FBC Raleigh News • February 27, 2024

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 requests here. Checks or electronic payments should be received no later than Wednesday, March 20. Electronic gifts may be made on the credit card kiosk or by going to the church website. 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.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE

GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM!

 

The FBC girls basketball team had an amazing season, going undefeated and becoming the 2024 Regular Season Champions. They then went on to play in the tournament, where they defeated Forest Hills Baptist Church in a tight game, making them Tournament Champions! The team worked so hard and had so much fun together this season. Thank you to all of the parents and fans who supported the team each week. Be sure to look for the trophies and team photos in the glass display cases in the Lewis Lobby area at church. Let's go, FBC!

2024 BUDGET RECOMMENDATION

 

Dear FBC Family,

 

We are delighted to report that as of February 20, we have received 146 pledges and scheduled payments and distributions (counted routinely in past years) totaling $1,246,750. Traditionally, to adopt a proposed budget we would like to have to have 80% of the proposed budget pledged. Our goal is $1,306,063.20 (80% of the General Fund target of $1,632,579). This leaves us $59,313.20 short of the 80% goal.  

 

The Finance Committee has met twice during February to discuss the 2024 proposed budget in light of the pledges we have received during the stewardship campaign. We reviewed the historical record of the church’s giving in comparison to our budget, and also considered the church’s current strong financial position. That review of the church’s history of giving made us confident about our finances in 2024.  

 

The Finance Committee further reviewed the proposed budget itself, and the priorities we as a congregation set for ourselves in the financial commitments set out in the budget. We as a committee agreed that the congregation’s commitment to giving raises to our staff in 2024 was a high priority. And we also agreed that the mission and ministry of our church is what makes First Baptist such a special place.  

 

The Finance Committee is confident that the church will continue its generous giving that has resulted in the church being in a favorable financial position at present. We all agreed that the proposed 2024 budget sets the right priorities for church resources. Therefore, the Finance Committee is recommending the adoption of the full proposed budget presented last fall.  

 

I look forward to seeing you all on Wednesday, February 28, at 6:15pm for church conference and answering any questions you have about the proposed budget.  

 

Very respectfully,

 

Ryan Willis, Finance Committee Chair


2024 Proposed Budget


NEW WIFI NETWORK


Due to the high use of the WiFi at the church, we have established a guest WiFi network. Please begin using FBC-MG when at the church. The password is "biography." This network refreshes each day so we will not clog up the network with users, many of which are connected only one time. Last fall, we were unable to connect any new devices to the FBC network due to the high number of users being retained by the network. We refreshed the network but do not want to clog it up again. The FBC network will soon have a new password that will be used only by staff.  Thanks for shifting to the use of FBC-MG. You will need to sign in upon each use.

RA CAR RACE


Our fellowship hall became the Raleigh 500 on Sunday afternoon as our RAs raced their carefully sanded and sleekly painted cars down the wooden track. Fans (who included parents, grandparents, siblings, and FBC Buddies) joined the hotdog lunch and cheered on the sidelines. Veteran RAs and past RA leaders cast their votes for “Outstanding Paint Job,” and the trophy went to Crosby Rohrbaugh!  Asher Helms took home the trophy and bragging rights for the 2024 fastest car! Each RA completed an induvial mission project which was his “ticket” into the race, and these are now displayed in the fellowship hall. Come take a look at them the next time you’re at church and be inspired by their kindness and care for others!

BUS DRIVERS NEEDED


If you have a clear driving record and are interested in being a part of our FBC Bus Ministry Team which provides transportation each Sunday morning for folks at Springmoor and The Oaks, email Lynn Lingafelt.   



CHURCHWIDE RETREAT THEME


In his preface to Terrence Tilley’s book Story Theology, Robert McAfee Brown says that the Jewish and Christian faiths were launched when someone had a question and someone else replied, “My friend, let me tell you a story…” Stories lie at the heart of the human experience, and they lie at the heart of our faith. Jesus was a masterful storyteller whose core teachings, the ones we remember most, are found in story form. But it’s not just biblical stories that have a sacred quality. All our stories are sacred because they are human and because God is present in every part of human experiencethe laughter and the tears, the seriousness and the frivolity. We will explore this theme of “Sacred Stories” at our annual churchwide retreat April 19-21 at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain.

In addition to our usual mixture of Bible Study, fellowship, recreation, and elective options, we have invited musician/storyteller/author Jennifer Armstrong to lead us in one primary session on storytelling and an evening of entertainment. We hope you will be able to join us as we explore together the sacred stories that define and ultimately are our lives.


It is not too late to sign up! We have reserved the Blue Ridge Center and Asheville Hall located next door. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, telephones, two beds, and private bathshotel-style accommodations. We have handicapped-accessible rooms available in both buildings and elevator access to all floors. Listed below is the cost of the weekend for all adults ages 12 and up. Children three and under are free! This year, a non-refundable deposit of $100 (per registration/family) will secure your spot. The deposit may be paid by cash, check (memo: churchwide retreat), or online.


