first baptist church greensboro

april 2016 | www.fbcgso.org | 336.274.3286

Emphasizing worship, spiritual development, fellowship, and ministry to our city and our world.

Saturday April 23Work alongside many of our ministry partners

p. 7

New Adult Access Classes begin April 6

p. 8

2 | Connections

Office Hours: 9 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday Weekends and Holidays: If you have an emergency pastoral care need when the church offices are closed, please leave a message

at 338-2438 and someone will return your call.

Kelly Stephens, Managing Editor Communications Director kelly@fbcgso.org / x223

Gloria Koster, Design ManagerAdministrative Assistant: Learning

gloria@fbcgso.org / x288Steve Sumerel, Supervising Editor Associate Pastor: Adult Learning

steves@fbcgso.org / x233Teresa allen, Media Library Director

teresaa@fbcgso.org / x229Ginny Carpenter, Weekday School Director

ginny@fbcgso.org / x240Steve Cothran, Associate Pastor: Students and

Family Life / stevec@fbcgso.org / x235Jessica Hartman, Pastoral Administrator

jessica@fbcgso.org / x231Jane Anne Hayber, Administrative Assistant:

Music and Worship / janeanne@fbcgso.org / x239Marty Kellam, Food Services Director

marty@fbcgso.org / x245rosemary Kellam, Operations Director

rosemary@fbcgso.org / x225Christina McCord, Minister to Children and Families

christina@fbcgso.org / x241Scott North, Church Administrator

scott@fbcgso.org / x226Steve pressley, Associate Pastor

stevep@fbcgso.org / x231Kim priddy, Associate Pastor: Missions

kim@fbcgso.org / x295larry putnam, Financial Assistant

larry@fbcgso.org / x222alan Sherouse, Senior Pastor

pastor@fbcgso.org / x231Tommy Starnes, Recreation Director

tstarnes@triad.rr.com / x251John Thornton, Pastoral Resident

john@fbcgso.org / x236Doug Vancil, Associate Pastor: Music and Worship

doug@fbcgso.org / x237Terri Vancil, Assistant Pastor: Music and Worship

terri@fbcgso.org / x238

www.fbcgso.org | 336.274.32861000 West Friendly Avenue

Greensboro, NC 27401

May Connections Deadline: April 15

Email news to kelly@fbcgso.org or bring it to the church office.

3 Window Gazing - 4 Connect with Worship –Jason Knight Ordination Service –Youth Choir Concert & Strawberry Fellowship –Trinity Sunday Hymn Festival

5 Connecting to FBC –Explore 1st –Residency 2016-2018 | Partnering with Peacehaven Farm

6 Connect with Children –Children’s Ministry Reflections: - Reflections on the Lenten Workshop by Margaret McCracken - Reflections from the Pathfinder’s Class by Christina McCord –Save the Date for VBS - July 11-15 –New Children’s Library Books –Worship in the Arts Camp - July 25-29 –BackPack Beginnings

7 Connect with Missions –A Day of Service –Community Garden –Un/Sheltered Lives –A Simple Gesture

8-9 Connect with adults –PrimeTime –FBC Trips –PrimeTime Senior Saints Celebration –Access @ FBC –Silver Compassion Plan to Thrive Seminars –50-Year Members Luncheon –New Books in FBC Library

9 Connect with Business –February 2016 Financial Results –March Church Conference Summary –April Community Lunch | Church Conference

10-11 Connect with One another –New Members –Birthdays | Bereaved –April Calendar

12 Connect with Youth & College –Unidiversity 2016 –Stop Hunger Now! –College Birthdays –DiscipleNow Photos

april 2016 | 3

Window Gazing – The View from Here By AlAn SherouSe

March 8 marked International Women’s Day. Since its inception in 1909, the day has become an occasion to celebrate the

