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What's going on at Richmond's First Baptist
Church
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August 14, 2010 >
Pastor asks congregation to consider membership policy change
Dr. Jim Somerville sent a letter to members of the congregation this week asking
them to participate in the decision to change the church's membership policy. A
business meeting for that purpose is scheduled for Sunday morning, September 19
at 9:30 in the Sanctuary. He also encouraged members to participate in a
discussion prior to the vote on Wednesday evening, September 8 at 6:15 in the
Dining Hall.
He encouraged members to listen to his comments about the practical implications
of the change.
Hear his comments (Windows Media).
Hear his comments
(download mp3).
Read the full text of the
recommendation.
Read a series of news stories on this page about the
proposal.
Here's the "official notice of the called
business meeting" - On Sunday, September
19, at 9:45 a.m. the congregation will meet to
vote on the deacon recommendation to modify our
membership policy to accept as members those who
are professing Christians who have been
previously baptized at some time by any
mode. The recommendation has been available for
several months on the website and published in
the bulletin to allow members to review, reflect
and pray about making this change. To provide
the same opportunity for reflection and prayer,
those who wish to present any substantive
amendments or motions for consideration on the
19th are asked to submit them to the church
office by Wednesday, September 8. They will be
made available on the website, in the bulletins
and Wednesday Night News prior to the meeting.
....................
August 11, 2010 >
13
are baptized in second annual river baptism
M embers
and friends of First Baptist gathered at the James River to witness the baptism
of 13 people and share a picnic Sunday afternoon, August 8.
Photos by Janet Chase.
Watch a short video of the baptism.
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July 6, 2010 >
Congregation calls Bart Dalton as Minister of Youth
 The First Baptist congregation voted unanimously to call Rev. Bart Dalton as Minister
of Youth. The vote took place at the end of the morning worship
services June 27. He will begin his ministry with us August 15.
Minister to Youth Search Team chair Julie Pierce was, as she put it, "bursting
with excitement" as she presented the candidate. He met with the Deacons on the
previous Thursday evening, and with youth and their parents at various times
during the weekend. Before the vote, he spoke briefly about his Christian
journey.
Bart has been serving as Minister to Students at First Baptist Church in Easley,
South Carolina for the past four years. He earned his BA in religion from
Belmont University in Nashville, TN in 1998, and his Master of Divinity degree
from Truett Theological Seminary in Waco, TX in 2001.
Bart and his wife, Marianne, have two preschool sons: Joey and Robbie.
....................
June 9, 2010 >
Congregation to vote on membership policy change September 19
Deacon chair Lee Stephenson announced to the Deacons in their regular monthly
meeting last night that Sunday, September 19 is the date set for a vote on their
recommendation to change the church's membership policy.
See stories below for
details about the proposed change.
She encouraged the Deacons to listen to the pastor's comments about the
practical implications of the change (see below), and to use the summer months
to be in prayer about the issue.
No time was set for the vote. She asked for input from the Deacons, saying that
the possibility of a Sunday afternoon called church business meeting is under
consideration.
....................
June 3, 2010 >
Pastor outlines practical implications of membership policy change
Dr. Jim Somerville talked with the congregation about the practical implications
of the proposed membership policy change Wednesday evening, June 2.
Hear his comments (Windows Media).
Hear his comments
(download mp3).
No date has been set for further discussion or a vote on the proposed change,
but it is on the Deacon's agenda at their regular monthly meeting June 8.
See next story (below) for
details about the proposed change.
....................
May 12, 2010 >
Deacons recommend change
to membership policy
The Deacons have voted to recommend a change in the church’s membership policy.
The proposed change would offer full church membership to those who come from
other Christian denominations and claim a previous Christian experience that
includes baptism in any form, a public profession of faith, and a sincere desire
to follow Jesus. The current policy requires those coming from other Christian
denominations who have not previously done so to be baptized by immersion before
becoming FBC members.
The Deacons did not set a
date for the congregation to vote on the recommendation. But they did schedule
four opportunities for congregational discussion in the coming weeks. You may
choose to attend one or more of the sessions.
Wednesday, May
19, 6 – 7 p.m. in the Dining Hall
Sunday, May
23, 9:45 – 10:30 in the Sanctuary
Wednesday, May
26, 6 – 7 p.m. in the Chapel
Wednesday,
June 2, 6 – 7 p.m. in the Dining Hall
Read the full text of the
recommendation.
