FBC Raleigh News • December 7, 2021 |
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FIRST FOUNDATIONS WINTER ISSUE
What do you wonder about and how do you handle questions that have no answers? Want to hear the story of the Queen of HOG? Where do we find wonder and curiosity? Wonder is a predominant theme of Advent and also the focus of the new issue of First Foundations. Many thanks to writers and artists Austin Connors, Cindy DeFoor, Warren Howell, Ben Yerxa, Leah Reed, Lou Anne Liverman, and Sally Plyler for sharing their gifts with our congregation.
Copies of the magazine can be picked up throughout the church – please grab one the next time you're in the building or view it online. To be added to the mailing list for a printed copy, please sign up here.
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GLOBAL MISSION OFFERING
All of us are eager for Christmas to come each year as we celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus. If you were here Sunday night, the sights and sounds of our annual Hanging of the Greens service are still twirling through your mind. What a great way to begin this season of giving as we decorate our church and homes with symbols of God’s gift of a son that we might have eternal life. For some of us this season began early with Toy Joy activities and now December’s mission project will provide basic clothing for our Clothing Ministry. There are needs everywhere and our contributions matter.
For our CBF missionaries, the feeling of “Christmas in our hearts” is not just one day or one month, but all year long. Their lives are dedicated to telling the story of God’s love to those with no hope and showing God’s love through their actions as they help people find food, shelter, work, and a purpose for their lives. 100% of your gifts for the offering will support the long-term presence of CBF field personnel serving in the United States and around the world. This is truly a gift that keeps on giving. Please give generously and prayerfully to this offering.
Nancy Moore Phillips, WMU Director
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LOVE, THE GUEST, CAME TO HOG
People, look east. The time is near
of the crowning of the year.
Make your house fair as you are able,
trim the hearth and set the table.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the guest, is on the way.
– Eleanor Farjeon, 1928
No doubt, the most talked-about tradition in the First Baptist family is the annual Hanging of the Greens. I experienced that as a newcomer this summer when I asked many people what some of their favorite traditions were. Yes, there were other favorites (depending upon the age of the person) - sleepovers, retreats, trips, Toy Joy among them - but up and down and across the generations from children to old folks, the annual service (called HOG) was beloved to all.
That told me another thing: FBC has a strongly intergenerational sense of community. Not every congregation can be described that way. Accordingly, I witnessed over the past few months in the planning and preparing and saw celebrated first-hand this past Sunday, that nowhere is this intergenerational character better exemplified than in the Hanging of the Greens. In the warmth of the people, the sights and the sounds, the uplifting music, the smell of the greens, the taste of the reception goodies, and in the patterns of well-choreographed tasks of placing things just-so by folks of all ages, the whole congregation busies itself in a ceremony as if preparing for a Grand Guest. The guest that Eleanor Farjeon poetically called “Love.”
I’m thankful for all of the musicians (high and low, old and young; singers, ringers, instrument players), all the decorators (carriers, placers, fasteners, haulers, hoisters, measurers, crafters of bows, climbers of ladders, crawlers beneath trees, fluffer-uppers and straighteners), the readers, the pray-ers, the greeters and door-holders, the folks behind the scenes, the lighters, the plugger-inners, the hosts of the reception, the bringers of sweets, the thoughtful sharers of pews with guests, the operators of switches and soundboards, and even the watchers of our very youngest. I know of a couple of guests who were warmly greeted and richly blessed by the abundant hospitality. Behind all of this are our custodial staff – Rodney, Jimmy, and Willard – who helped prepare for the preparation and, of course, Carolyn Dickens with her experience and tireless commitment in coordinating and overseeing.
To all who led, helped, and participated in any way, even as a witness in attendance or who will join us online later, our congregation is blessed and is a blessing. Thank you for your inspirational, intergenerational spirit. Love, indeed, was the guest.
Warren Howell, Minister of Music
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THANKS FROM CROP WALK
The Greater Triangle Area CROP Hunger Walk thanks First Baptist Church for its total Walk donation of $3005.90. Specifically, the Youth Ministry raised $230, the FB Preschool raised $185, and the Children’s Ministry raised $475.90. Another $2115 was raised through the efforts of walkers and church members and their family and friends. FBC also supported the Walk as a $750 GOLD sponsor. Because a physical Walk was not held this year, expenses were extremely low and most all of the $750 went into the greater Walk total. We are still tallying the totals from all our teams, but especially want to thank FBC for its tremendous support of the 2021 CROP Walk. Next year we hope to return to a live mass Walk at Pullen Park. Thanks for being a great group of Hunger Fighters! Text Link
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FBC SKI RETREAT
Our FBC Ski Retreat is coming soon! The dates are January 7–9, and it’s open to anyone in the church. We will be staying at an assortment of cabins at Pipestem National Park and skiing at Winterplace, all in West Virginia. The cost is $175, or $85 for those who don't wish to ski. A $40 deposit is being requested by December 25. If you’d like to go on this retreat, please fill out this online form. If you have any questions, contact Michael Hood.