achievement of women while also remembering the struggles women still endure worldwide. Each year, in various ways, different organizations and entities honor the women in their life. This year, Greensboro got in on the celebration as a local paper listed some of our community’s strongest leaders who are women. It made me think of just how long that list is at First Baptist Church, Greensboro. As I talk to those newest to our church, one of the things I hear most frequently from women and men alike is, “I admire the strong women leaders in your church” or “I appreciate seeing women in positions of leadership.” Most clearly, they’re talking about the oustanding ministers on our staff who are women – Christina McCord, Kim Priddy, and Terri Vancil – whom we see in clergy robes, leading our church, sharing the bread and cup of communion, preaching and teaching and offering their gifts to God and community in ways that inspire us and help us to grow. The ministers who currently lead us remind us of others in the past who have served our church pastorally, including current church member and longtime Children’s Minister, Sandra Canipe, or former Children’s Minister, Virginia Reynolds, who currently serves as Associate Pastor of Congregational Care at Christ United Methodist Church, or even recent Interim Children’s Minister, Ashley Gill Harrington, who just last month was called to serve with her husband Brian as the new Co-Pastors of Starling Avenue Baptist Church in Martinsville, VA. Ashley will also soon be joining each of these other gifted ministers in the remarkable balance of the twin callings of ministry and motherhood (Baby Girl Harrington due in August!). Beyond our pastoral team, perhaps those who notice the strength of women in our church have visited the facility, called the office, or observed a well-administered ministry or event, appreciating the skills of Rosemary Kellam, our Operations Director, or Kelly Stephens, Communications Director, or one of our Administrators – Jessica Hartman, Jane Anne Hayber or Gloria Koster – or one of the other women who serve our congregation through administrative support.

But more than staff, the leadership of women in our church is evident throughout our lay leadership from teachers, to committee and team leaders, to the volunteers who rock babies and tell them of God’s love from their earliest moments at First Baptist. I think

of Jenny Hall, our Deacon Chair, and Hazel Fisher, our Moderator, as I also think of the Pastor Search Committee that worked with me, which was chaired by Becky Starnes. It’s fitting that the first voice I heard from First Baptist Greensboro three years ago was a woman’s voice, as Search Committee member Kelly Cornett left a voicemail asking for a call back. That kind of environment is so important to young people in our church who are wondering what God is

calling forth in them, including our recent Summer Youth Intern, Laura Roberson, who has shared how vital it has been to her to have served with a church where women are acknowledged as leaders as she considers her own vocational path. First Baptist has long been a church where women and men serve alongside one another in the roles to which God has called them. As a friend of mine is fond of saying when asked if his church ordains women as ministers and leaders, “We ordain women because we baptize girls.” But maybe it can start to seem so self-evident that we forget it is not always that way. Pam Durso, the Executive Director of Baptist Women in Ministry, has observed the significant progress made as more and more Baptist churches acknowledge women as leaders and pastors. But there are still challenges in the wider culture and ecclesial landscape, and in cases of particular exclusion or mistreatment culturally, it’s that much more important for the church to be equally deliberate in its inclusion and pursuit of equity. Not everyone appreciates that. “I bet you have one of those women’s days,” sneered an anonymous caller to our church shortly after I started. “We actually have more than one!” I said. He wasn’t impressed. But I am. You are. And so are many others, including those who have made such observations to me recently. They’re noticing a host of women leading within the life of our church. But more than that, I think they’re seeing what I’m seeing, too – our own daughters, growing in a place where what God sees in them and calls forth in them will always find a match in the community that surrounds them.

Dan Stokes is a native of Hummelstown, PA where he began serving as a church musician at age 12. Upon graduation from Messiah College, he was selected as the distinguished graduate of the class of 1980. He received his Masters Degree from Scarritt Graduate School, Nashville, TN in 1982 and continued as Director of Music Ministries at Belmont United Methodist Church, a position he assumed during his graduate studies. In 1989 he accepted the call to be Director of Music Ministries at Christ Church United Methodist in Louisville, KY. During his 26 year tenure, the program grew to include more than 500 active participants. The Chancel Choir of Christ Church was featured in the Masterworks Series of The Louisville Orchestra in presentations of Verdi’s REQUIEM, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Mahler’s Third Symphony in collaboration with University of Louisville, and auditioned ensembles in the community. The choir’s annual Christmas Concerts grew to attract more than 5,000 guests annually. In 2015 he accepted the call to serve Trinity United Methodist Church in New Cumberland, PA. Dan has led numerous festivals and workshops for The Chorister’s Guild, The National Association of Pastoral Musicians, The American Guild of Organists, The Fellowship Of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts and the Presbyterian Association of Musicians.

