april 2018 | www.fbcgso.org | 336.274.3286
Handel’s
in Worship April 15
first baptist church greensboro
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Emphasizing worship, spiritual development, fellowship, and ministry to our city and our world.
Sacred Space
Remembrance and Renovation combine in First Baptist’s Rededicated Chapel
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www.fbcgso.org | 336-274-3286 1000 West Friendly Avenue Greensboro, NC 27401
May Connections Deadline: April 15 Email news to gloria@fbcgso.org or bring it to the church office. Gloria Koster, Managing Editor/Designer Administrative Assistant: Learning gloria@fbcgso.org / x288 Rosemary Kellam, Production Editor Operations Director rosemary@fbcgso.org / x231 Teresa Allen, Media Library Director teresaa@fbcgso.org / x229
April 2018
3 Window Gazing
4 FBC’s Chapel Renovation is Complete
5-6 Connect with Worship
– Easter Sunday | Handel’s Messiah | Godspell Jr. Worship in the Arts
7-8 Reflections
– Celebrating our Associate Pastor, Dr. Steve Pressley – “Good News to Share” by Courtney Stamey
9-10 Connect with Missions
Amy Grizzle Kane, Associate Pastor: Missions and Jane Anne Hayber, Administrative Assistant: Music and Worship / janeanne@fbcgso.org / x239 Community / amygkane@fbcgso.org / x295 Marty Kellam, Food Services Director marty@fbcgso.org / x245
Amy Kirkman, Weekday School Director amy@fbcgso.org / x240
Christina McCord, Minister to Children and Families christina@fbcgso.org / x241 Darnysha Nard, Pastoral Resident darnysha@fbcgso.org / x236
–The Community Garden at FBC Informational Meeting –Baptist Children’s Homes’ Food Roundup –FBC’s Missions Day | Handy Persons Needed –Meet CBF Field Personnel, Cecelia Beck
11 Connect with the First Baptist Church Preschool
–Hello First Baptist Church Preschool Families! –Spring Scholastic Book Fair | Link Your Harris Teeter VIC Card –Recent Fun FBC Preschool Photos
12 Connect with Children
–Pathfinders Class & Family Lenten Workshop Photos | VBS
Scott North, Church Administrator scott@fbcgso.org / x226
13 Connect with Youth
Steve Pressley, Associate Pastor stevep@fbcgso.org / x232
14-15 Connect with Adults
Sarah Parker, Interim Youth Minister sarah@fbcgso.org / x235
Larry Putnam, Financial Assistant larry@fbcgso.org / x222 Alan Sherouse, Senior Pastor pastor@fbcgso.org / x231
Courtney Stamey, Pastoral Resident courtney@fbcgso.org / x223
Tommy Starnes, Recreation Director tstarnes@triad.rr.com / x251 Steve Sumerel, Associate Pastor: Congregational Life steves@fbcgso.org / x233
Doug Vancil, Associate Pastor: Music and Worship doug@fbcgso.org / x237 Terri Vancil, Assistant Pastor: Music and Worship terri@fbcgso.org / x238 Alisa Windsor, Ministry Support Associate alisa@fbcgso.org / x225
Courtney Willis, Associate Pastor of Spiritual Formation courtneywillis@fbcgso.org 2 | Connections
–Meet our new Associate Pastor of Youth & Families: Rev. Chris Cherry –ReConnect: An Emerging Ministry at First Baptist –April 9 PrimeTime –50-Year Members Luncheon | PrimeTime Spring Trips
16 Connect with Business
–March Church Conference Summary –February 2018 Financial Results
16-17 Connect with One Another
–Keep Us Updated | New Members | Birthdays | Bereaved
18 April Calendar 19 A Thousand Words… 20 FBC Youth Yard Sale Office Hours: 9 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday Weekends and Holidays: If you have an emergency pastoral care need when the church offices are closed, please leave a message at 338-2438 and someone will return your call.
