SIGN-UP FOR THE CHURCH PICTORIAL DIRECTORY

The process of compiling a digital or hard copy pictorial directory for our church membership and staff is underway! The photographer is hired, days and times for photo sittings are established, volunteers to compile the contact information are ready and eager to begin their work, and a printing company has been selected.

Helen Hill Photography will be at our church, in room 224, to photograph members, ministers, and staff from Monday, April 29, to Saturday, May 11. Each sitting will take five minutes on the following days and times:

There are three ways that you may sign up for a slot:

• Diane Ellis has the sign-up sheet and you can either text (919-610-6606) or email her to schedule a time for your sitting. 

• The sign-up sheet will be available in the lobby before and after Wednesday activities and after worship on Sundays. 

• Click this link for the sign-up genius online.

Church directories are no longer complimentary. For the first time, our church will be charged for the photo sittings and for the printing. To offset the cost, we are asking that each family unit pay $10 for the sitting. Please be prepared to pay that when you arrive for your sitting. You may pay cash, by check made out to the church, or by using the kiosk in the church office. Please plan to arrive a few minutes before your scheduled time in order to confirm your contact information and pay for the sitting.

Once the photos are all taken, the directory will be compiled by Diane Ellis, with the help of Myra Brickell, Carolyn Dickens, and Dennis Ellis. It will then go to Metro Productions for printing. We estimate having the digital directory ready by June 10 and hope to have the hard copies no later than June 24.

You may purchase a high-resolution digital copy of your family photo directly from the photographer. An image of an individual is $25; of a couple, $40; of a family of 3, $50; and of more than 3, $15 additional per person.

The cover of our directory will be the image of our banner on the outside of our building. Our goal is 100% participation for photos. Our purpose is to build community within and among our membership. Direct any questions to Diane Ellis.

2024 SPRING MUSIC CELEBRATION

Our annual spring music celebration program will be Wednesday, May 1, at 6:15pm in the fellowship hall.

Every week, our hallways on Wednesday evening are resonant with music, as we gather across the generations to play, ring, and sing our weekly prayers and praises.

According to theologian, Martin Luther, after the Word of God, the gift of music is most deserving of praise for allowing us such a range of expression. And further, he added, it is best applied in the praise of God.

Opening to music awakens our senses to experience the full compass of life. Its ups and downs, its seasons of joy and sorrow, and its rhythms of exuberance and reflection. Music reminds us that we are surrounded by mystery, that we live in a wide world with many songs and sounds, and that everyone is acceptable because of who they are.

We will hear performances by our Pre-K/Kindergarten and Grade-School Choirs and our children and leaders will be recognized. We will also enjoy a performance by the Evening Bells. We hope you will make plans to join us!

"WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?" PANEL DISCUSSION

The Encouraging Place along with First Baptist Church and the North Carolina Society of Hispanic Professionals (NCSHP) cordially invites you to “Who Is My Neighbor?” on Saturday, May 4, at 9:30am here at the church.

The morning will start off with a coffee meet-and-greet and then at 10am, there will be a panel discussion featuring representatives from various Latino countries who will share insights into their unique cultures and discuss their experiences as our neighbors. Additionally, the panelists will address common stereotypes perpetuated by the media and provide a more accurate and nuanced view of their communities.

This promises to be an informative and enlightening discussion that will foster greater understanding and appreciation of our diverse neighbors. Contact Reggie Edwards with The Encouraging Place (theencouragingplace.org or 919-649-6287) with questions.

NEW PHONE SYSTEM

After many years, we have a new phone system in place! The new system includes an automated attendant, and you must dial an extension to speak to a person.

To contact a minister or staff person directly, you may enter their extension number at any time or press 9 for a spoken directory. Extensions for all of our staff can be found on our website.

General extension list:

Weather cancellations - 1

The Infant Toddler Center - 2

Weekday Preschool - 3

For a list of current prayer concerns - 4

To leave a non-confidential prayer request - 6

For information about financial assistance through the Fellowship Fund - 7

A spoken directory - 9



VOTE TO ADOPT BY-LAW AMENDMENT

On February 28, the trustees presented a first reading of a proposed amendment to the by-laws changing the necessity of a yearly financial audit.  The vote on whether to adopt the by-law amendment will be at the tonight's church conference. You may see the proposed amendment, and the rationale for the amendment, near the top of the members-only section of the church website. Copies are also available in the church office.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT SUPPERS

Please note that every person eating Wednesday night supper must check-in with our volunteer collection team before getting their meal. Even if you have pre-paid online, please check-in with our volunteer. We recognize that many of you do this every week, but many do not. This is just an attempt to streamline our process and make sure every person is checked off the reservation list. A volunteer will be stationed in the Lewis Lobby with the Wednesday night supper reservation list. You may reserve your spot at this link on the website or by calling the church office. The volunteer will check-in your family and collect payment for the meal - we accept cash, checks, or credit cards.

Ages 0-3: Free

Ages 4-12: $4

Adults (over 12): $8

Family cap (over 3 people): $24

The menus for upcoming Wednesday night suppers are as follows (all meals come with salad and bread):

April 24 — Chicken fried rice, egg drop soup, Asian veggies; non-meat option: mock chicken fried rice; kids: spring rolls.

May 1 — pasta primavera; kids: macaroni and cheese.

May 8 — Mediterranean Night: lamb and rice with lentils, tzatziki, and chickpeas; non-meat option: rice with lentils; kids: fish sticks.

May 15 — BBQ chicken with baked potato and corn; non-meat option: mock chicken; kids: nuggets.

May 22 — sweet and sour meatballs with rice and broccoli; non-meat option: veggie meatballs; kids: buttered noodles.

May 29 — End-of-year picnic at Pullen