4 | Connections

Connect with Worship

Trinity Sunday Hymn Festival | Mark your Calendar for Sunday, May 22Featuring the joint choirs of First Baptist Church, Greensboro and Knollwood Baptist Church – 10:30 am at First Baptist Greensboro & 7 pm at Knollwood in Winston Salem

Jason KnightOrdination Service

Sunday, april 3 7 pm in the Sanctuary

Join us on April 3 for the Ordination of Jason Knight. Jason, Amy and their family

have been an important part of the First Baptist community for years. In September 2013, having sensed a call to vocational ministry for some time, Jason began seminary studies toward an MDiv, which he will complete at Campbell University Divinity School this Spring. Our church has been able to offer support to Jason as a Lolley Scholar, and Jason has also participated in the ministries of our church, including leading a Wednesday Night ACCESS unit this spring. With the affirmation of the Deacons and Congregation, Alan Sherouse and Jenny Hall assembled an Ordination Council that shared conversation with Jason about his faith, call, and theology. The Council recommended that Jason be ordained, which the Congregation affirmed at our March Church Conference. We hope you’ll join us for the service and acknowledge God’s call in Jason’s life through worship, prayer and the laying-on-of-hands. Service participants will include the First Baptist Youth Choir, as well as Jason’s father-in-law and First Baptist friend, Dr. Mike Queen. A reception will follow the service in the atrium. All are welcome!

Youth Choir Concert & Strawberry FellowshipSunday, May 1 | 6:30 pm

all are invited to hear the Youth Choir in their year-end concert. The Youth Choir and Handbell Choirs work hard all year rehearsing in order to bless us with their talents each month during worship.

As is our tradition, we will honor those youth who will be graduating and moving on to the next phase of life following High School. Invite friends, family and neighbors to this wonderful concert. After the concert there will be a Strawberry Fellowship in the Fellowship Hall featuring a variety of your favorite strawberry desserts! Be sure to stay for some “berry” good fellowship!

residency 2016-2018 partnering with peacehaven Farm

We are in the process of seeking the next FBC Pastoral Resident for our 2 year transition-into-ministry program.

This residency is designed to provide immersive experience in both congregational and community ministry within the controlled environment of a teaching congregation. During that time, we hope the Resident will develop the pastoral identity, theological frameworks, and habits of work and leadership that will contribute to a sustainable vocational ministry. The Resident will gain experience in a range of ministry opportunities crafted in consideration of both the church’s vision and the participant’s vocational goals, including the breadth of pastoral ministry (leadership, preaching, spiritual formation & education, partnership and network development). The church looks forward to an additional qualified seminary graduate to join its pastoral staff, and will trust the Resident to staff initiatives and aid in program development for our growing congregation. The 2016-2018 Residency is a shared program and exciting partnership with Peacehaven Farm - a ministry partner of First Baptist and a local area non-profit. Founded in 2007, Peacehaven is a sustainable farm and an inclusive housing community for adults with disabilities that is committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability and providing a supportive, family-like environment. Through both the congregational and community emphases of the program, the Resident will gain a breadth of experience in pastoral ministry. At First Baptist, the Resident will participate generally in congregational ministry with some focal areas of leadership. At Peacehaven Farm, the Resident will become an integral part of the Peacehaven community and develop a program to provide ongoing spiritual direction and pastoral support to the community.

april 2016 | 5

Explore 1stSunday, april 17 | Following Worship - 2 pmincludes lunch | Café

a great way to find out what FBC is all about is our Explore 1st session. This is for visitors, non-members who are actively participating in the

life of FBC, and new members wanting to learn more about our community of faith. You will learn some FBC history, our Baptist beliefs and meet others interested in learning about the church. We will explore the workings of our church by giving participants the opportunity to have conversation with Alan Sherouse, pastor, along with pastoral staff and leaders. We also explore what we share in common with other congregations and those things which set us apart. Let us know if you would like to attend. Contact the Pastor’s Office – jessica@fbcgso.org or x231.

Connecting to FBC

Sunday, April 17

6 | Connections

Connect with Children

New Children’s library Books•Disney Tales of Magic•Disney Tales of Wonder•Five Bouncing Bunnies

Backpack Beginnings On March 12, some of our elementary school-aged FBC Kids and families packed 145 Comfort BackPacks for our mission partner BackPack Beginnings! Comfort BackPacks offer care, comfort and basic necessities for abused/neglected, homeless, foster, and refugee children.

