April’s Study Theme: Good Grief
This Sunday: "Aaaaargh! What are different ways to respond to grief?"

Read John 11:1-44. The story of Lazarus.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2011:1-44&version=NIV

Good Grief (think Charlie Brown). Our lesson writer says: “Chances are if you’re not in the middle of a trial right now, then you just came out of one, or you’re headed into one.” As part of the family of man, we experience grief (an emotional suffering) as a response to all kinds of events: disease, disappointment, destruction, discouragement, devastation, and yes, death. As we have discussed, living in a sinful (broken) world (think Adam and Eve) means trials are a fact of life. At some point, we will each face these trials. As our lesson writer states, when we do, we’re sure to experience grief. Speaking from personal experience, for each of us, our response will be different and it will change with time. In our discussion this week will look at least three ways we might respond to grief based on this story from the Gospel of John:
1. Intellectually (John 11:20-27);
2. Emotionally (John 11:32-36); and
3. Supernaturally (John 11:43-44).
Our lesson writer goes on to say “None of these responses are wrong; in fact Jesus responded to grief in all three ways.” The goal of this lesson is to encourage us that all grief is appropriate at certain times. “While all three responses to grief are acceptable, the supernatural response is the one that enables us to overcome our grief. Only with God’s help can we truly move beyond the pain. For that reason, our goal should be to learn how to respond to grief supernaturally as quickly and as often as possible.” We will continue discussion throughout the month of April, when we will celebrate Easter.
Remember, God who created everything is still in control of His creation. Keep praying for each other, caring for each other and take care of your families. John
Doing LIFE together.
Homebuilders LIFE Group: Learning the Scripture / Involvement in Service / Fellowship – Sharing Life / Evangelism of Seekers

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. WE NEED YOU! Homebuilders will join the CrossOver outreach this Saturday. See below #6. Meet at the campus located at 6110 S 99th East Ave. (61st & Mingo) before 9 AM. We will be finished by noon. Even if you haven’t signed-up, please come.

2. We’re moving this Sunday down the hall to Room 415 North. Same building. Same floor. Turn right as you come off the elevator and enter the room through the door down the short hallway, to the right, and marked Room 415.

3. This Sunday we will also have shower for Matt and Camden Bearden and their little girl due in April. Please bring baby wipes.

4. The next sessions of the Pastor’s First Glance Class will be held on Sunday, April 10 and April 17, 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. in the Parlor. If you know of someone who is a new member or someone who would like to find out more about FBC Tulsa, please have them sign up for this class by calling Polly Davis at 918-594-5019.

5. The 9th Annual FBC Outreach Luncheon will be held on Thursday, April 14. There will be two settings for lunch, 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., to serve the needy in our community. Your help is needed in serving food and drinks, serving as a van driver/rider, greeter, clean-up person, commitment advisor, and/or being a miscellaneous helper. Childcare for babies through Pre-K will be available for volunteers, reservations required, by calling the Children's Ministry Office at 918-594-5028. Sign up for this wonderful opportunity in your LIFE Groups on April 3 and 10, or by calling the Community Ministries Office at 918-594-5073.

6. CenterCross Church has been in the planning stages for months and now you are being invited to help put these plans in motion. The first area where help is needed is in door-to-door canvassing. The purpose of the canvassing is to get the word out about the opening of CenterCross and to invite residents to the Open House Easter Egg Hunt for games, fun, giveaways, food and tours of the church. Detailed flyers, for you to hand out, have already been made. The plan is to knock on doors in the neighborhoods surrounding CenterCross en masse and introduce ourselves. This is a great time to say hello, smile and hand them a flyer, and invite them over. Then, there are two ways you can help canvass. Participate in: 1) the 10 day blitz, spread over the ten days prior to Easter and/or 2) two Saturdays in April (the 2nd & 9th), where you can help with either a morning or an afternoon shift. The second need is for volunteers to help in the service at CenterCross during Saturday evening church, with the exception of our opening service on Easter morning. Volunteers are still needed in several areas for a minimum of 6 months (or more as needed). An informational meeting will be held this Sunday, March 27, and you can sign up in your LIFE Group to attend the meeting.

