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
First Sunday - The Lord’s Super Sweet Hour of Prayer (no Bible Study)
Pre-Noonday Prayer
Bible Study
Praise Team & Band Rehearsal
Women’s Weekend: Timeless Talk
Second Sunday - Women’s Sunday
Pre-Noonday Prayer
Bible Study
Praise Team & Band Rehearsal
Third Sunday
Pre-Noonday Prayer
Bible Study
Praise Team & Band Rehearsal
Boots on the Ground Indoor BBQ Picnic and Fellowship
PMBSCAZ Third Quarter Board Meeting
Fourth Sunday
Pre-Noonday Prayer
Bible Study
Praise Team & Band Rehearsal
Men’s Retreat
Disciple U New Member Class
Dream Zone Parent Meeting
Fifth Sunday -
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.
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
In-person Bible Study will meet in The Hope Center Chapel Zoom ID: 602 258 1998 Passcode: 1141
TALK OF THE TOWN
Blessings to you in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ!
What a joy it is to enter a new month a fresh opportunity to celebrate God's goodness in fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Our August theme is, "Our Spiritual Assignment – Passing the Lord's Baton Generationally Through Women Who Excel." As the saying goes, “There’s always a woman,” and indeed, women continue to thrive and demonstrate excellence across every area of life. This month, we are especially excited to amplify and honor women’s voices and lift up the exciting things taking place at FIBC this month.
Augustwillbeapower-packedmonthatFIBC,including:
SweetHourofPrayer–Acongregationalcalltoprayer,Sunday,August3
Generational Conversations – Dialogue with women across generations, Saturday, August9
Women’s Sunday Celebration – Featuring Guest Preacher Pastor Towanda Connelly, Sunday,August10
Boots on the Ground Indoor BBQ Picnic and Fellowship – A time of connection and action,Saturday,August23
Men’s Retreat – A time of spiritual refreshment and brotherhood, Friday, August 29Saturday,August30
D.R.E.A.M.ZoneSunday:RootedinImpact–HonoringeverygenerationofFIBC,Sunday, August31
With so many meaningful events, our prayer is that you will journey with us throughout AugustaswehonorGodandcelebratewhatGodisdoinginandthroughthelifeofFIBC.
GraceandPeace,
PastorsJamesL.HarrisJr.&Dr.DontáMcGilvery Co-InterimPastoralOverseers
Senior Lead Candidate Vote Senior Lead Candidate Vote
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM THE SEARCH COMMITTEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM THE SEARCH COMMITTEE
The Special Church Business Meeting to vote on our next Senior/Lead Pastor will take place this Sunday, August 3, 2025 at 11:30 a.m.
Please note, we will continue to worship as ONE church family during August with Bible Studies at 8 a.m., followed by Worship at 9:30 a.m. This Sunday, everyone is invited to join the Prayer Ministry in the Sanctuary for Sweet Hour of Prayer during the Bible Study hour All classes are canceled so all members can attend this special prayer time
As a reminder, please note the following as stated in the FIBC Amended and Restated Bylaws:
This meeting is open to members of FIBC ONLY.
This is an in-person ONLY voting meeting You must be present to vote
The only member designation that is allowed to have a proxy vote is a “sick and shut-in member.” That specific member designation was notified via U.S. mail and email.
Members who are not present, because of any other reason (ie. vacation, work, out of town college student, health challenge, etc.) will not be allowed to vote by proxy.
The voting process on Sunday, August 3, 2025 in the sanctuary:
All members will check in at a designated station.
Paper ballots will be distributed FOLLOWING the official roll call by the Church Secretary/Clerk.
All proxy voting must be received PRIOR to the start of the meeting by Sister Nancy Hooper
Support staff will be on-hand to ensure every member present receives a vote the ballot is counted.
Unite with us in Prayer Unite with us in Prayer
SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER WITH THE PRAYER MINISTRY SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER WITH THE PRAYER MINISTRY
We invite you to unite with the FIBC Prayer Ministry this weekend in their call for a churchwide Daniel Fast as we prepare to vote on the Senior/Lead Pastoral Candidate
Beginning at 6 a.m. on Friday, August 1 through 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, we will go into a season of fasting using the Daniel Fast (no breads, meats, sweets or treats) or a modified version if you have health challenges.
The fast will lead into our Sweet Hour of Prayer on Sunday, August 3 at 8 a m when we will gather as a congregation in the sanctuary for a time of consecrated prayer before 9:30 a m worship and the special meeting at 11:30 a.m.