Register by visiting our website. After you have registered and paid your deposit, Leah will follow up with you via email with the amount owed. Payment in full is due no later than March 3. Single rooms will be assigned on a first-come/first-served basis. Since we know that not everyone will be able to attend, we will also have Sunday School and worship in our sanctuary on Sunday, April 21. More information coming soon about our theme, schedule details, and elective options! For questions about registration, please email Leah.  


Two nights lodging + four meals + supplies will be:  


  • Single room - $310/adult
  • Two per room - $180/adult
  • Three per room - $140/adult
  • Four per room - $125/adult
  • Two per room - $145/child (ages 4–11)
  • Three per room - $100/child (ages 4–11)
  • Four per room - $80/child (ages 4–11)
  • Family cap = $470

LENTEN DEVOTIONAL


During these forty days of Lent, we are encouraged to slow down, prepare, and reflect both individually and as a broader community of faith on the death and resurrection of Christ. The 2024 Emmanuel McCall Lenten Devotional series is prepared by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship family and friends for the season of Lent. The McCall Lenten series features wonderful reflections on God's Word, thought-provoking questions, prayers, art, music, noteworthy information, and resources for action. Join us as we journey together through Lent reflecting on these devotions and their calls to pursue justice for all of God's people. Click HERE to access the devotional online.



CBFNC ANNUAL GATHERING


This year, CBFNC marks its 30th anniversary – thirty years of learning, growing, and thriving together. North Carolina Baptists have faced many seasons together, and our Fellowship has faithfully responded to the needs of our clergy and congregations and we will continue to do so in the years to come! It is this journey of Thriving Together that we will celebrate in a variety of ways at the 2024 Annual Gathering. The theme is reflective of Psalm 100:5, "We know the Lord is good and that God’s steadfast love and faithfulness endures to all generations."


The CBF North Carolina Annual Gathering will be held on Thursday and Friday, March 14 and 15 at First Baptist Church in Greensboro. This year’s event will be an in-person gathering with both worship sessions live-streamed online. (No registration is required for streaming!) There will also be a 30th anniversary celebration event in downtown Greensboro on Thursday night, a special experience at the International Civil Rights Center & Museum during the workshop sessions on Friday, and a state choir. A separate Leadership Forum (separate registration/fee) will once again be offered on Thursday. 


Click here to find information on the gathering, including a full listing of workshops as well as the registration link. Teresa Teague, Denominational Relations Committee

NABPR ANNUAL MEETING

 

On May 20-22, FBC will host three national organizations holding their annual meeting. We last hosted this meeting in May 2019. Over 200 participants will be at FBC from the National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion, the Baptist History and Heritage Society, and the Association of Ministry Guidance Professionals. The joint meeting will include plenary sessions, smaller group sessions, lunches, and dinners. Some of the meetings will be open to FBC members as the host facility and we will let you know about that shortly. But first, we have some volunteer opportunities for our FBC family: 



  • Volunteers are needed to help with quick room changes to accommodate the meeting schedule, assisting our facilities staff. 
  • Meal servers are needed to assist the food service staff before, during, and after meals.
  • We will provide snack/beverage stations all during the meeting, so volunteers are needed to help refresh the stations all during the event.
  • Greeters are needed to welcome our guests and provide directions from 2–7:30pm on Monday, 8am–6pm on Tuesday, and 8am–noon on Wednesday. 

 

FBC received rave reviews five years ago because of the volunteers who served our guests. If you are willing to help with any of these opportunities, please contact Wayne Hager, who is serving as the FBC space coordinator for the meetings. Email Wayne here!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

FOR ALL AGES


Our intergenerational VBS will be Sunday, July 28 – Thursday, August 1, from 58pm (which includes an optional supper). There will be self-contained classes for babies through rising kindergarteners, and for rising 1st graders through adults, we’ll have age-grouped Bible study followed by the ever-popular craft, recreation, and music electives! 


It’s never too early to let Lynn know if you can help teach and/or if you have ideas of fun and engaging elective ideas! Teaching opportunities include:



  • self-contained preschool classes
  • Gradeschool Bible study
  • craft and recreation electives


We hope you can join us! It’s a great time of intergenerational fun and learning!  

CHURCH CONFERENCE TOMORROW



Our regularly scheduled church conference will be held Wednesday, February 28, at 6:15pm. Please note that our prayer time will begin at 6pm, so the conference can begin on time. The Zoom link is below, as well as a call-in number for those who would rather join via phone. Our by-laws require 50 members in attendance (in-person and Zoom) in order to transact business. Please make plans to attend so we can vote on important matters for our church.


The following documents will be referenced during the conference:


Church conference agenda

Finance chair summary report

Finance report 

Draft minutes of January church conference

Trustee Recommendation for By-law Amendment

View via Zoom with this link



meeting ID: 850 6201 7518, passcode: wDefe3. 

To view the speaker throughout the presentation, click the three dots

on the right portion of the screen and choose "pin this video." 