Also, there is a need for drawing giveaways for the Easter Egg Hunt/Open House at CenterCross Church on Saturday, April 23. Items can be large or small and can be for all age groups. If you can provide any items to help with the Grand Opening, please contact Kristin White at 918-594-5073.

Calendar Highlights for April
3 Men’s Softball Sign-up begins
9 Canvassing at CenterCross Church–9 am to 12 & 12 to 4 pm
Workday at Center Cross Church–9 am to 1 pm
10 First Glance Class #1
Children’s New Christians’ Class
VIP Orientation
Evangelism Meeting
Mission Meeting
12 Encore: Senior Day Out at Tulakogee
13 10 Day Blitz at CenterCross Church–5 to 7 pm
14 Outreach Luncheon–11 am & 12:30 pm
Caring Center closed
Finance Committee
15 Adult Spring Spectacular
16 Preschool Jellybean Jump–10 am
17 Palm Sunday
First Glance Class #2
WMU Council Meeting
18 Deacons’ Meeting
21 Easter Event & Communion–6 pm
Students’ David Crowder Concert
22 Good Friday
Church Offices closed
23 CenterCross Church Open House–11:30 am to 6 pm
24 Easter
Service at CenterCross–10 am
Spring Attendance Emphasis
No PM Activities
27 Administrative Assistants’ Day
Quarterly Business Meeting–6 pm
28 Caring Center Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon
29-30 BGCO’s Men’s Retreat at Falls Creek

Wednesday Night Meal for April 6
Chicken, Cheese & Bean Casserole, Scalloped Potatoes, Seasoned Green Beans, Buttered Roll and Chocolate Brownies

Children’s Ministry
A Children’s New Christian Class will be offered on Sunday, April 10, 12:30 to 4:00 p.m., in Room 329 North. This class is for all boys and girls, First through Sixth Grades, who are waiting to be baptized or are asking questions about becoming a Christian. To enroll your children, please call the Children’s Ministry Office at 918-594-5028.

Men’s Ministry
In His Grip Golf Invitational will be held on Friday, May 6, at the Forest Ridge Golf Club. Registrations are now being accepted for this outreach-oriented golf event. The featured guest speaker will be PGA Pro Gerry James, two-time National Long Drive Champion. Gerry will share his testimony at the awards banquet following the event. Complete details are available at the In His Grip display table in the Detroit Lobby or by calling 918-594-5073.

Missions
FBC’s Mission Action Project for April focuses on our Caring Center . It is that time again when we need to help restock a most important item. Please bring SMALL jars of peanut butter and SMALL jars of jelly and new or gently used Bibles to be distributed through our Caring Center . These items may be placed in containers around the church marked for Mission Action.
For more information, please contact Maribeth Dean at 918-481-5834.

Preschool Ministry
1. Our next VIP Orientation for all workers in Extended Teaching Care will be on Sunday, April 10, 12:15 to 1:30 p.m., in the Parlor. Lunch will be served and Chrissy Streeter will be the speaker. Please make your reservations by calling the Preschool Ministry Office at 918-594-5028.

2. Saturday, April 16, will be our 2011 Jelly Bean Jump from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. This event is for all preschoolers and their families and will be held in the FBC Student Gym. There will be inflatables, games, an egg hunt and much more. Reservations are not required, but if you need more information, please call 918-594-5028.

Prayer Requests for the week of March 27th

Langleys - Pray for Courtney to find a new job and in the meantime to be safe in her current job as she helps dismantle meth labs in town. Court's sister, Chelsey, has a sister in law who is suffering from the same ureter/kidney issue that Chelsey struggled with.

Zacharys - Praise that Kolby has been accepted into kindergarten but they still haven't heard about Hailey. Pray she will be accepted this week into the same school.

