Please take a moment to read about some of the many ways God is moving at First Baptist Oviedo!
India Mission Trip -August, 2012
Five team members traveled to New Delhi, India to work with our mission’s partner, Rod Gilbert and 120 of his top leaders. Just last year, Rod’s team led their respective churches to more than 53,000 baptisms and 520 new church starts.
Our main goal was to lead a two-day conference in leadership and discipleship training. Using material from our mentoring program, we presented a condensed version of “Disciplines of a Godly Man” and a full day of leadership lessons produced by our Pastor. Our objective was to provide tools for these men as they fill God’s mission in the second-most populated nation in the world. We also had the privilege to lead them in their day-long worship service. What a blessing to worship with our brothers and sisters in Christ!
During our stay in India, God protected us through a flash flood that devastated the town where we were staying. The flood resulted, sadly, in loss of life and though we experienced several feet of water in our hotel rooms, God protected our team from harm. We appreciate the prayers of the church and the blessings of God that sustained us throughout our mission trip.
Visit the Image Gallery!
Freedom Celebration '12 "Free Indeed" - July 1, 2012
Freedom Celebration is always a much anticipated annual event at First Baptist Oviedo. July 1, 2012 was certainly no different! The Orchestra kicked off the identical 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. services with “Sing, Sing, Sing,” which got everyone’s toes tapping. We honored our Servicemen and women both past and present along with those family members at home who waited for their safe return. We also honored those heroes who paid the ultimate price and did not make it home. Pastor gave an inspirational message on freedom and we were once again reminded that “He who the Son sets free is free indeed!” The service ended with a firework display that sent us out proud to be Americans and overjoyed with how God has incredibly blessed this nation! Visit the Image Gallery!
World Changers - June 2012
In June, we took 31 eighth graders and adult leaders down to Ft. Pierce, Florida, to serve as a part of World Changers Mission Camp. Over the course of the week, we were a part of 17 different work groups, painted houses, worked in shelters, hosted a block party, shared 227 gospel presentations, and witnessed 25 people accept Christ as their Lord and Savior! It's amazing to see God work through students in such incredible ways! Visit the Image Gallery!
ESL - Pot Luck Dinner - May 22, 2012
Who is my neighbor? Teachers and students explored this question at the end-of-the-year dinner. Students experienced an American-style Pot Luck Dinner, except that the foods they brought were those customary in their countries, 31 countries were represented. After dinner each student was presented with a Certificate of Completion. Visit the Image Gallery!
Easter Sunday - April 8, 2011
Easter Sunday was a glorious day of rejoicing. We held identical services at 9:00 and 11 a.m. in which the Worship Arts team brought a special Easter presentation entitled “It Is Finished!” Dr. Mercer preached an encouraging message with the theme of “Hope Again!” It was a wonderful day as we worshipped our risen Savior and Lord!. Visit the Image Gallery!
Christmas Day - December 25, 2011
Christmas Sunday - Christmas Day - The kids are up early, tearing through the presents on Christmas morning; families are gathered in homes celebrating with Christmas dinner that afternoon. And nestled perfectly in the middle of the day, late that morning, we’ll gather for worship on Christmas Day.
What a blessed occasion we have this year at Christmas to worship the King of kings and Lord of lords on Christmas Day, December 25, with a single, combined service at 10:30 a.m. The entire Church family and community will come together for Christmas Worship on this, the most wonderful day of the holiday season.Don’t miss Christmas Sunday Worship at First Baptist Oviedo! Visit the Image Gallery!
Christmas Eve - December 24, 2011
Christmas Eve Services - Christmas Eve is one of the most cherished evenings at First Baptist Oviedo. This year will be no different. It will be a very special evening filled with song and Scripture as we reflect on the birth of our Savior. It is a perfect opportunity to invite family and friends as we draw closer to Jesus, who released all His rights as God to live among us, through worship and a message from our Pastor. These candlelight services will be held at bot 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. Childcare will be provided for children up to three years old. We look forward to worshipping with you. Visit the Image Gallery!
"The Christmas Letters" - December 11, 2011
The Christmas Letters - In celebration of the birth of our Savior, the Worship Arts Ministry presented “The Christmas Letters,” a Christmas production. We travelled to the early 1940’s when our country was at the center of World War II and followed the Williams family; a close but un-churched family of three whose military father is suddenly shipped off to war during the Christmas season. In the midst of this trying time, we invited our audience to take a personal glimpse into the lives of this family through a series of letters as they embarked upon a journey and discovered the true meaning of Christmas. Through live music featuring the choir, orchestra, and band along with many other elements throughout the production, we explored Christmas from an unexpected point of view. Visit the Image Gallery!