The Deacons voted in favor
of the recommendation by an 80% majority following a lengthy discussion in their
regular monthly meeting May 11. They had been studying and discussing the issue
since the fall of 2008. The congregational discussion began in October 2008 with
two "Holy Conversations" on Wednesday evenings.
You can
hear those conversations here.
Deacon
Chair Lee Stephenson appointed a 13-member study committee in May 2009. That
group brought their report to the Deacons in April 2010.
Read the full text of the
committee’s report, including the
majority and
minority reports. The Deacons
decided to table the matter until the May meeting, to allow more time for prayer
and discussion.
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April 14, 2010 >
Dr. Peter James Flamming has been
elected Pastor Emeritus. He was honored during the April 25 Sunday morning worship services.
Download and read the official resolution documentation of Peter James Flamming.
See and hear the Sunday morning presentation.
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March 31, 2010 >
 Congregation
to vote on electing Dr. James Flamming "Pastor Emeritus"
There will be a called business meeting of the congregation on Wednesday, April
14 at 6 p.m. in the Dining Hall to consider and vote on the recommendation of
the deacons to elect Dr. Peter James Flamming as Pastor Emeritus.
Dr. Flamming served the church as Senior Pastor for 23 years, from June 1983
until his retirement December 31, 2006.
The deacons voted unanimously in February to accept the recommendation of the
Deacon Advisory Council that Dr. Flamming be recommended to the church for
election as Pastor Emeritus.
....................
March 23, 2010 >
Deacons to hear report from Baptism and Church Membership Study Team
The Deacons will hear a report from their Baptism and Church Membership
Study Team at a called meeting Sunday, April 11 at 4 p.m. The team,
appointed in the summer of 2009, has been looking at the church’s policy for
accepting new members. Thomas N. Chewning is the team leader. Following the
presentation and discussion, the Deacons will decide whether or not to bring
a recommendation for changing the policy to the congregation.
Conversation about the baptism and church membership policy has been under
way for almost two years. There were two congregational “holy conversations”
on the topic in the fall of 2008 (click
to hear those sessions). There was more discussion in April 2009 as the
congregation talked about moving to the missional church model (click
to hear those sessions).
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March 11, 2010 >
Good news reported on 2009 year-end financials, 2010 pledges & commitments to
serve
The Deacons got some good news at their monthly meeting March 9. Church
Administrator Billy Burford reported that the finance office recently closed the
books on 2009. He said total contributions for the year were $3,130,618, just
4.3% short of the budget goal for last year. Actual expenses came to $3,130,914,
just $295 short of the contributions. "In a year when churches and other
non-profit organizations suffered major losses, that's good news," said Billy.
"God is doing great things among us."
Further evidence of the church's financial health came in his report of
"Generosity Commitment" cards that have been submitted. The amount committed for
2010 is 10.4% greater than last year, with a 6% increase in the number of those
making a commitment.
So far in 2010, even though there were snow storms two Sundays, forcing
cancellation of the early worship service and Sunday school, the amount of money
given is only $13,533 less than the budget goal of $467,200 as of March 7.
Associate Pastor for Christian Formation Steve Booth reported that 152
"Commitment to Serve" cards were submitted during the stewardship commitment
emphasis in February. Those cards represented 183 people. Of those, 100
individuals expressed interest in serving in one or more ministry areas of the
congregation. Steve said there were 59 exhibitors at the Ministry Fair February
28. Although no formal records were collected, many ministry areas have reported
new contacts with people who want to participate.
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January 28, 2010 >
New mural gets installed to help announce First Baptist births and adoptions
The addition of a tree mural in the main hallway, is in celebration of the blessing of new life in our church family.
Nancy de Nijs, muralist (pictured above), has artistically captured the ideas of several church members as we celebrate together the pending birth or adoption of a child into our church family.
A nest with an egg announces that a baby is expected. Parents’ names and anticipated time of arrival will be displayed. Once the baby has been born, the nest will hold a baby bird with a birth announcement.
We encourage all expectant parents to let us know,
so that we can add them to our tree.
