Leadership Workshop Leads to Action Steps for FBC 

On Saturday, June 3, twenty-five leaders at FBC gathered in Fellowship Hall for the second of two workshops, facilitated Geoff Abbott and Mark Nishan, designed to help us clarify our vision and mission. Participants included 9 deacons, our Deacon Chair, Moderator and pastoral staff, as well as representatives from our support staff, choir and every committee at FBC. The group participated in a variety of exercises aimed at describing our present state, clarifying our desired future state, and identifying action steps as we move forward. Here is a summary of outcomes:

What we want to be known for

  • A vibrant church in which lives are transformed
  • A reflection of the kingdom of God
  • Hospitality; openness and visibility in our community
  • Service
  • Joy
  • Being missional; participation in our community
  • Love

Commonly-Held Values

  • Biblical grounding
  • Communication/Authenticity/Healthy Conflict Resolution
  • Hospitality/Love of Christ/Diversity
  • Creativity/Risk-Taking
  • Strategic Service/Teamwork/Intentional Apprenticing
  • Intimacy with God/Spiritual Growth/Intentional Worship

 “Critical Few” Action Steps for the near future

  • Each week--FBC folk intentionally engage at least 1 person at church whom they don’t know
  • Identify gifts and talents among the congregation
  • Create a newcomer hospitality team
  • Continue to refine and simplify governance to help us live by our values
  • Plan 3 new opportunities for spiritual growth/biblical grounding for this fall
  • Broaden our missional footprint; find ways to participate in or support creative missional endeavors
  • Get to know our neighborhood and help them get to know us
  • Promote intentional apprenticing by encouraging committees to elect now a chair for this year and a chair-elect for next year
  • Embed FBC values/aspirations into the work of all committees, teams, ministry groups and staff

 
Sincere thanks to Denny Austin who first suggested these workshops in the spring of 2016, and recommended his friends, Mark and Geoff. And thanks to all who participated in one or both gatherings. Our two days together are already yielding fruit. I’m eager to see what else grows at FBC in the months and years ahead.
 
Peace and grace,

julies-sig.png

 

 

Julie Pennington-Russell
Senior Pastor

Raul Prieto Ramirez Organ Concert at FBC 6/18 4pm

Sunday, June 18th 2017 at 4 p.m.

Free and open to the public

A Gift to the Community

RAUL PRIETO RAMIREZ, ORGANIST

Described by critics as “fearless, exciting, sizzling,” an organist who “instantly connected with the audience” and for whom “[the] audience rose to its feet with applause at every opportunity.”

Find out more about Raul at:
http://www.raulprietoramirez.com/

Summer of Fun

Make New Friends at FBC this Summer!

Once again this summer, the Christian Ed. Committee is organizing opportunities for connecting with one another (while having fun!). Everyone is welcome to all events. The FBC pastors were the first to sign up to host. 

Would you still like to host something (group outings, activities, classes, etc.) during the Summer of Fun? Contact Lucy Plovnick, at lhp@msk.com. 

Friday, September 15, 7:05pm
Washington Nationals vs. L. A. Dodgers

Nat Vs Dogers.png

Join Pastor Charlie at Nats Park. ESPN is broadcasting the Nationals’ game on Sunday, September 17, so game time has changed to 8:00 pm. Our tickets have been changed to Friday, September 15th at 7:05pm. As of 8/24, we only have THREE tickets remaining for our annual outing to see the Nats take on the Dodgers. Tickets are $32 each and must be purchased by August 31. Questions? Contact D’O Dillard at ddillard@firstbaptistdc.org

----------- PAST EVENTS ------------

Tuesday, August 22, 7:30pm
U.S. Navy Band Concert @ the Navy Memorial

Eight folks joined Kate Campbell for a free U.S. Navy Band concert on Tuesday, Aug. 22, at 7:30 p.m. at the U.S. Navy Memorial. The program included jazz, rock, show tunes, country and traditional hymns and features the Navy Ceremonial Guard and Drill Team. The memorial is on Pennsylvania Avenue NW, between 7th and 9th streets, next to the Archives/Navy Memorial/Penn Quarter Metro station. The band's website is www.navyband.navy.mil.

Saturday, August 12, 6pm
Wine & Cheese on the Rooftop

graphics Summer of fun-Rochelle.png

We joined Rochelle Howard on Saturday night, August 12 for wine and cheese on the rooftop of the General Scott Building at 1 Scott Circle NW, Washington, D.C.  We enjoyed some great fellowship as we watched the sunset over a panoramic view of the nation's capital (along with the coming storm and downpour).

Saturday, August 5, 6pm
Game Night in Columbia Heights

A casual game night at Kelly Dunlap's home in Columbia Heights was enjoyed by a group of 7. We had a variety of games and folks brought their favorite games. Delicious light snacks were provided.

Friday, July 21, 6pm
Dinner & The Capitol Steps

Over 10 folks joined Lucy Plovnick on Friday night, July 21 for dinner followed by a live performance by The Capitol Steps, a comedy troupe that has been performing musical political satire here in Washington, D.C. for more than 30 years. They put the “Mock” in Democracy!  For more information about The Capitol Steps, check out their website http://www.capsteps.com/. Tickets to the 7:30pm performance were $33.00 per person for those attending as a part of our FBC group.  Before the show, we met up with Lucy in the Food Court in the Ronald Reagan Building for dinner from 6pm to 7pm. Information on the Ronald Reagan Building Food Court can be found here http://itcdc.com/dining/.

"A great, hilarious time last night with FBCDC friends: Dinner and a performance by the Capitol Steps."

Sunday, July 9, 5:30-8:45pm
Basilica Organ Concert & Dinner in Brookland

Basilica Organ.png

We Met Pastor Julie at 5:30pm on the front steps of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (Brookland neighborhood in D.C.), on Sunday evening, July 9. We heard Russian organist Marina Omelchenko perform a free recital at 6pm in the Great Upper Church, then walked to a nearby restaurant in Brookland for dinner together. Read more about the Basilica here.

Friday, June 23, 5-8:30pm
Blues Singer Juanita Williams @ the Sculpture Garden, National Gallery of Art

Blues Singer.png

Pastor Alyssa hosted a group on Friday night, June 23, for “Jazz in the Garden” at the National Gallery. The concert was by critically acclaimed Blues/Jazz/Gospel singer Juanita Williams and was free to the public. (The Pavilion Café was open with a special menu of appetizers, entrees, salads and drinks.) Read more about Jazz in the Garden here.

Visit FBC

We’re located at 16th and O Streets NW—in the heart of Washington, a mile north of the White House. We are part of the Dupont Circle and Logan Circle neighborhoods. Need more info? Call us or click below.

COntact FBC

We look forward to greeting you in person. In the meantime, you can request prayer or ask a question by calling or sending an email.

 

GIVE TO & THROUGH FBC

At First Baptist DC, giving is the fuel that powers every congregational expression of hospitality, compassion, generosity and justice. FBC relies on the congregation for regular, sustainable financial support.

The First Baptist Church of the City of Washington, D.C.
1328 16th Street NW Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 387-2206