DC COVID-19 Relief Challenge

THE FBC MISSION TEAM is challenging the FBCDC church community to give $7,500 to help local DC communities that have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Mission Team will match these gifts with an additional $7,500 for a total of $15,000. Your gifts will enable FBC to support each of these three organizations with a $5,000 gift:

• S.O.M.E. (So Others Might Eat): an interfaith, community-based organization that exists to help people in our nation’s capital experiencing homelessness and extreme poverty.

• N STREET VIILLAGE: a women’s empowerment and recovery community founded by Luther Place Memorial Church, just blocks from First Baptist. 

• The LATIN AMERICAN YOUTH CENTER which serves over 4,000 Youth and Families in the DC area. LAYC fieldworkers continue to deliver meals and groceries school supplies (including laptops for students) and other resources families need to survive during this time. 

As of May 26, we are just $1,000 away from our congregational goal! Help us cross the finish line by giving online (below) or mailing a check to the church with DC COVID-19 RELIEF written in the memo line.

COVID-19: A Message from Pastor Julie

Christ Encounters - Sermon Series for Lent & Easter Sunday

Throughout his public ministry, Jesus encountered all kinds of people: children, women, men, rich, poor, religious, irreligious, prominent and obscure. Not only did he encounter these folk, they encountered the living Christ and found themselves changed in powerful and unexpected ways. During our Lenten pilgrimage, we’ll step into some of the most well-known encounters with Christ in the Gospels and, along the way, may even encounter ourselves in these stories of transformation and hope.

Ash Wednesday, February 26 • 7pm

Two Writing Groups During Lent

In her poem “Sometimes,” Mary Oliver writes:

Instructions for a Life.
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.

What might happen if we approached Scripture and God’s world with the holy curiosity and expectancy that poets take to the woods, the shore, or any of the places where they pay attention and listen? Whether we claim the word “writer” for ourselves or not, reading Scripture with a notebook and pen in hand can make us more attentive to its messages. The writing process will make us more curious if we listen for God and use our pens to write down what we think we hear.

Following the Saturday workshop with Carol Davis Younger on February 22 (see announcement), FBC will offer TWO 5-week writing groups during Lent:

• Saturday mornings led by Pastor Alyssa (Mar. 7-April 4, 10:30am - noon)
• Wednesday evenings led by Pastor Julie (Mar. 4 - Apr. 1, 6:30 - 8pm)

Four Parables of Jesus: The Prodigal Son, The Good Samaritan, The Sower, and The Laborers in the Vineyard, will ground our group gatherings. Each session will involve free-writing and brief writing assignments with time to share some our work with the group. Maximum of 10 participants in each group. (the sign-up period has ended)

Praying with Our Pens: Pre-Lent Writing Workshop-Saturday, Feb. 22

Carol Davis Younger

10am - 2pm. No registration fee; RSVP required; lunch provided.
The Faith Formation Team invites you to prepare for Lent at a writing workshop with Carol Davis Younger, editor of Reflections, the daily devotional guide of NextSunday Resources (Smyth & Helwys). We’ll dive into writing exercises, read Scripture with a notebook in hand, and discuss how forming words forms us spiritually. Experienced writers, and those who are simply curious about writing as a spiritual practice, are welcome.

Carol Davis Younger loves gathering and working with church writing groups because of the amazing opportunities they provide congregations for learning, community, and growth. Reflecting on our lives with pen and paper is a helpful way to pray. And sharing what we're writing with those who are doing the same often creates an unusual kind of prayer meeting. Plan to join us on February 22! Room will be announced when group size is known. No size limit; no registration fee; all are welcome!

Following the Saturday workshop, FBC will offer TWO 5-week writing groups: one on Wednesday evenings starting Mar. 4 (led by Pastor Julie) and one on Saturday mornings starting Mar. 7 (led by Pastor Alyssa). Stay tuned for more information as Lent approaches!

