Authentic

II Corinthians 2:14 – 16

“In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, He brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation – an aroma redolent with life…”

II Corinthians 2:14 – 16

 

Tonight’s the night! OPENING DAY has arrived! There’s a newness about this day – a freshness in the air, a sweet aroma that reminds me of hot apple pie fresh out of the oven. The victories and trials of the past are behind us and that which lies ahead is the great plan God has made for you and me. This season, by the grace of God, we will make a difference in the lives of our friends and family members. This season, for the glory of God, we will lead our church in worship. This season, with God as our strength and guide, we will follow Him wherever He leads and when we look back we will find that eternity has changed for us and for those God has placed in our lives.

 

It’s Opening Day and I hope you’ve made plans to be here! At 6:30pm we will gather in the Worship Center to discover together the great plan God has for those of us involved in the Christian Arts Ministry here at First Baptist.

 

To those of you who have been faithful members of CAM I say, “Job well done! And I’m looking forward to serving again with you in this coming season! I hope you will take time tonight to invest your life in the new people who will be here searching for a place to serve.”

 

To those of you who are new to CAM or just checking us out I say, “Welcome! We’re excited about the opportunity to get to know you and we look forward to serving with you.” Being involved in CAM means that every week you have the opportunity to encourage someone in their walk with Christ. Through your service you will draw people into the worship of God.

 

This is going to be the best season yet! I look forward to seeing you all tonight as we get under way!

 

Love y’all, God Bless,

CHAD

 

II Corinthians 2:14 – 16

“In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, He brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation – an aroma redolent with life…”

II Corinthians 2:14 – 16

 

Notes to Notice

Christmas Plans – “Christmas | Past…Present…Eternal”

This December we’ll celebrate Christmas all month long! How!?

 

The first weeks of December we’ll celebrate with a dinner theater:

“As Time Goes By” – A lifetime of Christmas traditions and celebrations through the eyes of faith, family & Friends.

 

Written by our very own, Randy Thomas, this funny and family-focused drama will capture your heart as it captures the heart of Christmas throughout multiple generations.

 

This is not musical theater – but a three act play. We’ll need volunteers for acting, stage craft, costuming, technical arts, hosting, food services and everything in between. To audition or volunteer contact Randy Thomas, Randy.Thomas@esp-tulsa.com, or Chad Balthrop, chad@fbcowasso.org.

 

AUDITIONS for “As Time Goes By”

            Wednesday, September 6^th & 13^th, 6:30pm

Locations TBA

Parts will be announced Wednesday, September 20^th

REHEARSALS for “As Time Goes By”

Wednesday, October 4, 11, 18, 25 | November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | 6:30 – 8:00pm

Sunday, November 5, 12, 19, 26 | 4:00 – 6:00pm

Saturday, December 2 – all or half day with TECH

Monday, December 4^th – Tech or all

Tuesday, December 5^th – Tech or all

Locations TBA

 

This year we’re expanding the number of performances from one weekend to two! The program will run Wednesday – Saturday. Be watching here for exact details!

 

Sunday Night, December 10^th

“Christmas | Past…Present…Eternal” with the Celebration Choir and Praise Band, Instrumental Ensemble, KICK & PreKICK Choirs!

 

During this great concert we’ll share Christmas music and family Christmas stories…stories of Christmas past, present and eternal!

 

Rehearsals

Celebration Choir, Praise Band & Instrumental Ensemble        Wednesday Nights

KICK                                                                                    Sunday Nights

PreKICK                                                                               Wednesday Nights

 

Dress Rehearsal

Saturday, December 9^th, 9:00am – 12:00pm

Sunday, December 10^th, 4:00pm – Concert time!

 

Sunday Night, December 17^th

“A Family Christmas HomeComing” with the Families of FBCO.

 

This is the night we sing our favorite Christmas songs as a congregation. This year we’ll have a twist – our special music will come from families within FBCO. Great music combined with stories of family Christmas traditions will make this a night people won’t forget.

 

Rehearsal – Sunday, December 17^th @ 4:00pm

Service – Sunday, December 17^th @ 6:00pm

 

Christmas Eve – Sunday Night, December 24^th

Every year our Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Service is standing room only! This year we will pack the Worship Center TWICE – with two, hour long opportunities for the people of our community to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

 

We’ll ask every available Choir, Praise Band, Instrumental Ensemble, KICK and Tech member to be available for BOTH Christmas Eve Services.

