Seeking: Lent 2023
The Scripture texts in this year’s Lenten worship ask all kinds of questions.
Some of the questions feel restorative: “Can these bones live?”
Some feel like a charge or challenge: “To whom will we listen?” Some questions are hopeful and curious: “How do we begin again?”
Like the characters in these Lenten texts, we also are seeking many things: clarity, connection, wonder, justice, balance. We are seeking our calling. We are seeking the sacred, and how to live as a disciple.
Throughout the turbulence of the past few years, many are asking big questions about life and faith. If you are returning to church, you’re likely returning with more questions and a critical lens.
This Lent, the Spirit is inviting us to engage in the spiritual practice of seeking. May this Lenten journey create a safe space to explore—to be drawn more deeply into the fullness of life, into the heart of God.
Church Council Considers Engaging a Congregational Consultant
On Sunday, February 12, FBC’s Church Council—which includes all ministry and administrative team leaders, church moderator, treasurer, clerk, and pastoral staff—gathered for a special meeting requested by Pastor Julie and Pastor Eric.
After a responsive prayer, the pastors presented a proposal that the church engage a congregational consultant to help First Baptist assess current realities; take a fresh look at FBC’s vision, mission and values; and create an action plan with accountability.
Pastor Eric described the genesis of the proposal, including congregational participation that hasn’t rebounded following the pandemic; the need for engagement with newcomers, especially young adults and families; and the diminished size of the pastoral staff amidst a construction project and capital campaign.
Council members discussed the need for a consultant, including experience with prior consultants. They also considered options for funding such a consultant and the importance of congregational agreement and engagement in the process.
The council reached a consensus that engagement of a consultant would be a beneficial investment for First Baptist Church. Moderator Rod Coates will assemble a small team to assess the specific proposal from Pastors Julie and Eric along with other options and report to the full council on March 19. The team will be led by council members Dave Ryder, a trustee of the First Baptist Foundation and Christi Harlan, church trustee and clerk.
Afterward, Pastor Julie said, “This is holy work. This journey has the potential to be a spiritually transformative experience for us all as we remain open to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.”
Online Ash Wednesday Service Feb 22 @ Noon
February 22 @ Noon
Live-Streamed from the Sanctuary
FBC's Lenten journey begins on Ash Wednesday, February 22. This year's Ash Wednesday service will be online only, streamed live from the sanctuary at noon via www.firstbaptistdc.org and Facebook Live. We will not meet in person.
You can worship online, in real-time at noon, or you can access the service at a time that is convenient for you. Supplies for imposing your own ashes will be made available in person and if requested, by mail the week of February 12. Requests to be added to our mailing list can be emailed to office@firstbaptistdc.org.
Quarterly Business Meeting: Congregation Approves Investments
On Sunday, February 5, First Baptist members gathered after worship for a potluck and quarterly congregational meeting. Congregation leaders provided updates on church finances, sanctuary renovations, construction of the new community building, the Give It Forward capital campaign, and mission efforts in recent months.
With gratitude for the generosity of former FBC members and friends, our congregation voted to pay $276,000 for costs related to renovations and repairs in the sanctuary building, including two new elevators and a refurbished fellowship hall, using the church’s designated funds. These funds were made up of memorial gifts given over several years, and included a substantial memorial fund in honor of long-time First Baptist member David L. Hunter. The Hunter Fund was to be used for renovation of the choir rehearsal room and the bride’s room, each of which was completed in the renovation process.
The investment in renovations to the sanctuary is separate from the Give It Forward capital campaign to construct the community building on O Street. Give It Forward co-chairs Lucy Plovnick and Bruce Salmon reported that pledges and contributions to the campaign are more than half way to the $1 million goal. The capital campaign team is full of optimism about reaching their goal, and they will be working toward that in the days ahead.
Associate Pastor Eric Mathis and Building Project Administrator Sarah Hodges-Austin provided updates on construction of the new community building—now projected to be completed in February 2024 because of supply issues. Dave Ryder, member of the Facilities Improvement Team and chair of the First Baptist Foundation, reported that all aspects of the construction project are on target, including finances.