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November 23, 2009 >
CARITAS
FBC hosts 100 men during Thanksgiving week
Richmond's First Baptist Church is hosting a hundred men this week, November
21-28, as part of our participation in Congregations Around Richmond Involved To
Assure Shelter. Several local churches take turns providing shelter and services
for the homeless population during the winter months.
While they're here this week, the men will have other opportunities. On Sunday
night, the One Accord ensemble performed a concert for the men. Volunteers are
providing meals, haircuts and laundry service. FBC member and physician Dr.
Terry Whipple will talk with the guests about how to take care of themselves
medically.
The guests will participate in the Thanksgiving dinner and worship service
Tuesday evening.
The men arrive at the church building in the late afternoon and leave early in
the morning. But on Thanksgiving Day, they may remain in the building all day,
enjoying a Thanksgiving meal, watching television, and visiting with church
members who come to help serve the meal.
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November 22, 2009 >
2010 Church Budget approved
The congregation voted to approve the 2010 church budget. The vote took place
during morning worship services November 22. The new budget totals $3.2 million.
Click here to view the budget.
The new budget is organized around the new church structure, giving emphasis to
Christian compassion, invitation, community, worship, formation, communication
and support. The new budget goes into effect January 1.
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November 12, 2009 >
Two FBC staff members to leave at end of 2009.
Alan Jones and Pat Powell will leave the FBC staff at the end of this year.
Alan was a member of FBC for eight years before joining the staff. He was the church’s first Minister of Recreation when that position was created in 1998. Six years ago, he helped to pioneer an effort between the church and the Baptist General Association of Virginia (BGAV) for a campus ministry program, working with students at the VCU campus, as well as other college students in the congregation. The program was funded jointly by BGAV and FBC. In May of this year, Alan ended his work with the BGAV campus ministry program. FBC has not been in a position to support the program and its funding on its own. Alan has decided to use this opportunity to seek a new focus in his calling to service for God.
Pat has served the church for 31 years, first as a secretary and then as church receptionist. She will retire at the end of this year. Church Administrator Billy Burford said, “Pat has always been willing to go the extra mile… even when I would call her at 5 a.m. to change the message on the answering machine regarding church closings during inclement weather. In the midst of everyday chaos when phones were ringing, people were standing at her desk and someone wanted to be ‘buzzed in’, Pat greeted each person with a smile and a warm welcome. She was the voice of First Baptist and she did it very well.”
Concerning Alan’s departure, Pastor Jim Somerville said, “This is sad news for us at First Baptist. Alan has tremendous gifts and I am hoping and praying that God will put them to just the right use. He is one of the most likeable people I know, and I join hundreds of others in saying how much we will miss him.”
Alan said, “For nearly 18 years now, this community of faith has loved and nurtured me into a deeper, abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. As I leave this place and these relationships, please know what an honor it has been to serve you and that you will always be an important part of my testimony of faith. I look forward to hearing about all that God is doing in and through you in the years to come.”
Over these next few weeks, please take time to express your appreciation to Alan and Pat. Cards and letters of appreciation may be sent to the church through December 31. Their email addresses are:
Jones@FBCRichmond.org and
Powell@FBCRichmond.org.
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October 28, 2009 >
Parish Health Ministry issues bulletin about Swine Flu precautions.
The FBC Parish Health
Ministry is cautioning church members to take the Swine Flu threat seriously by
using common sense. Read the complete bulletin, which
includes suggestions about how to protect yourself and others.
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October 15, 2009 >
Denominational giving options under review
First Baptist members have the
opportunity to direct the portion of their giving that goes toward
denominational needs by selecting one of three giving plans.
Click here
to review the 2009 plan on the church's website.
The Deacon Advisory Council is currently considering some refinements to the
descriptions and allocations for 2010, trying to make the distinctions among the
three plans easier to understand. The Council will present their recommendations
to the deacons in November, and then to the congregation at the quarterly church
business meeting January 13.
The Deacon Advisory Council is made up of the current deacon chair, Lee
Stephenson, and the immediate past five deacon chairs and vice chairs: Ben
Allred, Clyde Davis, John Farmer, Kevin Fergusson, Lee Hilbert, Jim Markham, Mac
Marshall, David Maynard, Bob Palmer, and Nancy Pettigrew.
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October 15, 2009 >
Proposed 2010 Church Budget presented
Budget Team chairman Tripp Phaup
presented the proposed 2010 budget to the congregation during the quarterly
church business meeting October 14. The new budget totals $3.2 million.
