FBC Raleigh News • February 16, 2021
VACCINE ASSISTANCE

It is hard to believe that we are only a few weeks away from hitting the year mark of COVID-19. We know that many of you have been sharing resources surrounding information about the COVID-19 vaccine. Sunday School classes have been helping each other find vaccination sites and pointing people to neighboring counties where appointment availability is more readily accessible. We also know that many people in our congregation do not have access to online resources, making the sign-up process that much more difficult to navigate. So, we're going to continue a network much like "errand buddies" that we launched almost a year ago when the pandemic first began. We want to help each other sign-up for vaccination appointments and assist with transportation, by pairing off those in need with those that can help.

We will make it through this pandemic, and there is so much light at the end of this long tunnel! Together, we can do our part to stop the spread, protecting ourselves, our families, and our communities. A free vaccine will be available to all who want it in our state, but supplies are incredibly limited at this time. As North Carolina moves through vaccination phases and groups, we want to make sure everyone in our congregation is educated about their group and vaccine location. We have linked the Find My Vaccine Group and the Find a Vaccine Location through the NCDHHS. We have also linked Frequently Asked Questions surrounding the vaccine, so you might have the most up to date information and answers to your looming questions. As a congregation, we believe in the sacred responsibility of caring for our neighbor. In addition to wearing a mask, social distancing, and washing our hands, the vaccine provides a tested, safe, and effective way for us to get back to a sense of normalcy with the people and places we love. We are committed to helping you get connected to the resources you may need during these difficult days.

If you are someone who is having difficulty navigating the online sign-up system for the vaccine, or you are in need of transportation to get to your appointment, please email Leah.

If you are available to help someone in our church family that might need a little extra assistance with online resources, or if you would be willing to give someone a ride to get their vaccine, please email Leah.
BIBLE VERSES FOR DAILY USE
  • Tuesday, February 16: Psalm 110:1-4; Job 19:23-27; 1 Timothy 3:14-16
  • Wednesday, February 17: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 or Isaiah 58:1-12; Psalm 51:1-17; 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
  • Thursday, February 18: Psalm 25:1-10; Daniel 9:1-14; 1 John 1:3-10
  • Friday, February 19: Psalm 25:1-10; Daniel 9:15-25a; 2 Timothy 4:1-5
  • Saturday, February 20: Psalm 25:1-10; Psalm 32; Matthew 9:2-13
  • Sunday, February 21: Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15
  • Monday, February 22: Psalm 77; Job 4:1-21; Ephesians 2:1-10
DEACON ON CALL • FEBRUARY 14-20
Britt Cobb (919-801-2500 m or 919-782-5984 h)
WEEK AT A GLANCE • FEBRUARY 16-21
Tuesday, February 16
4-6pm Pick up Ashes & Lenten Devotional Guide (PL)
6pm Theology on Tap (Zoom/In-person tbd)
6:30pm HS Girls Bible Study (Helms Home)
6:30pm HS Boys Bible Study (Carter Home)
6:15pm Middle School Gathering (Ellis Home)
7:30pm Pathfinders Sunday School (Zoom)

ASH WEDNESDAY - February 17
6:30pm Ash Wednesday Service (YouTube)

Thursday, February 18
7am Band of Brothers (Zoom)
7:30pm College Gathering (Zoom)

Sunday, February 21
10am 6th Grade SS (Gotomeeting.com)
10am 7th & 8th Grade SS (Zoom)
10am HS SS (Zoom/In Person tbd)
11am Virtual Worship (YouTube)
2pm 3rd-5th Grade SS (Zoom)
2pm 1st-2nd Grade SS (Zoom)
4pm 3s-Kindergarten SS (Ellis Yard)
5:30pm Deacon’s Mtg. (Zoom)
6:30pm Youth Group (Zoom)

Monday, February 22
5pm Church Council (Zoom)
CENTERPOINT

February 17 • 6pm
Virtual Ash Wednesday service
February 24 • 5:30pm
Church Conference via Zoom
(Zoom link coming next week)
ASH WEDNESDAY

It seems like COVID-19 has altered everything we do, including the way we celebrate the sacred rituals of our faith. But in almost every case, we have been able to celebrate these rituals and find meaning in altered practices. Ash Wednesday will present yet another opportunity for worshipful devotion amidst adaptation. While the service typically includes congregational singing, prayers of confession and assurance, and a brief homily – all things we can stream now – the central act of Ash Wednesday is the imposition of ashes in the shape of the cross, as we hear these words, “From dust you have come, and to dust you will return.”

Since we cannot gather safely yet, we will provide ashes in a small container which you can pick up - along with a Lenten Devotional Guide - at the end of the ramp in the McDowell Street parking lot behind the church. There is one last opportunity to pick up your ashes on Tuesday, February 16, 4–6pm. As you drive up to the ramp, roll down your window and a minister will hand you your family's Lenten items.

