First Place – Holiday Session

Posted on by Cindy

November 6th – December 18th at 6 pm (across from the Refuge)

When most people think of the holidays, fitness and healthy eating are not the first things that come to mind. But celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year with family and friends can be fun, delicious and healthy!  A Joy-Full Season is a six-week devotional that will inspire you to eat right and stay active through the winter holidays.

Written by First Place for Health members from around the world, each daily reading in A Joy-Full Season offers motivation for avoiding the unique temptations of the season and personal testimonies about finding balance in the four core areas of life—emotional, mental, physical and spiritual. You’ll also find six weeks of Live It Trackers, special tips for navigating common holiday pitfalls, and scrumptious menus and recipes for Thanksgiving,

Christmas and New Year’s. Who says “healthy” and “holiday” can’t go together?

 

Bible Drill

Posted on by Cindy

Bible Drill is a discipleship program for children and youth. The purpose of Bible Drill is to help increase a believer’s knowledge of the Bible, to develop skills in effectively handling the Bible, to learn how to apply the Bible to their life and to develop scripture memory skills. Louisiana Baptists offer Children, Youth, and High School Bible Drill and Youth Speaker’s Tournament.

Bible Drill meets on Sundays at 4pm in the Children’s Building.

Red-Cycle-CSB

Operation Christmas Child Volunteer

Posted on by Cindy

Thank you for your taking time out to serve as a volunteer! You will be given some brief training before your shift.

Volunteer Expectations:

  • Prioritize friendliness as shoebox donors arrive. Drop-off volunteers represent Jesus Christ and Samaritan’s Purse.
  • Praying over the shoeboxes with the donor. The strongest drop-off location is one that is focused on ministering to each other.
  • Remember to give donors (especially children) an I Packed A Shoebox sticker.
  • Receive every shoebox gift joyfully!
  • Please, do not open the shoeboxes!

Click HERE to volunteer!

Monday, Nov. 14 | 9-11am | Cindy S., Eric S.
Monday, Nov. 14 | 1-2pm | open
Tuesday, Nov. 15 | 9-11am | Ashley M., Allison F.
Tuesday, Nov 15 | 1-2pm | Angie G.
Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 9-11:30am | open
Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 1-3pm | open
Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 3-5pm | Dane S., Chelsea S.
Thursday, Nov. 17 | 9-11:30am | Eric S.
Thursday, Nov. 17 | 1-2pm | Lindsay S.
Friday, Nov. 18 | 9-11am | Katie D.
Friday, Nov. 18 | 1-2pm | Nonie S.
Saturday, Nov. 19 | 10am-12pm | Ashley B.
Saturday, Nov. 19 | 12-2pm | Renee S.
Sunday, Nov. 20 | 11:30am-2pm | open
Monday, Nov. 21 | 9-11am | Kaylee H.

Cindy Sonnier
Drop-Off Team Leader
Jennings, LA

Mission Trip to Panama

Posted on by Cindy
Come to Panama and work alongside local believers to share the love and truth of Jesus Christ through prayer walking, gospel distribution and working in local school ministries that support the outreach ministries of a local Baptist church. During the week there will also be an opportunity to minister in an orphanage and participate in community events with opportunities to share the gospel. Our goal is to connect and equip national and US church partners with opportunities in Central America and the Caribbean to share the Gospel, make disciples, meet human needs and plant and empower healthy churches to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
April 2-9, 2022
Cost:  $925 + airfare, insurance, and visa costs
The Missions Committee will help you with the airfare, and will have a fundraiser if needed.  If you are interested, apply for your passport today.  Contact Ruth Cardoza, Tresa Timpa, or Bill Armstrong for more information.