Children’s Ministry ReflectionsReflections on the Lenten Workshop By Margaret McCracken

Our family had the joy of participating in the Lenten Family Workshop here at First Baptist with our three year old

son, Max. It was such a special time for my husband and me to spend with him as we moved through the different stations that focused on what this Easter season is about. One of the words that we used at almost every station was Grace. I found myself explaining a concept to our three year old that I myself am still learning about daily. The workshop was so wonderful because it provided the kids with fun, tactile, and visual examples of God’s love and grace. One of my favorite activities involved Max drawing a story in sand of a time that he did not show grace and then instructed him to wipe the story away to illustrate how God wiped our sins away. As I watched his little hand wipe the story away, I was struck by just how amazing Grace really is. I found myself reflecting not only on Max’s understanding of Grace but also my own. I thought about how I can show Grace to my kids in my parenting and also about how they show it to me daily. The next morning over cheerios we looked at the stained glass cross we had made at the workshop and placed on our kitchen window. I pointed to the cross and asked “Max, what does that mean?” He looked at it and without too much pause replied: “It means Jesus loves me!” Indeed it does. I look forward to all that Max will learn from Lenten workshops in the future, but I will always cherish this first one and that simple truth in that answer.

Reflections from the Pathfinder’s Class By Christina McCord

What is a sign that God is with me? Does being baptized make me a Christian? Why do we take communion? Am I forgiven of all of my mistakes? What does baptism mean? How does it feel to be

baptized? Why did God send Jesus to us? These are just a few of the many questions that a group of seven children, grades third through fifth, asked during our first session of our Pathfinders Class. I had the privilege of spending

six Sunday mornings with this group of curious students helping them to discover the significance of Baptism and leading them to grasp what being a Christian means. We explored tough questions, we challenged one another, and we learned what following Jesus really looks like. This group of young people chose to be part of something where they were free to ask all questions that will hopefully lead them to

professing their faith in Jesus one day before their church family. And now I sit back, with hopeful anticipation, as the Holy Spirit works through these precious ones as they continue the path of their faith.

Save the date for VBS July 11-15 | 9 am - 12 noon

Embark on a VBS Adventure that will light the way with this over-the-top underground adventure! Kids will be grounded in the rock-solid foundation of God’s love, a love that takes us through life’s dark times. We need LOTS of volunteers, so let Christina McCord know if you can help - christina@fbcgso.org. Register: www.fbcgso.org/children

…engaging young artists in a life of Christian worship

July 25-29 | 9 am - 1 pmCamp leaders will be Taylor & Sarah Vancil. Info: Terri Vancil - terri@fbcgso.org | x238.

april 2016 | 7

Connect with Missions

Mark Your Calendar!!april 23 | 9 am - 12 noon

iT IS BACK! Last year was so much fun that we thought we would do it again – A DAY OF SERVICE! This is an opportunity to serve and do ministry alongside one another and get better educated with our ministry

partners. Stop Hunger Now, Peacehaven Community Farm, our FBC Community Farm, and Bessemer Elementary are just some of the work sites. This is for folks of all ages and a great way to serve together as a family. Lunch is also available for $5 (includes BBQ sandwich, chips, cookie and drink). Please sign-up to let us know you are coming at fbcgso.org/about-missions and scroll down the page for “Opportunities to Serve.”

Un/Sheltered lives

There are many misconceptions that hover over homelessness. Individuals and families enduring homelessness are diverse in their backgrounds and demographics, and the factors that led them to

become homeless are equally as diverse. Homelessness is a complex issue and we had hoped that by hearing the stories of those who are in housing transition we would better understand and be better equipped as a faith community on how to best care for those in need and help end homelessness. Below is a photo of the cast from the Un/Sheltered Lives play.

Community Garden Work Days: Saturdays, April 2 and 9 | 9 am - 12 noon

Have you thought about the benefits of a community garden past the obvious: that it produces healthy food? I believe that our community garden will have a lot to teach us in the

preparation and in growing season. I am excited about the work and ministry ahead of us and cannot wait to get started. The ground is being molded and prepared so that we can begin to build the garden boxes. We need help in getting the garden ready to receive seedlings from Peacehaven Farm. Join us on one or both of our work days. You can sign-up at fbcgso.org/about-missions and scroll down the page for “Opportunities to Serve” or for more information contact Kim Priddy at kim@fbcgso.org | x295.

