FBC Raleigh News • June 8, 2021
2021 COLLEGE AND GRADUATE SCHOOL GRADUATES

This past Sunday, we honored our high school graduates during worship in a beautiful service of celebration and sharing. We also want to honor and give recognition to each of our college and graduate school graduates as they continue to celebrate with their families! 

Congratulations to the class of 2021!

Hallie Barnes
Loyola University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Parent: Chip Barnes
Grandparents: Walt and Libby Barnes

Jane Brown
Princeton University
Bachelor of Science in Engineering
Grandparent: Marion Johnson

Katie Childrey
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Sport Science and
Bachelor of Arts in Human Development & Family Studies
Parents: Tom and Maria Childrey
Grandparents: Clint and Betsy Neal

Zach Graves
Mercer University
Master in Business Administration
Parents: Tyson and Ginger Graves

Lillian Gupton
East Carolina University
Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management
Aunt: Paula Gupton Page

Dorothy Holley
North Carolina State University
Doctor of Philosophy in Learning and Teaching STEM Education

Sara Hood
North Carolina State University
Master in Textiles
Husband: Michael Hood

Emily Hoover
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a minor in Non-profit Leadership.
Parents: Chris and Felicia Hoover

Faith Hoover
North Carolina State University
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Parents: Chris and Felicia Hoover

Erika Kido-Kumah
North Carolina State University
Master in Business Administration
Husband: Divine Kumah

Abbigail Lewis
Appalachian State University
Master in Accounting
Parents: Keith and Mary Jane Lewis
Grandparent: Marie Lewis

Philip Lingafelt
Appalachian State University
Bachelor of Arts in Communications
Parent: Lynn Lingafelt

Caleb Petty
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Bachelor of Arts in Business Journalism and Sport and Exercise Science
Parents: Jeremy Petty and Dawn Holland
Grandparents: Charles and Jamie Petty

Ella Webster
Wake Forest University
Master of Science in Accounting
Parents: Dean Webster and Mary Ann Parrott

Claire Willmschen
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Bachelor of Arts in Media and Journalism and Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Arts
Parents: Royce and Debbie Willmschen
BIBLE VERSES FOR DAILY USE
  • Tuesday, June 8: Psalm 108; 1 Samuel 8:1-22; Revelation 20:7-15
  • Wednesday, June 9: Psalm 108; 1 Samuel 9:1-14; Luke 11:14-28
  • Thursday, June 10: Psalm 20; 1 Samuel 9:15-27; Hebrews 2:5-9
  • Friday, June 11: Psalm 20; 1 Samuel 10:1-8; Hebrews 11:4-7
  • Saturday, June 12: Psalm 20; 1 Samuel 13:1-15a; Mark 4:1-20
  • Sunday, June 13: 1 Samuel 15:34 - 16:13 and Psalm 20; Ezekiel 17:22-24 and Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15; 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, (11-13), 14-17; Mark 4:26-34
  • Monday, June 14: Psalm 53; 1 Samuel 13:23-14:23; Galatians 6:11-18
DEACON ON CALL
June 6-12 • Debbie Willmschen (919-244-4121 m or 919-844-9161 h)
WEEK AT A GLANCE • June 8-14
Tuesday, June 8
6pm Theology on Tap (Zoom/In-person tbd)
7:30pm Pathfinders Sunday School (Zoom)
7:30pm Nominating Committee (Zoom)

Wednesday, June 9
11am Clothing Ministry Collection (FH/Clothing Ministry/Sm. Rooms)
7pm Youth Netflix Movie Night (Teleparty)

Thursday, June 10
7am Band of Brothers (Zoom)
7:30pm College Group (Zoom)
Saturday, June 12
11am Clothing Ministry Collection (FH/Clothing Ministry/Sm. Rooms)

Sunday, June 13
(Communion)
Youth Mission Week Begins (thru 6/18)
9am Everette Miller Friendship SS Class (Zoom)
10am John Hiott SS Class (Rm. 108)
10am Highschool SS (Carter Home)
10am 6th Grade SS (Gotomeeting.com)
10am 7th & 8th Grade SS (Zoom)
11am Worship (S/YouTube)

Monday, June 14
6:30pm Finance Committee Mtg. (Zoom)
ART BANNER PROJECT

On Wednesday, May 26, an exterior art banner project was presented during Church Conference. As a refresher, when the capital campaign to retire our debt was completed, we were left with more than $130,000 beyond what was needed for debt retirement. As a church, we voted to use those extra funds for missions projects that would impact the community and the greater world by allocating the funds for following programs:

• $35,000 to Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Capital Campaign (already distributed)
• $20,000 to the Day Mission Fund for ongoing FBC missions efforts (already added to fund)
• Up to $50,000 for a major downtown missions project
• $26,000 (the remainder of all funds) in smaller mission projects up to $5,000 each 

Anyone can apply for these small mission grants, and the guidelines/application can be found on our church website. The art banner project was unanimously approved by the Church Council and endorsed by the Deacons. In the presentation during May's Church Conference, it was explained that this project would surpass the $5,000 grant limit, and ultimately the Finance Committee and Church Conference approved the overage of $2,000 for the instillation and artist commission.
We thought it might be helpful for you to read this project proposal in more detail, that was written by an Ad-Hoc team, led by Jeff Hobart.


