CONNECT First Baptist Church O’Fallon, Missouri

APRIL - JUNE 2019 CONTENTS

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3 From the Pastor 8 Academy 4 Worship 9 Children 5 Proclamation 10 Young Adults 6 Students 11 Event Highlights 7 Education SCHEDULE

SUNDAY WEDNESDAY Life Groups Children’s Music 5:50 pm 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 am Prayer Meeting 6:00 pm Worship Adult Choir Rehearsal 6:30 pm 9:30 & 11:00 am Kairos Student Worship 6:30 pm Kids Worship Awana (age 3 to 5th grade) 6:30 pm 11:00 am Orchestra Rehearsal 6:30 pm

First Baptist Church of O’Fallon 8750 Veterans Memorial Parkway O’Fallon, Missouri 63366 636-272-4838, firstofallon.com 2 Dr. Michael Atherton, Senior Pastor

From the Pastor

am excited to give you a sneak peak at our new Ichurch logo, which will be officially revealed on Easter Sunday (April 21, 2019). There is nothing overly flashy about it. It is not complex, but simple. It is not ornate, but effective. Lest you think that this is just another symbol of faith, let me remind you that the cross has been the cornerstone of humanity’s hope from the very genesis of time. Whether it stood as a greatly anticipated act or as a symbol and representation of a past occurrence, the cross has and will always be a continuing call message was not ornate, but effective. The fact to humanity as it reaches to the depths of depravi- of the matter is, 2000 years later, the cross is still ty and pulls mankind from its grips. effective!

The journey to this logo started over 12 months The symbol of splintered wood that stood on a ago. Our media team (Jim Caban, Holly Wallgren, hill so long ago, not only stands as an attractive and Greg Webber, among others) looked at, de- centerfold for and the love that God signed, and discussed what seemed like hundreds has for humanity, but it also has important impli- of possibilities. Why a cross? The use of a cross is cations and ultimately, crucial ramifications for not an accident, nor an expression of habit. Back all people. Following after the cross demands when we started this journey, I was praying about obedience and allegiance to God, God’s Church what image would best convey who FBCO is and and God’s Word in its absolute totality. The cross what we want to be known for. God led me to 1 of Christ is forever standing as a reminder of the Corinthians 2:1-5. In this text, Paul says that he ministry of reconciliation to which Christ has could certainly come to the church and speak commissioned us. As we enter this Easter season with eloquence and sophistication. But, he didn’t and spend time reflecting on the glories of the find any reason to do that. Rather, he would just cross, let’s not keep the blessings of the cross to proclaim the message of Christ and Him crucified. ourselves. The message was not complex, but simple. The

3 Alan Fath, Associate Pastor of Worship destroys an old pattern and creates hat accomplished for another. It always dominates. It nev- Wus on the cross is at the very er compromises or surrenders. It is core of why we worship. If not for an effective killing tool. Knowing all Jesus’ blood shed on the cross for of this, Christ said, “If anyone would us, we would have no reason to cel- come after me let him take up his ebrate. This is why, when you come cross and follow me”. So, the cross to church on Sunday, you will never not only ended Christ’s life but it see me frowning or singing a sad also ends the first life, the old life, of song. There’s just way too much to all who would follow after Christ. be happy about. We must do something about the One of my favorite authors is A.W. cross. There are only two decisions Tozer. In his book “The Radical persecuted Christians, to a tender that can be made. We either run Cross”, he talks of how revolutionary from it or die upon it. If you choose the cross of Christ is among men. and devout believer. However, its power departs when it is changed to die upon it then it will bring to an The cross of Roman times didn’t end all of your selfishness. Then God compromise. It won every argument from a symbol of death to a thing of beauty. When men make it a can cultivate a new life that is free by killing its opponent. The cross and full of good works. didn’t spare Christ either but slew symbol to adorn their necks or as a Him the same as the rest. magic sign to ward off evil. If we’re not careful, the cross becomes an When you think of the cross during this Easter season, I pray that you After Christ was risen, the apostles emblem and millions may revere the cross but know nothing of its power. will celebrate with me. Thank you, preached the message of the cross. God, for your sacrifice. May we take The message of the cross trans- The cross wins by destroying. It up our cross willingly every day and formed Saul from being a man who Dr. Brandon Kiesling, Associatefollow Pastoryou. of Young Adults 4 Gospel Proclamation: Dr. Brandon Kiesling

