bigserve247

Living the Mission: Police Chaplains

2012-01-31T04:18:00.001-08:00

Three of our members serve faithfully as Chaplains with the Virginia Beach Police Department. These men perform a variety of duties in their roles as police chaplains. In riding with the officers, they support them with everything from traffic direction while the officers work an accident scene to crowd control – frequently the mere presence of a chaplain is enough to deescalate errant behaviors of unruly groups. They also provide counseling with the officers, hospital visits, and, of course, death notifications. The police culture is a very tight-knit group of real public servants who, every day, put their lives on the line to protect our rights and freedoms here at home, and they love the calm, steady presence of their chaplains.
Last month, all three of First Baptist’s police chaplains were involved in the Cops and Kids program for underprivileged children, which gives youngsters an opportunity to share in Christmas in a way that would otherwise be impossible for them. One young man in the program bought himself one small gift, and then spent the rest of his shopping allowance on gifts for others. What a great day!

Disaster Relief Training Opportunities

2012-01-30T11:39:00.001-08:00

If you are interested in participating in Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) Training, please take advantage of the opportunities offered below. Advance training and credentialing are required to participate in SBDR. The one day, 8:00am to 5:00 pm training workshop will be held on Saturdays in February and March. The cost for first time training is $30.00 and $20.00 for recertification. Register at:
http://www.sbcv.org/disaster_relief.

The dates and locations for training are:

February 11-Poquoson Baptist Church, Poquoson
March 10-Colonial Heights Baptist Church, Colonial Heights
March 24-Spotswood Baptist Church, Fredericksburg
March 31-Great Neck Baptist Church, Virginia Beach

Living the Mission: Students on Mission

2012-01-26T10:48:00.000-08:00

The 9:30am Ninth grade Bible Study participated in Operation Christmas Child for their November mission project. One Sunday after church, twenty-three ninth graders gathered with bags of toys, hygiene items, candy and school supplies they had brought. The items filled sixteen shoeboxes! The students also enclosed a picture of their Bible Study class and a handwritten note wishing the recipient a Merry Christmas and letting them know that Jesus loves them. The boxes were given to Samaritan’s Purse and ultimately shipped to children in poor and/or unreached countries throughout the world. In January, Samaritan’s Purse notified the class that part of the shoeboxes were distributed to children in the Balkans!

For their December project, the class worked at Norfolk’s Union Mission. One Saturday, nineteen ninth graders ‘shopped’ in the warehouse for an array of nonperishable food items and packaged those items in large boxes for needy families in Hampton Roads to pick up the following week. The Mission’s goal for the class was to fill 100 boxes during the two hour time-frame they were scheduled to work, but the students completed 176 boxes. The volunteer supervisor from the mission said no group had ever put together that many boxes in two hours! Great job living the mission ninth grade students!

Salvation Army Mobile Canteen Ministry

2012-01-25T10:56:00.000-08:00

The Salvation Army provides the vehicle, the food/drink and even locations in the Norfolk area that they know have hungry individuals (if you didn't have a location in mind yourself). They ask that volunteer groups adopt one day out the week for this ministry.

Please check out the flyer below and contact the Local Missions Office at 466.5181 or sluttrull@firstnorfolk.org if you are interested in participating.

Mobile Canteen Ministry Training Calendar

International Ministry Opportunity

2012-01-19T04:19:00.000-08:00

Check out this ministry opportunity from Kurnia Foe with Global Student Friendship at ODU:

Dear friends,

The Chinese Church of Larchmont will organize one of its largest community outreaches of the year this Friday, Jan 20th from 5-8 pm. More than 2 billion people celebrate Lunar New Year around the globe this weekend. The Chinese church organizes a Lunar New Year celebration at their church at 1127 Surrey Crescent in Norfolk (same building as Crossroads Church).

Chinese community members from this area (college faculty, college staff, international students, visiting scholars, and families) attend this event. If you plan to come, please make an RSVP Dr. Gene Hou at ghou@odu.edu.We encourage you to bring and invite your Chinese friends to attend this event.

This event will be conducted in Mandarin and it includes praise and worship in Chinese, a meal, video screening (the video is also in Mandarin), and a social gathering. This event is to build friendships with our Chinese community and to pray for this outreach.

Hope you can make it. Thanks.

Soup Kitchen Service Opportunity

2012-01-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

First Baptist Church of Norfolk has been manning the soup kitchen the 4th Sunday of each month for 13 years. We meet at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 1:15 and start serving lunch at 1:30. The church is in Ghent at the corner of Colonial and Princess Anne, right behind the 7-11. We serve for an hour and then clean up. We usually serve 125-150 meals each Sunday. Most people eat seconds as this might be their only meal that day. We have regulars each time and have the opportunity to serve "the least of these." Anyone who is interested or has questions should contact Debbie Hoffius (dhoffius@firstnorfolk.org or 461.3226 ext. 294)for more information.

January 2012 GroupServe Newsletter

2012-01-16T10:05:00.000-08:00

Our latest GroupServe newsletter is available here:

http://www.scribd.com/fullscreen/78434059?access_key=key-1qyjxdyus70wjt4cx2d8

Living the Mission: Cuffee Community Center

2012-01-16T10:03:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday afternoons, the Cuffee Community Center in Chesapeake buzzes with activity. Children participate in art, music/dance, or recreation led by Chesapeake Fellowship volunteers. Afterward, teens attend a small group where they discuss practical applications of the Bible to everyday life. Children see Bible stories come to life through an interactive large group experience, which includes drama and singing songs containing biblical truths. This is followed by a time of grade-level small groups where children learn Bible verses, participate in activities to reinforce their learning and help them apply the Bible to their life, and pray. Teens then serve dinner to the younger children, who eat in their small groups, and then eat together.

Through this outreach, we have had the opportunity to build relationships with the children and their extended family members who attend with them. Over 100 people attended this year’s Christmas celebration and 12 families/44 children were blessed at Christmas with gifts from families who adopted them. A pair of brothers attends Chesapeake Fellowship regularly thanks to a church member who picks them up for church each week. Another family has also begun worshiping with us. God is at work at Cuffee! Please join us in prayer. Contact the Local Missions office [466.5181] to learn more.

Opportunity to Serve at Park Place Child Life Center

2012-01-12T08:41:00.000-08:00

Below is an invitation from the Volunteer Coordinator to serve at Park Place Child Life Center. Please contact the Local Missions Office of the church (466.5181 or sluttrull@firstnorfolk.org) if you are interested in participating.

Our program offers a unique opportunity to share the love of Jesus Christ through relationship building with the children of Park Place. We provide a nurturing caring environment and show children that someone indeed does care about them. The children come, receive a nutritional meal, and learn about the world through enrichment programs that include visual and martial arts, literacy and performing arts.

It takes 50 volunteers each week to allow us to function efficiently. We rely on volunteers to aid in programming, play games with the children, and also do support programming. This includes preparing meals and setting up tables. This is why I am writing you. We are asking local churches to help us start a monthly rotating volunteer schedule for our Saturday programs. The monthly rotating schedule requires one church each week to commit to sending five volunteers from 10:30 – 3:00. I will call you to remind you the week prior to your volunteer commitment.

This is an incredible opportunity to minister within our community, and I can promise it will be rewarding for your volunteers. I began as a volunteer a year ago and absolutely fell in love with the children.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Blessings,
Annie
--
Annie Blakey
Volunteer Coordinator
Park Place Child Life Center <http://ppclc.org>
757.627.7252
　

"A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove...but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child."

Living the Mission: Park Place Child Life Center

2012-01-09T04:36:00.000-08:00

A church member who serves with Park Place Child Life Center (PPCLC) shared her experiences:

Imagine growing up in an environment challenged by poverty and uncertainty. Many youth of Park Place face this daily. Thanks to PPCLC and many volunteers, children find a safe, nurturing, Christian environment right in their own community. Since 2004, over 600 children have participated in the center’s after-school and Saturday programs. Omar, a 7th grader, says, “The Child Life Center was the best thing that ever happened to me.”

PPCLC’s mission is to transform the lives of children through arts-based programs designed to advance literacy and encourage a lifetime love of learning. We provide, at no charge, mentoring; homework assistance; classes in music, visual arts, dance and martial arts; recreational activities; meals; field trips and summer camps. It’s interesting to see what each week brings at PPCLC. For several weeks I read to Asia as she reluctantly listened. I was absent for two weeks and when I returned, she came over and began to read me a story!

To learn more about how you can help children of tremendous potential grow into all God created them to be, please contact Michelle at 627-7252 and/or visit our website: www.ppclc.org.

Live the Mission Magazine

2012-01-04T11:27:00.001-08:00

Click on the link below to access our latest Live the Mission Magazine:

http://www.turnit.com/index.php/ci_id/91325

Living the Mission: Caring for the Least of These

2012-01-03T06:41:00.000-08:00

A church member shared his experiences Loving God, Loving Others, and Living the Mission:

I have been blessed to go on four Mission Journeys to Honduras through First Baptist Norfolk. We visited orphanages and youth detention centers, ministering to the spiritual and physical needs of these children as we engaged in Bible studies, group discussions, church services, and recreation. Testimonies of what the youth had experienced were heart-wrenching; we shared the love of Jesus and let them know they are not alone because He is always with them. In the orphanages, workers are few. Infants and toddlers get little stimulation and have few toys. We provided lots of hugs and donated toys.

This summer, I saw many things in need of repair to make the children’s living spaces safer, cleaner, and more comfortable. I felt a strong conviction to step outside my comfort zone to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those less fortunate. In August, I returned alone for two weeks to do roofing, plumbing, electrical, and carpentry work on these run-down facilities. This trip was made possible by prayer and support from church members. It is amazing to see how God uses us when we answer His call. Mission trips have been the most rewarding thing I have ever done and I encourage you to prayerfully consider an upcoming trip.

Living the Mission: Homeless Ministry

2011-12-19T09:09:00.000-08:00

A family from our church shared their experiences Loving God, Loving Others, and Living the Mission:

Roughly 600 homeless people live in Norfolk. Three out of four are men, and nearly two hundred are veterans. Many homeless live in shelters, transitional housing, borrowed couches, and back seats of cars. A smaller group of them has exhausted all resources and has no reliable support system. They use cardboard boxes as their mattress and a section of concrete curb as their pillow. Some have blankets or sleeping bags; others use their coat or more cardboard for their nighttime covering.

The idea to do something as a family to make a difference started as a Big Serve project. We filled 25 bags with juice, bottled water, canned meat, snacks, an inspirational pass-it-on and hygiene items. On Big Serve Sunday morning we purchased breakfast biscuits and passed those out with the bags to homeless men. We decided to make this a monthly outreach. On our next visit we added hot coffee and a comprehensive listing of service agencies. It was sobering to find a mother and her young daughter sleeping on the sidewalk. Winter plans include adding a knit hat, gloves and socks to the bags.

The bags and breakfasts one day a month will not end homelessness for these people, but we pray that these items will make their day a little better as we demonstrate God’s love to those in need.

Opportunity to serve our Marines

2011-12-14T04:40:00.000-08:00

One of our staff members shared the request below. If you are able to help with a box or boxes, please email rhannas@firstnorfolk.org. Thank you!

A young Marine wife affiliated with our church wrote:
My husband is the Platoon Sgt. for 9th Engineer Support Battalion 3rd Division Motor T Maintenance. Some of his guys left on an early deployment in October. A few weeks later the rest of the battalion including my husband joined them. These men and women will spend Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years away from their families.