Window Gazing
By Alan Sherouse
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f you want to feel excited about the future of our church, you should pay a visit to Friends Home West. Friends Home West is one of the major retirement communities in our area, where a number of members of our congregation live. Sometimes we lovingly call it “First Baptist West,” due to the high concentration of First Baptist people who make their home there. Last month, Dr. Steve and Marie Sumerel, Jenny Sherouse and I, were invited to Friends West for lunch with some of our First Baptist members, coordinated by resident and First Baptist Deacon, Mrs. Joan Ratliff. Nearly thirty of us enjoyed lunch in the private dining room, after which Joan invited everyone to share individually. “Share your name and how long you’ve been here,” she said. By “here,” Joan was referencing Friends Home, but very quickly people began to share about their tenure and treasured memories at another beloved home: First Baptist Church Greensboro. One member stood up and after name and tenure said quickly, “Now I want to tell you a story. I chaired the committee to have lady Deacons at our church.” Knowing smiles passed around the room as the story continued, “In one particular meeting, I remember a woman who stood up and said, ‘We don’t need lady deacons. A woman’s husband should speak for her in church!’ And do you know who was sitting next to this woman while she was speaking in church? HER HUSBAND!” Another member followed this up with their own memory: “I want to talk about when we built the gym. I see a lot about the gym these days, but there were plenty of people who didn’t want to build that gym. They said, ‘Why would a church need a gymnasium?’ They didn’t want people playing games at church, or holding bridge groups, or having a billiards table, so they didn’t want a gym. But you know, I hear that this last basketball season we had about 200 people involved in our basketball ministry in that gym we almost didn’t build.” This was followed by another story from another tenured member: “Our family came here years ago. Our son was just a little boy, and my friend told me we should check out First Baptist for the ‘Pattycake Club’ they had for young children. So I took my son, and the woman in charge said ‘This is the last day, cause I’m moving to Texas.’ Well, one thing led to another, and you know I ended up running the ‘Pattycake Club.’ And eventually that led us to start the Kindergarten and the Preschool. And when that started I ended up teaching there for twenty years.” Stories continued long past lunchtime, each one full of vision and imagination, the ability to dream new dreams, the willingness to risk and try, and the faithfulness to the call of God amidst it all. Oftentimes churches, like other organizations, get caught looking forward with anticipation, when some of the best evidence of what God is doing and will continue to do is found in what God and God’s people have already done. We see that evidence today. One of our deacons serves communion or offers a prayer, and it recalls years ago when some worked passionately to ensure the fullness of every member’s gifts would be acknowledged in our church. One of our youth shares about what Upward Basketball has meant to him throughout his journey of faith, and we can give thanks for the resource of the gym we almost didn’t build. Another child and family is blessed by the decades of ministry of the First Baptist Preschool, and we remember its start through the faithfulness of many a church member who wanted the best for our children. We see the same evidence of such holy work even more throughout the stories in this newsletter, with the rededication of a Chapel that reflects both our heritage and future, or with the calling of a new youth minister who builds on the work of those ministers and leaders before him, or with the news from our Pastoral Resident blessed and blessing this Congregation on her way to an exciting new call. As we look ahead, our congregation can see many opportunities that call for the fullness of our commitment, imagination and discernment. But we don’t have to look outside ourselves to find these things. We move forward as a Congregation knowing that so many of the resources we need for a hopeful future are already present in the work of God and God’s people throughout a blessed past.
(Above photos) Left: The First Baptist “Christian Activities Building” (Gym) dedicated in 1964. Right: 140 children participated in Upward Basketball this winter. April 2018 | 3
Connect with worship
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FBC’s Chapel Renovation is Complete
he countless Chapel weddings, funerals, Bible studies and prayer services over the last 66 years have made it a sacred space for our congregation and now it begins a new era with the promise of expanded opportunities. As we meet to worship and study in the newly renovated room we will be surrounded not only by memories of holy times past, but also furnishings that connect us to our history. Both the pulpit rescued from the 1885 sanctuary fire on Elm Street, and the communion table used in the West Market location since 1906 have been carefully restored by Rev. Erich Thompson and placed in the Chapel. Chapel renovations were made possible through a generous gift from the bequest of member Dan McCormick in memory of his parents, Gladys and Robert McCormick.
Chapel Renovation Committee: Sharon Barlow, Deacon chairperson; Jim Clontz, Deacon; Rob Young, Finance chairperson; Anita Wilson, Finance; Jack Sharp, Building and Grounds chairperson; Dave Worsley, Building and Grounds; Alan Sherouse, Pastor; Doug Vancil, Associate Pastor: Music and Worship; Rosemary Kellam, Director of Operations. 4 | Connections
Connect with worship
Easter Sunday April 1 10:30 am Celebrate our Risen Lord! Bring a bell from home to ring each time the word “Alleluia” is sung or spoken. Bring a fresh flower to decorate the cross and place them in the receiving baskets in the Atrium and Children’s Wing entrances during the Sunday School hour, between 9:15 - 10:10 am.
Sunday, April 15 | 10:30 am | Sanctuary
J Messiah Handel’s
oin us as the Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra will be presenting the Passion/Easter portion of Handel’s Messiah during our morning worship. If you don’t know what Handel’s Messiah is, here is a little history: The Messiah oratorio premiered in 1742 when the German-born Handel was the preeminent composer in his adopted home of the United Kingdom. Handel’s name drew such a crowd that audience members were advised to leave their hoop skirts and swords at home for fear of overcrowding at the Messiah’s Dublin premiere. Librettist Charles Jennens, who was a close friend and collaborator with Handel, used the biblical stories of Jesus for the Messiah’s text. Jennens described his work as “a meditation of our Lord as Messiah in Christian thought and belief.” But only the first third of the work was about the birth of Jesus. The second act covers the death of Jesus and the third focused on his resurrection. As such, the piece was originally conceived as a work for Easter and was premiered in the spring during the Lent season. oratorio. source: bsomusic.org April 2018 | 5
Connect with worship
Godspell Jr. Presented by Middle School Choir Assisted by Older Children’s Choir
Sunday, May 6 | Chapel Two performances: 2 pm and 4:30 pm Tickets available by April 11 Our Middle School Choir and Children’s Choir will present this classic by Stephen Schwartz. Based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew, Godspell Jr. draws from various theatrical traditions such as clowning, pantomime, charades, acrobatics and vaudeville. Come be a part of this unique reflection on the life of Jesus, with a message of kindness, tolerance, and love.
