This Sunday in Worship
Everything In Between:
Grief and Hope
Luke 24:1-12
April 20, 2025 | Easter Sunday
This Sunday, we celebrate Christ’s resurrection with the flowered cross; the music of choir, organ, and brass; communion; and a message of hope from Pastor Julie. All are invited to linger after worship at a simple reception on the 16th Street patio.
This Sunday, Pastor Julie will conclude the Lenten sermon series with the Easter message, Everything In Between Grief and Hope based on Luke 24:1-12. Accompanying text is Acts 10:34-43.
Easter Sunday is meant to be jubilant and joyful—a chance to begin again in a weary world. And yet, for too many, grief can feel like a heavy weight tugging at our hearts. For too many, shame encroaches if we can’t find our way to joy. This Easter, we are invited to make space for grief and joy, mourning and hope—for all these feelings can coexist.
No matter how you arrive this Easter morning—whether steeped in grief, stunned in disbelief, or running in the direction of hope—resurrection is for you. This story is for you.
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A Holy Week Letter from Pastor Julie
My Beloved FBC Family,
As we walk through this sacred Holy Week, my heart is deeply intertwined with yours. I carry a profound ache within me, mirroring the anxieties and griefs I know many of you carry. The state of our nation and its reverberations across the globe weigh heavily on our collective spirit.
I am acutely aware of the concerns that ripple through our congregation, concerns that echo my own. The uncertainty surrounding jobs, livelihoods and retirement plans casts a long shadow. The fear for our neighbors, for our Black and Brown siblings, for the lives of immigrants, for our LGBTQ+ family, and for our poor and marginalized communities is palpable.
We witness with dismay the disregard for due process, the pain of unlawful deportations, the chilling effect on free speech, and the erosion of the very principles of law we have cherished. The silence and capitulation of those who know better amplify our feelings of helplessness.
And perhaps most heartbreaking of all is the daily grief of witnessing millions who profess the name of Christ actively celebrating these developments, a stark contradiction to the very essence of the gospel we embrace. This dissonance can leave us feeling isolated, helpless and afraid.
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Maundy Thursday Meal & Worship
Thursday, April 17, at 6:30 pm
This Thursday at 6:30 pm, we will observe Maundy Thursday with our sister congregation, Nineteenth Street Baptist Church, in FBC’s Fellowship Hall. If you registered for dinner, you can pay online via Tithely or by check to FBCDC.
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Good Friday Service of
Silence and Shadows
Friday, April 18, at 7:00 pm
Remember and reflect on Christ’s suffering and crucifixion in this “Service of Silence and Shadows” led by our choir and readers from the congregation. The sanctuary moves from light to darkness as we mark Christ’s suffering and death.
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Flowering of the Cross this Sunday
On Sunday, be sure to bring flowers from your yard or garden, or your favorite local florist or grocery store. These will help decorate FBC's cross on the patio for all our neighbors to see.
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Young Adult Easter Brunch
First Baptist Young Adults is a vibrant group of individuals in their 20s and 30s who practice the way of Jesus together. We will celebrate Easter Sunday with brunch at a neighborhood restaurant after worship and the patio reception. Seating is at 1:30 pm and cost is $45/person. You can register with the link below, or email Pastor Eric (eric@firstbaptistdc.org).
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May 4 Community Building Dedication and Celebration
On Sunday, May 4th, our church family will celebrate and dedicate our new community building—home to a welcome center, meeting rooms, youth lounge and staff offices. The fruit of nearly six years of planning and construction, this new space is already being used extensively by our community. Make plans now to join us, along with former church leaders, builders, planners, and property managers for this special day.
10:00 am | Ribbon Cutting
11:00 am | Worship
12:00 pm | Lunch and Celebration
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Upcoming Events & Meetings
Thursday, April 17
Maundy Thursday Meal and Worship with Nineteenth Street Baptist
6:30 pm
Friday, April 18
Good Friday Service of Shadows
7:00 pm
Sunday, April 20
Easter Sunday Worship and Reception
11:00
Sunday, April 20
Young Adult Easter Brunch
1:30 pm
Sunday, May 4
New Community Building Dedication and Celebration
10:00 am
Sunday, May 18
Young Adult Sunday Night Fellowship
6:00 pm
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Happy Birthday!
APRIL
16th Franciscoe Blassingame, Jr., Clay Burke
17th Harry Tay
20th Ramona Michels
25th Andrew Dacus
29th Carol Yoder
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Prayer & Care
In Prayerful Sympathy:
- To Wayne and Carolyn Roebuck in the death of Wayne's beloved stepmother, Margaret Roebuck, on April 15th at the age of 96.
- To friends and family of former FBC member Michael Barber who passed away recently.
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Use Flowers to Bring Beauty to Worship & Support Local Business
Brighten our sanctuary and honor loved ones by sponsoring flowers for a Sunday service ($100).
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Choose your occasion: Memorial, honorarium, or special event.
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Take them home or donate them!
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Support Lee's Flower & Card Shop (Historic, black-owned, DC business)
Sign Up:
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FBC Office Hours
| Monday - Thursday |
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday |
Closed |
| Sunday |
8:30 AM–2 PM |
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