YOUTH MISSION

TRIP RECAP

This past week, the youth embarked on their annual mission week. One group went to Charlotte, NC, and another to New York City, NY. Throughout the week, students worked with various organizations that seek to make a difference within their communities through creatively battling systemic issues of poverty, housing inequity, food insecurity, and much more. However, most folks who have been on a mission experience with FBC Raleigh before have said similar things—the work you do is great, but often it is not the main takeaway. It is the shift in perspective it gives you. 

These students have seen how resilient communities band together to help one another. They have seen the struggles of others first hand that they may never experience. They have been invited to the table by strangers who quickly became friends. They have forged closer friendships with one another. Now while I could go on about what they might have gained, one thing is for sure: we have all gained fresh insight into what it truly means to be a neighbor and to love our neighbor. 

When we travel, we are given the opportunity to notice things from a completely new perspective. When we travel with the intention of learning how to be better disciples of Jesus, we are given the chance to learn how to counter the world’s devastating challenges. Empowered by our faith, we will be more inspired by our callings, and see what is right in front of us with new eyes and new ideas. The investment in these travels gives me hope. If not now, the day will soon come when the voices and choices of our young ones will dramatically change the fabric of our world. I have hope that their experiences have shown them the way of creative compassion that breaks down barriers and ushers in God’s generative grace into our world. 

I’d love to give a special thank you to Karen Poteat, Charles Gale, and John Hobson for joining our youth on this journey. Without their time and energy, these trips would not have happened! Also, thank you to the church for continually investing into the ministries of FBC. I take great pride that we can offer these experiences in ways that are as financially accessible as possible and I am eternally grateful for the remarkable support our students receive. I’m in awe of the opportunities I get to see these students that help them flourish into people who will, and do, challenge the status quo, and remind us all of the power that one’s devotion to God and to neighbor has in our world. 

If you’d like to learn more about the organizations we partnered with over the week; you can follow these links: CROSS Missions, Metro Baptist Church - Michael Hood



DAN DAY'S LATEST BOOK

When faced with the news that stage 4 cancer was raging within him, Dan Day's faith life was put to the test. In his his newly released book, he shares his journey through sixty prayers, poems, and conversations with God, revealing both his struggles and moments of profound gratitude. With honesty and candor, Dan offers a vulnerable report of what he found in his search for God during these dark days. At the River I Stand can be purchased on Amazon or through Smyth & Helwys.

REIMAGINE: 2024 CBF GENERAL ASSEMBLY

This year the general assembly was held in Greensboro. This makes my third assembly. Why do I go? The people, the worship services, the market place, interacting with vendors and sponsors, and the learning labs that cover topics ranging from advocacy, racial justice, global missions, Baptist identity, and more.

This year the assembly started on Juneteenth which commemorates the end of slavery in the US. We enjoyed gathering as a community to fellowship with each other. Then the day ended with a late-night worship that stems from the first Watch Night held Dec 31, 1862 as enslaved people gathered in worship late in the evening watching and waiting for the news of freedom.

The worship leaders and luncheon speakers were inspiring and the workshops were thought-provoking. It was great to visit with Mina and Gennady Podgaisky who are now serving in Poland because conditions in Ukraine are too dangerous. At the final worship service, we got to meet the Global Impact Volunteers (first year for this recognition) who work closely with field personnel. This was a new addition and the persons recognized were involved with Kim and Marc Wyatt at Welcome House, and Anna Anderson for her work in Conetoe. Also 16 chaplains and pastoral counselors were commissioned.



It is great to see what is happening in CBF and what God is leading and calling us to be.

- Sheila Jordan



OFFICE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

After we began using our new phone system, for a brief time, all calls to the church office went directly to the answering service which gave a list of options. It is a reality we encounter almost everywhere in this technologically driven age but one most of us have come to despise. Most of the time, we would rather talk to a human being (preferably one who speaks our language with our accent).

This is true almost everywhere, but it is even more true in the church. Incarnation is about God taking on human flesh, not cyber parts. Thus, the church is about human connection, not simply information exchange. So, we have returned to having a human being answering the phone. To continue this practice, however, we need your help.

We need more volunteers to work in the office performing receptionist functions, answering the phone and responding to people who buzz at the door. This is a longstanding volunteer role at FBC Raleigh, a fairly straightforward yet critical role because these volunteers are the first contact many people have with our church, the first sign of who we are. We are in constant need of new people in this role, but even more so now due to the volume of calls. Volunteers not only greet people who call or stop by the church in a warm and gracious manner, they free church staff to do other important work. And they become a vital part of the ministry team, inevitably closer to the staff and church family.

If you have an interest in volunteering or perhaps questions about the role, please contact Jennie Herrick by email, call the office at 919-832-4485, or stop by the office. We deeply appreciate your consideration of this important role. - Christopher C.F. Chapman



SIGN-UP NOW FOR VBS!

Intergenerational Vacation Bible School is in the evenings the week of July 28-August 1, and we hope everyone will join us, babies through adults! Dr. Chapman will be leading Bible study for youth and adults and we have a fabulous group of grade school Bible study leaders and preschool leaders to guide us as we take a look at Biblical examples of what it takes to build Christian community.  

And oh… the fun electives our grade-schoolers (including rising first graders), youth, and adults get to choose from! You’ll have the opportunity to stretch your body, mind, and soul with yoga, creative movement, or team games! Like to create? Then knitting or learning punch needle, creating with recycled materials, making a wire tree sculpture, or building a birdhouse might be right up your alley. If painting is your thing, then you’ll love designing and painting sets of dishes, mugs, and bowls for Habitat families and painting large-canvas designs on baffles for Habitat homes. If you have a song in your heart, come share it in our music elective!   

Follow this link to the fillable form to register, and be sure to check out BOTH SIDES of the form attached and fill out all that is applicable to you or your family. Please note that there’s an optional supper for those who’d like to eat at church before VBS begins.

Registration ends July 7, but electives are on a first-come, first-served basis — so you will be more likely to get your first choice the earlier you sign up! Email Lynn Lingafelt if you have any questions!  



SUMMER SNACK-A-THON

Help out the FBC youth by donating a breakfast snack this summer! Grab a box of granola bars, pastries, Pop-Tarts, or something similar and leave it in the drop-off zones when you visit the church. Those zones can be found easily in the Lewis Lobby or near the elevator on the second and third floors.

One of the best things about being in youth classes on a Sunday morning is the treats! During the school year, the youth are treated to a breakfast item like donuts that are provided by the youth families. Over the summer, as we all travel, that is much more difficult to keep going; however, we still want to feed our people! So, our Summer Snack-A-Thon will help make sure filling, ready-to-go breakfast items are available on Sunday mornings no matter where you might be.



JUNE MISSION PROJECT

World Refugee Day was Thursday, June 20. Our church’s commitment to welcoming refugees is one of our distinctive ministries. We have the opportunity to support Welcome House as they provide a safe place and welcome to refugees arriving in our community. Please bring your donations any time during June, and place them in the marked drawer in the Lewis lobby.

The following items are needed:

Paper towels

Toilet paper

Hand soap (individual bottles)

Toothbrushes

Toothpaste

Feminine pads

Shampoo

Conditioner

Laundry detergent

Click here for the Welcome House newsletter.