My husband has asked if he could get care package boxes to his Jr. Marines E-4 and below during their 7 month deployment. I know First Baptist can handle this large but special request for 36 boxes. I have had the opportunity to speak to many of these Marines and I know it would mean the world to them. They ask for nothing particular but things like tuna fish (with a pop top), playing cards of any type, gum, mints, and other snacks would be wonderful. Devotionals or Bibles would also be helpful as it is sometimes difficult for them to go to Chapel. A personalized letter of encouragementwould be nice if possible. I know there are many military families and members at First Baptist so asking them for what to send is a great idea. Please help my husband ensure each one of his Marines that they are loved.

Living the Mission: God’s Amazing Work in the Vietnamese Community of Hampton Roads

2011-12-12T05:42:00.000-08:00

The Vietnamese Fellowship is still meeting monthly for regular worship and Bible study at Crossroads Center. The Lord’s favor continues to be upon this ministry as new people are attending and relationships are being strengthened.

At the recent Thanksgiving Celebration, there were fifty-four in attendance and five made decisions to give their lives to Christ! Nine people have made professions of faith in the first twelve months of this Fellowship. “To God be the glory for great things He has done!”

The Fellowship has also been ministering to those in need in the Vietnamese community and we pray that the love of Christ is evident as we support those who are going through difficult times in their lives. As we take action to be the hands and feet of Jesus, we trust hearts will be softened in order to receive the Good News.

Please continue to pray for the Vietnamese Fellowship, and our core members, as we strive to see a viable church plant birthed in the Vietnamese community. Please also pray for the ministry of the team from our church which will serve in Vietnam over the Christmas holidays.

Christmas Cards

2011-12-08T14:24:00.000-08:00

A church member made us aware of the situation below and we wanted to share this with you...

A little boy named Max from a Lutheran church in Belle Vernon, PA. is eight years old and battling Leukemia. He is not winning. His Christmas wish is to see how many cards he can get. Please help inundate him with warmth and cards!!

Here is his address:
Max
c/o Hailey Remish
417 Jones Street
Belle Vernon, PA 15012

Christmas Opportunity @ Gosnold Apartments

2011-12-05T11:35:00.000-08:00

Volunteers are needed to 1) prepare food, 2) set-up for dinner, 3) serve dinner, or 4) clean-up for a Christmas meal at Gosnold Apartments on Sunday, December 18th. Set-up is at 3:00 pm; dinner is served at 5:00 pm, and clean-up begins at 5:45 pm.

Contact: Wilma Gerald (beachsistah@aol.com)

Living the Mission: InterVarsity Christian Fellowship

2011-12-05T11:33:00.000-08:00

My name is Jessica and I am serving with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA. InterVarsity is a campus ministry located at colleges and universities across the United States and the world with a vision to see students’ lives transformed by Jesus and see them developed into leaders who are passionate about changing the world.

It is so exciting to see what Jesus is doing in the lives of these students. Morgan* is a freshman who came into college not interested in Jesus. After new friends invited her, she decided to check out InterVarsity and plugged into a small group. Over the last couple months she is starting to think about a relationship with Jesus. Eric* is a senior who also came to college not interested in Jesus. His freshman year, he became a Christian and his life changed significantly. He became a leader in InterVarsity and has grown tremendously. When Eric graduates in May he is pursuing a job at a non-profit fighting human trafficking. Please pray with us that Morgan comes to know Jesus and for Eric as he pursues what God is calling him to do.

If you are interested in getting involved in InterVarsity, please contact me at jmolz001@gmail.com. Thanks!

*Name changed

Living the Mission: Good News Jail and Prison Ministry

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

Good News Jail and Prison Ministry seeks to reach inmates of Hampton Roads Regional Jail with the Good News of Jesus Christ. A member of our church regularly serves there and shared these experiences:

One day while spending time with the inmates, a young man asked if he could lose his salvation. I assured him he could not, and he wanted to accept Christ, so we all got on our knees to pray with him. A look of deep peace came over his face as we finished praying and through his tears he said, “Now I know.” In the days remaining before his release from prison, he shared Jesus with inmates in his housing pod.

One day four new inmates came to Bible Study. Three were Christians; the fourth man believed in God and sincerely wanted to accept Jesus as his Savior but could not. The Christian inmates and I prayed with him. After the earthquake, I visited with this man again and he was smiling ear-to-ear. He viewed that event as a reminder of how uncertain our time on earth is and was able to give his life to Christ! At our next meeting, he gave the closing prayer.

It is a blessing to see and be part of how God is transforming the lives of inmates for His kingdom.

Living the Mission: Hispanic Fellowship Missions Partnership

2011-11-21T13:44:00.000-08:00

First Baptist Church of Norfolk's Hispanic Fellowship is pressing on with the God-given task of reaching our world! This summer we began a new partnership with Iglesia Bautista Fuente de Vida in Charlottesville, Virginia. That church's pastor, Daniel Bannister, along with several members, came to Hampton Roads during the first week of August. They helped us host Vacation Bible School and a block party at Harvard Apartments in Chesapeake. Soon afterward, a group from our Hispanic Fellowship traveled to Charlottesville for three days to help Fuente de Vida put on a Family Festival. We also distributed 250 bookbags with school supplies to the children of Southwood trailer park. It was touching to see the faces of the children and parents as they received these donations. We are happy to report that ten children received Christ as a fruit of these labors. We are also excited to begin a weekly "house of prayer" discipleship group in Harvard Apartments. We continue giving all the glory to our God!

World Missions Offering

2011-11-14T11:47:00.000-08:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year...Live the Mission Celebration!

We celebrated a wonderful weekend of missions mobilization as many of our members shared their hearts for the nations as well as how God is leading them to serve right here at home.

One question that resonated after our celebration was about our World Missions Offering. Many were wondering about the boxes and the pledges that were made in the worship service. Here are just a few FAQ's. (Frequently Asked Questions)

Are we supposed to return the boxes filled with money? No, it is not necessary for you to fill the boxes with money. The goal for the boxes was to decide what your offering will be and place the box under your tree to represent your family's offering to missions.

When do I give my offering that I pledged? It would be wonderful to have that offering by December 25th as a gift to Jesus to spread his good news, but we actually receive the WMO all year around. So those who are living on a tighter budget can still give throughout the year and see how God is going to use those gifts!

How can I give? A gift to the WMO can be given as an addition to the tithe on your envelope or it can be given online.

Where can I find more information about the WMO? Our new Live the Mission magazine has all of the details. You can also check out this link: http://www.firstnorfolk.org/contentpages.aspx?parentnavigationid=12287&navigationId=13705&viewcontentpageguid=4c6ca9bd-a806-4b80-9f72-a58ae7977494.

What if I still have questions about missions giving? Contact our Missions Ministry at First Norfolk. We will be happy to assist you.

Living the Misson: Dominican Republic Mission Journey

2011-11-14T06:58:00.000-08:00

This year our students traveled to Los Alcarrizos, Dominican Republic to work with the Lighthouse School - a Christian school with an enrollment around 1,300 students. Many of the Lighthouse School's students are sponsored through international fundraising efforts. Discipleship happens on a daily basis as students attend chapel as well as hear each subject taught through the lens of Scripture.

The team participated in construction efforts on a women's fitness center as well as painting a basketball court. Both facilities are used as locations for interaction with the local community to help bring young people in off the streets and share the gospel with them.

We also had the opportunity to work with some of the local children in a Vacation Bible School setting where the children heard a Bible story, played games, and did a craft relating to the lesson.

Thank you for your prayers for and support of this mission journey. We were blessed and humbled by this week-long opportunity to work alongside our Dominican brothers and sisters in Christ to advance the gospel in their country.

Salvation Army Feeding Unit Opportunity

2011-11-09T11:08:00.000-08:00

PUT YOUR PEOPLE WHERE THE MOUTHS ARE

Close to a thousand people each night go to sleep hungry in our community. Yet The Salvation Army Canteen, the Tidewater Area Command's mobile soup truck, sits in a parking lot 5 out of 7 nights because there aren't enough hands to help distribute the meals we have available.

We need your hands & your hearts.

In about an hour we can serve hot nutritionally balanced soup with bread to close to 100 people. If your church, business, or other organization can commit just one night a month for at least six months, six hundred more people go to bed having had a hot nutritious meal.

We have the truck. We have the food. We just need you.

On-site training is available. To find out more about how your organization can get involved contact Shelby Moore at 757.543.8100

October update from Park Place Health and Dental Clinic

2011-11-07T13:27:00.000-08:00

Below is an update from the Park Place Health and Dental Clinic in October 2011. Please continue to be in prayer and consider how you might become involved. For volunteer opportunities please email brett777@rocketmail.com.

Dental

Total # of October first time patients = 33
Total # of October patients = 258
Total # of October extractions = 167
Total # of October fillings = 122
Total # of October cleanings = 37
Total # of October broken appts. = 19
Total Retail Services rendered in October by the Clinic = $61,450.00

Ministry

Total # of FBCN Volunteers in October = 17
Total # of ministry prayer opportunities = 5
100% of Clinic Staff are church-attending Christians
Three (3) ministry service project opportunities in October

North Platte Canteen Thank You

2011-11-07T13:22:00.000-08:00

Below is a thank-you email we received from a Sailor after some people from the North Platte Canteen ministry at our church met them this past Saturday morning:

Me and over 100 of my newest friends left this morning from the Navy base in Norfolk to go on an IA for a year. We all are very grateful for all those that showed up to see us off so early in the morning. Your gift was very thoughtful and much appreciated.

Thank you from all of us....

International Thanksgiving Banquet Invitation

2011-11-07T05:03:00.000-08:00

If you would like to be a table host at this event, please contact Kurnia Foe at kurniafoe@gmail.com.

Thanksgiving Banquet Invite

Living the Mission: West Virginia Mission Journey

2011-11-07T04:58:00.001-08:00

For five years Young at Heart has traveled to Old Fields Baptist Church to do Vacation Bible School (VBS) and block parties in the community. You are never too old to go on a mission trip!

Upon our arrival in West Virginia, we prayer walked and passed out door hangers inviting the children to VBS. Throughout the week, we held VBS each morning at a trailer park in a cornfield and each afternoon in an apartment complex. The Lord sent new children every day to both sites!

We also assisted the church in preparing 100+ food boxes for distribution in the community. We concluded our week with a block party that included face painting, duck pond, prizes, bubbles, ballooning, ball toss games, an inflatable, hot dogs, chips and soda. God gave us a large turnout for this event.

Thanks to your prayers, God blessed us with safe travel, good health, and nice weather all week. Your contributions enabled us to provide each child with a Bible, as well as some parents who attended VBS with their children. Thank you to our church family for enabling us to step outside our comfort zone to serve the Lord!

"The Tide" Light Rail Update

2011-11-03T06:19:00.000-07:00

Doors continue to open as The Tide rolls into our front door through the new light rail service in Norfolk! Since the grand opening of The Tide, the news has reported an overwhelming response that has prompted discussions of extending the service to Virginia Beach's Town Center. As our church continues to prayerfully seek to intersect with the people of Hampton Roads, God is opening exciting doors of ministry and partnership with ministries along The Tide. I would like to share just a few ways that we are intersecting with these stops along the route of the light rail service:

Norfolk State University- A new partnership is developing with a campus ministry at NSU that will allow us to host student gatherings and invite students to participate in the 127 ministries of our church. The students of this great school ride the Tide for free in order to access shopping, food, etc. We are praying that they will consider going in the opposite direction to First Norfolk as they seek the Living Water of Jesus!

