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In the presence of God and this assembly, we joyfully and passionately covenant with each other as one body in Jesus Christ. We have been led by the Spirit of God to receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. We profess our faith publicly as born again believers through baptism in the name of the Father, and of His Son, and of the Holy Spirit. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we will walk together in Christian love, cultivate our faith and Biblical knowledge, and assemble to worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We will cheerfully contribute to the church with our God-given time, talents, tithes and offerings to support the ministry, expenses of the church, relief of the poor, and teaching of God’s word not only within our membership, but throughout the community, country and all continents. We will seek the salvation of those we know and those we may meet, zealously proclaiming the Gospel without shame. We will maintain devotions in groups as well as in private that we may grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ. We will strive to uphold Biblical standards of morality in all aspects of our lives and deny ungodliness and worldly desires. We will endeavor to reach all people with the teachings of Jesus Christ baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. We further engage to promote unity within the congregation; to encourage one another in service and ministry; and to care for one another in brotherly love, whether in health or in times of need. We will instruct each other in the teachings of Jesus Christ for the betterment of the church and make ourselves accountable to those teachings. We will help each other and diligently pray for each other. We will endeavor to conduct ourselves in a manner that will bring honor to the Lord. We will love and forgive each other.
If we move away from this location and cannot worship with First Baptist Franklinton, we will unite with another church body so that we can fulfill the principles described in this Covenant as directed by the Bible, the inspired authoritative Word of God. May we always remember that we are blessed by the grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and may the Holy Spirit guide us.
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Table of Contents Church Covenant 2 Welcome 4 Worship Opportunities 5 Get Connected 6-13 Missions and Outreach 14-16 Membership 17 Campus Map 18-19 3
Welcome Welcome, We would like to welcome you to our church. If you are a visitor or a new member, it is with great pleasure that we warmly welcome you. Here at First Baptist, we refer to our church as a “Family for Life.� Our church family is about encouraging one another to seek the abundant life that can only be found in Jesus Christ. Please know that our church is here to help you worship, serve, and grow in your relationship with God through Jesus Christ. If you have any questions regarding the ministries of our church or how to initiate or move forward in your walk with Christ, please do not hesitate to contact one of our church staff members or to call the church office. We are here to serve you. May God bless you with every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus! To God Be the Glory!
Sign Up: If you would like to receive a copy of our monthly newsletter, The Bridge, fill out a request for one on a visitor card or just call the office at 985.839.3427.
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Worship Opportunities Worship Services Sunday Morning 8:15 a.m. ⚫ Worship Join us for a time of praise and worship with the praise band led by Bro. Butch Re- Sunday Evening viere. This service features life-applicable preaching and themes that seek to help the 6:00 p.m. ⚫ Worship worshiper prepare to face the challenges of Are you looking for a smaller, more intimate the day. atmosphere of contemporary worship? Join this evening service for a more teaching emphasized Bible Study format to 10:45 a.m. ⚫ Worship help you dig deeper into God’s word and grow more in your relationship with the Join us for a time of praise and worship Lord. with the praise band led by Bro. Butch Reviere. This service is streamed live on our Facebook Page and features lifeWee Worship applicable preaching and themes that seek 8:15 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. to help the worshiper prepare to face the Worship & Teaching challenges of the day. Available during most our 8:15 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship Nursery Services, Wee Worship is for children ages For parents with babies and toddlers (under 3 through Kindergarten. Children are 36 months), we have a nursery, and toddler dismissed at a designated time listed in the room in our Preschool Department staffed bulletin and meet in the foyer of the Sanctuary. Wee Worship is held in the with workers ready to care for your child. This is available during our Sunday School Preschool Building in Room A. hour and our Worship Services.
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Get Connected Bible Study The primary way through which we study God’s Word is our Sunday Morning Bible Study groups. Traditionally this has been known as “Sunday School.” However, our Bible Study groups are so much more than “classes.” They are the core of our sense of community. For many of our members, the most rewarding aspect of their church life is the relationships that were built through our Bible Studies. Each class has a warm and rich family feeling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have to pray, read, or share in front of others? Only if you want to! These studies are not meant to put you on the spot. You can sit silently and soak up the study or you can When do these Bible studies meet? join the conversation. Either way is perfectSunday mornings at 8:15 a.m. & 9:30 a.m. ly okay.