FBC Lower Parking Lot

FBC Upper Parking Lot

Guilford

Avenue

a Simple Gesture Sharing Food in our CommunitySign-up at FBC on april 10

When you come into the church and see the collection boxes of food for

Greensboro Urban Ministry, do you then remember that you left your donation at home? FBC has been invited to join A Simple Gesture - a non-profit, door-to-door food collection program that will help to provide a steady supply of food to our ministry partners (GUM, Backpack Beginnings, Out of the Garden) to serve the neediest people in the Greensboro and Guilford County. It is easy! Sign up in the Atrium before and after church on April 10. To learn more: www.asimplegesturegso.orgLynn Donovan Photography

8 | Connections

Connect with adults

Access @ FBC Wednesday nights, 6:15 - 7:10 pm New access classes begin april 6

{puzzling passages in the Gospels | Chapel Chapel Bible Study will resume with an eight-week series, “Puzzling Passages in the Gospels.” Was Jesus

serious when he said, “Be perfect, therefore, as your Father in heaven is perfect”? Did he mean it when he taught, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters…he cannot be my disciple”? When he directed a man to sell all that he had and give the proceeds to the poor—is that his will for us also? Steve Pressley will teach this series.

{Women’s Study Group | CaféAll women are invited to join us as we read and discuss “Lean On Me” by Anne Marie Miller. This

book sets out to dig below the superficial and explore what choices are necessary to find intentional, vulnerable, and consistent community. Jesus was passionate about truth-speaking relationships…and with Anne Marie’s narrative and practical insights interwoven together, you will feel more equipped in your quest for these types of relationships as you seek people to lean on and as you pour love into those around you. No commitment necessary…join us as you are able! This is a wonderful opportunity to build and strengthen the friendships and community among women of all generations in a relaxed, open discussion setting facilitated by Becky Starnes.

{The Theology of Food | 108-CNewly ordained, Rev. Jason Knight will facilitate this fascinating study of the intersection of our faith

and our relationship to food. Utilizing the cutting edge work of Dr. Norman Wirzba of Duke Divinity School, Rev. Knight will lead us in the study of the theology, ecology, and physiology of faith and food.

{The pastor’s roundtable | 102 This discussion-based Bible Study will be facilitated by one of our pastors and focused on the weekly

scripture passages in our sermon and worship service. We call it a table, because we seek to learn through dialogue and discussion. We call it round, because all seats are equidistant from the center and all voices are welcome.

primeTime | april 4 Monique Johnson–“Overcoming life’s Challenges”An artist and NC native, Johnson stands at just 24” tall due to a genetic anomaly. Her awareness, perseverance, courage and faith combined with an ever present sense of gratitude show she is living proof that physical limitations neither measure nor predict one’s success in life. Sign-up online for lunch– Meal reservation deadline: March 31 www.fbcgso.org/seniors or contact Marty Kellam: marty@fbcgso.org | x245 PrimeTime@FBC includes: 9 am: Ceramics, Gym; 9:30 am: Prayer Shawl Knitting, 108-A; 11 am Bible Study on the Epistle to the Galatians taught by Steve Pressley, 101; 12 pm: Lunch - Cost: $6/person

primeTime Senior Saints CelebrationFriendly avenue Baptist Church | april 28 | 2 - 7 pm

$15/person. Contact Monica Vaughan for further information and to make reservations:

edwinv550@aol.com | 323-0335 Registration deadline: Sunday, April 10

Join Us on the FBC Trips“Peace in the Valley” | Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre in Wytheville, Va | Thursday, april 28 $99/person cost includes: Transportation, four-course lunch and ticket to the show. Leave FBC at 9 am and return at 6:45 pm. Payment is due by April 12.Look for information on these upcoming 2016 trips on a flyer available at FBC, in future issues of “Connections” or online at www.fbcgso.org/calendarevents:• “american Music Jubilee” Summer Show at

rudy Theatre in Selma, NC | July 21 | $79/person• Washington, DC | September 26-29 | the rate per

person varies based on 1 per room to 4 per room• Great Smoky Mountain Train ride to

