Connections, February 2019

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH GREENSBORO

FEBRUARY 2019

CONNECTIONS Emphasizing worship, spiritual development, fellowship, and ministry to our city and our world.

First Baptist members bought books in honor our Media Services Director, Teresa Allen, to donate to Bessemer Elementary.

T

his month, the people of First Baptist have not only honored Teresa Allen’s work in the libraries of FBC, they have also given the gift of literacy to the children of Bessemer Elementary School.

Bessemer Elementary is one of FBC’s mission partners, and the church has provided support and volunteer hours in a variety of ways. Over the years, members have spent time reading to students and even leading a Kindergarten camp to help prepare incoming Kindergarteners for daily school.

Through the gift of books donated in Teresa’s honor, First Baptist is helping to stock the library for the students of Bessemer. With these engaging books, a new generation of readers will be delighted as they read through the pages.

If you’d like to be more involved with the students at Bessemer (and maybe put these books to use), contact Rev. Amy Grizzle Kane to find out more.

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FEBRUARY 2019

CONNECT WITH US!

3 Window Gazing 4 Weekend with Dr. Molly Marshall

Connect with us on social media.

Tag your post with #fbcgso

5 Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

CBF Special Offering | Volunteer to help with CBF

6 Music

Sing an Old Song to the Lord | Wingate Choir Worship in the Arts Camp

7 Trivia Night Fundraiser Adults

Midweek Classes | March PrimeTime

8 Children & Preschool

Email news to marybeth@fbcgso.org.

OFFICE HOURS

9 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday

WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS

9 Church Life

FEBRUARY Connections Deadline: February 15

Birthdays | New Members | Bereaved | New Babies

10 January Calendar Connect with Business

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.

FRONT DESK HELP NEEDED

Giving at FBC Greensboro

December 2018 Financial Results

Two additional helpers are needed at the front desk.

The time slots available are Mondays from 9 am-1 pm and Fridays from 12-5 pm. Contact Rosemary Kellam at rosemary@ fbcgso.org | x231.

11 A Thousand Words 12 Midweek @FBC

F BC STAFF Louise Burroughs, Interim Music Ministry Assistant/ louise@fbcgso.org

Baker Lawrimore, Ministry Fellow baker@fbcgso.org / x239

Chris Cherry, Associate Pastor of Youth and Families / chris@fbcgso.org

Christina McCord, Minister to Children and Families / christina@fbcgso.org / x241

Mary Beth Foust, Communications Director / marybeth@fbcgso.org / x223 Amy Grizzle Kane, Associate Pastor: Missions and Community amygkane@fbcgso.org / x295 Marty Kellam, Food Services Director marty@fbcgso.org / x245 Rosemary Kellam, Operations Director rosemary@fbcgso.org / x231 Autumn Culbreth, Interim Preschool Director / autumn@fbcgso.org / x240 2 | Connections

Darnysha Nard, Pastoral Resident darnysha@fbcgso.org / x232 Scott North, Church Administrator scott@fbcgso.org / x226 Larry Putnam, Financial Assistant larry@fbcgso.org / x222 Alan Sherouse, Senior Pastor pastor@fbcgso.org / x225 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 Laura Wall, Interim Children’s Ministry Assistant / laura@fbcgso.org / x288 Alisa Windsor, Ministry Support Associate / alisa@fbcgso.org / x225 Courtney Willis, Associate Pastor of Spiritual Formation / courtneywillis@ fbcgso.org / x239

Window Gazing by Alan Sherouse

“W

E WILL REMEMBER THE POOR, AND CONTRIBUTE CHEERFULLY OF OUR MEANS FOR THEIR RELIEF, AND FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF A FAITHFUL GOSPEL MINISTRY AMONG US, AND FOR THE SPREAD OF THE SAME TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH.” These words are taken from our Church Covenant, written years ago, and yet reflecting an enduring commitment for First Baptist Greensboro to serve as a community of support for those in need in our surrounding community. There are a variety of ways in which we live out this commitment—from the 10% of our budget that supports global missions and community ministry, to special offerings collected for work close to our church’s heart, to our Christian Assistance Fund that provides one-time financial gifts to individuals with an urgent need. In addition to these long-established ministries of our church, in recent years a new ministry has emerged to address larger financial needs experienced by individuals and families: the Christian Restoration Fund.

