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.