To Puerto Rico with Love: Seafood Feast & Silent Auction at Village Baptist Church in Bowie--Sept. 29
By Bruce Salmon
Puerto Rico is hurting. Almost a year after Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico is far from recovered. The 155-mph winds devastated the infrastructure and killed more than 2,900 U.S. citizens. According to The Washington Post, “basic modern-day services are still not fully operational across the island.”
To compound the disaster, “philanthropies are failing Puerto Rico.” Corporate and foundation support of Puerto Rico in 2017 was only $62 million. Compare that with the $341 million given after Hurricane Harvey, and the $128 million given after Hurricane Irma. Thanks to those investments and a robust government response, Texas and Florida “were back on their feet in a matter of weeks.” Puerto Ricans, however, continue to struggle to meet basic needs.
Not everyone has forgotten Puerto Rico. Following Hurricane Maria, American Baptists and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship began sending church mission groups. Iglesia Bautista de Metrópolis in Carolina became a base of operations. The church already was part of the CBF family, having joined CBF of Florida in 2007. Pastor Jesủs Garcia has led his church to sponsor “Faith in Action” days, when church members and mission group volunteers repair surrounding communities while sharing the message of Jesus.
Randy Shepley, CBF Missions Council member (and friend of Pastor Julie), is pastor of First Baptist Church of Newport News, Virginia. A mission trip five years ago led to a strong bond between his church and Iglesia Bautista de Metrópolis. Now, my former church, Village Baptist in Bowie, Maryland, has joined the partnership, designating its summer mission project to help Iglesia Bautista de Metrópolis rebuild their church.
To raise funds Village is sponsoring a Seafood Feast & Silent Auction on Saturday, September 29, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., at Village Baptist Church in Bowie. This is where the people of First Baptist Church of Washington, D.C. can come in. Linda and I plan to attend the Village Seafood Feast, and we invite you to join us. The cost is $40 per person, $10 for ages 5-10, and free under age 5. The menu includes snow crabs, steamed crabs, steamed shrimp, fried chicken, corn on the cob, potato salad, slaw, soft drinks, lemonade, and iced tea, with hot dogs available for the kids.
Bowie is not that far away. Linda and I come from Bowie to FBC/DC almost every Sunday. Saturday, September 29, is not that far away. We would be thrilled to have some folks from our new church home join us at our old church home for this fun and worthwhile event. Because seating is limited, tickets are non-refundable and must be purchased in advance, with a deadline of September 21. Checks are payable to Village Baptist Church or purchased below.
Evening with Dr. Laura Parajón from Nicaragua - Wednesday, Aug. 29
Dinner @ 6:30pm; Conversation with Dr. Laura Parajon @ 7pm
Join us on Wednesday, August 29, for dinner and a conversation with Dr. Laura Parajon from AMOS (A Ministry of Sharing) Hope and Healing in Nicaragua. AMOS is a Christian non-profit organization that exists to improve the health of impoverished communities by working alongside them in health, education and development. Laura and her husband, Dr. David Parajon, lead AMOS and are both American Baptist missionaries. In April 2008, FBCDC sponsored a team of 17 that went to Nicaragua to help lay the foundation for the Evelyn L. Shockey Medical Clinic in rural Nascascolo (Evelyn was a long-time member of FBC). Please join us as we learn first-hand from Laura about the critical situation in Nicaragua due to the civil unrest, and how it is affecting their work.
United in Love: Communion and Faith Walk - Aug 12, 2pm
Led by Pastor Julie and Pastor Darryl Roberts
August 12 marks the one-year anniversary of the white supremacists’ rally in Charlottesville. This Sunday (8/12) Pastor Julie and Pastor Darryl Roberts from the historic Nineteenth Street Baptist Church will co-lead a brief communion service at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial at 2pm. Our brothers and sisters of NSBC have invited our church to join them for a snack lunch at their church (4606 16th St NW) from 12:45-1:30pm, then ride with them on their church busses to the MLK Memorial. Deacons from both churches will serve the bread and cup to all want to participate—church folk and tourists alike. (Please note: the communion service will be 2.5 miles from the white supremacist/neo-Nazi rally taking place in Lafayette Square, near the White House.)
