YOUTH BEACH WEEK

This year the theme of the youth beach week was Wind. More specifically, we used the wind as a metaphor to help us understand how the Spirit of God moves in our world. In so many ways the wind generates power and life. It powers a windmill, it spreads the seeds of a tree, it rearranges the island dunes, and it pushes the rain across the land. When I look back at the week, I see so much life. I see so much power. The experiences that our youth recount from these trips are always full of joy, growth, restoration, and inspiration. They play plenty of silly games, stay up too late, and spend plenty of time in the ocean waves but all of that is done in the context of building community and strengthening companionship. All we do is under the banner of worship and attention towards God.

I think the trips we take are the most common denominator that leads to the prominent statement I get when I ask the students to describe the youth group experience: “It is like a family.” There are not many other places on Earth where kids can build community like this and simultaneously grow their faith and their understanding of the world, and themselves all in a safe, encouraging place. As always, we can only do this thanks to all the remarkable gifts that our church receives from its congregation. I am always eternally grateful for the support that our youth receive, and I already cannot wait for what God has in store for this group in the days to come.



If you’d like to see a few more photos from our trip, feel free to follow this link! FBC Beach Week Highlight Photos. - Michael Hood

AND ALSO WITH 'CUE FOOD TRUCK GOES TO RPD DOWNTOWN DISTRICT 

We took the FBC food truck to the police department, and they brought a tent and a fan to us. The aroma of barbecue and chicken was heavy in the air on Cabarrus Street as the officers and evidence personnel came to place their orders for lunch. It was a hot day, but we had bottled water and desserts in ice chests to keep them cool. Sabrina Tyndall and Carol Blanchard have been providing homemade desserts every month since Christmas. The desserts range from brownies and cookies to peach cobblers and banana pudding. Sabrina always adds some fruit to keep them healthy. These officers serve and protect us everyday, so we are happy to serve them once a month to show our support. It is quite the understatement to say they appreciate the food and attention in return. Our schedule is the 3rd Tuesday each month which allows for shift changes and regularly rotates through all of the officers assigned to the downtown district. Email Nancy Phillips to help with deliveries and providing desserts! - Nancy Moore Phillips

YOUTH END OF

SUMMER SCHEDULE

There is still a lot of action around FBC for the youth this summer! Students, parents, and leaders, please check in on our Slack Channel for the most updated information on what we have going on this summer and beyond! 

ISSUE SIXTEEN OF

FIRST FOUNDATIONS

The new issue of our First Foundations 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 all 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, Holly Cook and Jeff Hobart, Chris Chapman, Claire Willmschen, Crystal Bacon, Amy Galvan, Rebecca Sasser, and Cara Lynn Vogel. A special thanks to our First Foundations magazine team that makes every publication come to life — Jen Foster, Anne Bullard, Claire Willmschen, and Leah Reed. You may access this issue on the church website, along with previous issues of our magazines. If you would like to receive a copy of First Foundations in the mail, please email Deborah. We hope you enjoy reading about Flourish from a wide range of voices from our community of faith!

BWIM DOCUMENTARY SCREENING & POTLUCK DINNER

We are thrilled to announce an FBC screening of Baptist Women in Ministry's newly released documentary Midwives of a Movement. This powerful documentary delves into the inspiring journeys of women who fearlessly spearheaded a movement advocating for increased visibility and empowerment of women within the SBC during the tumultuous 1970s and 1980s. Undeterred by formidable challenges, these trailblazers exhibited remarkable bravery, carving out new paths for the progression of women in ministry and leadership roles within the Baptist community, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to shape the landscape even after four decades.

Mark your calendar and join us on Sunday, August 11, from 5:30–8pm in our fellowship hall. We'll have a potluck dinner followed by a screening of the documentary, and a Q&A with BWIM's Executive Director, Dr. Meredith Stone. Childcare will be provided for pre-k and under; please email Lynn by August 4. Troy Dye will be serving up some delicious baked chicken, but we'll need side dishes and desserts from you! Sign up to bring a dish for the potluck dinner here! For questions, email Leah.



JULY MISSION PROJECT

Caring Connections Ministry is a mentoring program dedicated to supporting women in the greater Raleigh area who may be grappling with feelings of isolation and being overwhelmed due to various challenges such as poverty, substance misuse recovery, re-entry after justice involvement, or underemployment. Their primary goal is to empower women by providing them with the necessary tools and skills for self-sufficiency through personalized mentoring relationships that offer unwavering support, inspiration, and guidance. Each participant is matched with a dedicated mentor who serves as a source of encouragement, accountability, and direction, aiding them in the journey towards independence and hope for their future.

For our July mission project, we are collecting child- and youth-sized underwear for the children of the women in this program. If you would rather give money, we're collecting donations to purchase sports bras for the daughters of participants. Please place all new, packaged underwear in the Lewis Lobby drawers. Cash or checks may be sent directly to church designating "July mission project," in the memo line. For more information about Caring Connections, please visit their website.