He shared His Thirty-six children, many sponsored by individuals and love in such an extraordinary way for us. Sunday School classes at FBCT, live and attend school at the church. The children perform the Christmas Throughout the year, the FBCT family shared and continues story and the members prepare and share a meal with to share our Christmas love with many people around the all the guests. Afterwards, the children pass out gifts world as well as at home. Here are just some of the gifts they wrapped to everyone in attendance. Last year of love you gave during 2020. There are so many more there were 600! And the gift goes on... ways our Small Groups, WMU, Men on Mission and each individual give the gift of God’s love throughout the year. LIVING TREES WREATHS: FBCT’s at home mission project works with local school counselors to identify LOTTIE MOON: 100% of this Christmas offering is sent families unable to provide Christmas for their children. to the foreign mission fields to be used for specific needs After they are selected, the parents complete a form over and above normal expenses. For example, 4-wheel listing gifts the child wants and/or needs. Our FBCT drive vehicles to enable missionaries to travel into remote family purchases and wraps the gifts. About two weeks areas to share the Gospel of Jesus. And the gift goes on... before Christmas, the families are invited to a “Mrs. Georgia” dinner. After the meal, the kids go to different SAMARITAN’S PURSE: How wonderful to share the love areas in the church for games and activities while the of Jesus with children around the world. When the boxes parents spend adult time with FBCT families and hear reach their final destination they are distributed to local a special presentation of the Gospel. Afterwards, churches. If there are 20 children in the church, it may the parents secure and hide the gifts before picking receive 40 boxes so those 20 children can bring unchurched up their kids. There is nothing more fun than to see friends to also receive a box. After the fun of opening the 40+ bikes come rolling out of the hiding place all at boxes (for many children it may be the first time they ever one time. NOTE: Most bikes are pre-tested by staff received a gift) the Gospel is presented. But it’s not over. members prior to the dinner when they ride them from Samaritan’s Purse has a 12-week discipleship program the gathering space to the hiding area. And the gift “The Greatest Journey” for the kids. When the parents of goes on... the unchurched children ask what they are studying, they hear the Gospel too. Over 11 million children have made CHRISTMAS BACKPACKS: New this year, FBCT filled decisions to follow Christ because of Samaritan’s Purse. and collected Backpacks for Children and Teens. The And the gift goes on... backpacks were distributed by the Alabama WMU and Alabama State Board of Missions to compassion CHRISTMAS IN JULY: This is a partnership with Bethlehem ministry sites and church plants in at least four states. Christian Church in Fort Deposit, AL. Christmas trees with So you can give the gift of love... gift suggestions are set up in July for FBCT’s participation. The gifts are delivered to Fort Deposit the first week Many, many people in the U.S. and around the world of December. As Bishop Bennie Standford watches, were affected by COVID and natural disasters this year. approximately 100 children walk through and select their We cannot fathom the despair these individuals have gifts. Backpacks filled specifically for teenage girls and experienced, but what a wonderful job you have done boys were also given this year. And the gift goes on... by giving gifts of love and hope and joy in Jesus’ name. And the gift goes on and on and on... SAM SPONSORS TRIP TO ISRAEL … LET’S DO IT AGAIN! Did you know? Only 1% of church attenders will ever make it to Israel. Travel time: 24 hour trip reduced to 20 seconds. Thank you Google Earth! Cost: No charge! Capacity: No limits; everyone invited!

The definition of the word relevant: it is appropriate to the current time, period or circumstances; of contemporary interest. If you’ve ever questioned the truth or relevancy of the Bible, Dr. Andy Cook’s presentations are a must. His studies of and personal experience in the Land of the Bible connect us to the land of Jesus, the lands and people God created “in the beginning.” Dr. Cook said “It is critically important to understand the history and culture of the time/places of scripture; THEN you can understand it!” Our study of the Living Water, Via Dolorosa, Good Friday, Christmas, and the Gates of Hades were fascinating, and yes, RELEVANT to us today! For me it was all fascinating. Do you know why Jesus walked up to the woman at the well and told her she could have Living Water? She could relate to the subject of water. How so? Do you know anything about King Herod and why he was so afraid of this man they called King Jesus? Did you know that there really is a place on earth called Gates of Hades? And there’s so much more to learn! --Judy Bryant

Bonnie Nash said she was so glued to the speaker and didn’t want to miss a word because she knew this was the closest she would come to visiting Israel.