City Hall- The city hall stop is within blocks of our partners serving at Mosaic Church. We are praying that God will continue to connect us with strategic ways to serve with this church and reach the people who frequent downtown Norfolk, the artistic community, the homeless, and many others that Mosaic continues to reach.

YMCA- Another strategic partnership just contacted our church this morning with an opportunity to connect with families through regular athletic and spiritual activities at the YMCA. Much more information will be attached below, but this is a great way to connect people with First Norfolk through a Life Transformation Group or preaching point in the community. Many opportunities exist such as child care, sports, and bible study leadership. What an exciting opportunity to live the mission and connect the Tide with our church!

There are many other things in the works as our church is seeing these doors open for the gospel for such a time as this. The question that we always face is...what does God want me to do? Please contact our missions ministry if there is any way that we can answer your questions and/or put to rest any fears.

In Christ,
Craig

Additional information about the work at the YMCA:

Dear Friends of UDM’s Norfolk East Church Plant,

The Lord blessed us with an opportunity to invite you to help with our church plant in Norfolk East. YMCA leaders are graciously opening to us their Norfolk Blocker facility on Saturday evenings from 6:30-9:00 P.M. for our family outreach. We plan to provide classes to train children, teens, and adults in basketball, other sports, the arts, and especially in God’s Word. We will require participation from the parents or mentors of the program’s participants, so we may include more and make the most of this opportunity. As we did with our summer camps this year, UDM invites our related churches to bring leaders and young people to join in this outreach with us.

We ask our partnering churches for additional volunteers who can commit to serve on Saturday evenings for at least three months at a time. We need Bible teachers, sports coaches, music and praise dance leaders, and nursery workers. The Y has offered the use of their entire facility, so we may organize a variety of activities for the families. We plan to offer two Bible class for adults, including a foundational class for new Christians who are just starting Bible study.

The new light rail stops at the Y, which gives several churches, neighborhoods and NSU students a special transportation option. The Tide runs on Saturdays every 15 minutes until 9:30 P.M., and every 30 minutes after then.

Our orientation and training for this ministry are scheduled at the Blocker Y for the first three Saturday evenings in December—Dec. 3, 10, and 17. Our planned start-up date is January 7. Please pray about mobilizing with us and let me know if you and your family can come to the December orientations for training and fellowship.

I’ve been calling the outreach, Saturday Night Life.

Thanks,

Mike Fariss

GroupServe newsletter [November/December 2011]

2011-11-01T06:51:00.000-07:00

Living the Mission: International Student Ministry

2011-11-01T06:49:00.001-07:00

Approximately 1500 international students from 100+ countries study at Old Dominion University. 88% of them will never be invited into an American home.

Global Student Friendship, a student organization at ODU, partners with local churches to host events that provide opportunities to form relationships with international students whereby the love of Christ may be shared. This is the first chance for some of these students to hear the gospel, as many of them come from countries where they have limited access to the Christian faith.

Members of our church have participated in these events, hosted a cookout for international students, and provided temporary housing for students during Hurricane Irene. Upcoming opportunities to interact with international students include a Thanksgiving Banquet on November 19th and an End-of-Semester party in December. Opportunities also exist for families to host international students in their home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more information about how you can become involved with the international student community at ODU, contact the missions office or Kurnia Foe at kurniafoe@gmail.com.

Opportunities to serve with the Judeo-Christian Outreach Center

2011-10-27T06:35:00.000-07:00

JCOC in Their Shoes

Opportunities to Connect with International Students at ODU

2011-10-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

Check out the opportunities below at ODU this week to celebrate Asian culture:

Date: Monday 24

Event: Chinese Cultural Festival by Chinese Student Association

Time: 3:00 pm-6:00 pm

Place: North Mall, Webb Center

Date: Tuesday 25

Event: Asian Cafe

-Afghanistan (12:00-1:00 pm) by Graduate Society for International Studies

-Bangladesh (1:00-2:00pm) by Bangladeshi Students Association

Place: Intercultural Center (2114 Webb Center)

Coffee, tea and refreshments will be provided!

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=207074719360924

Asian Movie Night: Robin B. Hood by the F.O.R.E.I.G.N.E.R.S.

Time: 7:00 pm-9:30 pm

Place: Learning Commons (Room 1310-1311, Perry Library)

Refreshments will be provided!

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=274616405898374

Date: Wednesday 26

Event: Asian Cafe

- Korea (12:00-1:00 pm) by Korean Student Association

-Asian American Life and Culture (1:00-2:00 pm) by Asian Pacific American Student Union

Place: Intercultural Center (2114, Webb Center)

Coffee, tea and refreshments will be provided!

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=169610246459789

Diwali Festival by Indian Student Association

Time: 6:00-8:00 pm

Place: Big Blue Room, Ted Convocation

Food will be provided!

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=204021066335701

Date: Thursday 27

Event: Asian Cafe

-China (12:00-1:00 pm) by Chinese Student and Scholar Association

-Tajikistan (1:00-2:00 pm) by Gulrukhsor Nazirova, International Student from Tajikistan

Place: Intercultural Center (2114, Webb Center)

Coffee, tea and refreshments will be provided!

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=250095378375107

Date: Friday 28

Event: Asian Cafe

-Pakistan (12:00-1:00 pm) by ODU Pakistani Students

-Japan (1:00-2:00 pm) by Nichi-Bei Club

Place: Intercultural Center (2114, Webb Center)

Coffee, tea and refreshments will be provided!

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=261518933892404

For more information:

Office of Intercultural Relations

Phone: 757-683-4406

Website: www.odu.edu/oir

Living the Mission: Malawi Mission Journey

2011-10-24T11:02:00.000-07:00

Our team consisted of four from Chesapeake Fellowship and four from our Norfolk location. As in past years, our work consisted of “hut-to-hut” evangelism, a children’s VBS program, and discipleship/leadership training for adults. Malawian interpreters from the Church Planting and Evangelism Team (CPET) served alongside our team as we worked in two new villages outside the capital city of Lilongwe: Chiliza and Chakakala. In Chiliza we showed the Jesus film and gave a Gospel presentation, to which there was a great response, as was also the case in the hut-to-hut visits. The team also helped with Sunday school and church services in Kamoyo, a village where First Baptist Norfolk teams helped plant a church several years ago. The Kamoyo congregation has completed its church building except for the roof, and the team worshiped with them in their new building.

Responses to the Gospel were tabulated by a CPET member, who reported that 918 people responded to the Gospel. We praise God for the opportunity to minister to these warm-hearted Malawians eager to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ and thank Him for the friendships we have with CPET members who serve with us.

Living the Mission: North Carolina Mission Journey

2011-10-17T05:08:00.000-07:00

Our team hosted VBS at Hamilton Baptist Church, where children participated in Bible stories, crafts, recreation, and snacks and youth assisted our team members. Five children made decisions for Jesus and one child wanted to be baptized! Through our mission project, Kits for Kids, children collected school supplies for distribution around the world. On Friday evening a team from First Baptist brought our block party trailer and we celebrated with a community block party, cookout, and closing program.

We wish to thank those who generously contributed to this trip. In the words of our friends at Hamilton Baptist:

For two years, members of First Baptist Norfolk’s Young at Heart group have made the journey to Hamilton, North Carolina. Each summer they help our smaller church host such an excellent VBS that the building is bursting at the seams with children and teenagers. We can hardly begin to express our appreciation for their work and sacrifices. It is a reminder to us that the Kingdom of God knows no boundaries. From the bottom of our hearts we say thank you to this team and to your church for sending them to us.

Opportunities for Involvement in International Student Ministry

2011-10-10T10:51:00.000-07:00

Some of our members have began to make connections with international students at Old Dominion University through Global Student Friendship. If you would like to be involved, consider attending one of the following upcoming events:

Diwali Festival
October 26th, 6:00-9:00 pm
Hosted by the Indian Student Association
Held at the Webb Center at ODU

International Thanksgiving Banquet
November 19th, 6:00-9:00
Hosted by and held at Tab Church (Norfolk)

End of Semester Party
Date/Time TBA
Hosted by and held at Christ the Redeemer Church (Norfolk)

Opportunities also exist for families to host international students in their home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more information, contact the Missions Ministry at First Baptist Norfolk or Kurnia Foe at kurniafoe@gmail.com

Living the Mission: Big Serve 2011

2011-10-10T05:20:00.000-07:00

The great movement that we have come to know as “Big Serve” has made its impact once again in Hampton Roads! The church left the building to serve on the week before Labor Day, especially focusing on the most strategic time of Sunday morning to reach those who are unchurched. These efforts saw many “traditional” projects that continue to make an impact through oil changes and car washes for military spouses, ministry at assisted living facilities, and work with homeless ministries such as Union Mission. We also had some groups who took bold new steps to reach out to newer opportunities. Projects such as the Tide light rail teams, the block parties in Park Place where we are partnering with a local dental clinic for the poor, and our team in North Suffolk blazed trails of ministry in areas where few have dared to serve. While it is impossible to tell all of the stories from this great event, we celebrate the decisions for Christ that were made as at least four people made decisions of faith and two baptisms resulted from the efforts of our members. May we continue to live the mission by serving “big” in the days to come and not wait until next year to share the Good News of Jesus through serving!

GroupServe Newsletter: October 2011

2011-10-05T07:57:00.000-07:00

gsoctober2011

Living the Mission: Alaska Mission Journey

2011-10-03T04:05:00.000-07:00

This is the second year we have been able to serve with this new church plant in Anchorage (True North Church). Last year we assisted them during their pre-launch stage, so they are a little less than a year-old. God has been blessing this church in reaching this city for Christ! In less than a year, they have been averaging over 100 in attendance with highs in the 130’s and 140’s.

This year’s team went through several stages in its preparation for this journey. As with most mission trips, the plans were ever changing and our team had a wonderful attitude that God was in control and we were going to do whatever was necessary to make more of the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

We had the joy of serving in a local soup kitchen (including the prep work!), a local HIV/AIDS clinic, and four days of block parties. The Lord blessed us with amazing weather and we were able to make some wonderful connections between residents and True North.

Please pray for Pastor Brent Williams and True North Church as they endeavor to be a light in an area of great spiritual darkness!

Living the Mission: Hurricane Irene Disaster Relief

2011-09-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

Members of our church did not waste any time mobilizing to meet the needs that were created by Hurricane Irene. Before the hurricane had even arrived, Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia were actively working with our church to plan relief efforts through feeding units, chainsaw crews, and donated supplies in anticipation of the worst possible scenario. Despite the loss of electricity, some minor evacuations, and other inconveniences the overall impact of the hurricane was less than expected. Because our members were prepared to live the mission, we were able to distribute a tractor trailer load of supplies weighing almost 4,000 pounds, clear many trees and branches, as well as serve with a feeding unit at Liberty Baptist Church in Hampton. While many families were impacted by these efforts, the greatest impact was felt by one of our neighbors who lives literally across the street as he made the decision to become a follower of Jesus Christ as a result of the assistance that he received. May God continue to bless our labor when we live the mission even in the most difficult times!

