Pray for Passport MissionBASE Camp

We continue to pray for Passport Camps as they and us prepare to host them for the summer  (June 25 - July 28, 2017). Below is a look at their rigorous daily schedule for the summer. Groups will arrive at 1pm on Mondays and leave after lunch on Fridays. Needless to say we will pray for their endurance and rest! 

MissionBASE Schedule
2017 at FBC Washington, DC

Sunday (Opening Day)
1:00 p.m.     Staff Check-In Meeting
2:00 p.m.     Check-In begins
4:30 p.m.     Kitchen Crew Meets
5:00 p.m.     Dinner
6:00 p.m.     Welcome and Orientation
                         Youth and Adult Mission Project Training
7:45 p.m.      Ice Cream Break
8:00 p.m.     Vespers: Prayer Walk and Commissioning
8:45 p.m.      Church Group Devotions
10:00 p.m.    Settle In
10:30 p.m.     Lights Out

Monday-Thursday (Days 1–4) Mornings
6:30 a.m.     Wake Up
6:45 a.m.     Breakfast Kitchen Crew Meets
7:00 a.m.     Breakfast & Make Lunch
7:30 a.m.     Cleaning Crews
7:30 a.m.     Adult Meeting
7:45 a.m.     Kitchen Crew Clean up
8:00 a.m.     Morning Devotion
8:30 a.m.     Depart for Mission Sites
9:00 a.m.     Staff Meeting and Staff Devotion
10:00 a.m.    Visit Mission Sites - spend one hour at sites
                        • Travel in pairs
                        • Lunch at sites or with staff
12:00-3p.m.  Staff personal work time, shower, rest, etc.

Monday (Day 1) Afternoon – Game Night
3:00-15 p.m.     Arrive back at Church
3:15 p.m.     Showers, Rest, Free Time
5:00 p.m.     Kitchen Crew
5:30 p.m.     Dinner
6:15 p.m.     Family Group
7:30 p.m.     Evening Activities - Game Night!
8:30 p.m.     Vespers
9:00 p.m.     Church Group Devotions
10:30 p.m.     Lights out

Tuesday (Day 2) Afternoon – Field Trip
2:30 p.m.     Mission Sites End
3:00 p.m.     Groups depart for Field Trip
3:30 p.m.     Field Trip
5:30 p.m.     Dinner & Church Group Devotions
7:30 p.m.     Return to church
8:30 p.m.     Family Groups
9:15 p.m.     Vespers
10:30 p.m.     Lights out

Wednesday (Day 3) Afternoon – Free Night
3:00-15 p.m.     Arrive back at Church
3:15 p.m.     Showers, Rest, Free Time
3:30 p.m.    Vespers
4:15 p.m.     Free time begins
9:30 p.m.     Curfew for groups to return to host church
10:00 p.m.     Church Group Devotions
10:30 p.m.     Lights out

Thursday (Day 4) Afternoon - Celebration
3:00-15 p.m.     Arrive back at Church
3:15 p.m.     Showers, Rest, Free Time
5:00 p.m.     Kitchen Crew
5:30 p.m.     Dinner
6:15 p.m.     Large Group Game
7:00 p.m.     Family Group and prep for Celebration/Vespers
8:00 p.m.     Celebration
8:45 p.m.     Vespers
9:30 p.m.     Church Group Devotions
10:30 p.m.    Lights out

Friday (Closing Day)
7:00 a.m.     Breakfast
8:00 a.m.     Clean, Pack & Load Luggage
9:00 a.m.     Benediction and Departure
10:00 a.m.    End of Session Meeting & Lunch
 

Deacon Ministry at First Baptist Church

The word "deacon" comes from the Greek word diakonos, which means "servant." There are many references to deacons in the early church. Deacon ministry was developed in response to specific needs within the corporate life of the church itself, and its inspiration was no less the example of Christ himself, who "came not to be served but to serve". 

