Dear FBC Family:
One of the deepest joys in Christian community is watching the young ones in our midst grow up—physically, mentally, and spiritually. It is every church’s sacred responsibility to ensure the spiritual nurture of children and teenagers. First Baptist DC has been blessed for many years with adults who were called to this work and whose prayers, time and energy made all the difference in the lives of our children and youth.
I’m writing to the congregation to ask for your blessing of a recommendation at the upcoming Congregational Meeting regarding youth leadership and to let you know of a positive development regarding children’s leadership.
Youth Leadership:
One year ago, FBC needed someone to come alongside the middle schoolers and high schoolers in our congregation. Jennifer Campbell readily responded to this need and has been a faithful, wise, creative presence with them, even as she’s continued to fulfill her staff roles with communications and the Give It Forward capital campaign.
Since March of 2021, Jennifer:
Continues to serve as leader of Youth Faith Formation Hour on Sundays
Brought FBC youth to Passport Camp
Initiated the making of Thanksgiving candy bags for Drake residents
Formed a partnership with the youth group at McLean Baptist Church
Has led monthly youth outings (National Zoo, FBC building tours & pizza, fall gathering at Ellen Parkhurst’s, Christmas party at The Harper, snow tubing, bowling, lock-in at McLean Baptist)
At the Annual Meeting on May 1, the Personnel Committee and I will ask the congregation to bless Jennifer’s ministry already-in-progress by affirming her as FBC’s Minister to Youth and Families. Please take a moment to read Jennifer’s resume and you’ll see that Jennifer brings considerable ministry experience to First Baptist.
Children’s Leadership:
In January 2022, Carolyn Roebuck became FBC’s Interim Minister to Children and Families. The initial plan was for Carolyn to serve for several months while FBC initiated a search for a permanent children’s minister. However, as we’ve been preparing the spending plan for the 2022-23 fiscal year, FBC’s finance and personnel teams believe it wise to allow the congregation more time to emerge from pandemic realities before initiating that search.
I’m happy to share that Carolyn Roebuck has agreed to stay on as Interim Minister to Children and Families until summer of 2023. Carolyn has assembled a marvelous Sunday morning team of Bible teachers and caregivers, and loves ministering to FBC’s children and families.
God is doing a beautiful work in this beloved community of faith—through gifted, wise, generous laypeople and caring, committed pastors and staff. This is cause for celebration.
Peace and grace,
Pastor Julie
Personnel Committee:
Denny Austin
Jay Guenthner
Lucy Plovnick
Dave Ryder