Labor Day honors and recognizes the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements in the U S
FIBC will honor the Labor Day holiday on Monday, September 1 and with a campus closure on Tuesday, September 2. All campus operations will resume on Wednesday, September 3 Please call the office if you need to reschedule a meeting or activity.
Hitting the Highlights Hitting the Highlights
THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES
Women’s Weekend 2025 Passing the Lord’s Baton Generationally through Women who Excel
It is time for the women of FIBC to gather, reflect and pour into each other and you ’ re invited to join us for Women’s Weekend 2025 and there is something for everyone August 9 and 10.
First up, women of all ages will come together on Saturday, August 9 for a multi-generational, candid conversation with women representing every generation. Timeless Talk: a multi-generational conversation is meant to inspire growth and leadership in the church and beyond We’re going to gather at 9 a m in The Hope Center Registration is free and open to all
Then on Sunday, August 10 get ready for high energy praise, worship, fellowship and the preached word We are worshipping as ONE Church Family all July and August, which means Bible Study on Women's Sunday is at 8 a m , followed by Worship at 9:30 a.m. We want to see every woman in worship and serving, from the front doors to the choir stand.
We are excited to welcome Reverend Towanda NT Connelly, Senior Pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church as our Guest Preacher, and of course there will be opportunity for you to minister The colors for Women's Sunday are shades of pink
We invite all women to join us to make a joyful noise as part of the praise team and choir Rehearsals will take place on Tuesday, August 5 and Thursday, August 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary.
All women are invited to minister If you have any questions, contact Rev. Kendall Washington.
Hitting the Highlights Hitting the Highlights
THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES
Men’s Retreat 2025 Challenges and Consequences of the Leadership Baton Exchange
It’s time for the men of FIBC to gather, reflect and strategize and you ’ re invited Join the FIBC Men’s Ministry this August for the 2025 retreat Leaning into the theme, “Challenges and Consequences of the Leadership Baton Exchange,” the ministry leadership team wants your input and focused attention on what our current transition looks like and how you can support the ministry.
2025 FIBC Men’s Ministry Retreat
Friday, August 29 through Sunday, August 31
Hosted at Emmanuel Pines Retreat Center, Prescott, Arizona
This year ’ s retreat will take place in the hills of Prescott and feature discussions, small group workshops, strategic planning. reflection, personal time and more.
Registration is $195 per person and includes lodging, meals and conference materials. Please note, transportation is on your own The deadline to register is Sunday, August 17, 2025. This event is open to men of all ages
If you have questions, contact a Men’s Ministry leader or call the office
In addition to online payments, retreat payments can also be made through the Sunday offering plate by denoting "Men's Retreat" on your giving envelope. You must let Brother Deangelo Hall, Executive Director of Operations know you submitted a payment through the offering plate.
Hitting the Highlights Hitting the Highlights
THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES
Boots on the Ground BBQ Fellowship
Get ready for a rip roarin’ rockin’ fellowship and worship experience kicking off our 120th Church Anniversary celebration
We invite you and your entire family to join us on Saturday, August 23 for our Boots on the Ground Indoor BBQ Picnic and Fellowship. Meet us in The Hope Center Gym from 11 a m to 2 p m and enjoy amazing food, fellowship, music games and more.
Get ready because of course there are going to be games with prizes. Everything from a BBQ sauce cooking contest to best western attire, cowboy bingo and more!
Our planning committee is hard at work and you can join in by contacting Sister Nancy Hooper in the office or signing up online
Wear your favorite cowboy attire and bring the entire family for our Boots on the Ground Indoor BBQ Picnic and Fellowship.
Then join us in worship on Sunday, August 24 for high energy praise, worship and the preached word. Tip your hat, kick up your boots and get ready for worship as we kick off our 120th Church Anniversary celebration.
Hitting the Highlights Hitting the Highlights
THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES
D.R.E.A.M. Zone Sunday
We were made for this. We were built for this. We are rooted in this What is this you ask? It’s impact and for 120 years FIBC has been making an impact in the Greater Phoenix area Impacting lives through our vision, purpose and values We are Rooted in Impact and we are celebrating that impact on D.R.E.A.M. Zone Sunday, August 31.
Join us for high energy praise, worship and the preached word as we celebrate seven generations of family life at FIBC. With Bible Study at 8 a.m., followed by Worship at 9:30 a.m. there is something for everyone, no matter your age or stage in life.
