FBC Raleigh News • June 9, 2020
LETTER FROM DR. MARY ALICE SEALS

To my church family,

On June 18, 2000, you extended me the honor of becoming your minister of music and our journey of ministry began on August 1. At that time, asbestos removal from our building left us scattered across the city. We were worshiping at Meredith College, rehearsing and enjoying Wednesday night fellowship in the Edenton Street United Methodist Church facilities, and working out of office space near North Hills. It was an interesting time to begin ministry with you, but I knew I had found a wonderful church as I watched the ways we continued to live out our mission for Christ despite the challenges of distance and separation. 

On the Sunday you extended the call to me, we sang the setting of Proverbs 3:5-6 found in our hymnal. Through this responsive song, we affirmed our desire to trust in God to guide our paths. These past two decades have been filled with celebration and challenge. You’ve allowed me to be a part of your lives in routine and in extraordinary times. We’ve been with one another through joyful occasions like weddings, births, our 200 th anniversary, twenty Hanging of the Greens services, and more meals and social gatherings than I can count. We’ve sung together, prayed together, laughed together, and cried together. We’ve walked with one another through tragedy, through loss of beloved family and friends, and through difficult community conversations when we’ve tried to discern the path forward. How grateful I am to have shared these special moments with you.

Trusting in God’s leading, and recognizing that I’m not getting any younger, I will retire from full time vocational ministry on August 31, 2020. This is a path I have been planning for many months, but I could not have predicted I’d say goodbye while our ability to gather in person as a community of faith is limited. As I envisioned the conclusion of my ministry with you, I never imagined that musical activities and congregational singing would be restricted or that the risks associated with the Covid-19 virus would make a personal farewell with some of you nearly impossible. We began our journey together in a time of physical exile from our church building. It seems ironic that I will begin my journey into retirement while we are again scattered.

No matter the physical distance that separates us at this time, know of my deep love for you and my immense gratitude for the time we have journeyed together. You will forever hold a special place in my heart. 

Sincerely,
Mary Alice Seals
CHURCH CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
The 2020 dates for Church Conference will be as follows:
August 19 • September 30 • October 28 • November 18 • December 16
WEEK AT A GLANCE • JUNE 9-15
All regularly scheduled programming is canceled.
BIBLE VERSES FOR DAILY USE
  • Tuesday, June 9: Psalm 29; Job 39:13-25; 1 Corinthians 12:4-13
  • Wednesday, June 10: Psalm 29; Job 39:26-40:5; John 14:25-26
  • Thursday, June 11: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; Genesis 21:1-7; Hebrews 3:1-6; Exodus 4:18-23; Hebrews 3:1-6
  • Friday, June 12: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; Genesis 24:1-9; Acts 7:35-43; Exodus 4:27-31; Acts 7:35-43
  • Saturday, June 13: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; Genesis 24:10-52; Mark 7:1-13; Exodus 6:28-7:13; Mark 7:1-13
  • Sunday, June 14: Genesis 18:1-15, (21:1-7) and Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; Exodus 19:2-8a and Psalm 100; Romans 5:1-8; Matthew 9:35-10:8, (9-23)
  • Monday, June 15: Psalm 126; Genesis 23:1-19; 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5; Psalm 105:1-11, 37-45; Joshua 1:1-11; 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5
DEACON ON CALL • JUNE 7-13
Alice Marshbanks ( 919) 784-0149
2020 COLLEGE GRADUATES

On Sunday,  July 26 , we will be honoring our high school graduates during worship. While we remain unsure about a future date for in-person worship, we hope that you will be able to join us, virtually or in-person, as we celebrate this important accomplishment in the lives of our students.

We also want to congratulate each of our college and graduate school graduates as they continue to celebrate with their families.  Congratulations to the Class of 2020!

Amarachi Achonu 
Duke University 
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Minor in English
Mother: Ebele Saint Louis

Will Baldwin
Louisiana State University 
Bachelor of Science in Sports Commerce
Parents: Kari & John Baldwin
Grandparents: Max & Doris Baldwin

Brantley J. Blanchard Jr.
East Carolina University
Bachelor of Science in Communications
Parents: Brantley Sr. & Carol Blanchard 

Margaret Alison Chapman
North Carolina State University
Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences,
Integrated Physiology and Neurobiology Concentration
Parents: Chris & Dana Chapman
Grandfather: C. Dan White 

Lindsey Rose Davis
Meredith College 
Bachelor of Social Work
Grandmother: Christina Davis

Georgia Harris
University of Colorado at Boulder 
Degree in Communications with Minor in Media Design
Parents: Ann & Worth Harris
Grandparents: Max & Doris Baldwin

Katie Jackson
East Carolina University 
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Education
Parents: Will and Sara Jackson
Grandparents: Art & Anita Jackson

Lisa Jones
Meredith College
Master of Arts in Industrial/
Organizational Psychology 
Husband: Wiley Jones, son; Tyler Jones. 