At the end of the meeting, Pastors Julie and Eric shared about a question they informally asked the staff and all church teams in January. The question was, “What do you most hope for in 2023 when it comes to our church?” The answers fell into three broad areas: Construction, Congregation and Community. Pastors Eric and Julie said the responses showed a desire among our people to complete and celebrate construction projects, shift our focus to congregational growth, and deepen our mission in the DuPont Circle community. Pastor Julie shared that she, along with Pastor Eric, would be working with church leadership in the days ahead to mobilize our congregation to action in the areas of congregational growth and community mission. You can see a video summary of their presentation below.
Important message from Pastors Julie and Eric
In this brief video, Pastors Julie and Eric recap their message to the church at yesterday’s congregational meeting (Feb. 5, 2023) and share why they believe FBC is standing at a crossroads, at a moment of decision and action.
Click on the image above to watch the video.
Celebration of Life for Ed Fry
Announcement of Ed’s Passing
Dear FBC Family:
Our brother, Edward Raymond (Ed) Fry, died peacefully in his sleep this morning, December 2, with family by his side. He was 94.
Ed met future wife Mary Lou in 1958 in the Young Adult group at First Baptist Church. They wed in FBC's sanctuary on May 21, 1960, and were married for 57 years, until Mary Lou's passing in August of 2017. Their four daughters, Susan, Anne, Mary and Karen, grew up at First Baptist.
Ed worked as a senior economist for the Federal Reserve. He also found joy in serving our church in a variety of ways. For more than 60 years, Ed stayed after worship each week to produce recordings of the Sunday service, first in reel-to-reel form, then cassettes, then still later, CDs. He also ran lighting, camera and sound for weddings and church theater productions. Ed took special delight in planting red geraniums in the church's flower beds every year, and he and Mary Lou loved the laughter and fellowship at First Sunday Potlucks. They were devoted members of the Tapestry Class.
Please hold Ed's family in your prayers. A graveside service will take place soon, followed by a memorial service at First Baptist Church in 2023. As soon as plans are settled we will inform the congregation.
In lieu of flowers, Ed's family asks that contributions be made in his memory to the FBC Give It Forward capital campaign.
Ed was a man of prayer, hospitality, kindness and compassion. Please join me in giving thanks to God for his long and fruitful life.
Peace and grace,
Pastor Julie
FBC Members Participate in Prayer Vigil at the U. S. Capitol
At sunrise on January 6, 2023, Pastors Julie and Eric, along with Amanda Tyler and Leslie Alford Mason, gathered with Christian leaders for a prayer vigil marking the 2nd anniversary of the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol (organized by BJC's Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign and Faithful America.
“It’s up to all communities, and I think particularly Christian faith communities, to understand what Christian nationalism is, to talk about what role it plays on attacks on democracy, not just on Jan. 6, but continuing attacks with election denial, and conspiracy theories,” said Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, before the event.
Winter Forum: The Song and the Story
Dr. Eileen Guenther
Meet God in new ways through a deeper understanding of the music, historical context, and role of the Spiritual tradition and how it can draw us closer to each other and to the love of God.
FBC's annual winter forum will be on Sunday, February 12. Our guest will be Dr. Eileen Guenther who will explore "The Song and the Story," focusing on the music and the context that gave birth to the African-American Spiritual. In worship, she will draw our attention to the role of the Spiritual in the African-American tradition and how it can be important to our faith formation today.
Dr. Eileen Guenther is Lecturer in Organ at The George Washington University and Professor Emerita of Church Music at Wesley Theological Seminary, where she taught music and worship courses and served as Director of Chapel Music. She leads workshops for musical and denominational organizations on music and social justice, Spirituals, and clergy-music relations. Her book, Rivals or a Team: Clergy-Musician Relationships in the 21st Century, has been widely acclaimed with a great deal of media attention, and interviews with Eileen have been published in a variety of venues from blogs and denominational newsletters to The Huffington Post and The Christian Century. A second book, In Their Own Words: Slave Life and Power of Spirituals, has been called “the most comprehensive work done on the Negro Spiritual to date.” The over 100 presentations Eileen has led on this book have taken her from Atlanta, Georgia to Ashland, Oregon and have been called “powerful,” and “life-changing.”
