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 - Lord’s Supper
First Sunday Advent
Sandra L. Caldwell Blanket and Sock
Drive Begins
Pre-Noonday Prayer
Noonday Bible Study
Evening Bible Study
Praise Team & Band Rehearsal
Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart
BWA Australia Travel Interest Meeting
Second Sunday
Pastor Stewart’s Birthday
Trial Sermons
Praise Team & Band Rehearsal
Pastor’s Christmas Party for the Neighborhood
Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart
Third Sunday
Governance Council Elections
Hoop Dreams Basketball Clinic
Pre-Noonday Prayer
Noonday Bible Study
Evening Bible Study
Praise Team & Band Rehearsal
Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart
Fourth Sunday - ONE Worship Service
Time to Remember
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Campus-wide Christmas Selah
Christmas Day
Fifth Sunday - Generations Sunday
New Year’s Eve Watchnight Service
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
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, mirrors our Noon Day Bible Study 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 is hard to believe, but here we are almost in December 2024 already. Christmas is less than a month away Time has not just flown by; it seems like it took a supersonic jet to get us to where we are now Thank God, Jesus Christ continues to be our Pilot, so we are in good hands. Moreover, we need that assurance in the aftermath of the 2024 General Election when the majority of voters in our nation clearly announced to us that morality, civility, decency, competency, inclusiveness and even theology does not matter when it comes to who leads the greatest democratic nation on earth Nevertheless, I stand by my unwavering belief that God is faithful. In addition, God is calling the Black Church in this nation to resume our role as the courageous, uncompromising, prophetic and pastoral instrument for JESUS AND JUSTICE as an example before the world.
The 2024 FIBC Theme Focus for December is THANK YOU, LORD, FOR OUR JOURNEY TOGETHER CELEBRATING OUR NEWBORN KING—YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER! We have several key activities going on this month, including Advent beginning on 12/1; two Trial Sermons on 12/11 (my 73rd birthday), 7:00 p m ; the Annual Pastor’s Christmas Party for the Neighborhood, 12/13; the congregational election of three Governance Council candidates on 12/15; Christmas Sunday worship in one combined service at 9:30 a.m.; Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 12/24. 6:00-7:00 p.m.; church-wide Christmas Selah, 12/24-31; and New Year’s Eve Watchnight Service, 12/31, 10:30 p.m.-12:15 a.m. Please plan to attend any or all these FIBC activities fulfilling our Purpose, Vision, Values and Strategy.
Our 60 DAYS OF SELAH, SUMMONING AND SEEKING THE LORD’S GUIDANCE ended on November 27 God be praised for those who have participated in any way, especially in our Wednesday congregational praying and/or Bible studies. These lessons have prepared FIBC for this historic senior pastoral leadership transition. Please keep praying that the Lord will guide us in our post-Selah season.
Keep the faith and be encouraged!
Pastor Stewart
Hitting the Highlights Hitting the Highlights
THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES
BWA Interest Meeting
Due to OVERWHELMING DEMAND we will hold a second informational meeting for travel to the Baptist World Alliance World Congress July 7-12, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia.
Join us on Saturday, December 7 at 12 p.m. via Zoom and get more information on the trip and how you can attend This trip is open to anyone, no matter your membership status, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see life down under in Australia
Zoom ID: 602 258 1998 Passcode: 1141
Hoop Dreams Basketball Clinic
Trial Sermons
FIBC invites you to witness the licensing of two new Preachers of the Gospel.
Join us on Wednesday, December 11 at 7 p.m., inperson and on the FIBC Streaming Platforms for the Trial Sermons of Sister Jamila Stewart and Bro. Thomas Clairborn, IV.
Join us as we honor the 2024 graduates of Pastor Stewart’s Licentiate’s Class
Blanket and Socks Drive
Are you interested in learning basketball fundamentals? Join us for Hoop Dreams It’s free and open to all young people, ages 6 to 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in The Hope Center Gym.