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CHURCHWIDE RETREAT
IN APRIL IS BACK!
Though we’ve had to miss our churchwide retreat the last two years, we’re hopeful that THIS IS OUR YEAR to return to the fun and togetherness of this time away. Mark your calendars now for April 22-24, 2022 at Fort Caswell!
As in years past, we’ll enjoy small groups, worship, individual prayer time, free time, meals together, and a myriad of craft and recreation electives from which to choose! We have reserved Redwine, Yaupon, Yucca, and Riverside Cottages as well as ten rooms in the Smith Conference Center (which has ramp access as well as elevators inside). We have made reservations for up to 130 people; sleeping arrangements range from single gender bunk rooms to private rooms with double beds to a few rooms with a double bed and bunk. It will be communal living, but that’s part of the fun of getting to know each another! Youth and 3rd – 5th graders can attend without their parents as long as we have individuals who are dedicated to help chaperone during free times and transitions.
Information on cost per person and COVID protocol is forthcoming, and once that information is published, we’ll start taking reservations. But until then, mark your calendars!
Sunday School and worship will still be held at First Baptist on Sunday, April 24, since we know not everyone will be able to participate in the retreat at Caswell.
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BIBLE VERSES FOR DAILY USE
- Tuesday, December 7: Psalm 126; Isaiah 19:18-25; 2 Peter 1:2-15
- Wednesday, December 8: Psalm 126; Isaiah 35:3-7; Luke 7:18-30
- Thursday, December 9: Isaiah 12:2-6; Amos 6:1-8; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15
- Friday, December 10: Isaiah 12:2-6; Amos 8:4-12; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15
- Saturday, December 11: Isaiah 12:2-6; Amos 9:8-15; Luke 1:57-66
- Sunday, December 13: Zephaniah 3:14-20; Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7;
Luke 3:7-18
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DEACON ON CALL
December 5-11 • Allison Strickland (919-274-3589)
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WEEK AT A GLANCE • DECEMBER 7-13 |
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Tuesday, December 7
10am Staff Mtg. (CR)
10:45am WMU Group 2 (Springmoor)
7:00pm Properties Committee Mtg (301)
7:30pm Pathfinders SS (Zoom)
Wednesday, December 8
5pm Meal/Dream Team/ All Missions for Children (PL/FH)
7:30pm Adult Choir Rehearsal (Choir Rm./S)
Thursday, December 9
7am Band of Brothers (Zoom)
6:30pm College Group (Garth/318)
Saturday, December 11
8:15am Habitat Build (Maybrook Crossing Townhomes)
9:00am Family Nativity Activity (FH)
4:00 pm Unity Christmas Party (Hoover Backyard)
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Sunday, December 12
9:45am Sunday School
11am Worship (S/YouTube)
11:15am JBC Worship (Rm. 302)
12:15pm Deacons Meeting (220/Zoom)
12:30pm EMF Christmas Party (offsite)
6:00pm Youth Christmas Party (FH)
Monday, December 13
10am Clothing Ministry
5:30pm ITC Board Mtg (CR/Zoom)
6pm MMIH Rehearsal (S Balcony)
6:15pm Finance Committee Mtg (Zoom)
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CENTERPOINT
(IN-PERSON & ZOOM)
The Adult Ministries Council developed a set of programs for this fall with the theme Celebrating Our Heritage with a View to the Future. Centerpoint has been meeting each week from 6:15-7:15pm in the fellowship hall, and is also available via Zoom for those who would rather join us
virtually.
• December 8 - Dream Team program with Chris Gambill
• December 15 - Church Conference
Wednesday Night Children's Missions Schedule:
6-7:30pm • All Missions for children
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CENTERPOINT ZOOM
Join us for a live broadcast of the Centerpoint adult program, every Wednesday night via Zoom with this link! 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 301-715-8592, Meeting ID: 898 5713 6473, Passcode: CnP5Ch. We hope this is a helpful way to keep us all connected as we journey forward with Wednesday night programming!
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WEDNESDAY
NIGHT SUPPER
Each week, dinner will continue to be from 5-6pm, tailgating style, in the parking lot. Your family also has the option of coming inside the building and we'll all spread out between the Fellowship Hall, Lewis lobby, and 301/302. Please make reservations for dinner at this link to the page on the church website or by calling the church office.
MENU:
December 8 • Ribs, mac-n-cheese, green beans
December 15 • Curried vegetables with rice
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FAMILY MORNING OUT:
CREATING A NATIVITY SET
We have a few more spots left on Saturday morning, December 11, for creating nativity sets. If you’re interested in making one for (or with) your grandchildren or to give as a gift, please email Lynn by December 5. Here’s how it will work: registered families or individuals will be given a set of wooden blocks, and they’ll make their way through stations in the Fellowship Hall, gluing pre-cut felt pieces onto the wooden blocks. When families are done, they will have Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the angel, a shepherd, sheep, three wise men, a donkey, and a cow! Once we know who can come, Lynn will contact them to see when in the morning works best and will assign time slots to keep our numbers manageable in the Fellowship Hall.