Dolans - Pray for wisdom in parenting and teaching as God wants for Cael and Tatum.

Terrills - Allison is also searching for a new job.

Crossover

CONFIDENT LIVING IN DIFFICULT TIMES Stay the Course: How can I be prepared to endure life’s difficult days?
As many of you know, last Saturday I sprained my ankle, badly, in Eureka Springs. Not a good place to have a sprained ankle. Despite all the walking, stairs and hills, I had a great day with my family. “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Of this saying, our lesson writer states: “The idea behind it is that when things in life are difficult, we can either be consumed by our problems, or we can stand tall and face the issues.” Now I know, talk can be cheap. Sunday’s discussion: “If we truly desire to stay the course in the face of adversity, we need solid biblical counsel. In this lesson, Peter sets down principles that guide us to develop a resolve to stay the course in the face of suffering.”
1. Live in Light of the End (1 Peter 4:1-2,7-11)
2. Endure Suffering With Joy (1 Peter 4:12-16)
3. Prepare for God’s Judgment (1 Peter 4:17-19)
Read the entire passage from 4 Peter 1-19 (NIV ©2011) in a post below. Are things in perspective? Stay the course. Remember, God who created everything is still in control of His creation. Keep praying for each other, caring for each other and take care of your families. John
Doing LIFE together.
Homebuilders LIFE Group: Learning the Scripture / Involvement in Service / Fellowship – Sharing Life / Evangelism of Seekers

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. A Called Business Meeting will be held on Sunday, March 27, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. There will be two purposes for this called meeting:
a) consider calling Bryan Intemann to a combination Minister of Missions & Campus Pastor position
b) consider scholarships for several students attending Oklahoma Baptist University

2. CenterCross Church has been in the planning stages for months and now you are being invited to help put these plans in motion. The first area where help is needed is in door-to-door canvassing. The purpose of the canvassing is to get the word out about the opening of CenterCross and to invite residents to the Open House Easter Egg Hunt for games, fun, giveaways, food and tours of the church. Detailed flyers, for you to hand out, have already been made. The plan is to knock on doors in the neighborhoods surrounding CenterCross en masse and introduce ourselves. This is a great time to say hello, smile and hand them a flyer, and invite them over. Then, there are two ways you can help canvass. Participate in: 1) the 10 day blitz, spread over the ten days prior to Easter and/or 2) two Saturdays in April (the 2nd & 9th), where you can help with either a morning or an afternoon shift. The second need is for volunteers to help in the service at CenterCross during Saturday evening church, with the exception of our opening service on Easter morning. Volunteers are still needed in several areas for a minimum of 6 months (or more as needed). An informational meeting, 4:30 & 5:30 p.m. in the Parlor, will be held this Sunday, March 27, and you can sign up in your LIFE Group to attend the meeting.

3. Scholarships Available! Going to OBU this fall? FBC members can qualify for scholarships. Baptist Seminary students preparing for the mission field may also qualify. Scholarships are offered through the Women’s Missionary Union. Please contact the Church Office, 918-518-1571, for more information.

4. The 9th Annual FBC Outreach Luncheon will be held on Thursday, April 14. There will be two settings for lunch, 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., to serve the needy in our community. Your help is needed in serving food and drinks, serving as a van driver/rider, greeter, clean-up person, commitment advisor, and/or being a miscellaneous helper. Childcare for babies through Pre-K will be available for volunteers, reservations required, by calling the Children's Ministry Office at 918-594-5028. Sign up for this wonderful opportunity in your LIFE Groups on March 27, April 3 and 10, or by calling the Community Ministries Office at 918-594-5073.