Fontana lake| October 13 | $115/adult – $95/child• “american Music Jubilee” Christmas Show at

rudy Theatre, Selma, NC | December 8 | $89/person

IMPORTAnT TRIP InFORMATIOn:The tour provider is Yadkin Tours. To reserve your spot, sign up online: www.fbcgso.org/calendarevents or contact • Dolly Chesson: 545-7712 | swchesson1@gmail.com • Cliff Lowery: 210-6923 | lowerycc@aol.com• Monica Vaughan: 323-0335 |edwinv550@aol.com

nOTe: Payment for the trips cannot be accepted online. Mail your check payable to Yadkin Tours directly to: 235 Field Brook Drive, Clemmons, NC 27012

april 2016 | 9

Silver Compassion plan to Thrive Seminarsapril 18 (Mon) | FBC 102By Dr. George Fuller, Director of Silver Compassion

let’s Plan to Thrive! Announcing two classes that will give you more control over how your Life Story progresses today and into the future as well as how your Legacy continues

even after the final chapter. We cannot Thrive without our souls knowing we are telling the Story we were meant to tell. These classes will be engaging, enjoyable and helpful! Seminars will be in room 102. No reservations necessary. For more information: Steve Sumerel - steves@fbcgso.org | x233.

end of Life Planning: More Than Funeral Preparation (3 - 4:30 pm)The time of this class may be hard for those who are working but the content will help people of every age to put their life in perspective, give the gift of advanced planning to their loved ones, increase the control one has over your Legacy, and save money. Of course we often avoid thinking about the end and the Big Story but they prove to be the best places from which to shape each day and form our Life Plans.

Writing and Sharing Your life Story (6:30 - 8 pm)Everyone will find this class helpful. When we claim the role as the author of our Life Story, we will insure that we Thrive no matter how everyone else responds. Holy Week is our standard for a Life Story that did not define success by anything other than following the Life Compass given by Jesus’ Abba. Jesus decided in the Garden to tell His Life Story and let the Plot unfold with the will of the Abba He trusted. The Life Story class would be fun for couples and friends to attend together.

50-Year Members… Mark Your Calendars!

On Sunday, May 1, following worship, we will celebrate our 50-year members at our

annual luncheon. FBC is fortunate to have so many of you who have chosen to make FBC your church home. If you are a 50-year member, you will be receiving an invitation in the mail, and can bring one guest to the luncheon. Remember, membership does NOT have to be in consecutive years, but our database has no way of tracking those members, so please don’t rely just on the invitation. You can RSVP today! All RSVPs must be in by Monday, April 25 to Marty Kellam: 274-3286 or ext. 245. If you need transportation, we need to know ASAP, so please let us know that too!

Connect with adults

Connect with BusinessMarch Church Conference SummaryThe monthly Church Conference took place on Sunday, March 13, 2016 in the Fellowship Hall. Church Moderator, Hazel Fisher presided. Motion 1 was presented by Jennifer Hall, Deacon Chair and Motion 2 was presented by Pat Wilson, Chair of the Missions Committee. Both motions were approved by the congregation.Motion 1: Upon the unanimous recommendation of the Ordination Council called for Jason Knight, I move that he be ordained to the Gospel ministry at an ordination service to be held at First Baptist Church, Greensboro, North Carolina, on April 3, 2016.Motion 2: On behalf of the Missions Committee, Finance Committee and Deacons, I move that an amount of $2,000 from the Great Commission Fund be approved in partial support of a mission trip to Ecuador by Laura Lomax and Phil Barbee in connection with E3 Partners Ministries.

New Books in FBC library•Caught by Margaret Haddix•Devotion by Adam Makos•The Guilty by David Baldacci•The Nativity Story by Angela Hunt•See Me by Nicholas Sparks•The Wright Brothers by David McCullough•You’re Here for a Reason by Nancy Tillman

February 2016 Financial resultsYear-To-Date Budget receipts/Distributions

actual Budget last Year Receipts $301,884 $323,349 $341,867 Disbursements $267,645 $296,236 $286,899 Differential $ 34,239 $ 27,113 $ 54,968

Community lunch | Church Conference – Sunday, april 10 | Following WorshipEveryone is invited to enjoy lunch around the tables. The April Lunch will be a fundraiser by the youth to raise support for their Stop Hunger Now project on April 23. Donations will be collected at the door. A brief church conference will follow lunch to allow the membership to hear about the latest from our Deacons and committees bringing motions forward. Mark your calendar to participate in this important process of the church.