Nate Jones
Bachelor of Arts from Williams College
Parents: Dr. Barry & Beth Jones

Abbigail Lewis 
Appalachian State University 
Walker School of Business
Summa Cum Laude in Accounting 
Parents: Mary Jane Lewis & Keith Lewis 
Grandmother: Marie Lewis 

Mary (Leighann) Massey
Appalachian State University
Bachelor of Science in Biology with Cellular & Molecular Concentration
Grandparents: Bill & Lynn Loomis

Katy Powers
North Carolina State University/
College of Textiles
Bachelor of Science in Brand Management and Marketing,
Minor in Business Administration
Parents: Frank & Nancy Powers

Samantha Smith 
Watts College of Nursing
Registered Nursing Degree 
Parents: Bryan and Melinda Smith
Grandparents: Rev. Paul & Carolyn Smith

Ella Margaret Webster
Wake Forest University
Bachelor of Science in Business 
Parents: Mary Ann Parrott & Dean Webster

Mattie Yerxa 
Northeastern University
Bachelor of Arts in Communications,
Minor in Graphic Design
Parents: Beth & Ben Yerxa

RACIAL EQUITY VIRTUAL PRESENTATION

CBFNC has partnered with the  Racial Equity Institute  to offer its "Groundwater Approach" presentation as a virtual experience (originally scheduled as part of the Annual Gathering in March that was cancelled.) In this three-hour lively and participatory presentation will take place on Tuesday, June 16, from 1-4pm . REI organizers will use stories and data to present a perspective that racism is fundamentally structural in nature. By examining characteristics of modern-day racial inequity, the presentation introduces participants to an analysis that most find immediately helpful and relevant. Two years ago, we offered the full two-day REI training with our sister church, First Baptist on Wilmington Street. This is an abbreviated version of that training, but would still be informative for those who attended.
 
The Groundwater metaphor is designed to help practitioners at all levels internalize the reality that we live in a racially structured society and that is what causes racial inequity. The metaphor is based on three observations:
 
  • racial inequity looks the same across systems,
  • socio-economic difference does not explain the racial inequity; and,
  • inequities are caused by systems, regardless of people’s culture or behavior.
 
Embracing these truths helps leaders confront the reality that all our systems, institutions, and outcomes emanate from the racial hierarchy, on which the United States was built. In other words, we have a “groundwater” problem, and we need “groundwater” solutions. Starting from there, we begin to unlock transformative change.
 
Cost is $10 per person, and the presentation will be done using Zoom. 
Registration ends June 15 and you must pre-register for this event. REGISTER HERE!
For questions, Please email Leah.
CHILDREN'S FOOD DRIVE

Our FBC children recently worked together to collect food for the Interfaith Food Shuttle in response to a Sunday School lesson based on Matthew 25:35-40. By asking neighbors, family, and friends as well as sharing from their own pantries, they filled up Lynn's front porch PLUS two cars with donations! These pictures are a reminder of the good we can do when we work together. Indeed, when we recognize the needs of those around us and respond in ways we can, we show our love for Jesus himself.
VIRTUAL TRIVIA NIGHT

Do you find yourself sitting at home burdened with useless knowledge? Are you looking for ways to save the day with facts about things? Well, your time has come! 

The Social Committee is hosting a Virtual Trivia Night on Sunday, June 14, at 5pm . This will be a fun intergenerational night that will test your knowledge!

Email JD Rhodes to sign-up.
HECK JONES MISSION OFFERING

June marks the beginning of summer and the collection of our Heck-Jones Mission Offering. Although many of our usual activities have been sidetracked, canceled, or rescheduled; the needs in our community continue and we want to be ready when life goes back to “normal.” Your donations will help in the usual areas, along with a few new ones that are providing much help during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fannie Heck and Sallie Jones would be pleased with the work of these organizations and would be eager to volunteer alongside us wherever they were needed.

