February 2024 Newsletter

CONNECTING

MINISTRY AND MEMBERSHIP

TALK OF THE TOWN MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

ISSUE NO. 202

FEBRUARY 2024

I N T H I S I S S U E LEADERS AND WORKERS CONFERENCE

GARDEN WORKSPACE OPENING

SOCK HOP PARTY

TALK OF THE TOWN

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER CALENDAR OF EVENTS 1 2 3 4 7 8 9

11 14

15 16 17

18 21

22 23 24

25 28

29

1 Praise Team & Band Rehearsal 2 Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart 3 Leaders and Workers Conference 4 First Sunday - The Lord’s Supper Leaders and Workers Installation Pre-Noonday Prayer Noonday Bible Study Evening Bible Study Praise Team & Band Rehearsal Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart Second Sunday - African American Heritage Sunday Ash Wednesday Pre-Noonday Prayer Noonday Bible Study Evening Bible Study Praise Team & Band Rehearsal Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart Grand Opening of the Garden Workspace Teachers Training Third Sunday Pre-Noonday Prayer Noonday Bible Study Evening Bible Study Praise Team & Band Rehearsal Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart Sock Hop Party Clergy Caucus Meeting Disciple U New Member Class Fourth Sunday Pre-Noonday Prayer Noonday Bible Study Evening Bible Study Praise Team & Band Rehearsal

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.

PRAYER & BIBLE STUDY 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 for tag-team preaching from Pastor Stewart and Pastor Talley, both in-person and online, walking through the Book of Titus.

In-person Bible Study will meet in The Hope Center Chapel Zoom ID: 602 258 1998 Passcode: 1141 Trust Issues Bible Study

Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

In-Person Our new Wednesday evening series, Trust Issues: an interactive Bible Study experience focusing on cultivating genuine and heartfelt trust in the Lord.

Trust is the foundation of all things and this study is going to use different teaching methods to explore trust issues and what the Bible says about how to address them.

TALK OF THE TOWN

Happy New Year, FIBC Members and Friends, Welcome to African American Heritage Month, a time when we rejoicefully reflect on our heritage and history as a people of African descent whom the Lord has sustained in spite of our continued harassment. Of special note is the recent historic trip Pastor Karen and I made to the January 22, 2024 Inauguration of the Honorable Joseph N. Boakai, Sr. as President of the Republic of Liberia, at his personal invitation. As I mentioned in our worship services on January 28th, our trip, from arrival in Monrovia, Liberia until our departure, was absolutely unbelievable. Please pray for President Boakai who is our Christian brother and a longtime friend of Pastor Karen and me. A matter of fact, as I type these comments, I am looking on the wall in my FIBC office at one of the first photographs I have of Deacon Boakai, Dr. Robert Sherman, a LiberianAmerican academician, Pastor Karen and me during his first visits to FIBC around 10 years ago. This month’s focus on our 2024 FIBC Theme is—THANK YOU, LORD, FOR OUR JOURNEY TOGETHER AS A PEOPLE OF HISTORY, HERITAGE AND HARASSMENT! We also rejoice in holding our first Fellowship Dinner in The Hope Center gym since 2019. The food was great. The fellowship was good. The atmosphere was warm.

Over 125 persons attended the meal as well as participated in our Annual Church Business Meeting. Please visit our FIBC website to read a copy of the 2023 Annual Report. In addition, we elected three new Governance Council members, namely, the Reverend Delores Pickard, Pastor James L. Harris, Jr., and Brother Obie Saddler, Jr.

Lastly, on the same day, February 14, 2024, we will commence the Lenten Season on Ash Wednesday, and celebrate Valentine’s Day. How about that—the Lord and love! We will also be calling for a Modified Daniel Fast during the Lenten Season to pray and fast for attaining three of our 2024 FIBC Goals: (1) That we encourage FIBC Ministries to increase in-person meetings and activities both on and off the FIBC Campus, (2) That we prioritize knowing and fulfilling our Purpose, Vision, Values and Strategy, (3) That we create and sustain a congregational culture that models Jesus Christ through unconditional love for and genuine hospitality extended to everyone.

Please unite with us praying and fasting any way that you can.

Keep the faith and be encouraged!

Pastor Stewart

Hitting the Highlights THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES Leaders and Workers Conference The 2024 Leaders and Workers Conference will take place on Saturday, February 3 beginning at 8:30 a.m. in The Hope Center Gym. We have crafted and curated a morning of activity and discussion sure to jump start your ministry activities.