July 30 - August 3 9 am - 1 pm
...engaging young artists in a life of Christian worship
Two tracks of study based on grade completed in 2017/18: •Grades 1-4 (expanded to include 1st graders) •Grades 5-7 Registration Fee: $30 through June 1; $40 after June 1.
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ampers will enjoy music of all styles as they develop their voices individually and discover the joy of singing and making music in community. Our daily worship time is enriched through our experiences in choral music, drama, visual arts, instruments (guitar, drums, handbells) and sacred dance. Classes will be taught by church staff and professionals in the surrounding Greensboro area. Campers will bring a bag lunch from home. Drinks are provided by the church. The public is invited to the closing concert on Friday at 1 pm.
Guest Worship Leader and Choral Director, Taylor Vancil: Taylor Vancil is the Minister of Music at First Baptist Church, Mt Holly, NC. Taylor is a 2011 graduate of Wingate University in Music Education (guitar) and earned a Masters of Sacred Music degree in 2016 at Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX. Taylor previously taught elementary music in Union and Scotland counties. Growing up, Taylor was loved and nurtured by the congregation of First Baptist Greensboro where his parents, Doug and Terri Vancil have served as music ministers since 1998. Taylor is married to Sarah, a middle school music educator in Gaston Co. They enjoy life together with one-year-old daughter, Selah and Leo, their favorite whippet! Registration Open for Worship in the Arts 2018: Register at www.fbcgso.org/music (Children’s section). More information: Terri Vancil – terri@fbcgso.org | x238. Special rates are available for students of Bessemer Elementary and Hope Academy – email Terri Vancil for details. 6 | Connections
reflections
Celebrating our Associate Pastor, Dr. Steve Pressley, on Sunday, June 24
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n anticipation of his June 28 retirement, and in recognition of our 25 years of shared life and ministry, First Baptist will celebrate Associate Pastor Dr. Steve Pressley, Catherine Pressley, and their family on Sunday, June 24. Dr. Pressley will preach in our morning worship service, and a reception will be held in the Fellowship Hall Sunday afternoon, 3 - 5 pm, with recognitions and presentation at 4 pm. We hope you will plan to be a part of the events of this special day of gratitude. Additionally, we invite all grateful church members to contribute to a Love Offering and special gift for Dr. Pressley between now and June 24. Contributions can be made to First Baptist Church through our regular channels with “Steve Pressley Gift� in the memo. Please contact our Steering Committee with any questions: Sandra Canipe (Personnel Committee) forsythgirl2207@yahoo.com - (336) 273-6491, Scott Culclasure - scott.culclasure@gmail.com - (336) 282-4204, Lynne Greene - lkgreene62@aol.com - (336) 852-6250, Rosemary Kellam - rosemary@fbcgso.org - x231, Lee King - (336) 669-0113, Alan Sherouse, - pastor@fbcgso.org - x231, and Monica Vaughan - edwinv550@aol.com (336) 323-0335.
April 2018 | 7
reflections
Good News to Share! By Courtney Stamey
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t is with great joy that I have accepted the call to be the Senior Pastor of Northside Baptist Church in Clinton, Mississippi. In 1969, Northside was founded as a church for the neighborhood and continues to live into their mission to –proclaim, care, share, and grow. I would encourage you to learn more about them on their website ( www.northsidebaptistms.org ). Through the search process they have found resonance with my philosophy of ministry that “Belonging is the center of the Kingdom of God.” Michael and I are excited for what the future holds, and the ways that God is calling us to ministry in a different place. Please know of the gratitude that I have for the ways that FBC has supported me. Some folks have recently asked me, “Do you think the residency has been beneficial for your ministry.” The answer is a resounding “Yes!” I am more prepared to be a Senior Pastor due to my experience here than any other experience I could imagine. Through the residency I have learned how to work alongside committees, try new projects, navigate staff configurations, balance my time in two locations, participate in peer groups, and lead in worship. More than anything, I think that this residency refined my ministerial identity and philosophy. As I approach the end of my time here, I think about the ways I have ritualized the many staff transitions I have experienced. One way I have done this is through the practice of giving and receiving blessings. You all, verbally and non-verbally have given me blessings– expressions of confidence, acknowledgement in difficulties, and trust in God’s character. In turn, I would like to offer this blessing to FBC. “Know of your belovedness. Know that you are always growing in your faith and in your call. Be open to the surprises that God may show you, if you are open to it. I know the times ahead are uncertain, you are venturing into unknown waters, but rest assured the Holy Spirit will guide you. Take risks! Seek God’s truth, justice, mercy, and compassion in all that you do. And when you don’t, confess, seek forgiveness, and receive Christ’s grace as readily as He offers it.” Will you receive this blessing, FBC? Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but exactly when you need it. Thank you First Baptist, I would love to speak with each of you in a more personal way about what is next for myself and Michael. Come find me, let’s chat. More than anything please pray for us in this transition.