Is there a class for me? Absolutely! We have classes for every age and station in life. See Page 7 for a list of classes to find the small group that suits you.
What happens at the Bible study? The majority of the time is spent studying God’s Word, seeing how Scripture impacts our daily living. However, classes spend some of their time in fellowship, discussing the happenings of one another’s lives, sharing special prayer needs and ministering to one another's needs as necessary.
How do I join a Sunday Morning Study? Simply find an usher and ask them about our Bible studies. They will show you the way. Or you can just show up to class, the 6
Bible Study Classes
Youth
Nursery & Toddlers
Annex 9:30 a.m. ⚫ Bible Study 7th - 9th Grade Boys Room 401 7th - 9th Grade Girls Room 402 10th - 12th Grade Boys Room 403 10th - 12th Grade Girls Room 308
Preschool ⚫ C & D Children’s Building Parents can know their special blessings will be cared for & entertained in our nursery. Our toddlers have a Bible Story lesson during our Sunday School hour.
Young Adults 9:30 a.m. ⚫ Bible Study
12:2 - Mixed - Annex Room 504 Armor of Light - Men - Annex II Right Caleb - Mixed - Sanctuary Room 102 U Deborah - Women - Annex Room 508 Genesis - Mixed - Sanctuary Room 101 U Joshua - Mixed - Annex II Left Rock Solid - Special Needs - SS Office
Preschool Children’s Building 9:30 a.m. ⚫ Bible Study PreK 3 - Room E PreK 4 - Room B Kindergarten - Room A
Median Adults
Children
9:30 a.m. ⚫ Bible Study Circle of Joy - Women - Sanctuary Room 102 Open Door - Mixed - Senior Adult Center Ruth - Women - Annex Room 507 Sisters - Women - Annex Room 501 The Disciples - Men - Family Life Center Steadfast - Men - Chapel
Children’s Building 9:30 a.m. ⚫ Bible Study 1st & 2nd Grade Boys - Upstairs 1st & 2nd Grade Girls - Room F 3rd & 4th Grade - Room 307 U 5th Grade - Upstairs 6th Grade - Room 302 U
Senior Adults 8:30 a.m. ⚫ Bible Study A.W. Robbins - Mixed - Fireside Room Fellowship - Men - Sanctuary Room 101 Gleaners - Women - Senior Adult Center
Questions? Please contact Karen Spears, Sunday School Director at 985.335.5183
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Get Connected Small Groups
Monthly Meetings
Wednesdays
Men’s Prayer Breakfast ⚫ 1st Sunday of the month at 7:00 a.m.
•
Ladies Bible Study ⚫
11:00 a.m.
Ladies meet in Annex 12:2 Classroom for Men meet in the Family Life Center for DVD-driven Bible Studies. This class meets breakfast, a time of devotion, and September through May. fellowship. •
FBC Ladies Rooted in Christ Bible Study ⚫ 5:45 p.m.
Adults 55+ Fellowship Luncheon ⚫ 1st Friday of the month
Ladies meet in the Circle of Joy Classroom for Bible Studies. This class meets year round.
at 10:30 a.m. Adults 55 + meet in the Family Life Center (or other destination) for a time of devotion and fellowship luncheon.
Thursdays Men’s Bible Study ⚫
8:00 a.m.
Men meet at Sugar Shack (1223 Washington Street) for a time of devotion and fellowship.
Fridays “Shebrews” Ladies Bible Study ⚫ 8:00 a.m. Women meet at Sugar Shack for a time of devotion and fellowship. Questions? Please contact Leslie Westmoreland, Women’s Ministry at 985.515.2210 or Eric Barber, Men’s Ministry 985.515.0549
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Fellowship Ministries We call ourselves “A Family for Life” because we care for one another and share each other’s burdens. We aim to enable members to build lasting and meaningful relationships in Christ.