Schedule for August 12:
12:45-1:30pm First Baptist and Nineteenth Street Baptist share a snack lunch at NSBC (provided by New Baptist Covenant)
1:30pm Leave Nineteenth Street by bus
1:50pm Arrive at King Memorial
2:00pm Communion Service
2:25pm Prayer Walk around Monument
2:45pm Load Buses and return to Nineteenth Street (or FBC folk may elect to Uber or Metro back to the church or to home)
August Sermon Series: Finding God in All the "Wrong" People
August Forum: Faith & Art
During the dog days of summer, we combine Sunday School classes as a way to slow down and reconnect. All are invited to participate in this year's August Forum as we explore our artistic side.
August 5:
Painting the Sacred with Amy Ordoveza
Amy Ordoveza will briefly discuss some of her recent paintings and drawings, and lead participants in creating small gouache (opaque watercolor) paintings that depict places that have been significant to them in their spiritual journeys. Participants may optionally prepare to paint by bringing a reference photo of a place where God has guided them, taught them, or blessed them. No previous painting experience is necessary. For adults and youth; children will participate in a rock-painting session with Pastor Kelly.
Amy is an artist, art teacher, and a member of First Baptist Church. She studied painting at the New York Academy of Art and the Maryland Institute College of Art, and art education at George Mason University. She has taught art for Arlington Adult Education and Fairfax County Public Schools.
August 12
Meeting God Through Flowers with Shirley McBeath
Enjoy learning techniques in arranging flowers, God’s inspiring handiwork. Experience the spiritual blessings and gifts of flowers. Participants will leave with their own floral creation. For adults, youth and children.
Shirley joined FBC in February 1974 with her husband Bill and three children, Beth, Becky and Wil. She was ordained as a deacon in 1976 and has served several times on the diaconate, as well as on many committees and teams. She began her ministry of flowers in 2000 when she envisioned ways to expand the use of the message of God’s love by sharing the altar flowers with others after the worship hour. To fund this ministry, she enlists individuals willing to sponsor each week’s fresh flowers on the altar. After worship, these flowers are creatively arranged into smaller bouquets and delivered to the homebound and hospitalized, as well as to those celebrating special occasions. Shirley donates her time and often the flowers used in arrangements for FBC events. Many of these arrangements are augmented by flowers from her own garden.
August 19
Liturgical Fabric Art with Jac & Kathy Whatley
Design your own liturgical banner! Kathy and Jac will introduce us to the use of fabrics to support and enhance worship and will talk about traditional liturgical colors and holy days and their historical place of symbolism in the church. For adults, youth and children.
Forty years ago, a radiator pipe exploded in Jac and Kathy’s first apartment, destroying a quilt his mother had made. They decided to make one to replace it (and hope to finish it this winter). Along the way they begin making placemats and table cloths and fabric stuffed animals and gifts for Christmas and birthdays. Until they joined First Baptist two and a half years ago they had never done any church art (besides Vacation Bible School!). Julie asked Kathy to make a banner for Pentecost and since then they’ve made more than a dozen banners and stoles for the church. Typically Jac designs, patterns and chooses colors while Kathy cuts, sews, quilts and hand stitches details.
August 26
What Makes You Sing? with Lawrence (Lon) Schreiber and Kevin Biggins
After breakfast we'll head upstairs to the third floor Choir Suite where Lon and Kevin will lead us in a musical adventure in worship featuring William Howard Doane, who is also seen in our Sanctuary stained glass. Lon and Kevin will play a duet featuring one of his most famous and beloved hymns: "To God be the Glory." For adults, youth and children.
After 40 years of serving National City Christian Church as Minister of Music, Lon Schreiber was called to be interim Organist-Choirmaster here at First Baptist in October 2000. He was among the consultants for the FBC Steinway Concert Grand, and the Austin organ with more than 6000 pipes.
Kevin has been a part of FBC since (circa?) 2004 through Lon and the music program, and its many talented members; often through leading worship as the substitute organist or being part of the choir. After completing music school at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ, Kevin joined Megabus as a supervisor in NJ/Philadelphia, and eventually became the manager of operations in DC and MD. Since returning to DC, he has attended FBC weekly, involving himself in young adult programs, and showing his deep love for the music program here and its future in the church and the community.
Welcoming the Stranger
Read Pastor Julie's most recent blog entry:
https://www.firstbaptistdc.org/pastor-julies-blog/2018/7/1/welcoming-the-stranger
FBC Members Advocate for Immigrant Families
On June 19, Brenda Clark, Zena Aldridge, Pastor Alyssa and Pastor Julie joined 200 women of faith at the office of U. S. Customs and Border Protection to call on our government to stop separating children from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border. Brenda Clark reflected afterwards: "Only one gathering, yet many voices! Saving our children instills an amazing grace for all of humanity, one child, hundreds of children at a time."
