FBC Raleigh News • December 13, 2022
ISSUE TWELVE OF
FIRST FOUNDATIONS

The new issue of our First Foundations quarterly magazine is hot off the press, and ready for you to read! Magazines are currently available in the Lewis building lobby by the elevators. There are also copies of the magazine located at both entrances to the sanctuary for you to grab on your way out of worship. Feel free to get an extra copy for a neighbor who might like to know more about who we are, as we continue to reach beyond our walls. We are so grateful for all of our contributors (in order of their articles) —Leah Reed, Carolyn Dickens, Chad Reed, Jen Foster, Renee Fulk, Carol Blanchard, Michael Hood, and Courtney Selna. A special thanks to our First Foundations magazine team that makes every publication come to life - Jen Foster, Anne Bullard, LouAnn Liverman, Debbie Wilmshen and Leah Reed. You may also access all the issues of our magazines on the church website. If you would like to receive a copy of First Foundations in the mail, please email Deborah. We hope you enjoy reading about PEACE from a wide range of voices from our community of faith.

END-OF-YEAR GIVING & OFFERING ENVELOPES
 
We are thankful for the financial support First Baptist Church has received this year. As we near the end of the calendar year, we know you have many options to consider for charitable giving. We hope you will prayerfully consider your giving to First Baptist Church. Giving options, including stock gift instructions, are located here.
 
2022 financial year gifts must be post-marked or given electronically by December 31 in order to be recorded on your 2022 contribution statement. Gifts brought to the church office must be in the office by December 30 since the 31st is a Saturday. The last Sunday to bring an offering is December 25.  If you have a question about your giving in 2022, please contact Kathy Rattie.

If you have used offering envelopes this year or have requested them for 2023, you will find contribution envelopes for 2023 on the first floor corridor leading to the Clothing Ministry this coming Sunday, December 18. If you would like some but have not requested them, please click here.

THE CHRISTMAS STORY,
PRESENTED BY OUR CHILDREN

On Sunday, December 18, at 5 pm, you are invited to recall Jesus’ birth with our FBC children as our story-tellers.  There will be two-legged camels, sheep, and sundry barn animals. There will be shepherds and wise men and a host of angels. Fitting for the setting of a stable, there will be noise and unpredictable moments, but the narrative of Jesus coming into this world as a baby, born in the midst of chaos, is an image worth remembering. Come join us as our children lead us in worship. We ask that you bring an offering of warmth (gently used blankets or jackets, scarves, mittens, or toboggans) as an offering on this night. This will serve as our December mission project, so please consider giving, as we strive to meet this huge need of our neighbors this winter. Following our service in the sanctuary, we will have a birthday party for Jesus in the Fellowship Hall, complete with cake and ice cream. We hope you can join us!   

2023 STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN

A young boy, in the middle of a large, hungry crowd, is asked to share his meager lunch. The question no doubt entered his mind — how can this little amount I have to offer really help? But his small basket of bread and fish fed thousands of people that day through Jesus’ miracle. We rightly focus on the amazing miracle in this story, but can you imagine the wonder, joy, and fulfillment the boy must have felt watching Jesus magnify his gift?

Throughout the Bible we see this repeated countless times —- one small gift making a dramatic difference for others. And in each story the “giver” ends up receiving so much more than they give.

Today, we have the same opportunity to experience the wonder, joy, and fulfillment that come through giving. Your pledge of support to FBC Raleigh powers the programs, missions, and ministries that make a significant difference in our lives and the lives of our neighbors near and far.

The FY23 budget reflects a 5.7% increase over the prior year, allowing the church to meet the challenges of these times without sacrificing our commitment to our congregation, community, and staff.

During this time of stewardship, we ask you to prayerfully consider your gift to FBC Raleigh knowing in full faith that God will use your offering to transform lives.

A stewardship packet has been mailed out which includes a budget and a pledge card. If you have not received a packet and wish one to be mailed to you, please contact Wayne Hager. For your review, the proposed budget is available in the members-only section of our website. You may also request a copy by calling the church office at 919-832-4485.

As of December 8, 67 stewardship cards totaling $483,710.00 have been received.  

You may pledge online here.

BECAUSE PRESENCE MATTERS

Each year in December we launch the Global Missions Offering which supports CBF field personnel around the world, usually hearing from one of these personnel. This year, we heard from three of our own members — Libby Barnes, Sheila Jordan, and Nancy Moore Phillips — who had just returned from partnership mission work in Romania, helping provide food relief for people living with war in Ukraine. That presence; however, was only for a week and would not have been possible without the personnel and programs already in place.

As we enter the season of giving, please put this offering at the top of your gift list. 100% of your gifts for this offering will support the long-term presence of CBF field personnel serving in the United States and around the world.
CHURCH CONFERENCE TOMORROW NIGHT

Our regularly scheduled Church Conference will be held this Wednesday, December 14, at 6:15pm. 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.


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.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT SUPPERS
 
We invite you to join us for a mid-week fellowship meal Wednesdays at 5:15pm. Reserve your spot at this link to the page on the church website or by calling the church office.