Reception in honor of D'O Dillard - Feb. 2, 2020

After ten years of faithful service at FBC, D'O Dillard is retiring on December 31. We will honor D'O and celebrate her ministry on Sunday, February 2 (this is a change from January 5) both in worship and at the First Sunday Potluck. Please join us as we gather for a time of laughter, gratitude and saying farewell and Godspeed.

Farewell Gift

One tangible way we are saying thanks is by donating to a farewell gift for D’O. Click the button below, sign in to Tithe.ly, and select “Retirement Gift for D’O” from the pull down menu.

Give to "Retirement Gift for D’O"

Church Family Christmas Potluck - Sunday, Dec. 8

After Worship in Fellowship Hall
We celebrate the season as a church family on December 8 with our monthly potluck meal (note -- the second Sunday in December). Lon Schreiber will play favorite Christmas piano tunes during the meal. After lunch we'll enjoy a brief theatrical performance by the FBC Kids (see announcement on p. ?). Bring your favorite dish and join the fun!

Suggested items if your last name begins with:

A-J: dessert/fruit
K-R: meat/protein
S-Z: salad/veggie

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Tuesday, Dec. 24, 4pm

"To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."Celebrate this holy night at FBC's Christmas Eve service featuring special elements for children, a reading of the Christmas story, the music of organ and choir, and a Christmas Eve meditation by Pastor Julie. We’ll conclude the service with the lighting of congregational candles.

Blue Christmas: A Service of Comfort and Hope Wednesday, Dec. 18, 7pm

For many people, the approaching Christmas holiday doesn't bring with it the joy and happiness advertised on television or in greeting cards. For those facing the holidays after the death of a loved one or after a divorce, a miscarriage, the loss of a job, or some other emotional trauma, Christmas can be the hardest season of all. Consider inviting and accompanying someone you know who is in need of hope and comfort.

62nd Annual Christmas Candlelight Carols - December 15, 4pm

Capture the joy of the season with a beloved First Baptist tradition featuring the choirs and instrumentalists of First Baptist Church, National City Christian Church and The Runnymede Singers. An offering will be collected on behalf of S.O.M.E. (So Others Might Eat), an interfaith, community-based service organization that exists to help and support residents of our nation’s capital experiencing homelessness and poverty. Enjoy hot beverages and cookies at a reception after the concert.

Limited free garage parking and street parking available.

Advent Sermon Series: A Season of Promises

The season of Advent invites us to pay special attention to the promises God has made. God the Beloved has made beautiful promises to us. Some already have been fulfilled: “A child is born to us, a son is given to us…” (Is. 6:9) and “Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord.” (Lk. 2:11) Some promises are unfolding around us, in the present, for the lives we’re living now: "Do not fear, for I am with you; don’t be afraid, for I am your God. I’ll strengthen you and help you and hold you in my strong right hand.” (Is. 41:10) And some of the promises are beckoning to us from far ahead on the road: “[God] will lead them to the springs of life-giving water and will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Rev. 7:17b). In this season you are invited to open yourself to the beautiful promises of God.

December 1
The Promise of Home
Revelation 7:9-17

December 8
The Promise of Presence
Philippians 2:1-11

December 15
The Promise of Justice
Luke 1:39-55

December 22
The Promise of Kindness
Titus 3:3-7

December 24
Christmas Eve
A Promise in Plain Wrapping
Luke 2:1-20

Church Family Thanksgiving Feast - Sunday, Nov. 24

Our annual Thanksgiving gathering is Sunday, November 24 in Fellowship Hall. The cost is $12 per adult and $5 per child 12 and under, If you are able please buy an extra ticket for a guest who happens to worship with us that day. Online reservations are closed. You may pay with check or cash the day of the event. Questions? Contact D'O Dillard at ddillard@firstbaptistdc.org

7th Annual Halloween Organ Concert on Thursday, October 31st at 7pm

On Thursday, October 31st at 7pm, local organists appear in costume to celebrate with spooky music on FBC's Austin Organ. Invite your friends to this fun concert which is free to the public. It lasts about an hour and takes place in the FBC Sanctuary.

