"The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations."  Psalm 98:2

Worship Services

    8:30 a.m. - Chapel

    9:40 a.m. - Journey, Chapel

    9:40 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. - Sanctuary

  11:00 a.m. Hispanic Service - Chapel

  Bible Study

   8:30 a.m. & 9:40 a.m.

 11:00 a.m. - College

  Evening Worship

   6:00 p.m. - Sanctuary

On February 1, 2012, Martha Spurling completes 26 years of faithful and excellent service as Administrative Assistant for the Dawson Music Ministry. Martha has decided to retire in order to spend more time with her family.

If you have ever called the Music Department on the phone, you have heard the cheerful and welcoming voice of Martha Spurling.  Martha has truly been "information central" and also the "heartbeat" of the Music Ministry. Always helpful, she knows the Music Ministry "inside out."

Across these 26 years, her husband Ron has been so very supportive of Martha's important role as she worked long hours.  Ron and Martha's adult children, David Spurling and Sherri Brown, both came up through the Music Ministry and were especially strong leaders in the Chapel Choir. Martha has participated faithfully as a member of the Sanctuary Choir.

Martha and Ron will continue to be active members of the Dawson Family of Faith.  They will have more time now to enjoy each other, their children, and their grandchildren.

Thank you, Martha Spurling.  We love and appreciate you greatly.

Our new Children's Building will have additional kiosks for our Sunday School security check-in system, called KidScan.  We need volunteers who can oversee and provide support for the kiosks (e.g. power up the kiosks, load paper in the printers, help parents check in) and who can assist the Welcome Desk volunteers who will also be using the system.  If you can volunteer for at least one hour each month during the 8:30 a.m. or 9:40 a.m. Sunday School hour, we'd love to have you join our team!

Sunday, February 19, 5:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall

The opening day of Kids Connection is drawing near and more volunteers are still needed.  All current and prospective volunteers are encouraged to attend a training session on Sunday, February 19 at 5:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.  This is an excellent opportunity for you to learn about Kids Connection and find out how you can serve.

January 29, 12:30 p.m.-2:30p.m., the Rogers' home

On July 13-21, 2012 Dawson will sponsor a church planting project in Urubamba, Peru.  To learn more about the trip, you are invited to a luncheon at the home of Bill and Paulette Rogers on Sunday, January 29.  Please note that this is an informational luncheon only.  Attendance does not commit you to sign up for the trip. We need non-medically trained, as well as, medically-trained volunteers.

Claudia Adame, a missionary with the e3 Partners organization that is coordinating this mission trip, will be at the luncheon to update us on the status of our mission site—Urubamba. This is an important small city strategically located in Peru’s Sacred Valley of Incas.  It is a region of great spiritual darkness, and e3 has not previously sent a medical mission team there.  At the meeting, we will discuss early logistical details to begin preparing for the trip.

If you can attend the luncheon, please RSVP to WRogers@uab.edu. 

Sunday, January 29, 5:00 p.m., Room 257 North

The Bedouin of Israel are classified as an unreached/least-reached people group.  They primarily live in the desert regions of Southern Israel (the Negev).  Today there are about 250,000 Bedouin in the Negev.  There is not a church among them. 

Dawson's team will be working with our representatives who work there full-time with the Bedouin.  Our host couple has invited us to help lead an English camp for about 50 Bedouin school-age children.  At the camp, the students will be broken into teams and we will teach them English through games, stories and crafts.  In addition, we will have large group meetings with singing and Bible stories. 

Our hope is that God will work through us as we serve and share the love of God with these children.  We also hope to continue to build credibility and stature in the community where our representatives live.  We are praying that God will use us to continue to lay the groundwork for the first indigenous church among the Bedouin people.

There will be an informational meeting this Sunday, January 29, at 5:00 p.m.  

If you are interested in learning more about the project, please contact Tim Simpson at tsimpson@eastwest.org.

Dates:  June 28 - July 8

Cost:  $2,500

Team Size:  15

Every Sunday afternoon children and youth in Dawson's Arabic Congregation meet for Bible Study in Room 100 West.  Volunteers are needed to serve occasionally as substitute teachers for these children.  English is the only language that is required.  If you could help or would like more information please contact Rola Emaish at rolabish@gmail.com.

