Fall/Winter Dates - Save the Date

October 23
Fall Forum with Sarah Willie-LeBreton (9:30 & 11am)

October 30
Blessing of the Animals (2:30pm on Zoom)

November 6
All Saints Worship (11am)
Organ Recital and Reception in Honor of Lon Schreiber (4pm)

November 20
Gratitude Sunday
Thanksgiving Lunch & Celebration of Lon Schreiber after Worship

November 27
First Sunday of Advent

December 11
64th Candlelight Carols (4pm)

December 18
Blue Christmas: A Service of Consolation (4pm)

December 24
Christmas Eve Worship with Chancel Choir (4pm)

December 25
Christmas Day Worship with Chancel Choir (11am)

January 1
Worship (11am)

Fall Forum with Dr. Willie-LeBreton

9:30am | Faith Formation
At 9:30am, all adult and youth faith formation classes meet in Fellowship Hall for coffee and a continental breakfast (children meet in their usual location). We will hear Dr. Willie-LeBreton speak on A Contemplative Approach to Conflict: For the Playground, the Kitchen and the Office.

11am | Worship
with Dr. Willie-LeBreton preaching: “My people shall never be ashamed: Abundance, Loneliness, the Finished Race and the Good Fight.”

Dr. Willie-LeBreton is Provost and Dean of Faculty and Professor of Sociology at Swarthmore College, and president-elect of Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, a role she will assume in July 2023. As a Quaker and a contemplative, Dr. Willie-LeBreton speaks from the intersection of faith and culture.

What Will Be Your Legacy?

Bruce Salmon

After I retired from 33 years as pastor of Village Baptist Church in Bowie, Md., I began to reflect on what my legacy might be. That reflection resulted in writing books which became the Spelunking Scripture Bible study series. The books explore important passages of scripture related to Christmas, Easter, the Letters of Paul, and Acts and the General Epistles of the New Testament. Maybe these books could be a kind of legacy. 

All of us who are friends and members of First Baptist Church can help create another legacy, namely the new community building that is under construction where the FBC education building used to be. This new building will provide additional space for church meetings and activities and community ministries. This community building will be our legacy to those who come after us.   

We are calling the Capital Campaign to help pay for this new building “Give It Forward.”  Our gifts to the Capital Campaign will provide facilities to move forward into the future that God has for First Baptist Church. 

 In gratitude for your gift, I would be happy to send you an inscribed copy of one of my Spelunking Scripture Bible study books. 

If you received a gift form in the mail, you can place it in the offering plate Sunday; mail it to the church office; or scan the form and email it to zaldridge@firstbaptistdc.org. 

Additional forms will be available in the Narthex Sunday. Please join us with your generous gift to the Capital Campaign. 

Bruce Salmon, Co-Chair, Give It Forward Capital Campaign 

The Sanctuary Course

The Sanctuary Course

Resource Descriptions

Informed and empathetic conversations about mental health and mental health challenges can transform communities of faith. The Sanctuary Course is an eight- week study guide for churches and small groups who want to learn about mental health and start their own conversations.

The Sanctuary Course was created to equip churches as they seek to become sanctuaries where individuals with mental health challenges feel safe, supported, and a sense of belonging. Each session explores key mental health topics, drawing upon the insights of mental health professionals, church leaders, and people with lived experience.

The Sanctuary Course is a resource designed to engage communities of faith in vital conversations about mental health and mental health challenges. Come and learn about important topics such as stigma, recovery, companionship, and self-care. This course requires no prior mental health training or expertise; it is for anyone interested in starting the faith and mental health conversation.

One in four people will be affected by a mental health challenge at some point in their lives, yet the stigma surrounding these experiences often prevents faith communities from responding compassionately and effectively. The Sanctuary Course is a small-group resource designed to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and engage communities in meaningful conversations about mental health and faith. Each session examines a key mental health topic, and the accompanying films feature insights from mental health professionals, church leaders, and theologians.

How can a church become a sanctuary—a place where individuals living with mental health challenges feel safe, supported, and a sense of belonging? The Sanctuary Course was created to inspire and equip communities of faith that are asking this important question. Developed in consultation with mental health professionals, theologians, and people with lived experience, this eight-session study guide explores key mental health topics and examines meaningful ways to offer companionship, support recovery, and promote wellbeing.

Mid-Atlantic Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Fall Gathering Sunday Oct. 2, 2022 3 - 5pm

Come hear Paul Baxley, Executive Coordinator of CBF Global, as he shares about how God is working through CBF and what lies ahead.