We are excited to welcome Sister Sister Eva H. Stevens of Right Hand Consulting Services LLC as our Guest Facilitator. She is also the author of “Vision: A Pillar of Leadership.” In addition we will discuss the 2024 church goals and have breakout sessions based on ministry group. Call the church office to RSVP. African American Heritage Sunday February is Black History Month and we invite you and your entire family to join us in worship on African American Heritage Sunday, February 11.

We are going to celebrate our heritage and history through praise, worship and the Preached Word at 7:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. We invite you to wear African clothing and come as you desire to worship.

Trust Issues: a Bible Study Experience Trust, it’s a loaded word that comes with a whole lot and you may be dealing with trust issues. Truth is, we all are on some level. Join us as we unpack this complex word and its meaning as part of a new Bible Study experience with Pastor Talley each Wednesday in The Hope Center Chapel. We want you to grow a genuine and heartfelt trust in the Lord, and that starts with understanding what the Bible says about trust. Get ready for this interactive and engaging study.

Hitting the Highlights THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES

This will be a time of focused praying and fasting, utilizing the Modified Daniel Fast.

Scriptural Foundation: I Corinthians 1:9; Genesis 12:1-4a; II Thessalonians 3:3-5; Hebrews 13:7-8 (NRSVUE) Our Praying and Fasting Focus: Meeting our 2024 Goals as a Pastor and People That we encourage FIBC Ministries to increase in-person meetings and activities both on and off the FIBC Campus That we prioritize knowing and fulfilling our Purpose, Vision, Values and Strategy That we create and sustain a congregational culture that models Jesus Christ through unconditional love for and genuine hospitality extended to everyone.

Be sure to follow our social media channels and check out fibcaz.org/lentenfast for scripture readings and prayers you can use throughout the fast.

Disciple U New Member Class If you recently joined FIBC or want to know more about who we are, what we believe and why we believe it, join us for Disciple U New Member class on Saturday, Feb. 24. This one-day class will be held online, so you can join from anywhere. To sign-up call the church office and ask for Pastor Cannon.

Hitting the Highlights THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES

The FIBC Marriage, Men’s and Women’s Ministries invite you to jump, jive and fellowship a little at the 2024 Sock Hop: Do Everything In Love on Saturday, February 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in The Hope Center Gym. Break out your poodle skirts, pedal pushers and bop socks because this 50s and 60s themed fellowship will feature classic food, music and entertainment.

This event is an adults-only, 18-years-old and up fellowship opportunity. Tickets are $15 each and available for purchase today. Invite your friends and family because this event is open to everyone.

Visit fibcaz.org/sockhop for more information.

2024 Church Calendar and Annual Report If you would like a printed copy of the 2024 calendar or 2023 Annual Report, here’s what you need to know. Printed versions are available at the Sanctuary Welcome Center and Hope Center Lobby.

Digital versions are available on our website.

Focus

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.

FIBCO in

From the Executive Director Akilah Stewart I am please 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.

Thank you to everyone who has donated items to our prescription bottle and clothing drive.

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

Akilah Stewart THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS

On December 22, a volunteer effort led by Bro. Richard and Sis. Marion Holmes and their extended family and friends blessed our community. They showed up and provided a hot meal and stockings stuffed with sanitary items to those in need.

The room was filled with love and joy. Grandparents that are foster parents of their grandchildren showed up to receive a hot meal as well and a sneaker giveaway from Our Sister Our Brother.

Together we showed love to over 100 individuals that day.

As always food distribution is at the heart of what we do and where your donation goes. FIBCO with the help of their amazing volunteers distributes food to local schools and senior center homes throughout the Phoenix area , erasing any barriers to food accessibility. Thank You , all for your generous donations!

In December FIBCO served: 451 lunches 568 individuals in the clothing closet 891 food boxes

Recap the

In December Mia Lashley from Sunny Slope Highschool held a school drive through the Health Occupations Students of America. The students at Sunnyslope collected sanitary items and delivered to FIBCO’s clothing closet. Thank you Sunnyslope High School students!