Thursday, February 2, 5:30 p.m., Room 100 West

Dianne Daniels from Woman's Missionary Union, SBC, will focus our attention on the problem of human exploitation with a presentation titled, "Not in My Birmingham." How can Christians respond to this serious social issue which affects people all over the world and even in our own community? Find out how we can learn about the needs, pray for the victims, and help in tangible ways. Come for supper at 5:30 p.m. and the program which will begin around 6:15 p.m.

Dawson's ministry network for the work we do in Akot, South Sudan, is named Living Water Community Transformation. This network of churches and individuals is currently funding and directing three areas of ministry in Sudan. The first is the operation of two schools that have 450 students enrolled. The second is the sewing center which provides vocational training for women. The third is pastoral training for local pastors at the Baptist Training Center in Akot.  The most critical current need for our ministry partners in Sudan is pastoral training.

On February 21-22, a workshop will be held in Tucker, GA, to equip instructors in the pastor training curriculum used in Sudan.  If you would like to teach national pastors in Sudan, or if you want to get this training to see if this is something the Lord might lead you to do, please contact Ben Hale and learn more about this opportunity.

Sunday, January 29, 6:00 p.m., Sanctuary

This Sunday the Dawson Family of Faith will join together for worship featuring our guest, Michael Jr.  Serving God through the Dawson Family of Faith is a joy and brings laughter.  Don't believe it?  Then make sure you are here on January 29 to hear comedian Michael Jr. help you understand the joy and laughter of serving.  There will be a time of fellowship following the service.

The Dawson Family of Faith needs you! Volunteers are the heart of our Family and with our new family addition (The Arendall Children's Building), we need additional family members to help teach and lead our preschoolers, children and students.  Will you prayerfully consider volunteering? You will receive training, resources and be part of a teaching team. Please contact Jan Jones at jan.jones@dawsonchurch.org or 871-7324 to indicate your area of interest.

The Sanctuary Choir begins rehearsals this week for the music of the Lenten and Easter seasons.  On Palm Sunday night, April 1, the choir and orchestra will combine to lead a worship service based on the words of Christ.  The title of the program is "And Jesus Said..." 

The following Sunday, April 8, the choir and Brass Ensemble will lead the congregation in a thrilling Easter morning celebration. There are nine weekly rehearsals before Palm Sunday and Easter.  People who would like to sing in this special season are encouraged to join the choir this month.  Easter time will be especially meaningful to all who participate. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 6:15 p.m.-7:45 p.m. in the Choir Room.

Wednesdays, 6:15 p.m., 2nd Floor North

Generous Justice by Timothy Keller - This book study led by Dean Thornton continues through February 22 in Room 258 North.  the author presents the Bible as a fundamental source for promoting God's heart for justice and compassion to those in need - orphans, widows, and the poor.

Biblical Interpretation:  How Do You Interpret Scripture? - What are the different methods used to interpret Scripture? Look at the basic skills of biblical interpretation and apply these methods to some intriguing passages. This class, led by Todd Harrington, meets in Room 254 North.

Other Wednesday night Bible studies -

• K.E.Y. Bible Study - New Testament Letters
• "James:  Mercy Triumphs" (written by Beth Moore)
• Inductive Precept Study:  "Passing the Mantle"
• "How to Effectively Pray for Your Child"
• "Stepping Stone:  Building a Clear Path to Navigate Blending Families"
• "Have a New Kid by Friday" (written by Kevin Leman)

Sunday, January 29, 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m., Room 254 North

Is there room in your heart? Is there room in your home?  Are you interested in adoption or foster parenting?  If so, you are invited to an informational seminar on permanent adoption or temporary foster parenting.  Representatives from Alabama Children's Home and Lifeline Adoption will explain how you can help a child who needs a loving home.  For more information, please contact Debbie Moss at 871-7324 or debbie.moss@dawsonchurch.org.

January 29-February 26, Church Library, 2nd Floor East

The Preschool Reading Club for infants through kindergarten begins next Sunday in the Dawson Library.  This is a special time to read to your preschoolers at home and to encourage them to develop a love for reading!  Come by the Library next Sunday morning to register your child for the reading club and check out our selection of books and other media.  Children will receive a book bag, bookmark, and a reading record booklet to get started.  Library Hours are Sunday:  8:15 a.m.-11:00 a.m.; Tuesday:  10:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; and Wednesday:  5:15 p.m.-7:15 p.m.

