From Moderator Rod: Spending Plan, Nominations to be voted on at June 4 Meeting

First Baptist will gather this Sunday, May 7, for FBC’s Annual Meeting, which marks the beginning of a new program year. We will hear about many of the highlights from the prior year, talk about hopes for the next, and have some fun between the reports.

Two items of business every year at the Annual Meeting—approval of the spending plan for the coming year and the election of church officers and other lay leaders—will be voted on in a called congregational meeting on June 4, and for a worthy reason:

In last week’s Update, FBC Clerk and Communications Director Christi Harlan reported on the Church Council’s plan to recommend at the Annual Meeting that FBC employ a consulting firm, Ministry Architects, to help First Baptist meet four primary objectives for the health and future of our church.

Because the congregation needs time for prayer and discernment before voting on the consultant recommendation, and since the church’s decision will affect the 2023-2024 spending plan, I am calling a special congregational meeting for June 4 to vote on retaining Ministry Architects and on the annual spending plan. The congregation also will be asked to vote on nominations for church officers and other lay leaders at that meeting.

I look forward to seeing you at that special meeting in June, but first at our Annual Meeting and celebration of the past year with food, fellowship, and fun this Sunday, May 7.

Roderick Coates

Moderator