At First Baptist Church, deacons are actively engaged in the mission of the church. They promote peace, reconciliation and the spirit of cooperation and unity in this body. They model the ministry of presence by their regular participation in worship and in other events in the life of the church. They offer pastoral care and help lead in worship. They are faithful in their financial support of the Church. They participate in diaconate meetings and training events. As a foundational priority, deacons endeavor to follow Jesus Christ themselves through personal practices of discipleship.

If a person has been nominated to serve as a deacon and is prayerfully considering deacon service, he or she might consider the following questions:

• Am I actively following Jesus in my daily living?
• Am I able and willing to come alongside a handful of assigned families and/or individuals as their “care deacon”? 
• Do I care about befriending people who feel disconnected from God or church?
• Am I passionate about helping our congregation to discern and fulfill God’s mission for us?
• Am I a peacemaker in troubled situations? Do I refrain from gossip?
• Am I eager to play a part in mobilizing our entire congregation for ministry?
• Would I be comfortable for others to view me as a spiritual leader? 
• Would I be comfortable for others to view me as a servant?
• Am I prepared to be a leader at FBCDC in the area of financial stewardship?
• Is God calling me to invest myself in deacon service for the next 3 years—and possibly to set aside some other activities in my life in order to do so?

Process for Electing New Deacons @ FBC

On April 23, 2017, immediately following the worship service, First Baptist Church members will be asked to submit the names of six church members you believe would serve the church well as deacons. Nominees, as well as those nominating, must be full members of FBC. A copy of the current FBC directory is available in the Library and in the Narthex.

This selection of deacons is to fill terms ending in 2017, 2018, and 2019.  A ballot will be provided in the Sunday worship folder on April 23. Absentee voting is permitted by sending your nominations to FBC by regular mail in a sealed envelope with your signature over the seal, or by email to office@firstbaptist.org.  Absentee nominations must be received by 4 p.m. on Friday, April 21, 2017. 

Individuals not eligible for election as new deacons:

Deacons currently completing their term of service: Jean Bell, Paul Clark, Stan Hastey, Rob Marus and Janice Osborn.

Deacons currently serving terms of service ending in 2018 and 2019:  Zena Aldridge, Rod Coates; Mike Henson; Kate Campbell; Sadye Doxie; Erik Smith; Rose Smith.

Life Deacons:  Mel Doxie, Adrian Harward, Steve Netcott, and Ellen Parkhurst.

After worship on April 23, the Deacon Selection Committee, composed of Rod Coates, Rob Marus and Janice Osborn will tally all nominations and begin reaching out to nominees, beginning with those who received the highest number of nominations. 
 

Holy Week Worship

Contribute for Easter Lilies Before April 9, 2017

Contributions for EASTER LILIES must be submitted by Sunday, April 9, 2017.  Each lily is $12.00 and has 5 to 7 blooms on a single stem.

Turning Points: Lenten Sermon Series

March 5: Furman Singers in Worship at FBC

Furman Singers is recognized as one of America’s premier collegiate choirs, touring annually throughout the Southeastern United States. Over its 70-year history, the Furman Singers has achieved a national and international reputation for choral excellence. Beginning in 1974, biennial summer concert tours abroad have taken Furman Singers to many of the great churches and cathedrals of Europe. Under the direction of Dr. Hugh Floyd, the Singers have performed in Austria and the Czech Republic, England, Wales, Ireland and Germany.

Annual Benefit for National Center for Children and Families Sunday, May 7, 2017

Please help to support NCCF while enjoying a wonderful dinner and performance of “Beauty
and the Beast” to benefit the youth in the Greentree Adolescent Program (GAP) on Sunday, May 7 at Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia, MD at 5 pm.  Tickets, including dinner, show, and gratuity are $56 per person ($10.00 tax deductible).  The NCCF (formerly Baptist Home for Children) is a private, non-profit agency serving the national capital area. The residential programs serve homeless families, victims of domestic violence and vulnerable adolescents.  Other programs include treatment foster care, social services for family reunification, parenting education, independent living, and stabilization of families in the community.  If you cannot attend, but would like to make a contribution so that the youth from GAP may attend as our guests, we would be very grateful.  Checks should be made payable to the Board of Church Representatives, NCCF.  Please make your reservation or make a contribution by March 19. For tickets or donations, please contact Bonnie Jorgensen: bonnie.jorgensen@gmail.com, (240-418-2788).