"The Best Christmas Present Ever!" - December 4, 2011
The Best Christmas Present Ever! - On December 4, 2011 our Church Family and friends watched as our WIRED Children’s Choir said, "Happy Birthday, Jesus!'" Our WIRED Pre-K and Kindergarten Choirs sang followed by the Elementary WIRED Choir who presented "The Best Christmas Present Ever!" After the musical, many headed over to the CLC for food, fun and fellowship. There were exciting birthday activities and yummy snacks. It was a wonderful way for all to begin the Christmas season. Visit the Image Gallery!
"The Cross and the Towers" - September 11, 2011
The Cross and the Towers - The date ‘September 11, 2001’ evokes many deep-seated feelings in each of our hearts. It was truly one of those days where we all remember where we were…what we were doing…how we felt. This year, on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we took time to honor the memory of the fallen and consider the impact that day had on our country for generations to come. “September 11: The Cross and The Towers” was presented at First Baptist Oviedo in both the 9:30am and 11:00am Worship services. Through video and song we reflected on how God has brought us through the darkest of days as a nation. We honored our local firefighters, policemen, and EMTs who put their lives on the line every day to ensure the safety of our community. We also honored our local community servants. It is only fitting that we share with them our heartfelt thanks. It was a truly unique and touching service. Visit the Image Gallery!
"Freedom Celebration" - July 3, 2011
Freedom Celebration - This year’s “Freedom Celebration” proved to be a day to remember. The orchestra began getting everyone in a festive mood by playing “Sing, Sing, Sing,” a catchy Benny Goodman tune. The choir and orchestra continued the celebration by leading everyone in songs that honored God and all He has done in blessing our Country. Having a W.I.R.E.D. children’s ensemble join in on “This Land Is Your Land,” was a special treat. We saluted our military by recognizing each branch. We also honored past Medal of Honor Recipients and heard their stories through a powerful video presentation. Kyle Carden wrote a special song for the occasion titled “Freedom’s Song.” He performed it live and many hearts were moved. We were then touched by a special segment, “Scenes Through History,” where we were reminded of important events in our lifetimes such as V-J Day, the Challenger Disaster, and the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks. Dr. Mercer then brought a powerful message and the service concluded by singing about Jesus’ return. We were reminded of how much God has blessed our country and how much we have to be thankful for! Visit the Image Gallery!
"Christmas in August" - August 24, 2011
Christmas in August - Over 100 folks attended a party for the Worship Arts Ministry of FBCO on August 24, to experience the unveiling of the Christmas Production for 2011. Hundreds of Christmas cookies and treats were enjoyed by all and a fun atmosphere of expectancy was in the air. Since that time a whole lot of work has been put into this year's Christmas Production from the Choir, Orchestra, Band, Tech Team, volunteers and Worship Arts Ministry Staff. You will definitely want to invite your friends, relatives, neighbors and co-workers to attend either the 3:30pm or 6:00pm presentation of 'The Christmas Letters' on Sunday, December 11. VVisit the Image Gallery!
"WELCOME HOME" Homecoming - NOVEMBER, 2011
"Welcome Home" Homecoming 2011 - “A good time was had by all.” That common phrase described Sunday, November 13, at the First Baptist Oviedo Homecoming. Current and former church members gathered for a time of inspired worship, delicious food and lots of fun “after church” activities. The day before, on a perfect fall morning, fifty three people teed off on a golf outing, while others joined together to go to “Great Day in the Country.” There is nothing better than a group of believers and friends coming together to celebrate all God has done in and for our church over the years and continues to do today. God is good! Visit the Image Gallery!
AWANA GRAND PRIX - NOVEMBER, 2011
Gentleman Start Your Engines! Well it may not have been as dramatic as that, but it was just as much fun as the Awana T&T clubbers gathered for the annual Grand Prix. With over 70 entries, it was a night of family fun as kids raced the cars they had cut out of a block of wood. The competed in the two categories of speed and design. In the picture are our winners, from left to right (For design- Ariana Mosino, 3rd place-Jessica Witt, 1st place-Dallas Twiford, 2nd place/For speed- Conner Darby, 2nd place-Jake Steinebronn, 1st place-Kayla Haywood, 3rd place). Visit the Image Gallery!
EMERGE CAR BASH 2011 - OCTOBER 5, 2011
The Emerge Car Bash 2011 was one to remember! Hundreds of middle school students came out to smash some cars, climb a wall, ride a hayride and more! We praise God for the more than 60 new students that were exposed to Jesus and Emerge through this event. Most importantly, the gospel was shared and 15 students made first-time decisions for Christ! Check out these pictures to get a taste of the event. Visit the Image Gallery!
SENIOR ADULT MISSION TRIP TO ISRAEL - MAY, 2011
A team of nine worked in the land of Israel, home to nearly eight million Jews and Muslims. We brought a loving touch to those struggling through dialysis, cheered up many adult patients facing difficult times in their lives, brought joy to lots of precious boys and girls in the pediatric unit, and ministered to the staff that serves them so faithfully. We were also able to pray individually with many of the patients, which was a blessing to both them and us. Visit the Image Gallery!