We have included an example of where the banner would be placed, so you can visualize size, scale and location! Please remember that this is just a place-holder image by the company and not the actual artwork that would be included in the banner. For any questions regarding this project, please email Jeff Hobart.
BLOOD DRIVE ON JUNE 27

On Sunday, June 27, we will be hosting The Blood Connection in our Fellowship Hall for a blood drive. The local blood supply in North Carolina is dangerously low after months of COVID-19. Our community is reaching a critical need, and getting closer to a local blood shortage due to low donor turnout. This is one simple way that we can give of our selves to safe the life of our neighbors. From 12-4pm, you will have the opportunity to give by making an appointment through the Blood Connection website. All donors will receive a $20 eGift card! For any questions, please email Leah.
SUNDAY REMINDERS

Last Sunday, we officially opened the doors for Sunday School! It was wonderful to see so many folks gathered back in their classrooms, together and in-person again. We have a couple reminders to remember as you come to the church building on Sundays, or any other time during the week.

• Masks are still required in all common areas of our church building. In hallways, bathrooms, and the sanctuary (for the duration of worship) please remember to wear your mask. Fully vaccinated adults can remove masks when in a room with adults; those not vaccinated are encouraged to still wear masks. While we know and celebrate that many of you are fully vaccinated, we are remaining vigilant with masking in all shared spaces until our children and youth have had the opportunity to receive their shots.

• For Sunday School attendees, the back parking lot door with the covered ramp will be the only door unlocked beginning at 9:15am. In addition to the parking lot door, the main front doors of the Capitol Square will be unlocked at 10:15am for worship. We are still requiring sign-ins at both doors when you enter the building.

We appreciate your patience as we adjust to a new rhythm on Sunday mornings!
NEW RISK MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES

Our staff and the Risk Management Team met on Tuesday, May 25, to discuss the status of our ongoing plans for the continued reopening of the church. Due to the increased availability of a vaccine and new CDC guidelines concerning fully vaccinated people, we are recommending the modification of certain existing safety protocols. One important factor that we considered is that our children and many of our youth are not yet eligible to receive the vaccine. Our church has always provided a safe and nurturing environment for all members, most especially our children and youth. Our Risk Management Team believes that this must remain one of our highest priorities.

We would remind everyone that the wearing of masks continues to be one of the most effective measures to mitigate the transmission of Covid-19. Therefore, all people who have not been fully vaccinated should continue to wear a mask at all church events. In addition, we encourage all who are eligible to be vaccinated.

As we discussed our plans, we kept the following considerations in mind:
• Although research has shown that fully vaccinated persons have a greatly reduced risk of contracting or transmitting the virus, a substantial percentage of our adult population has not yet been vaccinated.
• Our children and youth, under the age of 12, are not yet eligible to receive the vaccine, and are therefore among the most vulnerable.
• Our church welcomes all, both vaccinated and unvaccinated.
• To protect all of our members, especially our children and youth, the safest course of action is for all, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, to wear masks in all public areas.

Recommendations
1. Protocol Changes (effective immediately)
• Sign-in is required for all programs, services, or events.
Masks are required for all:
• When entering church/in public places (halls/elevator/restrooms).
• In mixed venues (adults + children and/or youth).
• Fully vaccinated adults can remove masks when in a room with adults; those not vaccinated are encouraged to still wear masks.
• Children & Youth will continue wearing masks at all events, both indoors and outdoors.
These protocols apply to all areas of the building.

2. Recommendations effective Sunday, June 6
• Those in chancel and pulpit areas will not be required to wear masks as long as all providing leadership in those areas are fully vaccinated. If any leaders in these areas are not fully vaccinated, then masks will be required for all. Upon leaving these areas, leaders must wear masks.
• Vaccinated members of the sanctuary choir will be allowed to sing from the choir loft without masks and to rehearse without masks in the choir room.
• Sunday School - All adult Sunday School classes will be permitted to meet in-person again, though each class may decide when it is ready to do so. Each class will also decide on the mask protocol inside of its meeting room. If a class decides its room is too small, every attempt will be made to find a larger room.
• Seating will be allowed on ever other pew (signs designated). Family units can sit together. A six-foot space is required between non-family units on the same pew.
• Hymnals and Bibles will be available in the pews, but we will not yet pass offering plates or communion elements.

We continue to wrestle with these decisions and are constantly monitoring changes as we are eager to continue moving forward. The Risk Management Team will continue to meet as needed to reassess our response to the information and data coming from our congregation, medical professionals, and community.
BOOK STUDY BEGINNING SUNDAY

This past Sunday, June 6, the Journey Class began a summer book study. They are reading The Heart of Christianity: Rediscovering a Life of Faith by Marcus J. Borg.  The plan is to read and discuss a chapter each week and rotate discussion facilitators over the course of 11/12 weeks.  They will be meeting at 9am.  