Thanks Courtney for blessing FBC during your pastoral residency!
8 | Connections
Connect with Missions
The Community Garden at FBC invites you to DIG IN with us! Informational Meeting:
Monday, April 9 | 7-8 pm in room 101 Lite bites and coffee will be provided.
The Community Garden at FBC is about to “sprout its plans” for the new year and we invite you to join us to make it a great success. Our theme this year is “SHARE” and we want to share our produce, our fellowship, and our learning with members of our church, surrounding neighbors and the community. SHARE means: • Sending healthy food to those in need • Honoring and comforting with flowers • All inclusive, whether you are 2 or 92 • Reaching out to the community • Educating while having fun with planting and harvesting, including programs for children, families, youth and adults
If you are interested in learning more about this mission, we welcome all hands to DIG IN. Please contact Amy Grizzle Kane - amygkane@fbcgso.org - or Janice Newsom - Janice.newsom@aol.com
The Food Roundup matters to Maggie…
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aggie lived in Western North Carolina with her mother and step-father until one day they abandoned her. The three year-old was heartbroken. She went to stay with her step-grandparents who were not able to work. They could barely take care of themselves, much less a young child. When Maggie looks back on the years she lived with her step-grandparents, she can describe that difficult period of her life with one word: Hungry. She recalls walking with her stepgrandfather to a nearby landfill. He would rummage through the piles of trash trying to find anything he could sell in order to make a little money. Meanwhile, Maggie would be looking through the nearby dumpster trying to find something to eat. Thankfully, Maggie came to Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH) where she didn’t have to worry about being hungry. So many boys and girls, like Maggie, could never count on eating regularly before coming to live at BCH. It’s the reason why the annual Food Roundup means so much to the hundreds of children and families living at BCH. Won’t you help fill the children’s plates and hearts? You can help BCH serve as many as 700,000 meals and snacks to NC children and families by collecting $400,000 in food, supplies and gift cards. Baskets will be in the Atrium and in the entrance of room 102. The “Need Items List 2018” will be available on information walls and in the main office. Also, you can look in the April edition of “Charity and Children” or use this link: www.bchfamily.org/img/pages/18_Food_Roundup_Needed_Items_List_WEB.pdf You may give gift cards to Libby Shull on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings through April.
April 2018 | 9
Connect with Missions
FBC Missions Day Saturday, April 21, 9 am - 12 noon with breakfast bites and coffee available in the Atrium beginning at 8:30 am
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onsider sharing a Saturday morning with your church family and community as we love and serve our neighbors in support of some of our FBC Missions partners. Projects include helping ready the Community Garden at FBC, some Spring cleaning out and painting at Hope Academy, assembling care packages for the IRC, and FBC homebound outreach. There’s something for everyone and we hope you’ll consider sharing a few hours to help make a difference. Sign up online - www.fbcgso.org/missions-day - Early bird sign ups by noon Monday, April 16 get a breakfast biscuit!
Handy Persons Needed! Help Seniors with Light Home Repairs
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o you have some carpentry experience? Have you done work on your own home? Do you like to build things? First Baptist often gets requests for helpers who can assist with small home repairs for senior adults here in Greensboro in partnership with the NC Baptist Aging Ministry (NCBAM). Volunteers can help with small repairs like fixing a few rotten porch steps, to larger repairs like building a wheelchair ramp. If you are willing and able to be “on-call” as needed to make a difference in a senior’s life by allowing them to stay living in their own home, safely and comfortably, please let Amy Grizzle Kane - amygkane@fbc.org - know of your willingness to serve in this capacity.
Meet Cecelia Beck – CBF Field Personnel serving in Shelby, NC
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ecelia Beck is committed to ministry through relationship and living in the neighborhood in which she serves. In 2005, the neighborhood where Beck lives and ministers was designated a “weed and seed” neighborhood by the U.S. Department of Justice due to high crime rates—meaning in order to weed out violence, officials say the area should be seeded for growth. Life in this neighborhood is challenging as the approximately 1,000 residents have experienced high rates of crime and violence, low education rates and unemployment and limited opportunities. Beck’s ministry is founded on presence. Since moving to the neighborhood, Beck has established herself as a presence in the lives of children, youth and adults, aiming to build relationships and develop trust with her neighbors and serve as an advocate and maternal figure for local children and youth. Being a stable, reliable presence is essential in offering the hope of Christ to her neighbors. Beck facilitates resources for children and youth involvement in various faith communities around the area including Sunday worship, Wednesday night activities, youth choir, PASSPORT camps, retreats and mission trips. She works to ensure that young people can participate in experiences despite logistical or economic issues. In addition to church activities, it is important to expose the children to opportunities that broaden their horizons—like seeing the ocean, hiking in the mountains and participating in school-sponsored trips. Beck makes sure that these experiences are possible. With the help of ministry partners she is even able to facilitate swimming lessons in the summer and VBS-type events throughout the year. Beck also facilitates a weekly reading and homework club with partners from local churches, where neighborhood teens serve as tutors, providing assistance to children and building leadership skills in the youth. Beck also reaches out to adults in the community through prayer breakfasts, providing a listening ear and inviting them to attend faith-based events and Bible studies. She also is always willing to provide transportation to faith-based events, school and afterschool activities, work, the grocery store, doctor’s appointments and more. With the help of ministry partners, she also facilitates minor home repair, school supply distribution and food distribution. Note: Information in this article came from CBF’s website: www.cbf.net/field-personnel-list
10 | Connections
Connect with first baptist church preschool
Hello First Baptist Preschool Families!