Connect with One another

10 | Connections

andrew and allison Donovan Annie and Emma

(March 6) By Statement

responding to the invitation

alec and Elizabeth Gill

Trevor and Charlotte(March 6) By Statement

adam and laura Duggins

Mason, Grant, Landon and Johnny

(February 28) By Statement

Marty and Susan lawing

(March 6) By Letter

Mark and Margaret McCracken

Max and Hunter(March 6) By Statement

Welcome New Baby!eden Zachariah Holmes

Born: February 26 Parents: Aaron and Emily Holmes

We welcome these new members to our growing community of faith. We are excited about the wonderful gifts they bring to FBC and we look forward to our journey together.

Bereaved • Phyllis Anderson in the loss of her brother-in-law,

richard Clark, on January 29 • Ron McCraw in the loss of his brother,

William F. McCraw, on February 21 • Jim and Sally Skidmore and the Mack Smith

family in the loss of Furney Baker, brother-in-law of Jim and Sally, and brother of Viviane Smith Baker, on February 24

• Jim Fogleman Sr. in the loss of his brother, Stewart Fogleman, on March 2

• Ruth Caraker in the loss of her son Jersey• Ceil Sue in the loss of her husband, Dr. Sam Sue,

on March 15• Terri and Doug Vancil in the loss of Terri’s mother,

Emma Jean Taylor, on March 15• Anita Philpott in the loss of her mother,

phyllis abbott, on March 22

Why First Baptist? by Adam Duggins

as someone who grew up at First Baptist, it’s been exciting to return and see all that’s new. The growth and vision is part of why

Laura and I made the decision for First Baptist to be our family’s church. However, I’m not sure we realized how much the heritage would mean to us, too. This was apparent to me as we stood in the receiving line the Sunday we joined. It was fun to see new faces coming through the line, but I was surprised by how much it energized me to see people who had invested in my life 25 years ago – like my 4th-grade Sunday School teacher, Carolyn Clontz, who offered to go to the nursery and bring up our baby, Johnny, so we could stay in the Sanctuary and greet people. First Baptist feels like a dynamic and growing church to me, but it also feels like the church I grew up in. Ultimately it was that combination of the new and the familiar that caused us to feel this was our home.

•Adults

•All Ages •Children•Seniors

•Missions

•Weekday School •Worship

•Youth

•2, 9 (S): Community Garden Workdays. 9 am-12 noon•3 (Su): Finance Committee. 108-C, 4:30 pm •3 (Su): Jason Knight Ordination. Sanctuary, 7 pm •4 (M): primeTime. 9 am - Lunch •4, 11, 18, 25 (M): Moms’ Group. 319, 9:30-11:30 am •4 (M): Deacon’s Meeting. 102, 7 pm•5 (Tu): Grace Meal prep. Kitchen, 5 pm•5 (Tu): WMU Group 2. 102, 7 pm•6 (W): Grace Meal pickup/Serve. 5 pm•6, 13, 20, 27 (W): Fellowship Meal/Free for College. 5:30 pm (serving begins 5 pm)•6, 13, 20, 27 (W): Divorce recovery. 218, 6:15 pm •6, 13, 20, 27 (W): adult access Classes. 6:15 pm •10 (Su): StepUp Ministry Clothing Collection. Atrium, 9 am•10 (Su): Community lunch followed by Church Conference. 108, 11:45 am •10 (Su): a Simple Gesture Sign-up. •12 (Tu): WMU Group 3. 102, 9:30 am •12 (Tu): WMU Group 4. Café, 10:30 am •13 (W): Missions Committee. 108-C, 5:30 pm •17 (Su): Explore 1st. Café, 12 noon - 2 pm•18 (M): Silver Compassion Sessions. 102, 3-4:30 pm, 6:30-8 pm •20 (W): Building and Grounds Committee. 216, 5:30 pm •23 (S): Day of Service. 9 am-12 noon•26 (Tu): Senior adult Council. 216, 2 pm •26 (Tu): personnel Committee. 216, 7 pm

april 2016 | 11

1. David Carter, Betty Troxler, Emiley Turner

2. Tom Cornett, Bill Tutterow 3. Eleanor Gibson, Jenny Hall 4. Maggie Martin 5. Jeanne Blakely, Ralph Gilliland,

Betty Jean Hipp, Kathy McDaniel, Sue Miller

6. Millicent Childs, Stuart Philpott 7. Randy Lewis, Ken Ripley,

Anne Wilson 8. Melissa Milligan, Norma Moore 9. William Bolton, Joanna Bryson,

Frances Fickling, Lucille Fitzner

april Birthdays (No FBC Birthdays April 10, 25)

regular Weekly Schedule

Sunday AM @FBC•Bible Study - 9:15 am•Worship - 10:30 am •Guest reception - 11:45 am, 209