Chesapeake Fellowship Prayer Gathering

2011-09-19T08:38:00.000-07:00

Chesapeake Fellowship will meet once a month in homes for the sole purpose of corporate prayer.

Our first meeting will be Friday, September 23rd from 7:00-8:00 p.m. at the Albritton home (1905 Keeter Run, Chesapeake 23320).

If you are interested in hosting one of these gatherings in your home, please contact Stephanie Luttrull at sluttrull@firstnorfolk.org or 466.5181.

Living the Mission: Honduras Mission Journey

2011-09-19T06:08:00.000-07:00

It is amazing how God can work through a team of people devoted to serving Him and spreading His Word! Our team partnered with Orphan Helpers, an organization that works alongside government employees to provide spiritual and emotional support for children under their care. We visited four of their facilities and sought to display Christ’s love through our actions, skits, and testimonies. As we spent time participating in activities with the children, we had opportunities to share Bible stories and to contribute to daily devotions. We had one-on-one conversations with the youth to foster relationships with them and to answer their questions about Christianity. At one facility, we ministered to several young ladies with backgrounds of abuse and neglect who had children of their own.

Many of our new friends had been exposed to God’s Word but had strayed from His path for their lives. It was our mission to reassure them of the Lord's love and forgiveness and to give them hope. By the end of the week, several individuals rededicated their lives to Christ! In just a short time God allowed us to have an eternal impact on these children's lives. We will remember each child and keep them in our hearts and prayers.

Thank You Letter from Union Mission (Big Serve 2011)

2011-09-15T13:23:00.000-07:00

Thank You Letter

Union Mission Newsletter

2011-09-13T07:51:00.000-07:00

Below is the September 2011 issue of the Union Mission newsletter. Our church is mentioned in the bottom left.

September 2011

Prayerwalk this Saturday among people from India!

2011-09-13T07:08:00.001-07:00

Check out this free event at the Scope. A great opportunity to see people of other religions, pray for them, and converse with them about their faith and the truth of Jesus Christ!

Living the Mission: New York City Mission Journey

2011-09-12T06:06:00.000-07:00

We were blessed to serve with Gallery Church Manhattan for the third consecutive year. 22+ million people live in the Metro Area and 1 out of every 300 people in the world live within fifty miles of Times Square! The nations have come to New York City with over 800 language groups represented. God is already at work here with 40% of the evangelical churches in City Center Manhattan today having been planted since 9/11!

Our team was part of 100+ volunteers who traveled to New York to be a part of a ministry called “City Uprising.” The teams participated in a community arts project in a local park, held a community block party, distributed 40,000 invite cards, and assisted several HIV/AIDS clinics. Many spiritual conversations took place and important connections were made with the local church. Pray that God grants Gallery Church local and global influence, through divine appointments, to bring glory to His name and to reach the unsaved of New York City and extending to the nations.

Spoons for Haiti

2011-09-08T05:36:00.000-07:00

Spoons for Haiti is a program that provides metal spoons for children in Haiti so that they can eat the hot meals provided for them each day. It may sound like something small, but to them it means the world. Please leave your donated spoons in the designated bin outside the Live the Mission Center. Thank you!

Check out www.spoonsforhaiti.com for more details.

Circle of Encouragers Big Serve Recap

2011-09-07T09:27:00.000-07:00

I want to start by saying thank you, thank you, and thank you to all who participated! We had 13 in all (plus our 'special assistant,' Matthew Q.). The bagging of the material went very quickly, and we divided into three teams to distribute the bags along the Light Rail line. After a short while, all three teams met at the MacArthur Square stop as the other stops were pretty sparse. Here is a rough tally of what the teams did:

One team started at Ingleside Road, handed out about 20 bags there, then moved to MacArthur.

Another team started at NSU, but nobody was there. The team then went to the Civic Plaza stop downtown and handed out about a dozen bags before proceeding to MacArthur.

The third team started at EVMS, but few people were there. They handed out a few bags then went to MacArthur.

We all handed out bags at MacArthur and also on the trains. In all, we handed out 190 bags, and had several opportunities to explain to people where our church is, and why we were out doing what we were doing. I witnessed a few incidents on the train of kids eating their granola bars from our bags and people looking at the church info cards. I am sure some of you saw the same thing.

I also want you all to know that after the celebration service on Sunday night, Pastor Eric asked Barb and me how our event went, so I gave him the rundown. He was very enthusiastic about our project! He expressed to us that reaching out to Tide riders is a high priority in terms of our church's strategy for reaching Norfolk, and this is one of the first steps in doing that.

Thanks,
Dave Q.

Living the Mission: Disaster Relief

2011-09-07T09:23:00.001-07:00

Snow-melt swollen streams, late spring thunderstorms, five inches of rain in one hour, flashflood through town center, inches to feet of mud in homes—from where will hope come? A Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (DR) team from First Baptist of Norfolk, among others from Virginia, responded immediately to the call for help from the Baptist Convention of New England. Hope was brought to this damaged community by these strangers who came from afar in response to the call; hope was brought by the humble acts of service rendered by these DR workers who cleaned flood residue from homes; hope was brought by the listening ear of the DR workers who provided emotional support for the persons affected by the disaster. The Hope was brought by these demonstrations of God’s love and the sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Two residents made professions of faith in the week that the First Norfolk team was present; in the subsequent month, as Southern Baptist teams from other states worked, a total of eighteen people came to know the living Hope of Jesus Christ through professions of faith. Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. “

Great day in our Hurricane Relief Center at First Norfolk!

2011-08-31T18:08:00.001-07:00

We were able to help many families and some local ministries through this great time of ministry! Many of our members used this as an opportunity to help their neighbors in need and others gathered supplies for Big Serve. A big thank you goes out to the Gleaning for the World organization.

Hurricane Relief Supplies

2011-08-30T17:25:00.000-07:00

For those who have read about our special delivery from Gleaning for the World may be wondering how things are going?

We started distributing the donated items today as our members stopped by for their needs and the needs of their neighbors. Some of our members worked across the street doing debris removal and then came to our "store" to take the local residents some of our materials!

The inventory list has changed. We actually received: bottled water, vitamin water, juices of varying kinds and sizes, generic cola products, wipes, diapers, personal care boxes (heavy), hydrogen peroxide, cleaning supplies, plastic goods, blankets, and possibly other items.

We will work to keep the hurricane relief supplies open from 10a.m. until 5p.m. People are encouraged to take what is needed for their families and neighbors.

Big Serve teams are encouraged to consider how they might utilize these resources as well.

Any questions should be directed to the Missions Ministry of First Baptist Norfolk.

Pray for our church as our members have already shown great boldness in living the mission in Hampton Roads and lives are being changed!

Big Serve Week 2011 Special Update

2011-08-30T14:11:00.000-07:00

In the wake of Irene and through a special partnership that our state convention has with Gleaning for the World, we have received a shipment of donated items today to be used by our church in the recovery of our community from Hurricane Irene. This shipment will include: gallon coolers, personal care packages, pet food, paper products, water/juices, nonperishable food, etc..

There are many methods of delivery available:

Individual- Members may come by for themselves and/or their neighbors.

Big Serve- Classes may receive resources for use at the various projects this weekend.

Groups/Organizations- May request prior to arrival to pick up a portion of the resources for distribution.

Hours will be from 10a.m. until 5p.m. beginning on Tuesday, August 30 and will last through Thursday or until supplies are depleted. Any other questions regarding this shipment may be directed to the Missions Ministry of our Church.

Those impacted by the Irene directly who need assistance should also contact the church for assistance with tree removal and other disaster related needs.

Anyone wishing to serve in helping others this week in disaster related needs should contact the Missions Ministry of our Church.

Big Serve Weekend update- New projects are being added daily and God is preparing some wonderful opportunities for us to share the gospel in word and deed. Be sure to visit www.bigserve247.org for up to the minute updates regarding this great weekend and/or contact the Missions Ministry with any questions that you may have regarding your place to serve.

We are excited to see our members preparing to serve with the Union Mission, The Tide light rail and surrounding communities, Habitat for Humanity, the Park Place community in Norfolk, and in many other strategic needs throughout Hampton Roads!

Pray for a mighty movement of God through His people this week as we live the mission through Big Serve!

Craig Clayton

Irene update 8.29 10a.m.

2011-08-29T07:07:00.000-07:00

We received news overnight that the Red Cross efforts in disaster relief for Hampton Roads are being scaled back and the feeding unit at Kempsville Baptist Church will not mobilize. Anyone planning to serve in this capacity can stand down for now, but our church would like to encourage you to participate in the donated item distribution that we will be doing over the next few days. (Details are available in a previous post)

We hope to partner with area churches and agencies to distribute those items to those in need. We also hope to connect with our Big Serve teams if they can use these resources for their projects.

Big Serve Registered Project List

2011-08-29T06:15:00.000-07:00

Big Serve Registered Projects 2011

Prayer requested from our local disaster relief servants

2011-08-28T19:03:00.000-07:00

One of our disaster relief leaders from First Norfolk wrote:

I ask your assistance with two matters.

Through your networks, social media and FBCN I ask you to request pray for the safety of SBCV DR workers during their travel to Hampton Roads tomorrow. Personnel and equipment based west of Richmond will be moving to Hampton Roads tomorow. With 100 people, this may be as many as 50 vehicles, many with trailers in tow, coming from as far away as Abingdon. By Monday, these people will be operating from Liberty Baptist Church in Hampton, Riverside Baptist Church in Newport News, and Kempsville Baptist Church in Virginia Beach.

The second matter with which I request assistance is the identification of neighborhoods with downed trees and/or flooded homes to which I should direct our assessment, flood recovery, and chainsaw crews. People with information on such neighborhoods may contact RobertWilliams@prodigy.net or 757-641-4557.

Thank you for your assistance.

yours in Christ,

Big Serve 2011 begins early

2011-08-27T11:03:00.000-07:00

Many of our First Norfolk members are asking about our response to this disaster and much remains to be seen, but I wanted to share our anticipated response as Irene arrives in Hampton Roads.

Friends from the organization "Gleaning for the World," Thomas Road Baptist Church, and the SBCV have arranged for us to receive truck loads of supplies this week. The first truck is scheduled for Monday afternoon and will contain the following:

5 gallon coolers, personal care packages, pet food, insect repellent, and juices

Distribution of these items may begin as early as Monday afternoon once we decide upon logistics. Due to the unpredictable nature of exactly when these supplies will arrive given travel conditions, we are planning for organized distribution to begin on Tuesday from 10a.m. until 5p.m. while supplies last.

The goal will be for our members to participate in delivery as well as receive people from the community who would like to receive assistance as well. Volunteers will be needed for various aspects of this distribution once we are able to fully assess the need involved.

There will also be others serving through Southern Baptist Disaster Relief in feeding units and possibly flood relief. Those trained to do so should have received updates from the SBCV regarding opportunities for service.

Much of this has transpired during a time in which the church offices are closed, so the above plans are subject to change and those interested in serving should remain in contact with the church through this blog and the church website for the most current information.

Any questions regarding this response may be directed to Craig Clayton at cclayton@firstnorfolk.org.

Big Serve Opportunity to Serve with Sailors from the USS ENTERPRISE

2011-08-26T18:16:00.000-07:00

Big Serve Opportunity to Serve with Sailors from the USS ENTERPRISE

Groups and individuals needed to partner with this special opportunity!

Gary Sanders wrote:
The USS ENTERPRISE will be sending 25-30 Sailors to join in on a Habitat for Humanity project on Saturday, Sept 3rd, from 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM. At this point I am serving as the POC for this project. Since many of the Sailors will be in the 20-35 age range, I am looking for individuals and/or classes connected to our onetwentyseven ministry (18-20 somethings) who might like help with this project. Might also need individuals from a class of older men who are skilled in carpentry. May need tools as well. Will confirm all next week. Total needed for this project is 50. We will provide lunch as well (need help with that too!). If you are interested contact me at gsanders@firstnorfolk.org. This project will be a great opportunity to serve alongside and build relationships with Sailors from our community! We love and appreciate our military!

School Supplies for Park Place

2011-08-25T04:38:00.000-07:00

My husband and I are hosting a "Back to School Program" for students who are in need of school supplies. I am employed by Norfolk Public Schools as a teacher at Booker T. Washington High School. For the past eight years, my husband and I have worked as volunteers (Soup Kitchen, Youth Outreach Programs, tutoring, etc.) in the Park Place community at the Park Place United Methodist Church, 500 W. 34th Street, Norfolk. Again this year, we will be hosting a program to provide school supplies for needy students. Your assistance will be appreciated in helping us to service the community.

My husband and I will host two programs during the month of September in which school supplies will be distributed. Please contact us at 541-6026 (days)/971-7916 (cell)/628-3575 (Booker T. Washington). We look forward to your church helping us to reach the needs of the community. May God continue to bless your mission organization.

Mrs. Linda Devine
Strategy Specialist

Living the Mission: East Asia Mission Journey

2011-08-23T05:22:00.001-07:00

God is at work in a powerful way on the other side of the world, and He gave us many opportunities to experience His favor, grace, and blessing!

During our first week, we taught English in four government schools using the story of the Prodigal Son. We also spent time with teachers in those schools and were able to have conversations about our faith. In one of the cities, we met the mayor and presented him with gifts from our city. Our exchange and the favor we experienced with government officials there could only come from God!

During our second week, we spent time at a boarding school for students in grades K-12. We taught English, music, and American sports such as football and Frisbee. The students and teachers responded with great enthusiasm! We took part in some friendly competition with the teachers through volleyball and basketball games with hundreds of students watching. On the last night of our stay, we participated in the school's talent show and sang God's Word over 2000 students and teachers! We spent time each night during our second week in leadership training sessions with teachers and were able to develop personal relationships with them. We used Soularium cards as a tool to discuss life issues and to work into conversations about a relationship with Christ. We are hopeful that these relationships that were started will be open doors for the missionaries there.

Living the Mission: Ukraine Mission Journey

2011-08-23T05:19:00.000-07:00

For over ten years, our church has partnered with Pastor Vasily Povoroznyuk in his vision to reach the “village jungle” of the Zhytomyr region in northwest Ukraine. One walks into the past in these former Soviet collectives, where residents face poverty and hopelessness.

Our team joined a team from Calvary church in Beaumont, TX, led by John and Shari Griffin. We walked through thirteen villages, inviting people to eight evangelistic services in their town halls. We shared joyful singing in Ukrainian and Russian, our testimonies, and the good news of forgiveness and hope. The men on the team preached the Word and seventy-eight professions of faith were made, as well as many lives rededicated to the Lord. His Spirit moved mightily and accomplished vastly more than we could ever ask or imagine!

At Vacation Bible School, ninety-five children in the morning camp at Vysoke and thirty-eight in Kam’iny Brid heard Bible stories about God’s love. The children brought more children each day to enjoy crafts, games, recreation and snacks. Seventy-two kids prayed to receive Jesus as Savior. Slava Bog = Praise God!

Pastor Vasily gave our team a tour of his newest church in progress in Kam’iny Brid. Members of both churches rejoiced in what their contributions had done, even as the work continues. Begin praying now - will you be part of the mission in 2012?

Welcome Lunch for International Students at ODU

2011-08-23T04:57:00.000-07:00

Tabernacle Church (7000 Granby Street) is hosting a welcome lunch for new international students on Sat., Aug 27th from 11:30am-2pm in their atrium room.

They have invited 6-8 people from our church to attend and to be hosts at a table so that they can have 2-3 Americans at a table to interact with 5 internationals. They have a wonderful lunch for them, a short program done by international students, and then hosts drive students back to ODU. This is a great time to make connections and meet the immediate needs of the students as well.

If you are interested in attending, please email khardison@tabchurch.org for more information.

Re-post of Big Serve 2010 video...Let's get excited!

2011-08-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

Big Serve 2010 from First Baptist Norfolk on Vimeo.

Opportunity to help freshman students at ODU

2011-08-09T05:37:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in helping with freshman move-in at Old Dominion University on August 25th, please let the missions office of the church know by calling 461.3226 or emailing livethemission@gmail.com. We are working to organize a team of folks to help meet this need.

A Thousand Shoes for a Thousand Smiles

2011-08-08T14:13:00.001-07:00

This year AAAA Self Storage wants to help reach the record-breaking goal of providing 1000 pairs of shoes to school-aged children in Hampton Roads. You can help by donating new shoes, becoming a sponsor, or simply spreading the word. Donations are needed by September 1, 2011. If you would like to participate, please contact Keri Rueckert, store manager at AAAA Self Storage Campostella at aaaacampostella@verizon.net, A1000shoes4a1000smiles@hotmail.com, or 757.545.4800. Thank you for considering participating in this project!

Living the Mission: The Bus Stopped Here!

2011-08-08T14:06:00.000-07:00

On Saturday morning, June 11th, the activity bus from the Ballentine Assisted Living Home in Norfolk made a stop on Randall Avenue at the home of the Careatti family. Neighborhood families provided a welcoming treat of lemonade and cookies. The fourteen guests also enjoyed great musical entertainment provided by Dave and Donna Thomas.

Some may wonder how such a great event could take place in their neighborhood. The Careattis, as members of First Baptist Church Norfolk and missionary followers of Christ, saw a need at the Ballentine Assisted Living Home while visiting a dear family member there. Their recognition of that need led to Bible studies and other activities with the residents and eventually to this community event involving their neighbors. It just takes ONE person or ONE family to make a difference where they live.

Their neighborhood is already planning for the next bus to stop by. How are you planning to serve where God has placed you?

Collecting School Supplies for the Cuffee Community Center

2011-08-04T04:42:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. Below is a message from Julie about collecting school supplies for Cuffee. Thanks in advance for your help!

We wanted to let everyone know that we will be collecting school supplies for the kids at the Cuffee Community Center to give them at their end-of-summer carnival on Saturday, August 27. Since this weekend is the tax-free weekend, we thought it would be a good time for people to pick up some extra things! A supply list for Thurgood Marshall Elementary School, which is where most of those children attend, can be found at http://www.cps.k12.va.us/Schools/TME/TME_School%20Supplies%20List.pdf.

You can bring these items in to church on any Sunday during the month of August. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me and please spread the word!

Thanks,
Julie Albritton (jayandjulie@cox.net)

Good News Jail and Prison Ministry Celebration at First Norfolk!

2011-08-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

Don't miss the opportunity to celebrate this anniversary at First Norfolk and hear about how our members are involved! For more info visit: http://www.goodnewsjail.org/50th/Default.aspx

Living the Mission: Peru Mission Journey

2011-08-01T13:07:00.000-07:00

Primeria Iglesia Bautista is a church in Villa El Salvador on the outskirts of Lima, Peru. Our church has partnered with this church for the past two years through International Mission Board missionaries Brent and Jennifer Waldrep. Our team’s mission was to spread the Gospel through nightly church activities, a medical clinic, home/school visits, and a sewing ministry. On Sunday, team members taught Sunday school, sang in Spanish, shared their testimonies, passed out fliers about the week’s activities, and delivered two sermons. Throughout the week, the team shared Bible stories with children in schools and families in homes, as well as shared their faith with people they met. In the evenings, they held a substance abuse clinic, special events for men and women, and a church-wide celebration/service. Eighty-two patients were seen at the medical clinic and more than fifty ladies learned how to sew during their time in Peru. Through these various ministries opportunities, twenty-two people came to faith in Jesus Christ!

The church has grown in leadership, evangelism, and outreach ministries since last year. They’ve also grown in size and have purchased a building in which they are holding services. The church is carrying out its vision to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ while serving the community.

Living the Mission: Union Mission Women and Family Shelter Bible Studies

2011-08-01T13:02:00.000-07:00

The Bible studies of the Union Mission Women and Family Shelter are vital to the process of the shelter’s ministry. Two daily Bible studies, one in the morning and one in the evening, emphasize time set aside for the women to sit and learn about God, His Word, His gospel and how it all applies to their lives. Many women who come to the shelter are either saved by the power of the gospel or decide to rededicate their lives as a direct outcome of God’s message through the faithful believers who teach Bible study. The potential impact of Bible study is so powerful that one woman decided, after leaving the
shelter, to go to a Christian college and give her life to full-time ministry as a direct result of her learning and growth during the evening Bible studies. God is moving powerfully using His people and His Word to capture hearts and change lives. At the Union Mission He allows the women not only to find a new place to live but also a new
way to live.

In addition to church members who are involved with this ministry, we also have a team that serves at Union Mission by providing free medical clinics. If you would like to become involved in either of these ministries, please call the Local Missions office of the church at 466.5181.

Living the Mission: Uruguay Mission Journey

2011-08-01T12:59:00.000-07:00

In May, our team was blessed to work with a special group of missionaries who have been serving in Uruguay for many years. We quickly came to know and love several Uruguayan believers who sacrificed a great deal to serve alongside our team. We were blessed to serve together as one family of believers.

In Juan Lacaze, we shared our testimonies as part of the Sunday morning service and held a Bible study for young girls. We also facilitated a workshop for nurses, many of whom we had met last year. It was a blessing to see how God has worked in their lives this past year!

In Rosario, our main goal was to build relationships with the people of Rosario. Toward that end, our time was spent prayer walking, visiting a nursing home, and inviting people to medical clinics and a family movie night. God answered our prayers by opening a door to the local hospital, which allowed us to present our workshop to the nurses. The head nurse invited us to return that afternoon for balloon animals with the children, a door previously closed to missionaries.

God had been at work in Rosario long before we arrived! We thank Him for the many doors that were opened and pray that the local missionaries will continue to be a blessing to the people of Juan Lacaze and Rosario.

Living the Mission: North American Mission Board Semester Missions

2011-07-11T05:15:00.000-07:00

My name is Amber, and I recently returned from a semester-long mission trip in Memphis, Tennessee as a missionary with the North American Mission Board. I was blessed to serve with an inner-city ministry called StreetReach that actively seeks to “reclaim the community for Christ.” I had the opportunity to develop strong relationships with kids who live in the inner city by tutoring, co-running an afterschool program, and leading Backyard Bible Clubs. I was also able to serve with the church’s food, clothes and spiritual counseling ministries every week.
I’m so glad God led me to Memphis! He really allowed me to connect with the people, and I learned and gained so much. Seeing the poverty there gave me an appreciation for my blessings, but it also reinforced the truth that you don’t need material possessions and money to find joy in the Lord. I was able to see true love in action when I witnessed people with hardly anything help friends that had even less, and people who were going through great trials encouraging others in the faith. Even though we can’t often change a person’s situation, just loving and being there for them is extremely valuable.

Living the Mission: Philippines Mission Journey

2011-07-07T08:09:00.000-07:00

What an amazing ministry the local church in Manila is engaged in with two squatter villages! Not only is New Hope to Asia Church holding church services in these two locations; they are also meeting other needs in these communities. They are fortifying the education the children receive in the public schools by their Super Kids program that is held every Saturday. 400 to 500 children come to the church each Saturday for worship, Bible study, educational support, and of course lunch.

We were privileged to serve alongside this local church in providing Vacation Bible School, medical check-ups, and a nutritious meal each day. At the end of the week, over 100 children gave their hearts and lives to the Lord.

Our team also had the opportunity to minister to homeless families in the center of the city. Our hearts were broken to see how the children, in particular, had to survive on a day to day basis. The local church is making a difference in these lives as well.

Our desire is return in the near future to minister to these two villages again and explore the possibility of starting a health clinic. Please pray for New Hope and their pastor, Ding Teodoro.

Local Missions Opportunity: ForKids

2011-07-06T10:13:00.000-07:00

Below is an opportunity to work with ForKids. This is not a Christian organization, but we are open to working with them because they are not opposed to offering Christian guidance. Here are the details:

First and foremost, thank you so much for all of the donations and help you have given us in the past! As you no doubt already know, ForKids is an organization that takes in homeless families in Hampton Roads and helps these families get back on their feet. This July, we are finally opening our long-awaited thrift store! Good Mojo will sit at the intersection of 25th Street and Granby Street in Norfolk. The purpose of Good Mojo will be twofold. Firstly, the families currently in the ForKids program can use the vouchers they earn as a part of the program to “purchase” various donated items. Secondly, the funds generated by selling these donated goods to the community will help support the entire ForKids program. Good Mojo will allow us to better serve our families and the community as a whole, as well as providing endless volunteer opportunities!

Before the store opens in July, we are looking for lots of volunteers to come in and help us sort through all of the generous donations we have received! Until Good Mojo is open, the volunteer hours during the week will mainly be from 9:00am to 5:00 pm. However, if there are any volunteers who would like to work or are only available on the weekend, we would love to have your help as well, just give me a call and we can discuss getting you plugged in! Below is the link to our website if you want to learn more about all that ForKids does for the families of Tidewater!

Thank you so much,

Kirstyn Lazar
Volunteer Coordinator
P.O. Box 6044 Norfolk, VA 23508
(p) 757.622.6400 x137 (f) 757.622.3837
www.homesforkids.org

New York City team updates

2011-07-06T04:41:00.000-07:00

Day 1 - (Sunday) we went through registration, had our orientation, and concluded the day with an amazing worship experience. The team is tired but excited to hit the streets of NYC with the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Pray for strength and wisdom as we minister in areas outside of our comfort zones.

Day 2 - (Monday) we began our day in corporate worship and then training on our ministry of the day. Our team was part of a ministry called the Futures' Project. We were to ask those we met if they would participate in a community arts experience. If the answer was yes, we would ask them to answer two questions on a form - one, what were their plans for tomorrow and two, if there was no tomorrow, what would they do differently today? We were blown away with the number of people who agreed to participate - more than one hundred. If they answered these two questions, we asked them if they would like to have their picture taken by a professional photographer and consent to have their picture and their responses to the questions displayed at the free art show being held on Wednesday at the Gallery Church. Please pray that many will attend this art show so that relationships can be formed and the Good News shared.

Day 3 - (Tuesday) this was an extremely taxing day physically. After morning worship, we packed invite bags with gum and an in invitation to the church. We packed tens of thousands of these packages and then passed them out in the afternoon - between 35,000 and 40,000! We were blessed with meaningful conversations and one young man went home with pastor Freddy for dinner and spiritual conversation! Pray that many will visit the Gallery Church as a result of this labor in the field.

Day 4 - (Wednesday) another challenging day as we were confronted with the appropriate response to the HIV/Aids crisis in NYC. We worked with three medical clinics in encouraging people to be tested for HIV. For every one infected with this virus who changed their behavior, as a result of testing, over 2,000 others would be possibly spared the trauma of being infected. Our trainer today was someone who came out of the homosexual community and lifestyle to embrace the forgiveness of our Lord! He's a great witness of the transforming power of Christ! Pray for Greg and Gallery Church as they offer a Christ-like response to those who so desparately need the love and forgiveness of Jesus.

July/August GroupServe newsletter

2011-06-28T09:03:00.000-07:00

gsjulyaugust2011

Living the Mission: Let's Do Lunch [Norfolk Public Schools Edition]

2011-06-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, June 11th, First Baptist Norfolk hosted a lunch for pregnant teens and young mothers in the Norfolk Public Schools system. Many of the girls came with their babies as well as other family members. Attendees were served lunch by volunteers from our church as they celebrated their accomplishments—choosing life for their baby, finishing the school year, and (for seniors) graduating from high school. This event gave the girls a chance to meet those from other schools who are in their same situation and reach out to each other, as well as to obtain information about resources (health, jobs, counseling, etc.) that can be of use to them in the summer while school is not in session. They received gift bags filled with donations of baby supplies given by church members, as well as information about upcoming programs at our church. Some of the young ladies wrote down prayer requests on cards that were provided and we have been able to partner with them in prayer. This lunch was an opportunity to show the girls the love of Christ in a tangible way. We hope this will be the beginning of a sustained relationship with these girls.

If you are interested in volunteering with this ministry, please contact the missions office at 466.5181 or sluttrull@firstnorfolk.org.

Union Mission Women and Family Shelter: Items needed

2011-06-27T09:56:00.000-07:00

The Union Mission Women and Family Shelter is in need of donations of the following items:

Undergarments
Socks
Pillows (standard size)
Diapers size 4,5,6
Childrens pajamas ( all sizes)
Adult Pajamas (all sizes)
4 plug-in sesored night lights
4 small humidifiers for family rooms
1 new infant car seat
1 new toddler car seat
1 new child car seat/booster seat

If you are able to help, please contact the Union Mission at (757) 466-4470. Thanks! ‎

Living the Mission: North Suffolk Fellowship Memorial Day Weekend Bash

2011-06-20T11:11:00.001-07:00

Sixteen children and adult volunteers cooperated to live the mission by providing various services using our block party trailer, face painting, balloon animals, and other gifts in North Suffolk at the Riverfront Swim Club on Memorial Day weekend. While painting faces and caring for children on the inflatables, our members heard repeated comments such as:

"What a great idea for a church to serve the residents of our community! Thank you for doing this for our family."

"We visited your church before and loved it, but we really need something closer to where we live for regular fellowship."

Please pray for our members who live in Suffolk as they seek to reach their neighbors and the many residents who have expressed a desire to worship where they live. Pray also for surveys we are conducting in North Suffolk neighborhoods to inform residents about our plans and to get to know them. Pray for a leadership team that will seek to reach this area for Christ and for our church’s involvement in upcoming events in which the Swim Club has invited us to participate.

For more information about our work in North Suffolk, contact the missions office or join our North Suffolk Fellowship Facebook group.

Cuffee Community Center Update

2011-06-15T07:40:00.000-07:00

A big thanks to everyone for all your help this school year with Wild Wednesdays! It has been challenging at times, but it has been a huge blessing to be part of God's work there! We were able to celebrate a salvation during our time there last week, as Craig Clayton was able to pray with Keonte, one of our 4th grade boys, to receive Jesus into his heart! Mr. Mike is going to try to continue to connect with Keonte and work through the New Believers' book for kids. This is so exciting!!!

Melody McMahan did an awesome job sharing her testimony last week with the whole group, and Jay explained what it means to follow Jesus! Nikki Brownfield was able to share the plan of salvation with another little girl and her mom as well, and every child and teenager went home with a tract about becoming a Christian! Lots of seeds have been planted!

The library staff and rec center staff were very appreciative toward us and hopeful that we will be back in the fall. We are planning to return to our weekly program in September, but we don't want to completely disconnect from the people there over the summer and lose the ground we've gained.

We have been talking with the library staff about a few special events we would like to host over the summer and are waiting to hear back from them about details. We are also hoping to bring some of the Cuffee kids to our VBS, so if you would be willing to give kids rides during that week, please let us know. We are planning to scholarship a few children to go to our worship dance camp in July and children's camp in August, so if you are interested in contributing to that, please let us know. You can also stay connected with children and teens there by just hanging out or volunteering at the library or rec center throughout the summer. The children will most likely be there all day everyday, so it would be a good chance to connect with them one-on-one.

Please contact the missions office for more information about ways to serve at Cuffee.

Mission VBS update

2011-06-14T14:34:00.000-07:00

2011 Vacation Bible School

The Big Apple Adventure

2011 Mission VBS: A Partnership with St. Mary's Home for Disabled Children

Join Us for this Special Week of Service!

This year, during our regular week of VBS, June 27--July 1, we will be providing a significantly modified VBS in the afternoons (3:00-5:15 p.m.) to the children at St. Mary's Home for Disabled Children, which is located just a few blocks from the church, off of Kempsville Road, across from Sentara Leigh hospital. There are in excess of 200 staff persons and 78 children at St. Mary's and during our VBS week we will have the opportunity to positively interact, encourage, and share the love of Jesus with both residents and staff. This is a group of people who are frequently overlooked by the general population and they are both amazed and VERY excited that we want to come and minister to them.

You can assured that to spend even a small amount of time with these people will deeply touch your heart!! These children are profoundly impacted by their disabilities and are residents at St. Mary's because their family cannot (or will not) provide their care. Many of the children do not have verbal communication and most are in wheel chairs. Ministering to these precious people will take significant creativity and modifications on our part, but I KNOW the blessings will be great for all of us!!

Just a few very important facts about any one who wishes to participate with us, in any way whatsoever:

EVERY person must have ( or have had) a TB test within the past year and be able to provide the medical results;
You may choose to have your TB test done by your Private Care Physician, or
Their head nurse has graciously agreed to administer TB tests to all of us, free of charge:
· TB tests are administered at St. Mary's only on Tuesdays;

· Test times are 8:00--10:00 a.m.;

· Take test on a Tuesday and return that same week Thursday to have test'read;'

· Due to the extreme sensitivity of these children, IF you have your test done at St. Mary's, it will be necessary to have it done TWICE--6/14 & 6/21 and read TWICE on 6/16 & 6/23;

· We need to let them know in advance, when we are coming for testing, so please call (757-461-3226, ext. 238)or send an email to Beth at bsimpkins@firstnorfolk.org before June 14 and let her know that you plan to have your TB tests done at St. Mary's

Every person must have a valid photo I.D., which will be run through a background system by the on-site sheriff, before entering the actual resident areas;
Daily persons will be asked to complete a simple health screening sheet, asking questions, such as: have you experienced fever, coughing, etc. in the past 24 hours, etc.

ALL participants will be asked to attend a special training regarding confidentiality; policies, etc.

Therefore, it is ESSENTIAL that every person who plans to volunteer with Mission VBS NOTIFY US IMMEDIATELY, so that you can be on our list to submit and be informed of special trainings, etc.

Although these requirements may seem very strict, again, these children have profound disabilities; many of them have multiple tubes, machines, etc. that help support their life and it is of paramount importance to guard them from infections, etc., as these could become potentially fatal.

I am asking that YOU pray.......about YOUR involvement in Mission VBS.......pray for the children and staff to whom we will be ministering......pray for the team of our staff and VBS leaders who will serve these precious children during VBS. God has a mighty plan in store for us and I am excited to see what He and He alone will do through us!! To God be the glory!!!

