Why March?

“Why are we promoting the March for our Lives and the Rally to End Racism?” While no one at FBC has asked me this question, it is certainly fair. There are marches in Washington all the time. Why these two?

“March for Our Lives”
This march wears a personal face for us at First Baptist. Our brother and newest church member, Andrew Blasi, graduated from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School 12 years ago (see his letter here) and grew up in Parkland, FL. The mass shooting on February 14th has left Andrew and an entire community devastated. I’ll be marching as a way of demonstrating love and support. In a much broader sense, while March for Our Lives is not organized as a religious action, advocating for peace and an end to gun violence is a faithful expression of Christian discipleship as well as our own Anabaptist heritage. The way of Jesus, our Prince of Peace, embodies both an unmistakable rejection of violence and the power of love and truth in action for justice, peace and wholeness for all people. (Bill Leonard, this year’s Winter Forum speaker at FBC, wrote a blog this week for Baptist News Global about gun violence in America. Read it here.) 

“Rally to End Racism”
This event, initiated by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, and marking the 50th anniversary of the assassination of our Baptist brother, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is overtly grounded in faith, and is the beginning of a focused, intentional effort to eradicate the racism that paralyzes our ability to see every human being as equal and created in God’s image.

The gospel is political but not partisan.
The gospel of Christ, grounded in the witness of the Hebrew prophets, addresses not only individual hearts but also the societal systems of every nation. In this season of Lent it is well for us to remember that it was the threat Jesus posed to both religious and political authorities that led to his crucifixion. The gospel is political…but never partisan. It is a misguided, even arrogant, assumption that the way of Christ is perfectly articulated by any political party. Our congregation includes people with varied political affiliations so our ideas on how best to encourage peace and justice may differ. And yet, beyond all political differences, the gospel of Christ calls us all to advocate for these.

Grace and peace,

Kelly Magee-Prichard: FBC's New Minister For Children & Families

Kelly Magee-Prichard

With excitement and gratitude, the Personnel Committee and Faith Formation Team invite the FBC family to join them in welcoming Kelly Magee-Prichard as our new Minister for Children and Families.

Kelly and her family (husband, Chuck, and son, Angus) began worshiping with us in the fall of 2017 and immediately sensed the spirit of God at work (Kelly was initially drawn to FBCDC because of our Statement of Inclusion, adopted last September.) They joined First Baptist on January 28, 2018.

Kelly holds a Doctor of Management degree in Organizational Leadership (University of Phoenix, 2009); a M. A. in Mass Communication (Northeast Louisiana University, 1996); and a B. A. in Journalism (Louisiana Tech, 1990).

Kelly’s greatest passion is nurturing children, encouraging their families, and directing, coordinating and training volunteers who serve infants, preschoolers and children. The daughter of a Baptist pastor, she began leading children as a teenage counselor at Acadian Baptist Center in Louisiana. Most recently Kelly taught children at International Baptist Church in Stuttgart-Vaihingen (Germany).

The Process:

• August 2017: FBC began soliciting resumés for this part-time position
• December 2017: Kelly Magee-Prichard was identified by the personnel committee as the top candidate
• January 2018: Kelly met with Pastors Julie & Charlie; with members of personnel committee; and with parents and teachers of FBC children
• February 1-15, 2018: Kelly completed Federal & District background checks
• February 18, 2018: Kelly met with Moderator Rod Coates and Pastor Julie to sign covenant letter
• March 1, 2018: Official start date  

Responsibilities:

As Minister for Children and Families Kelly will work under direct supervision of the Pastor.  Her responsibilities will include three focal areas:

1. Spiritual Leadership

• Serve as a growing Christian leader among parents and children (grade six and under)
• Provide spiritual and pastoral guidance/care
• Plan overall curriculum, activities and events to nurture growth in preschoolers and children, and to prepare older children for transition into the youth ministry

