December 2025 Newsletter

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

Pre-Noonday Prayer

Bible Study

Praise Team & Band Rehearsal

First Sunday - The Lord’s Supper

Pre-Noonday Prayer

Bible Study

Praise Team & Band Rehearsal

Community Cart Outreach

Second Sunday

Pre-Noonday Prayer

Bible Study

Praise Team & Band Rehearsal

Brunch Celebrating First Lady Nakeisha

Disciple U New Member Class

Third Sunday - Christmas Sunday

Children’s Christmas Play

Time to Remember

Campus-wide Selah

Family Movie Day

Fourth Sunday - Baptism

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

WORSHIP SERVICE REMINDERS WORSHIP SERVICE REMINDERS

During the Advent Season the Lighting of the Advent Candle will take place at 9:30 a m each Sunday prior to Christmas We invite you to join us a little earlier for worship

Sunday Bible Studies at 8 a.m., Worship at 9:30 a.m.

Birthdays and anniversaries are recognized on the FIRST SUNDAY

Baptism is held every FOURTH SUNDAY, 8 a m class, 9:30 a m baptism, contact a Deacons Ministry member if you are interested in getting baptism Prayer requests should be sent to Pastor Jordan Hampton in the office

Meetings with Pastor Ty should be scheduled through Lucy Reyes, Executive Assistant to the Senior Pastor

REMINDERS FROM THE ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF REMINDERS FROM THE ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Wednesday Morning Prayer

2026 calendar dates. All ministries should send calendar dates, including monthly meetings, to the appropriate Staff Pastor for approval BEFORE submitting a Ministry Request Form

Update your membership record. Giving statements will be made available early next year and members are responsible for updating contact information, including email and U.S. mailing addresses to ensure proper delivery.

Connect with Pastor Ty Wednesday mornings as part of the new series, Wednesdays with Intent. This is your opportunity to unite with others around the nation in prayer beginning at 6 a m (Arizona time)

Meet Pastor Ty on YouTube and bring your concerns Click here to join the YouTube channel You can also send Pastor Ty your prayer request by texting him at 901-295-0369

Let’s Finish 2025 Strong

Remember we are still in our #FinishStrong congregation wide campaign.

Pray – we are praying both individually and collectively about finishing the year strong

Move – we are getting in some physical exercise and movement for at least 45-minutes a week

Give – we are giving of not just our treasure, but also our volunteer time

You Can Handle It Sermon Series

Life can get heavy Obstacles can seem impossible But let this be your reminder, you're not alone and you're stronger than you think Join us each Sunday in December for this powerful sermon series with Pastor Ty, Trust there's a word for you and your entire family.

We'll see you Sunday @ FIBC! #FIBCworship #youcanmakeit #Godiswithyou

Hitting the Highlights Hitting the Highlights

THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES

Blanket and Sock Drive

The annual Sandra L. Caldwell Blanket and Socks drive is now underway We invite you to give the gift of warmth this December by donating new blankets and socks You can leave your items at the altar on Sundays, drop them off at the Sanctuary Welcome Center or Receptionist Desk during business hours

Our Prayer Ministry will pray over the items and they’ll be handed out to our unhoused brothers and sisters through FIBCO Family Services, Inc The drive lasts all month long.

Christmas Sunday & Christmas Play

This is the most wonderful time of the year, and we invite you and your entire family to join us in worship on Christmas Sunday, December 21, with Bible Studies at 8 a m , followed by worship at 9:30 a m

In addition to high praise, worship and the Preached Word there will be a special Christmas Play presented by the D R E A M Zone for children and youth Interested in having your young person participate? Contact Pastor Tommie in the office today!

New Member Class

The next opportunity for you to learn more about FIBC, who we are, what we believe and why we believe it, is coming up The next Disciple U New Member Class will take place on Saturday, December 20. If you ’ re interested in attending, please call the office

Hitting the Highlights Hitting the Highlights

THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES

Time to Remember

The FIBC H.E.L.P.S. Ministry will hold the next T Remember on Sunday, December 21. This opportunity for you to celebrate the life of a lov who’s no longer with us or spend time resting faith This has been a long year, filled with all t grief and the H E L P S Ministry is here to he process and pray through your situation Ti Remember will be held at 8 a m in-person a Zoom.

