THE WHITE FLAG COTS ARRIVED!

At 9:15pm last night, 80 cots arrived in a pod at our church. With a quick email blast and an hour's notice to show up, our congregation rolled into the parking lot 45-people-strong to unload, assemble, and set-up the cots in the fellowship hall. Some of the women had already gone to sleep, but they were grateful to wake up and transition to a cot. We are so thankful for the Wake County Housing Department, and Wake County Division of Emergency Management who worked overtime to get the cots delivered last night. Their staff stayed to teach our volunteers how to assemble them and they were gracious, helpful, and remorseful about the length of time this has taken.

We could not have made this happen without each of you. This congregation got on the phone and called representatives, employees of Wake County, and anyone who could make a difference. We still don't completely understand the full story of the official "hold-up," but the important thing is that no one slept on the floor last night. And no one will have to sleep on the floor here ever again.

One of the White Flag staff said to me last night, "I wish I went to a church that showed up for people in need like this." This is what Church is all about. I want you to know how deeply grateful I am for each of you, and what an honor it is to be a part of a community of faith that cares so deeply for our neighbors.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

-Leah Reed

A MESSAGE FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

Dear Members of the First Baptist Church Congregation,

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends. As our thoughts turn to Advent and the Christmas season, and as we look forward to the Hanging of the Greens celebration on Sunday, I am writing to ask that you prayerfully consider including the church in your end-of-year giving plans.

On behalf of the Finance Committee, I want to thank all of you for your dedicated support of our church through your giving. Our prayers are that you will continue that strong support in December to help our church end the year in a strong financial position. We deeply appreciate those who have faithfully pledged their support during our 2024 stewardship campaign. The outstanding pledges totaling $120,657.33, as of October 31st, will be instrumental in helping us meet our budgetary goals. We eagerly anticipate receiving these contributions. Your end-of-year gifts will help us to continue to provide vital ministries and programs for our congregation and community. We are committed to using your gifts wisely and responsibly to make a difference in the lives of others

As we look towards Christmas and then on to a new year, the Finance Committee is heartened by the congregation's response to the 2025 Stewardship campaign. We are grateful for the generous support that so many of you have already given. As of December 3rd, we have received 69 pledges totaling $611,180. This is a wonderful start, but we still need your help to reach our goal of 80% of the proposed budget.

If you have not yet made a pledge, I encourage you to do so today. Every gift makes a difference and helps us plan the Church’s budget for the new year.

Thank you for your continued support of First Baptist Church.

Sincerely,

Ryan Willis

Chair, Finance Committee

CHILDREN'S

CHRISTMAS STORY

Please mark your calendars for Sunday, December 15, at 5pm, when the children of our church will share the story of Jesus’ birth by becoming the characters in the nativity story!  They’ll build the scene as scripture is read and familiar Christmas hymns are sung. We encourage you to bring gifts of warmth (gloves, toboggans, scarves, blankets); these will be a part of our offertory during the service and will be given to the clothing ministry to share with clients this winter. We’ll conclude with a little Birthday Party for Jesus reception (ie cake and ice cream) in the fellowship hall.

If you have preschool or elementary children in your family or community who would like to participate, please contact Lynn and she’ll get them more information!  We’d love to have them join us in this very child-friendly service to center us this season!

VOLUNTEERS FOR MEALS ON WHEELS NEEDED!

These are such busy times with so many activities at FBC! This past week at our Thirty-Niners' meeting, our program was led by a volunteer and board member of Meals on Wheels, Mr. Sid Jones. He reminded us that Meals on Wheels of Wake County was created 50 years ago with the goal being that our homebound neighbors not be left alone and hungry as they grow older. Mr. Jones explained that there are 2500 seniors who are frail and hungry who need our help, even though Meals On Wheels delivers 380 meals daily. There are 11 cafés around the county for seniors to go to and participate in programming to meet their needs as they enjoy their meal. For those unable to go to a designated café, volunteers deliver their meals to their homes.

Volunteers are divided into 25–30 teams of two. Perhaps you would want to invite a friend or neighbor to be your partner—one of you would drive and the partner would give directions. Directions are outlined and printed out for you to take with you, and they are also available on a phone app. Our FBC Circle participates in this opportunity with 5–6 teams on the fifth Monday of the month. We need more FBC teams! Some of our members go twice weekly. OUR SENIORS NEED US! The opportunity is yours as Wake MoW invites you to volunteer, donate, visit a senior in the program or some elderly person that lives near you. If you would like to participate, please contact Margaret Clary or Nancy Phillips or contact the FBC office for more information.

FREE COMMUNITY

DENTAL CLINIC

We are looking forward to hosting the Baptist on Mission Dental Bus in our parking lot on Friday, December 13, from 8–3pm. This is will be our first time hosting since covid, and we're thrilled to bring this ministry back to our church! We have signed up individuals through our clothing ministry and we have a full day of appointments with a running waitlist. We are grateful that Dr. Brad Pressley is coming to serve as our dentist for the day. We will need various volunteers throughout the day, as we offer hospitality and welcome to our guests with appointments. Please sign up here to volunteer and contact Leah with any questions.