Click here to view the
proposed budget.
The new budget is organized around the new church structure, giving emphasis to
Christian compassion, invitation, community, worship, formation, communication
and support. The Deacons will vote on the budget at their regular meeting
November 9. The congregation vote will take place during the Sunday morning
worship services November 22.
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August 13, 2009 >
21 are baptized in first annual river baptism
Some 300 First Baptist members and friends gathered at the James River to witness the baptism of 21 people and share a picnic Sunday afternoon, August 9. Fred & Julie James and One Accord provided music.
In welcoming the
participants, Pastor Jim Somerville indicated this was the first annual river baptism. To see a video clip, click here.
To purchase a DVD of the service click here.
Photos by Paul Kreckman and Janet Chase.
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July 14, 2009 >
FBC responds to refugees in Jesus’ name
 For
many years, refugees have been entering the Richmond community at a steady,
though slow rate. Recently, the refugee influx has increased significantly. For
example, in the last two weeks alone, six new families have arrived. These
families come primarily from Bhutan, Burma, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia.
After applying for asylum,
the refugees are brought here by the U.S. government. They are assigned to a
regional affiliate such as Church World Service. From there, they are assigned
to a state affiliate such as the Virginia Council of Churches, and from there to
a specific city or county.
Many have waited for years
to come here. They arrive with little more than a suitcase full of belongings.
Many do not speak the language. They are alone, scared, and apprehensive.
Although their titles have been stripped away, they obviously retain their
education and skills. While those credentials are often significant, the
newly-arrived refugees are left with few options other than seeking minimum wage
jobs. But they are delighted for the opportunity for a new start.
Churches, such as ours,
are helping these refugees adjust to their new home and make a new life here.
The first thing we do is
try to make their arrival as easy as possible. We furnish their apartments and
make sure they have essentials such as food, toiletries and cleaning supplies
for the first few weeks. We also provide practical help in getting them
established in the community, such as teaching them how to shop, bank, find
jobs, relate to health care and school systems, learn English, and obtain their
driver’s license.
The list of needs and ways
to assist may seem endless. But this is a fulfilling way to respond to Jesus’
call to love our neighbor as ourselves. God has placed these brothers and
sisters in our path and on our doorstep alongside His call to love them, help
them, and show them Jesus within us.
There is a place for
everyone to help. For details, contact Steve Blanchard, Associate Pastor,
Christian Compassion at 358-5458, ext. 133 (Blanchard@FBCRichmond.org).....................
July 9, 2009 >
Church financial status update
By Billy Burford, Church Administrator
“How are we doing on our finances since Dr. Somerville presented the
information about the budget shortfall?” That's a question many have asked in
recent days. As of this past Sunday we have decreased the budget deficit by 22%.
Certainly, that is good news. What has been interesting to me, however, has been
the commitment by many people, not just First Baptist members, to go the extra
mile in helping to reduce that shortfall. With all of us pulling together, I
believe by the end of the year we will not only eliminate the shortfall but
might even exceed our budget goal. I do know this: God is always faithful to
provide all the resources First Baptist needs to bring His Kingdom to Richmond,
Virginia.
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Service projects & community involvement highlight Vacation Bible School
Service projects and participation by children from the community were the distinguishing marks of this year's Vacation Bible School at Richmond's First Baptist Church.
Some 294 children attended… 218 of them were from families not connected with FBC. There were 115 youths and adults who provided leadership for the week, June 29 through July 3.
 There was the usual VBS agenda of learning Bible stories and having fun. But this year, the week focused on service projects, encouraging the children to put their Bible knowledge into action. Todd Ritter, one of the VBS leaders, said, "During the week the children met with Bible heroes, played games, sang songs, ate a mountain of snacks, learned to Go Lead, Go Risk, Go Tell, Go Obey, and especially, Go Serve, as they partook in several mission projects around the city."
The children made blankets for patients at a local hospital and gift bags for nursing home residents. They distributed goodie bags to 240 neighbors in the Fan. They also prepared snack packs for Community Missions and supplies for faculty and staff at Maymont Elementary School.
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June 18, 2009 >
Telling the Truth and Trusting the People
FBC Pastor Dr. Jim Somerville shared these comments with the congregation
during worship on Sunday morning, June 14.