Thank you, FBCT, for hosting the “Experience Israel” program. To hear and see what was presented to us was definitely a spiritual as well as a learning opportunity for the eyes, the mind, and the heart. We so hope Andy Cook will return and also that we may be able to travel in the future with him to where Jesus walked. Janice Shelton

Andy Cook is so knowledgeable on Israel that we needed more time to hear from him. Suellen Edmondson

Dr. Andy Cook’s presentation was excellent. I have been to Israel but I learned so much from his knowledge of the land and explanation of the culture at the time of Jesus’s ministry. Hope he will return to FBCT again. Anita Aaron

If you missed any of the Experience Israel Now sessions, or you want to review one of the sessions, they are available on the church website. DVD copies are available. Contact the SAM office at 205-228-1006.

CLICK HERE to stream these SIX Sessions. HIS UNFAILING WORD... ISAIAH 40:8 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:36-38

Hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, droughts, flooding – these are just a few of the tragedies that occur in our fallen world. We see the news reports. Our hearts go out to the victims. We pray asking God to intervene. God hears our prayers. Church groups and various other organizations mobilize to address needs on site. Meanwhile, people back home lend support by hosting drives to collect donations. It’s a scene repeated over and over and it’s a wonderful example of compassionate people coming together to address real needs.

Jesus saw a different kind of tragedy. It was a disaster of incalculable proportions with never-ending consequences. He saw a whole world “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” They were doomed for all eternity. Indeed, He came to “seek and save the lost” and He died on a cross to rescue them, but who was going to go tell them? Who was going to go share the love of God?

Jesus answered those questions by turning to His disciples and telling them to pray that God would send workers into His harvest field. There is something about that prayer that challenges us because we can’t sincerely pray it if we, ourselves, aren’t willing to be one of those workers. Are YOU willing to pray that prayer?

Is that Georgia FBCT CELEBRATES SEASONED ADULT DAY Photo Bombing?!

Bob Smith recognized Eddie Stovall, Gail Stewart and Suellen Edmondson. As is her wonderful way of service, Suellen rushed out of the morning service to go help with the drive thru line. We were all invited to pick-up boxed meals Mrs. Georgia made for all us Seasoned Adults. Thank you to Mrs. Georgia and her staff, and all who helped with this special day. LOOKING FORWARD Sunday, November 1: Daylight Savings Time Ends Monday, November 2: 6:00 PM Join other churches at the mall in Trussville to pray Tuesday, November 3: SEE YOU AT THE POLLS Thursday, November 5: COVID Caroling Wednesday, November 11: VETERANS DAY WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE! Thursday, November 12: Game Day (Middle School Space) Wednesday, November 18: Thanksgiving Meal (Register for on Campus & To Go Beginning Sunday) Thursday, November 26: THANKSGIVING DAY IN HIS WORD, EVEN WHEN COOKING WITH MIMI! By Ann Havicus

While being quarantined since March due to Covid 19, I have enjoyed curling up to a great book, knitting prayer shawls, and thumbing through cookbooks searching for something new to cook. Knowing my love of cooking, Judy Bryant suggested I might want to try baking a Scripture Cake, an old recipe dating back to the 1700’s.

Some believe the cake recipe originated in England or Ireland in the late 1700’s. Dolly Madison served this cake while in the White House. However, it was first printed in the June 1897 edition of the Atlanta Constitution. In the late 19th Century in Appalachia, the recipe was used to teach young women to bake and commit Bible verses to memory.

My happy place is in my kitchen cooking with my daughter, Jane Ann Stone and granddaughters Meredith, a senior at Samford, and Julia, a sophomore at Auburn. I understand that my granddaughters spend all their time in the library studying, so Jane Ann joined me to cook this tasty cake.

According to an author at Southern Living, rather than typical recipes that included a list of ingredients, this recipe included a list of Bible verses requiring the baker to recall or look up scripture as she made the cake. The ingredients are as follows: 1/2 cup of Judges 5:25 meant a cup of butter; 1 cup of Jeremiah 6:20 is sugar; 1 1/2 tsp of Proverbs 24:13 is honey; 3 Isaiah 10:14 is eggs; 1 tsp Luke 13:21 is baking powder; 1/4 tsp Leviticus 2:13 is salt; 1/4 tsp 1 Kings 10:10 cinnamon; 1/8 tsp 1 Kings 10:10 ground cloves; 1/16 tsp 1 Kings 10:10 ground ginger; 1 1/2 cup +1/4 cup 1 Kings 4:22 is flour; 1/2 cup Psalms 42:1 water; 1 cup 1 Samuel 30:12 raisins; 1 cup Nahum 3:12 figs; 1/2 cup Numbers 17:8 toasted almonds. As Jane Ann read each scripture, she discovered the next ingredient. It was like taking a scavenger hunt through the Bible!