2. Collaboration

• Work in collaboration with lay teams and staff to ensure a holistic ministry to children and families
• Work with the CDC Director and CDC team to help our church to serve our CDC families
• Provide leadership and support to our children’s teachers and others who serve our children; encourage a “team” effort

2. Cultivation of a welcoming, safe and healthy environment for children and families

• As needed, enlist and train children’s ministry leaders/teachers for Sunday School and extended care for preschoolers during worship
• Promote and maintain high safety standards for our children’s ministry
• Extend hospitality to guests with children
• Provide regular communication to parents and friends of FBC Children’s ministry through church-wide publications and children’s ministry channels
• Perform other children’s ministry duties as assigned by the Pastor

We will welcome Kelly to the FBC staff at the upcoming church-wide potluck on March 4 (also Winter Forum Sunday). In the meantime, please pray for Kelly, her family, and all the children and families at First Baptist Church.

In Christ,

The Personnel Committee and Faith Formation Team: Denny Austin, Becky Ellison, Dennis Lambert, Allen Norfleet, Lucy Plovnick & Charlotte Straight

Rally to End Racism Wednesday, April 4, on the National Mall

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Rally to End Racism
Wednesday, April 4, on the National Mall
50th Anniversary of the Assassination of MLK

On April 3-5, 2018 the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA and partners will gather in Washington, D.C. for a historic event to mark 50 years since the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968, and to launch its Truth and Racial Justice Initiative. The Rally to End Racism is a launching point for a comprehensive, multi-year program to address racism in our nation. Pastor Julie is serving on the fundraising committee for this event. Many volunteers will be needed from local congregations. Stay tuned for ways you can help.

Schedule At-A-Glance for April 3-5, 2018

Tuesday, April 3: Ecumenical Worship Service in the Orthodox Tradition

• 6:30 p.m.: St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral,
  2815 36th St., NW, Washington, D.C., 20007

Wednesday, April 4: ACT to End Racism Rally on the National Mall

• 7-8 a.m.: Silent Prayer Walk to the National Mall
• 8-9 a.m.: Interfaith Service
• 9 a.m.-4 p.m.: Rally and Call to Commitment
   

Thursday, April 5: National Day of Advocacy & Action

Serving as a leading voice of witness to the living Christ in the public square since 1950, the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) brings together 38 member communions (including the Alliance of Baptists) and more than 35 million Christians in a common expression of God’s love and promise of unity.

More Info: http://www.rally2endracism.org/

Lenten Vespers on Wednesday Nights - 2/21 to 3/21

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These 45-minute worship services will offer a simple, meaningful opportunity to pause in the middle of the week to connect with God and receive fresh inspiration. Each service will feature someone from FBC sharing a piece of his or her faith story, as well as musicians from our congregation.

                 Faith Story           Musician(s) 

Feb 21        Lilia Abron             Cindy Fuller

Feb 28       Kevin Biggins          Paul Nelson, Zena Aldridge

Mar 7         Carol Nicholas        Robert Cochran, Kimberly Galva

Mar 14       Roger Alford           Christina Whitehouse-Suggs

Mar 21       Oliver Müller           Charles Pugh, Kevin Biggins

Combine Worship and Community on Wednesday Nights in Lent

Two Dinner Options!
Prefer to eat early? Enjoy a delicious meal prepared by Chef Laval at 6pm in Fellowship Hall. Cost: $8.00. RSVP to D’O Dillard, ddillard@firstbaptistdc.org each week by Monday at 5pm or make a standing reservation for all five suppers during Lent.

Prefer to eat later? Each week after vespers, all who’d like to join in are invited to walk as a group to one of the many nearby restaurants.

The Future of Christianity in America: Is There One? – Winter Forum March 4

2018 Lenten Sermon Series: Immersed in Love: Telling Our Story through Baptism

Baptism Sermon Series During Lent

Historically in the Christian movement, the season of Lent, the forty days leading up to Easter, was a time when new believers prepared for their baptism. During the Lenten season this year at First Baptist Church, we are following the example of the early church by remembering together our great story as followers of Christ through the image of baptism. All the major themes of a believer’s story are visible every time we baptize: birth, cleansing, new “clothes”, community, burial, resurrection. Join us as we remember our story.

