Winter Forum

Feb 25: Saturday Mini-Retreat Led by Glenn Hinson
Spiritual Preparation for Lent
Please bring a Bible and a journal or diary (something for writing or doodling).

 9:30am    Gathering for coffee & pastries
10:00         1st Presentation: “Letting Go” (Phil. 4)
                  Silence for meditation and/or doodling
11:00          2nd Presentation: “Fasting from the Internet” (Rom. 12)
                  Silence for meditation and/or doodling
12:00pm    Lunch catered by Chef Laval ($8 per person paid with registration)
  1:00         3rd Presentation: "Facing Our Temptations” (Luke 4)
                  Silence for meditation and/or doodling
  2:00        4th Presentation: “What Will We Do with Our Fear?” Matt. 6; 1 Jn. 4)
  2:30        Sharing of insights from our meditation
  3:00        Communion

Feb 26: Sunday morning with Glenn Hinson

  9:30am    “The Top Ten Things My Life Has Taught Me” 
                   (Adult & Youth classes meet together)
  11:00         Message in Worship: “Pursuing an Elusive God”
                   (Exod. 24; Matt. 17)

Dr. E. Glenn Hinson is a world-renowned church historian and respected and sought-after leader in Christian Spirituality, who sees himself as very much a Baptist while also describing himself as a “Bapto-Quakero-Methedo-Presbyterio-Lutherano-Episcopo- Catholic.”

Glenn earned degrees from Washington University in St. Louis (B.A.), the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (B.D., Th.D.), and Oxford University (D.Phil.). During his academic career he taught on the faculties of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville (1962-1992) and Baptist Theological Seminary in Richmond (1994-2000). During the 1960s, Glenn’s friendship with Trappist monk and spiritual writer Thomas Merton led him to become involved in the ecumenical movement of spiritual renewal—connecting the revivalist spirituality of many Baptists to ancient and medieval spiritual practices. He maintains a deep commitment to Christian nonviolence and the work of the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America, serving as the original editor of The Baptist Peacemaker.

Glenn is the author of more than 30 books, including his most recent publications, A Miracle of Grace (Mercer University Press) and Baptist Spirituality: A Call for Renewed Attentiveness to God (Nurturing Faith, Inc.) He is married to Martha Burks. They have two adult children, Christopher and Elizabeth.

Inclusion Conversations About to Begin

Two days and times available (please choose one and RSVP on the form below by Wednesday, January 18) 

Sunday, January 22 @ 12:30 pm (after worship) Light lunch provided.
Saturday, January 28 @ 10:00 am Continental breakfast provided.

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This month we will begin in earnest talking to each other about how we envision our congregation when it comes to inclusiveness of all people. Because these conversations will take place in small groups, participants must RSVP so that we can provide enough facilitators. The prevailing hope with these conversations is to get the FBC family to talk to, and learn from, each other and reach an outcome that ensures all of us feel heard, valued, and loved.
 
One of the small group questions we will be addressing together is this: “First Baptist Church already welcomes as membersincluding many who are serving in leadership rolesChristians who identify as members of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) communities. How do you feel about guaranteeing to all members, without exception, the ability to participate in all of the blessings and benefits of membership, including marriage and parent and child dedications?” 

Conversations will begin in Fellowship Hall.

Childcare is available on both days (reservations required). Reserve a spot for your child using the form below.

Please participate!

Your Inclusion Team:
Steve Netcott, Paul Clark, Kate Campbell, Rod Coates, Zena Aldridge and Rob Marus (with pastors Julie, Charlie and Alyssa)


Fill out my online form.

Celebration of Deborah Cochran’s Ministry—January 8, 2017

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The FBC family will gather after worship on Sunday, January 8, for a potluck luncheon and celebration in honor of our Associate Pastor for Children and Families, Rev. Deborah Cochran, who is retiring as of December 31st. Plans have been made for a wonderful event recognizing Deborah’s significant ministry these past 19 years. We’ve invited our CDC teachers and families to join us, so please bring an extra dish to share! (A-J: dessert and fruit; K-R: meats; S-Z: salad and vegetables)