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TALK OF THE TOWN

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Keep up with all things FIBC via our monthly Talk of the Town Newsletter! Want to send the newsletter to someone? Email us at info@fibcaz org

CALENDAR OF EVENTS CALENDAR OF EVENTS PRAYER & BIBLE STUDY PRAYER & BIBLE STUDY

Praise Team & Band Rehearsal

Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart

First Sunday - One Service Sunday

Back to School Fest

Pre-Noonday Prayer

Noonday Bible Study

Evening Bible Study

Praise Team & Band Rehearsal

Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart

Second Sunday

Pre-Noonday Prayer

Noonday Bible Study

Evening Bible Study

Praise Team & Band Rehearsal

Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart

Women’s Roundtable

Third Sunday - Women’s Sunday

Pre-Noonday Prayer

Noonday Bible Study

Evening Bible Study

Praise Team & Band Rehearsal

Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart

Congregational Check-Up

Fourth Sunday

Pre-Noonday Prayer

Noonday Bible Study

Evening Bible Study

Praise Team & Band Rehearsal

Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewa

Intercessory Prayer

Sundays and Wednesdays

In-Person & Online

We invite you to unite with us in prayer on Sundays before worship services and Wednesdays before Bible Study.

Noon Bible Study & Prayer Wednesdays at 11:30 a m In-Person & Online

Each Wednesday you're invited to grab your lunch and Bible and join us for prayer and Bible Study in the middle of the day

Congregational prayer begins at 11:30 a m , followed by Bible Study at noon We are excited to be walking through the Gospel of John In-person Bible Study will meet in The Hope Center Chapel Zoom ID: 602 258 1998 Passcode: 1141

Evening Bible Study

Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. In-Person

Our Wednesday evening series, will walk through our the Gospel of John with Pastor Talley. This is your opportunity to come learn more about who we are and what we believe.

TALK OF THE TOWN

Greetings, FIBC Members and Supporters,

It took a MIRACLE, but all 10 of our 2024 FIBC Mission Team members made it to the Motherland between July 6-16, in four shifts first shift of six arrived in Lagos, Nigeria on July 7th, second shift of one arrive there on July 8th, third shift of two arrived in Nairobi, Kenya on July 9th early, and fourth shift of one later that morning! Thank you, Jesus! But, no thanks to the Nigerian visa process that delayed not only our trek to the Annual Gathering of the Baptist World Alliance, but so many others, some of whom had to cancel their trips Thank you for your prayers and faithfulness while we were away.

Our 2024 FIBC Theme Focus for August is THANK YOU, LORD, FOR OUR JOURNEY TOGETHER BEING TRAILBLAZERS FOR SISTERS IN MINISTRY! Now, how much more kairos-timed can our theme focus be with our Annual Women’s Weekend, August 17-18, and the Democratic nominee for U.S. President being Vice President Kamala Harris? As I posted on my personal Facebook page after President Biden announced that he was not going to continue to run for re-election, let’s pray fervently for the guidance, wisdom, perseverance, safety and God’ will for Vice President Harris, her husband and her campaign team. In addition, we need to keep former President Trump, his family, his campaign team and our nation in our prayers daily.

Many of our students are returning to school for the 2024-2025 year, so let’s pray for all of those involved and related to our educational system during the challenging times. Lastly, you are invited to attend our Mid-Year Congregational Check-Up for leaders, workers and members, Saturday, August 24th, 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. We have strategic updates to share with you.

Keep the faith and be encouraged!

Pastor Stewart

Hitting the Highlights Hitting the Highlights

THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES

Back to School Fest

The dog days of summer are far from over, but many of our students and educators are preparing to head back into the classroom, which means we ’ re gearing up for our annual Back to School Fest on Sunday, August 4, 2024.

This year ’ s event will takeover our ENTIRE CAMPUS! We want to see you and your entire family in worship with us beginning at 9:30 a.m. as we wrap-up our Super Sized Summer Worship Services. Then join us at 11:30 a.m. in the Hope Center Gym for games, food and fun for students of all ages and include free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts and hair styles, shoes and more!

Bowling Night

The next young adult fellowship opportunity takes place on Friday, August 16, 2024 at Dave and Buster's Tempe Marketplace. We're going to let the good times roll with some friendly bowling games, along with all the other great experiences D&B has to offer.