Wednesday Night Meal for March 30
Fried Catfish, Creamy Au-Gratin Potatoes, Coleslaw, Hushpuppies and Orange Dump Cake

Adult PROTOS Courses
The following PROTOS courses for Adults are now meeting on Sunday evenings:
i) The Good, The Bad, and The-ology meets in Room 448 North from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
ii) The Big Picture: A Fast Moving Look at 20 Centuries of Christian History meets in Room 410 North from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
iii) Momentum: Building the Kingdom Debt Free meets in the Fellowship Hall from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Missions
This coming Sunday will be the last day for our March Mission Action Project emphasis on DaySpring Villa. DaySpring Villa is a domestic violence and homeless shelter for women and their children. This ministry provides for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of these women in crisis. At this writing, 395 women have come to Christ at DaySpring and many more have reaffirmed their faith. You can help by restocking paper products like toilet paper, diapers, pull-ups, and feminine hygiene items. You can also donate your used cell phones for fundraising purposes and remember that volunteers are always needed. For more information, please contact Wilma Lively at 918- 245-4075.

Preschool Ministry
1. The 2011 Jelly Bean Jump will be held on Saturday, April 16, 10:00 to 11:30. This event is for all preschoolers and their families and will be held in the FBC Student Gym. There will be inflatables, games, an egg hunt and much more. Reservations are not required, but if you need more information, please call 918-594-5028.

2. Enrollment is now open to the community for the First Steps Summer and Fall sessions! First Steps is a part-time developmental preschool for babies (6 mos.) through Pre-Kindergarten. For an enrollment form or for more information, please call 918-594-5028.

Calendar Highlights for April
2 Canvassing at CenterCross Church–9 am to 12 & 12 to 4 pm
Orientation Meeting at CenterCross Church–5 to 6:30 pm
3 Men’s Softball Sign-up begins
9 Canvassing at CenterCross Church–9 am to 12 & 12 to 4 pm
Workday at CenterCross Church–9 am to 1 pm
10 First Glance Class #1
Children’s New Christians’ Class
VIP Orientation
Evangelism Meeting
Mission Meeting
Pastor’s Evangelism Training
12 Encore: Senior Day Out at Tulakogee
13 10 Day Blitz at Center Cross Church–5 to 7 pm
14 Outreach Luncheon–11 am & 12:30 pm
Caring Center closed
Finance Committee
15 Adult Spring Spectacular
16 Preschool Jellybean Jump–10 am
17 Palm Sunday
First Glance Class #2
WMU Council Meeting
18 Deacons’ Meeting
21 Easter Event & Communion–6 pm
Students’ David Crowder Concert
22 Good Friday
Church Offices closed
23 Open House at CenterCross Church–11:30 am to 6 pm
24 Easter
Service at CenterCross Church–10 am
Spring Attendance Emphasis
No PM Activities
27 Administrative Assistants’ Day
Quarterly Business Meeting–6 pm
28 Caring Center Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon
29-30 BGCO’s Men’s Retreat at Falls Creek

Prayer Requests for the week of March 20

'The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces great results' James 5:16

Thank you for lifting these requests to the Father this week.

Sarah Smith - Sarah has a new career opportunity to decide upon. Pray for wisdom and discernment from God to make the right decision.

Marella Diaz - They have friends and missionary families in Japan and do not know if they were affected by the earthquake and tsunami. Pray for their safety and that people will be willing to go door to door to tell the people about Jesus Christ.

Amy Dale - Amy's friend, Brittany, is living in Japan. Pray for her saftey.
Also, the Dales have dear friends who have been trying to adopt. They had prepared and were supposed to get a set of newborn twins on Sunday but they found out late Saturday night that the babies were going to be placed instead with the birth mom's family. This couple is heartbroken. This is the second time since Christmas that they have not gotten an expected baby.

Courtney Langley - Courtney is looking for a new job but in the meantime is now having to pick up Meth labs as part of her responsibility with her current job. Pray for her protection and also that God will send her a new opportunity soon.