Ash Wednesday March 1 7pm

Can’t make it to the Ash Wednesday service this Wednesday evening? Associate Pastor Alyssa Aldape will offer the Imposition of Ashes on the front steps of the church (16th Street) from 8am until 10am this Wednesday morning (March 1).

Winter Forum

Feb 25: Saturday Mini-Retreat Led by Glenn Hinson
Spiritual Preparation for Lent
Please bring a Bible and a journal or diary (something for writing or doodling).

 9:30am    Gathering for coffee & pastries
10:00         1st Presentation: “Letting Go” (Phil. 4)
                  Silence for meditation and/or doodling
11:00          2nd Presentation: “Fasting from the Internet” (Rom. 12)
                  Silence for meditation and/or doodling
12:00pm    Lunch catered by Chef Laval ($8 per person paid with registration)
  1:00         3rd Presentation: "Facing Our Temptations” (Luke 4)
                  Silence for meditation and/or doodling
  2:00        4th Presentation: “What Will We Do with Our Fear?” Matt. 6; 1 Jn. 4)
  2:30        Sharing of insights from our meditation
  3:00        Communion

Feb 26: Sunday morning with Glenn Hinson

  9:30am    “The Top Ten Things My Life Has Taught Me” 
                   (Adult & Youth classes meet together)
  11:00         Message in Worship: “Pursuing an Elusive God”
                   (Exod. 24; Matt. 17)

Dr. E. Glenn Hinson is a world-renowned church historian and respected and sought-after leader in Christian Spirituality, who sees himself as very much a Baptist while also describing himself as a “Bapto-Quakero-Methedo-Presbyterio-Lutherano-Episcopo- Catholic.”

Glenn earned degrees from Washington University in St. Louis (B.A.), the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (B.D., Th.D.), and Oxford University (D.Phil.). During his academic career he taught on the faculties of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville (1962-1992) and Baptist Theological Seminary in Richmond (1994-2000). During the 1960s, Glenn’s friendship with Trappist monk and spiritual writer Thomas Merton led him to become involved in the ecumenical movement of spiritual renewal—connecting the revivalist spirituality of many Baptists to ancient and medieval spiritual practices. He maintains a deep commitment to Christian nonviolence and the work of the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America, serving as the original editor of The Baptist Peacemaker.

Glenn is the author of more than 30 books, including his most recent publications, A Miracle of Grace (Mercer University Press) and Baptist Spirituality: A Call for Renewed Attentiveness to God (Nurturing Faith, Inc.) He is married to Martha Burks. They have two adult children, Christopher and Elizabeth.

Defining Moments: Winter Sermon Series

Inclusion Conversations About to Begin

Two days and times available (please choose one and RSVP on the form below by Wednesday, January 18) 

Sunday, January 22 @ 12:30 pm (after worship) Light lunch provided.
Saturday, January 28 @ 10:00 am Continental breakfast provided.

This month we will begin in earnest talking to each other about how we envision our congregation when it comes to inclusiveness of all people. Because these conversations will take place in small groups, participants must RSVP so that we can provide enough facilitators. The prevailing hope with these conversations is to get the FBC family to talk to, and learn from, each other and reach an outcome that ensures all of us feel heard, valued, and loved.
 
One of the small group questions we will be addressing together is this: “First Baptist Church already welcomes as members—including many who are serving in leadership roles—Christians who identify as members of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) communities. How do you feel about guaranteeing to all members, without exception, the ability to participate in all of the blessings and benefits of membership, including marriage and parent and child dedications?” 

Conversations will begin in Fellowship Hall.

Childcare is available on both days (reservations required). Reserve a spot for your child using the form below.

Please participate!

Your Inclusion Team:
Steve Netcott, Paul Clark, Kate Campbell, Rod Coates, Zena Aldridge and Rob Marus (with pastors Julie, Charlie and Alyssa)

---

Fill out my online form.