Let us know you're attending, children are welcome. You're going to pay on your own, so you can participate in the activities you choose The deadline to sign-up is 11:59 p m (PST) on Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Hitting the Highlights Hitting the Highlights

THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES

Women’s Weekend

Women of all ages and stages are invited to Women’s Weekend 2024: For We Are… Her, August 17-18. There will be a Women’s Roundtable and Discussion on Saturday, August 17, facilitated by Dr Carolyn Watson, FIBC Minister of Pastoral Counseling, along with Dr Buffy Wooten and Mrs Tammy Abernethy

Then join us in Worship on Sunday, August 18. We want to see women serving in every ministry and all women are asked to wear shades of purple. We are excited to welcome Dr. Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes as our Guest Preacher. She is the founding and senior lead pastor of The Double Love Experience in Brooklyn, New York

Congregational Check-Up

It’s time for all ministry leaders and workers to gather for our mid-year Congregational Check-Up. We want to see you on Saturday, August 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in The Hope Center Gym.

Continental Breakfast begins at 8:30 a m

Programming begins at 9 a m

Programming expected to conclude at 1 p m

You’re going to get updates on:

Ministry wide updates and organizational chart changes

Strategic planning initiatives including the Garden Center workspace

New ministry opportunities

There will also be a ministries town hall with our Staff Pastors and Directors.

Ministry Moments Ministry Moments

CHECKING IN WITH THE CHECKING IN WITH THE OUTREACH & SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY OUTREACH & SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY

The Outreach and Social Justice Ministry has been hard at work, answering the call to engage in Jesus and Justice, evangelism and emancipation through FIBC. Here’s a look at some recent ministry moments.

BlackAugustInitiative

Have you ever heard of Black August? No, Black August is not a second Black History Month. Black August, is a prison-based holiday honoring Black political prisoners, Black freedom fighters, and revolutionaries.

Black August originated in the 1970s in a California prison and was inspired by the death of brothers Jonathan and George Jackson. Jonathan Jackson was an activist who died in 1970 of gunshot wounds at the age of 17. He died while fighting for the freedom of the jailed Soledad Brothers, three inmates accused of killing a prison guard. Two were acquitted by a jury while George Jackson was killed in prison by prison guards in 1971.

As we consider our Jesus and justice focus, may we understand that Black August is a time to remember, reflect, learn, and celebrate those who have come and gone before us We invite you this month to educate yourselves on Black August and share with others what you have learned On Sunday, August 25, stand in solidarity with the Outreach & Social Justice Ministry by wearing all black as part of “Black August Black Out,”

AnEmphasisonActivism

One of the ways the Black August observance differs fromBlackHistorymonthistheemphasisonactivism which can be radical Inherent injustices in political, legal,socialandothersystemsthatseektosilencethe Black voice are challenged Black August showcases whatcanbeinitiatedbyresistancetotheunjuststatus quo.Itisatimetoadvocateforjusticeandliberation of oppressed people This could be listening to and praying for victims of discrimination, educating ourselves on racial issues and voting, volunteering manpowerandgivingresourcestojustcauses Thereis much to be done to advance the goal of Black liberation.

WaystoCommemorateBlackAugust

Pray&Fast:Prayingandfastingisalwaysthegreateststepinbeginningajourneyof justice and righteousness. You can pray and fast for our incarcerated brothers and sisters.ThemoreyoulearnaboutBlackAugust,themoreyoushouldprayandfastand asktheLord,“howcanIserve?”

Vote: You can cast your ballot and vote your values Doing so not only signifies your participationinthedemocraticprocess,butitcanalsomakeastatementabouthow youfeelaboutourjudicialsystemandlawsconcerningthemostvulnerable

OfferProBonoLegalServices:Ifyouarealawyeroralegalexpert,youcanofferlegal servicesforthosewhoareinneedbutcan’taffordlegalservices

TapintotheBlackPerformativeArts:Liberationsoundslikethemessagesthatwere sang and embedded into Negro spirituals The song, “Sweet Chariot” refers to the numerousroutesintheUndergroundtrailthatenslavedBlacksused

OrganizeActivitiesforChildren: You can teach children the importance of Black Augustand/orotherimportantcivicdutiesandhistorylessons

PlananEventforSeniors:BlackAugustisatimetoreflectonthecontributionsof Black seniors in the fight for justice. Sometimes we forget about those who made it possibleforustoliveourliveswithdignityandrespect.Thereisasayingthatsays,“You cantellanationbythewayittreatsitschildren,womenandelders.”