Eileen served as Visiting Lecturer at Africa University in Zimbabwe and a member of the UMC Global praise teams teaching music and worship in Uganda and Ivory Coast. South Africa, too, holds a special place in her heart and she has led nine groups of Wesley Seminary students on intercultural immersion trips there.
Dr. Guenther served with distinction as Director of Music at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Potomac, MD and as Minister of Music and Liturgy at Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, DC, where she led the Concerts for Life, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for organizations supporting people with HIV/AIDS. Her media appearances include a PBS documentary on Christmas Carols with Amy Grant, the EMMY-Award winning film “Backs Against the Wall: The Howard Thurman Story,” and the video “The Power of Spirituals,” a collaboration with the American Spiritual Ensemble (see below).
Trisha Miller Manarin to Preach on Jan. 22
Rev. Dr. Trisha Miller Manarin has served as Executive Director/Minister of the District of Columbia Baptist Convention since August 2020. She previously served as a local church pastor, coordinator of the Mid-Atlantic Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, staff member with the Baptist World Alliance, and a professor and mission field personnel in Zambia.
A native of Allentown, Pennsylvania, Dr. Manarin earned a Bachelor of Music from Samford University, a M.Div. from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (Palmer), and a D.Min. from Wesley Theological Seminary.
The D.C. Baptist Convention, composed of 160 congregations and ministry partners, is one of the most diverse regional organizations among Baptists. At her installation in 2021, Manarin asked, “Isn’t this just like God to bring together people like you and me to be about God’s good—and sometimes dangerous—work?”
Worship to Celebrate the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with Guest Organist and Liturgist
On Sunday, January 15, FBC will celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in worship. We will welcome guest liturgist and organist Dr. Eileen Guenther, retired Professor of Church Music at Wesley Theological Seminary. Her role at the seminary extended to churches and musical and denominational organizations, for which she continues to lead workshops on music and social justice, global music, Spirituals, and clergy-music relations.
Dr. Guenther served with distinction as Director of Music at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Potomac, Maryland, and as Minister of Music and Liturgy at Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, DC. She also served six years as National President of the 16,000 member American Guild of Organists, and was the third woman to lead this organization since its founding in 1896.
She is internationally acclaimed as a scholar of spirituals, and her book In Their Own Words: Slave Life and Power of Spirituals, published by MorningStar Music Publishers has been enthusiastically received and is in its third printing. For years, she led an annual Concert for Life which raised more than $600,000 for organizations serving those living with HIV/AIDS in southern Africa and in the Washington area. She was recently honored for her leadership at the 20th annual Concert for Life which celebrated the cumulative total of the concerts exceeding $1 million.
Dr. Guenther will return to First Baptist on Sunday, February 12, as our guest for Winter Forum.
2023 Save the Date
Blue Christmas: A Service of Consolation Sunday, December 18, 4:00 p.m.
The holidays are marked by celebrations, yet they are often stressful or sad for those experiencing grief of any kind, especially the death of loved ones in the last year. Join us on Sunday, December 18 at 4:00 pm for Blue Christmas: A Service of Consolation.
Let the music of Chancel Choir, the comforting words of Scripture and poetry, and words of hope from Pastor Julie bring peace to your soul. The service concludes with the lighting of candles in memory of people who have died, and/or in acknowledgment of other kinds of grief we carry. Please consider inviting and accompanying someone you know who needs some comfort and hope this year.
Christmas Eve @ 4:00 pm
“And Mary gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger…” Celebrate Christmas Eve with First Baptist Church. Worship includes Christmas carols, the music of choir, organ and brass, holy communion, and a Christmas Eve meditation from Pastor Julie. The service ends with the lighting of congregational candles.
