Dear FBC Family:
Three Sundays ago, the Church Council spent time in silence and conversation in response to four questions. Council members met in groups of three for 30 minutes in Zoom breakout rooms. Afterwards, we were invited to write one word in the Chat describing the experience. Connected, said one. Illuminating, said another. Surprising. Joyful. Relational. Deep. Important.
Today I invite you to sit with the same four questions. Warning: they are simple but not easy. They ask you to dive below the surface. Who knows—you may find a pearl or two.
What is your deepest desire in your relationship with God?
What is God’s deepest desire for you?
How would you describe the spiritual climate of our church?
How does the Spirit seem to be moving or hidden in our church and what are your ways of responding?
My own response to the question, “How does the Spirit seem to be moving in our church,” would point to the waves of new people walking through FBC’s doors every Sunday. Here is some extraordinary news that may surprise you: During the three-month period between June 5 and September 4, 2022,
more than 50 different newcomers have worshipped with First Baptist Church,
the overwhelming majority are in their 20s and 30s,
and at least 15 of these new friends have returned, some of them multiple times.
This influx of newcomers is nothing short of miraculous. At a time when thousands of U.S. churches are closing each year and membership in houses of worship has dropped below 50% for the first time in 80 years, the steady stream of new lives moving through FBC’s doors seeking…God? Community? Friendship? Hope?...is a gift.
Will you participate in the Spirit’s work by celebrating and befriending these new folk whenever you’re in worship? Let them know you see them and are glad they are here. Make sure they have a worship guide in hand. Sit nearby so they aren’t surrounded by a bunch of empty pews. Invite one or two to lunch. We’ll see what the Spirit will do.
Finally, I do hope you will be there this Sunday as we begin a fresh season of faith formation groups for all ages. Our choir will be back in worship and we’ll share communion together and offer prayers in remembrance of 9/11. Following worship, we’ll share a potluck lunch—and after that, FBC Youth will take small gifts to local first responders (police and firefighters) and the Chancel Choir will preview Candlelight Carols music.
As for a few changes in worship this week—moving the communion table closer to the congregation and seating the choir in the center of the chancel—I ask you to come with an open heart as we give these changes a try for the next six months or so. We’ll see what the Spirit will do.
I am, as ever, immensely grateful to be on this road with you.
Pastor Julie