If you are interested in making this cake, Google Scripture Cake and choose the recipe for Southern Living. You will find the rest of the directions. I only made one loaf. I would bake it for at least 1 hour and ten minutes. How does it taste? I thought it was really good. I think I would put a little butter on the top and pop it in the microwave for 20 seconds.

It would be a great activity to do with your children and grandchildren and help them become more familiar with the Old Testament, not to mention being able to spend some quality time with your grandchildren as you read God’s word. Jane Ann and I really enjoyed searching through the scriptures and making and eating this special cake as we spend a cool autumn afternoon together. We’ve had many who have continued the F260 Bible Study Plan our church started in January.

Shoeboxes are available at the Missions Wall now!

There are two ways to participate this year! Traditional Way or Scan QR Code to Build-A-Box Online Build-A-Box Online!

Returned/ filled shoeboxes are needed by Friday, Nov. 13.

ANNUAL SAM SPONSORED PROJECT CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Be sure to watch for more information coming soon on the installation of outside Christmas lights around our campus. We will need lots of hands!

CAN YOU GUESS WHAT THIS IS?

BOOMERS BECOME ZOOMERS! Small groups, bible study groups, even our monthly deacons meetings have continued despite COVID! We’ve met outside and we’ve now become accustomed to ZOOM! We are so thankful for all our staff, teachers, media staff and others who have provided this opportunity for us to study together. CLARA “BOOTS” WEAVER, THANK YOU! ENJOY THE BAY! By Faye Summers

I first met Boots when she was a band booster for the Hewitt-Trussville High School Band. Her son Darryl was in the band and she was always such a hard worker in the concession stands, band uniform inventory, fund raisers, etc. We went on many trips but the one I remember with Boots was the band’s trip to the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC.

Boots was married to Henry “Boots” Weaver. Yes, both she and her husband had the nickname “Boots” when they met! They had two sons. Dale who passed away last fall and Darryl who is married with two children in Mississippi.

One place we here at FBCT saw her most recently has been in the kitchen working with Georgia. Boots has been a volunteer for 15 years doing whatever Georgia needed. Georgia said Boots has a true servant’s heart.

Boots went on many mission trips to Thailand. According to the Copham’s, she had the nickname of “Queen of the coffeepot.” She took her coffee pot from home and had plenty of coffee to brew while they were in Thailand. John Copham said he would knock on her door in the morning and she would stick her hand out the door with a coffee cup full of coffee. She, as well as all the people that went on the trip, taught English to the school there in Thailand and on the last trip she taught the ladies how to make their own soap. Elaine Copham said Boots was such an asset to the trip because she loved the children and knew how to work with them.

Brenda McGrady said she made five plus trips to Thailand with Boots and they were always roommates. She said Boots loved the children and they are still Facebook friends with them. She said they stayed in the same place each year and the children would cheer when they saw their busses coming. They took candy to pass out to the children each day after they finished their lessons and included in that sweet giveaway was a shaggy dog who got his portion of candy too!!

While there on their days off, fun days were planned for them and one such day was a trip to the elephant camp where they train and demonstrate elephants. Brenda and Boots took a one-hour ride through the forest on one of these elephants.

Boots will be moving in early December to Fairhope, Alabama to live in her brother’s house. Her niece will live next door to her. Her son Darryl plans to retire in Fairhope. Boots is so very close to her nieces, and they loved to take cruises together every year. One of her former Sunday school pupils is buying her house here in Trussville. We all hate to see her go, but we wish her well in her new life in South Alabama. She leaves a legacy of servanthood here in Trussville. God Bless America! EMPTY PEWS… NO WAY! SAM Luncheon Photo by John and Sandy Patterson SAMers sent their pictures to fill the pews.

Leland Dockery Cruise-In Serving the Schools Covid Caroling

Samford Chapel & Library Tour Bob Smith & Fred Hunter SAMing Around!

Covid Suday School Class Outdoors Staff Appreciation Parade

I am so proud of our church staff and the way they never missed a beat with the Covid challenge. I can only imagine the enormous amount of planning and work that went into that transition to create safe spaces. I am thankful for the technology available to worship with my church from home. But also our staff expressed a loving sweet spirit to welcome us back to church or welcome us to worship from home. No judgment, just love. --Susan Hornsby DITTO from all of us SAMers!