LaunchaLetterWritingCampaigntoPoliticalPrisoners:Aletterwritingcampaign forpoliticalprisonersisawayoflettingthemknowtheyareoutofsightbutnotoutof mind.Provideinspiration,motivationandencouragementtokeepthemgoing.

HistoryClassesorTalksonRevolution:Classesonrevolutiondon’thavetobealltalk.

Shake things up with a documentary film screening. Imagine what living in the 60’s was like “Folks on the corner were thinking Black, talking Black, and being revolutionary Hustlers were wearing red, black, and green That breakdown was

Focus FIBCO in

FIBCO Family Services, Inc. focuses on five primary program areas:

Quality Food by providing free meal options to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.

Clothing distribution by providing clothing to those in need.

Affordable housing by offering safe and affordable housing to low-income individuals through a partnership with HUD

African Immigrant and Refugee Support by providing resources and support to African immigrants and refugees.

Health and Healthcare by addressing healthcare disparities and improving access to care.

From the Executive Director From the Executive Director

Akilah Stewart Akilah Stewart

I am pleased to report that FIBCO Family Services, Inc. is continuing to I am pleased to report that FIBCO Family Services, Inc is continuing to impact lives in the greater Phoenix area. impact lives in the greater Phoenix area.

A big THANK YOU to all our FIBCO volunteers A big THANK YOU to all our FIBCO volunteers.

Thank you to everyone who has donated items to our various Thank you to everyone who has donated items to our various campaigns and efforts. We accept donations at any time. campaigns and efforts. We accept donations at any time.

Y Your continued support of FIBCO Family Services, Inc. is making a our continued support of FIBCO Family Services, Inc. is making a difference in the Greater Phoenix area. difference in the Greater Phoenix area.

THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS

MINISTRY ON DISPLAY MINISTRY ON DISPLAY

FIBCO Family Services provided 37 large food bags to help feed the African American Congregation. Congregation.

FIBCO Family Services provided 37 large food bags to help feed the African American

We hosted a transportation education training with Metro City Phoenix.

We collaborated with Oak Street Health to provide additional services and items during our food

We collaborated with Oak Street Health to provide additional services and items during our food distribution days. distribution days.

We collaborated with 4 the Luv, an East Lake Community partner, to help build and restore

We collaborated with 4 the Luv, an East Lake Community partner, to help build and restore relationships in the community. relationships in the community.

We continue We continue to encourage any donations of hygiene products. to encourage any donations of hygiene products.

SUMMER COOLING CENTER NOW O

As part of our effort to provide suppo As part of our effort to provide suppo community, the Harrison-Thompson community, the Harrison-Thompson remains open during the week. remains open during the week.

Visitors are welcome to stop by The

Visitors are welcome to stop by The on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays p.m. using the back entrances. p.m. using the back entrances.

Akilah Stewart Akilah Stewart

FIBCO Family Services served 1,912 individuals and provided St.

FIBCO Family Services served 1,912 individuals and provided St. Mary’s Emergency Food Boxes onsite and held mobile Mary’s Emergency Food Boxes onsite and held mobile distributions at 7 sites in the community. Additionally, 737 lunches distributions at 7 sites in the community. Additionally, 737 lunches were provided to those in need throughout the month. were provided to those in need throughout the month.

DONATION DRIVE ALERT! DONATION DRIVE ALERT!

As the Arizona summer starts to heat up, we are

As the Arizona summer starts to heat up, we are always looking for donations to support the unhoused always looking for donations to support the unhoused and underserved community. Please consider a and underserved community. Please consider a donation today: donation today:

water bottles water bottles

reusable water bottles and bags reusable water bottles and bags toiletry items toiletry items

Items can be dropped off on Sundays at the Sanctuary

Items can be dropped off on Sundays at the Sanctuary Welcome Center and during Business Hours at The Welcome Center and during Business Hours at The Hope Center Lobby. For more information, reach out Hope Center For more information, reach out to FIBCO Family Services. to FIBCO Family Services.