Breakout Sessions for Lay Leaders

Worship Leading and Care Ministry for Lay Leaders

Seeing various faces leading in worship makes everyone feel welcome and included, but not everyone feels comfortable speaking in public. Reading scripture or praying in a worship service is something we can all do. Join Rev. Robin Bolen Anderson, a pastor who also has a BFA in theater performance, for a workshop on leading in worship, including how to write and deliver prayers. We’ll also end with the worshipful act of staying connected with fellow worshipers throughout the year, not just when we meet in a service. This session is a must attend for deacons, worship committee members, and anyone interested in improving upon or even overcoming fears around leading in worship.

Jesus as Teacher

In this session, we will explore Jesus' role and practice as a master teacher and explore ways we can learn from His example. We will discuss methods and practices that can be used in various learning settings with learners of all ages. Led by Dr. Sarah Boberg, who is the Program Coordinator of Boundary Spanning Theological Education at Campbell University Divinity School.

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What is the Mid-Atlantic Cooperative Baptist Fellowship?

The mission of the Mid-Atlantic Cooperative Baptist Fellowship is to serve Baptist churches and Christians as they discover and fulfill their God-given mission they seek to minister in the name of Jesus Christ and according to the Biblical principles upon which Baptist Churches are built. It's aims are:

1. Strengthen the network of Baptist congregations who are in relationship with the national Cooperative Baptist Fellowship in the Mid-Atlantic Region. The region includes Delaware, Maryland, Northern Virginia, South Central Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

2. Plan and promote mission projects that involve the Mid-Atlantic churches and individuals in hands-on missions opportunities.

3. Present programs that articulate Baptist expression of faith and the values of the national Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, a Georgia corporation.

4. Facilitate the collection of offerings from churches and individuals for the ministries and global missions programs of the national Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and gifts designated to MACBF.

5. Assist in starting new MACBF churches.

6. Provide resources and support to Baptist congregations and individuals within MACBF.

From Pastor Julie: We’ll See What the Spirit Will Do

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

Lon Schreiber To Retire

Dr. Lawrence P. Schreiber will retire in November after 22 years as organist and choirmaster at the First Baptist Church of the City of Washington, D.C.

Dr. Schreiber, known as Lon, became the music leader at First Baptist in 2000 after “retiring” from National City Christian Church where he served 40 years as music minister.

“I flunked Retirement 101,” Dr. Schreiber said. “We’ll see how I do with 102.”

During his tenure at First Baptist, Dr. Schreiber added depth and breadth to the music and worship ministries. He expanded the congregation’s traditional hymn repertoire and added a wide range of choral repertoire to include African-American spirituals and other historical and contemporary sacred music.

He led the selection and acquisition of two iconic instruments for the church: a nine-foot Steinway concert grand piano in 2007 and, in 2012, the five-manual Austin organ with more than 6,000 pipes and trumpets in four chambers.

Under Dr. Schreiber’s leadership, the Steinway and the organ served as instruments of both worship and welcome. At his invitation, renowned pianists and organists performed free recitals, including an annual Halloween celebration featuring guest organists in costume and a concert of eerie music.

Dr. Schreiber oversaw the musical worship during Holy Week services and the beloved Candlelight Carols, an annual community event at First Baptist since 1955.

“Lon Schreiber is as fine a musician, as fine a minister, and as fine a human being as I have known,” said Senior Pastor Julie Pennington-Russell. “Serving with Lon at First Baptist Church has been a joyful journey characterized by laughter, respect, friendship and love.”

“It is rare to find an excellent musician who is also an excellent minister, yet Dr. Schreiber is both,” said Eric Mathis, Associate Pastor for Faith Formation, Worship & the Arts and Young Adults. “The music and worship ministries at National City Christian Church and First Baptist Church have been greatly enhanced by his capable musical leadership and faithful pastoral ministry. Serving alongside Dr. Schreiber has been, and always will be, one of the greatest privileges of my life.”

Dr. Schreiber’s last Sunday at First Baptist is scheduled for Nov. 20. Celebrations of his tenure will be announced.

Faith Forty Returns with Animate: Practices

Faith Forty will return to Fellowship Hall beginning Sunday, September 11. All are welcome for fellowship, coffee, and a light breakfast beginning at 9:40am. Forty minutes of faith-forming activities including a thematic video and lesson led by Pastor Joel will begin at 10am.

Each week we'll focus on a different practice for living as a Christ-follower in the world. Topics for conversation include prayer, food, worship, sacraments, money, service and community.

The Youth Faith Formation class also will be studying Animate: Practices, led by Pastor Jennifer, and will meet in the fellowship hall at the Youth Table.

Sing with the Chancel Choir for Candlelight Carols

The Candelight Carols Premier is Sunday, September 11, after worship. The choir will rehearse Candlelight music in the middle of our regular weekly rehearsal. You can join us around 10am and stay until 10:30am each Sunday morning to learn the Christmas music we will present for Candlelight Carols on Sunday, December 11, at 4pm.