STAY CONNECTED TO FIBCO FAMILY SERVICES, INC. (602) 258-1998 fibco.org

fibcoadmin@gmail.com

FIBCOFamilyServicesInc

fibcofamilyservicesinc

R ecapping January

THANKING GOD FOR OUR JOURNEY TOGETHER One month into the new year and we are thankful for our journey as a Pastor and People. What’s more we are celebrating what it means to live a fulfilling life with Christ. In January we experienced the first event with ASU Athletics and African American football players and our in-person Fellowship Dinner and Annual Business Meeting. 2024 is off to a great star and it’s only going to get better.

Recapping Januar y

THANKING GOD FOR OUR JOURNEY TOGETHER

Community Events

UPCOMING MINISTRY & OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES We are less than 100 days away from the 2024 HBCU All-Star Game and we are excited to bring this elite college basketball showcase featuring the nation’s most dynamic and talented players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to the Valley of the Sun. From the on-the-court excitement to all the amazing events surrounding the game, you don’t want to miss this weekend-long experience.

Secure your group tickets today and ensure your entire group can sit together in a specially designated lower-level section. We want to make sure you and your entire organization can enjoy the All-Star Game together.

Purchase tickets Discounted tickets are available to you using the promotional code GIVEBACK. Please note fees are applied at the point of sale.

Regular tickets - $20 each Group tickets (10 or more) - $15 each Student group tickets (10 or more) - $10 each

2024 R.N. Nesby Scholarship Season is NOW OPEN The R.N. Nesby Scholarship Ministry provides financial support, educational training and outreach to students enrolled in high school, trade school, college/university or graduate level studies.

The 2024 scholarship application season is now OPEN. Visit fibcaz.org/scholarship to learn more about the various scholarship, eligibility requirements and how to apply. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (AZ time), April 2, 2024.

Support the R.N. Nesby Scholarship Ministry Become a special benefactor with the R.N. Nesby Scholarship Ministry and build educational brilliance. These scholarships provide additional monies to students to help with financial need and are usually given each year during the annual Robert N. Nesby Awards Convocation. You can learn more by contacting the church office.

Special Benefactor Scholarships Archie Moore Harrison Memorial Scholarship Jessie Elizabeth Washington Jenkins Memorial Arthur Reid Memorial Scholarship Scholarship Deacon Louis A. Smith, Jr. Memorial Scholarship John and Jane Shipp Science Scholarship Deacons Robert L. and Faye Williams Langston University Lorenzo A. Alexander Memorial Scholarship Scholarship Lottie W. Thornton Memorial Scholarship Doeg M. Nelson Memorial Scholarship Michael C. Wilson Memorial Scholarship Dora “Dorie” W. Boykin Johnson Memorial Scholarship Mildred Foote/Mary Bridges/Carolyn O’Neil Memorial Dr. Carnella Hardin Maricopa Community College District Scholarship Scholarship Ralph D. and Betty J. Thompson Scholarship Dr. LaVern Tarkington Scholarship Sandra L. and Leonard Caldwell Scholarship Dr. Yolanda Y. Smith Memorial Scholarship Steele Family Memorial Scholarship Eileen Dorbin Memorial Scholarship Syrinthia Hasker Memorial Scholarship Historians William C. & Valdia M. Smith and Yvonne Urquhart Family Scholarship Smith-Lewis Memorial Scholarship Velma Patton Jackson Memorial Scholarship Franklin A. Words Scholarship Wilma E. Rhaney-Rose Library Ministry Scholarship Hart Family Memorial Scholarship Robert L. Williams, Sr. Benefactor Fund

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.

Member Contact Information Update It’s time for you to update and verify your contact information.

As part of our annual membership experience, we need you to verify and/or update your contact information.

Visit fibcaz.org for information on how you can affirm your membership or call the church office.

Stay in t he Know VOLUNTEER | SERVE | GIVE | SHARE Volunteers Needed Our ministries are continuing to make the transition back to life on the FIBC campus and that means we need more volunteer support. We want you to find your place in ministry and serve, and trust and believe, there is plenty of room for you to use your gifts and talents.

We're in need of volunteers for ministries like the Ushers, Security (Ministry of Protection), Multi-Media and Student Ministries. But there are other places you can serve. Please take the next step by calling the church office or emailing to let us know you're ready to serve in 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.

CONNECTING

MINISTRY AND MEMBERSHIP

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 Ministries - The Rev. John Talley, III Ext. 2211 | jtalley@fibcaz.org Executive Director of Operations - Bro. Deangelo D. Hall Ext. 2205 | dhall@fibcaz.org Pastor of Congregational Care - The Rev. Sharmal Cannon Ext. 2228 | scannon@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