Faith Forty will return to Fellowship Hall beginning Sunday, September 11. All are welcome for fellowship, coffee, and a light breakfast beginning at 9:40am. Forty minutes of faith-forming activities including a thematic video and lesson led by Pastor Joel will begin at 10am.
Each week we'll focus on a different practice for living as a Christ-follower in the world. Topics for conversation include prayer, food, worship, sacraments, money, service and community.
The Youth Faith Formation class also will be studying Animate: Practices, led by Pastor Jennifer, and will meet in the fellowship hall at the Youth Table.
Sing with the Chancel Choir for Candlelight Carols
The Candelight Carols Premier is Sunday, September 11, after worship. The choir will rehearse Candlelight music in the middle of our regular weekly rehearsal. You can join us around 10am and stay until 10:30am each Sunday morning to learn the Christmas music we will present for Candlelight Carols on Sunday, December 11, at 4pm.
Homecoming: Sunday, September 11
Mark your calendar for FBC Homecoming Sunday on September 11. Faith Formation classes and Chancel Choir will resume, we will celebrate communion, and share a potluck meal after worship.
Everyone is invited to this special day together – those who have been worshiping in-person and online, as well as those who haven’t yet returned since before the pandemic.
Church Council Receives Reports on Construction, Finances and Missional Ventures
The FBCDC Church Council, comprising lay leaders, pastors and church staff, met Sunday afternoon, Aug. 21, 2022, to receive reports on activities and plans.
The Council spent the first 30 minutes of the hour-long meeting in prayerful consideration of four questions:
What is your deepest desire in your relationship with God?
What is God’s deepest desire for you?
How would you describe the spiritual climate of our church?
How does the Spirit seem to be moving or hidden in our church and what are your ways of responding to it?
Construction
Executive Pastor Joel Campbell reported on behalf of the Facilities Improvement Team. Highlights:
Per Keener-Squire Partner Michael Korns, FBC should receive a Certificate of Occupancy for the new building by June 1, 2023.
Staff continues to monitor and fine tune FBC’s systems related to HVAC and boiler.
Finances
Treasurer Mike Henson reported on spending and income for FY 2021-2022, which ended June 30, 2022. Highlights:
Congregational contributions for the FY totaled $357,789—approximately 95% of FBC spending plan projection of $377,000.
Church expenditures totaled $1,750,642 for FY 21-22, which was approximately 2.7% above the amount anticipated in the spending plan. This resulted in expenditures of $35,941 more than the church took in.
Capital Campaign
Co-chair Bruce Salmon reported on behalf of the Give it Forward Team working on the $1 million capital campaign.
To date, approximately $276,000 has been donated by 23 givers.
Missional Ventures
Mission Team member Linda Salmon reported on recent mission initiatives that showcased the generosity of First Baptist:
10,000 meals paid for and packed for Rise Against Hunger. FBC will be notified where the meals will be shipped and when.
Apartment for Afghan family was fully furnished and outfitted with donations from FBC The family was particularly grateful for the chance to shop with gift cards provided by First Baptist. Under the agreement, FBC will have no further contact with the family, but other groups are working with them on paperwork and other needs.
The American Red Cross blood drive July 26 drew 35 donors. The next blood drive is scheduled for Sept. 26.
Moderator Coates set out dates for future meetings including quarterly business meetings of the congregation in November 2022 and February 2023.
~ Christi Harlan, Church Clerk
Support Students in Need
This back-to-school season the Mission Team invites you to give to students in need through two worthy organizations:
The Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) &
The National Center for Children and Families (NCCF)
Throughout this affluent region, many students will begin the first day of school without the supplies they need to learn. These items will ensure young people have access to the items they need for academic success such as strong and sturdy backpacks to hold the various school supplies they need.
You can support the Latin American Youth Center Back to School Campaign by clicking the donate button below or purchasing from their Amazon wishlist below.
You can support the National Center for Children and Families (NCCF) Back to School Drive by clicking the donate button below or by purchasing from their Target and Amazon wishlists below.