Celebration of Deborah Cochran’s Ministry—January 8, 2017

The FBC family will gather after worship on Sunday, January 8, for a potluck luncheon and celebration in honor of our Associate Pastor for Children and Families, Rev. Deborah Cochran, who is retiring as of December 31st. Plans have been made for a wonderful event recognizing Deborah’s significant ministry these past 19 years. We’ve invited our CDC teachers and families to join us, so please bring an extra dish to share! (A-J: dessert and fruit; K-R: meats; S-Z: salad and vegetables)

A Gift to Heifer International in Honor of Deborah Cochran

Donate to Heifer in Honor of Deborah

Dear Church Family,
 
Merry Christmas! I hope you all had a wonderful, joyous holiday, and that the New Year 2017 will be peaceful and blessed for all of us.

  Deborah Cochran

As you know, Rev. Deborah Cochran, our beloved Associate Pastor for Children and Families, is retiring from FBC at the end of this month (December 2016). We will be celebrating Deborah’s years of ministry at our church on January 8, 2017 in conjunction with our monthly potluck luncheon following the worship service. I hope many of you will be able to join us on January 8th and help us recognize Deborah’s many contributions to our church over the years.
 
Several of you have asked me about ways that we can show our appreciation to Deborah as she retires. Starting today, the church will be collecting a love offering for Deborah to benefit Heifer International, a great organization that Deborah and our FBC Kids have supported for many years.

Heifer is devoted to ending world hunger and poverty by passing the gift of livestock (animals such as cows, goats, and the like) to families in need. Heifer links communities and helps bring sustainable agriculture and commerce to areas with a long history of poverty. You can read more about the Heifer Project here: https://www.heifer.org/ending-hunger/. 
 
Our goal is to be able to contribute a Gift Ark to Heifer from FBC in Deborah’s honor, passing the gift of love to those who need it most. 
 
Please join me in giving generously to the FBC Heifer Project in honor of Rev. Deborah Cochran. You can give a gift online through the "DONATE TO HEIFER IN HONOR OF DEBORAH" button at the top of this letter or by sending your contribution to the church office. Please make checks payable to FBC Washington, DC, and indicate “In honor of Deborah Cochran” on the memo line.
 
Thank you, and God bless you all.
 
In Christ,

FBC Moderator

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Worship

Worship on Christmas Eve
Saturday, December 24, 4pm
Join us for this family-friendly hour of worship featuring special elements for children, a reading of the Christmas story, the music of organ and choir, and a Christmas Eve meditation by Pastor Julie. We’ll conclude the service with the lighting of congregational candles, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the light of the world.
 
Worship on Christmas Day  
Sunday, December 25, 11am
This year we celebrate on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! Join us for this hour of joyful worship as we echo the angels’ song: Glory to God in the highest! And on earth peace, goodwill to all. Come as you are. (No Church School today.)

BLUE CHRISTMAS: A Service of Hope and Comfort

Are you struggling this Christmas
because of loneliness, stress or grief?
This hour of hope and comfort
may be the best gift you receive this year.

Wednesday, December 14, 2016 • 7pm

The service will be held in the Sanctuary.
Casual dress. Childcare provided.

59th Christmas Candlelight Carols Sunday 12/11 4pm

Advent Sermon Series: Gifts for Everybody

Wednesday Nights in December

Worship @ 7:00 on Nov. 30, Dec. 7 & 14
“Advent: The Pause that Heals Us”

November 30: Pausing for Love
December 7:  Pausing for Peace
December 14: Pausing for Hope (“Blue Christmas” service for those who grieve)
December 21: Carol Sing with Lon after supper in Fellowship Hall

Church Family Supper: 6 pm, every Wednesday night during Advent - Fellowship Hall
(November 30, December 7, 14, 21)
Prepared by Chef Laval. Cost of the meal is $8.00

Thanksgiving Eve Service—11/23 @ 6:30 pm

Dessert Social in the Parlor following worship

Join us in the Sanctuary the evening before Thanksgiving for a simple service of gratitude and praise. We’ll offer prayers and sing songs of thanksgiving. Pastor Julie will bring a Thanksgiving devotional message. Please bring a dessert to share.