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e have had such a busy school year and we are gearing up for an eventful April! In April, we will celebrate the “Week of the Young Child,” which is an important week in the field of early childhood education. The National Association for the Education of Young Children promotes this week as a time for early childhood educators and families to celebrate early education and to promote awareness in local communities about the importance of high-quality early childhood education. During the week of April 16 through 20, our preschool will join thousands of others across the country in celebrating the “Week of the Young Child.” You can find an overview of this week at www.naeyc.org/events/woyc/overview as well as learn more about what NAEYC is as an organization. Our preschool strives to meet their high standards for early education and I am proud of the work we have done so far to work toward this goal. More information will be coming your way about this week, but the basic daily themes are as follows:
April 16: Music Monday | April 17: Tasty Tuesday April 18: Work Together Wednesday | April 19: Artsy Thursday | April 20: Family Friday Each class will be participating in these thematic days in ways that are most appropriate for the age and schedule of the class. Please see more communications on this from your teachers.
Also happening at First Baptist Preschool… • Be on the lookout for class picture dates in April. • We will be hosting our Spring Scholastic Book Fair the week of April 23-27. The book fair will be set up in the Preschool Director’s office and will be open each morning and each afternoon that week. • Link your Harris Teeter VIC card to the First Baptist Preschool (8564) at your favorite HT store.
Here is recent fun at First Baptist Church Preschool– Left two photos: Mrs. Teague’s prek class had a field trip that involved learning about tree life cycle, beekeeping, and conservation. Right photo: our “Donuts with Dad” event.
April 2018 | 11
Connect with children
Family Lenten Workshop On Sunday, March 4th, 130 children and their parents gathered for a meal before heading to the children’s wing where they rotated through 8 stations that focused around the theme: “God’s Love is...” Throughout the stations, families learned that God’s love is big, compassionate, forgiving, doing, hopeful, commitment, changing, and brave.
Pathfinders Class This class is designed to guide children who are interested in being baptized. Throughout the five Sunday morning sessions, our group had the opportunity to ask any questions that they had about faith, learn the theology behind baptism and the Lord’s Supper, explore how the church is the body of Christ, and hear from other ministers at FBC. We talked in depth about sin and forgiveness, why we need Jesus, and how we can follow him. Thank you to Andrew Petitt, Lydia Bradford, Drew Cornett, Deborah Kayombo, Berkley Willis, and William Bolton for participating in this session.
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t first baptist VBS, children (ages 4 through 5th grade) will venture onto an uncharted island where kids survive and thrive. Kids will be anchored in the truth that Jesus carries them through life’s storms. Each day at Shipwrecked VBS, kids will travel through field-tested rotations that reinforce relevant Bible Points and immerse kids in new adventures. Children who have completed 4th and 5th grades will be doing mission projects on-site and in the community from 9:30 - 11:30 am. They will be joining the larger group for opening and closing celebrations. Cost is $20 per child with a $50/family max. This includes activities, daily snacks, a T-shirt, and Thursday evening dinner and celebration. CD of program music available for $5 each. Sign-up online at www.fbcgso.org/children - for more info contact Christina McCord - christina@fbcgso.org | x241.
12 | Connections
Connect with youth
We are excited to announce our new Associate Pastor of Youth & Families:
Rev. Chris Cherry
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hris was received by unanimous vote of the Congregation on Sunday, March 11. Chris will begin his work at First Baptist as he and his wife, Tory, move to Greensboro following the birth of their daughter, who is due mid-May. In sharing with our Congregation in worship, Chris said, “Our faith is most real and most alive when we take it out of the box and wrestle with it. I’m a minister today because many of the people I’ve met on my journey taught me how to wrestle with my faith, so I’m not interested in giving youth easy answers. I’m a minister today because I want to equip youth with the tools they need to find answers for themselves. I want to help youth engage the world around them. I want to help youth discover their voice. I want to help youth learn how to find their passion and to connect those passions with what God is already doing all over the world.” Read below to learn more about Chris and his ministry. We hope all First Baptist members will join us in prayer for the Cherrys, as well as for our Youth and Congregation, as we prepare for the life and ministry ahead.