he Christ is recorded for us which you can partner with us to carry out the Great Tin all four Gospel accounts. Immediately following Commission: 1) Connecting with first-time visitors of each account of Jesus’ resurrection, we find Jesus FBCO by completing a door-step visit after Sunday commanding His disciples to take the Gospel to the morning worship services, 2) Participating in GROW ends of the earth. In Luke’s account, Jesus explained on Tuesday nights through door-to-door visitation, how He expected this “Great Commission” to begin: 3) Participating in an evangelism training weekend “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on April 12-13 where we will go out inviting peo- on the third day rise from the dead, and that repen- ple to Easter services, 4) Participating in a Saturate tance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed O’Fallon project over the next few months where we in his name to all nations, beginning from will attempt to get the Gospel, in both written and (:46-47). In other words, Jesus expected visual form, to every home located in the 63366 zip His disciples to proclaim the Gospel throughout the code, and finally 5) Participating in Engage O’Fallon in entire world, beginning with the town in which they July 2019 where we will dedicate an entire week to currently lived. Jesus’ Commission is still in effect for reaching the city of O’Fallon through various mission Christ-followers today. Therefore, FBC O’Fallon has projects in the mornings and door-to-door visitation an obligation to take the Gospel to the ends of the in the afternoons and evenings. earth, beginning in the city of O’Fallon, MO. I hope that each of you will pray about how you can In order to accomplish this, the staff has been working join us in this effort to get the Gospel out to as many on a comprehensive Gospel proclamation strategy people as possible in 2019. More information about that will equip, enlist, and encourage you to reach these Gospel opportunities will be made available in every home in the city of O’Fallon, and continue the coming weeks, but if you have questions about spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Begin- any of this or would like to find out how to participate, ning in April, we will roll out several new initiatives in call or stop by the church office at any time.

5 Brandon Winkler, Minister to Students

f you look cross should serve as a reminder to us of the greatest Iaround you, sacrifice ever made. Where the one and only Son of you’ll notice you God gave up his life as a perfect sacrifice to eradicate can find the im- sin and restore what had been broken. age of the cross everywhere. Not The image of the cross is one that reminds us that just in the church our Savior died the most gruesome death, taking on or on a necklace, the sin of the world that continually turns it’s back but you’ll see it in on Him. And while it reminds of us his death, it also some of the most points us to life. The cross wasn’t the end. Jesus con- average everyday quered death, came back to life and reigns as Savior things. Look at and Lord today and desires a relationship with you. the powerlines that run down the streets. If you have The cross makes that relationship possible. six panel doors in your home, yep, it’s there too. Is your yard fenced in? Check it out! My prayer for you is that you’ll never lose the hope and glory of the cross in your life. As you look around, The problem is, the cross has become just that; an I pray you’ll often be reminded how much God loves image. It should represent so much more for us than you and the great lengths He went to to make that something we hang up or put around our neck. The love known.

6 Lee Sanders, Associate Pastor of Education

recently visited a Iwell-known shoe and sports store to purchase a new pair of shoes. The young sales assistant asked what kind of activity I would be doing… running, tennis, bas- ketball… I quickly interrupted him and said, “let’s think in terms of just walk- ing…safely walking!” He replied, “You may want to consider a cross-training shoe.” After defining cross-training, he explained it would provide me maximum support. Cross-Training and maximum support…exactly what I needed. I expressed my thanks for his help and that I was a satisfied customer.