First Sunday Virtuoso Organists Concert Series

From the first year our Austin Organ was installed (2013), we have presented world-famous organists in concert. Washington organists have participated in the annual Halloween concerts, but this is the first year we will present Washington Virtuoso Artists in solo concerts.

Starting in September, we will present these artists in our First Sunday Virtuoso Organists concert series:

Sunday, September 1 @ 2pm -- Dr. Mickey Thomas Terry
Sunday, October 6 @ 2pm -- Dr. Eileen Guenther
Sunday, November 3 @ 2pm -- Marvin Mills

Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and join us for world-class music!

A Prayer on 9-11

National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

Loving, present God, as we begin this day 
we pause to remember. 
We remember the 2,976 men, women and children 
who died in New York City, at the Pentagon 
and on Flight 93 eighteen years ago. 

We pray for spouses and children and parents 
and grandparents and friends and co-workers 
who find themselves weeping today.

As we remember that harrowing day, 
we acknowledge that You are Almighty God, 
maker of heaven and earth, 
giver of life, 
vanquisher of death, 
bringer of life everlasting.  

You are the God of all power 
who has given us power, as well:

power to create, not to destroy;
power to love, not to hate;
power to build instead of tearing down;
power to reconcile instead of breaking apart; 
and power to seek restorative justice instead of revenge.

As we pray in the name of Jesus Christ,
may we walk always in his Spirit and in his way,
even as we pray the words he taught us to pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
 
Peace and grace,

                                                   

Pastor Julie

Flawed and Faithful: The Life of David

The books of Samuel in the Hebrew Bible, written with exquisite artistry and intuition about the human condition, tell the story of the shepherd-king, David, one of the few people in the Bible whose life we get to follow all the way from youth to the end of old age. David is not an exemplary man. He shows us not how we should live, but how in fact we do live. In watching him, we learn something of our own "hurts, hates and hopes" (W. Brueggemann). The story of David invites us to discern what humanness is all about when lived in the presence of an ever-reaching God and in the presence of earthly power that invites, entices and consumes.

September 15
Resisting Oppressors
1 Samuel 17:32-33, 36-49

September 22
Jon Singletary Preaching
ENNEAGRAM WEEKEND
Jon and his wife Wendi are leading our Enneagram Weekend Sept. 20-21. Read more here. Dr. Jon Singletary is dean and professor at the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He earned his PhD and MSW degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University, his MDiv from Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond, and his BA from Baylor. He and Wendi are the parents of five children and are members of Calvary Baptist Church in Waco.

September 29
Repaying Evil with Good
1 Sam 24:8-19

October 6
Living with Abandon
2 Samuel 6:14-23
WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY

October 13
Amanda Tyler Preaching
Amanda Tyler, Executive Director of BJC (Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty) and a member of FBCDC, brings the message on 10/13 while Pastor Julie leads a church retreat in the U.K. In 2016, Amanda became the sixth executive director in the organization’s 80-year history. She earned her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and her law degree from The University of Texas. Amanda lives nearby in FBC's neighborhood with her husband, Robert Behrendt, and their son, Phelps.

October 20
Owning Our Guilt
2 Samuel 12:1-14

October 27
Grieving Terrible Loss
2 Samuel 12:15b-25

November 3
Navigating Betrayal
2 Samuel 15:13-16, 23-26, 28-30 (CEB)
ALL SAINTS SUNDAY

November 10
Surviving the Unthinkable
2 Samuel 18:24-19:4

November 17
Leaving Unfinished Dreams
1 Chronicles 22:1-16

November 24
Giving Genuine Gifts
2 Samuel 24:18-24
GRATITUDE SUNDAY

Enneagram Weekend September 20-21, 2019

Join us for a special workshop on “Enneagram and Relationships,” taught by experts Dr. Jon and Wendi Singletary. The Enneagram is a tool with ancient roots that can help us know ourselves and each other better so we can grow more into the people that God created us to be. Anyone is welcome to attend this special workshop, which will provide a good introduction and more information for those who want to continue their exploration of the Enneagram.