The Christian Restoration Fund (CRF) was first established in 2016, as then Pastoral Resident Rev. John Thornton, Operations Director Rosemary Kellam, and some church members passionate about helping people living in poverty began discussing ways that our church could build upon our existing ministries to love and assist our neighbors.

In Guilford County, 18.6% of our neighbors live below the poverty line (higher than the national average of 14%). Many others live with financial instability, one missed paycheck or one lost job away from poverty.

Often, individuals and families lack resources or a support system on which to fall back, so that a crisis that might prompt some to move in with family or draw on savings can result in life-altering poverty for others.

Overseen by the Christian Assistance Committee, together with staff, the CRF allows First Baptist Greensboro to assist individuals over a longer period of time, helping to address chronic needs.

In the short time since it was established, the CRF has allowed our church to be a part of transformative— restorative—ministry with individuals in our community. »» In one case, an individual had lived without utilities in a home left to them by a family member. We paid the upfront costs to have them turned on, then helped them to update a trade license, which allowed them to get a sustainable job, which they travel to in a car we helped them to purchase. »» In another situation, we helped an individual catch up on a car payment, allowing them to keep their car and thus maintain their employment, enabling them to move in to a better living situation with our support. »» In another case, a family with a senior in high school was living between a hotel and their car for almost a year. We were able to help with initial costs of housing, some furniture, and car repair. They moved into more permanent housing for their child’s last semester of high school.

We are excited to continue to grow the ministry of the CRF, and build awareness of its purpose. This year’s Soup Bowl Luncheon following worship on February 10, sponsored by the Christian Assistance Committee, will include some more information on CRF and all proceeds from the lunch will support this ongoing ministry.

“The Lord restores my soul,” the Psalmist says. We have known this to be true, and we remember that we have the chance not only to experience it, but also to respond to God’s love and care by offering such restoration through the life and ministry of our church.

The CRF was established as a ministry of First Baptist Greensboro to meet debilitating financial needs and assist individuals in moving toward financial independence. The program guidelines state: “The purpose of the CRF is to provide assistance to those facing substantial ongoing or one-time financial need that prevents them from gaining financial independence… These financial needs can take various forms, such as housing insecurity, inability to afford transportation or car maintenance; regular childcare, etc. The Christian Restoration Fund’s goal is to provide recipients with financial and social assistance as needed to aid in moving participants towards living a financially sustainable, independent life with income above the poverty line.”

February 2019 | 3

a weekend with

Dr. Molly T. Marshall All are invited to attend the Vanguard Speaker Series February 2-3 with Dr. Molly T. Marshall. The weekend will begin with a soup dinner and presentation by Dr. Marshall Saturday evening. Sunday morning, Dr. Marshall will lead the adults in a Forum during the Bible study hour (9:15-10:15 am) in the Fellowship Hall. She will conclude her time with First Baptist by preaching during the worship service. We look forward to all that Dr. Marshall will bring to our community during her time with us. We hope you can attend the events of the weekend.

“CHANGED INTO GOD’S LIKENESS” A spiritual discipline of the Trinity SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2­­ Dinner and Lecture 5:30 – 7:30 pm | 102 & Chapel

A light soup dinner will be served at 5:30 pm. Please RSVP in advance.

Following dinner, Dr. Marshall will focus her talk on formative practices around the theme “Changed Into God’s Likeness.”

Activities for Children

Pizza and a Glow Party for kids will be in the Cafe & Gym.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3 Sunday Morning Forum 9:15 – 10:15 am | Fellowship Hall

Join us for coffee and pastries, as Dr. Marshall presents a theology of spiritual formation during the Forum.

Morning Worship 10:30 am | Sanctuary

Rev. Dr. Molly T. Marshall will preach “The Church as Icon of the Trinity”

About Dr. Molly Marshall A theologian, scholar, and educator for more than three decades, Dr. Molly T. Marshall serves as President and Professor of Theology & Spiritual Formation at Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Shawnee, Kansas. A lifelong Baptist, Dr. Marshall is celebrated as a pioneering and leading voice in Baptist life due to her extensive career as a professor, preacher, and writer.

These days, she is most passionate about preparing seminary students for excellence in ministry, contributing to their commitments to seek God, shape the Church, and serve humanity. We are thrilled to have Dr. Marshall with us!

About Saturday Evening Childcare Pizza will be served at 5:30 pm in the Café. Following dinner, kids will go into the gym for a Glow Party. Childcare will be provided for children aged 2 and younger.