As I was checking out, the sales assistant asked about the “Choose 2” bracelet that I was wearing. The door was open for me to quickly share my God story. I explained what Jesus did for me on the cross, how Jesus gives me maximum support in my daily life, and that I am truly a satisfied customer with God.

On the way home, I kept thinking about the term “cross-training” and how I often fail to seize the opportu- nity to talk about Jesus. Perhaps thinking about the letters in CROSS can help us to become more intentional about sharing Jesus.

C… Close & Clean Stay close to the Lord daily / Stay clean before Him. R… Remember We are His witness and Jesus is with us. O… Others Every person we meet needs Jesus. S… Story We have a God-story that needs to be told. S… Speak Up The Holy Spirit will teach us what to say. [Luke 12:12]

Through the years the cross has been a symbol of suffer- ing and sacrifice. Let’s cling to the cross and the as reminders of God’s forgiveness, the invitation to join Him at work, and to faithfully share Jesus.

7 pring is such a beautiful (and but my mind can quickly become His grave confirms God’s Holy judge- Sdistracting) time of year. In school clouded and distracted from His ment on their sin, and His resurrec- it has to be the busiest time of our cross. tion declares His victory over sin and work, and proper focus can be chal- their hope for new life. The only hope for FBCA students lenging. The office agenda is filled begins at the cross of Christ. His As we prepare our hearts to remem- with class field trips, district curric- death provides for their atonement. ber the cross and celebrate Christ’s ular competitions, teacher evalua- resurrection, I thank you for your tions, meetings about next year’s cal- commitment to advancing His gospel endar, as well as preparations for the through Christian education. While pre-kindergarten and elementary the other routine objectives are im- graduations. I am also excited about portant in the life of the school, they the upcoming FBCA Celebration are truly but loss when compared to Service on Sunday, March 31. But all His wondrous cross. As we enter this of this activity can be problematic. season, let us continue to advance Recently, after I proudly related that this hope in the lives our students took 38% of the rib- of Christian Academy bons awarded at the district Math students. Competition, I was convicted. Am I missing something? I routinely find myself focusing on God’s great work in His school as well as focusing on the continuing struggles of this work, Brandon Tucker, FBC Academy Principal 8 Andrew Scheltens, Minister to Children

Making the have sinned.” Sin starts in our hearts and manifests Cross Real to itself in our actions. Children must realize their sin- Children ful condition before they will realize that they need a Savior. s we ap- Aproach the Reality of Christ’s offering for each child. Easter season, Jesus died for their sins - past, present, and future. the Church Christ took our place and suffered our punishment celebrates the in our place. No good deeds or works can forgive message of the our sins and change our hearts. Jesus chose to lay Gospel, literal- down his life. The pain and suffering that he en- ly-good news, dured he chose so that we could be forgiven. Let that we have in your children know that Jesus took the punishment Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. This is the for their sins. message that saves us from sin and that frees us to follow Christ. And it is this same message that every Reality of the empty cross and empty tomb. child, as well as teenager and adult, must believe in The cross in the time of Christ was a picture of order to be saved. So how can we take this founda- torture and death. While we share with our children tional story of our faith and share it with children in how Christ chose to die and shed his blood for us, all of the fullness and richness? Here are 5 simple we can also celebrate the fact that Christ is no lon- points to remember when sharing the Gospel with ger on the cross or in the tomb. He “suffered once” your children. to “taste death” for every child. His resurrection is what puts an exclamation point on all of his claims Reality of God’s love for each child. and teachings. Every child needs to hear, “For God so loved the world.” Make it personal for them. “Jesus loves you, Reality of Christ’s call to each child. (Child’s Name).” God knows everything about their Each child must believe and receive this Savior in life and his heart is full of love for them. God’s love order to be saved. When we look at what Christ is not based on that child’s righteousness. suffered for us how can we say no to his invitation? How can we refuse to trust his forgiveness? And Reality of man’s sin and consequences. how can even a child not be willing to “take up their Look for opportunities where your child is confront- own cross” and be committed to sharing the reality ed with their sinful nature to show them that “all of the cross of Christ with the world?