If you would prefer to call in,

use 646-558-8656, meeting ID: 850 6201 7518 Passcode: 490422.


CHURCH CONFERENCE DATES



Mark your calendar for the following dates for church conference in 2024:

February 28, April 24, May 22, August 28, September 25,

October 23, November 20, and December 18.

 

CHECK-IN FOR WEDNESDAY NIGHTS


Please note that every person eating Wednesday night supper must check-in with our volunteer collection team before getting their meal. Even if you have pre-paid online, please check-in with our volunteer. We recognize that many of you do this every week, but many do not. This is just an attempt to streamline our process and make sure every person is checked off the reservation list. A volunteer will be stationed in the Lewis Lobby with the Wednesday night supper reservation list. You may reserve your spot at this link on the website or by calling the church office. The volunteer will check-in your family and collect payment for the meal - we accept cash, checks, or credit cards.


Ages 0-3: Free

Ages 4-12: $4

Adults (over 12): $8

Family cap (over 3 people): $24


The menus for upcoming Wednesday night suppers are as follows (all meals come with salad and bread):


February 28 vegetable pasta with cream sauce, spinach and mushroom; kids: buttered noodles

March 6 — smothered chicken with red potatoes and mixed vegetables; non-meat option: mock chicken; kids: chicken nuggets.

March 13 — Pasta Night!  Ziti, spaghetti with Normandy veggie medley; kids: mac-n-cheese.

March 20 — Breakfast for Dinner! Eggs, sausage, mock sausage, grits, pancakes.

March 27 — No Centerpoint (Holy Week)

BIBLE VERSES FOR DAILY USE

  • Wednesday, February 28: Psalm 105:1-11, 37-45; Jeremiah 30:12-22; John 12:36-43
  • Thursday, February 29: Psalm 19; Exodus 19:1-9a; 1 Peter 2:4-10
  • Friday, March 1Psalm 19; Exodus 19:9b-15; Acts 7:30-40
  • Saturday, March 2Psalm 19; Exodus 19:16-25; Mark 9:2-8
  • Sunday, March 3: Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25;  John 2:13-22
  • Monday, March 4: Psalm 84; 1 Kings 6:1-4, 21-22; 1 Corinthians 3:10-23
  • Tuesday, March 5: Psalm 84; 2 Chronicles 29:1-11, 16-19; Hebrews 9:23-28

DEACON ON CALL

February 25–March 2 Jason Gardner (404-861-4259)

WEEK AT A GLANCE February 28March 6

Wednesday, February 28

5:15pm Meal served (FH)

5:45pm Children's music (301/307/311)

6:15pm Church conference (FH)

6:30pm Children's missions (PS/CS)

6:30pm Handbell rehearsal (302)

7:30pm Adult choir rehearsal (S/310)


Thursday, February 29

7am Band of Brothers (Zoom)

10:30am Thirty-Niners (FH)


Sunday, March 3

9:45am Sunday School

11am FBC worship/communion (S/YouTube)

11am JBC worship (226)

12pm Youth choir lunch and rehearsal (301/choir room)

6pm Youth supper (FH)

6:30pm Youth program (FH/Blue Room)

Monday, March 4

10am Clothing ministry open

6:30pm Music Made in Heaven (302)


Tuesday, March 5

10am Staff meeting (CR)

10:45am WMU Group 2 (Springmoor)

1pm WMU Group 2 (Independence Village)

6pm Properties Committee meeting (Zoom)


Wednesday, March 6

5:15pm Meal served (FH)

5:45pm Children's music (301/307/311)

6:15pm Centerpoint (FH)

6:30pm Children's missions (PS/CS)

6:30pm Handbell rehearsal (302)

7:30pm Adult choir rehearsal (S/310)

Click here for full calendar of FBC activities

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!


LUNCH:

WednesdayFriday — church parking lot, 11am–1:15pm(ish)


AMONG OUR FAMILY


A link to the entire prayer list may be found below.

Please use your church directory for mailing addresses.



Prayer List • February 27



THE RECORD WE WROTE

As of February 22:

Current Week Revenue: $39,157.59

Month-to-Date Revenue: $84,630.75

Year-to-Date Revenue: $291,930.63

Month-to-Date Expenses: $85,268.12

Year-to-Date Expenses: $213,546.33

Global Missions: $10,322.00

To facilitate your giving to FBC, use the QR codes below to link to the website

for our main electronic giving, VANCO Faith, and the page that lists

all our e-giving options and instructions. 

Use this QR code to e-give

to FBC on line.


www.fbcraleigh.org/give/

onlinegiving/giveplus

Use this QR code to e-give through
Paypal and other options.


SUBMIT A

ROSE WINDOW WEEKLY ARTICLE


Do you have an article that you would like to include in the Rose Window Weekly? Send your article to Jennie Herrick by Monday at noon to be included in the following Tuesday's edition.



A link to the current and archived editions of the
Rose Window Weekly is available on the website.
First Baptist Church Raleigh| (919) 832-4485 | 99 N Salisbury St, Raleigh NC 27603
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