 

Christmas Eve Rehearsal                        4:00pm

Christmas Eve FIRST SERVICE                           5:00pm

Christmas Eve SECOND SERVICE          7:00pm

 

Character Auditions – Leaders & Locations for TONIGHT!

Tonight, when we break into our small groups this is where you should and who you should go with. If you’re not sure where you should go, pick the group that interests you most. If you serve in more than one group pick the one you are the most involved in or the one where you need fresh information.

 

Worship Center

·     All TECH Personnel      Back House Left                          Melissa Tyndall (for the first 10 minutes)

·     Sound Booth               Sound Personnel                         Steve Wilkinson

·     Sound Booth               Video                                         Christi Smith

·     Back House Left          Producers                                   Melissa Tyndall

·     Back House Right        Lighting                                      Vanessa Kehl

·     Back House Center       Ushers                                        Ed Robertson

·     Front House Left          Prayer Team                                Tommie Harms

·     Front House Right        Instrumental Ensemble                 Londa Balthrop

·     Front House Center      Drama                                        Paul Kemp

·     Platform                      Set Construction / Design            Debbie Nill / Darin Harrison

 

theCompass Bookstore       theCompass Volunteers               Ellen Wehn

Area 400                             Broadcast Ministry                      Helen DeClue

The Green Room                 Praise Band                                Chad Balthrop

Room 800                           Celebration Choir                         Wendi Stacy

 

Celebration Choir in the PM Service

Be watching here for more details! This season the Celebration Choir will lead a couple of times during our Sunday PM, New Community Service – Dates to be announced!

 

Praise Teams

Everyone who auditioned for Praise Teams did a great job. This semester we’ll also have some impromptu Praise Teams that serve in our PM services, so if your name is not listed below, don’t fret – there are places for you to sing yet! Below are listed the Sunday AM Teams.

 

September | December | March | June

S – Lori Thrun

S – Helen DeClue

A – Michelle Maxwell

A – Cindy DeWitt

T – Greg Hall

B – Brad Williams

October | January | April | July

S – Brenda Henderson

S – Wendi Stacy

A – Misty Brown

A – Melissa Tyndall

T – Vance Henderson

B – Steve Cole

November | February | May | August

S – Vanessa Kehl

S – Merilee Purnell

A – Susan Thomas

A – Lindy Dwyer

T – Jim Brown

B – Darin Harrison

House Cleaning – the Logistics of Details

Online Blog

Catch current and previous issues of theScore online @ www.thefarpoint.blogspot.com

Online CamCast, PodCast

Heard of PodCasting? Now you can subscribe to the CamCast! CamCast is a new way I can get music and information delivered directly to your computer, iPod or other mp3 player. Using iTunes, Yahoo Music, Google Music or any other free PodCatcher you can subscribe to the CamCast and your reader will automatically inform you when updates are made. Sometimes these updates will be mp3 files of songs we are about do. Sometimes they will be devotional or informational. Subscribe today and have access to all the songs we’re giving you on CD. Stay tuned – there’s more to come! How do I subscribe?

Visit www.thefarpoint.blogspot.com and click the CAMCAST button located on the right side of the page, then follow the instructions. OR

Copy this link http://feeds.feedburner.com/fbccamcast into your iTunes software.

Online Resources

At www.fbcowasso.org you can now click FBCO RESOURCES – then select Christian Arts Ministry. Under that heading you will find several categories – under Order of Service & Support Files you will find the order of service for this week and in the other categories you will find the music charts that go along with the songs in the Order of Service. Mostly this is Praise Band music, but some of these charts include Instrumental Ensemble music and ALL of them include VOCALS – hopefully this can be a resource for us all in the coming days!

 

Weekly Schedule Reminder

Here are the CALL TIMES for a typical SUNDAY AM – Remember, ON TIME = EARLY | EARLY = READY and from 8:30 – 8:50 we’ll clear the platform and all meet in Fellowship Hall for a light, continental style breakfast and for last minute instructions, prayer & consecration. I look forward to seeing everyone there!