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MATERNITY LEAVE DETAILS
We celebrate with Chad and Leah on the December 2 birth of Jennings Jett Reed. During her maternity leave, Leah will be checking email only sporadically, so please contact the following lay leaders, ministers, and staff who are taking over her ministerial duties with your questions or concerns:
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OUR FIRST FRUITS
STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN
During this time of stewardship, we ask you to:
- Recognize with gratitude the gifts God has given. Our gratitude motivates us to return our first fruits to God.
- Prayerfully consider your gift to FBC Raleigh and how God may use you in our ministries this year.
- Give from your first and best. The idea of first fruits challenges us to give intentionally from our first and best, rather than our leftovers. This means setting our intentions in advance of the year to come.
When pledges have been returned to the church, the budget will be presented again for approval by our congregation. A stewardship packet has been mailed. The proposed budget is also available in the members-only section of our website. You may also request a copy by calling the church office at 919-832-4485. You may pledge online here. As of 12/2/21 we have 89 pledges totaling $641,276.
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CHILDREN'S COATS NEEDED
As we approach colder temperatures, the Clothing Ministry is in dire need of children's coats of all sizes. This includes infants all the way up to youth sizes. You may place your donations in the bin at the back parking lot door, and make sure to take a tax receipt from the wall above the bin. Thank you for giving the gift of warmth to so many families
in our community!
Please note that the Clothing Ministry will be closed for guests and donations during the holiday Christmas and New Year's holidays (December 20-January 3). We invite you to bring your donations before or after these dates, saving them for a time when we have volunteers to process new inventory.
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DECEMBER MISSION PROJECT
During the month of December, we'll be supporting our Clothing Ministry. Below, you'll find the information on the chosen current needs (socks, underwear, gloves, winter hats/toboggans). If you prefer to shop online, click on this link to their wish list on Amazon. You may also write a check to FBC and put "Clothing Ministry" in the memo line. All donations should be placed in the bin inside the door to the rear parking lot.
Men
- Socks – black or white crew socks (Sizes 6-12 and 12-14)
- Underwear – Boxers (Sizes small thru 3X), solid colors
- Underwear – Briefs (Sizes small & medium), Black or colored
Women
- Socks – black or white ankle or crew, and thicker style (Sizes 9-11 and 10-13)
- Underwear – Briefs or mid-rise/hipster most popular (Sizes 5 thru 13, especially sizes 6 thru 10)
Boys
- Socks – Black ankle (Youth medium: 9-2 ½ or youth large: 3-9)
- Underwear – Briefs for toddlers (Sizes 2T-4T)
- Underwear – Boxer-briefs (Sizes 4 thru 16 – youth XS-XL)
Girls
- Socks – Ankle – colors or black - Youth medium: 9-2 ½ or youth large: 3-9)
- Underwear: Briefs for Toddler sizes (2T-4T) and Sizes 4/5 and 6.
- Underwear: Hipsters or medium rise (Sizes youth 8 – 16)
Gloves
- Men and Women- preferably black and thicker, sturdier material
- Children – Knit black or colors
Hats
- Toboggan style
- Black most popular for men; women and children prefer colors
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HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
SERVICE OPPORTUNITY
Over the past several years, we have joined a coalition of downtown churches to build homes through Habitat for Humanity. On December 11 we will begin work on the next home at the Maybrook Crossing Townhomes. The street address is 1525 Oxleymare Dr, Raleigh, 27610. We are asked to park on Maybrook Crossing and walk to Oxleymare. Construction will begin at 8:15am. Organizers are hoping to have 3-5 people from each church.
Anyone who wants to sign up click here. Everyone must sign up before coming on site because you must fill out the COVID-19 waiver that attests that you have had at least one dose of the vaccine. If you have any trouble with the volunteer hub, you can contact Valerie directly here.
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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 22; you may pick up your food in the FBC parking lot on Christmas Eve between 10am and 2pm.
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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 7-10!
Lunch • church parking lot (11am – 1:30pm)
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AMONG OUR FAMILY
A link to the entire prayer list may be found below.
Please use your church directory for mailing addresses.
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THE RECORD WE WROTE
As of December 2, 2021
Current Week Revenue: $3,633.75
Month-to-Date Revenue: $3,633.75
Year-to-Date Revenue: $1,175,101.01
Month-to-Date Expenses: $4,417.39
Year-to-Date Expenses: $1,208,641.56
Global Missions: $644
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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.
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A link to the current and archived editions of the
Rose Window Weekly is available on the website.
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First Baptist Church Raleigh| (919) 832-4485 | 99 N Salisbury St, Raleigh NC 27603
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