James Langley Memorial
Jim Langley, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Wednesday, June 7, 2018 at the age of 93.
Jim was born on March 20, 1925 and grew up in Opelika, Alabama. Following his service in the Army during WWII, Jim attended Baylor University. He and his wife Eugenia (Jean) were married in 1951 at Fountain Memorial Baptist Church, here in Washington. Together they raised four children: Carol, Jim, Jane & Marilyn.
A distinguished, long-time denominational leader in the D.C. area, Dr. Langley served at Senior Pastor of the Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church and then as Executive Minister of the D.C. Baptist Convention for many years. He has also served interim pastorates in numerous churches throughout the D.C. area. In addition to his undergraduate degree from Baylor, Jim earned an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary and a PhD from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
His mother once told him, “Jim, wherever you go, join the church where you are, no matter how short your time in that town.” He heeded those words throughout his entire life. Jim joined our church in 2006 and was a faithful part of the FBCDC family of faith. He served for a time as our interim minister for pastoral care, filled our pulpit on a number of occasions, and taught many inspiring Bible study classes. Jim was a gifted poet and writer of hymns. During our August Forum in 2016, Dr. Langley read his narrative poem, Holocaust Image, which was published that year in Christian Ethics Today.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Jean, in 2002. He is survived by his four children.
FBC T-Shirts Available for Purchase
Get yours while supplies last!
Just in time for Pride Weekend, Summer of Fun, and other outings where you'll need to stay cool while also reppin' who we are as a congregation.
$15 Adult Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, 2X Large, 3X Large
$10 Youth Sizes: Small, Medium, Large
(All unisex.)
How to Order:
- Order/Pay for your shirt here (below).
- Pick up your pre-paid shirt after worship on the Sundays of June 10, 17 or 24, OR come to Zena Aldridge's office at the church during weekday office hours.
- If you want to wear your shirt at the Pride Parade this Saturday, June 9, pay for your shirt here and pick up your shirts from Zena on Friday, June 8, 10am-5pm. (Sorry, no orders or cash transactions this Saturday.)
Baptists and Exclusion: A Tale of Two Groups
On May 22, 2018, after more than a hundred years of affiliation, the Southern Baptist Convention officially severed ties with the D.C. Baptist Convention over its refusal to exclude from membership the historic Calvary Baptist Church, a 155-year-old D. C. congregation founded by abolitionists. At issue was Calvary’s decision in 2017 to call Rev. Maria Swearingen and Rev. Sally Sarratt, a married lesbian couple, as co-pastors.
For more than a century, the DCBC has seen itself as a bridge between Baptist groups, remaining dually aligned with both Southern Baptists and the American Baptist Churches USA. In 1997, the DCBC widened its affiliation by uniting also with the predominantly black Progressive National Baptist Convention, and later with the Baptist World Alliance.
The SBC Executive Committee first communicated concern about Calvary early in 2017, just days after they called their new pastors. In February of this year, Dr. Robert Cochran, Executive Director/Minister of the DCBC (and a member of our congregation), flew to Nashville to meet personally with members of the SBC Executive Committee. Shortly thereafter, the Committee issued an ultimatum that the DCBC cut ties with Calvary within 90 days or face expulsion from the Southern Baptist Convention. Robert requested a conference call with SBC leaders so that a way forward might be negotiated, and relationship preserved. The Executive Committee declined Robert’s request for conversation, choosing to communicate through an attorney who informed Robert by letter that he had “too many things to tend to that have a higher priority” and advising DCBC leaders “to work toward excluding the errant church from your fellowship by the date of May 20th.”
Southern Baptists’ fixation on exclusion has been a sad reality for decades. Since the 1970s, the SBC has established meticulously orchestrated, fiercely defended systems of exclusion that have done immense harm to churches and individuals.
The DCBC Board chose a different path.
The day before the SBC Executive Committee’s May 20 deadline, I sat in a circle with other DCBC board members and staff who had gathered to talk and pray together about this matter. There was a spirit of kindness in the room. We began with a devotional led by board President Paula Moustos who read from Romans 14: “Why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you look down on your brother or sister?... Each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”Everyone was asked to share from his or her perspective about the matter at hand. I shared from my own personal relationship with Maria and Sally, two of the finest pastors I know. There was diversity of thought, as many board members come from the black church tradition which has been historically reluctant to welcome the LGBTQ community.