Some key fellowship opportunities include:
Wednesday Night Supper at 5:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center is small volunteer teams preparing a Wednesday evening meal on a rotating basis. This is a low-cost meal that is provided and includes dishes such as Spaghetti and Meatballs, Fried Chicken, and Chicken Rotel.
WINGS - Women in God’s Service
Sunday Night Fellowship
Mugs and Muffins
Fellowship/Outings Ladies events such as conferences and one-day trips are planned throughout the year. The WINGS bulletin board, located by the Coke machine, has information about upcoming events.
is larger volunteer teams who prepare a fellowship meal to be served after the evening worship. This is a free meal that is provided weekly. Questions? Please contact Beverly
Mugs & Muffins is for women of all ages and stages of life to gather quarterly on a Saturday morning throughout the year. A portion of the morning is devoted to hearing a testimony/devotion from a speaker. The dress is casual, and there is no cost for this event. Muffins and coffee are served. You just need to bring your favorite mug! Dates are announced in The Bridge.
Cooke for Wednesday Night Suppers at 985.856.7351 or Josette Stringfield, Sunday Night Suppers 985.515.3989
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Get Connected Music Ministry
The Sanctuary
Choir is open to
First Baptist Church has enjoyed a all, and we encourage those who enjoy history of a powerful music ministry marked singing to join. The choir rehearses Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. in the by excellence and enthusiasm. Annex Choir Suite.
As First Baptist grows into the future, we recognize the changing culture of music and worship. We have selected a music path to utilize the best of both traditional worship songs and hymns and the best of contemporary music. We are a multi-generational church with a worship style that is intended to lead all people in praise and worship. In addition to our weekly Worship Services, First Baptist Church provides a variety of Musical Presentations. Christmas and Easter, the Sanctuary Choir, Handbells and Senior Adult Choir along with other special groups lead Musicals, presenting the message of the season. FBC hosts a community-wide Piano Praise which includes pianist, choirs, and directors from many of our church community. We are privileged to have Mrs. Jerry Dick as our Adult Handbell Choir and Senior Choir director.
The Adult
Handbell Choir
consists of ringers who rehearse on Wednesday afternoons at 4:00 p.m. and frequently perform in the Worship Services and special programs. If interested in ringing, please visit a rehearsal. The One
Voice Praise Team
is our contemporary Praise Team which leads Worship Service on Sundays, during the Morning and Evening Services. The Senior
Singers
is a group of our Senior Adults that meet on Monday mornings at 8:30 a.m. in the Annex Music Suite. They frequently sing in the morning Worship Services and on special occasions. Senior Adults that love to sing are encouraged to come join us. Rev. Butch Reviere
Minister of Music fbc.butch@gmail.com
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Music Ministry Opportunities
Prayer Ministry This ministry, under the direction of our Pastors, encompasses a few sub-ministries, as well as our Wednesday evening Prayer Meeting that takes place in the Sanctuary at 6:00 p.m.
Media Ministry
This ministry coordinates the video and projection These include: of announcements and other visuals that inform Anytime: and assist in the worship experience of the Intercessory Prayer Ministry congregation. Contact Dianne Cruce at 985.839-6419. Email: fbcfranklinton.prayer@gmail.com or Sound Ministry call 985.839.3337.
The sound ministry is vital to our services as it Sunday Mornings: gives balance to the various voices of both the Prayer in the Chapel Sanctuary Choir and our Praise Teams so they Sundays at 7:30 a.m. can be heard as well as the Musical Instruments. Boiler Room Prayer Ministry Contact Bobby Fortenberry at 501.339.3916
Other Ministries
Tuesday Mornings:
Celebrate Recovery Ministry
This ministry, under the direction of Pastor Mike Drury, is a Biblically Based recovery ministry that is a Christ-centered program, encouraging all to become free from life's hurts, hang-ups, and habits. Come as you are! Celebrate Recovery meets
Men’s Prayer Ministry
Tuesdays at 7 a.m. in the Fireside Room
Contact Richard Knight at 985.515.3878
Ministries Sponsored by FBC Franklinton
Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Senior Adult Center.