Children must be registered to participate. Dinner and activities for kids is $5 per person, payable at the door.

About the Vanguard Series The Vanguard Speaker Series at First Baptist Greensboro is an annual event that invites an influential theologian or biblical scholar to lead the church in conversation, study, and worship, often in the form of a weekend winter Bible study. Made possible by a generous donation, since its inception the series has engaged some of the best scholars in Baptist life and beyond to help the congregation grow deeper in faith and community.

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C O O P E R AT I V E BA P T I S T F E L L OW S H I P FEBRUARY SPECIAL OFFERING

During the month of February, consider giving above and beyond budget giving to further support the mission and ministries of CBFNC, our state denominational partner and our February special offering recipient. The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina began here at FBC Greensboro and celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year at the Annual Gathering that will be held here at First Baptist Church, March 28-29, 2019. We hope you will join us and help us welcome our Baptist sisters and brothers from all over our state!

CBFNC Mission

CBFNC Identity

Bringing Baptists of North Carolina Together for Christ-Centered Ministry

We are a fellowship of Baptists in North Carolina sharing a commitment to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in our midst, and a reverence for God’s Word. Our oneness is expressed through a devotion to historic Baptist principles of faith and practice. This devotion calls us to join together in responding to Jesus’ call to go into all the world to share God’s love (Matthew 28:19-20).

SERVING OTHERS:

»» North Carolina Missions - We coordinate missions initiatives within the state, with a particular focus on the unreached and the most neglected. »» Church Planting - We launch new churches, Anglo and ethnic, to meet the needs of “those not here yet.” »» Missional Churches - We encourage and equip local churches to engage in God’s mission in their communities and wherever they feel called.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT:

»» Provide scholarships for students at partner divinity schools, with a special emphasis on North Carolina institutions. »» Leadership development conferences, retreats and events for clergy and lay leaders. »» Clergy and church reference and referral ministry

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP WITH ANNUAL GATHERING FBC is hosting this year’s CBFNC annual Gathering on March 28-29! As the host church, we need many volunteers to make this event happen. From helping people around our building to setting up for the conference! We would love our FBC members to help with hosting this event. If you are available for a shift or two on these days, please sign up at: http://signup.com/go/XVmDWbk

February 2019 | 5

MUSIC SING AN OLD SONG TO THE LORD

Wednesdays in February, March, and April 4:45 pm in the Chapel Beginning Wednesday, February 6 We will continue singing our treasured hymns Wednesdays in the Chapel beginning Wednesday, February 6. At the end of each session, we call one of our homebound members and sing to them. Hearing these beloved hymns brightens the day of everyone we call. Come and be a part of this ministry Wednesday afternoons.

WINGATE CHOIR IN WORSHIP | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17 We welcome the Wingate University Choir and director, Dr. Kenney Potter as they lead worship on Sunday morning, February 17.

Through regional and international concert tours and state-wide engagements, the Wingate University Singers is recognized for musical and artistic excellence.

Recent performance opportunities include J. S. Bach’s Magnificat and St. John Passion, as well as Mozart’s

Requiem. Committed to global education, the choirs have traveled to South Africa and to the Baltic countries of Estonia and Latvia where they received Grand Prix honors at the Pärnu International Choral Festival, and to Austria and the Czech Republic. They will return to South Africa this May. It is our privilege to host this outstanding choir during their 2019 tour.

JULY 29 - AUGUST 2, 2019 9 am – 1 pm Campers 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.

This year’s Guest Choral Director is Lille Harris.

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Two tracks of study:

Completed Grades 1-4 Completed Grades 5-7

Registration Fee: $30 through May 1; $40 after May 1 Special rates are available for students of Bessemer Elementary and Hope Academy — email Terri Vancil for details at terri@fbcgso.org.

Register at www.fbcgso.org/music (Children’s section).

More information: Terri Vancil – terri@fbcgso.org | x238.

YO U T H TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE WHILE SUPPORTING YOUTH MISSIONS! Sunday, February 24 5-7 pm | Fellowship Hall What’s better than enjoying a night with a team of friends while playing trivia for a chance at great prizes? The answer is a trivia night with your friends that also benefits both the Youth Summer Mission Trip and Passport Youth Camp!

Trivia Night is on Sunday, February 24th in the Fellowship Hall. We will have tables set up for your team, a trivia caller, music, concessions, and more. There is even a big prize basket for the winning team!

You can sign up a team of 8 for $80 or sign up as an individual for $12.