STUDENT SPRING BREAK MISSION TRIP TO ISRAEL - MARCH, 2011
During March of 2011, a team of twelve students and four adults traveled to the southern part of Israel. This was the first ever student team from our church to work in Israel. For five days, we worked in a Bedouin High School, helping small groups of their students with their English vocabulary and composition. Each team member worked with the same students each day. By the end of the week, natural barriers had been broken down and real relationships formed to allow for deep discussions about the Gospel. For many of these students, our team was the first group of Christians they had ever encountered. We will never forget the experience and the friendships established that week. Visit the Image Gallery!
MINUTE MADNESS - MARCH 2, 2011
On March 2, hundreds of middle school students from around the area came out for the Minute Madness event at Emerge. The students participated in various contests, including a Slam Dunk competition, football skills, skateboard tricks, turkey bowling and numerous Minute-To-Win-It games. It was a great chance for students from all backgrounds to join together in the excitement and be exposed to Christ through both a gospel presentation and our people. We praise God for the decisions made and the seeds planted that night. Visit the image gallery!
LEADERSHIP ROCKS - FEBRUARY 4, 2011
Leadership Rocks 2011 proved to be the largest turn out ever for our student ministry at a winter retreat. Over 200 middle school and high school students from FBCO left the conference excited, encouraged, and equipped to live for Christ. With over 700 people in attendance and our beautiful new worship center, the manager of Kristian Stanfill said that FBCO has one of the top worship venues in the country! The theme from this year’s conference was “Freedom in Christ,” and students learned not simply what to think, but rather how to think on the thousands of grey areas in life that surround our students every day. Students received a Biblical decision filter to help discern God’s will and a decision grid to help navigate through everyday life. Visit the image gallery!
HE IS CHRISTMAS - DECEMBER 24, 2010
Over a thousand candles illuminated the Worship Center at First Baptist Oviedo on Christmas Eve at each of the two afternoon services. We had a great time as Rick Ray, our Executive Pastor, read a colorful children´s storybook, with children gathered all around, telling about the birth of our King, Jesus. At various times throughout the book, the story came to life on a huge screen. The presence of God's Spirit was evident in the beatiful music, candle lighting and the message from Pastor Mercer explaining the simple, yet powerful story about why "He is Christmas."
A BABY CHANGES EVERYTHING - DECEMBER 12, 2010
December 12, 2010 was an incredible worship time in the life of our church family. Our Worship & Arts Department presented our Christmas program, "A Baby Changes Everything." This creative telling of the Christmas story from Luke 2 was one of our biggest musical and technical undertakings to date. It was a blessing to have the combined gifts and talents of our 9:30 and 11:00 Worship Ministries and Technical Arts staff and volunteers while reaching out to our community and utilizing the talent of students from UCF and members of the Oviedo High School Band. It was a great day to celebrate and remember that the Baby Jesus truly did change everything!
A W.I.R.E.D. FAMILY CHRISTMAS - DECEMBER 5, 2010
On December 5, 2010 our WIRED children’s choir kicked off the Christmas season with their production, “A WIRED Christmas.” They sang along as Charlie Brown searched for the true meaning of Christmas. When Charlie Brown’s hope to weed through the commercialism seems gone his best friend, Linus, tells him the story of Jesus’ birth. Our WIRED kids showed us through song that Jesus is the true meaning of Christmas and is the best gift of all! After the show the celebration continued with a fellowship in the Christian Life Center. Cookie decorating, crafts, face painting and a live Nativity ensured that a great time was had by all!
UCF GAMEDAY/FOOD PACKING EVENT - NOVEMBER 13, 2010
For the second year in a row, our church served as the Game Day Sponsors for the last UCF home game of the season. While we were able to hand out 10,000 cups and 10,000 sets of Thunderstix to help invite people to our church, the most exciting part of the day was leading the way in packing almost 100,000 meals for Kids Against Hunger. These meals will feed thousands of starving children in Haiti.
KIDS FUN FEST CARNIVAL - OCTOBER 31, 2010
Kids Funfest Carnival-We often here the term, “It was a God Thing”. That is a true statement about the Funfest. With a small budget and only 7 weeks to organize and advertise it was a big task we faced. But God birthed the vision and we just tried to stay up with Him. He provided the organizational scheme, the workers needed, the candy (in abundance), the massive supply of cupcakes, the magician (who was booked till 2 weeks before funfest), an awesome concession team and all the other things needed to pull this event off. It was amazing how it came together, ‘A God Thing’. We know we handed out close to 600 packs of tickets to children for the games, but the crowd was estimated at between 1500 and 2000. It was as great time of family fun and fellowship and many from our community came to be loved on by our church. God is so Good!