In the last few months I have been hoping that the economic crisis facing
the nation and the world would not come to First Baptist Church. I've been
praying that the people of God in this place would give so joyfully, so
faithfully that we would never feel the pain. Unfortunately it has come to us
and we are beginning to feel it.
Several months ago our administrator came to me saying that we needed to cut
the church budget by $100,000. You may know that the staff worked diligently to
trim any fat from the budget. You may not know that the leadership staff gave up
a 3% salary increase, that one of our part-time staff positions was eliminated,
and another part-time staff salary was reduced. We have done what we could to
cut the budget.
But if you look at the back of your bulletin you will see that we are
currently $100,000 behind in our giving and last week our administrator came to
my office to say we may need to cut the budget again. This time there will be no
fat to trim. The reductions that are made will cut into the flesh of our mission
and ministry.
I am telling you this because you need to know, because one of my mentors in
ministry said that in Baptist churches we "tell the truth and we trust the
people." I am telling you the truth so that you can respond to this crisis.
If you have lost a job, as many have in our congregation, the church is a
good place to come for help. If you have a job, as many do in our congregation,
the church is a good place to give... a way to be faithful to God and respond to
God's goodness to you. I ask you to search your heart and ask God to help you do
what you can for the sake of his kingdom.....................
June 10, 2009 >
Thomas N. Chewning named chairman of Membership Study Committee
Deacon
Chair Lee Stephenson has named Tom Chewning to lead the Membership Study
Committee. The committee, which was appointed in May, will
study the church's
membership policies, and in particular the role that baptism plays in our
membership requirements.
Tom
and his wife, Nancy, are longtime members of First Baptist Church. Tom was
raised in the church and was baptized by Dr. Adams. He is a Deacon, has been a
Sunday school teacher and has served on numerous teams and committees, including
the Endowment Fund Board.
The other committee members are Nancy
Pettigrew, Michael Lipford, Toni Myers, Virginia Darnell, Robert Dilday, Richie
Hilbert, Mary Ann Delano, Dickie Hamilton, John Torrance, Jim Norvelle, Theresa
Norton, and Andrew McRoberts.
Isam Ballenger will
serve as a non-voting member to provide scriptural, doctrinal and theological
resources. Lynn Turner
and Ralph Starling
will provide staff resources. Lee also will serve as non-voting member.
The
committee will begin their work in July and will give an interim report to the
deacon board in September.
Please include these deacons in your prayers.
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CBF & Endowment Board provide funding for two Ministry Residents
Two Ministry Residents
join the First Baptist Church staff this month. Lindsey McClintock began
a two-year Pastoral Ministry Residency June 1. Hannah McMahan begins a
one-year residency in Youth Ministry June 13.
These positions are funded
50% through the church’s “Emerging Leaders” budget (part of the 2009 Church
Operating Budget). The other half of Lindsey’s salary is provided by the
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, as part of a Lillie Foundation grant to support
emerging leaders. The First Baptist Church Endowment Fund is providing half of
Hannah’s salary.
Lindsey
McClintock has been part of our church family for the past year, serving as a
Community Missions intern during her final year at the Baptist Theological
Seminary at Richmond. She is a graduate of the University of Mary Washington and
graduated from BTSR in May. As Pastoral Ministry Resident, Lindsey will work
with Steve Booth in the Ministry of Christian Formation, and with Steve
Blanchard in the Ministry of Christian Compassion. She will lead the community
outreach program, a new ministry to address the needs of the greater community
including people "turned off" to church, our Fan neighbors, and others. In the
ministry of Christian formation she will assist with the coordination of
Wednesday night adult formation classes and small groups.
Hannah
McMahan is a graduate of Wake Forest University and Wake Forest Divinity
School. Her service will begin with the Youth Two mission trip June 13 and will
continue through May 2010. Her primary responsibilities will be with Youth Two
(8th – 12th grade). During this year, the Minister to Youth Search Team will
continue their work to fill this position on a permanent basis.....................
Music, Rice and Tuna were gifts of the Kingdom
The First Baptist Church Choir and One Accord presented a concert entitled, “The Kingdom” Sunday evening, June 7. The choir members and those attending the concert brought bags of rice and cans of tuna to stock the food pantry for refugees. The participants gave 490 pounds of rice and 450 cans of tuna.
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