An Evening with Pastor Donna Claycomb Sokol

Wednesday, January 17, 2018 (Fellowship Hall)

Our “third Wednesday” speaker series sponsored by the Faith Formation Team continues in January. Join us for a conversation with Rev. Dr. Donna Claycomb Sokol, senior pastor of Mt. Vernon Place United Methodist Church here in D.C., and co-author of a new book, A New Day in the City: Urban Church Revival. The MVP congregation focuses its energy on a limited number of ministries in order to offer each with intentionality, excellence and the hospitality of Christ. On January 17th, Pastor Julie will facilitate an interview and Q&A with Pastor Donna. Come and hear more about the MVP story, and meet this exceptional pastor who is also eager to meet the people of First Baptist Church.

Schedule on January 17 in Fellowship Hall (come for some or all of the evening)

5pm Sandwich making for Martha’s Table
6pm Supper prepared by Chef Laval (RSVP to ddillard@firstbaptistdc.org)
7pm Conversation with Rev. Dr. Donna Claycomb Sokol

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service—Dec. 24 @ 4pm

This year Christmas Eve falls on Sunday. In addition to our weekly service at 11am, we’ll also gather again at 4pm to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the light of the world. Join us for this beautiful 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.

How We Wait: An Advent Sermon Series

Let’s be honest: Advent can be a hard sell. While Christmas starts appearing in September, often in glaring, gaudy ways, Advent comes on padded feet with very little fanfare. Advent is about waiting. It’s about reflection and repentance and delayed gratification—things with which we tend to struggle. And yet, Advent has a gift it wants to give, which our souls desperately need. Advent, if observed with intentionality and an open heart, helps us to resist some of the Christmas craziness out there. Advent offers the simple joy of preparing our hearts and minds for Christ. In this holy season, our chief assignment is to watch and wait and worship. Doesn’t that sound like something of a relief? Join us!

60th Annual Candlelight Carols

December 10 @ 4pm (FBC Sanctuary)

Capture the joy of the season with a beloved First Baptist tradition! The first Candlelight Carols Service was held in the newly completed sanctuary of First Baptist Church on December 8, 1957, launching a tradition that has spanned six decades. Candlelight Carols continues today, featuring the choirs and instrumentalists of The First Baptist Church and The Runnymede Singers. An offering will be collected, benefitting SOME (So Others Might Eat), an interfaith, community-based organization that exists to help poor and unhoused people in D.C. Bring a friend!

Blue Christmas

For those of us who are grieving, Christmas can be the hardest season of all. Loss comes in so many forms: The death of someone we love. Illness. Divorce. Addiction. Estrangement from family. Loss of a job. Or just disappointment with life in general. Our Blue Christmas service offers an invitation to acknowledge and entrust every kind of grief into the hands of our compassionate God and find some healing and hope. Come for your own grief, and/or invite and accompany someone you know who could use some hope during the holidays.

Caring Christmas: Wednesdays in December

December 6th at Christ House 6:30pm-8pm Decorating

We will meet at Christ House to help put up Christmas decorations around the house. All are welcome to join. Christ House is located at 1717 Columbia Rd NW, in Adams Morgan. Dinner after decorating at a nearby restaurant for those who want to join in.

December 13th: Blue Christmas Service at 7pm (Sanctuary)

For those of us who are grieving, Christmas can be the hardest season of all. Loss comes in so many forms: The death of someone we love. Illness. Divorce. Addiction. Estrangement from family. Loss of a job. Or just disappointment with life in general. Our Blue Christmas service offers an invitation to acknowledge and entrust every kind of grief into the hands of our compassionate God and find some healing and hope. Come for your own grief, and/or invite and accompany someone you know who could use some hope during the holidays.