Medical Moments Medical Moments

HEALTH AND WELLNESS CORNER HEALTH AND WELLNESS CORNER

PRESENTED

THE FIBC HELPS MINISTRY & MAYO CLINIC

On the third Sunday of each month we share medical information in partnership with Mayo Clinic highlighting medical issues and education in the African American community

On the fourth Sunday of each month the FIBC HELPS Ministry shares a Mental Health Moment, aimed at providing resources, tools and information about healthrelated challenges within our congregation and the African American community as a whole Click below to watch the presentation

Dealing with Grief

with Chaplain Brenda Griffin Collins

R R ecapping July ecapping July

A SUMMER JOLT IN JULY

Not to be outdone by the Phoenix heat, July was busier than ever inside and outside the FIBC walls From a miracle mission trip to Africa, to ministry in motion and on display in our community, our ministries are continuing to show that we are the Hope of the City from the City Center

Recapping Jul Recapping Jul yy

Stay in t he Know Stay in t he Know

VOLUNTEER | SERVE | GIVE | SHARE

Ways to Give

Whether worshiping in person or online, you have the opportunity to give generously through tithes and offering. Your generous support of FIBC goes a long way in helping us fulfill our mission, vision and purpose.

Ways to Give:

U.S. Mail or In-Person (1141 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85034)

CashAPP using the tag $FIBCAZ

Online at fibcaz.org and click on "Give"

Text to Give using the number 480-568-3880

Legacy Giving

As part of your giving, consider making a contribution to the FIBC Legacy Endowment. Established to cultivate life-long support of our mission and ministries, this is a key component of our stewardship ministry and vital in ensuring the perpetuity of FIBC.

There are several ways you can contribute to the endowment. For more information visit our website or call the church office.

er Contact Information Update

e for you to update and verify your contact information. of our annual membership experience, we need you to nd/or update your contact information

bcaz org for information on how you can affirm your ership or call the church office

Stay in t he Know Stay in t he Know

VOLUNTEER | SERVE | GIVE | SHARE VOLUNTEER | SERVE | GIVE | SHARE

ers Needed

stries are continuing to make the transition ife on the FIBC campus and that means we ore volunteer support. We want you to find e in ministry and serve, and trust and believe, plenty of room for you to use your gifts and

need of volunteers for ministries like the Security (Ministry of Protection), Multi-Media dent Ministries But there are other places you e Please take the next step by calling the ffice or emailing to let us know you're ready to ministry

Open Staff Positions

As our ministries return to campus, we're also hiring some much needed staff positions. We recently reorganized our staff positions and we are accepting applications for the following positions:

Various Family Life (Student Ministries) positions

Visit our website for information on how to apply

#didyouknow FIBC has a YouTube Channel? Did you know you can watch our services and Bible Studies live from your smart device, including a tv, on YouTube? Don't forget, we’ve moved all our streaming to YouTube. You can enjoy worship services, bible studies and other special events and programs, streamed direct to a television or any smart device.

TALK OF THE TOWN

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

First Institutional Baptist Church, 1141 East Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85034

Telephone 602-258-1998 Fax: 602-256-2957

Website: www fibcaz org Email: info@fibcaz org

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE HOURS: Tuesday-Friday 8:00 a m - 5:00 p m

FIBCO FAMILY SERVICES, INC ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE HOURS: Tuesday-Friday 9:00 a m -3:00 p m

WORSHIP AND BIBLE STUDY TIMES: Sunday Worship: 7:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Children & Youth Worship: 9:00 a.m.

Sunday Bible Studies: 9:30 a.m.

African Worship Service: 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday Pre-Noonday Prayer and Bible Study: 11:30 a.m. & 12:00 p.m. (noon)

Wednesday Evening Bible Study: 7:00 p m

Senior Pastor - Dr Warren H Stewart, Sr

Executive Director of Operations - Bro Deangelo D Hall Ext 2205 | dhall@fibcaz org

Executive Director of Ministries - The Rev John Talley, III Ext 2211 | jtalley@fibcaz org

Pastor of Congregational Care - The Rev Sharmal Cannon Ext 2228 | scannon@fibcaz org

Pastor of Family Life - The Rev Thomas Claiborn, IV Ext 2206 | tclaiborn@fibcaz org

Pastor of Outreach and Justice - Dr Donta’ McGilvery Ext 2207 | dmcgilvery@fibcaz org

Creative Director of Virtual and Multi-Media - Bro Maarcus Hall Ext 2208 | mhall@fibcaz org

Minister of Pastoral Counseling - Dr Carolyn Watson Ext 2227 | cwatson@fibcaz org

FIBCO Family Services, Inc. Executive Director - Akilah Stewart akilah.stewart@fibco.org