Dear Friends,

In his book, A Community of Grace, Steven Norris comments on the passage in Luke 6 we will be studying this week: "There is nothing inherently virtuous about mirroring back the kind of treatment you receive. This is the ancient law of Lex Talionis — of equal retribution. This kind of law has been around since the Code of Hammurabi (ca. 1750 BCE). To go against the grain or against the flow of the actions coming your way, however, is a different matter all together" (35). We are going to explore this idea of giving back to rather than getting back at those don't have our best interest at heart, all to find that Jesus reminds us we will receive our gifts back in full, and then some.

We hope you and a friend will join us Wednesday for a delicious meal and a Bible or book study. And we look forward to seeing you in worship on Sunday. Let us know how we can lift you up in prayer this week.
Following services on Sunday, February 27, we will hold a brief church conference to respond to one item of business.
The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on March 2. We hope you will join us for a special worship service to set the tone for this focused time of spiritual reflection leading up to Easter. We will gather in Bramblett Chapel from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. and again from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.
A Community of Grace & Founders' Day
First Baptist Church of Griffin was founded in 1841. At the heart of 180 years of faithful service to our community lies certain core commitments that animate our common life together. Senior Pastor, Steven Norris has written a book titled, A Community of Grace, that attempts to identify the DNA that lies at the heart of our calling to be "A Community of Grace." We believe that grace calls us to a concrete way of living in community with one another — one centered on welcome, worship, discipleship, service, and generosity. As we explore the implications of these commitments, it is our sincere hope that this book might assist us as we move in harmony to the rhythms of God's grace.

On March 6, we will recognize those individuals who have been members of FBC Griffin for 50 years. Each 50-year member will receive a special medallion. At the close of each service, we will provide each family with a copy of A Community of Grace that will also include minister-selected resources to help you and your family explore the theme for the year: Inspire.
Adult Ministry Activities
Church Camping Starts This Weekend
If you are going camping/glamping with FBC, plan to gather at 5:00 P.M. on Monday night, February 21, at the park's pavilion for a low country bowl. (Don't worry kids — we will have hotdogs, too!) Please bring an appetizer, salad, or dessert to share with your camping/glamping friends.
Friday Night Coffeehouse Concert Series

Every morning, I finish my coffee and walk over to the IT guy to tell him I successfully installed Java.

He doesn't like me very much.

We look forward to hosting you at our next Friday Night Coffeehouse event in March. More details are coming soon!
Children's Ministry
We have started a new unit in Missions focusing on CBF Personnel, David and Lauren Bass, who serve in Cambodia! Our preschool and kindergardeners are learning new songs with Mr. Les and our elementary students are enjoying strumming their ukuleles! Come join in the fun from 6-7PM on Wednesday nights.
Student Ministry
Youth will meet on February 16 in the Student Center at 6:30 P.M.
Music Ministry
Rehearsals for Wednesday, February 16:
Sanctuary Choir, 7:00 p.m.
Connexion Praise Band, 7:00 p.m.

Rehearsals for Thursday, February 16:
Ukulele, 12:00 p.m.
Join us for a hymn sing today at 1:00 p.m. on Facebook!
Missions Update
Through the end of February, the Mission Council will be collecting onesies (any color, sizes 0 to 2T) in the designated box in the Welcome Center. One of the missionaries we support in Kampala—Missy Ward-Angalla—has asked for our help for the refugee children served by Amani Sasa. The only onesies they can acquire for these children are very expensive and of poor quality. Our own short-term missionaries will be traveling to Africa in just a few months and will take any onesies we can collect to Missy. Thank you for your prayerful support of Amana Sasi and of our missionaries.
Benevolence Ministry Needs


If you're getting ready for a little trip, why not double check your closet to see if you have any coats or shoes you would be willing to donate to our Caregivers Clothes Closet?
Thank you!
Church Library News
COFFEE AND CONVERSATION: CHASING FRANCIS
The library ministry invites you to our second Coffee and Conversation of 2022. On Saturday, April 2, 10:30-11:45 a.m., Brian McCartney will discuss the novel Chasing Francis. We will explore the many religious themes in the novel and become better acquainted with Saint Francis of Assisi. The library will be happy to order you a book for a cost of $10. Please stop by the library desk this Sunday or next Wednesday to add your name to the order list, or leave a message for the library at 770-227-5517, ext. 130, no later than February 18. You can also order an eBook of this title on your own.
Other Announcements
We are serving spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, and a dessert at 5:00 P.M. this week before our Bible and book studies start at 6:00 P.M. Let us know we can expect you there!
What do you call a penguin in the Sahara Desert?
Lost.

February 17: Deacons' Meeting

February 23: We will NOT hold Wednesday night activities on this date. Enjoy your winter break. Redirect any lost penguins you spot on the way.

March 6: Founders' Day Brunch for 50-Year Members

March 8: Due to conflicts at the Senior Citizen's Center, we will NOT be able to meet at that location for XYZ in March. We will meet in Morgan Hall at 11:30 instead.
Job Posting: Minister to Children and Families
(Please share with others.)

First Baptist Church is currently accepting resumes for the position of Minister to Children and Families to provide leadership to all areas of children’s ministry at FBC Griffin. This is a full-time position with benefits. For more information and instructions on how to apply, please click on the Learn More button below.
Weekday Registration Is OPEN

Registration for our FBC Weekday program began February 1. For more information, please contact Diane Lamb or Lynn Pitts in the Weekday Office at 770-228-7880. Or, drop them an email:
Conversion Is A Life-long Process
Some years ago, I was introduced to the exquisite craftsmanship of woodworker Nathie Katzoff by a video I found on Youtube. Nathie is nothing short of an awe-inspiring artist. The company he started primarily designs custom staircases, but they have expanded into other areas as well...."

Floral Arrangements
The flowers in the Sanctuary and Morgan Hall are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Judge A. Ronald Cook on the anniversary of his birthday by Marilyn Cook and his children.
If you wish to place flowers in the Sanctuary or Morgan Hall in honor or memory of a loved one, then please call Brenda Goolsby (cell: 770-468-3959).
Easter Flowers

On Easter Sunday there will be arrangements of lilies in the sanctuary, the narthex, and Morgan Hall. If you would like to honor a loved one by contributing toward these flowers, please put your gift of $12.00 (per listing) and the name of the person whom you are remembering or honoring in the offering plate or take it to the church office by April 3, 2022. Donations may also be made online here or through the FBC Griffin website by choosing Easter Memorial as the fund and by listing your honoree in the optional memo space.
Need a ride to church?

Tony Powell is our Transportation Team coordinator and would be happy to arrange for your ride to church on Sunday mornings.

Give Tony a call at 770-490-5042 if you would like to set up a ride.
Vital Signs
February 13, 2022

Annual Budget
$1,708,200.00
Required Budget in 7 Weeks
$229,950.00
Budget Giving This Week
$28,320.76
Weekday
$12,997.50
Received Budget in 7 Weeks
$206,460.40
(under)/over
$(23,489.60)
Minister on Call
678-692-8350

February 13 - February 19
Steven Norris

February 20 - February 26
Ellee Hilley
First Baptist Church of Griffin
106 W. Taylor Street, Griffin, GA 30223
770.227.5517
info@fbcgriffin.org
www.fbcgriffin.org
We believe in a grace that...
welcomes openly,
worships authentically,
grows continually,
serves passionately,
gives generously.
Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-12pm, 1:00pm-5:00pm