The menus for upcoming Wednesday night suppers are as follows (all meals come with salad and bread):
December 14: Orange chicken and fried rice; non-meat option: mock orange chicken; kids: pizza rolls.
January 4: Hibachi Night (chicken with vegetables); non-meat option: hibachi mock chicken; kids: pizza rolls.
January 11: Korean BBQ; non-meat option: vegetarian BBQ; kids: meatballs.
January 18: Seafood pot pie; non-meat option: vegan pot pie; kids: fish sticks.
FBC SKI RETREAT

The FBC Ski Retreat is coming in January! The retreat will be January 6–8 in West Virginia. We will be staying at Pipestem Resort State Park and skiing at Winterplace. This is churchwide invitation, so if you or your family would like to be a part of the weekend, or if you would like more information, either click here or contact Michael. The recommended cost of this retreat is between $80–$200 per person. This is a “pay-what-you-are-able” event; so you may pay what makes sense for you and your family, and as always, please don't let the cost inhibit you from enjoying time with your church family.

SALT SHAKERS 2023

It is time to sign up for Salt Shakers 2023! This is a great way to know people in your church family with whom you might never spend an evening otherwise. We'll go back to four dinner dates scattered throughout the year. These dates are not set in stone. Alternative dates can be determined by the participants of the group, and if you still can't make it on the date chosen by your group, a sub can be found. Each individual or couple that signs up will be assigned to a dinner group with three other individuals or couples, and the groups will change for every dinner. You will only host once, and don't let hosting keep you from participating — if that is not an option for you, we will easily figure that out. Please email Jessica Helms by January 10 to sign up.

HONDURAS 2023

For nearly twenty years, FBC has been sending mission teams to Honduras as part of Baptists on Missions Honduran ministry. This year's trip is scheduled for February 6 –13. The cost is $500 per person (covers food, lodging and ground transportation) plus airfare. Once again, our project is house construction. Picture a large pile of sand, bags of cement, two metal windows and two metal doors, tin roofing sheets, and 800 concrete blocks. Then imagine five days later presenting keys to a family so they now have a place to call home. If you are interested in going, or have an interest in future mission trips to Honduras, please contact Steve Brown at 919-349-4984 or John Baldwin at 919-600-9124.  

BIBLE VERSES FOR DAILY USE
  • Tuesday, December 13: Psalm 42; Ezekiel 47:1-12; Jude 1:17-25
  • Wednesday, December 14: Psalm 42; Zechariah 8:1-17; Matthew 8:14-17, 28-34
  • Thursday, December 15: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; 2 Samuel 7:1-17; Galatians 3:23-29
  • Friday, December 16: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; 2 Samuel 7:18-22; Galatians 4:1-7
  • Saturday, December 17: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; 2 Samuel 7:23-29; John 3:31-36
  • Sunday, December 18: Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25
  • Monday, December 19: 1 Samuel 2:1-10; Genesis 17:15-22; Galatians 4:8-20
DEACON ON CALL
December 11–17
Dolores Bailey (910-590-8908 m or 919-900-7799 h)
WEEK AT A GLANCE • December 14–21
Wednesday, December 14
5:15pm Meal served (FH)
6:15pm Church Conference (FH)
7:30pm Adult choir rehearsal (310/S)

Thursday, December 15
7am Band of Brothers (Zoom)
10:30am Japanese dance class (Blue Room)

Friday, December 16
5pm Barnes/Crumpler wedding rehearsal (S)
6pm Pathfinders class Christmas party (Brickell home)

Saturday, December 17
11am Deacons' drop-in Christmas party (Ellis home)
3pm Barnes/Crumpler wedding (S)
Sunday, December 18
9:45am Sunday School
11am Worship/Baptism (S/YouTube)
11am Children's worship (224)
11am JBC worship (FH)
12:15pm The Christmas Story/reception (S/FH)

Monday, December 19
Clothing ministry closed
6:30pm MMiH rehearsal (302)

Tuesday, December 20
10:45am WMU Group 2 (Springmoor)
12pm Staff Christmas lunch
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,
December 13–16!

LUNCH:
Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday in church parking lot - 11am-1:15pm
Wednesday - One Renaissance (3301 Benson Drive) 11:30am-1pm

DINNER:
Thursday - Dixon Road Elementary School (Dinner with Santa Event) Willow Springs 6-8pm
AAWC CHRISTMAS PREORDERS

And Also With 'Cue is now accepting preorders for Christmas. Skip the long lines at the grocery store and countless hours in the kitchen and let David With cook for you!

All preorders are available on their website where you can select from Boston butt, brisket, BBQ, turkey, ham, chicken, ribs, and sides too. Orders will be accepted through Wednesday, December 21; you may pick up your food in the FBC parking lot on Friday, December 23, between 10am and 2pm. 

AMONG OUR FAMILY

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

A NOTE OF THANKS

Thank you to everyone who contributed time, energy, and cookies to the Hanging of the Greens reception! If you would like to claim your cookie container, please look on the table located on the stage and behind the curtain in the Fellowship Hall. Thank you for helping make this special event a success! 
THE RECORD WE WROTE
As of December 8:
Current Week Revenue: $26,341.23
Month-to-Date Revenue: $28,937.17
Year-to-Date Revenue: $1,367,246.94
Month-to-Date Expenses: $22,287.40
Year-to-Date Expenses: $1,351,976.85
Global Missions: $600.00

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.
Use this QR code to e-give through
Paypal and other options.
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 Jennie Herrick. Email Jennie here.