FBC Raleigh News • November 30, 2021 |
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FROM THE DREAM TEAM
On September 22 and again on November 9, First Baptist invited seven community leaders from outside our church family to come and share with us their views on the needs of the downtown community, and what they could envision a church like ours, in our place in downtown Raleigh, could do to address those needs. The following is a summary of the responses we received. Our guests were Carly Jones, artist and CEO at ArtSpace; Bill King, president and CEO of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance; Judge Ashleigh Dunston, Wake County District Court judge; Tasha Smith, MSA and LCSWA, school social worker at Washington and Olds Elementary schools; Brian Ralph, president of William Peace University; Emily Grey, owner of the Flourish Market; and Yvette Holmes, CEO of Southeast Raleigh Promise. Their answers to the questions we posed are summarized below.
From your perspective, what is our community’s greatest need?
Carly Jones: The greatest need is affordable housing; especially important to the community to have affordable housing for artists. There is also a need for space for creating, both visual and performing arts.
Bill King: Address, rather than to sweep out of sight, the increasing large number of persons in crisis on the streets, especially those with mental health issues. We need services for those persons where they are.
Ashleigh Dunston: Generational curses of abuse and neglect, poverty and mental illness. There is a need for a place to connect the nonprofits that are serving the part of the community that comes through her courtroom close to where they are.
Tasha Smith: Focused on basic needs of children (food, clothing, diapers, tutoring). Urged us to collaborate with others rather than trying to create something new.
Brian Ralph: Higher education as a way out of poverty; 30% of WPU students are first in their family to go to college. Need to remove barriers to entry and success.
Emily Grey: Access to mental health care.
Yvette Holmes: Affordable housing and shelter of all types, both short-term and long-term.
What can you imagine that a church like ours, from our place in downtown, could do to make a difference?
Carly Jones: Create practice, studio, and living space for artists who, through their art, help to create empathy and bring people together from different communities.
Bill King: Providing a hub for the provision of services to those in crisis downtown, including mental health services in particular.
Ashleigh Dunston: Centralizing services for persons coming through her court, by providing space from which nonprofits can serve that community – a “one-stop shop.”
Tasha Smith: Provide after-school programming, tutoring, WiFi connection, peer support – a safe place to be.
Brian Ralph: Affordable child care – a big need for both the WPU students who have families, and for the workers who come to downtown to work.
Emily Grey: Remember your economic power, and what good we can do by buying goods and services locally and thus empowering others.
Yvette Holmes: Affordable housing and job training; work in partnership with others already doing this work.
The next Dream Team congregational meeting will be on Wednesday, December 8 at 6:15pm, when we will work with Chris Gambill from Center for Congregational Health on connecting what we have learned to our gifts and resources as a church.
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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 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 24th since we know not everyone will be able to participate in the retreat at Caswell.
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REIMAGINING TOY JOY
Thanks to all of our Toy Joy elves and our faithful church family, Toy Joy was once again a success! On November 13 and 14, we hosted 247 of the 294 families (representing 917 children) who were scheduled to attend. Similar to last year, they came to our parking lot, drive-through and walk-by style, to pick up their gift packages which included a gift, a book, a stocking, and a stuffed animal for each child, based on their interests and ages (specified by their parent); a family game or puzzle, along with gift wrapping supplies. We also gave each family a special Ziplock bag with a knitted prayer square, a Christmas card from the children of our church, along with a $30 Food Lion gift card, which generous donations allowed us to include once again this year.
While working with an online system has had its challenges in serving a population which isn’t consistently electronically connected, it did continue to allow us to collect contact information for communication purposes, such as email and phone contacts, and we were able to share our contact info as well, which meant having an avenue for two-way communication.