Elmores - Our daughter, Kelly, returned from Guatemala on Saturday with the youth mission team, and she is very sick. She went to the dr today who is running tests but thinks she might have a parasite. Please pray for effective treatment and that she'll feel much better really soon.
Also our 21 year old nephew, who is a really good kid, was arrested last week. Long story but a young man he had given a ride to Walmart, ended up robbing someone while Michael was putting gas in his car. Michael didn't know what had happened and drove the kid home. Of course, he's now been charged with being an accomplice. He's scared to death. Pray that the truth will prevail and that the charges against him will be dropped. Pray for his mom Mary (Jim's sister) as she tries to help him.

STAY THE COURSE: How can I be prepared to endure life's difficult days?

This week, read 4 Peter 1-19 (NIV ©2011):

Living for God
1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Suffering for Being a Christian
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[a]
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20peter%204:1-19&version=NIV

Announcements

1. FBC’s Volunteer Information Link is now up! You can now go to the front page of the church’s website, www.tulsafbc.org, and follow the Volunteer link to submit a request for information concerning areas in which you are interested in volunteering.
2. This Sunday, March 20, the second session of the Pastor-led First Glance Class will be held, 9:45 to 10:45 a.m., in the Church Parlor.
3. The Singing ChurchWomen of Oklahoma will present a concert on Tuesday, March 22, 7:00 p.m., at Woodland Acres Baptist Church in Tulsa. The SCW, now in their 22nd year, will be presenting music that “Tells the Story of Jesus”. The concert includes traditional and contemporary anthem arrangements, as well as dramatic scripture readings, that emphasize the gospel story. There is no admission charge.
4. A Called Business Meeting will be held on Sunday, March 27, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. There will be two purposes for this called meeting:
a) consider calling Bryan Intemann to a combination Minister of Missions & Campus Pastor position; and
b) consider scholarships for several students attending Oklahoma Baptist University.
5. CenterCross Church has been in the planning stages for months and now you are being invited to help put these plans in motion. The first area where help is needed is in door-to-door canvassing. The purpose of the canvassing is to get the word out about the opening of CenterCross and to invite residents to the Open House Easter Egg Hunt for games, fun, giveaways, food and tours of the church. Detailed flyers, for you to hand out, have already been made. The plan is to knock on doors in the neighborhoods surrounding CenterCross en masse and introduce ourselves. This is a great time to say hello, smile and hand them a flyer, and invite them over. Then, there are two ways you can help canvass. Participate in: 1) the 10 day blitz, spread over the ten days prior to Easter and/or 2) two Saturdays in April (the 2nd & 9th), where you can help with either a morning or an afternoon shift. The second need is for volunteers to help in the service at CenterCross during Saturday evening church, with the exception of our opening service on Easter morning. Volunteers are still needed in several areas for a minimum of 6 months (or more as needed). Please consider being at an informational meeting that will be held on Sunday, March 27. If you are interested, please sign up in LIFE Groups or at the CenterCross tables, On Sunday, March 20 only, in the Detroit Lobby.
6. Scholarships Available! Going to OBU this fall? FBC members can qualify for scholarships. Baptist Seminary students preparing for the mission field may also qualify. Scholarships are offered through the Women’s Missionary Union. Please contact the Church Office, 918-581-1571, for more information.

Faith Under Fire: Relationships
The topic for our discussion this week was holiness -- who sets the standard and what God expects from us. Consider this quote:

[Holy] sums up everything that makes God who He is -- unique from everything and everyone else … God’s holiness reminds us that He is completely and perfectly pure, without spot or blemish. -- Michael Kelley

The first week of this lesson series, we were asked to meditate. I suggested you try this after reading 1 Peter 1:8-9 (MSG):

You never saw him, yet you love him. You still don't see him, yet you trust him -- with laughter and singing. Because you kept on believing, you'll get what you're looking forward to: total salvation.