Sunday, December 25, 11am Christmas Day - God Dwells with Us
"To you is born this day…a Savior, who is Christ the Lord!" Celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with First Baptist Church. Worship includes Christmas carols, the music of choir and organ, and a Christmas Day meditation from Pastor Julie.
64th Annual Christmas Candlelight Carols
Capture the joy of the season with a beloved First Baptist tradition featuring the First Baptist Chancel Choir, 6,000-pipe Austin organ, and brass and timpani. A love offering will be collected in support of Charlie’s Place, a local organization serving unhoused and underserved populations in the neighborhoods of Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan and Columbia Heights. Enjoy hot beverages and cookies in the Narthex after the concert.
About Charlie’s Place:
Located St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church on Connecticut Avenue NW, Charlie’s Place serves unhoused and underprivileged populations in the neighborhoods of Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan and Columbia Heights. Although Charlie’s Place resides at an Episcopal Church, its focus is to address social needs and not religious ones. Charlie’s Place takes special care in welcoming all people of any race, age, gender, background, faith or sexual orientations without judgment or evangelization of any kind.
Thanks to your generosity, the love offering taken at Candlelight Carols for Charlie’s Place totaled $1,431. When we presented it to Charlie’s Place leadership this week, they said:
“The guests who come through the doors each morning believe in our program and the work that we do. Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, we serve our guests a hardy breakfast, offer medical services and screenings, provide clothing and personal items, and assistance securing employment and housing. This year, we helped over 500 individuals and served approximately 9,000 meals to our city’s most vulnerable residents.
One of the beautiful things about the Charlie’s Place community is that we come from diverse backgrounds. Yet through these varying backgrounds, a homogenous truth arises-- a commitment to service. We could not meet the needs of our guests without generous donors such as you.”
Advent & Christmas
Organist Adam Brakel Performs in Tribute to Dr. Lon Schreiber
Free Concert will Feature 6,000-pipe organ at First Baptist of D.C. |Sunday, Nov. 6 at 4pm
Concert organist Adam Brakel
Concert organist Adam Brakel will perform a free recital in tribute to Dr. Lawrence P. “Lon” Schreiber, who is retiring after 22 years as organist and choirmaster at the First Baptist Church of the City of Washington, D.C.
The recital is scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church, 1328 16th St. NW.
Dr. Schreiber became the music leader at First Baptist in 2000 after “retiring” from National City Christian Church in Washington, D.C., where he served 40 years as music minister.
During his tenure at First Baptist, Dr. Schreiber added depth and breadth to the music and worship ministries. 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.
Brakel performed an inaugural concert on the organ in 2015 and returns to honor Dr. Schreiber.
“Lon is an unbelievably special person who is a mentor and friend,” Brakel said. “I will always be honored and forever thankful for his support, but more importantly, for his inspiration in over six decades of church music in Washington, D.C.
“One of the many accomplishments in Lon’s abundant legacy includes two major 5-manual pipe organ installations. which continue to shape the future of the organ and church music environment,” Brakel continued. “He will be long commended as one of the unforgettable staples and legends in D.C. and abroad. His gift and inspiration will always be cherished.”
Brakel’s performance highlights include the complete works of César Franck, and, most notably, the Six Etudes of Jeanne Demessieux, of which Brakel is one of the few organists in the world to have performed and recorded in its entirety. In addition to his concert career, Brakel is Director of Music for the Diocese of Orlando, Fla., and St. James Cathedral.
Dr. Lawrence P. “Lon” Schreiber
Lawrence P. “Lon” Schreiber
Lawrence P. “Lon” Schreiber has served as a pastoral musician in Washington, D.C., for more than sixty-two years. In an age where the average church musician tenure is three years, his long service among two congregations in sacred music is celebrated by many including The First Baptist Church of the City of Washington, D.C., National City Christian Church, the greater Washington, D.C. music community, and the hundreds of musicians Schreiber has supported and encouraged throughout the years.