While we had 47 families who didn’t show that first weekend, we were able to follow up with them, and many of them proactively reached out to us. We learned there were a variety of reasons some families didn’t make it, further proving the constant struggle so many families living in poverty are facing, including inflexible work schedules and transportation issues. We were able to get back in touch with families through phone calls, texts, and emails to offer an additional pickup day on November 19 for those who didn’t make it the first weekend. Through follow-up contacts, we were able to meet an additional 22 families to give them their gifts. We wish we could capture and convey the stories from each family as to how they were impacted by this ministry. We received so many words of praise and thanks as we met families and loaded their gifts.
This ministry continues to thrive because of the commitment and work of our village, including:
• volunteers who knitted 300 prayer squares
• those who gave, purchased, and shipped or brought in gift donations and/or gave financial donations
• our FBC children and youth who made Christmas cards, assembled wrap kits, and cut stocking tags
• our Japanese ministry which stuffed 1000 stockings in just a little over an hour
• the team members who spent hours processing applications and orders, sorting gifts, and setting up “shopping rooms” and coordinated the completion of the gift packages within one weekend
• volunteers who came and worked in small teams to make the gift packages – taking time to select just the right gifts for each child
• the “night crew” who moved countless boxes to the Fellowship Hall on prep day
• the church staff and ministers who fielded and facilitated many, many phone calls and inquiries, and provided ongoing support and encouragement
• the risk management committee who processed our multiple ongoing requests to gather in small teams to accomplish our work
• everyone who was part of planning and working a mainly outside event (thank goodness for sunny, if cold, NC November days!)
• the parking lot volunteers who kept the cars moving with no waiting lines
• the wonderful translators who ensured we were able to communicate effectively with all families.
And the list goes on . . .
The Toy Joy team will take time at our debriefing meeting after the holidays to reflect once again on the successes and challenges of an online system, including how to serve families who are not electronically connected, and think about what lessons we learned that will help inform our work for next year. In the meantime, we wanted to thank you – our church family – from the bottom of our hearts for helping to share God’s love with our community once again. We are grateful for your contributions of money and time and for your many prayers for our guests and for this very different Toy Joy 2021.
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BIBLE VERSES FOR DAILY USE
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Tuesday, November 30: Psalm 90; 2 Samuel 7:18-29; Revelation 22:12-16
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Wednesday, December: Psalm 90; Isaiah 1:24-31; Luke 11:29-32
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Thursday, December 2: Luke 1:68-79; Malachi 3:5-12; Philippians 1:12-18a
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Friday, December 3: Luke 1:68-79; Malachi 3:13-18; Philippians 1:18b-26
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Saturday, December 4: Luke 1:68-79; Malachi 4:1-6; Luke 9:1-6
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Sunday, December 5: Luke 1:68-79; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6
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Monday, December 6: Psalm 126; Isaiah 40:1-11; Romans 8:22-25
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DEACON ON CALL
November 28-December 4 • Sarah Woodard (336-682-3695)
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WEEK AT A GLANCE • NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 6 |
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Tuesday, November 30
10am Staff Mtg. (CR)
10:45am WMU Group 2 (Springmoor)
7:30pm Pathfinders SS (Zoom)
Wednesday, December 1
5pm Meal/Centerpoint ALL HOG Program (PL/FH)
6:45pm Handbell Rehearsal (S Balcony)
7:30pm Adult Choir Rehearsal (Choir Rm./S)
Thursday, December 2
7am Band of Brothers (Zoom)
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Saturday, December 4
10am HOG Rehearsal (S)
Sunday, December 5
9:45am Sunday School
11am Worship (S/YouTube)
11:15am JBC Worship (Rm. 302)
6pm HOG (S)
7pm HOG Reception (FH)
Monday, December 6
10am Clothing Ministry
6pm MMIH Rehearsal (S Balcony)
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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 1 - Hanging of the Greens preparation (no Zoom option)
• December 8 - Dream Team program with Chris Gambill
• December 15 - Church Conference
Wednesday Night Children's H.O.G. Music Schedule:
6-7:30pm • Music for children & H.O.G. Practice
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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 1 • Mexican casserole and corn
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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HANGING OF THE GREENS
We are excited to be back in person again for the annual Hanging of the Greens service on Sunday, December 5, at 6pm. This is a tradition held by our church since 1977, making this the 45th year. With all of the uncertainties that last year brought, we were only able to celebrate it virtually. And while we were nonetheless moved by its beauty and were grateful for our dedicated staff and volunteers, we still longed for the day when we could return to being together. We longed for the day when we might come together to sing and give thanks for the abundance and beauty of God’s blessing and advent of the Light of the World.