What unified the group was our commitment to the bedrock Baptist principle of autonomy of the local church. “My church would not make the same choice as Calvary in calling our leaders,” said one board member. “But they listened closely to the Spirit, and who are we to say otherwise?” It was then pointed out by another board member (to a chorus of “Amens”) that Calvary was the first Baptist church in the District to welcome black people into membership in 1954. Calvary’s prophetic voice and their commitment to justice were acknowledged and affirmed. In the end, those present voted unanimously to reject the SBC’s demand to exclude Calvary Baptist Church from membership in the DCBC, even if it meant being excluded ourselves by the Southern Baptist Convention. While there was sadness for some over the whole situation, there was a sense of peace, too.
I was honored to sit in that circle of fellowship and discernment that Saturday morning in May. I’m grateful for Robert Cochran’s leadership, and that of the board. Mostly, though, I am grateful for the Holy Spirit, who continues the hard and holy work of knitting us together in the body of Christ.
Peace and grace,
Benefit Recital for Agape National Academy of Music June 10, 2pm
The Agape National Academy of Music (ANAM) is based in Monrovia, Liberia and has as its' mission "Making Liberian Children Successful through the Arts." ANAM was founded by Samson Tarpeh in 2008 in response to thousands of children in need of healing and spiritual development following 14 years of civil war in Liberia. Mr. Tarpeh, on piano, and accompanied by two vocalists, will perform in the Sanctuary on Sunday, June 10 at 2pm. One of ANAM's goals is to raise money for the project; a free-will offering will be accepted. Questions? Contact D'O Dillard at ddillard@firstbaptistdc.org. All FBC members and friends are cordially invited.
Youth Activities for June
Third Sunday
June 17th is Father's Day so there will be no Third Sunday Lunch for youth. We'll pick back up with Third Sunday in July.
An Exploration of Juneteenth
On Wednesday June 20th, students grade 7-12 will explore historic sites in the District. Together we'll visit Cedar Hill, the home of Frederick Douglass; make our way to Dr. King's Memorial, and end with lunch on The Mall. We'll meet at FBC at 9:30am and head out from there. Contact Pastor Alyssa for more details. aaldape@firstbaptistdc.org
Paddling the Potomac
The youth group will head down to Key Bridge Boathouse after church on Sunday June 24th to Kayak on the Potomac!
Cost: $16 for kayak. Bring a change of kayak-appropriate clothing and money for lunch. Contact Pastor Alyssa for more details. aaldape@firstbaptistdc.org
July 1st: Guest Preacher Preston Clegg
Rev. Dr. Preston Clegg, Senior Pastor of Second Baptist Church in Little Rock, will bring the message in worship on July 1st. Preston pastored churches in Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma before coming to 2BC in 2013. He received his BA in Christian Ministry from Williams Baptist College in Arkansas and his M.Div. and D.Min. from George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco, TX. He and his wife Rebecca are native Arkansans, growing up in the delta of Eastern Arkansas. They have two sons, Paxton and Truett. Preston's greatest vocational passion is creatively preaching the good news so that it builds up the church and announces the Kingdom of God.
Meet Our Newest Deacons
June 10: Ordination and Laying On of Hands During Worship
Lilia Abron, Didier Ahimera and Philip Hawkins begin 3-year terms of service this month. The congregation will have an opportunity to bless and pray for them on June 17, during worship.
Deepest thanks to Zena Aldridge and Mike Henson who just completed another term of deacon service. Their care, discernment and commitment to the way of Jesus are a blessing to us all.
Lilia Ann Abron
I was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee to Baptist parents. I was baptized when I was 9 years old, sang in the junior choir, played piano, and was a member of the church sponsored Girl Scout troop from Brownie through Senior Scouts. I chose environmental engineering for my life’s work, because I was raised to respect the earth, and all humans who live on this planet. I endeavored to raise my three sons as I was raised. All were baptized here at First Baptist where I have been a member for more than 35 years. I am a Christian and am accepting of all believers and non-believers. I look forward to my time serving you again as a deacon.
Didier Ahimera
I accepted Christ into my heart early in childhood and I have had the pleasure of worshiping at FBC-DC since the summer of 2015. My family currently resides in Phoenix and nearly three decades ago they immigrated to the States from Burundi. Since joining this community of followers I’ve gotten to serve at Christ House on many occasions. My prayer is for the events of our community and the world to continue to stir our hearts so we are provoked to action, asking ourselves what more we can do.
