FBCJacksonville Blog

For months now we have watched the subtle changes taking place around us Sunday by Sunday.  In just a few weeks, our Senior Adults will be moving into new classrooms.  Over the years, they have watched others get new rooms, facilities, equipment, while they have given faithfully to support the ministry that made that possible.  Now our precious senior members are going to be on the receiving end and it is a joy to see that happen.

We have been able to pay for all of the renovations that have been done up to this point and for that, we give thanks to the Lord and rejoice.  Now comes the time to do the final one-third of the work and payment will be due.  We need one million dollars to complete the work which should be finished by late December – just in time for the New Year.

This coming Sunday, we will take a special offering to finish the renovations in the auditorium.  I am asking that you be in prayer daily about this, and hope that you plan to be a part of meeting this need.  I am confident in our Lord that He who began a good work, will be faithful to complete.  All of us have an opportunity to be a part of what God is doing at First Baptist Jacksonville.

Paul writes to the Corinthians and states that “Each one must give as he has made up his mind, not under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” The word used here is one that speaks of predetermination.  In other words, God does not want us to give carelessly or casually but with great thought and planning.

At the same time Paul says that giving should never be done remorsefully, with regret or reluctance.  He states, “God loves a cheerful giver.” Let me quote a rather well-known theologian at this point:

God loves the world in a general sense (John 3:16), but He has a deeper, more wonderful love for His own (John 13:1; 1 John 4:16), and a special love for each one of His who gives cheerfully. – John MacArthur

I am calling us, as a church, to be in prayer over these next few days about what God would have each one of us to do – and then for us to do it cheerfully.

I look forward to seeing you this Sunday with God’s word in one hand, and an envelope in the other.

Pastor Mac Brunson

If you need an envelope on Sunday, please see one of the ushers and they can provide that for you. You may also give using our online form, and notate “Special Auditorium Renovations” as the fund.

For more than 20 years, the Lighthouse Bookstore has been an integral part of First Baptist Church. Located on the corner of Laura and Ashley Streets, the store stocks a variety of books, Bibles, Bible study resources and accessories, as well as greeting cards, music, and gifts.  Under the leadership of Scott Kennedy, the bookstore has undergone a facelift both aesthetically and philosophically. With updated decor, the addition of coffee and reading tables, and new book and resource sections, the bookstore provides an excellent fellowship and study opportunity for the FBC community.

“Many mainstream Christian bookstores are willing to compromise Biblical truth in order to gain sales,” says Scott. “However, our commitment is to offer theologically sound, God-honoring resources at a reasonable price to support the ministries of FBC, the members of FBC, and the greater Jacksonville community. Although there an abundance of avenues available for purchasing Christian resources, I invite people to re-visit the Lighthouse Bookstore. Whether you need a new Bible, a book to help and encourage you in your Christian walk, or a place to fellowship with a new friend, the bookstore is open and ready to help.”

The Lighthouse Bookstore is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 am -4:00 pm, Wednesday from 10:00 am – 6:30 pm, and Sunday from 11:45 am-12:45 pm and 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm. You can also contact the store by phone at 904-366-1310 or online at bookstoresales@fbcjax.com.

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Construction continues in a “big way” this week in the Main Auditorium. The upper and lower stage area is being demolished in preparation for the new orchestra floor and main stage. It will look totally different on Sunday August 15th.  The orchestra has moved to the main level and will stay there until the new stage is finished. The temporary stage will be adjusted each week to accommodate the construction process. The back choir wall continues to be renovated with new speaker cloth and the new wood is coming soon.

As you can see from week to week, the construction in the Main Auditorium is progressing rapidly. The pews are now completely restored on the ground floor, and work has begun in the balcony. That work should be completed by mid-August. You may have noticed that the new pews are a bit firm. This is because the material has not “relaxed” yet. With just a little bit of use, you will notice the seats begin to sit more comfortably. A very noticeable improvement associated with the pew work has been the striping and refinishing of the vinyl tile floors. Our own janitorial crew has been doing this work in coordination with the pew installers. A BIG THANKS to them for their extra work… at no extra expense to FBC!

The construction of the classrooms is also proceeding on schedule. The walls have been framed and partially drywalled. Inside the classes, electrical and air-conditioning work is on-going. We hope to be able to remove the plastic dust partitions from the classroom areas this week or next, after the auditorium side of the new walls are painted. Also happening this week, scaffolding will begin to be erected in the choir loft in order to start the remodeling of the wall behind the choir and surrounding the baptistery. This phase of the work will begin to have some impact on the Music Ministry. Throughout the Summer months they will be adapting the music ensembles that lead us in worship each week, as construction dilemmas may dictate. Please remember them in your prayers!

Finally, thanks to you, our church members who have been so accommodating and understanding of the “mess” that is always a part of construction. You have displayed a sweet Christ-like spirit…Praise the Lord!

Grace to you…

Rev. John Blount, Executive Pator of Business Administration