About Chris:
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hris comes to First Baptist Greensboro with a decade of experience in youth ministry, having served churches in Kentucky, South Carolina, and Georgia, most recently as Minister of Youth & Young Adults at Middletown Christian Church in Louisville. In addition to his congregational experience, Chris is a respected voice in youth ministry circles, having contributed writing and curriculum for several organizations and publications. He is a graduate of McAfee School of Theology (MDiv in Christian Education, 2013) and Georgetown College (BA in Religion, 2009). Amidst many talented Candidates, our Search Committee was consistently drawn to Chris, due to his rare combination of experience, relational gifts, vision and call for youth ministry, and depth of theology and faith.
Ministry Experience: • Minister of Youth and Young Adults | Middletown Christian Church, Louisville, Kentucky, 2015-2017 • Minister of Students | St. Andrew’s Baptist Church, Columbia, SC, 2013-2015 • Youth & Children’s Ministry Associate | Smoke Rise Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA, 2010-2013 • Campus Ministry President | Georgetown College, 2008-2009 • Internships | St. Matthew’s Baptist (Louisville, KY) & Calvary Baptist (Lexington, KY) • Camp Staff | PASSPORT, Inc. • Writing and Curriculum | Writing and curriculum development, including with D365, Formations for Youth, and PASSPORT, Inc. • Ordained to the Ministry in 2013
A Word from Chris: When Tory and I think about the kind of church we want to
raise our daughter in, we’re looking for a place rich in tradition with a clearly articulated identity who is not afraid of new challenges and is willing to ask good questions. We also look for a place that is open and loving to all people, empowers youth and children, and feels like somewhere we can call home for a long time. FBC Greensboro is a place that’s alive, that values their youth, and that’s ready to lead their community into the future. I look forward to getting to know you all, and I am excited to journey alongside the youth and families at FBC Greensboro as we challenge each other, ask good questions, and seek to grow in all aspects of our lives. April 2018 | 13
Connect with adults
ReConnect – An Emerging Ministry at First Baptist
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conversation has begun at First Baptist about ministry with those who are in or entering a new phase of life, where connections often change. Children are older or transitioning from home. Schedules and activities are less tied to parenthood. Health concerns might mean changing relationships with parents. Even church and faith take on new dimensions and meaning. These experiences have led us to ReConnect – an emerging ministry focus for empty-nesters and other interested adults that acknowledges that the connection points for faith and community change throughout our lives, and God is always providing new ways for us to grow. Hosted conversations in December and January led to a special Lenten study at 7:30 pm on Wednesdays. From the strong interest in these early steps, we are currently making plans for continued growth in this ministry focus in efforts of missions, formation, and community. We’re grateful to Catherine Little, Cynthia Townes, and Pat Wilson who have provided lay leadership in these early stages of ReConnect ministry, and we welcome all others to join as we grow. If you are interested in more information about ReConnect, please contact: Catherine Little - CatherineScottLittle@gmail.com | Cynthia Townes cmtownes@yahoo.com | Pat Wilson - pwilson77@triad.rr.com
50-Year Members… Mark Your Calendars!
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n Sunday, May 6 following worship, we will celebrate our 50-year members at our annual luncheon. FBC is fortunate to have so many of you who have chosen to make FBC your church home. If you are a 50-year member, you will be receiving an invitation in the mail, and you can bring one guest to the luncheon. Remember, membership does NOT have to be in consecutive years, but our database has no way of tracking those members, so please don’t rely just on the invitation. You can RSVP today! All RSVPs must be in by Monday, April 30 to Marty Kellam: (336) 274-3286, x245. If you need transporation, we need to know ASAP, so please let us know that too!
april 9 primetime presents:
Anna Cushman – “The State of Immigration in America” Come hear FBC member and lawyer Anna Cushman share with us on this important and timely topic.
april 9 PrimeTime Bible Study will examine
1 Corinthians 1: God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;...so that no human being might boast (vv. 27-29), taught by Dr. Steve Pressley.
PrimeTime includes: 9 am: Ceramics, Gym
11 am: Bible Study, 101 | 12 noon: Lunch, 108 – Cost: $6/person – Reservation Deadline: April 5 To sign up for lunch, contact Marty Kellam - marty@fbcgso.org | x245 Save the date for the May 7 PrimeTime:
“Patriotic Celebration”
PrimeTime Bible Study will examine 2 Peter 3: But accoring to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells (v. 13). Reservation Deadline: May 3 14 | Connections
Connect with adults Primetime has two great trips planned this Spring! Check out the details here‌
This trip to Edenton will view artists painting in the beautiful gardens of this historic North Carolina town.
$179 per person includes transportation, accommodations, continental breakfast at the hotel, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, and Garden Tour ticket. Leave FBC on April 20 at 8 am and return to FBC on April 21 at 7 pm. Sign-up for this day trip at www.fbcgso.org/prime-time-trips-2018/ or contact Dolly Chesson - swchesson1@gmail.com or Cliff Lowery - lowerycc@aol.com | (336) 210-6923.
This trip to Reynolda House Museum of Art includes lunch at Graylyn Estate.