Saturday, March 10, 8:00 a.m.

WANNA RACE?  The 22nd annual Perseverance 5K takes place Saturday, March 10.  There will be a 5K Run, a 5K Walk, and a 1-Mile Fun Run.  The 5K Run/Walk begins at 8:00 a.m. and the 1-Mile Fun Run will begin at 8:45 a.m.  This is a great community-wide event and fun for your entire family.  A closing ceremony will follow the race and prizes and giveaways will be awarded.  Entry forms are available at the Dawson Family Recreation Center and at www.dawsonchurch.org.

Beginning February 12, 5:00 p.m., Room 252 North

Unemployed, underemployed, looking? Career Transitions Workshop is a seven-week workshop that provides practical and spiritual tools to help you in your search for meaningful employment. The class will start on February 12 at 5:00 p.m. in Room 252 North.

Meet at the Birmingham Children's Theatre (at the BJCC) at 9:00 am for a preschool- friendly performance of "The Little Engine That Could." Tickets are $7.00 per person. You can learn more about the show at www.bct123.org. Space is limited. Reservations and payment are due in the church office by Wednesday, February 8. For more information, please contact Brooke Gibson, Minister to Preschoolers.

February 7, 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

If you have young children and would like to meet with other Moms for friendship and Bible study, you are invited to Moms & More.  This group meets the first Tuesday of each month in Social Hall at 9:30 a.m. and in Room 252 North at 6:30 p.m.  Alta Faye Fenton leads this study of practical application of God's Word.  Childcare is available by reservation. Deadline for reservations: January 31.  Please contact Donna Allan at donna.allan@dawsonchurch.org or 871-7324.

Tuesday, February 7, 6:30 p.m., Room 254 North

Are you doing all you can to lower it?  Is there something new being developed for the treatment of hypertension?  You are invited to this very informative program on the latest in blood pressure control.  Speaker, Dr. David Calhoun, is a Professor of Medicine, Vascular Biology and Hypertension Program at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. His major research focus has been on defining causes of resistant hypertension.

Orientation:  February 1, 6:15 p.m., Room 252 North

The Crown Financial Bible Study is a comprehensive small group Bible study that covers God’s financial principles concerning budgeting, earning money, money management, spending, debt, saving, investing, and training children in financial matters.   It is very practical and includes exercises to apply what you have learned.

Small groups meet once a week for ten weeks.  Classes will be offered on Sundays at 5:00 p.m. beginning February 12 and Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. beginning February 8.  Orientation for both groups will be this Wednesday, February 1 at 6:15 p.m. in Room 252 North.

Pre-registration is encouraged. Registration packets are available at the Church Office and contain information concerning registration and childcare.

On February 10-11, a purity retreat will be offered for 6th grade students and a parent of the same gender.  The retreat will take place at Shocco Springs.  

Separate sessions for girls and boys, as well as, sessions just for parents, will be led by the Grubb family.  Parent sessions will include “Training Our Children for Purity,” “Cultivating Honesty and Openness,” and a Q & A session with Dawson families, Kimrey and Swedenburg. There will also be plenty of parent/student quality time and outdoor recreation options. 

The cost is $99 total and includes lodging, meals, workbook, and activities for both parents and students.  To register, please turn in a completed student information form (available at www.dawsonchurch.org) with your trip funds by February 6.

Caroline Grace Rushing, daughter of Jennifer and Brian Rushing, will participate with her family in dedication this Sunday during the 9:40 a.m. worship service. Caroline Grace was born on May 31, 2011. Her grandparents are Dr. and Mrs. Dewey Jones of Birmingham, AL; Ms. Linda O'Bryant of Birmingham, AL; and Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Rushing of Birmingham, AL.

Susan and Ed Partridge and family in the death of his father

Susie and Bob Gaston and family in the death of her father 

Dawson friends will be saddened to learn of the death of Dr. William R. (Bill) Meredith in Pascagoula, MS. Dr. Meredith and his wife, Jean, were active at Dawson while living in Birmingham after Hurricane Katrina.

David Hauseman 

Sunday's sermon by Dr. Gary Fenton is available on CD in the Marketplace located in the Foyer ($3 each). 

Dawson’s 11:00 a.m. Sunday Worship Service is broadcast (one week delayed) on CBS 42, Sundays at 10:00 a.m.