Sunday, December 8
The annual Sandra L. Caldwell Blanket and Socks Drive kicks off on Sunday, December 1. You are welcome to bring warm blankets and socks for those in need and leave them at the altar on Sundays or The Hope Center Lobby during business hours All will be given out through FIBCO Family Services, Inc
Hitting the Highlights Hitting the Highlights
THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES
Pastor’s Christmas Party
Pastor’s Christmas Party for the Neighborhood is coming up and we are excited for this year's event, taking place on Friday, December 13, 2024 in The Hope Center Gym. You have the opportunity to support a family in need
Make a financial contribution and let Santa’s Helpers shop for you
Shop on your own for gifts (under $40) and bring them unwrapped by Friday, Dec. 6. No clothing items please.
Volunteer at our event.
We are excited to announce that family registration has reached CAPACITY.
Governance Council Elections
As we come to the end of the year, we wan know that we will hold Governance Counc on Sunday, December 15. We are announce that we have three (3) candidate been vetted and are ready to serve in le FIBC
The election will be held in-person only after each worship service in The Hope C Voting is open to all members of FIBC wh membership requirements. There will be n electronic voting available.
Time to Remember
Campus-Wide Christmas Selah
THE FIBC HELPS Ministry will hold a Time To Remember on Christmas Sunday, December 22 at 8 a.m. This is your opportunity to celebrate the life of a loved one who’s no longer with us. You are welcome to join in-person in The Hope Center Gym or online, say a prayer, light or candle or just sit and listen.
Our entire campus will close for the final weeks of 2024, beginning on Christmas Eve, December 24 until Thursday, January 2, 2025. This is to ensure our campus and staff gets to enjoy the holidays There will be worship services at 7:30 a m and 11 a m on Sunday, December 29
Discover Jesus this Christmas Discover Jesus this Christmas
CHRISTMAS AT FIBC IS ABOUT MORE THAN THE FOOD & GIFTS
CHRISTMAS AT FIBC IS ABOUT MORE THAN THE FOOD & GIFTS
We all love Christmas – the lights, the food, the gifts! But at the heart of the holiday is an amazing story: the God of the universe sent his son Jesus to earth as a baby to save us His birth and life was the fulfillment of ancient prophecies. And his death and resurrection changed everything. This Christmas join us at FIBC and meet the man behind the holiday –He really is the greatest gift of all.
Christmas Sunday Worship as ONE Church Family
On Christmas Sunday, December 22, we invite you and your entire family to worship with us, as one church family We’ll have one worship service on Christmas Sunday, with Bible Study at 8 a m , followed by Worship at 9:30 a.m. The FIBC Dream Zone for children and youth will also be closed, but don’t worry, there will be a special activity pack for our youngest worshippers available in the sanctuary
Christmas Eve Candlelight
As you discover the Greatest Gift of All this Christmas at FIBC, we invite you to see Him as “the light of the world” as part of our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Tuesday, December 24 His birth symbolized the brightest light and as followers we are his “little lights” shining bright in a dark world
You and your entire family are invited to join us for this special worship experience in-person or on the FIBC streaming platforms See Him as the light of the world and us as his little lights
New Year’s Eve Watchnight Service
Once you ’ ve discovered the Greatest Gift of All, prepare your heart and family for the new year We are Praying into Transition as part of our Watch Night Service on Tuesday, December 31. Meet us in the sanctuary beginning at 10 a.m. for a worship experience complete with praise, worship, testimony service, spoken word and the Preached Word, with prayer into 2025! Finish 2024 and start the new year in prayer as we thank God for all he’s done and all the transition that comes with a new year
We invite you to discover Jesus this holiday season at FIBC! There is something for you and your entire family, from the moment you walk through the doors you will experience God’s love in a powerful way.
MEN’S CORNER
Connect with the FIBC Men’s Ministry
WELCOME
Welcome to the Men’s Corner of FIBC’s newsletter. We begin with a prayer of thanks and welcome to the 26 new ministry members who have joined since October. Our leadership team is hard at work creating more opportunities to engage with you and the larger FIBC community.
This year the ministry has been focusing on being the spiritual anchor for men of all ages through our Sunday Bible Study, and there is space for you to connect with us Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in The Body Building and via Zoom.