Staff

Posted on by Cindy

Kindergarten

Diane Edwards – Teacher

Diane is married to Ricky and they have 10 children and 16 grandchildren. She graduated from NSU with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Diane started her teaching at Central School in Jennings. After having her first child, she decided to stay home to raise her family. She has taught at FBC School for 16 years! She is a member at OLHC and has taught CCD for 39 years. Diane’s favorite thing about teaching is to get to know each child and helping them learn and grow to the best of their ability. She loves learning and growing with them! One of her favorite verses is: “love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:8

 

 

 

 

Jessica Fontenot – Aide

Jessica is married to Randy and they have four children: Makaylee, Drake, Tayton, and Ayvlee. She has an associates degree in accounting and office systems; she is currently a Junior at Grand Canyon University pursuing a degree in educational studies. Jessica enjoys being a mom! When she isn’t coaching or watching a game, Jessica is usually reading, cooking, serving at church, singing or visiting with family. One of her favorite verses is: Jeremiah 1:7-9, But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.” Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.

 

PreK 4

Debi Fontenot –  Teacher

Debi is married to Josh and they have 3 sons. She has been an aide for 6 years and has prior teaching experience at St. John’s and Bethel. She is a member at FBCJ. Debi is a JHS graduate and attended McNeese and Sowella where she received her CNA/LPN. She likes to fish, craft, photograph, learn new trades and spend time with her family. Her favorite thing about teaching is watching the excitement on the kids’ faces when something “clicks”! She enjoys listening to them read after they realize that they actually read. Her favorite scripture is 1 Corinthians 13:4, “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant.”

 

 

 

 

 

Pat Clifford – Aide

Pat is married to Jake and has 3 children and 11 grandchildren. She has been an aide since 2018. She has a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Louisiana College. She retired after working for 33 years for the State of Louisiana. Pat enjoys doing puzzles, cross-stitching, crafting, and playing board games with her grandkids. She was born and raised in Jennings and her parents attended and served at FBCJ. She has also been a member, since the age of 7, after accepting Jesus and being baptized. Pat attended the very first Kindergarten at FBCJ. Pat loves craft-time in the classroom and her favorite scripture is: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In All your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

 

 

 

PreK 3

Kendra Laidlaw – Teacher

Kendra is married to Max and they have 2 sons (Christopher and Devin) and 1 daughter (Alexandria). She has 1 granddaughter. She is an active member of FBCJ. Kendra attended La. Tech and Jeff. Davis Vo-Tech and has a secretarial degree. Her hobbies are: traveling, hiking, going to estate and garage sales, collecting antiques, oil painting, knitting, crocheting and flower gardening. Kendra has been teaching for 30 years! She loves watching the kids learn and grow throughout the year. Her favorite verse is: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

 

 

 

 

Jolaine McCluer – Teacher

Jolaine and her husband, Robert, have been married for 28 years. They have 3 children: Jacob, Ali and Mia. This is Jolaine’s 5th year teaching PreK 4, but has been an aide since 2007. She enjoys spending time with her family and running. She runs various races and distances each year. She attends Our Savior’s Church. Jolaine’s favorite thing about teaching is seeing the excitement  in a child when they learn something new. Her favorite scripture is: “But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew‬ ‭19:26‬ ‭

 

 

 

Ann Robison – Aide

Ann is a lifelong resident of Jennings and a graduate of Jennings High School.  Ann has been married to Roy Robison for 45 years and together they have 2 adult children (Cason and Ashley) and 4 grandchildren.  Ann has been a member of First Baptist Church of Jennings for 32 years.  Ann has been a pre-k teacher’s aide for 12 years.  Prior to that, she was the church secretary for First Baptist for 14 years.

A favorite verse is Ephesians 1:13:  And in Him having heard and believed the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.

 

 

 

 

Lana Beth Thibodeaux – Aide

Lana Beth is a graduate of Jennings High School. She has three-year old twins and loves them more than words can say. She loves being a mom and doing everything as a family. They enjoy swimming, baking, crafting and watching movies together.

Lana’s favorite scripture is Psalms 9:1-2: I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you’ i will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.

