Israel Trip: Walk Where Jesus Walked

This past January I had the incredible opportunity to take the trip of a lifetime. I was able to tour the Holy Land and walk where Jesus walked. Words cannot even begin to express how that trip has impacted my life. One of the most significant is how it has transformed the way I study the Bible. Whenever I read the Bible, I can visualize the places because I have been there.

The trip had such an impact that I would like to take a group January 8-17, 2018. I cannot express the excitement I feel preparing to spend several days "Walking Where Jesus Walked" with you. The journey will be educational, informational, but most of all inspirational! I assure you, nothing will do more for your spiritual growth than this time in His Land. Here are some of the places we will visit: Caesarea, Megiddo, Mt. Carmel, Tiberias, Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Caesarea Philippi, Mount of Olives, Gethsemane, Old City, Wailing Wall, Temple Mount, Southern Excavations, Masada, Qumran, Dead Sea, Garden Tomb.

If you are interested in this trip, I will host an informational meeting on June 11, at noon in fellowship hall. During this meeting, I will cover schedule, cost, and any other questions you have about the trip. I hope to see you there.

In Christ,
Mark Smith, Pastor of FBC Jacksonville, AR

What's Around the Corner?

I wanted to take a few moments to make sure you know what is coming in the next few months. As we approach the summer, many things are happening.

Backpacks
I hope you will continue to pray and give for our backpack giveaway at Pinewood Elementary for their Open House. We are asking you to give $11 per backpack to help those who need it. Since we are buying in bulk, we need the donations by the end of May. At this point, we have received enough to purchase 30 backpacks. We have a lot of work to do, but I know our church will come through.

Vacation Bible School
VBS is right around the corner. The theme this year is Galactic Starveyors, and the dates are June 11-15 from 6:00-8:30pm. You can register by clicking here.

M-Fuge
M-Fuge is a camp for our students, and it isn't too late to sign up. Please talk to Tim if you are interested. He is hosting a meeting this Sunday, May 21, after at noon.

Children's Camp
This is our first year taking children to camp. The dates are June 23-26, at Camp Paron. It is for children who have completed 3rd-5th grades, and the cost is $40 per child. Registration deadline is May 28, so please see Kerry if you are interested.

Wednesday Meal
Due to the kitchen staff's inability to consistently be here during the summer months, we will not have the Wednesday Night Meal June 14-July 26.

In Christ,
Mark Smith, Pastor of FBC Jacksonville, AR

Annual Backpack Giveaway

Over the past few years, we have collected backpacks filled with supplies to give to families as they start back to school. Last year we made a couple of changes for the better in how we organize our annual backpack giveaway. First, we adopted a local elementary school so we could specifically help one school. We are doing the same thing this year, but we will be at Pinewood Elementary School. We have begun a partnership with them, and this would be a blessing for them. Second, we collected money instead of individuals purchasing backpacks and supplies because we can order in bulk and have twice as many backpacks to give away. As we approach the Fall, we will let you know how you can specifically help at the event. Right now, we need to begin collecting the funds for the backpacks. To order in bulk, we need to place our order by June 10. I hope and pray you will consider giving for this opportunity. Each backpack you donate for costs $11.

In Christ,
Mark Smith, Pastor of FBC Jacksonville, AR