$49 per person includes museum admission, buffet lunch at Graylyn Estate, and round-trip transportation from FBC. Leave FBC at 9:30 am and return at 5 pm. Sign-up for this day trip at www.fbcgso.org/prime-time-trips-2018/ or contact Dolly Chesson - swchesson1@gmail.com or Cliff Lowery - lowerycc@aol.com | (336) 210-6923. April 2018 | 15
Connect with business
Giving at FBC Greensboro Why We Give: Giving financially is a chance for us to honor God with the resources and provisions that God has provided for us. When we practice generous giving, we strengthen our relationship with Christ. As we learn to grow in our trust and faith in Christ, it is important to trust in Christ’s provision. As people of faith, we give faithfully and generously out of grateful hearts, because God has given to us faithfully and generously. How to Give: We pass an offering plate during the worship service. Most members give their offerings to the church by putting a check in an envelope and placing the envelope in the offering plate as it is passed on Sunday mornings. Others who cannot attend on particular Sundays mail their checks to the church. Others use their online February 2018 Financial Results banking and set up one time or automatic payments that are Year-to-Date Budget Receipts/Distributions sent to the church through their bank. Still others set up their online giving through the church website. We also have a mobile Actual Budget Last Year giving option through Tithe.ly for use on both Apple and Receipts $368,075 $325,000 $287,978 Android devices. If you have any questions, contact Scott North Disbursements $296,373 $318,223 $268,707 at the church office – scott@fbcgso.org | x226. Net Surplus $ 71,702 $ 6,777 $ 19,271 Connect with one another
Keep Us Updated!
If you’ve had any changes to your contact information (phone, email, and address) let us know. If your children move, get married, go to college or graduate — we need to know that too! Send all updates to Rosemary Kellam: rosemary@fbcgso.org | x231. You can also update your member information via the private FBC Member website – click the “Sign In” button at the top of the website. All FBC members can create a login/ password and have online access to your giving summary, church calendar, online registrations, search information, etc. Go to www.fbcgso.org to get started!
Subscribe to the online version of Connections: FBC produces Connections in
a printed format, but also in an online version with “active” links within the document that allow the reader to send an email or to access websites for more information. To subscribe, go to www.fbcgso.org/newsletter
Keep up with FBC thru social media: “Like” us on Facebook REMIND Messaging for youth & parents: Sign up to receive one-way
REMINDers of youth events via Text or Email – you choose Middle School, High School or Both! You can also join the Youth Choir group. Sign up at: www.fbcgso.org/youth
16 | Connections
Connect with one another
Responding to the Invitation
Kay and Jim Laster (March 4)
Levone and George Scott (March 11)
April Birthdays
(No FBC birthdays April 10, 23) 1. David Carter, Betty Troxler, Emiley Turner 2. Tom Cornett, Bill Tutterow 3. Eleanor Gibson, Jennifer Hall 4. Maggie Martin 5. Jeanne Blakely, Sue Miller 6. Milicent Childs, Stuart Philpott, Robin Stevens 7. Randy Lewis, Ken Ripley, Anne Wilson 8. Melissa Milligan, Norma Moore 9. William Bolton, Frances Fickling, Lucille Fitzner 11. Hilda Hester, Scott Hondros 12. Parker Burke, Jimmy Kesler, Wink Kirkman, Carla Porter 13. Jennifer Hill, Courtney Willis 14. Jonathan Kalish, Ben Norman, Jill Pegram, Lisa Riddleberger 15. Willard Dean, David Stone 16. Mona O’Bryant 17. Lois Edinger 18. Beth Wise 19. Kevin Cole 20. Sara Sears 21. Ronny Blakely, Paul Stewart, Danny Wong 22. Alice Culclasure 23. Joyce Beech, Bettie Williams, Melinda Wood 24. Morgan Alexander, Clara Bond, Colleen Hardy, Catherine Little, Doris Melson, Matt Messick, Evy Wall 26. Stephanie Cole, Lawrence Mann, Mark Pegram, Joel Reynolds 27. Betty Echerd, Julie King 28. Rosemary Kellam, Grant Leonard, Larry Putnam, Win Rose 29. Ken Melton, Parker White 30. Johnny Duggins, Bob Baggett, Indigo Stephens
College Birthday
Jonathan Kalish | April 14
Edith and Harold Knight (March 18)
Drew Cornett (March 25)
950 Barney Road, High Point, NC 27265 | jkalish@uncc.edu
Bereaved
• The family of Nancy Hunt, on March 3 • Rhonda Woodell in the loss of her sister-in-law, Ruth Jackson, on March 7 • Lorie Rainey in the loss of her uncle, on March 10 • Courtney Willis in the loss of her mother and FBC member, Jeannie Jones, on March 14 • Sandy Witt in the loss of her father, Vernon Keen, on March 21 • Wanda Barnett in the loss of her husband, Lee Barnett • Renee Fila in the loss of her father, Virgil Holland
Please notify Rosemary Kellam if you would like to receive email notification of member deaths and memorials along with the Deacons – rosemary@fbcgso.org | x225 April 2018 | 17
Regular Weekly Schedule Sunday AM @FBC
• Bible Study | 9:15 am •Worship | 10:30 am • College Lunch/Bible Study | 12 noon, Café Sunday PM @FBC
•Youth Choir | 5 pm, 311 •Adult Bells | 6 pm •Youth Discipleship | 6:20 pm, 301 • Sanctuary Choir | 7 pm, 311
Wednesdays@FBC
•Fellowship Meal Reservations Reservations due Mon.