 

 

 

 

 

Photography by Aimee Benoit

Staff

Posted on by Cindy

Kindergarten

Diane Edwards – Teacher

Diane is married to Ricky and they have 10 children and 16 grandchildren. She graduated from NSU with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Diane started her teaching at Central School in Jennings. After having her first child, she decided to stay home to raise her family. She has taught at FBC School for 16 years! She is a member at OLHC and has taught CCD for 39 years. Diane’s favorite thing about teaching is to get to know each child and helping them learn and grow to the best of their ability. She loves learning and growing with them! One of her favorite verses is: “love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:8

 

 

 

 

Debi Fontenot –  Aide

Debi is married to Josh and they have 3 sons. She has been an aide for 6 years and has prior teaching experience at St. John’s and Bethel. She is a member at FBCJ. Debi is a JHS graduate and attended McNeese and Sowella where she received her CNA/LPN. She likes to fish, craft, photograph, learn new trades and spend time with her family. Her favorite thing about teaching is watching the excitement on the kids’ faces when something “clicks”! She enjoys listening to them read after they realize that they actually read. Her favorite scripture is 1 Corinthians 13:4, “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant.”

 

 

 

 

PreK 4

Sonja Owers – Teacher

Sonja has been a teacher at FBCJ for 21 years! She loves to read, travel and shop. She loves traveling to Disney World and enjoys the smell of candles in her home. Sonja is also a member at FBCJ. She was married to her late husband, Lane, for 20 years. She has 2 adult children, Christian and Brianna. Her favorite scripture is, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jolaine McCluer – Teacher

Jolaine and her husband, Robert, have been married for 28 years. They have 3 children: Jacob, Ali and Mia. This is Jolaine’s 5th year teaching PreK 4, but has been an aide since 2007. She enjoys spending time with her family and running. She runs various races and distances each year. She attends Our Savior’s Church. Jolaine’s favorite thing about teaching is seeing the excitement  in a child when they learn something new. Her favorite scripture is: “But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew‬ ‭19:26‬ ‭

 

 

 

Pat Clifford – Aide

Pat is married to Jake and has 3 children and 11 grandchildren. She has been an aide since 2018. She has a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Louisiana College. She retired after working for 33 years for the State of Louisiana. Pat enjoys doing puzzles, cross-stitching, crafting, and playing board games with her grandkids. She was born and raised in Jennings and her parents attended and served at FBCJ. She has also been a member, since the age of 7, after accepting Jesus and being baptized. Pat attended the very first Kindergarten at FBCJ. Pat loves craft-time in the classroom and her favorite scripture is: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In All your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

 

 

 

 

PreK 3

Kendra Laidlaw – Teacher

Kendra is married to Max and they have 2 sons (Christopher and Devin) and 1 daughter (Alexandria). She has 1 granddaughter. She is an active member of FBCJ. Kendra attended La. Tech and Jeff. Davis Vo-Tech and has a secretarial degree. Her hobbies are: traveling, hiking, going to estate and garage sales, collecting antiques, oil painting, knitting, crocheting and flower gardening. Kendra has been teaching for 30 years! She loves watching the kids learn and grow throughout the year. Her favorite verse is: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

 

 

 

 

 

Ann Robison – Aide

Ann is a lifelong resident of Jennings and a graduate of Jennings High School.  Ann has been married to Roy Robison for 45 years and together they have 2 adult children (Cason and Ashley) and 4 grandchildren.  Ann has been a member of First Baptist Church of Jennings for 32 years.  Ann has been a pre-k teacher’s aide for 12 years.  Prior to that, she was the church secretary for First Baptist for 14 years.

A favorite verse is Ephesians 1:13:  And in Him having heard and believed the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.

 

 

 

 

Photography by Aimee Benoit

Staff

Posted on by Cindy

Kindergarten

 

Debi Fontenot – Teacher

Debi is married to Josh and they have 3 sons. She has been an aide for 6 years and has prior teaching experience at St. John’s and Bethel. She is a member at FBCJ. Debi is a JHS graduate and attended McNeese and Sowella where she received her CNA/LPN. She likes to fish, craft, photograph, learn new trades and spend time with her family. Her favorite thing about teaching is watching the excitement on the kids’ faces when something “clicks”! She enjoys listening to them read after they realize that they actually read. Her favorite scripture is 1 Corinthians 13:4, “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant.”