SUNDAY

Þ       7:15am   TECH PREP

Þ       7:30       Drama Sound Check and Rehearse

Þ       7:45       Praise Band Sound Check

Þ       8:00       Instrumental Ensemble

Þ       8:15       Special Music

Þ       8:20       Celebration Choir

Þ       8:30       Stage Clear, Doors Open, Background Music & Announcements Run

Þ       8:50       Countdown begins

Þ       8:55       Prelude – Live, instrumental, congregational or choir…

Þ       9:00       Service Begins

 

WEDNESDAY

Þ       6:00pm  Instrumental Ensemble                      WC

Þ       6:30       Celebration Choir | Tech Prep            RM 800 & WC

Þ       7:00       Praise Band with IE                          WC

Þ       7:30       ALL CAM                                         WC

Þ       7:30       Drama Team                                    RM 800

Þ       8:05       Praise Band & Praise Teams             WC

Þ       9:00       Cookie Time!

 

 

Due to Labor Day Weekend – THIS SUNDAY THERE WILL BE NO CHOIR OR INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE

Go Deeper - Authentic

Jeremiah 18:1 – 2

“The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying: “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear My words.”

Jeremiah 18:1 – 2

 

I must confess I’m proud – not in the bad way, mind you. I’m proud of everyone who serves in CAM. Last Sunday we changed our schedule. Not significantly. It was only 15 minutes. The hard part was that this 15 minutes was on a Sunday – and not later, but earlier. It means that some of our technical staff was here from 7:15am till nearly 1:00pm…it means our Praise Band showed up before 8:00. It means the choir was here by 8:20.

 

And here’s the reason I’m proud – not only was everyone on time…you were early! Thank you so much. Maybe you know and maybe you don’t – but what a difference 15 minutes makes!?

 

Last week I was reading in Jeremiah and I came across a verse that talks about this. It’s Jeremiah 18:1 – 2, you can read the text of the verse up above. What struck me about this verse was that God told Jeremiah to get up and go somewhere, then God would speak to him. God’s God, right? He can speak to whom He wants, when He wants, they way He wants, right!? Why make Jeremiah go someplace specific before God would say what needs to be said? As you read the rest of the passage you discover that God not only wanted to tell Jeremiah something, He also wanted to show him. God could have just said what needed to be said, but He had something specific in mind not only for Jeremiah to hear, but also something for him to see – not only for him to see, but also something for him to do. This was Jeremiah’s 15 minutes. And this is what God has done for those of us who serve in CAM.

 

What do those 15 minutes really mean?

Þ      It means INTENSITY without ANXIETY.

Þ      It means FOCUS without FEAR.

Þ      It means CLARITY without CONFUSSION.

 

It means we have the time to ‘turn the corner’ and focus our hearts and minds beyond the task. It means we are now in the place where God will show us something incredible, tell us something amazing and do in us and through something wonderful.

 

What a difference 15 minutes makes!

 

Thanks for serving well. Thanks for the 15 minutes. I’m looking forward to coming with you this Wednesday and Sunday to the place where God will cause us to hear His Words.

 

Love y’all, God Bless,

CHAD

 

Jeremiah 18:1 – 2

“The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying: “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear My words.”

Notes to Notice

Opening Day – Character Auditions

It’s coming faster than we think; the beginning of a new school year, a new semester and a new season for everyone involved in CAM. Wednesday, August 30^th at 6:30pm we’ll unveil plans for the new semester, including Christmas, meet new CAM leadership, introduce ourselves to new CAM members and discover what it means to be involved this season in CAM. Bring someone with you and let’s make this the best season in the life of our church yet!

 

Making Contact

We all know someone who has been involved in CAM in the past, but has taken some time away – perhaps for summer vacations or to serve in another area of ministry. This week, take a look around and notice who’s here and who’s not. Then in the next several weeks begin inviting them back to CAM. We’ve all been given gifts, talents and resources – let’s fulfill our calling in the area of ministry God has given us to serve and let’s encourage our friends and family to do the same!

 

FarPoint Weekend

Every week in churches everywhere volunteers come together to plan, prepare, and present the gospel in a way that is clear, creative, concise and compelling. These are the volunteers who make our services work. theFarPoint Weekend is a time of encouragement and equipping specifically designed with YOU in mind!