You may sign up your whole team at once by using the link below. If you dont have a team, pick a slot and sign yourself up! Pay by February 20 to be entered into a drawing for a fantastic prize. You can turn in cash or check to Alisa Windsor in the Main Office or give to Chris Cherry on Wednesdays or Sundays.

SIGN UP FOR TRIVIA https://tinyurl.com/ FBCTriviaNight

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Alisa Windsor at alisa@fbcgso.org or Youth Minister Chris Cherry at chris@fbcgso.org

A D U LT S MIDWEEK @FBC ADULT CLASSES

MARCH PRIMETIME

Two of our current Midweek @FBC classes will be continuing through the month of February. There’s still time to join “The Gospel of John” with Dr. Steve Sumerel in the Chapel or “Manna & Mercy” with Rev. Amy Grizzle Kane in Room 102.

Program Speaker: Dr. Karen Pollard Program Title: Harness YOUR Brain

Monday, March 4

About Dr. Karen Pollard

Dr. Pollard is a licensed clinical psychologist with a specialization in neuropsychology, so she understands, at a deep level, the complex and unique ways that a person’s brain processes information. She has over a decade of experience in neuropsychology and has seen the incredible life changes that occur when people are clued into their unique ways of thinking and are empowered to maximize their brain’s potential.

February 2019 | 7

CHILDREN

D

URING WEDNESDAY NIGHT MISSIONS in the month of January, our 2nd-5th graders have been learning about the great work of Cooperative Baptist Fellowship field personnel Kirk and Suzie in Thailand. The children have participated in hands-on learning activities to better understand the culture of the Bisu people. They learned the traditional Thai greeting, wai, using both hands, they played tekraw which is a mix between volleyball and soccer, and the kids challenged a partner to a game of tamarind seed jacks (picture below). Missions education is formative for children and we’ve had so much fun learning!

“Kirk and Suzie partnered with CBF nearly 30 years ago with the primary task of translating a Bible for the Bisu people of Thailand. After much study of the local oral language and culture, working with local nationals as partners, they established a written alphabet and written Bisu language. They have helped to write the oral history of the Bisu people, as well as stories and legends. Kirk and Suzie teach literacy and have trained villagers to teach the language so that their work will continue for years to come.

“After eighteen years of learning and working with the Bisu translation team, the Bisu New Testament was published in 2015, as well as digital sound recordings in the Bisu language. These resources allowed the Bisu people to hear and read the Bible in their heart language for the very first time. Their work continues now as they translate passages of the Old Testament and continue to spread the gospel among the Bisu people. Kirk and Suzie continue to promote education and literacy among the Bisu people and to advocate for marginalized ethnic minority groups.”

—CBF Missions Curriculum

FBC PRESCHOOL FBC Preschool is currently registering for the 2019-2020 school year.

New students should register online at fbcgso.org/preschool/

If you know a child interested in enrollment, please direct them to the web link. Tours will be on-going by appointment. Contact the preschool office at 274-3286 ext.240 or email autumn@fbcgso.org for more information.

8 | Connections

CHURCH LIFE FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

There are no FBC birthdays February 4, 6, 9, 11, 12, or 27 1 Catherine Tate, Bill Crawford, Tina Stutts, Chris Ripley 2 Marie Jones, Diffee Lambert 3 Ernie Ohlson 5 Levone Scott, Margaret Petty, Susan Steelman, Kent Gilliland 7 Norene Hunt, Phil Hix 8 Lollis Reynolds, Cecil Mills, Ben Miller, Quint Bradford, Rachel Perry 10 Ann Pember, Jan Hill, Paige Kalish, Natalie Smith

13 14 15 16 17 18

Freda Rushton, Gina Waters Claudia Tutterow Stuart Allen Marty Kellam, JJ Moore Cliff Lowery, Clay Gooding Leroy Hartgrove, Elsa Troxler, Joyce English, Kay Laster 19 Lynn Huneycutt, Cooper Harrell 20 Ward Burch, Arlene McCraw, Mark Messick 21 Wesley Thacker

BEREAVED The family of Dr. Lois Edinger, d. 12/20 The family of Effie Rowan, d. 12/24 The family of Carolyn Grassi, d. 12/26

22 Frank Irvin, Brenda Porterfield, Jack Sherouse 23 Elizabeth Eagle, Caleb Wilson, Kyleigh Pegram 24 Marguerite Miller, Susan Bowers, Rob Terrell, Emily Lewis 25 Courtney Frost 26 Kevin Pegram, Ann Webb, William Hardy, Eden Holmes 28 Michael Campbell, Raina Gould 29 David Culclasure

NEW BABIES The family of Sue Stafford, d. 12/27 Jack Steelman in the loss of his father, Joseph Steelman, d. 12/31 Wendy Stafford in the loss of her uncle, Ralph Stafford and cousin, Nancy Stafford

William Charles Turner born to Ben and Emily Turner and sister, Lila Rose, on 12/25.