Philip Hawkins
Church has been part of my fabric for as long as I can recall. But deeper than church, discerning the priorities of Christ has been part of my fabric since my early teenage years when I formally accepted Christ as Savior. I became part of the FBC-DC family in April 2017 shortly after I moved to the DC area. I have two children – Eric (26) and Mallary (24). Both of my parents and each of my siblings (and their families) are still living, all in the north Georgia area. I actively engage in the music ministry of FBC. I also have a passion for working (voluntarily) with those who are in hospitalization with depression and related mental health diagnoses. My prayer for FBC is that we continue to support each other as we remain open to Holy Spirit’s leading us through our present and our future.
Capital Pride Parade Saturday, June 9
Pastor Julie and others from FBC who are marching with AWAB (Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists) at the Capital Pride Parade next Saturday, June 9. We’ll join friends from Baptist churches in the DC area in showing love to people who are too often excluded from church.
As of publication time AWAB doesn’t have info from Capital Pride about the time and location for meeting up. Step-off for the parade is 4:30pm. We will likely be near the end of the parade line. Complete info will appear in next week’s email Update. The forecast says 86° and partly cloudy. The parade route is about 1.5 miles and there are some hills, so wear comfortable walking shoes and bring bottled water, sunscreen, and a snack. For more information, contact Pastor Julie at jpr@firstbaptistdc.org.
Summer of Fun 2018
AUGUST
August 18 (Saturday, 10am)
Kayaking on the Potomac
(hosted by Chelsea Clarke, Didier Ahimera and Allen Norfleet)
Spend a Saturday kayaking on the Potomac with FBCDC friends! Hosts Chelsea Clarke, Didier Ahimera and Allen Norfleet invite you to join them at the DC Boathouse under the Key Bridge in Georgetown on Sat., Aug. 18 at 10 am. Kayaks are $16/hr for single; $22/hour for double. Rental includes a life vest. If you would like more information, go to https://boatingindc.com/boathouses/key-bridge-boathouse/
(RSVP below)
(nothing is added to shopping cart for this event, payment is made at the DC Boathouse)
August 19 (Sunday, 1-4pm; come-and-go)
Board Games & Lunch
(hosted by Kelly Magee-Prichard and Charlotte Straight)
Join the fun in Arlington! Chuck and Kelly are cooking up Pulled Pork, Baked Beans, and Cole Slaw, while Charlotte is planning a festive game-playing afternoon.
3528 6th St., South, Arlington, VA.(RSVP below)
(nothing is added to shopping cart for free events)
Past Events
AUGUST
Aug 11(Saturday, 1pm)
Lunch at a Maryland Crab House
(hosted by Ron & Zena Aldridge)
Join us for a delicious lunch at a Southern Maryland crab house on the Neale Sound of the Potomac River in Charles County, MD. Plan to meet at Captain John's Crab House @ 1pm. 16215 Cobb Island Rd., Newburg, MD.
Restaurant website: https://www.cjcrab.com/Home
Need a ride? Carpooling available.
A demonstration of how to open and pick a Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab is guaranteed!
(RSVP below)
August 3 (Friday, 7:05pm)
Washington Nationals Baseball Game
(hosted by Charlie Fuller)
(1 ticket available @ $32. RSVP and pay below ASAP)
JULY
July 14 (Saturday, 5-7pm)
Wine & Cheese at The Chastleton
(hosted by Rochelle Howard)
We relaxed and enjoyed visiting with friends old and new at this historic Dupont Circle neighborhood condominium.
July 13 (Friday, 6-9pm)
The Capitol Steps
(comedy troupe; hosted by Lucy Plovnick)
Met at 6pm in the food court of the Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW. Show began at 7:30pm.
JUNE
June 29 (Friday, 5:45pm-10pm)
U. S. Marine Band Concert and Evening Parade at the Barracks (hosted by Amanda Tyler)
A summer tradition on Capitol Hill, join us for patriotic music and pageantry at the Marine Barracks in Southeast Washington. We'll gather for dinner at 5:45pm at Cava Mezze Restaurant on Barracks Row (527 8th St SE), then walk to claim our reserved seats for the concert and evening parade. (Reservations are Closed )
Artist & Teacher Tina Bailey
June 24 (Sunday, 12:30-2:45pm)
Watercolors @ The Drake with Tina Bailey
(hosted by Julie Pennington-Russell)
18 folks unleashed their inner artists at this watercolors workshop in the beautiful Penthouse Residents’ Lounge at The Drake apartment building (next door to FBCDC). No prior art experience was needed. Artist Tina Bailey, a graduate of Savannah College of Art & Design, serves as field personnel in Bali through Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.