Homecoming: Sunday, September 11

Mark your calendar for FBC Homecoming Sunday on September 11. Faith Formation classes and Chancel Choir will resume, we will celebrate communion, and share a potluck meal after worship.

Everyone is invited to this special day together – those who have been worshiping in-person and online, as well as those who haven’t yet returned since before the pandemic.

Church Council Receives Reports on Construction, Finances and Missional Ventures

The FBCDC Church Council, comprising lay leaders, pastors and church staff, met Sunday afternoon, Aug. 21, 2022, to receive reports on activities and plans.

The Council spent the first 30 minutes of the hour-long meeting in prayerful consideration of four questions:

• 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 to it?

Construction

Executive Pastor Joel Campbell reported on behalf of the Facilities Improvement Team. Highlights:

• Per Keener-Squire Partner Michael Korns, FBC should receive a Certificate of Occupancy for the new building by June 1, 2023.

• Staff continues to monitor and fine tune FBC’s systems related to HVAC and boiler.

Finances

Treasurer Mike Henson reported on spending and income for FY 2021-2022, which ended June 30, 2022. Highlights:

• Congregational contributions for the FY totaled $357,789—approximately 95% of FBC spending plan projection of $377,000. 

• Church expenditures totaled $1,750,642 for FY 21-22, which was approximately 2.7% above the amount anticipated in the spending plan. This resulted in expenditures of $35,941 more than the church took in.

Capital Campaign

Co-chair Bruce Salmon reported on behalf of the Give it Forward Team working on the $1 million capital campaign.

• To date, approximately $276,000 has been donated by 23 givers.

Missional Ventures

Mission Team member Linda Salmon reported on recent mission initiatives that showcased the generosity of First Baptist:

• 10,000 meals paid for and packed for Rise Against Hunger. FBC will be notified where the meals will be shipped and when.

• Apartment for Afghan family was fully furnished and outfitted with donations from FBC The family was particularly grateful for the chance to shop with gift cards provided by First Baptist. Under the agreement, FBC will have no further contact with the family, but other groups are working with them on paperwork and other needs.

• The American Red Cross blood drive July 26 drew 35 donors. The next blood drive is scheduled for Sept. 26.

Moderator Coates set out dates for future meetings including quarterly business meetings of the congregation in November 2022 and February 2023.

~ Christi Harlan, Church Clerk

Support Students in Need

This back-to-school season the Mission Team invites you to give to students in need through two worthy organizations:

The Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) &
The National Center for Children and Families (NCCF)

Throughout this affluent region, many students will begin the first day of school without the supplies they need to learn. These items will ensure young people have access to the items they need for academic success such as strong and sturdy backpacks to hold the various school supplies they need.

You can support the Latin American Youth Center Back to School Campaign by clicking the donate button below or purchasing from their Amazon wishlist below.

You can support the National Center for Children and Families (NCCF) Back to School Drive by clicking the donate button below or by purchasing from their Target and Amazon wishlists below.

Donate to LAYC

LAYC Amazon wishlist

Donate to NCCF

NCCF Target wishlist

NCCF Amazon wishlist

On Being: Invitations to Wholeness and Joy | Summer Sermon Series

Register for Education for Ministry (EfM)

In a Nutshell, EfM Is . . .

• A means to grow deeper in the knowledge and love of God, while discerning your gifts for ministry in the world

• A place of trust and confidentiality

• Theological education and Bible study

Registration is now open for the First Baptist EfM group. The group will meet once per week beginning in early fall. Email Roderick Coates at roderick.coates@gmail.com with questions or to register. 

Click to Image above to Download EfM introduction PDF

New In-Person Contemplative Group Starts in September

New In-Person Contemplative Group Starts in September

Led by Pastor Julie and Leslie Alford

• Does the velocity at which you are living hinder you from being fully present with the people in your life? 

• Do you long to be more aware of God’s presence in each moment?

• Do you want to live and act from a more grounded place, with God at the center?

• Do you wish to deepen discernment of Holy Spirit’s movement in your life?

• Do you want to explore the depths of prayer?

Pastor Julie and Leslie Alford invite you to join them in a 9-month contemplative small group experience in which we will lean back into our “spiritual hearts” and watch and listen for God’s loving presence and movement in our individual lives and in the life of our congregation.

Basics:

• Group is limited to 7 participants (in addition to Julie and Leslie)

• We will meet one Saturday morning per month for 2.5 hours, Sept.-May

• (first gathering lasts 3 hours; dates to be determined by the group)

• We’ll gather in group members’ homes (hosting isn’t a requirement to join) and share a light breakfast together

• No prior contemplative experience needed, just an open heart, a willingness to commit to the 9-month journey, and a desire to be more fully present with God

• Monthly themes include:

  • personal presence in God

  • practicing personal and group discernment

  • addressing conflict prayerfully

  • social action from the contemplative heart, and more.