Washington Parish Food Bank & Thrift Shop
Library and Media Center
This ministry, under the direction of Beverly Cooke and Garland Provost, is a Second Harvest Food Bank as well as a Thrift Shop. The Thrift Shop proceeds help to cover operating costs. Volunteers are always needed. For more information, contact Beverly Cooke at 985.856.7351.
This ministry is an informative and beneficial ministry of First Baptist Church. We have a large collection of Christian books, both fiction and non-fiction, that are available for check-out. It also contains a sizable collection of children’s resources, including books, DVD’s, videos, and puzzles. To help with this ministry, contact the office at 985-839-3427
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Get Connected Preschool & Children’s Ministry Our Preschool and Children’s Ministries are offered for children birth through 6th grade. This includes Sunday School classes, Wednesday Kelly McElveen night activities, and other special activities. We train Director of PlaySchool, children to grow in their Preschool & Children’s relationship with Jesus Ministries Christ through activities that are fun, educational, fbc.playschool@gmail.com and age- appropriate in a safe, loving, and nurturing environment. We consider it a privilege to work with each child in guiding them towards the time when they will come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
Wednesday Nights: At 6:00 p.m., most of our children (grades K-5) participate in Bible Skills, Drills &Thrills. During this time of exploring God’s Word, we learn about missions, discipleship, and Christian living through music, small group devotions, and games. Occasionally we will use a portion of this time to rehearse for musical presentations. At the same time, our Preschoolers (PK3 & PK4) meet downstairs in the Preschool Dept. for JAM (Jesus and Me), which features age-appropriate Bible Study, games, crafts, and lots of hands-on learning. Our Sixth Graders meet upstairs in the Children’s Dept. for Higher Calling, age-specific, in-depth, topical Bible studies.
Preschool Choir: Our Half Notes Choir meets at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday nights downstairs in the Preschool Building, our Preschool Choir for children ages 3 through Pre-K4 enjoy music, movement, and instruments while learning Biblical truths through song. Preschoolers have opportunities throughout the year to share in Worship Services. Children’s Choir: Our Joyful Noise Choir meets upstairs in the Children’s Building at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday nights. Kindergarten through sixth graders have the opportunity to spend some time learning contemporary music that they perform approximately twice a year. Sign language is also incorporated into our Joyful Noise Choir.
VBS/Camps/Special Events: Vacation Bible School, camps CentriKid and Tall Timbers, and our summer programs offer more intensive times of mental, social, and spiritual growth. We provide the children with opportunities to see that being a Christian can be fun. Vacation Bible School is usually held during the first week of June. Summer camp dates vary Infants and Toddlers: Our nurseries are available during most but are advertised in The Bridge. Summer activities often offered on Tuesdays, and other special activities are also often church activities. We have an infant nursery for newborns up to pre-walkers. Once babies have begun to walk full time with listed in The Bridge as those dates become scheduled. confidence, they join our toddler nursery. The toddler nursery is available for children up to 36 months of age. Nursing mothers are welcome in our nursery. Security: Each staff member and volunteer that works with any child, birth through 6th grade, has been fully screened through Protect My Ministry, which provides background checks for churches. Wee Worship: Available during our 8:15 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship Service, Wee Worship is for children ages 3 through Kindergarten. Children are dismissed at a designated time in the bulletin and meet in the foyer of the Sanctuary. Wee Worship is held in the Preschool Building in Room A. Sunday School: All of our Sunday School classes are divided into grade levels from Toddlers up to 6th grade. One of our greeters will be happy to help you find the appropriate class.
PlaySchool: Playschool is a ministry of First Baptist Church with a long history of providing a Christian atmosphere in which preschoolers can freely socialize with their peers. It is an important first step in learning to find his/her place in a classroom setting as we prepare them for traditional school. All learning that takes place at Playschool is designed with the primary focus on helping form children with a high level of functionality within a group. Our main goals are to teach them of God’s incredible love for them and how to play well with others within a classroom setting. If you have any questions about Playschool , please do not hesitate to give Kelly a call.