Since not everyone is able to join in person there are two options:
• In person: Jen and Derek Foster’s yard (bring your own chair) - 3109 Hines Dr, Raleigh
• Remotely via this Zoom link.

The location of future sessions have yet to be confirmed, as all of our Sunday school classes are discussing the recent updated church guidelines regarding the option to return to in-person meetings. If you have any questions or would like to let the Journey class know you plan to join, feel free to reach out to Holly Ivel via email or at 919-628-9850.
JUNE MISSION PROJECT

For the month of June, we are collecting money ($300 is needed) that will go to provide beach towels for the approximately 45 children who will attend Camp Hope. The camp is sponsored by InterAct and is for children who have experienced or been exposed to violence in their homes. FBC member, Allison Strickland, is the director of InterAct and recently hosted a virtual event with the congregation to give information on this important agency and the work that they do. If you would like to contribute, please make your check out to FBC and put "Camp Hope" in the memo line. You may mail it to the church to the attention of our Finance Manager, Katherine Rattie, or drop it off in the office during the week or in the collection plate on Sunday. 
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR HELEN WRIGHT CENTER DELIVERY

For the past year through our partnership with And Also With 'Cue, we have been providing dinner to the women living at the Helen Wright Center. The Helen Wright Center offers emergency shelter to single women without children who are experiencing homelessness. Ever since the pandemic began, this has been a contactless experience that involves picking up the food from our church kitchen and delivering it to the Helen Wright Center where it is served by their employees. We have already committed to several dates in 2021, and would love your help in making these deliveries. If you are able to help deliver for one or more of these dates, please email Leah.

• July 1
• September 2
• October 4
CLOTHING MINISTRY REOPENING!
DONATIONS NEEDED

After a longer-than-expected COVID-19 closure, we are making preparations for a Clothing Ministry grand reopening! As you all may know, we have been doing some major renovations in our space, including new flooring and paint. We are deeply grateful for the many laborers we have had over the past few weeks that have helped paint, as we transform this space into something new and fresh. We can't wait for you to see it! Mark your calendar for our tentative reopening date - Monday, August 2, from 10am - 12pm!

Part of our reopening plan includes restocking our donations so we can safely open to the public. We will be accepting donations of new and gently used clothing (any season!) and shoes during drive-thru donation drop-offs in the back parking lot on the following dates:

Wednesday, June 9th, 11am – 1pm
Saturday, June 12th, 11am – 1pm

We ask that you bag all donations by categories – men’s, women’s, and children’s.
We are unable to clean or repair donated clothing, so please ensure that your clothing donations do not have stains, rips, or broken zippers and buttons. WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING DONATIONS OF HOUSEHOLD ITEMS other than suitcases, backpacks, and blankets.

If you are a regular volunteer of the Clothing Ministry, be on the lookout for an email soon about ways that you can help over the coming weeks! If you are not a regular volunteer but would like more information, please email Sabrina Tyndall. Thanks for your continued support of this ministry!
AAWC'S WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Each week, we post And Also With 'Cue's weekly schedule here in Rose Window Weekly as well as on our Facebook page to let you know our lunch schedule and if there will be outside events on the weekend for you to attend.

Come eat with us this week • June 7-12:

Lunch:
Tuesday - Friday, 11-1:30pm in the church parking lot

Dinner:
Thursday at Briza Apartments, 5:30-7:30pm

Private Event(s):
Saturday—Wedding Reception

Do you have an idea about how to giveaway food in our community? Email Leah!
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.
CURRENT OFFICE PROCEDURES
DURING THE PANDEMIC

While the church office will remain closed to the public for the immediate future, we have someone in the office Monday through Friday, 8:30am-5pm to answer the phone and let people in for pre-approved activities. The staff and Church Council continue to monitor all realities related to COVID-19. In addition, we have formed a Risk Management Team (RMT) made up of John Baldwin, Sam Ewell, Ron Maness (chair), Alice Marshbanks, and Hollis Yelverton to help us make decisions. The RMT has developed a list of guidelines which can be found here. Any group wishing to schedule an in-person meeting or activity should contact Wayne Hager. We still encourage you to contact any of the ministers if you have a pressing need, using the following email links: Chris Chapman, Lynn Lingafelt, Leah Reed, and Michael Hood.
AMONG OUR FAMILY

A link to the entire prayer list may be found below.
Please use your church directory for mailing addresses.

THE RECORD WE WROTE
Week as of May 31, 2021
Current Week Revenue: $9,900.00
Month-to-Date Revenue: $107,665.56
Year-to-Date Revenue: $612,432.10
Month-to-Date Expenses: $90,740.07
Year-to-Date Expenses: $501,230.61
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.