Christmas Selah

There are a lot of calendar updates related to the campus-wide Christmas Selah we want to make you aware of. Please make a note of the following:

The entire campus will be closed from 12 p.m. on December 24 through 12 p.m. on December 31. All meetings and activities should be rescheduled. Worship Services and Bible Studies will continue as scheduled on Sunday, December 28. Please

The D.R.E.A.M. Zone for Children & Youth will be closed all December. We invite you to worship with your entire family in the sanctuary.

Vision Night New Year’s Eve Worship

Planning is now underway for our epic New Year’s Eve Worship Experience Vision Night is an opportunity for you to hear from Pastor Ty as we enter a new year together, as well as enjoy high praise, worship and the Preached Word Look for more information on our Vision Night New Year’s Eve Service in the coming days and make plans to attend with your entire family!

Focus FIBCO in

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.

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

I am pleased to report that FIBCO Family Services, Inc. is continuing to 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 campaigns and efforts. We accept donations at any time.

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

A big THANK You to all of our FIBCO Volunteers. In October 2025, they contributed 487 volunteer hours! We couldn’t do it without you! FIBCO Family Services served a total of 2,900 individuals through food and clothing distributions in October 2025.

FIBCO’s Mini-Market is now open on Tuesdays and Fridays!

A BIG thank you to Mark Smith from Honey Bears for his generous donation of turkeys to support the community during Thanksgiving!

FIBCO have been busy in the community in November! FIBCO tabled at the South Phoenix Health Fair.

FIBCO also spoke at a Valleywise Event in November 2025 making valuable connections and collaborating with other organizations in the community!

STAY CONNECTED TO FIBCO FAMILY SERVICES, INC.

(602) 258-1998 fibcoadmin@gmail.com

Akilah Stewart Akilah Stewart

A big THANK You to all of our FIBCO Volunteers. In October 2025, they contributed 487 volunteer hours! We couldn’t do it without you! FIBCO Family Services served a total of 2,900 individuals through food and clothing distributions in October 2025.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our volunteer, Leon Savage!

LEARN MORE ABOUT FIBCO WATCH THIS VIDEO

DONATION DRIVE ALERT!

As the Arizona winter starts cooling off our desert, we are always looking for donations to support the unhoused and underserved community. Please consider a donation today:

warm blankets and socks

water bottles

reusable water bottles and bags

toiletry items (travel size)

Items can be dropped off on Sundays at the Sanctuary Welcome Center and during Business Hours at The Hope Center Lobby.

Items can be dropped off on Sundays at the Sanctuary Welcome Center and during Business Hours at The Hope Center

MEN’S CORNER

Connect with the FIBC Men’s Ministry

MEN’S SPOTLIGHT

This month we want to acknowledge Brother Winston Lyons.

Bro. Lyons was baptized at FIBC and joined the U.S. Army at 17. He’s traveled around the world three times and retired honorably after 22 years of service.

As a member he’s been a Candlelight boy (in his younger days) and now serves faithfully as an usher, member of the Ministry of Protection and with the men.

He’s a proud husband of 44 years and father to four children, nine grandchildren and two great 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 2026

Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities in the NEW YEAR!

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

OUR DECEMBER REFLECTION

As we enter December, our hearts and minds are drawn to reflection. We reflect on the blessings of the past year. The prayers answered, the lessons learned and the strength found in moments of trial. We give thanks for the ways God has sustained us and for the opportunities to serve others. The year’s end invites us to pause, to look back on the journey we’ve walked together as men of faith, and to look forward to the promise of Christ’s coming.

December is also a time filled with anticipation. A sacred season of waiting and preparation. As Advent unfolds, we are invited to look beyond holiday traditions and fix our hearts on the coming of Christ. The lights that adorn our homes and streets should serve as a reminder of the greater light that will once again break into the world. Each day of December carries with it a sense of expectancy, urging us to draw nearer to God and to welcome His presence with renewed faith.

As we prepare for the new year, let us also remember that leadership begins with service. Whether it’s helping those in need, mentoring a younger man, or simply being present for your family, every act of faithfulness matters. I pray that each man will step into the new year with renewed strength, guided by the example of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve.

Community Events Community Events

UPCOMING MINISTRY & OU UPCOMING MINISTRY & OU

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: 9:30 a.m.

Children & Youth Worship: 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Bible Studies: 8 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)

Senior Pastor Elect -Dr Robert “Ty” Jones Ext 2210

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

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook