Our 2009 Budget

Our Budget and Finance Committee worked very hard on our new budget. The members of our Budget and Finance Committee are (Wayne Simmons, Paul Puletti, Trish Arnold, Dick Crockett, Edith Hackmann, Paul Martin and a member of the Building & Maintenance Committee).

Our 2008 Budget was $426,543. Our offerings for 2008 was $389,023. With us starting on our new building, we felt that we needed to cut our budget with the financial conditions we find ourselves in. So the committee presented to the church a budget for 2009 of $398,459, with a weekly requirement of $7,663. Each member is ask to give to support the work of the church. As the body of Christ we need to work together to support his work in his kingdom.

Last year members where ask to pledge to the Building Fund. We are still asking people to give to our Buidling Fund on a regular bases.

Church under the Tent!

This Sunday, January 18, 2009 we will be having our Morning Worship Service under the tent in our ball field. As you know we are having Judgement House and we are unable to have church in the sanctuary. At 10:30am Sunday Morning we will begin playing and singing music and start our regular service at 11:00am. I hope you will make plans to be a part of this special service this Sunday.

Last year when we did this outdoor service, many express that it was one of our best services. Come casual tomorrow and enjoy the beautiful day.

We will conclude Judgement House Sunday afternoon from 4 to 8 pm. Please keep Judgement House in your prayers.

Judgement House

Last night was our first night of Judgement House. We had cold temperatures but a great crowd. Cold for Florida! We had seven profession of faith and two re-dedications.

Tonight we are having great crowds and cold weather according to Florida standards. We have had several decisions tonight.

Please be in prayer for Judgement House. Pray for the workers, staff and the people who are going through it. We have one more night of Judgement House from 4 to 8pm., Sunday afternoon.

My trip to Panama

In February 2009 I will be going to Panama to teach the Bible Training Centre for Pastors and Church Leaders courses. This will be my fourth trip Panama. When I went in January of 2008 this mark the graduation of the 2nd group that completed the 10 course study. Now the third group has started and has over 50 students involve.

One of the great things about this ministry is that this training is helping to instruct new leaders in the church and is working to help the Panama Baptist Convention to start new churches. Several new churches have been started since this ministry has begun.

Each teacher that goes down to teach pays his own way. I have been fortunate the First Baptist Church of Labelle has paid my expenses. This year I could use some help with the expenses of my trip. If you would like to help with this ministry, please send your gift to First Baptist Church Labelle, PO Box 369 Labelle, FL. 33975.
Please mark your gift Panama Ministry.

This year I plan to take Preston along with me so he can learn from this experience. Please pray for us February 9-16th.
Thanks

Church Bond Program

As you know we are issuing through Commonwealth Church Finance, Inc $1.7 million in First Mortgage Bonds. These bonds will be used to finance the building of our new education building. Commonwealth is still selling bonds to church members and friends of First Baptist Church of Labelle. Members and friends who would like to buy bond may contact Mr. Keith Glore at (877) 370-0459 who is a registered Representative of Commonwealth Church Finance, Inc.

Information about the bond program may be picked up at the church office. Bonds are being offered from Six Months to Twenty Five Years at 6.00% to 7.75% interest bonds.
As of last week $784,250 of bonds have been sold. This leaves us with $915,750 of bonds to sell.

If you know of someone who is interested in buying bonds, please give them Keith Glore's name and telephone number and they can discuss buying bonds over the telephone. We need your help in spreading the word about our Bond Program.

Community Thanksgiving Service

I would like to remind you of our LaBelle Community Thanksgiving Service that will held at Caloosa Baptist Church at 7pm, tonight. Rev. Jorge Rodriguez, Pastor of Life Ministries will bring the Thanksgiving Message. Pastors from the community will have a part in the service. Larry Luckey will be bringing special music.

I hope you can come tonight and be part of this special service in our community. I hope you and your family will have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Our Church Bond Program

Keith Glore from Commonwealth Church Finance will be here to present the plans of our bond program this Sunday, November 23rd in our Morning Worship Service. We felt we would have the most people here on a Sunday Morning and that is the reason we are doing this then.

There will a table at the back of the church on Sunday, for those individuals who have IRA's to make appointments to meet with Keith to discuss how those can be rolled over.

On Sunday, November 30th, members of First Baptist Church will have opportunities to sign up for the bonds they would like to purchase. Bonds will be available in various denominations. Everything is handled in strict confidence through Commonwealth Church Finance.

We encourage members to invest in the future of this church. Please tell your friends about our bond program because they might want to invest.