December 20th at The Residences at Thomas Circle 6pm

Christmas Caroling at The Residences at Thomas Circle (a senior adult community at 1330 Massachusetts Ave, NW, not far from First Baptist). Meet at the church at 6pm to walk over together, or join the group at The Residences at Thomas Circle at 6:30pm. Dinner after caroling at City Tap House (1250 Connecticut Ave NW, at N Street, Washington, DC 20036).

Church Family Christmas | Sun. Dec. 4 9:30am

Live Nativity During Potluck Lunch

Every year, our children and youth reenact the Christmas story during our December “first Sunday” potluck. Rehearsal will take place during the Sunday School hour starting at 9:30am (children and students should come to their classrooms first, then head to Fellowship Hall). During lunch, kids will eat first, then come backstage to dress as angels, shepherds, wisemen or part of the holy family. (Any children visiting are also welcome to dress and join the FBC kids on stage; they won’t have to speak.)

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2016 Live Nativity:

Fifth Annual Halloween Concert on Tues, Oct. 31 7pm

Don’t miss First Baptist’s annual musical treat on Tuesday, October 31, at 7pm.  We have talented “Goblins” (of assorted kinds) who will thrill and chill you with performances on the magnificent 5-manual Austin Organ of more than 6,000 pipes.  The concert will last about an hour, and is free and open to the public. Performers will wear costumes, and the audience is invited to come in costume as well. Bring a friend!

Annual Thanksgiving Lunch: November 19 - Buy Tickets Here

Chef Laval is preparing a Thanksgiving feast on Sunday, November 19. Cost is $10/adults; $7/children under 12. Deadline for reservations is Thursday, November 16. You may make your reservation and pay for your tickets in advance here (preferred), or email Church Administrator D’O Dillard and pay at the door. Contact D’O at ddillard@firstbaptistdc.org. Please consider chipping in the cost of an extra meal, so that we can extend an invitation to all who worship with us that morning.

Fall Faith & Action

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The Full Series

A Jewish-Christian-Muslim Trialogue: Faith and the Challenges of Secularism

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The New York Ave Presbyterian Church Presents - A Weekend with Dr. Walter Brueggemann: What's in Your Wallet?

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Church Fall Fellowship, Sat, Oct 21, 11:30am-3:00pm

Our annual gathering in Rock Creek Park is fast approaching! Since the grill at site #24 is not the best (and the Park Service doesn’t allow personal grills in the park) this year FBC will provide cold cuts and fried chicken, accompanied by breads, condiments, beverages, plates, cups, napkins and cutlery. Attendees are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to share.

Please tell us your coming (and how many are coming with you) so we’ll be sure to have enough food -- we don’t want anyone to go home hungry. We’ll also have games available, so come join the fun! Questions? Contact D’O Dillard at ddillard@firstbaptistdc.org

Directions: From 16th Street NW, turn into Rock Creek Park on Morrow Drive NW. Bear to the left for about 100 yards, toward the William H. G. FitzGerald Tennis Center (stadium with blue seats). Picnic site #24 is the first site on the right, across from the Tennis Center. Please park in the adjacent lot. MetroBus Lines S2 and S4 stop at 16 Street NW and Morrow Drive NW.  
(Google maps link) 

First Glance - Sundays - Oct. 22-Nov. 12 9:30-10:30AM

First Glance
Sundays
9:30-10:30AM
(room 315; from the O Street welcome area, take elevator to 3rd floor)

October 22 – November 12
A four-week orientation to fbc for newcomers and new members*

• Facilitated by FBC pastors and lay leaders
• Meet others who are new to First Baptist (within the past year or so)
• Hear a little about our church’s 215-year history, as well as distinctive features of the Baptist stream of Christianity
• Have conversations about what it means to walk in the way of Jesus 
• Share from your own experiences with God
• Bonus: enjoy some excellent coffee and breakfast nibbles!

*Can’t be there all four Sundays? No worries; join us as often as you can.

Please RSVP here (this will help us in our planning and coffee-making!)
 

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