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This Sunday in Worship
Pause to Be

May 12, at 11:00 a.m.

This Sunday in worship, Pastor Julie concludes her sermon series, The Powerful Pause: Reclaiming Your Soul Through Sabbath. What does it mean for you to rest? What place does rest have in your life? This Sunday, through the words of Jesus and the Apostle Paul, we will remember together a way of being that reminds us we are not defined by what we produce or accomplish. Scripture texts for worship are Psalm 23, Ephesians 2:4-10, and Matthew 11:28-30.

As Pastor Julie prepares to step away for her sabbatical, we will commission her and commit ourselves to the work of the church.

Congregation Affirms New Governance Structure & Leadership


In Sunday’s Annual Meeting, FBC affirmed a new governance and leadership framework for our congregation which evolved through our work with Ministry Architects.

The congregation also affirmed the leaders of the first Ministry Leadership Team as well as coordinators of the first Ministry Action Teams for 2024-25.

Ministry Action Team (MAT) Coordinators

Congregational Care: Becky Ellison & Linda Salmon
Compassion and Justice: Jesse Seales, Clayton Carmon, Megan Golden and Marlan Golden
Personnel: Jay Guenthner
Stewardship: Wil McBeath
Worship Support: Diane Gardner and Rod Coates
Newcomer Engagement:
Coordinators will be announced and affirmed at a later time.
Spiritual Growth:
Coordinators will be announced and affirmed at a later time.

From the Pastor:
Beginnings

 

Dear First Baptist Family:

I am still marveling at last Sunday and the giant step we took together into a new season of life and ministry for this congregation we love.

Deepest of thanks to our Moderator of the past seven years, Rod Coates. During Rod’s tenure, FBC affirmed full inclusion of LGBTQ+ siblings; began the process of renovating the sanctuary building, tearing down the old office and education building and replacing it with a new, fully accessible community building; launched a capital campaign; and hired Ministry Architects to help FBC reimagine congregational life in the 21st century.

Rod, as you lay your gavel down, we say thank you, Mr. Moderator, for your many labors of love in service of Christ and First Baptist Church.
 

An Invitation to “Beginner’s Mind”

Now, as we move forward together, I invite you to the same practice as last summer, as we were beginning our journey with Ministry Architects. As First Baptist Church learns new rhythms of congregational life, please let yourself adopt a posture of “beginner’s mind.”

Whenever you and I are beginners at something—whether gardening, or parenting, or Pickleball—we come at the experience with a sense of curiosity, humility, and even wonder. We have no idea what the outcome will be. There’s an innocence to our approach, a little like the way children engage the world.

By the time we’re deep into adulthood, a lot of us find ourselves trapped in what we might call “expert mind.”

Read More

Preachers During Pastor Julie's Sabbatical

Mel Doxie Celebration of Life


A celebration of life for Mel Doxie will take place on Saturday, May 11, at 5:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church with a reception following in Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, Sadye requests that donations be made to First Baptist Church in Mel’s name.

Young Adult Save the Date

Young adults are a vibrant community at First Baptist. We gather the third Sunday evening of every month for food and fellowship. Our next gathering is Sunday, May 19 from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm at the home of Molly, Oliver, Finn, and Kian. Save the date, and reach out to Pastor Eric if you plan to attend. (eric@firstbaptistdc.org)

Get Your FBC
"You Belong"
T-Shirt!

Show your love with an FBC "You Belong" t-shirt. Shirts come in a variety of designs and colors. Order your shirt at cost (no profit incurred) directly from the link below to be delivered to your home (8-10 days for delivery).

Buy FBCDC T-Shirts

Take the Survey: What Makes Your Heart Sing?

If you haven't yet taken the "Things I Love to Do" survey, there's still time. Before you start, please take a moment to reflect. Ask yourself: How can your passions contribute to the church's mission? What aspect of FBC resonates most with you?

Click the link below to share your thoughts and help us shape a future where everyone's heart sings!

Things I Love to Do - Survey

First Time in Print: President Carter's Sunday School Lessons at FBCDC

Jimmy Carter was a member of First Baptist DC during his presidency, 1977-1981, and he taught Sunday School at least 17 times. Fourteen of his lessons, taught in our balcony, were recorded and are now available in print with historical context by FBC member Christi Harlan.

"Mr. President, The Class Is Yours" is available in paperback or ebook at http://Amazon.com : mr. president the class is yours. For more information about the book, see Christi's website, http://www.ChristiHarlanWriter.com

Upcoming Events & Meetings


Runnymede Singers Spring Concert
Saturday, May 11 at 3 p.m. (Sanctuary)

Mel Doxie Memorial Service
Saturday, May 11 at 5 p.m. (Sanctuary)

Young Adult Fellowship
Sunday, May 19 from 6 - 9 p.m. (Oliver Müller and Molly Young’s)

Monday, May 27
Memorial Day | Church Office Closed

Rise Against Hunger
Sunday, June 2 after Worship

Capital Pride Parade
Saturday, June 8

Happy Birthday!


May 2024

9th    Susan Lucas
15th  Didier Ahimera
16th  Jesse Seales
23rd  Ron Dooms
24th  Gwen Cates

Prayer & Care

Recent Requests:

  • Linda Salmon is home and feeling well after an unexpected hospitalization last weekend.

 

read full prayers of the people
submit prayer requests

Bring Beauty to Worship & Support Local Business

Brighten our sanctuary and honor loved ones by sponsoring flowers for a Sunday service ($100).

  • Choose your occasion: Memorial, honorarium, or special event.
  • Take them home or donate them!
  • **Supports Lee's Flower & Card Shop (Black-owned business)

Sign Up:

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