After graduating from Texas Christian University with an undergraduate degree in music and Union Theological Seminary in New York City with a Master’s degree in Church Music and Composition, Dr. Schreiber became Minister of Music at National City Christian Church in Washington, D.C. He served National City for forty years.
While at National City, Dr. Schreiber, the National City choir and soprano Leontyne Price provided music in January 1973 for the state funeral of former President Lyndon B. Johnson, who had attended services at the church on Thomas Circle. Dr. Schreiber supervised the design and installation of National City’s monumental five-manual Mö ller organ, a project spanning more than nine years. He initiated weekly organ recitals at the church, which continue to this day. For his contributions at National City and beyond, he was awarded a Doctorate in Music in 1981 by his undergraduate alma mater, Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas.
After retiring from National City in 2000, Dr. Schreiber began a tenure as Minister of Music at The First Baptist Church of the City of Washington, D.C. His initial agreement with First Baptist was to serve in an interim capacity, but his tenure was anything but short-lived. During his twenty-two years with First Baptist, Dr. Schreiber added depth and breadth to the music and worship ministries, while continuing First Baptist’s welcome to the community through events such as the annual Candlelight Christmas Carols.
He led the selection and acquisition of two iconic instruments for First Baptist: a nine-foot Steinway concert grand piano in 2007 and, in 2012, the five-manual 118 rank Austin organ with more than 6,000 pipes and trumpets in four chambers. Under Dr. Schreiber’s leadership, First Baptist shared the gifts of its music with the surrounding community through recitals by distinguished organists, pianists, and singers.
Throughout his career, Dr. Schreiber has composed and published anthems, hymns and organ pieces, and has been a frequent accompanist for leading singers in the Washington metropolitan area. He has distinguished himself through his service to God, his commitment to the finest quality of music in public Christian worship, his leadership in the installation of two of the finest pipe organs in D.C., and his unerring support for the guidance and education of young music professionals. His legacy at First Baptist, National City, and the city of Washington, D.C. will be felt and celebrated for many years to come. Soli deo gloria.
36th Annual Walk to End HIV This Saturday, October 22
This Saturday, October 22, Whitman-Walker Health will hold its 36th Annual Walk to End HIV. Whitman Walker Health provides dependable, high-quality, comprehensive and accessible health care to those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
First Baptist participated in this Walk for many years prior to the Covid pandemic, and we plan to renew our participation this year. This year's Walk will be held at the Gateway DC Pavilion (near the Congress Heights metro stop on the Green Line) from 9am until noon.
If you would like to walk with the First Baptist team click the button below.
If you cannot walk, but would like to contribute, you can click below, visit www.firstbaptistdc.org/give or give by check to First Baptist. If you have any questions, please contact Mike Henson at (703) 980-5960 or hensonme@msn.com. Hope to see you there!
Salvation Army Angel Tree Toy Drive 2022
What it is: Angel Tree is a unique holiday assistance program that connects an individual or group sponsor with a deserving child ("angel") in need. The Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program has been running for over 40 years to ensure that these children have a wonderful holiday season with their families. Last year over 11,000 children in the National Capital Area received new gifts from the Angel Tree Program. This year First Baptist will sponsor 25 children.
NEW THIS YEAR: In addition to contactless shipping as we had last year, traditional shopping and bringing the gifts back to the Narthex will be an option as well.
How it works: Those who sponsor a child will be provided a child's first name, gender, age, clothing sizes and 3 wish list gift items, along with instructions (if choosing the online option, how to ship directly to the Angel Tree warehouse). Suggested spending for each child is $80-$150 (feel free to join with a group to provide for a child). Deadline for delivery is Nov. 27.
The Kickoff Party (October 23): Get into the Christmas spirit early and join Santa’s elves in picking Angels from the Angel Tree in person this year. Right after the service, please join us in the Narthex to get the party started! If you can’t make the kickoff please get in touch with a co-chair at any time and they will select a child for you. This year's co-chairs are Susan Lucas and Linda Salmon. Feel free to reach out to Susan or Linda with any questions - Susan: lucas100@comcast.net or Linda: lfsalmon@verizon.net, Thanks!