Jon Singletary is dean and professor at the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Wendi Singletary, a Baylor University graduate, is a first grade teacher. They are the parents of five children. They have both taught and led several workshops on the Enneagram for groups around the country.

Friday, September 20: Doors open and dinner served at 6:30pm, program 7pm - 9pm
Saturday, September 21: Doors open and coffee/snacks served at 9:30am, program 10am – 3pm (including lunch)

Register below to reserve your spot! Registration fee for the entire weekend is $30. If that fee is a financial barrier to attending, please let us know as we have a limited number of scholarships available.

August Forum 2019

Sundays begin with a light breakfast in Fellowship Hall at 9am, followed by a presentation/lecture from 9:30–10:30am and worship in the sanctuary at 11am.

Sunday August 25

9:30am Lecture: Paul, Power, and Privilege by Dr. Angela Parker
Assistant Professor of New Testament and Greek at McAfee School of Theology, Atlanta, GA.

In contemporary society, the devaluation of black and brown bodies in the United States is a continuing problem. Engaging power, privilege, and identity in Galatians, the lecture will problematize Paul’s privileged use of his own body as ״bearing the marks of Jesus״ in Galatians 6:17, and will wrestle critically with the wholesale adoption of Pauline “identity” and “body” language while thinking through steps to nuance our understanding of Christian identity for individual bodies in the collective body of Christ.

11am: Angela Parker Preaching in Worship
Sandra Bland at the Cross (Mark 15:40-47)

Dr. Angela Parker was recently appointed to the faculty of the James and Carolyn McAfee School of Theology, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA. She previously taught at The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, where she served as assistant professor of biblical studies since 2015. She has also taught courses at Seattle University, Northwest University, Trinity Lutheran College and Catholic Theological Union. Her teaching and research interests include New Testament texts and contexts, The Gospel of Mark, Pauline epistles and theology, womanist biblical interpretation, theology and ethics, contemporary hermeneutical strategies, and postcolonial theory. Dr. Parker earned her Bachelor of Arts in religion and philosophy from Shaw University, Master of Theological Studies from Duke University Divinity School and Doctor of Philosophy in Bible, Culture and Hermeneutics from Chicago Theological Seminary. Welcome Dr. Parker!

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PAST SPEAKERS

Sunday August 4 

9:30am: Presentation by FBC Spain Mission Immersion Group 

11am: Pastor Alyssa Preaching in Worship
It's All Dust (Luke 12:13-21)

Sunday August 11

9:30am: Presentation by FBC/Nineteenth Street Baptist Church History Group 

11am: Rev. Dr. Darryl Roberts, Pastor of Nineteenth Street Baptist Church, Preaching in Worship

Sunday August 18

9:30am Lecture: The Ties That Bind: Reclaiming Covenant Today by Rev. Dr. David Gushee, Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics and director of the Center for Theology and Public Life at Mercer University in Atlanta/Macon, GA. Much of the dysfunction in American life and in our churches and families today is a result of the collapse of covenant-keeping. This central biblical theme can illuminate a path forward for church and society.

11am: David Gushee Preaching in Worship
Keeping Our Covenants (Isaiah 56:1-8, Matthew 5:31-37)

Summer of Fun 2019

Every summer, FBC devotes intentional time and energy to building community, relaxing together and getting to know one another -- newcomers and long-timers alike -- in new and fun ways. Some events are free; others require purchase of a ticket payable below; if online payment isn't your thing, just call our office at (202)387-2206 and Zena Aldridge will be happy to assist you).