 

September 15^th & 16^th churches from all over the metro will come to FBCO to discover how we do what we do! The Christian Arts Ministry of FBCO will lead them in a time of encouragement and equipping. Plan to now to impact leaders from across Green Country by leading out this year at FarPoint Weekend!

 

For more details visit, www.thefarpoint.org – Registration online is for people OUTSIDE FBCO – we’ll begin FBOC registration in August. Your only cost will be $10…for the concert, Friday night & lunch on Saturday.

 

Praise Team Auditions

No really – I’m going to announce new Praise Teams…I promise… J The New Praise Teams will begin this SEPTEMBER. Every one who auditioned for Praise Teams did a great job! Thanks for trying out! Be watching here in the weeks to come for details what Praise Teams this fall will look like!

 

Logistics

At www.fbcowasso.org you can now click FBCO RESOURCES – then select Christian Arts Ministry. Under that heading you will find several categories – under Order of Service & Support Files you will find the order of service for this week and in the other categories you will find the music charts that go along with the songs in the Order of Service. Mostly this is Praise Band music, but some of these charts include Instrumental Ensemble music and ALL of them include VOCALS – hopefully this can be a resource for us all in the coming days!

 

NEW SCHEDULE REMINDER

Here are the CALL TIMES for this SUNDAY AM – Remember, ON TIME = EARLY | EARLY = READY and from 8:30 – 8:50 we’ll clear the platform and all meet in Fellowship Hall for a light, continental style breakfast and for last minute instructions, prayer & consecration. I look forward to seeing everyone there!

 

Þ       7:15am   TECH PREP

Þ       7:30       Drama Sound Check and Rehearse

Þ       7:45       Praise Band Sound Check

Þ       8:00       Instrumental Ensemble

Þ       8:15       Special Music

Þ       8:20       Celebration Choir

Þ       8:30       Stage Clear, Doors Open, Background Music & Announcements Run

Þ       8:50       Countdown begins

Þ       8:55       Prelude – Live, instrumental, congregational or choir…

Þ       9:00       Service Begins

 

Listen to THIS Sunday’s Choir Special – (this is not exactly the arrangement we sing…but it’s close! J)

·         You Are the Love of My Life – www.thefarpoint.org/MUSIC/love.mp3

 

Listen to Upcoming Choir Specials

·         Let the Praises Ring – www.thefarpoint.org/MUSIC/praises.mp3

·         You Will Be Our God – www.thefarpoint.org/MUSIC/YouWillBe.mp3

·         Hallelujah – www.thefarpoint.org/MUSIC/hallelujah.mp3

·         BONUS – Mighty is the Power of the Cross (not choir) – www.thefarpoint.org/MUSIC/power.mp3

·         BONUS – Show Me the Way (not choir, just fun) – www.thefarpoint.org/MUSIC/show.mp3

·         Your Name – won’t download due to licensing.

·         Because of Who You Are – won’t download due to licensing.

 

Get a FULL CD of all this music as well as Christmas Music, Wednesday August 30th at OPENING DAY!

 

Have you discovered iTunes?

·         www.itunes.com

·         iTunes is available for FREE online – it’s both a ‘digital juke box’ and an online music store. You can download individual songs, usually for .99 cents each or entire albums for less than what it would cost to go buy the CD.

·         Try it out – do a search at iTunes for Israel Houghton or Chris Tomlin and find many of the songs we sing as a choir or congregation!

Go Deeper - New Schedule

Hey everyone,

 

Hope you are doing well. First of all let me say thanks again to all of you. Your prayers and care you have shown us with the birth of Ethan are greatly appreciated – last night he actually slept 6 hours straight! I’ll chalk that up to some of y’all’s great home cookin’!

 

Mom and the rest of the family are doing great. I can’t wait to introduce Ethan to you personally.

 

Tonight we won’t have our regular rehearsals due to FirstSTEP – the prayer time at the schools. We will have Praise Band rehearsal from 6:30 – 8:00 then the Worship Development Team will meet at 8:00 in the Worship Center for a brief discussion about Opening Day. There will be no Praise Team rehearsal tonight and no Praise Team this Sunday. I would like for the Instrumental Ensemble to join us this Sunday AM.