This week we were asked find a chance to talk with our spouse about God and your own ideas about your relationship with God.
For this Sunday, we will take a look at 1 Peter, and how it addresses our relationships, with our Neighbors, our Family, and our Community. Read 1Peter 2:11 – 1 Peter 3:22 and think about your relationships. Now, when you get to 1 Peter 3, don’t stop reading. If your version turns you off, try a different version. May I suggest you read the Message. You can follow the link below to Biblegateway.com and easily change the version.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20peter%202:11-3:22&version=NIV
I hope to see you this Sunday. With everything that is happening in the World, remember, God who created everything is still in control of His creation. Keep praying for each other, caring for each other and take care of your families. John
Doing LIFE together.
Homebuilders LIFE Group: Learning the Scripture / Involvement in Service / Fellowship – Sharing Life / Evangelism of Seekers

Prayer Requests for the week of March 13th

Thank you for faithfully praying for these prayer requests among our class members.

Guatemala Mission Trip - Pray for safety for the team and that many souls will be saved as a result of their work their this week. Everyone arrived safely yesterday and they left Guatemala City this morning for the small town where they will be ministering for the rest of the week.

Zacharys- Tim's friend, Jason, lost his job last week for no apparent reason. Please pray he finds another job very soon.

Dolans-Amy Hays, Andrea's sister, was bitten by a tick and may possibly have Lyme disease. Please pray an accurate, speedy diagnosis and complete healing.

Elmores - A friend from one of our former churches, Bill Tolles, had a tear of the aorta in his heart and has suffered two subsequent strokes that has left both sides of his body impaired. His condition is very critical and the degree of his brain damage has not been determined yet due to massive swelling in his brain. Please pray for God's will for Bill's life and comfort for his wife, Melinda and daugher, Ashley. Bill is 53.

Langleys - Courtney's sister, Chelsey, visited in our class yesterday. What a praise to see how God has restored her health. Chelsey asked us to pray for some of their family members; Kristina Barrett & family and also Caleb Hansen who is serving in Afghanistan.

Prayer Requests for the week of March 6th

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we can think or ask, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever. Amen!' Ephesians 3:20,21

Whitakers - Pray for Aaron as he leaves for Army training beginning in June. Also for Lynsi as she stays here with the children during that time. They will eventually be relocating to the Washington, DC area once Aaron is assigned.

Tomberlins - Justin asked us to pray for discernment from the Lord concerning a possible new opportunity for his company. Pray they will know for certain God's plan.

Ingrams - Continue to pray for Terry's grandpa who is recovering from a stroke. Also Terry asked us to pray for the 'In His Grip' golf tournament that will take place in May. It is a wonderful outreach opportunity that has resulted in salvations in the past. Pray that those God wants involved will be willing to participate and that new souls will be won for His kingdom.

Osborns - Ashlee's aunt, Beverly Baskins, was hosptialized yesterday with some serious breathing difficulties. Pray the doctors will be able to diagnose her problem and effectively treat it early this week. Her son is getting married on Friday so pray she will be better and will be able to attend.

CONFIDENT LIVING IN DIFFICULT TIMES
March is a study of 1 Peter. We’ll discover why we can remain confident in the face of adversity, what that looks like, and how we can prepare ourselves for a lifetime of confident living in difficult times.

This Sunday:
FAITH UNDER FIRE: Why should we remain confident during difficult times?
“In Christ, we have the most reliable and fail-proof resources at our disposal.”
Read 1 Peter 1:1-12 (MSG):

1-2 I, Peter, am an apostle on assignment by Jesus, the Messiah, writing to exiles scattered to the four winds. Not one is missing, not one forgotten. God the Father has his eye on each of you, and has determined by the work of the Spirit to keep you obedient through the sacrifice of Jesus. May everything good from God be yours!
A New Life
3-5 What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you'll have it all—life healed and whole.
6-7 I know how great this makes you feel, even though you have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime. Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it's your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory.
8-9 You never saw him, yet you love him. You still don't see him, yet you trust him—with laughter and singing. Because you kept on believing, you'll get what you're looking forward to: total salvation.
10-12 The prophets who told us this was coming asked a lot of questions about this gift of life God was preparing. The Messiah's Spirit let them in on some of it—that the Messiah would experience suffering, followed by glory. They clamored to know who and when. All they were told was that they were serving you, you who by orders from heaven have now heard for yourselves—through the Holy Spirit—the Message of those prophecies fulfilled. Do you realize how fortunate you are? Angels would have given anything to be in on this!
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter%201:1-12&version=MSG