Kayaking on the Potomac - Sunday, August 11

Alyssa Aldape

After worship; Hosted by Alyssa Aldape
Join Pastor Alyssa and others for kayaking on the Potomac after church on Sunday, August 11th. Kayaks are a great option for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike. For ages 8 and up. Alyssa has room to bring 6 people in her car to Key Bridge Boathouse (and/or it's easy to Uber/Lyft ride). Bring a sack lunch or grab food from a restaurant close by. RSVP to Pastor Alyssa: aaldape@firstbaptistdc.org by Friday August 9th. RATES: Single Kayak $16/hr. Double Kayak $22/hr (2 adults, 1 small child).

Kevin Biggins

Friday, August 16
Jazz in the National Gallery Sculpture Garden

5pm, Hosted by Kevin Biggins
Travel to New Orleans without leaving D.C.! Come and hear the Dixie Power Trio, with their twist on New Orleans Jazz with hints of Rock and Roll, while sitting grass-side (or table-side) in the beautiful Smithsonian Sculpture Garden. The Pavilion Cafe is open for drinks and food. Please RSVP to Kevin Biggins; kevinbigginsjr@gmail.com. There's no cost and space is not limited, so come alone or with friends!

https://www.nga.gov/calendar/jazz/jazz-in-the-garden/dixie-power-trio.html
http://www.dixiepowertrio.com/calendar.html

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PAST EVENTS

Saturday, July 13
Topgolf Alexandria

Charlie Reynolds

4:30-6:30pm, Hosted by Charlie Reynolds
Never tried Topgolf? Think "golf's version of a really nice bowling alley." Fun for the whole family! Meet at Topgolf (6625 S. Van Dorn St., Alexandria, VA) a little before 4pm. Cost: $25 per person, plus food and drink. Sign up and pay below.

SOLD OUT

Tuesday, July 9
Film at the French Embassy

Mike Henson

7pm, Hosted by Mike Henson
See Entre Nous ("Between Us"; in French with English subtitles) on Tuesday, July 9, at 7pm. The Embassy is at 4101 Reservoir Road NW, across from Georgetown University Hospital. The event is free but you must register with your name as it appears on your ID (which will be checked at the Embassy entrance). Seating is unreserved, so it's best to arrive by 6:30pm. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/screening-entre-nous-by-diane-kurys-tickets-61188128339 then please let Mike Henson know you're coming (703) 980-5960, hensonme@msn.com. If your schedule allows, join us for happy hour at a nearby restaurant TBD.

Rochelle Howard

Saturday, June 29
Picnic on the National Mall

Hosted by Rochelle Howard
Meet at the church at Noon and walk to the national mall. Rochelle is providing sandwiches, drinks and snacks (limit: 20 participants). No cost, just good company. Enjoy fellowship in the midst of DC's most visited grounds. BYOPB (bring your own picnic blanket)!

Saturday, June 1: Congressional Chorus Concert

Amanda Tyler

Philip Hawkins

Hosted by Amanda Tyler
The Congressional Chorus (including FBCDC's own Philip Hawkins) will perform at 7:30pm, at National City Christian Church (5 Thomas Circle, just blocks from First Baptist). The program, titled “Let Justice Roll: From Montgomery to Selma to Birmingham,” features ground-breaking musical works that shed light on the long and painful history of racial inequality in the United States and celebrate the people who have worked to bring justice, freedom and hope to everyone who calls this nation their home. Deadline to RSVP and pay HERE: Friday, May 17. And, if your schedule allows, join us for dinner before the concert at 5:30pm at a nearby restaurant TBD. Questions? Contact Amanda Tyler at amanda_tyler@hotmail.com.

More Info:
https://congressionalchorus.org/let-justice-roll

Saturday, June 15: Baseball! Nationals vs. Diamondbacks

Hosted by Lucy Plovnick
Game starts at 4:05pm. - SOLD OUT - Friday, June 7. Questions? Contact Lucy Plovnick at lhp@msk.com.

Lucy Plovnick