8 99 Dr. Brandon Kiesling, Associate Pastor of Young Adults APRIL-JUNE HIGHLIGHTS

During the Fall door where an older gentleman answered the door 2011 semester, and introduced himself as John. We quickly introduced I was leading a ourselves and told him that we were going door-to- group of students door telling people about Jesus and how He died, was from Southwest- buried, and rose again so that people could be forgiven ern Seminary in an of their sins. I will never forget the blank look on John’s evangelism initia- face as we explained the Gospel to him, after which he tive where South- asked us, “Who is this Jesus you are referring to?” This western faculty, was the first person in America that I had ever spoken staff, and students to who had never heard of Jesus Christ or what He had set out to knock on done on the cross…and John lived three blocks away every door within a from one of the largest Southern Baptist seminaries in one-mile radius of the world! the campus. We went out every Thursday from 4:00- 6:00 pm with one purpose: to bring the Gospel to each John taught me a valuable lesson in life: never assume home in our target area. Of course, many doors we someone knows the Gospel or has even heard the knocked on didn’t open, some opened and didn’t allow Gospel! If there are people like John living a stone’s us to share, but most days we would get at least one throw away from a seminary, there are people like him opportunity to share the Gospel with a stranger. This living within the city of O’Fallon as well; people who will particular day started out to be a typical evangelism never hear about Jesus or His work on the cross unless outing but ended with an encounter that would change you and I speak up. As we enter the Easter season, will the way I view people moving forward. you commit to tell someone about Jesus? Who knows, maybe you will find a John in your neighborhood who My team was working down a street about three blocks asks you, “Who is this Jesus you are referring to?” and away from the school campus and we knocked on a God may use you to lead that person to the Savior.

Highlights

1. Evangelism Training Weekend April 12-13 2. Spring Fun Blitz Outreach at St. Charles Community College April 24-25 3. Elephant Rock Day Trip (College Students and Graduating High School Seniors) May 25

10 APRIL-JUNE HIGHLIGHTS

April 27 27 Widows Banquet Memorial Day 3-13 Annual fellowship & meal Israel Trip Team serving ministry partners 28 JUNE The Jerusalem Prayer Center Family Conference Quarterly meeting to discuss 6 church business 1 Senior Adult Luncheon Senior Adult Monthly first Saturday meal Luncheon May Monthly first 6 Saturday meal Priscilla Shirer Simulcast 1 Women’s event off-campus 3-7 Awana Awards VBS 2019 Wednesday celebration service 12-13 Vacation School Evangelism Training 2 In the Wild! Strategies to carry out the Academy Spring Program 10-15 Great Commision Annual spring musical Children’s Music Camp Weeklong workshop & 20 4 Saturday concert Student Easter Egg Hunt Senior Adult Luncheon KSM Easter event Monthly first Saturday meal 21 5 14-22 Easter Sunday Family Fun Day Minnesota Trip Sunrise: 6:30 am, Services: Recreation night at the Renaud FBCO team serving a church 8:00, 9:30, & 11:00 am plant in Thief River Falls 11 Men’s Breakfast 16 Quarterly mens fellowship Kid’s Day Out Day of fun & fellowship 12 Mother’s Day 16 Father’s Day 16 24-28 Pre-K Graduation Student Camp 24-25 FBCA Early Childhood program Annual KSM youth camp College & Career Spring 20 26 Fun Blitz Outreach at St. Academy Graduation Kid’s Missions Night Charles Community College 1-2:00 pm afternoon event 25 College & H.S. Senior Trip Elephant Rock State Park

For a full list of events and details visit: firstofallon.com/events

11 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Firstofallon.com/vbs June 3-7

First Baptist Church of O’Fallon 8750 Veterans Memorial Parkway O’Fallon, Missouri 63366 636-272-4838, firstofallon.com