HOSPITALITY + COMMUNITY

LUKE 14:12-14

Dear Church Family,

At FBC, hospitality is at the heart of everything we do. We strive to create a warm and welcoming space each Sunday, where our worship is filled with love and openness. We offer meaningful activities for families, connecting the youngest to the oldest in fellowship that strengthens our bonds with one another.

And our commitment to serve extends beyond our walls.

Through ministries like And Also With ’Cue, we feed those who are hungry, offering more than just a meal but also friendship and care. Our clothing ministry ensures that everyone has the dignity of clean, warm clothing regardless of their circumstances. We are proud that Toy Joy continues to make Christmas brighter for families, and when lending a hand on Habitat for Humanity homesites, we are helping create homes and hope for those in need. And when our youth participate in mission trips and the annual CROP Walk, we are passing on this tradition to the next generation.

Your past gifts make these ministries and many others possible.

In Luke 14:12-14, Jesus teaches us the importance of inviting all to the table—especially those who cannot repay us. This call to hospitality mirrors what we aim to do at FBC. Every act of service, every welcoming hand, is a reflection of our collective commitment to follow Christ’s example and embrace all who seek Him.

This year, our stewardship campaign theme reflects these values of community and hospitality. This fall, our youth choir sang “Crowded Table” by The Highwomen on World Communion Sunday. Like the song says, we envision a church that makes space for everyone. We believe in a table where everyone is welcome, where there’s plenty of love and fellowship to go around, and where we serve our neighbors together in faith.

But we need your continued support for this vision to become a reality.

Our approved 2024-25 budget is $1,738,000. With your pledge, we can confidently move forward, ensuring we have the resources to continue serving one another and our broader community. Your generosity allows us to provide a space for worship, growth, and outreach—where all are truly welcome.

We invite you to prayerfully consider your pledge for the coming year. Every gift helps deepen the roots of our church, allowing us to grow in our ministry and impact. Please return your pledge card by November 30, or you can easily pledge online.

Thank you for being a vital part of this community. With your continued support, we can ensure that FBC Raleigh remains a place where all are invited to the table and God’s love is shared in word and deed.

With deep gratitude and hope,

FBC Raleigh Stewardship Committee

**As of November 26, we have received 49 pledges totaling $415,680.



HANGING OF THE GREENS & RECEPTION

Our 48th annual Hanging of the Greens service will be held Sunday, December 8, at 6pm, followed by a reception in the fellowship hall. We hope you will make plans to join us for this special service of readings and sacred music, as we adorn our sanctuary with greenery for the season of Advent.

As is our custom for this event, we are asking for homemade cookies (three dozen) from our church members and friends. If you are interested in bringing cookies, there will be sign-up sheets in the Sunday School boxes. You may also sign up to bring cookies by contacting Sheila Jordan. Please bring them on Sunday morning, December 8, so that they can be plated that afternoon before the service. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to Sheila or any member of the social committee.

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 occur as members of our music ministry share special musical offerings during the annual Hanging of the Greens service at 6pm on Sunday, December 8. 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 15 bulletin 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 Friday, December 6. 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.

THIRTY-NINERS RESUME WEEKLY GATHERINGS

Come join us Thursdays at 10:30am in the fellowship hall for interesting speakers, mission projects, and once a month, a program that's a little out of the ordinary. We also have an outing each month, but mostly we enjoy spending time together, learning something new and useful, and always ending with a meal. Come check us out before you are “too old” to get here.                            

DECEMBER 

5 Holiday monthly mission project: write Christmas cards to home-bound members, make ornaments for Lewis Lobby tree

12 Baptists on Mission Disaster Relief and More with Richard Brunson, executive director 

19 Thirty-Niner family Christmas luncheon: bring a gift for White Elephant exchange 

26 NO MEETING (CHRISTMAS)

JANUARY

2 NO MEETING (NEW YEARS)

DECEMBER CENTERPOINT

Centerpoint for December 4 will be a presentation from Dr. Patrick Fuller, executive director of the Raleigh Baptist Association. The RBA is a significant partner organization for FBC's mission efforts. Most recently FBC partnered with RBA to collect and deliver supplies for people affected by Hurricane Helene in WNC. 

WHAT'S FOR DINNER?

We would love for you to join us for a mid-week meal! The supper line is open each Wednesday night, 5:15–6:15pm. You may reserve your spot at this link on the website or by calling the church office. 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 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):

December 4: spaghetti with meatballs and tomato sauce, steamed broccoli, and garlic bread; non-meat option: spaghetti w/tomato sauce.

December 11: shrimp and grits with Texas toast and fresh fruit; non-meat: cheesy grits. 

December 18: vegetarian chili with cornbread