Thanks for your prayers and support and I am hopeful that many of you will choose to serve with us during this very special experience!

Living the Mission: International Missions Update

2011-06-13T13:11:00.000-07:00

Before the summer has officially begun in Hampton Roads, the members of First Baptist Church Norfolk have been living the mission around the world. Our teams have taken the good news of Jesus Christ to East Asia, the Philippines, Peru, Ukraine, and Uruguay. They have used sports, music, medical experience, Vacation Bible School, preaching, and teaching to make a great impact in these countries and regions. Please continue to pray for those teams who are preparing to serve and the financial needs that exist as we support the work of our members around the world. Real time updates may be seen on www.bigserveglobal.org and giving may be done through designated offerings to the World Mission Offering. May God continue to bless our church as we live the mission!

Let's Do Lunch: Norfolk Schools Edition

2011-06-11T12:02:00.000-07:00

The members of First Baptist Church Norfolk partnered with the Norfolk School System and Keesha Rodgers to hold a special time for young students who are expecting babies or have already begun the journey of parenthood. Contact our misssions ministry for more information on how to get involved with this special ministry.

Living the Mission: Cookout for International Students at Old Dominion University

2011-06-06T08:05:00.000-07:00

On Friday night, May 20th, members from First Baptist Norfolk hosted a cookout for international students studying at Old Dominion University. The event was held in the backyard of a house in close proximity to the school and was part of our church’s effort to partner with Global Student Friendship to reach out to the 1500+ international students at ODU. This cookout was a perfect opportunity to enjoy food, games, and fellowship with international students who are here studying this summer.

Students from about a dozen countries were present, including some who had been in the United States for only one week. It was our joy to welcome these students and to spend time getting to know them. New friendships were formed and conversations about spiritual beliefs took place. It is our hope that these relationships will continue and that God would use us for His glory as we reach out to these students with the good news of Jesus Christ.

This cookout was a kickoff to what we hope will be a continued partnership with international students. If you are interested in becoming involved in this outreach, please, contact the missions office at 466.5181 or sluttrull@firstnorfolk.org.

Medical Missions Opportunity

2011-06-06T07:48:00.000-07:00

We are delighted to announce that we will be planning another Urgent Care Clinic at the Union Mission. The proposed date is July 9th. The format will be much like the last clinic we held at Union Mission. We will have an intake area where folks will get to know the residents and make connections, the patients will be triaged and seen by
providers as their needs are called for, they will be discharged through
nursing/education and then one final and most important evangelism contact
will be made. The facilities are outstanding and the staff at Union Mission go out of their way to make this a tremendous success.

This gives you a general idea of both the flow and manpower needed for such an event. We see between 50-100 residents and many hands make light and effective work! Two of our main medical core folks will not be available for this event, so we can use additional help (both skilled in the medical field and non-skilled to help with other tasks). If you are able to help, please contact Colleen at cdnrn@juno.com. Thanks and may God bless each one of you.

World Changers

2011-06-03T08:07:00.000-07:00

If you are able to either help feed or help coordinate teams of people to feed World Changers in Chesapeake (June 20-25) or Norfolk (June 27-July 2), please contact the missions office at 466.5181 or sluttrull@firstnorfolk.org. Thanks!

Mission VBS

2011-06-03T08:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

I just wanted to give you all the ‘latest & greatest’ news regarding this year’s Mission VBS! Plans and decisions have been tedious and nerve-wrenchingly slow this year, but we now have a definite and amazing plan for moving beyond our walls to partner and minister with an often neglected group of children and staff! We will be providing a significantly modified VBS in the afternoons (3:00—5:15 p.m.) to the children at St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children, which is located just a few blocks from the church, off of Kempsville Road, across from Sentara Leigh hospital. There are in excess of 200 staff persons and 78 children at St. Mary’s and during our VBS week we will have the opportunity to positively interact, encourage, and share the love of Jesus with both residents and staff. This is a group of people who are frequently overlooked by the general population and they are both amazed and VERY excited that we want to come and minister to them.

Wednesday morning a team of us went and met with several of their staff persons and toured their facility. It and ‘they’ are amazing!!! I can assure you that to spend even a small amount of time with these people will deeply touch your heart!! These children are profoundly impacted by their disabilities and are residents at St. Mary’s because their family cannot (or will not) provide their care. Many of the children do not have verbal communication and most are in wheel chairs. Ministering to these precious people will take significant creativity and modifications on our part, but I KNOW the blessings will be great for all of us!!

Just a few very important facts about any one who wishes to participate with us, in any way whatsoever:

·EVERY person must have ( or have had) a TB test within the past year and be able to
provide the medical results;

·Their head nurse has graciously agreed to administer TB tests to all of us, free of
charge:

Ø TB tests are administered at St. Mary’s only on Tuesdays;

Ø Test times are 7:00—7:30 a.m. and 1:00—1:30 p.m.;

Ø Take test on a Tuesday and return that same week Thursday to have test’read;’

Ø We need to let them know in advance, when we are coming for testing.

·Every person must have a valid photo I.D., which will be run through a background
system by the on-site sheriff, before entering the actual resident areas;
·Daily persons will be asked to complete a simple health screening sheet, asking
questions, such as: have you experienced fever, coughing, etc. in the past 24 hours,
etc.
·ALL participants will be asked to attend a special training regarding confidentiality;
policies, etc.

Although these requirements may seem very strict, again, these children have profound disabilities; many of them have multiple tubes, machines, etc. that help support their life and it is of paramount importance to guard them from infections, etc., as these could become potentially fatal.

I am asking that YOU pray……about YOUR involvement in Mission VBS……pray for the children and staff to whom we will be ministering……pray for the team of our staff and VBS leaders who will serve these precious children during VBS. God has a mighty plan in store for us and I am excited to see what He and He alone will do through us!! To God be the glory!!!

Thanks for your prayers and support and I am hopeful that many of you will choose to serve with us during this very special experience!

For the children,

Beth Simpkins

Living the Mission: The Chesapeake Place

2011-05-31T09:19:00.001-07:00

Since March of this year, we have spent one Saturday a month from 1-2:30 with the elderly folks at The Chesapeake Place. First, we visit the Alzheimer’s unit, where six to ten residents typically join us. We open with prayer and then one of our church members plays the keyboard. It is heart-warming to see these folks light up, sway, sing, and clap as they hear familiar tunes. They enjoy it so much that we often repeat the same verse a few times. At 1:45, we pray with them and say our good-byes before packing up the keyboard and walking over to the Assisted Living unit. We usually have about twenty-five to forty of these residents join us. We pass out hymnals to them and then the singing begins! Before long, it’s time to leave; and we close our time with them in prayer. We go there to bless the residents of The Chesapeake Place, but we end up being blessed too!

We would love to have more volunteers join us in this ministry. If you’d like additional information, please contact the missions office at 466.5181.

Living the Mission--English as a Second Language classes

2011-05-23T12:31:00.000-07:00

Vietnamese
Our church has provided classrooms for five Vietnamese language classes for the past six months and recently added an ESL class taught by church members who have volunteered to serve in this ministry. These classes continue to provide opportunities to build relationships and to connect folks to Jesus and to First Baptist Church of Norfolk.

We’ve discovered that there is a wide range of needs in the community from just functioning in a new environment to general conversation and finally to refining grammar and vocabulary.

Spanish
A month and a half ago, the Hispanic Fellowship started offering ESL classes. This ministry provides an opportunity to serve the Hispanic community in the Hampton Roads area by assisting them in becoming proactive members of their new society.

Classes are held on Friday nights in the Crossroads building and are taught by church members who teach in the Norfolk Public Schools system. Each lesson gives students the opportunity to learn the language in a meaningful way as they relate it to their lives and communicate with other learners who have the same desire to speak, read and write English.

If you know of anyone who might be interested in these classes, please contact the missions office of the church at 466.5181 for more information.

Living the Mission: Gosnold--UPDATE

2011-05-16T04:38:00.001-07:00

Members of First Baptist Norfolk “Live the Mission” at Gosnold Apartments by demonstrating God’s love and sharing the living hope we have through Jesus Christ. The apartments, located in downtown Norfolk, were constructed by Virginia Supportive Housing in partnership with the city. They are home to persons who have been homeless for at least twelve months.
Every Thursday night we have a one hour social, with twenty to twenty-five residents attending. On Monday mornings we lead a Bible study for the women residents of Gosnold Apartments. Every Sunday morning transportation is provided to First Norfolk for Gosnold residents who want to attend worship and Bible study. On Easter, we hosted an evening meal for all of the residents. Twenty volunteers from First Norfolk assisted with the preparation and serving. Wilma Gerald led a devotion explaining the celebration of Easter and our rebirth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus.
Most importantly, these ministry activities are about building bridges and relationships with individuals and ministering to their specific needs. More First Baptist volunteers are needed for each of these ministry activities.

Opportunity to Host International Students

2011-05-11T06:07:00.001-07:00

We have about 12 students from France and Spain coming to the Hampton Roads area to improve their English speaking skills. Most of them are from very strong families and identify themselves as Catholics or Christians. They will need to reside with a family for 2-6 weeks. They will be under contract to respect the rules of the household while they stay. We can provide a profile of the students with pictures, hobbies, family information and e-mail addresses. These are very bright students and very well behaved. So we need volunteer families to meet them at the airport for pick up and host them for 2-6 weeks. The families should make them a part of their family during their length of stay, ie: take them to church, take them on outings and let them be involved in the lives of the family members. Ideally, families with teenagers work best. The exchange students are between the ages of 14-17 and can be either male or female. It is a wonderful outreach opportunity as we have seen salvation for Chinese students.

This is the benefit of the the host family. Any youth member of the host family will be able to compete to win an all-expense paid trip to Europe next summer to stay with a European host family. They can do this by writing an essay about their experience.

Feel free to look at our website: www.compass-usa.net.

Lord Bless You!

Rodney Walker (951) 824-9272

Living the Mission: Neighborhood Bible Studies

2011-05-10T13:36:00.000-07:00

A Ladies' Bible Study began in my neighborhood about eight years ago with a simple invitation to all of the fifty or so homes in our neighborhood. The first evening, around twenty ladies came and we began a very basic study of God's Word. We now have a morning and evening group with 20-30 ladies that includes neighbors but also friends. The group of ladies through the years has come from different backgrounds and denominations, but we have gathered around the God's unchanging Word, prayed with and for each other, and praised God together. There are several facilitators who lead the studies, which meet in different homes each week. The gospel has been clearly presented and we have seen God's blessings in so many ways. Many lives and homes are being transformed as we remain faithful to studying God's powerful Word in this way. I believe many ladies in our church could begin "neighborhood" studies such as these and will be surprised at what God will do - I know we have been!

Living the Mission: StudentServe 2011

2011-05-10T13:29:00.000-07:00

Transformed Student Ministry of First Baptist Church Norfolk made a great impact on the schools and families of Hampton Roads on April 16th when they participated in Student Serve 2011. With a wide variety of projects ranging from Easter bags for the homeless to an Eggstravaganza in Suffolk, our students and leaders were able to engage the residents of our community through acts of love and compassion. They not only helped through direct face-to-face encounters, but they also conducted many projects for area schools that needed landscaping, cleaning of band uniforms, and other beautification projects. Pray that these projects and many others will be used to plant spiritual seeds of faith in the lives of the recipients as our church continues to live the mission! If you missed this event and would like another chance to serve, please visit www.bigserve247.org for opportunities.

