This Sunday in Worship,
Pause to be Free
April 21, at 11:00 a.m.
This Sunday in worship, Pastor Julie continues her new sermon series,The Powerful Pause: Reclaiming Your Soul Through Sabbath with a message from Deuteronomy 5:6, 12-15.
Sabbath gives us the gift of freedom. A day of stopping is a day for us to know that we are in bondage to nothing in this world. When we keep a Sabbath, we’re practicing independence—at least for a day—from the frantic pace set by Wall Street, Washington, Hollywood, Amazon, and the culture around us. Supplemental texts are Luke 13:10-17 and Galatians 5:1-6, 13-14.
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A New Way of
Leading and Serving
Proposed church organizational
plan to be sent to the congregation
this Friday, April 19.
Dear FBC Community in Christ:
I’m excited to share important developments in our work with Ministry Architects. On Sunday, May 5, the congregation will be asked to affirm a new way of organizing our congregational life that is simpler and more nimble, collaborative, and action-oriented—with a focus on doing ministry rather than administering ministry.
On Sunday, the Church Council and Strategic Advisory Team unanimously affirmed this new governance structure, which you will receive in a church-wide email this Friday, April 19. Two church Town Halls are scheduled for conversation and questions about the proposals:
- Sunday, April 28, at 12:30 in Fellowship Hall. (Light snacks provided to hold you over until lunch.)
- Tuesday, April 30, at 6:30 on Zoom.
The proposed plan for leadership and governance is a deeply congregational model that emphasizes mission and ministry. This model relies on two primary leadership bodies: a small Ministry Leadership Team (MLT) and a number of Ministry Action Teams (MATs).
You will have the details and diagrams on Friday, but here are some highlights:
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Blood Drive Today
Wednesday, April 17
There is a critical need for blood at this time. Plan to donate in the FBC Fellowship Hall TODAY, April 17, between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. To make an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit http://RedCrossBlood.org and enter: "First Baptist Church of DC".
Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting http://RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment.
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April 24: Freedom Passover Seder with Washington Hebrew Congregation
Sign up by tomorrow,
April 18.
Join friends from FBC, as well as sisters and brothers from other faith communities, at Washington Hebrew Congregation (3935 Macomb St NW) next Wed, April 24th at 6pm. Celebrate freedom & friendship with traditional food, prayers & readings. As of today, 13 FBC folk have signed up. RSVP to Pastor Julie by TOMORROW, Thursday, April 18, if you'd like to participate. jpr@firstbaptistdc.org.
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Take the Survey!
What Makes Your Heart Sing?
As we prepare for a new chapter at First Baptist Church, we're partnering with Ministry Architects to create a vibrant future for our beloved congregation.
To get your input, we'd love for you to take a short survey titled "Things I Love to Do." Before you start, 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!
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Schreiber Recital Series: Sean Burns in Recital
Sunday, April 28 at 4:00 pm
Join us for a captivating organ recital by our talented organist, Sean Burns, on Sunday, April 28th at 4:00 PM. This performance promises a diverse musical journey showcasing the full potential of First Baptist's magnificent organ.
After the recital, unwind and connect with fellow music enthusiasts at a reception in the Fellowship Hall.
Don't miss this special event! It's part of the Lawrence P. "Lon" Schreiber Recital Series, honoring our esteemed Minister of Music Emeritus. Mark your calendars today!
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Young Adult Fellowship This Sunday Night
Young adults seeking connection and a spiritual boost are invited to First Baptist's monthly Sunday Night Fellowship! Join us on April 21st, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM at Pastor Eric’s for an evening of delicious food, faith-enriching conversations, and building friendships with other young adults in a supportive community. RSVP to Pastor Eric (eric@firstbaptistdc.org) by the end of the day Friday. Address and directions will be sent later this week.
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PASSPORT DC
May 4th
FBC Hospitality Volunteers Needed
FBC volunteers are needed to greet our friends and neighbors during the Around the World Embassy Tour Saturday, May 4.
Four shifts of two hours each are available beginning at 9:00 am to greet and share water with the thousands of people who come to Dupont Circle to explore nearby embassies, including those of First Baptist’s closest neighbors—Australia and Kazakhstan.
Three to four volunteers are needed May 4 for each of the four shifts: 9-11 am, 11 am -1 pm, 1-3 pm and 3-5 pm. More information about the tour can be found at Guide to Free Embassy Tours During Passport DC | Washington DC.
To sign up, please email Christi Harlan at CHarlan757@hotmail.com.
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Celebrate FBC & Plan for the Future! May 5th
Two Town Halls Offered in Advance of the Meeting
Annual Meeting (May 5th): Following worship on May 5th, join us for the annual celebration of all that God is doing at FBC!
Prepare & Get Informed:
Two Town Hall meetings will discuss a proposal regarding FBC's leadership structure, proposed by the Church Council and Strategic Advisory Team. Attend in person or virtually to learn more and ask questions:
- In-person: April 28th, 12:30 PM (Fellowship Hall)
- Virtual: April 30th, 6:30 PM (Zoom) - details coming soon
Childcare will be available at the Annual Meeting.
Let's celebrate the past year and shape the future of FBC together!
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Upcoming Events & Meetings
Red Cross Blood Drive
Wednesday, April 17 from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Congregation Town Hall
Sunday, April 28 at 12:30 pm, Fellowship Hall
Schreiber Organ Recital Series featuring Sean Burns
Sunday, April 28 at 4:00 pm, Sanctuary
Congregation Town Hall
Tuesday, April 30 at 6:30 pm via Zoom
Passport DC: Embassy Row Service Day
Saturday, May 4 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Annual Congregational Meeting
Sunday, May 5 after Worship
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Happy Birthday!
APRIL 2024
17th Harry Tay
20th Ramona Michels
25th Aurelio Dominguez
29th Carol Yoder
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Prayer & Care
Prayers and Sympathy
- To Sadye Doxie in the death of her husband, Melvin, who died on April 11. A celebration of Mel’s life will take place on Saturday, May 11 at 5:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church. A reception will follow in Fellowship Hall.
Recent Requests
- Charlotte Straight is recovering from hip replacement surgery on April 5
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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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