Pentecost Jazz Worship Service May 20
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
Join us in worship as we celebrate God’s gift of Holy Spirit, led by FBC musicians and the Scott Paddock Jazz Quartet (jazz prelude begins at 10:45am). We’ll hear the words of Scripture in a variety of languages and Pastor Julie will bring the message, The Impartial Spirit. Flags of the nations will encircle the sanctuary from the balcony, a beloved FBC Pentecost tradition.
In the second chapter of Acts, Luke tells of how, fifty days after Easter, the Spirit of God fell like a fire and blew like a wind on 120 men and women and they streamed into the streets of the city to meet their neighbors with the good news of Jesus Christ.
Into the Wild: Adventures in Prayer - Sermon Series
FBC Member Andrew Blasi - An Open Letter to Friends on Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
February 2018
Dear Friends,
Andrew Blasi
As people who are deeply cherished in my life, I’m asking for your help – that you long continue to keep in your thoughts my high school – Marjory Stoneman Douglas – and my hometown of Parkland, Florida. My “home” since infancy, with nearly 32,000 incredible people who live quietly alongside the beautiful Everglades, and its neighboring city of Coral Springs are grappling with a tragic mass shooting. Douglas is just a five minute walk from my childhood house. My family, friends, and this community are devastated. I am devastated.
This was the place that motivated me to pursue a meaningful future in Washington. And it is where I was equipped with many of the passions/personality that I bring into my friendship with you. Douglas stands out as a shining example of public education excellence. It is one of the best high schools in the state, indeed in the entire country. This is because its educators are extraordinary. Many of them have been invaluable mentors to me and have inspired my closest friends to pursue the best higher education and meaningful careers. This is where social studies teachers in December 2005 held a surprise gathering to congratulate my early acceptance to the College of William and Mary. They got me there. I say these things so you know more than the scenes that have filtered across national news. So you know how this place has a connection to you in a very real way. So we don’t dismiss it as just another incident. There are now beautiful kids from my community who won’t have the same opportunities that I did. There are beautiful families in Parkland who will never be the same. And there are future friendships all across the country that will never be had, as you do, with a Parklander. My home, the mecca of youthful memories, will never be the same. And I can promise you that those thousands of children who have been hurt – physically and mentally – are exactly like you were in high school. I know this because I was one of them, and I know you.
Please give your partners, parents, siblings, friends, colleagues a big huge when you see them. Don’t hold back. And, if you’re not the touchy type, tell them unequivocally how much you appreciate them and how special they are. Look into their eyes and smile when you do. This is the best, immediate tool each of us has. Love is the only creative, redemptive, and transforming power in the universe. And – if your conscience finds it appropriate – tell them that what has happened in Parkland is not okay. Don’t write this off. If for no other reason than you are now directly connected to it through me (and not the television). It wasn’t okay yesterday, it’s not okay today, and for you it won’t be okay tomorrow. The beautiful thing is that you and those you touch, in turn, have tomorrow a chance to use voice, creativity, and actions to right this wrong. This is true both in our daily living as well as through our civic engagement. There is no single solution. And there are many paths with dead ends. But, that doesn’t matter. It will take collective action to address this grand challenge. I’m hoping, as my friend, you’ll serve this collective action in any way you can, starting with your own communities. And that you’ll put love at the core, providing space for dialogue and exchanging solutions with those you may disagree with. Because I believe this is the most essential tool that will make Parkland one of the last communities to ever go through this.
In honor of the place that has given me everything, I've decided to ban complacency from my heart. While Parkland has never weathered a storm like this, it has seen enough severe hurricanes in its time to know something about recovery and what resiliency looks like when neighbors help one another. My prayer is that this institution of excellence will rise as a living monument to the very best in all of us. Where love conquers fear. Let us now make it so. As it states in bold letters above the main exit at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School: Be the Change You Wish to See in the World.
Andrew Blasi
Member, First Baptist Church of Washington, D.C.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Class of 2006
3/24/18 March Day Details
A group from FBC will leave at 11am from our O Street entrance (between 16th & 17th Streets) and walk together approximately 1.3 miles to 12th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue (one of only 3 designated entrances to the event, and the one closest to the church.) All are welcome!
Note that DC DPS is emphatically encouraging participants to use mass transit on Saturday (instead of driving).