HIGHLITES - First Baptist Church - Prattville

Open Letter from Dr. Jerry Pipes
Dear Friends,
Are you aware that the students of today are facing greater pressures than any previous generation?
Of the 30 million adolescents in America, more than 3.3 million of them are alcoholics; more than one million
teenage girls become pregnant outside of marriage annually, and more than one-half million of those
choose to end their pregnancy in abortion. Twenty-five percent of this year’s seventh graders will experience
at least one pregnancy before their teens. The suicide rate among students is up 200% in the past 20
years; one student in ten is at high risk. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among students.
Here is the greatest heartbreak of all. Eighty-eight percent of the students who are growing up in our evangelical
churches are leaving by age eighteen and not coming back. The current picture is bleak, but there is
hope if future parents, parents of children, and parents of teenagers accept their role in molding the values
of their children.
The values of the American student are being molded by television, movies, and music; this sad fact
should alarm every parent. The National Federation of Decency has reported that 80% of TV and movie
writers and producers believe in sex outside of marriage…72% accept homosexuality as an alternate lifestyle...over
90% discount the existence of a personal God that can be known, and further more, over 70%
deny the moral fabric that holds the family together.
I am excited about our opportunity to share Sunday, July 17, with you. We are going to discuss the role
of parents in the spiritual development of their children and teenagers, adolescent growth and development
and its impact on spiritual development, establishing identity and building self-esteem, parental control, and
building communication in the home.
While the problems that I have shared are teen-related, the solutions are not. If you are the parent of a
newborn, preschooler, or child - Time is of the essence! Regardless of the age of your children, please
make this a priority. I will not waste your time. One other thing - prayerfully invite and bring neighbors, coworkers,
and friends. We are all surrounded by hurting people who don’t care much about Jesus, but have
a spouse or child who is breaking their heart. You will be amazed at how many of these would come with
you if given the opportunity. See you there!
In Him,
Jerry Pipes
From the Desk of the Minister of Education
We’re just a month away from the start of a new school
year. (I hear the boos of kids and cheers of parents in the
distance.) That means that the fall schedule of activities at
FBC kicks off as well.
Since school starts later this year, the start dates for several
of our programs will be pushed back as well.
Here’s a list of important dates to place on your calendar:
August 8: Sunday School In-reach Night
August 14: Sunday School Promotion Day (a.m.)/ Church
at the Y (p.m.)
August 17: Children’s Choirs Kick-Off
August 21: Sunday School Mini-Ed Conference
August 24: Start of WNO
August 28: Kempter Family in Concert
September 11: Discipleship Training Begins
John
From the Desk of the Senior Adult Minister
Personal hearing
devices are now available
for use in our Worship
Center. They can
be checked out and returned
to the box in the
foyer. These devices are
very user friendly - one
dial for on/off and volume
adjustment. The
church will purchase
more devices as needed. Personal ear buds will
also be available for purchase. For more information
contact the church office at 365-0606.
Dave