Transforming Inner City Evangelism Class

2011-05-09T05:26:00.000-07:00

Please join us for this class, which begins THIS TUESDAY (May 10th) at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

Here's more:

What’s the difference between mere benevolence and biblical mercy? Transforming Inner City Evangelism attempts to answer this and many other questions which are vital for all believers to grapple with when seeking to make an eternal impact among inner city families. This course is as much about transforming the body of Christ as it is about transforming inner city communities. It is rooted in three decades of lessons learned by Mike Fariss, veteran inner city missionary and CEO of Urban Discovery Ministries. It is designed for believers (particularly ministry leaders) who are open to expanding their mission and vision to include God’s purposes for inner city families. The course will be taught by Greg Johnston, UDM’s Director of Leadership Development. It includes eight weeks of participation-driven classroom lessons which focus on strategic planning, overcoming historic strongholds, and re-orienting traditional perspectives. Leaders from UDM’s first church plant, the Urban Community Church of Norfolk, will join us in these classroom sessions and then host us for four weeks of outreach in a local inner city neighborhood.

We look forward to seeing you there! :)

May/June GroupServe Newsletter

2011-05-06T07:37:00.001-07:00

Gsm Ay June 2011

Crisis Pregnancy Center Walk for Life

2011-04-26T13:36:00.000-07:00

It's not too late to have a part in the Walk for Life!

It is so exciting to watch God move throughout this ministry! The Walk for Life is a special time of year to celebrate with clients and their babies, and recognize the need for rescue of innocent lives from the tragedy of abortion. There are only a few days left until the last Walk event at the zoo, but you can still get involved! Here's how!

Walk

We have been thrilled to Walk for Life with hundreds this month, and we are looking forward to the final Walk event this weekend! We are close to reaching the goal of 1,000 sponsored walkers, and you can still join us! Just register online today! We accept pledges after the final Walk event, and you can also sponsor yourself.

Serve

We are so thankful for the many devoted volunteers who donate their service to our ministry! We expect more than 1,000 walkers to join us this weekend at the zoo, and we need helping hands to make the event run as smooth as possible. Do you have time to offer this weekend? Call Angie today at 757.410.9703, and we'll gladly find a special role to fit you!

Donate

Not able to join us this year at a Walk for Life event? You can still support CPC's ministry to local women and families through your financial donation! Every dollar counts. Just $50 will help provide one hour of ministry services to our clients, including ultrasound, medical consultation, pregnancy tests, options counseling, education and much more! Want to invest in a life? Donate today!

Will YOU help RESCUE?

We appreciate your support, and we are so thankful for hearts sensitive to the need to rescue innocent lives from the tragedy of abortion!

This year, you can make a significant impact on lives through the life-affirming ministry of CPC. Thank you for what you do!

Walk for Life 2011

The Virginia Zoo
Saturday, April 30
3500 Granby St. in Norfolk

Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need;
rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me.
- Psalm 142:6 NIV

CPC: 757.410.9703

Living the Mission: Easter Eggstravaganza

2011-04-26T06:14:00.000-07:00

On Saturday April 9th after much prayer and hard work, the Disciples In Action Bible Study class put their class verse [Acts 1:8] into action at Woodstock Park. Their goal was to “have the heart of Jesus and minister to the ONES.”

During the week leading up to the event, class members and youth canvassed neighborhoods and businesses near the park to invite people to attend. The night before, they prayer walked at Woodstock Park.

Many Bible Study classes and staff joined together to help with the Egg-stravaganza. “It was awesome to see God's people serving together using their time ministering to the Virginia Beach community; many seeds were planted through this event! We could not have done it without everyone helping! We had people tell us they were searching for a church and heard about this event at McDonald's the day before," said one class member.

Activities such as crafts, painting, games, balloons, an Easter egg hunt, and the resurrection egg presentation were available to all attendees. Everyone left with an invitation to visit First Baptist Church of Norfolk and an explanation of the real reason for Easter.

Living the Mission: North Platte Canteen

2011-04-26T06:11:00.000-07:00

In 1941 in North Platte, Nebraska, the community prepared to meet a train of local boys transiting through on their way to war. Their boys never showed up, so the ladies gave away the goodies they’d prepared to other servicemen and an idea was born – “Why not meet all the trains going through North Platte and give other boys the same sort of send-off?” The original North Platte Canteen was born and by the time the war ended five years later, the little community of North Platte had touched the lives of over six million servicemen and women.
Today, First Baptist Church of Norfolk’s North Platte Canteen sees off Sailors headed off to war as part of a special program where Sailors augment deployed Army units. These Sailors come from all over the Navy, and are usually transiting through Hampton Roads alone, here only for a brief administrative stop, before heading overseas where they will join a deployed Army unit. Our North Platte Canteen sends them off with a goodie bag filled with snacks, a note of encouragement, and contact information. This ministry started 3 ½ years ago and has touched the lives of over 10,000 Sailors. To volunteer, contact Amy Mowell at amowell@verizon.net or 757.270.6262.

Living the Mission: North Suffolk Fellowship

2011-04-26T05:57:00.000-07:00

“I know that we have had the Chesapeake Fellowship for over ten years now, but what is going on in North Suffolk?”
More of our members are asking this question and the best way to sum it up is that we believe that God is leading us to begin a new work in Suffolk. Much like the believers in the first churches heard the Macedonian call (Acts 16:6-10), our members are beginning to sense a call to reach those in this section of Hampton Roads. We are serving in a manner similar to the ministry of Chesapeake as we begin with a core group of First Norfolk members and other like-minded individuals to begin Community groups. We pray that this will grow in time to become a Fellowship (or church) that serves as an extension of our church within a few short months. You are invited to pray for us by joining our Facebook group, North Suffolk Fellowship, or the new blog www.suffolkfellowship.org. If you are interested or know someone who may be interested in partnering with us, contact the Missions office at 757-466-5181.

Living the Mission: Soup Kitchen

2011-04-26T05:55:00.001-07:00

Every fourth Sunday, a group representing First Baptist Norfolk lives the mission by serving the homeless in our community. This team of Student Ministry leaders and high school students serves a hot meal to homeless individuals at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in downtown Norfolk. So many students enjoy serving that one month the 9th -10th graders go and then the 11th -12th graders serve the following month.

This outreach is a joint effort between parents and students, who work together to set the tables, pour iced tea, serve a meal that is prepared by volunteers from Sacred Heart, clear the plates, and clean up when mealtime is over. Students get an opportunity to serve with a smile and reflect the love of God by showing a servant’s heart to homeless families in the downtown Norfolk area. They give 100% of their energy to do whatever is asked of them without complaining and sacrificially give of their time to make Jesus smile. Through their efforts, our students exhibit hope for the hopeless in a lost world.

Opportunity to serve in East Ocean View

2011-04-26T05:47:00.000-07:00

East Ocean View (EOV) Community Hydroponics Garden-Volunteers Needed!

We are excited to announce an opportunity for YOU to be part of Operation Blessing’s first Hydroponics Garden right here in the Hampton Roads Area. Operation Blessing is teaming up with Bon Secours Healthcare System to transform a corner lot into a beautiful oasis of life. Together Bon Secours and OB will be expanding the “Community Garden” into a large green space deeming with vegetation brought naturally through square foot gardens, hydroponic gardens, a shed that will house solar panels to provide electricity, and beautiful brick path with arbors and finished off with a classic white picket fence. As always, we are counting on you to help us with this community level project.

Beginning Thursday, April 21st through Saturday, April 30th, volunteers are needed to provide a variety of projects for the opening of our Community Hydroponics Garden location, which will be located at the corner lot of 18th Bay Street and Pleasant Avenue in the East Ocean View area of Norfolk. Volunteers are needed to assist with various jobs throughout this project including the following:

• General gardening and planting

• Paver installation

• Fence installation

• Solar panel installation

• Building / assembly of planter and tree boxes

• Construction of garden arbor and benches

• Assembly & Construction of Shed

Specific skills or trades are not required-all are welcome! We do ask that volunteers please dress appropriately as we will be working outside, doing minor carpentry projects and suggest that jeans and closed-toed shoes be worn for those who will be volunteering.

Volunteer Details:

• We would like for volunteers to have the availability to work in eight hour shifts (but we still appreciate and will take anyone who would be willing to volunteer for a half a day shift ).
• Lunch will be provided for volunteers

· Please meet our staff each day at 8:30 AM at the EOV Community Garden on the corner of 18th Bay & Pleasant Ave.

Please click on the link below to register, access a schedule of available dates and times for the East Ocean View Community Hydroponics Garden project and to sign-up for a shift.

http://doodle.com/96ahd7s6phiz5sd4

For any additional questions about volunteering for the East Ocean View Community Hydroponics Garden project , please contact Jolynn Turner, National Volunteer and U.S. Programs Manager for Operation Blessing at 757-226-3407 or Jolynn.Turner@ob.org .

Please join us in empowering a community with a garden that will provide nutritious fruits and vegetables and the opportunity to begin Microenterprise projects within East Ocean View.

With Much Appreciation for You Support & Partnership,

Jody L. Herrington-Gettys
Director, U.S. Disaster Relief
Operation Blessing International

Easter Serve this Week!

2011-04-17T13:14:00.000-07:00

Fresh off the heels of a fantastic Student Serve, we have Easter Serve! Many great opportunities are in the works for this week, so be sure to find your place and join us:

Student Serve was a great success in so many respects, but we still have some unfinished projects that we would like to see come to fruition. Contact Debbie Hoffius at dhoffius@firstnorfolk.org or call the church for more info on how to get involved at Larkspur, Greenbrier Middle, and other great opportunities!

Daddy Daughter Date Night at North Suffolk's Chickfila will be on Monday, April 18 from 5-7pm. Our church will be supporting the work of Chickfila as they host one of the first Daddy Daughter Date Nights in the region. Volunteers are needed to take orders, hand out roses, and make balloon animals for this special night. Contact cclayton@firstnorfolk.org for information as soon as possible.

Homeless Connect at River Oak Church in Cheapeake is another opportunity for our church to connect and help those in need. This event is essentially where we first connected with the Cuffee Center. Come out and serve on Tuesday, April 19 from 1-5:30pm.

Cuffee Easter Festival will be on Saturday, April 23rd from 2-4pm. There are many opportunities to serve with inflatables, games, Easter egg hunting, etc. Join our Chesapeake Fellowship in reaching out to these families. Contact the missions office or Chesapeake Fellowship for more information.

Gosnold Apartments Easter Celebration will be at 2425 Gosnold avenue in Norfolk at 5pm on Sunday, April 24th. This will be a time of food, fun, and a reminder of the reason that we celebrate Easter. Come serve and see how we have been able to minister at this facility for the chronically homeless.

The ONE movement and Easter card invitations can be given out all week long as we look forward to all that God is going to do at our churches this Easter. Find a busy intersection and share invitation cards with those who walk by...you never know which seed that you plant may bear fruit!

The Student led Soup-kitchen Serve will be on Easter Sunday in the Ghent area of Norfolk. Contact our student ministry to find out more information about their plans to serve meals, gift bags, and Jesus this Easter!

This is just a sample of the many ways that our church is living the mission this Easter. Be sure to find your place to live the mission and join us on this great adventure!