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REACH Student Ministry meets weekly for Bible study and prayer: Our Sunday morning Bible Studies are divided into gender and age-specific classes so that discussion can flow naturally without distractions. These Bible Studies are centered around two aspects: discussion of God’s Word and application of God’s Word.
Rev. Cody Thomas Pastor to Students fbc.codythomas@gmail.com
Youth
Our Wednesday night Worship Service is upstairs in the Youth Room at 6:00 p.m. and is centered around a time of worship and large group Bible study. Typically, on Wednesday nights the Bible studies are book driven, for example – a Bible study series entitled “Soak Up the Son” which goes through the Gospel of John. For more information on REACH student ministry, please refer to our monthly newsletter The Bridge or find us on social media.
REACH Student Ministry desires for teenagers
Instagram – fbcreach
to see the truth of who Jesus is as well as take that truth and apply it to our lives. Our methodology for growing in our understanding of who Jesus is and how to live for Him is by fulfilling the five functions of a Student Ministry:
Facebook – FBC Franklinton Student Ministry
React to God’s Word – James 1:22-25 Evangelize – Acts 4:33
Please feel free to email Brother Cody at fbc.codythomas@gmail.com if he can minister to you and your family in a more specific way.
Adore God – Romans 12:1-2 Connect with Others - Acts 4:32-35 Help the World – Acts 1:8 13
Missions First Baptist Church supports all Southern Baptist and Louisiana Baptist Mission efforts through time, prayer, and finances. However, our primary mission strategy, however, is called
Acts 1:8 Challenge.
Throughout the year we have Special Offerings to help support North American Missions and International Missions. These Special Offerings are:
Annie Armstrong Easter Offering We plan to help us carry the good news of for North American Missions Jesus Christ around the world. The - Usually in March program is based on the biblical passage found in the book of Acts. The verse states: Georgia Barnette Offering
for State Missions
But you will be my witnesses when the - Usually in September Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Ju- Lottie Moon Christmas Offering dea and Samaria, and to the ends of the for International Missions earth. - Acts
1:8 NI V
- Usually in December
Our strategy is to engage in mission work Acts 1:8 Disaster Relief Ministry corresponding to the four regions mentioned in this verse. Our Jerusalem is A team of volunteers that serve locally or Washington Parish; our Judea is deploy to other areas to assist in disaster Louisiana; our Samaria is North America; recovery. Teams consist of Chaplains, chainsaw, mud out, cooking, shower/ and the ends of the earth represent our Laundry, assessors and other areas of global work. service. Training is available. Contact Ben Fussell at 985.515.4483 if you are interested in this ministry.
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Outreach Ministries Care Team Ministries Bereavement Ministry This ministry is directed towards grieving families when a church member passes away. They coordinate with and provide a meal to the family. If you are interested in helping with this ministry, please contact Angela McVea at 985.515.2600. Casserole Ministry Do you enjoy cooking? We need your help! The casserole ministry provides meals for people in times of need. (i.e., families blessed with newborns, members who are sick, or have been hospitalized, etc.) How does it work?
You prepare a casserole or soup at home and pack it in a freezer safe bag or container. Please include the recipe that lists the ingredients and cooking instructions. Bring your prepared dish to the church kitchen. A sign-in sheet is located on the freezer. Please write the name of the dish, date donated, and your name.
Church Usher The service of this ministry group is collecting the offering, handing out bulletins, counting the attendance. The ushers also assist in locating seats and seating families and responding to special needs of the people. If interested in this ministry, contact Richard Morgan at 985.515.1441. Greeter Ministry Our greeters minister to our guest and church members by greeting them on Sundays in the church foyers. They direct to places, staff, and answer questions visitors may have. If you are interested in this ministry, contact Richard Knight at 985.515.3878 Hospitality Ministry This committee ministers to our church when we have special events. They coordinate and plan refreshments for the events. If interested in this ministry, contact Marsha Newman at 985.515.7827. Nursery Ministry
This group of volunteers minister to the babies When you hear of someone in need or the Holy and toddlers of our church and their families by volunteering to help in the nursery on a quarterly Spirit lays someone on your heart, go by and pick rotation basis. To help with this ministry, please up a casserole to deliver to them. Remember: contact Kelly McElveen at 985.839.3427. when you pick up a dish, please sign the sheet to Wee Worship Ministry indicate who you deliver the meal to and the date This group of volunteers ministers to our Wee delivered. This will insure one person does not Worshipers (age 3 to Kindergarten) and their get too many casseroles delivered at one time. families by volunteering to teach Wee Worship on Thanks for your help! Please contact Ms. Susan a rotation basis. To help with this ministry, please contact Kelly McElveen at 985.839.3427. Barber at 985.515.3494 for more information.