As we planned toward this year’s service, we recognized that some things were not yet possible or advisable, given the continuing presence of COVID-19, the Thanksgiving holiday gatherings, and the colder temperatures. While in some ways, the service will reflect this reality, most of the service’s music and all of its decoration will be featured along with the opportunity for safely coming together to celebrate with a reception afterward. As with all events in our building, we are asked to be masked. And as on Sunday mornings, seating is limited to every other pew to allow for distancing.
With this year being different from years past, our Social committee has been working hard to make the Hanging of the Greens reception a success. Instead of serving savory foods and sweets, we will only have a sweet reception. Each person will be offered pre-bagged cookies and a small water to go. If you are able to provide cookies, please email Lynn Loomis to let her know. We are offering the Garth for those who wish to mingle in a safer environment. We hope you will be able to join us in person! For those who cannot, we will have an edited video of the service available as soon as possible, though we will not be live streaming.
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HONOR A LOVED ONE
DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Our sanctuary is so lovely during Advent and Christmas when it is decorated with candles, fresh flowers, and greenery. This holiday “dress” transformation will certainly be different this year. However, we have determined a way for our church family to be a part of safely adding the elements that bring us such joy during the season. Watch for future issues of the Rose Window Weekly to learn more about our virtual Hanging of the Greens and how you can participate. Once again, you are invited to honor a loved one by making a donation toward the decorations for the service. With $15 for each honorific or memorial gift, all monies will help defray the cost of the trees, wreaths, fresh flowers, and greenery for the service. An insert in the December 12 worship order will list the names of all for whom gifts were given. Please submit your request here. Checks or electronic payments should be received no later than this Friday, December 3. Forms are also available in Sunday School boxes. Mail checks to: Financial Administrator, 99 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC 27603; please write “Holiday Greenery” on the memo line.
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MATERNITY LEAVE DETAILS
As you all know, our Minister with Community, Leah Reed, is expecting her first child due in early December! She will be taking 12 weeks of leave starting whenever Baby Boy Reed decides to make his entrance into the world. She has already begun working from home, but you may still get in touch with her via email or cell phone. We thought it might be helpful to list the main lay leaders, ministers, and staff that will be taking over her ministerial duties while she is away. During her maternity leave, Leah will be checking email only sporadically, so please reach out to the following people first with specific questions or concerns that need timely answers. We are waiting with prayerful, hopeful anticipation as Leah and Chad prepare for their journey as parents!
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SAVE THE DATE
Mark your calendar for Monday, December 6, from 10-12pm, as we host another free COVID-19 vaccine clinic in our Fellowship Hall! Hayes Barton Pharmacy will be providing all three booster shots, in addition to first and second doses. They will also have pediatric doses for children ages 5-11 and adolescents ages 12-17. We'll have something available for every person that is eligible to receive a vaccine. This will be open to our broader community, including our guests coming to shop in the Clothing Ministry, so please help us spread the word! To register go HERE. if you have questions, email Crystal Bacon.
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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 11/30/21 we have 59 Pledges totaling $405,946.00.
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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 11th 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 8:15 A.M. 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 at valerie.tillery@habitatwake.org.
There will also be a kickoff ceremony at 11:15am.
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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,
November 30 – December 3!
Lunch
through Friday • 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 November 23, 2021
Current Week Revenue: $37,581.53
Month-to-Date Revenue: $114,986.42
Year-to-Date Revenue: $1,166,652.26
Month-to-Date Expenses: $104,903.14
Year-to-Date Expenses: $1,204,224.17
NC Missions: $8,500.00
Global Missions: $545
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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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