NEW MEMBERS

KEVIN, ANN & SARA DURBIN AND TICIA CRANFORD JOINED 12-16-18

Febuary 2019 | 9

FEBRUARY @FBC 2 (Sa) Upward Games. Gym/Cafè, 8:30 am - 2 pm 2 (Sa) Vanguard Series- Dinner/Lecture. Fellowship Hall, 5:30 pm 3 (Su) Vanguard Series- Sunday Forum. Fellowship Hall, 9:15 am 3 (Su) Finance Committee. 102, 4:30 pm 4 (M) PrimeTime. Gym/102/Fellowship Hall, 9 am-1:30 pm 4 (M) Deacon’s Meeting. 102, 7 pm 5 (Tu) WMU Group 2. 102, 3 pm 5 (Tu) Grace Meal Prep. Kitchen, 5 pm 6 (W) Grace Meal Pick-Up & Serve. Kitchen, 5 pm 9 (Sa) Upward Games. Gym/Cafè, 8:30 am - 2 pm 9 (Sa) NC Baptist All State Youth Choir Auditions. Chapel, 9 am 10 (Su) Christian Assistance Soup Lunch. Fellowship Hall, 11:45 am 12 (Tu) WMU Group 3. 102, 3 pm 15 (F) Meals on Wheels. 1401 Benjamin Parkway, 9:30 am 16 (Sa) Upward Games. Gym/Cafè, 8:30 am - 2 pm 17 (Su) Wingate Choir in Worship. Sanctuary, 10:30 am 23 (Sa) Upward Games. Gym/Cafè, 8:30 am -2 pm.

24 (Su) Trivia Night Fundraiser. Fellowship Hall, 5 pm 26 (Tu) Senior Adult Council. 216, 2 pm

REGULAR WEEKLY SCHEDULE SUNDAY MORNINGS 9:15 am Bible Study 10:30 am Worship 12 pm College Bible Study

SUNDAY EVENINGS 5 pm 6 pm 6 pm 7 pm

Youth Choir Youth Discipleship Adult Bells Sanctuary Choir

MIDWEEK @FBC 4:45 pm 5:30 pm 6 pm 6:15 pm 6:20 pm 7:15 pm

Sing an Old Song to the Lord Fellowship Meal FBC Kids Youth Group Adult Classes Sanctuary Choir

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 banking and set up one time or automatic payments that are sent to the church through their bank. Still others set up their online giving through the church website. We also have mobile giving through the Church Life app or through Tithe.ly. You can download either app for use on almost any device. If you have questions, contact Scott North at the church office – scott@fbcgso.org | x226.

December 2018 Financial Results Year-to-Date Budget Receipts/Distributions

Receipts Disbursements

Actual Budget Last Year $87,643 $296,000 $336,744 $1,667,28 $1,767,212 $1,721,896

Net Deficit

$(95,204)

(Net of program income)

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$(8,690)

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.

Row 1: Youth learning about summer Passport trip, Preschoolers play in shaving cream Row 2: Children play jacks with tamarind seeds, Gospel of John Midweek class Row 3: Main offices have been rearranged, star words from worship January 6

February 2019 | 11

First Baptist Church Greensboro 1000 West Friendly Avenue Greensboro, NC 27401 www.fbcgso.org

M I DW E E K @ F B C MEAL RESERVATIONS

Meal reservations can be made via Sunday morning pew cards, web site (fbcgso.org/calendarevents), email (marty@ fbcgso.org), or phone (336-274-3286 x245) for all meals.

Reservation due: Monday at noon Cancellations due: Tuesday at noon

FEBRUARY MENU February 6 | February 13 | February 20 | February 27 |

Grilled Ham Steak Beef Tips Fried Fish Chicken Portofino

CHILDREN’S EXTRAS Yogurt, fresh fruits and veggies, etc.

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID GREENSBORO, NC NO. 179