"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved."  Ephesians 2:4-5

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

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

Kids Connection will open on March 6, and we will begin serving children by providing clothes and other physical resources and spiritual support.  Scores of volunteers have been actively engaged in bringing us to this point, but even more volunteers will be needed as we grow. 

Anyone who wants to learn more about serving at Kids Connection, as well as, all current volunteers are encouraged to attend a training session on Sunday, February 19.  You will learn all about Kids Connection and find out how you can serve.

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!

On May 25 - June 2, 2012, a team of Dawson students will lead Vacation Bible School in central Ecuador.  Steve and Carol Thompson, our missionary partners, will host the team.  In addition to the V.B.S., the team will also do light construction/renovation in area churches.  The cost of the trip is $1,400.  If you or someone you know would like to know more about the project, please contact Boyd Kaiser at bkaiser@martinretail.com or Ben Hale at bhale@dawsonchurch.org.

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.

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.

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.

On Sunday, March 4, we will begin using the Edgar M. Arendall Children’s Education Building!  Many of our preschoolers, children and students will have Sunday School in the building that day and others will move to new locations in the current buildings.  Details about where your child’s class will meet as of March 4 will be provided. 

The official dedication of the building will take place in the morning worship services on March 4.   That evening at 5:00 p.m., there will be a 35-minute kid-friendly family celebration where we will look forward to what God will do as we use this wonderful new space to educate our children and students.  An open house and fun activities will follow in the new building.  You do not want to miss any of these activities on March 4. 

Dawson's student choirs are a vibrant ministry of the Dawson Family of Faith. Through music, our students minister to the church family, the community, and beyond.  Both choirs have begun preparations for outreach ministries during the week leading up to Easter.  The Chapel Choir will lead the Holy Week Lord's Supper service on Thursday, April 5th.  On Good Friday, both choirs will minister in homeless shelters and retirement centers.

The Middle School Choir is preparing for a weekend retreat and ministry opportunity at Berry College in the Rome, Georgia community.  Fellowship, team building, concerts, and fun are all a part of this special weekend (March 16-19).

The Chapel Choir is preparing for a week of ministry in the Chicago area.  Already concerts are set in churches, retirement centers, a juvenile correction facility, and other public venues.  The students will also partner with a church planter to do neighborhood sports camps in the afternoons.  Of course, sightseeing (Navy Pier, Sears Tower, a major league baseball game) and fun are a part of the week. (July 14-21).

Enrollment is still open for both choirs.

The students will enjoy a pizza lunch (12:15 p.m.) and an early rehearsal (1:00-2:00 p.m.) this Sunday - Super Bowl Sunday (February 5th).

Friday-Saturday, February 10-11, Shocco Springs

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.

Friday-Sunday, February 17-19, Camp Dawson

Jeremiah 10:23 says, “I know, O Lord, that man’s life is not his own: it is not for man to direct his steps.” The DYP retreat is going to be a wonderful weekend of challenging scriptural truths, refreshing fellowship, and renewal for you.  We hope that you will make plans to attend. Our theme this year is "TRUE NORTH: Because Direction Matters." Cost:  $15 (if you bring a guest, he or she can come for free!)  Register at www.thedyp.org.

Our first session will begin at 8:00 p.m. Friday night.  Please eat dinner before you come. 

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)

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.

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.

Monday, February 13, 9:00 a.m.

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.

Friday, February 24, 6:30 p.m., Family Recreation Center

Bring your family to the FRC gym after dinner on Friday, February 24 at 6:30 p.m. We'll have fun with inflatables, balls and games. This is a free event; no reservations necessary. For more information about this event or our other Preschool Play Days and Family Nights, please contact Brooke Gibson, Minister to Preschoolers or visit our Preschool page on the Dawson website at www.dawsonchurch.org.

If you are interested in being introduced to both conversational and written Arabic, consider joining a new small group led by a member of Dawson’s Arabic congregation, Rola Emaish.  The group will meet once a month starting on Sunday, February 19.  For more information please contact Rola Emaish at rolabish@gmail.com.

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.

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

The Preschool Reading Club for infants through kindergarten as begun at 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.

Abby Grace Lynch, daughter of Melanie and Josh Lynch, will participate with her family in dedication this Sunday during the 9:40 a.m. worship service. Abby Grace was born on July 20, 2011. She has one brother, Taylor. Her grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Larry Lynch of Montgomery, AL and Mr. John Fulda of Huntsville, AL, and the late Mrs. Mary Dodgen Fulda.

Emily Karen Henninger, daughter of Alison and Erik Henninger, will participate with her family in dedication this Sunday during the 11:00 a.m. worship service. Emily Karen was born on October 12, 2011. Her grandparents are Dr. and Mrs. Lyman Mitchell, Jr. of Florence, AL and Mr. and Mrs. Allen Henninger of Bartlett, TN. Her great-grandparents are Col. and Mrs. George Clowes of Birmingham, AL; Mrs. Lyman Mitchell, Sr. of Florence, AL; and Mr. and Mrs. Allen Henninger of Tullahoma, TN.

Benton Patrick Tate, son of Erin and Patrick Tate, will participate with his family in dedication this Sunday during the 9:40 a.m. Journey worship service.  Benton was born on September 14, 2011.  He has one brother, Ford.  His grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Dana Williams of Nashville, TN and Mr. and Mrs. Pat Tate of Fort Payne, AL.  His great-grandparents are Dr. and Mrs. George Lemon of Nashville, TN; Mrs. Leonard Crow of Mentone, AL and Mrs. Herbert Tate of Fort Payne, AL.

Paulette and Bill Rogers in the death of his mother and Mary Beth Rogers in the death of her grandmother

Mary Nixon in the death of her husband, John H. Nixon

Sherry Wilson and family in the death of her mother

Icy Miller and family in the death of her husband

Weldon Jones in the death of his wife, Bessie Mae Chestnut Jones, and Melissa and Jeff Gunnells, Taylor Gunnells, and Sara and Drew Gunnells in the death of Melissa's stepmother and Taylor and Drew's step-grandmother

John H. Nixon ~ January 21, 2012

Bessie Mae Chestnut Jones ~ January 27, 2012

The beautiful flowers in the Sanctuary today are given in loving memory of Sam Hooton by his wife, Jeanne; their children, Sam and Dianne; and their families.

The beautiful arrangement of flowers in the Vestibule is given in loving memory of Bessie Mae Chestnut Jones by her husband, Weldon Jones. 

Will Cook

Grant Grissom

Julie McDougal

Rachel Pace

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.