During the service, which we will stream live from our YouTube channel on Wednesday, February 17, at 6:30pm, you will be invited to impose ashes on one other or on your own forehead. Many people had a meaningful experience several years ago when we held this service in the fellowship hall because of a boiler issue and imposed ashes on one another. We trust that we will find meaning in the ritual this year. Even in this altered form, Ash Wednesday provides sacred space to begin the season of spiritual renewal called Lent, as we allow our faces to get dirty and long for cleansing in our hearts.
WAKE MED MEALS

Last Tuesday, we were able to deliver 105 meals to five COVID units at WakeMed. The nurses and staff were so appreciative of this meal - a bbq sandwich, potato chips, and a moon pie! Because of your generosity, we collected enough donations to do this again next month! Thanks to David With for the delicious bbq, Anne Cooke and Nancy Phillips for organizing, and Lynn Lingafelt for coordinating our children who wrote the sweetest thank you notes that we taped to the top of each take-out box. We thought you might like to see the generous thank you note we received this week from David Gintzig, the President and CEO of WakeMed.

First Baptist Church,
In these unprecedented times, I am truly honored by the outpouring of support WakeMed has received from this incredible community we are proud to serve. The generosity we've witnessed in the way of food and beverage donations for our health care workers and teams has been nothing short of remarkable. I can assure you that your contributions have been greatly enjoyed and appreciated by our many committed physicians, nurses, therapists and support staff. The countless ways in which we have all come together during this trying time confirms that when we combine our resources and talents, we can have the greatest impact on the community we serve. Again, thank you for all you’ve done to support WakeMed Health & Hospitals. I am honored and grateful to be surrounded by such thoughtful individuals - who are willing to go above and beyond to support our exceptional healthcare workers during a time of need. Keep up the incredible work. In the meantime, please remember to wash your hands and practice social distancing to protect yourselves, one another, and our dedicated healthcare workers.

Very respectfully,
Donald R. Gintzig
President & CEO
CONSTANT CONTACT EMAIL LIST

If you are receiving an email from Constant Contact that you do not wish to receive anymore, please email or call the church office (919-832-4485) instead of clicking "unsubscribe." If you click "unsubscribe," you will not receive any further communication from the church. If you would like to be added to an email list, just contact the church office and we'll make sure to get you signed up!
RISE MEALS
DELIVERED TO HAITI

We have been informed that the meals from our Rise Against Hunger experience on October 11 were shipped in a container filled with 285,120 meals from the Raleigh warehouse. The meals were received by Haiti Outreach Ministries, an in-country partner of R.I.S.E. and an organization that nourishes lives through food assistance and other services in Haiti. Thank you to all who gave their money and/or time to volunteer and package meals with Rise Against Hunger. Please join us again next time and be a part of the vision of a world without hunger!
MINISTRY DESIGN CONFERENCE

On Saturday, February 20, from 10-11am, you are invited to a morning of seminars at the Ministry Design Conference. There is no cost to sign up, and there are a variety of different Zoom presentations including topics covering racial reconciliation, welcoming refugees, leadership in a virtual world, and cultivating community. This conference is sponsored by The Barnabas Partnership and CBFNC. See the fliers below for specific seminar information, and the leaders involved in presenting. To sign up and receive the Zoom link, please email Michael.
GLOBAL MISSIONS OFFERING CHALLENGE

Thanks to all who have contributed to our annual offering which supports CBF field personnel around the world. As an incentive to encourage us to raise at least $20,000 this year, a couple in the church who wishes to remain anonymous has offered to match all gifts up to $3,000 made now through February 28. You are encouraged to be generous and respond to this challenge as we continue FBC's long tradition of supporting financially both local and global missions.
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:

February 17 • 11am-1:30pm, church parking lot
February 17 • 5-7:30pm, Atria at Crabtree
February 18 • 5-6pm, Arbor Creek (200 Commons Drive)
February 19 • 5-7:30pm, Wood Chapel neighborhood in Durham

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.


JANUARY 2021 MEMORIAL & HONORIFIC GIFTS

CBF Global Missions
In Memory of:
Dorothy Preston

Honduras Fund
In Memory of:
James Clary

In Honor of:
Margaret Clary

Capital Repair & Replacement Fund
In Memory of:
Dorothy Preston

Clothing Ministry Fund
In Honor of:
Joy C. Hager Veterans Assistance Fund

Mike Morris Fellowship Fund
In Memory of:
Dorothy Preston
Peggy Blackburn

Day Mission Fund
In Memory of:
Dorothy Preston
THE RECORD WE WROTE
Week as of February 11, 2021
Current Week Revenue: $66,624.20
Month-to-Date Revenue: $94,717.95
Year-to-Date Revenue: $290,642.60
Month-to-Date Expenses: $53,722.61
Year-to-Date Expenses: $151,875.46
NC State Missions: $3,650.00
CBF Global Missions: $14,425.00
SUBMIT A ROSE WINDOW WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENT

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