12 noon. Cancellations due Tues. 12 noon. Meal reservation? Online at www.fbcgso.org/calendarevents OR Marty Kellam – x245 or marty@fbcgso.org Youth Forum | 6:15 pm Kids’ Programming | 6 pm Sanctuary Choir - 7:15 pm, 311
• •
Wednesday Night Weekly Activities Meals: 5:30 pm - 6:15 pm Classes: 6:15 - 7:10 pm
April 4: No Meal April 11: Roast Beef April 18: Fried Chicken April 25: Pecan Encrusted Tilapia Weekly Children’s Extras: Yogurt, Fresh Fruits & Veggies, Etc. Reservations are encouraged for meals.
18 | Connections
•
•1 (Su): Easter Sunday. Sanctuary, 10:30 am •2 (M): Church offices are closed. •3 (Tu): Grace Meal Preparation. Kitchen, 5 pm •3 (Tu): WMU Group 2. 102, 7 pm •4 (W): Grace Meal Pick-Up & Serve. Kitchen, 5 pm •11, 18, 25 (W): Fellowship Meal/Free for College. 108, 5:30 pm (serving begins at 5 pm) •8 (Su): StepUp Ministry Clothing Collection. Atrium, 9 am •8, 15, 22, 29 (Su): College Lunch/Bible Study. Café, 12 noon •9 (M): PrimeTime. 9 am - Lunch •9 (M): Deacon’s Meeting. 102, 7 pm •9 (M): The Community at FBC Garden Information Meeting. 101, 7 pm •10 (Tu): WMU Group 3. 102, 9:30 am •13 (F): Yard Sale. Gym, 5 - 7 pm •14 (Sa): Yard Sale. Gym, 7 am - 12 noon •15 (Su): Messiah. Sanctuary, 10:30 am •20-21 (F-Sa): PrimeTime Trip to Edenton. •20 (F): Mobile Meals. Peace United Church of Christ, 9:30 am •21 (Sa): FBC Missions Day. 101, 9 am •24 (Tu): Senior Adult Council. 216, 2 pm Key: •Adults •All Ages •Children •College •Seniors •Missions •Weekday School •Worship •Youth Save the date for the 11th annual memorial Day columbarium Observance on sunday, may 27– According to our annual tradition, we will join together for a brief service at 9 am. This leaves ample time to begin the day remembering the devotion and sacrifice of those who have served our country, and then proceed to Sunday School classes. Those attending the service will arrive and depart to the sound of patriotic music. Chairs will be available as needed.
A Thousand Words‌
A picture tells a story just as well as, if not better than, a thousand written words. Enjoy these pictures that tell stories from our FBC family. Share your photos: #fbcgso on Facebook or Instagram.
From our March PrimeTime program, to the Upward celebration, to a time of outdoor youth fellowship, to the joyful news of Courtney Stamey accepting the call to be the Senior Pastor of Northside Baptist Church in Clinton, Mississippi‌ Our FBC family has much for which we can be thankful!
April 2018 | 19
First Baptist Church Greensboro
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
1000 West Friendly Avenue Greensboro, NC 27401 www.fbcgso.org
US POSTAGE PAID GREENSBORO, NC NO. 179
FBC Youth Yard Sale
Friday, April 13 | 5-7 pm & Saturday, April 14 7 am–12 noon | FBC Gym We’re having a church-wide yard sale to help raise funds for the FBC HS Youth Choir Trip to Thailand and MS Trip to Passport this summer! Here is a great reason to do some Spring cleaning and de-cluttering around the house! If you are simply wanting to support by coming and shopping, that is awesome too! This is open to the public as well. For more information: www.fbcgso.org/yard-sale
Here are the types of items we’re looking for: • Furniture: all types (except used mattresses) • Decorative household items (lamps, paintings, throw pillows, picture frames, etc) • Clothing, jewelry and other accessories • Electronics, Books, DVDs, CDs • Games, Toys • Luggage, backpacks • Tools (small electric and hand) • Sports and exercise equipment • Kitchen items (dishes, pots and pans, small appliances) • Bedding (sheet sets, comforters and blankets)
Large items pick up and additional drop off times can be arranged by contacting Cathy Wells: ccwells@ncgm.com or (336) 339-5484.
You can drop your items off during the following time slots only to the gym (no walk- in drop offs please): • April 3 (Tu) | 9am-10am • April 5 (Th) | 9am-10am • April 8 (Su) | 8:30-9:15 am | 11:30 am-12 pm or 4-6pm • April 10 (Tu) 9-10 am • April 12 (Th) 9-10 am