Looking to 2025, we are answering the call to ensure that “no man is left behind,” with the goal of connecting and engaging with EVERY man, while continuing to build the Men’s Ministry by drawing, developing, discipling and deploying men to the cause of Christ. We understand that we must minister different in order to reach this next generation. We ask every man to search his heart and bring his gifts and talents to the ministry table.
We look forward to engaging with you!
Sunday Bible Study
The Men are studying from “Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World ” The men in the Bible were not perfect by any means, and like us, they made good and bad decisions This December we are learning about Joseph
Class is held Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in The Body Building and via Zoom.
Leadership Team
Connect with the Ministry Leaders
Dr Donta’ McGilvery - Staff Pastor
Brother Richard Holmes
Brother Richard Hudson
Brother Obie Saddler, Jr.
Brother Robert Shaw
Brother Bill Smith
MEN’S CORNER
Connect with the FIBC Men’s Ministry
MEN’S SPOTLIGHT
This past October, the Men’s Ministry honored two longserving men in ministry as part of Men’s Sunday 2024; Deacon Emeritus John Wilhight and Dr. Eugene Stevens. Both have served faithfully in various ministries for decades and continue to be faithful members of the congregation and ministry. Congratulations! We salute both of these trailblazing men for their work with the FIBC Men’s Ministry and within our congregation as a whole.
If you know of a man serving and working in ministry you would like us to highlight, please reach out to the ministry leaders.
GET READY FOR THE NEW YEAR!
Planning for 2025 is ALREADY UNDERWAY! And there is still opportunity for you to get 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. We want to see every man connected and engaged in Men’s Ministry life at FIBC.
Men’s Ministry Engagement Opportunities in 2025
Men’s Breakfast (June)
Men’s Retreat (TBA)
Men’s Fishing Fellowship (October)
Men’s Sunday (October)
Stay up-to-date with everything happening in the Men’s Ministry! Join the Men’s Ministry Group in the FIBC APP today.
Church Center
Download instructions at fibcaz.org and search “Men’s Ministry” in groups. Call the church office if you need connecting support.
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
THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS
Akilah Stewart Akilah Stewart
FIBCO Family Services served 1,275 individuals and provided St.
FIBCO Family Services served 1,275 individuals and provided St. Mary’s Emergency Food Boxes onsite and held mobile Mary’s Emergency Food Boxes onsite and held mobile distributions at 6 sites in the community. Additionally, 941 lunches distributions at 6 sites in the community. Additionally, 941 lunches were provided to those in need throughout the month. were provided to those in need throughout the month.
LEARN MORE ABOUT FIBCO WATCH THIS VIDEO
As the Arizona winter starts cooling off our desert, we
As the Arizona winter starts cooling off our desert, we are always looking for donations to support the are always looking for donations to support the unhoused and underserved community. Please unhoused and underserved community. Please consider a donation today: consider a donation today:
warm blankets and socks warm blankets and socks 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. Hope Center
Save these Dates Save these Dates
NEW YEAR - NEW MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES NEW YEAR - NEW MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
Dream Zone Sundays
FIBC Student Ministries will launch The Dream Zone this January, a new, holistic look at how we ministry to our infants, toddlers, children and youth. We invite you to experience all that The Dream Zone has to offer on launch Sunday, January 19, 2025.
Get ready to experience ministry that builds a legacy of fulfilled drams one family at a time. Get more information on The Dream Zone at fibcaz.org/dreamzone.
Annual Business Meeting & Fellowship Dinner
We want you to save the date and get ready to support the business of FIBC as part of our annual Business Meeting and Fellowship Dinner on Sunday, January 26, 2025.
Meet us in The Hope Center Gym following 11 a m service for dinner, hear reports from ministry leaders and staff pastors, and get updates from our Senior Pastor and Executive Directors. Registration will open in midDecember
BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THE 2025 CHURCH BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THE 2025 CHURCH CALENDAR, AVAILABLE ELECTRONICALLY CALENDAR, AVAILABLE ELECTRONICALLY AND IN-PRINT IN MID-DECEMBER. AND IN-PRINT IN MID-DECEMBER.
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
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
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 2214 | 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