 

This Weekend we begin our NEW SUNDAY AM SCHEDULE! I’m excited about what this schedule means. We will now have the time to not only prepare musically and technically, but together we will have a bit of time for fellowship and to ‘Turn the Corner’ as we prepare together spiritually to lead the congregation in worship.

 

This weekend the CHOIR will be singing, “COVER THE EARTH” – it’s a song we’ve done in the past and it won’t take us long to dust it off and make it ready. So be on time at the new time and ready to sing! I’ve included a link to the song COVER THE EARTH below. You’ll be able to download the mp3 or just stream it and listen online. It’s about 5mb so depending on your connection speed it may take a bit to download.

 

One other logistical thing – At www.fbcowasso.org you can now click FBCO RESOURCES – then select Christian Arts Ministry. Under that heading you will find several categories – under Order of Service & Support Files you will find the order of service for this week and in the other categories you will find the music charts that go along with the songs in the Order of Service. Mostly this is Praise Band music, but some of these charts include Instrumental Ensemble music and ALL of them include VOCALS – hopefully this can be a resource for us all in the coming days!

 

Here are the CALL TIMES for this SUNDAY AM – Remember, ON = EARLY | EARLY = READY and from 8:30 – 8:50 we’ll clear the platform and all meet in Fellowship Hall for a light, continental style breakfast and for last minute instructions, prayer & consecration. I look forward to seeing everyone there!

 

Þ       7:15am   TECH PREP

Þ       7:30       Drama Sound Check and Rehearse

Þ       7:45       Praise Band Sound Check

Þ       8:00       Instrumental Ensemble

Þ       8:15       Special Music

Þ       8:20       Celebration Choir

Þ       8:30       Stage Clear, Doors Open, Background Music & Announcements Run

Þ       8:50       Countdown begins

Þ       8:55       Prelude – Live, instrumental, congregational or choir…

Þ       9:00       Service Begins

 

 

Listen COVER THE EARTH before Sunday! CLICK BELOW

 

http://www.thefarpoint.org/docs/cover.mp3

 

I miss seeing you all when we don’t get together. God is doing some exciting things in the lives of members of our church. I look forward to seeing everyone there!

 

Love y’all, God Bless,

Chad

 

 

Notes to Notice

Making Contact

We all know someone who has been involved in CAM in the past, but has taken some time away – perhaps for summer vacations or to serve in another area of ministry. This week, take a look around and notice who’s here and who’s not. Then in the next several weeks begin inviting them back to CAM. We’ve all been given gifts, talents and resources – let’s fulfill our calling in the area of ministry God has given us to serve and let’s encourage our friends and family to do the same!

 

Opening Day – Character Auditions

It’s coming faster than we think; the beginning of a new school year, a new semester and a new season for everyone involved in CAM. Wednesday, August 30^th at 6:30pm we’ll unveil plans for the new semester, including Christmas, meet new CAM leadership, introduce ourselves to new CAM members and discover what it means to be involved this season in CAM. Bring someone with you and let’s make this the best season in the life of our church yet!

 

FarPoint Weekend

Every week in churches everywhere volunteers come together to plan, prepare, and present the gospel in a way that is clear, creative, concise and compelling. These are the volunteers who make our services work. theFarPoint Weekend is a time of encouragement and equipping specifically designed with YOU in mind!

 

September 15^th & 16^th churches from all over the metro will come to FBCO to discover how we do what we do! The Christian Arts Ministry of FBCO will lead them in a time of encouragement and equipping. Plan to now to impact leaders from across Green Country by leading out this year at FarPoint Weekend!

 

For more details visit, www.thefarpoint.org – Registration online is for people OUTSIDE FBCO – we’ll begin FBOC registration in August. Your only cost will be $10…for the concert, Friday night & lunch on Saturday.

 

Praise Team Auditions

No really – I’m going to announce new Praise Teams…I promise… J The New Praise Teams will begin this SEPTEMBER. Every one who auditioned for Praise Teams did a great job! Thanks for trying out! Be watching here in the weeks to come for details what Praise Teams this fall will look like!