(Tentatively scheduled for October 18th)
Habitat for Humanity Build - dates to be determined 
FBC Clothing Ministry

Thank you for the $1,910 which has already been received towards this offering. And thank you as well for the $14,788.82 that was received for the CBF Offering. That offering goes directly to the support of our CBF Field Personnel as they strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus. - Nancy Moore Phillips, WMU President 

HELP US SHOP
FOR OUR GUESTS

Our Summer Giveaway will be on Saturday, July 11, from 9am-12pm . As we make preparations to pre-package bags of clothing for our guests, we have some upcoming opportunities for volunteers!



We have established levels of volunteering during this time, trusting that each person will have differing comfort levels about their interactions with other people. These levels are as follows:
Level 1 Volunteer : I cannot come into the physical space to work, or be in contact with others. I can participate by praying for our ministry and/or other activities that I can do from home as the opportunity arises.

Level 2 Volunteer : I can come into the physical space and work in a small group with other volunteers (max of 1-4 others, spaced at appropriate recommended social distance, each person wearing a mask and following any other building policies currently in place). Work may include sorting clothing, labeling and repacking in individual packs, or related prep work. I will NOT be in contact with guests.

Level 3 Volunteer : I can come into the physical space and work in a small group with other volunteers (max of 10 others, spaced at appropriate recommended social distance, each person wearing a mask, and following any other building policies currently in place). Other church spaces may be utilized to ensure minimal contact and appropriate distancing. This work may also involve minimal interaction/contact with guests, such as handing out individual clothing packs. Recommended precautions will be implemented to minimize the risks for everyone.

If you identify as a Level 2 or 3 volunteer, please look at the sign-up link below. We are signing up small teams to come in to sort and package our spring clothing into sets in the next few weeks. Team leaders need to have a current key to the building and will meet, orient, and guide their small team to learn the new system and supervise the work assigned. If you are able to volunteer, please click on this link to sign-up. For questions, email Sabrina Tyndall.
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
TO THE PUBLIC

In light of the state-wide "stay at home" order, we have closed the church office to the public for the immediate future. We regret any inconvenience this causes, but we feel like this is another small thing we can do as a church to embrace the requests of community leaders to help limit the spread of COVID-19. We will monitor the answering machine and respond to messages quickly, and we encourage you to contact any of the ministers if you have a pressing need. We have linked each of the ministerial staff member's emails below, so please do not hesitate to reach out with concerns. Chris Chapman , Mary Alice Seals , Trey Davis , Lynn Lingafelt , and Leah Reed .
WAYS TO GIVE

There are several different ways in which you can continue to support the church financially during this time of social distancing. We know many people are facing their own financial challenges right now and have been very generous already, but a number of people have asked how they could support the church while we are unable to gather together physically. Wayne Hager has provided the following answers to this question.

• We continue to receive mail daily. Any gifts mailed to the church will be processed and deposited as soon as possible.
• We will continue to debit bank accounts through auto drafts as we have been instructed by donors.
• If you have set up a recurring donation through one of our electronic options, those donations will continue without interruption unless YOU make a change.
• If you wish to begin electronic giving, please go to this link where each of our options is explained.
• If you are considering a stock gift, please visit this link for instructions. 

If you have any financial or giving-option questions, please email Wayne Hager.
AMONG OUR FAMILY
A link to the entire prayer list may be found below.
Please use your church directory for mailing addresses.

MAY 2020 • MEMORIAL & HONORIFIC GIFTS
Capital Repair & Replacement Fund
In Memory of:
Sarah Mauldin Hawks

Clothing Ministry Fund
In Memory of:
Hazel Foster

Day Mission Fund
In Honor of:
Mary Carol Day

Food Truck Ministry Fund
In Honor of:
Rodney Mobley
Jimmy Thompson
Chris Ragan

JACE Fund
In Memory of:
Penny Frisbie & Sarah Mauldin Hawks

Mike Morris Fellowship Fund
In Honor of:
Steve Austin
Ralph Cavin
Bob Bailey
Austin & Betty Connors
Jeff Hobart
Carolyn Dickens
Laura Maness
Charles Petty
Lin Carter
THE RECORD WE WROTE
Week of June 2, 2020
Current Week Revenue: $14,005.41 
Month-to-Date Revenue: $110,190.57
Year-to-Date Revenue: $676,971.69
Month-to-Date Expenses: $102,411.30
Year-to-Date Expenses: $591,050.78
Heck Jones: $ 1,910.00
SUBMIT A ROSE WINDOW WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENT

Do you have an announcement that you would like to include in the Rose Window Weekly ? All information must be submitted by Thursday at noon, to be included in the following Tuesday's edition. Just fill out the Google form in the link below, and we'll make sure to include it in next week's publication.



For any questions concerning the Rose Window Weekly ,
contact Leah Reed. Email Leah here.