• We conclude the year with a retreat at the beautiful Bon Secours Retreat Center in Marriottsville, MD.

Interested? Contact Pastor Julie at jpr@firstbaptistdc.org.

Deadline to sign up: August 25.

Summer of Fun | Friday Night at the Ballpark | Saturday, September 30

Friday Night at the Ballpark

Saturday, September 30

 
Join Lucy Plovnick for a Friday night of fellowship and baseball as the Nationals take on the Phillies at 7:05pm.  Metro Stop: Navy Yard or Capitol South.

Cost is $33/ticket.  Our section includes 2 wheelchair accessible spots. RSVP by Friday, August 26 by emailing or calling Zena in the church office:  office@firstbaptistdc.org or 202-387-2206 ext. 412.

National Gallery of Art Tour

Summer of Fun: National Gallery of Art Tour
Saturday, August 20 at 10am

Pastor Julie hosts a tour of the National Gallery, led by art historian Chuck McCorkle. We will explore how artists have depicted biblical themes and consider how these works of art may speak to our hearts today. We will learn about the historical context of works ranging from the 14th century into the early 20th century, featuring artists from Italy, Spain, and the U.S. 

Chuck McCorkle is currently a docent at the National Gallery of Art. He also is a co-leader for an annual pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy, sponsored by the Shalem Institute. Chuck has a particular interest in joining art and prayer as part of a contemplative practice.

This event is free (with a suggested donation of $10-$15 as an honorarium for Chuck) and limited to 20 individuals. Group will meet at the National Gallery at 10am for the 10:15am tour. 

Metro Stop: Archives/Navy Memorial. Details about the meet-up location at the Gallery will be sent the day before the event.

Lunch together (optional) after the tour in the Cascade Café, located between the East and West wings of the National Gallery. 

Please RSVP by Thursday, August 18 by emailing or calling Zena in the church office:  office@firstbaptistdc.org or 202-387-2206 ext. 412.

YouthCUE Guest Choir on July 3, 2022

This Sunday, we welcome members of the Nation’s Capital Festival of Choirs to worship. The choir includes teenagers and adults from congregations across the United States. They learned music before arriving to the Capitol this week and started rehearsals at National City Christian Church. They will perform in the National Cathedral on Saturday evening. This year’s concert features the mass student choir as well as The Claude Bass Tribute Concert for Adults, featuring the music of American composer Claude L. Bass.

The Nation’s Capital Festival of Choirs offers participants a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity of singing in one of the premiere venues in the United States, the Washington National Cathedral. The festival weekend is sponsored by YouthCUE, the premier student choir resource in North America.

Based in San Antonio, Texas, YouthCUE was established in 1990 by Randy Edwards. YouthCUE's mission is to equip, enable and empower student choir directors with the tools and resources they need to develop healthy, vibrant student choirs in the communities they serve. More information about YouthCUE can be found at www.youthcue.org.

Sunday morning’s repertoire will be selected from the following:

Saints Bound for Heaven by Mack Wilberg

Psalm 27 by Heather Sorenson

The Lord Is My Light by Craig Courtney

God Is Doing Something New by Robert Sterling

Even Here by Mark Miller

Leaving Us to Say “Goodbye” by Robert Sterling

Glory Be by Heather Sorenson

Fairest Lord Jesus by Derek Hakes

Be Thou My Vision by Claude Bass

How Blest Are They by Claude Bass

Sometimes a Light Surprises by Claude Bass

Cast Thy Burden Upon the Lord by Claude Bass

Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts by Claude Bass

Youth Sunday June 12

In-Person & Live Streamed @ 11am

Support First Baptist Youth as the lead our worship by attending worship this Sunday, June 12.

Proverbs 8:1-14, 22-31
Romans 5:1-5
John 16:12-15

Confront Racism & Poverty

Join the First Baptist in the Poor People’s Campaign Assembly and Moral March on Washington on Saturday, June 18..

8:30am: Meet at First Baptist (parking available in FBC's garage)
9am: Gather at the rally point
10am: March begins

The Mass Poor People’s & Low-Wage Workers' Assembly is a rally and march on Saturday, June 18th.

The campaign, led by Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II and Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, is a revival of the efforts of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to unite poor and impacted communities across the country to bring a revolution of values in America. The campaign seeks to confront racism and poverty by building a movement that will shift the moral narrative, impact policies and elections and build lasting power for poor and impacted people.

For information about the Assembly and Moral March on Washington and to learn about ways to participate please email the campaign at washingtondc@poorpeoplescampaign.org.

To sign up, click below to email Pastor Eric by Monday, June 13.