FBC Raleigh News • June 28, 2022
FROM THE PASTOR

Last Sunday I suggested that the disciples in our Gospel reading (Luke 9:51-62) must have felt like they had whiplash. In the space of a few brief verses, the same Jesus who extended grace to a Samaritan village that refused to welcome him spoke harsh and demanding words to people who expressed a desire to follow him. While it is possible to make sense of the tension — Jesus’ calling was and is still demanding, but grace is always available —
and thus provide help for the disciples’ whiplash, I’m not sure how we offer healing for the cultural whiplash many are feeling right now.

While we were still processing the war in Ukraine, the most recent rash of mass shootings in our nation, and viewing (or not) the January 6 committee’s findings, the Supreme Court made three decisions that have the potential for being watershed moments, but one of which has had an immediate and profound effect upon national life and people we know and love. The decisions receiving less attention allow religious education in Maine to be funded by public money (something Baptists have fought against in light of the establishment clause in the First Amendment and historic Baptist principles) and prevent New York from requiring people to justify why they carry guns outside of their homes. The obvious center stage decision is the overturning of Roe v. Wade and along with it, nearly 50 years of precedent.

Like every other church I know of, we have diverse opinions about all of these subjects, and so it is tempting to just say nothing, but a just-say-nothing church doesn’t have much of a future, nor should it. These are issues that matter immensely to people we care about, indeed, all of us in some way. It seems cowardly and irresponsible to pretend they don’t exist.

At the very least, we need to talk to each other, listen to each other, and not just inside our bubbles of agreement. Diversity of thought can be a strength if we maintain civility and mutual respect. We can also pray— for our nation, for our decision makers, for the people affected most by these decisions, including women in some states whose painful decisions have become more painful, especially if they are poor. And we can follow the counsel of CBF Executive Coordinator Paul Baxley in a blog I referenced Sunday to ask first what Jesus would want us to do in light of any of these critical issues.

There is more we can do in the world around us, actions we can take to make a difference. The ministerial staff has talked about opening the church for people in the community who might want space to pray for our nation and world. But we need to begin within the church, by wrestling with these concerns among ourselves and offering to the world a better model for how people with passionate yet diverse beliefs can co-exist in mutual respect, as well as an example of what it means not just to talk about Jesus but to act like him too.

CBF GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The CBF General Assembly will be this week, June 28-30 in Dallas, Texas. Since many of us are unable to travel to Texas, we invite you to join in virtually! The theme is Come and See, based on Psalm 66:5. Tune in this week for inspiring worship services, learning through workshops, and networking with other Cooperative Baptist Fellowship churches. Register to participate in the virtual assembly here.
YOUTH MISSION TRIP

A couple of weeks ago, a group of ten youth and two adults embarked on a mission trip in Charlotte. The week was remarkably fun, eye-opening, and worthy of the great stories that are being told about the week. We partnered with CROSS Missions, a program operated by Myers Park Presbyterian Church. With them, our groups served in diverse ways. We packed shoes and care packages for expecting mothers. We cleaned yards and medical care equipment.
We cooked for those who are experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, and addiction, and even hosted an ice cream social for some as well. But that’s only one part. For each of us on the trip, we bonded through the hot days and watched each person shine in their own unique way. Our eyes were opened a little wider while we walked the streets of Charlotte, seeing the great needs of our neighbors, and how the resources people use actually work. Without a doubt a little spark and even greater compassion for our neighbors was brought home with us. If you’d like to see more about the work that CROSS Missions embarks on you can follow this link: CROSS Missions
THE WEEKDAY PRESCHOOL
IS HIRING!

If you or someone you know is interested in joining our dynamic teaching team, our weekday preschool is hiring for the 2022–2023 school year. Also, we have some spots open for children ages 1-4! Help us spread the word, and contact Crystal Bacon with any questions.
JULY MISSION PROJECT

Vacation Bible School for all ages is coming up July 24–28. Come join in the fun and fellowship! As part of the activities, we'll be collecting supplies for Camp Hope (the leading year-round camping and mentoring program in the country for children and teens impacted by domestic violence). The aim is to create hope and healing pathways for trauma-exposed youth to believe in themselves and in others. After summer camp, the participants will continue to meet monthly for support and will attend camp each summer until they are old enough to come back as counselors.

Our donations will specifically support Wake County's Camp Hope which is sponsored by Interact (a nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of domestic and sexual violence). The items needed are:
  • beach towels (thinner ones that dry quickly)
  • loofahs
  • large spray sunscreen
  • large bug repellant spray
 
If you're attending VBS, you may bring your donations that week or you may place them in the marked drawer in the cabinet in the Lewis Lobby anytime during July. You may donate via check as well—make your check payable to FBC and put "Camp Hope VBS Mission Project" in the memo line.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Vacation Bible School is back—and it’s for all ages! Mark your calendars for July 24-28 from 5:45–8 pm (optional supper at 5pm) for intergenerational fun and learning as we explore models of peace in the Bible. You’re in store for great Bible study and activities that will engage body, mind, and soul!