 

 

Gabbie Lavergne – Aide

 

 

 

 

PreK 4

 

Ashley Bishop – Teacher

Ashley has been married to Cody for twelve years and they have one son, Brody. She enjoys fishing and being on the lake with her husband. Ashley graduated dental school in 2011, then worked as a dental assistant. They traveled for eleven years before settling in Welsh, LA. She has been a member of FBCJ since 2022. Ashley’s favorite scripture is: Luke 6:31, Just as you want others to do for you, do the same for them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bethany Compton – Teacher

 

 

 

 

 

Pat Clifford – Aide

Pat has 3 children and 11 grandchildren. She has been an aide since 2018. She has a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Louisiana College. She retired after working for 33 years for the State of Louisiana. Pat enjoys doing puzzles, cross-stitching, crafting, and playing board games with her grandkids. She was born and raised in Jennings and her parents attended and served at FBCJ. She has also been a member, since the age of 7, after accepting Jesus and being baptized. Pat attended the very first Kindergarten at FBCJ. Pat loves craft-time in the classroom and her favorite scripture is: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In All your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

 

 

 

Alexis Buller – Aide

 

 

PreK 3

 

 

Jolaine McCluer – Teacher

Jolaine and her husband, Robert, have been married for 28 years. They have 3 children: Jacob, Ali and Mia. This is Jolaine’s 5th year teaching PreK 4, but has been an aide since 2007. She enjoys spending time with her family and running. She runs various races and distances each year. She attends Our Savior’s Church. Jolaine’s favorite thing about teaching is seeing the excitement  in a child when they learn something new. Her favorite scripture is: “But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew‬ ‭19:26‬ ‭

 

 

 

 

 

Lana Beth Thibodeaux – Aide

Lana Beth is a graduate of Jennings High School. She has three-year old twins and loves them more than words can say. She loves being a mom and doing everything as a family. They enjoy swimming, baking, crafting and watching movies together.

Lana’s favorite scripture is Psalms 9:1-2: I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you’ i will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.

 

 

 

 

 

Photography by Aimee Benoit

Wednesday Groups

Posted on by Cindy

On Wednesday Evenings, during the school year, there are small groups for all kids! They meet from 6-7 pm. If your child will be eating dinner, please drop them off at the front of the Family Life Center where he/she will check in. Pick up is at the horseshoe on Curtis Street.

Mission Friends is for girls and boys in PreK 4 and Kindergarten. They meet in the Education Building. In Mission Friends, preschoolers develop a missions heart as they move from a focus on themselves to a focus on others. Preschoolers grow toward God as they become aware that God wants everyone to know of His love.

Children In Action is for girls and boys in 1st – 3rd grade. They meet in the Education Building. Children in Action (CA) is a coed group designed for boys and girls to come to faith in Christ as Savior while making missions an important part of their daily lives. They learn what it means to live a missional lifestyle while they participate in Bible studies, missions projects and engaging activities. They also have a lot of fun as they “travel” to various places around the world when they learn about and pray for the work of missionaries.

Girls In Action is a missions discipleship group for girls in grades 4–6. They meet in the Education Building. The GA Motto is “Go Forward!” and Girls in Action do just that—they grow closer to God as they discover their part in His plan and practice what they learn through hands-on missions opportunities. GA leads girls to a lifelong commitment to Christ, His mission, and His church.

Royal Ambassadors is a missions discipleship group for boys in grades 4–6. They meet in the RA room next to The Refuge. RA provides an opportunity for boys to grow spiritually, physically, mentally, and relationally with others through missions involvement and character development.

 

If you’re new, please sign up HERE!