Speaking of IMPACT, we want to THANK everyone who supported our annual Back to School Bash on Sunday, July 27. Our Hope Center Gym was filled to capacity with more than 500 people! More than 300 backpacks filled with school supplies were handed out and more than 2-dozen haircuts and styles were done, all supporting community children and families.
MEN’S CORNER
Connect with the FIBC Men’s Ministry
MEN’S SPOTLIGHT
This month we want to acknowledge Brother Obie Saddler, Jr.
Brother Obie has been a member of FIBC since 2006 and currently serves as a co-teacher of the Men’s Sunday School class, a member of the Governance Council, a member of the Praise Team and defacto parliamentarian for meetings. He’s married to Christa Lynn Saddler and between them they have four children and three grandchildren.
CONNECT WITH THE MEN’S MINISTRY
We want to see every man involved and engaged with the Men’s Ministry. In addition to the Sunday Bible Study class there are also monthly meetings and fellowship gatherings throughout the year, along with Men’s Month and Sunday, held in October.
2025 Theme: “No Man Left Behind”
Vision Statement: “Drawing, Developing, Disciplining and Deploying Men for the Cause of Christ”
Vision Scripture: “Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach.” – Mark 3:13-14
Upcoming Ministry Engagement Opportunities in 2025
Men’s Retreat - August 29-31, Emmanuel Pines, Prescott
Men’s Fishing Fellowship - Saturday, October 11
Men’s Sunday - Sunday, October 12
Church Center
Stay up-to-date with everything happening in the Men’s Ministry! Join the Men’s Ministry Group in the FIBC APP today.
Download instructions at fibcaz.org and search “Men’s Ministry” in groups. Call the church office if you need connecting support.
MEN’S CORNER
Connect with the FIBC Men’s Ministry
SINCERELY SEEKING DIRECTION
Be sure of this: I warn you today that you made a fatal mistake when you sent me to the Lord your God and said, “Pray to the LORD our God for us; tell us everything he says and we will do it.” Jeremiah 42:19-20 NIV
When Br’er Rabbit got stuck on Tar Baby and fell victim to Br’er Fox, he “prayed” repeatedly that Br’er Fox wouldn’t throw him into the briar patch. But that “prayer” was a ruse because the briar patch was exactly where Br’er Rabbit wanted to go! Is it possible that our own prayers can be just as self-serving? Conscientious believers are always in prayer that God will lead them. That is particularly true when crucial. Life-changing decisions must be made: What job? What marriage? What school? Which Church? Where should we live? What house? There could hardly have been a more vital need for God’s direction than in the aftermath of Jerusalem’s destruction. It is not surprising that the ragtag remnant would seek out Jeremiah to learn God’s will in the matter. “Pray that the LORD your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do,” they implored. Yet quite unbelievably when Jeremiah conveyed God’s message that they were not to go down into Egypt, they called Jeremiah a liar and went anyway!
As it subsequently appears, the only reason these folks went to Jeremiah in the first place was in hopes of getting God’s blessing for what they had already decided to do. If that sounds crass or arrogant, or stupid, have we ourselves ever been guilty of doing the same thing? When we pray for God’s direction, do our own plans ever become the answer we are really after? If so, we deserve whatever true briar patch we get thrown into, and it won’t be the comfortable briar patch we were hoping for!
The prayerful question is: When I ask God to lead me, are His options only my options, or am I truly willing to be flung into whatever circumstances He chooses?
The Daily Bible Devotional F. LaGard Smith
August 31
Community Events Community Events
UPCOMING MINISTRY & OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
UPCOMING MINISTRY & OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
Community Events Community Events
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.
Stay in t he Know Stay in t he Know
VOLUNTEER | SERVE | GIVE | SHARE
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
information up to date with the office? Do we have your mailing address, email and telephone number? As we e to enter a time of transition, we need you to verify update your contact information
bcaz org for information on how you can affirm your ership or call the office
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 -4:00 p m
FIBCO FAMILY SERVICES, INC ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE HOURS: Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 10:30 a m -12:30 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
Co-Interim Pastoral Overseers - Pastor James L Harris, Jr and Dr Donta’ McGilvery
Executive Director of Operations - Bro Deangelo D Hall Ext 2205 | dhall@fibcaz org
Pastor of Family Life - The Rev Thomas Claiborn, IV Ext 2206 | tclaiborn@fibcaz org
Pastor of Congregational Care and Outreach - The Rev Jordan Hampton Ext 2228 | jhampton@fibcaz org
Acting Director of Worship - The Rev Kendall Washington kwashington@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