FBC Raleigh News • March 23, 2020
COMMUNITY OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES

Community is in short supply during these uncertain times. We're all longing to reach out, finding ways we can "be" the church when we're not able to be physically present with one another. Here are some simple ideas to help us all feel connected to our broader community during these times of social isolation.

• Feeding Wake County School Children - Over 51,000 students in Wake County receive free and reduced lunches, providing a significant need during these days when school is closed. The WCPSS has set up food distribution sites to close the gap for families experiencing food insecurity. They have set up all donations through the Inter-faith Food Shuttle, and the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC. To see a full list of needed food items and volunteer opportunities, visit the WCPSS website.

• Volunteer at Urban Ministries - Urban Ministries is in need of volunteers to help in their food pantry. The pantry is open Monday-Friday, 9am-1pm, and they need 4 volunteers for each shift. In the pantry, volunteers will be packing boxes of food, stocking shelves, loading boxes into cars, and helping clean. If you are interested in volunteering, email Suzanne Regan , Volunteer Services Coordinator.

• Donate food to St. John's MCC - Last week, we took a bag full of BBQ sandwiches from And Also With 'Cue to the St. John's Metropolitan Community Church. If you are not familiar with this church, this is where many people that are experiencing homelessness gather during the week. This church houses a food pantry and provides a program called "Lunch Boxes of Love" in partnership with the non-profit Love Wins . Through this program, they regularly provide lunch for the men at South Wilmington Street Homeless Shelter, and other people in our community that may not have a meal otherwise. They are always in need of donations, so visit their website to see the latest list.

• Buy a Gift Card - If you are able, buy a gift card from your favorite local restaurant or business. These can always be saved for later, or you can give these out to the grocery store cashier, mail carrier, first responders, or anyone else in our community that is providing a vital service during this time. If you order takeout or delivery, this is also an opportunity for generosity with your tips for people that are taking a financial hit during times of social distancing. A Place at the Table offers gift cards, and they are serving a limited, rotating menu that is available for curbside pickup, during their normal business hours. And Also With 'Cue is now selling tokens for $10. These are available for purchase at the food truck, and can be given to anyone for a free meal.

• Support for Parents - Many parents are struggling right now. Some find themselves working from home full-time, while trying to care for their children. Call a parent you know and ask if you can video chat with their kids, offering to read a book or teach them a lesson. This could be a welcome opportunity for the parent to have a much needed break, or to get some work done.

• Notes & Phone Calls - Never underestimate the power of a note or a phone call. This simple act reminds us all that we are not alone during this pandemic and time of social isolation. We will get through this together, leaning on one another as a church family.

If you have other community outreach opportunities, please email Leah.
CHURCH CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
The 2020 dates for Church Conference will be as follows:
May 20 • August 19 • September 30 • October 28 • November 18 • December 16
WEEK AT A GLANCE • MARCH 23-29, 2020
All regularly scheduled programming is canceled.
BIBLE VERSES FOR DAILY USE
  • Monday, March 23: Psalm 146; Isaiah 59:9-19; Acts 9:1-20
  • Tuesday, March 24: Psalm 146; Isaiah 42:14-21; Colossians 1:9-14
  • Wednesday, March 25: Annunciation of the Lord
  • Wednesday, March 25: Psalm 146; Isaiah 60:17-22; Matthew 9:27-34
  • Thursday, March 26: Psalm 130; Ezekiel 1:1-3, 2:8-3:3; Revelation 10:1-11
  • Friday, March 27: Psalm 130; Ezekiel 33:10-16; Revelation 11:15-19
  • Saturday, March 28: Psalm 130; Ezekiel 36:8-15; Luke 24:44-53
DEACON ON CALL • MARCH 22-28
Wes Fulk (919) 539-3686
THE SEASON OF LENT

As we enter the holy season of Lent, we invite you into 40 days of reflection, examination, and preparation. We hope these devotionals serve as a daily guide as we journey to the cross together.

ERRAND BUDDIES

Over the past two weeks, we have been listening carefully to updates from the CDC and the governor's office regarding social distancing during this pandemic. We have paid especially close attention to those who are in a higher risk category, including older adults and those who have serious chronic medical conditions. While we are not able to identify every individual in our congregation that may fall into those two categories (especially those with underlying medical conditions), we are going to do our best to care for those in our church family that may need to be isolated in their home for a few weeks. The ministerial staff is in the process of compiling a list of those high risk individuals, and with the assistance of the Deacons, we will be calling each person in the next few days to check in.

Do you have some extra time in your schedule over the next two weeks? We need your help! We're looking for volunteers to serve as "errand buddies" for congregants that may be limiting their social interaction. This may include grocery shopping, picking up a prescriptions, going to the dry-cleaners, etc -- anything involving someone in a high risk category being in public with a large crowd. We'll encourage each errand buddy to drop off groceries, prescriptions, etc. on the front porch, so no individual is at risk. If you are willing to be an errand buddy for someone in our congregation, please  email Leah   as soon as possible  so we can act quickly to serve our community.
HONOR A LOVED ONE
AT EASTER

By paying tribute to a loved one this Easter you will also support FBC mission teams. With each gift of $10 or more, a portion will be used to prepare a small display of lilies in the sanctuary on Easter and the remainder will be directed to the Day Mission Fund, supporting the efforts of various mission teams sent from our congregation. An insert in the Easter worship order will list the names of those memorialized or honored along with the donor’s name.  Submit your request  HERE. Checks or electronic payments should be received no later than  Wednesday, April 1 . Forms are also available in Sunday School boxes. Checks should be mailed to: Financial Administrator, First Baptist Church, 99 N Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27603; please write “Easter Gift” in the memo line.
THE RECORD WE WROTE
Week of March 16, 2020
Current Week Revenue: $20,460.55
Month-to-Date Revenue: $79,081.75
Year-to-Date Revenue: $412,145.74
Month-to-Date Expenses: $69,526.56
Year-to-Date Expenses: $314,666.84
CBF Global Missions: $12,218.82
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 Monday'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.