Learning and Living Gospel-Saturated Community, This Weekend, Feb 17 & 18 

We say we are committed to gospel-saturated community, but what is it and why do we need it? Elizabeth Turnage, founder of Living Story and author of Learning God's Story of Grace will lead us in this instructive and interactive workshop at FPC on Feb. 17 and 18.  Elizabeth writes: "We all struggle with life in a fallen world.  For too many years I labored to become a model Christian, and God graciously allowed me to wear myself out.  Now I can share the news of gospel freedom and hope to men and women who can't seem to pull off the perfect Christian pose."  

This weekend will focus on the what, how and why of gospel-saturated community - for First Pres, and for and and all who have grown tired and defeated by the pressures of pretending.  
For more information on Elizabeth Turnage and Living Story, visit www.livingstorygrace.com or Living Story on Facebook.

Friday, 2/18: 5:30-8:30 PM

Saturday, 2/19: 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Childcare and meals will be provided during the workshop.  Contact David to make reservations by MONDAY, FEB 13.

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Sow, Build, Grow

The pledge cards for our Sow, Build, Grow campaign are now out.  If you did not receive one, or need extras, they may be found on the tables at the church. Cards are due by Sunday, February 19th.  You can see the plans HERE.  Extra committment cards will be available at the church.  To meet our goal we will need everyone to participate.  Some gifts will be big and some will be small, but all will be a part of what we're seeking to do to grow the presence of gospel-saturated community in our families, our community and the Church.

A note to students...

First Pres loves you, and loves having you here.  A huge part of our vision for ministry is that during these formative years, we would be for you a model of Christ's church, causing you to see your need for the Church and to fall in love with the Church, so that when you leave us in a few short years, you will seek out, join and serve churches that are committed to the Scriptures, faithful in Christ-centered preaching and genuine in gospel-saturated community.  All that to say that this building project is about enabling First Pres to continue to impact students like you in a wider way for years to come.  

Understandably, many of you are thinking that this building campaign has nothing to do with you.  Maybe you think that you'll be gone by the time it is finished, so why should you care? I suggest that you might care for the sake of something bigger than you...for the sake of Christ's Church and the gospel.  Surely neither of those things depend on whether or not we build a building, but if you believe that God is working at First Pres by His Spirit through his Word with power for his glory, and if you've seen the significance of that in your life, then why not consider being a part of helping us continue this work on a wider scale for future classes and generations of Auburn students?

Or maybe you think that you couldn't possibly contribute anything of significance to the campaign.  But what if every one of the over 200 students at First Pres committed to giving $10/month for a year?  Do the math....that is significant!  Or what if some of you who are about to enter the working world committed to giving $1000 over the next 2 or 3 years?  Do the math...that would be huge! 

We love you, and we are more thankful for your presence than we could express.  We invite you to consider being a part of the future of First Pres for reasons so much bigger than yourself.   

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Opportunity for Service

Do you know what to say when someone is hurting?  The Billy Graham Rapid Response team invites you to a one day seminar that will help you respond helpfully and appropriately to those who are hurting in the wake of a crisis.  The training seminar will be held on Saturday, March 10 from 8:30-4:15 at Greater Peace Baptist Church in Opelika.  The cost is $20, but students and first responders are able to attend for FREE.  Register or find out more at billygraham.org/rrt.  Click on Opelika.    

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Sunday School for All Ages 

Children & Youth classes are ongoing in various classrooms.  There are 3 adult classes:

The Gospel in Action - Mike Bakarich & Jonathan Ryan - This class centers on interactive discussion and study that is meant to take the gospel from the head to the heart to the street.  Open to all.  Meets in Fellowship Hall

What's Your Place in the Body - David Bailey - Everyone who has gone through the Profiles group in the last year is strongly encouraged to go through this second-setp class on the way to becoming more involved in the vision of First Pres. Meets in Prayer Room

Profiles Group  - Scott Bowen - This 6-week group is for anyone who wants to learn more about the life of First Pres, including how to get connected.  We spend time talking about the theology and practice of First Pres, even as we make special efforts to introduce participants to other newcomers and to the leadership of the church.  Membership is not required for those who participate, but participation is required for those who wish to join.  Meets in Upstairs Room #3

The next round of the Profiles Group will start on March 4th.

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Upcoming Sermon Texts

1/15/12 - Genesis 33:18-35:15 - Worship Wars

1/15/12 - Genesis 37