Sunday PM @FBC•Youth Handbells - 4 pm, 319-D/Sanctuary•Youth Choir - 5 pm, 311•adult Bells - 6 pm •Youth Discipleship - 6:20 pm, 301•Sanctuary Choir - 7 pm, 311

Wednesdays@FBC•Fellowship Meal - 5-6:15 pm•Kids’ access - 6 pm•Youth Forum - 6:15 pm•adult access Classes - 6:15 pm•Divorce recovery - 6:15 pm•Sanctuary Choir - 7:15 pm, 311

Fellowship Meals Wednesdays: 5:30-6:15 pm

(Serving begins at 5 pm)reservations - due Mon. 12 pm; Cancellations due Tues. 12 pm. Make your reservation online at www.fbcgso.org/calendarevents OR Marty Kellam - marty@fbcgso.org | x245.

6: Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes,Green Beans | Kids: Mini Burger13: Oven Roasted Pork Loin, Mac & Cheese, Stewed Apples | Kids: Hot Dog20: Chicken Portofino, Orzo Pasta,Broccoli Spears | Kids: Chicken Tenders27: Fried Fish, Baked Potato,Cole Slaw | Kids: Fish Stix

11. Hilda Hester12. Mildred Griffin, Jimmy Kesler,

Wink Kirkman, Carla Porter, Brad Priddy, Ryan Priddy

13. Louise Deshaies, John Gee, Jennifer Hill

14. Judy Hester, Jon Kalish, Jill Pegram, Lisa Riddleberger

15. David Stone, Willard Dean16. Jack Headspeth, Mona

O’Bryant 17. Lois Edinger 18. Beth Wise19. Kevin Cole, Ralph Tate 20. Jean Ayers, Inez Harrington,

Sara Sears

21. Ronny Blakely, Paul Stewart 22. Alice Culclasure 23. Gladstone Harrell24. Morgan Alexander,

Colleen Hardy, Catherine Little, Doris Melson, Matt Messick, Evy Wall

26. Stephanie Cole, Lawrence Mann, Mark Pegram, Joel Reynolds

27. Betty Echerd, Julie King, Ellen Morrow

28. Rosemary Kellam, Larry Putnam, Win Rose

29. Ken Melton30. Bob Baggett, Indigo Stephens

College BirthdaysStuart philpott NC State | April 6 3710 Lail Court, Raleigh, NC 27606 sjphilpo@ncsu.edu

Jon Kalish UNC-Charlotte | April 14 CF Lynch Hall #136B | UNC-Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223-0001 | jkalish@uncc.edu

First Baptist Church Greensboro1000 West Friendly AvenueGreensboro, NC 27401www.fbcgso.org

NON-PROFIT

ORGANIZATION

US POSTAGE PAID

GREENSBORO, NC

NO. 179

Unidiversity 2016 | “reFocus” July 18-23 University of Tennessee We will adjust our lens and “reFocus” on the life Jesus calls us to live. Youth will grow in their faith during an incredible week of fun learning about God with friends from churches all over the southeast. Registration is $350/person, space available. A non-refundable $75 deposit reserves your spot for the week.

Sign-up: www.fbcgso.org/youthFor more info about Unidiversity:

www.unidiversity.org

Connect with Youth & College

NEWSMemories from the

Disciple Now

Weekendretreat…

Stop Hunger now!

During First Baptist’s Day of Service on April 23rd, FBC Youth will

be joining Stop Hunger Now, an organization that is working to end hunger, by preparing 10,000 meals on that Saturday morning. John Sample, April Eller, and Amy Knight are leading FBC Youth in this effort, an effort that has been a wonderful experience where youth put their faith into action to feed hungry people around the world. To make this day possible, they will also be feeding YOU at our Church Conference on April 10th. Donations for this meal will help to raise the remaining funds needed that will purchase the meals they will be packaging on our Day of Service. Please join us for lunch after morning worship on April 10th, and help FBC Youth Stop Hunger Now!