"For one night she feels normal"
The disco ball is spinning, the music is loud, and the room is full of about 600 teenagers and chaperones. Anywhere across the country this looks like an ordinary prom, but here, just this one night of the year, it's anything but ordinary - it's actually extraordinary, and it's called the Joy Prom. This is a night where teenagers at First Jackson throw the biggest prom in the city as a gift to the dozens of special needs teenagers and young adults who have never had the opportunity to attend a prom.
"This is better than any prom in our schools," says Mary Beth Stevens, a senior at Madison Ridgeland Academy, who has helped host the Joy Prom for the last five years. "When we are all in the ballroom (which is actually the church's large fellowship hall) dancing, there is really nothing more fun in the world that that."
"I wouldn't trade anything in the world for the joy that I get from watching my daughter being treated so special by typical kids on a night like this," says Barbara Hamilton, whose daughter Lindsey has attended the prom for the last few years. "Just this one night, she feels like everybody else and she gets to feel like she's a normal child. Watching our daughter go on a date makes us so proud and we're so thankful that we live in a community that goes out of its way to host an event like this."
This year's Joy Prom will be held on Friday night, April 21, at First Jackson. Hundreds of students and volunteers will once again make this a night full of memories; good memories that they will cherish forever.
Read the full article.
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Third graders learning to trust each other through the 'trust game'.
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When third graders at First Jackson convene on Sunday mornings, there is no limit to the conversation. "Mr. Bubba, should we pray for the constitution?", asks one third grader. "We should always pray for our elected officials whether we like them or not," replies Mr. Bubba. Bubba Walker has been teaching our kids now for four years at First Jackson. He's there when the doors open and makes a point to know something special about every child in his class.
"We love it when one of our friends gets baptized in here," says Dorothy Carter. "That's my favorite part." Bubba Walker, along with his co-teachers Doris Dixon and Natalie Gibbs, faithfully teach the Gospel every week in this class. The class is made up of kids from at least six different schools in the Jackson Metro area which means that kids get to know other kids from places other than school. "I love that there are kids who don't go to my school in here," say Dorothy. "We love to have visitors so that we can learn more about them, too."
Read the full story.
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Denmark is often cited as the happiest country in the world, but the truth is, there is a great void in the country, where only a small percentage of the population has accepted Christ.
In a few weeks, Casey and Scott Tuminello and their three daughters will answer the call to "Go" as they move to Copenhagen to serve as IMB church planters.
Casey said as they prayed about their next assignment, that they felt a peace about going there, and that doors opened to what seemed to be a direct path leading to Copenhagen.
Because they are going somewhere that is "easy to live," Casey said that people tend to forget that you are on the mission field and don't pray.
But Denmark is a mission field. While many people belong to the national church, for most that is in name only, and only 1% of the population is Christian. Conversation with the Danes is difficult, too, and Casey said it takes time to build the relationships needed for these conversations.
When asked what experiences from serving in Thailand she thinks will carry over to serving in Denmark, Casey shared "I did not want to go to Thailand. I really wrestled with God and had to surrender. Once we were there, I realized you don't have to be 100% on board. It's the recognition that God is sovereign. He knows best and knows what the outcome is going to be. We saw Thais come to Christ. That's why we were there."
Casey will be speaking at the WMU First Tuesday meeting on March 7, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel Parlor. All women are welcome!
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Forever Free
There is Light in darkness and if you will pray, think, and practice, God's peace can be yours in your anxiety.
According to the American Psychological Association, our country has never been more anxious. Burdens are abounding; whether it be our jobs or economy, the results of the election, our future. According to a recent document from this organization, the millennial generation is the most anxious generation in the history of our country. Anxiety is mounting because, according to the APA, our country's behavior is being driven not by reality but by their perceptions. For the first time since they've been studying anxiety in our culture, more and more people are are holding on to and making decisions based upon perception, not reality, and that has drastic implications for your behavior. So if you are struggling with a very real anxiety you need to know that there is an answer from a very real Savior, God himself. Pray, think, and practice.
Watch the message from Philippians 4:5-9.
(from the series Forever Free, God's Answers for your Burdens)
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The Next Generation
One of the core values of First Jackson is to build Biblical homes. "Anyone can have a house but few people can have a home.
The next governor of Mississippi, or the next President of the United States may be up here," said Dr. Matt Brooks as he challenged us to grow disciples to live like Jesus in this generation like never before. First Jackson is committed to reaching the next generation for Christ.
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Little Feet Raises $67,998
for Local Missions
Little Feet Consignment Sale had another successful event raising funds for mission last weekend, with $67,998.41 earned to support City Church, Buried Treasures, and other local missions.
With each sale, the Little Feet team looks for new ways to connect with guests. New this year were small cards given to guests that asked "How can we pray for you?" About 800 cards were given out, opening the doors for many conversations and prayers for and with those attending.
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THIS SUNDAY, March 5
@ First Baptist Jackson
MULTIPLY DISCIPLES TO LIVE LIKE JESUS
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SUNDAY MORNING
Worship | Sanctuary | 10:30 am
Message: Dr. Matt Brooks
New Series: Join the Team
Matthew 16:24
Sunday School | 9:00 am
Connect with Christ-Centered Community
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SUNDAY NIGHT
Student Worship Arts | 4:30 pm
Fourth Floor | 7th-12th Grades
First Family Worship | 6:00 pm
Fellowship Hall East
Sermon Series: Growing True Disciples
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
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Upcoming events at First Baptist Jackson
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Hope Cancer Conference
Saturday, March 4
Hosted by First Baptist Church Jackson, the Hope Conference is a community education event for cancer patients, survivors, family, friends, and caregivers. |
Click for Details
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Cultivate | A Women's Gathering
March 31 & April 1
Cultivate is a relational, down-to-earth women's event featuring Bible teacher Kelly Minter. Expect God's Word to be the centerpiece, guided
prayer times to enrich your community, and the invitation to put faith in action
(because God's heart is for the poor and forgotten). |
Click for Details
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Just Ahead
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