Remember, God who created everything is still in control of His creation. Keep praying for each other, caring for each other and take care of your families. John
Doing LIFE together.
Homebuilders LIFE Group: Learning the Scripture / Involvement in Service / Fellowship – Sharing Life / Evangelism of Seekers

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Men’s Breakfast
This Saturday, March 5th, 9:00 AM, at Canyon Crossing Retreat Center, 1651 E. Old North Road, Sand Springs, OK. $5.00 at the door.

2. For Sunday, March 6
(a) Dr. David Whitlock, President of Oklahoma Baptist University, will be our guest preacher in both morning worship services. After the late worship service, there will be a lunch where you will have an opportunity to meet Dr. Whitlock as well as hear about some of the programs at OBU. This lunch and meeting time is open to any one interested in learning more about OBU, especially to students and their parents. The price of the luncheon will be around $7 to $10. For more information, please call Kristin White at 594-5073.
(b) The Baylor Accapella Choir will perform a concert in our Worship Center at 7:00 p.m. This concert will follow the PROTOS hour for adults, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

3. On Sunday, March 13, the next session of our Pastor’s First Glance Class will begin. If you have recently joined or have been visiting FBC Tulsa and wish to take a closer look at this fellowship of believers, please make your reservation for the March sessions of First Glance by calling the Pastor’s Office at 594-5019. The two sessions, ending March 20, will meet in the Church Parlor at 9:45 a.m. and will be led by Pastor Deron Spoo.

4. Volunteers Needed at The Springs! The Springs need children’s workers to assist in the children’s ministry for the month of March. Many of The Springs workers have March conflicts and therefore there is a great need people to help. The children’s area is solid, growing regularly, and there is anticipated growth through Easter. Training will be provided for all volunteers. For more information, please contact Cindy Perryman at cksheep@aol.com or Eric Barron at ebarron@tulasfbc.org.

5. Wednesday Night Meal for March 9
Pork-chops, Scalloped Potatoes, Spinach, Roll, and Apple Dumplings

6. Community Ministry
URGENT: The Caring Center needs new or gently used men’s jeans, casual slacks and shoes. The shelves are almost empty, so please drop off your donations at the Caring Center .

7. Missions
Our March Mission Action Project focuses on DaySpring Villa. DaySpring Villa is a domestic violence and homeless shelter for women and their children. This ministry provides for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of these women in crisis. At this writing, 395 women have come to Christ at DaySpring and many more have reaffirmed their faith. You can help by restocking paper products like toilet paper, diapers, pull-ups, and feminine hygiene items. You can also donate your used cell phones for fundraising purposes and remember that volunteers are always needed. For more information, please contact Wilma Lively at 918- 245-4075.

8. Preschool Ministry
Enrollment has now opened to the community for the First Steps Summer and Fall sessions! First Steps is a part-time developmental preschool for babies (6 mos.) through Pre-Kindergarten. For an enrollment form or for more information, please call 918-594-5028.

Prayer Requests

“Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law.” Galatians 6:2 (MSG)
Please remember these who are in need of our prayers and support.
-Pray for God to heal these friends and family:
Terry’s grandpa is recovering from a mild stroke last week.
A family friend of Terry’s had a heart attack and bypass surgery.
A co-worker of Courtney’s also had a heart attack last week.
-Maggie will be traveling this week and Brandon will be taking care of the girls.
-Pray for the Lord’s direction with a new possible job opportunity for Stacy.
-Pray for the Lord’s protection and guidance as Courtney is facing reassignment in her job. Pray for a new opportunity to arise.