Grade-schoolers (rising 1–5 grade), youth, and adults will have age-grouped Bible study and electives that cover the gambit of various art mediums, movement/recreation, and music while preschoolers (birth–rising K) will enjoy Bible stories, music, crafts, and recreation within the preschool suite!

Follow this link and register no later than July 6. Electives will fill up on a first-come/first-served basis, so sign up now! Also, be sure to make reservations for supper if you wish to come. Hard copies of registration are available at church. If you have any questions, please contact Lynn.
VARIETY SHOW COMING AUGUST 21

Calling all jugglers, singers, musicians, dancers, and circus performers and all who are interested in participating in our Summer Variety Hour in August: We’re looking for performers!
 
Please email Warren by JULY 24 to sign up, or if you have any questions.
 
Save the date for this fun evening of entertainment and inspiration showcasing the multi-faceted talents of the FBC community. One hour of entertainment celebrating summer with gratitude, grace, and laughter. A social with homemade ice cream will follow, and childcare will be available. The Social Committee is looking for contributions of homemade ice cream. If you'd like to bring some, please email Lynn Loomis. More information to come!
HECK-JONES OFFERING

As we welcome June and the beginning of summer, I am reminded of the welcome that is provided to refugees in our city through the ministries of Welcome House. Refugees find open arms and hearts as they begin a new life free from war and torture. These services are more important now than ever with the continuing war in Ukraine.
Our hearts are saddened and we wonder what we can do. Kim and Marc Wyatt, CBF Missionaries, know what to do; but they need our offerings to keep their houses open and their services to continue. Fannie Heck and Sallie Jones, FBC members in the 1800’s, knew what to do as well; but they needed financial help from our congregation to do their work. Please give generously to this offering that was named in their honor as we do our part to meet the needs of those around us. In addition to the Welcome House, this offering will also go to our continuing partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Every gift helps no matter how big or small. Together we can make a difference in the lives of many.
- Nancy Moore Phillips, WMU President
JULY CHOIR PLANS

Join the choir for a day! The Sanctuary Choir invites you to sing with them.
 
Beginning on July 10, the Sanctuary Choir is moving practice times to Sunday morning for the remaining four Sundays of the month.
 
  • We’re not wearing robes
  • Offering fresh music prepared daily
  • Breakfast after practices
 
9:05 — Practice in the choir room (mask optional)
9:40 — Breakfast and Sunday School (or coffee time)
10:30 —Review (and sing for worship)
 
Whether you've been in choir before or would like to join us for the first time, this is the chance for you! Email Warren with further questions.

2022 CHURCH CONFERENCE DATES
Mark your calendar for the following 2022 dates for Church Conference:
August 24, September 28,
October 26, November 16, and December 14.

BIBLE VERSES FOR DAILY USE
  • Tuesday, June 28: Psalm 140; Jeremiah 3:15-18; Ephesians 5:6-20
  • Wednesday, June 29: Psalm 140; Jeremiah 23:16-22; Matthew 10:16-25
  • Thursday, June 30: Psalm 66:1-9; 2 Kings 21:1-15; Romans 7:14-25
  • Friday, July 1: Psalm 66:1-9; Jeremiah 51:47-58; 2 Corinthians 8:1-7
  • Saturday, July 2:: Psalm 66:1-9; Zechariah 14:10-21; Luke 9:1-6
  • Sunday, July 3: 2 Kings 5:1-14 and Psalm 30; Isaiah 66:10-14 and Psalm 66:1-9; Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16; Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
  • Monday, July 4:: Psalm 119:73-80; Jeremiah 6:10-19; Acts 19:21-27

DEACON ON CALL
June 26–July 2 • Amy Galvan (919-818-6746 m or 919-786-1810 h)
WEEK AT A GLANCE • June 29–July 6
Wednesday, June 29
7pm Adult Choir Rehearsal (choir room/S)

Thursday, June 30
7am Band of Brothers (Zoom)

Sunday, July 3
9:45am Sunday School
11am Worship/Michael Hood preaching (S/YouTube)
11:15am Japanese worship (226)
Monday, July 4
Independence Day holiday
Church office closed
Clothing ministry closed

Tuesday, July 5
10am Staff meeting (CR)
10:45am WMU Group 2 (Springmoor)
7pm Properties Committee meeting (301)
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,
June 28–July 1!

• Lunch •
Tuesday-Friday:
church parking lot (11am–1:30pm)
• Supper •
Tues, June 28 (5-7:30pm): Carolina Preserve, 115 Allforth Pl, Cary, 27519
Wed, June 29 (5-8pm): Kildaire Crossing,
8300 Rosiere Dr, Apex, 27539
AMONG OUR FAMILY

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

THE RECORD WE WROTE
As of June 23, 2022:
Current Week Revenue: $30,874.00 
Month-to-Date Revenue: $70,551.47
Year-to-Date Revenue: $767,324.18
Month-to-Date Expenses: $71,504.50
Year-to-Date Expenses: $669,596.30
Global Missions: $11,908.00
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.