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Outreach Outreach Outreach is at the heart of the ministry of the church. Everything we do in ministry has a focus on reaching people, ministering to them, and helping them to connect with Christ and grow in Him. Our Sunday School Bible Study groups are the basis of our Outreach Ministry as they focus on reaching outward to those who may be prospects for their class as well as inward to those who may be periodically absent from the class for whatever reason. Our Deacon Ministry reaches out to families in First Baptist as well as others with whom we can connect for ministry. A scheduled Outreach Ministry time is scheduled every first and third Monday evening of the month. Volunteers gather to make phone calls, write notes of encouragement, and make visits to worship guests and others who may need a personal contact. Those interested in participating in this ministry can contact Richard Knight or Rev. Joey Miller.
Rev. Joey Miller Associate Pastor of Pastoral Care fbc.jmiller@gmail.com
Senior Adult Care Team Ministries SAM Adults 55+ Fellowship Luncheon ⚍ 1st Friday of the month
at 10:30 a.m. Adults 55 + meet in the Family Life Center (or other destination) for a time of devotion and fellowship luncheon. Homebound Ministry This ministry, under the direction of our Pastor to Senior Adults, ministers to our homebound members by visiting and facilitating periodic Bible Studies for the Homebound members. When one of our members experiences deteriorating mobility. We feel it’s especially important to keep in contact with them. We want anyone in a homebound condition to know that they are still a meaningful member of the FBC family. Some of our ministries to our homebound members include the frequent delivery of meals and delivery of study materials. Nursing Home Ministry This ministry is maintained at both of our local nursing homes. Numerous ministry projects are conducted by various groups from First Baptist Church throughout the year.
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Membership Membership First Baptist Church has a formal membership policy that goes beyond attendance and involvement. Although anyone is welcome to attend and participate in First Baptist Church’s ministry, we have a formal membership process that allows members to participate in decision-making and leadership responsibilities. Membership demonstrates to the community that a person has united with our church in ministry and fellowship. We desire that all who are involved in our church at any level of participation commit to membership and join us in serving Christ.
A person can join First Baptist church in one of three ways: 1. By Profession of Faith and Baptism
When a person accepts Christ and is baptized, he/she joins our fellowship. 2. By Transfer of Letter If a person is already a member of another Southern Baptist Church, he/she joins our church by expressing this desire before the congregation. Our church staff handles the details of transferring the letter of membership for you. This is a distinctly Baptist method of handling membership.
To become a member of First Baptist Church, one must first make a public profession of faith in 3. By Statement of Faith in Christ Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Second, that person must follow his/her profession of faith with If a person is a member of another evangelical denomination, he/she joins First Baptist Church believer’s baptism (baptism by immersion). by publicly expressing his/her desire to unite with us in membership. When do I Join?
At the conclusion of First Baptist Church’s worship services, Pastor Paul Watts gives an invitation to accept Christ or join the church. Simply go down front and express to him or one of our other Pastors your desire to unite with our church. They will handle everything from that point.
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Campus Map Church Office 950 Self Street
Senior Adult Center
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Preschool/Children’s Building
REACH Student Ministry
The Sanctuary 903 Cleveland Street
Family Life Center
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First Baptist Church 950 Self Street Franklinton, LA 70438
www.fbcfranklinton.org Phone 985.839.3427 ď – fbc.natasha@gmail.com Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. & Fridays 8 a.m. to 12 noon
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