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
Leaders & Workers Conference
First Sunday - Lord’s Supper
Big Attendance Sunday
Leaders & 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
Super Bowl Fellowship
Pre-Noonday Prayer
Noonday Bible Study
Evening Bible Study
Praise Team & Band Rehearsal
Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart
Young Adult Fellowship
Young Adult Mission Trip Informational Meeting
Broadway House Family Day Celebration
Third Sunday
Dream Zone Parent Meeting
Pre-Noonday Prayer
Noonday Bible Study
Evening Bible Study
Praise Team & Band Rehearsal
Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart
Disciple U New Member Class
PMBSCAZ Boys to Men Workshop
Fourth Sunday
Pre-Noonday Prayer
Noonday Bible Study
Evening Prayer
Praise Team & Band Rehearsal
Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart
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,FIBCMembersandSupporters, WelcometothemonthofloveandourAfricanAmericanHistoryandHeritage! “ . God is love,” according to I John 4:8b And thanks to St Valentine, February 14thisadayofexpressionsoflovetothosedeartous MuchobligedtoDr Carter G. Woodson, American historian, author, journalist, and the founder of the Association of African American Life and History, who established “Negro HistoryMonth”inFebruary1926,whichwecontinuetocelebratetothisday The Lord has sustained us as a people of African descent through our “3Hs” history, heritage and harassment. Last year during African American Heritage Month, the Lord led me to preach a message which included these words, “Nevertheless, it is my unwavering belief that God uses all three ‘H-words’ to describe, direct and destine persons of African descent to constitute His special people to bring life, love and liberty to all people.” So, we can say, “Thank you, Lord, for our journeytogetherasapeopleofhistory,heritageandharassment.”
All this month, we as a pastor and people are going to celebrating our “Triple Heritage” African, American and Christian We thank God for the Black Church in this land that was birthed out of resistance to systemic racism perpetrated by White Christians who thought the human beings that brought here as enslaved men and women were less human than they were. Please note that Dr. Joseph N. Evans, J. Alfred Smith, Sr. Chair, a small number of pastors and laity from across the nation developed A CREDO TO LEGATEES OF THE BLACK CHURCH TRADITION, and publicized it on January 1, 2025, as a response to Project 2025 and the current socio-political environment that is adversely affecting this nation’s pledge of “liberty and justice for all.” You can see an enhanced version of the CREDO on www.reelurbannews.com. Our 2025 FIBC Theme Focus for this month is OUR SPIRITUAL ASSIGNMENT—PASSING THE LORD’S BATON GENERATIONALLY UPLIFTING THE BLACK CHURCH TRADITION.
Let’s prioritize celebrating and preserving our history as Black people as we have entered into a governmental climate that is hostile and dismissive of who we are as a people
Keep the faith and be encouraged!
Pastor Stewart
Hitting the Highlights Hitting the Highlights
THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES
Leaders & Workers Conference and Installation
It’s time for all ministry leaders and workers to gather for our annual Leaders and Workers Conference, on Saturday, February 1
Continental Breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m. Programming begins at 9 a.m.
Our leaders and workers will be officially installed on Sunday, February 2 during both worship services. We invite all leaders and workers to come to the altar during the prayer time
Big Attendance Sunday
Everything is BIGGER at FIBC and we want to make the first Sunday in February a really BIG day! We invite you and your entire family to join us on Sunday, February 2 for Big Attendance Sunday Whether you attend 7:30 or 11 a.m. worship, find your seat and join the energy of high praise, worship and the preached Word because you do not want to miss worship
Then stick around or come early for Bible Study at 9:30 a.m. We have classes for everyone, no matter your age or stage, there is a place for you in a Sunday Bible Study class. If you ’ re unsure of which class you’d like to attend, don’t worry, Pastor Talley will be teaching a special Bible Study class at 9:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary.
SAVE THE DATE - LENTEN REVIVAL, MARCH 5-7
We want you to save the date and get ready for our 2025 Lenten Revival, kicking off on Ash Wednesday, March 5 and wrapping up on Friday, March 7. We are excited for the guest preaching and teaching from Pastor Kenneth Curry, Senior Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Yorba Linda, California and longtime friend of FIBC. Join us nightly in-person and online.
Hitting the Highlights Hitting the Highlights
THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES
Aligning Hearts & Minds Church-wide Fast
FIBC we are aligning our hearts and mind February as part of our church-wide fast for guidance Pastor Talley has called for a time of and fasting as we seek direction from the L FIBC’s next Senior/Lead Pastor This is not your Daniel Fast, you have options
Option One: The Plant-based Fast No breads, sugar, meats, alcohol or junk foo
Option Two: The No Carb Fast No breads or sugar
No matter which fast you choose, we are everyone to eat lots of fruits, vegetables and water. You can also break you fast on Sundays.
Super Bowl Fellowship
You’re invited to our Super Sized Fellowsh Sunday, February 9 as we enjoy the biggest NFL football game of the season It all comes down to two teams, and whether your team is in the game or not, we want you to join us in the Hope Center Gym for this fellowship experience hosted by the FIBC Men’s Ministry We’re going to kick-off our food, fun and fellowship at 4 p.m. The super fellowship is open to all, but space is limited, so sign up today.
Bring your game face and your a-game and join the FIBC men ’ s ministry for our super fellowship on Sunday, February 9. If you have questions, please call the office.
SAVE THE DATE - GENERAL MISSION WEEKEND & SENIOR LUNCHEON, MARCH 8-9
We want you to save the date and get ready as we celebrate the work of our General Mission Weekend and our seasoned saints. General Mission Weekend will take place March 8 & 9, and include this year ’ s Senior Treasure Appreciation Luncheon and a transgenerational panel discussion. We’re also excited for high energy praise, worship and the preached Word on Sunday. Look for more information in the coming days.
Hitting the Highlights Hitting the Highlights
THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES
YA Fellowship
The next young adult fellowship opportunity takes place on Saturday, February 22. We’re going to let the good times roll and bowl with friends. Meet us at AMF Tempe Lanes from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Whether you know how to score a perfect ten or roll gutter balls, you don’t want to miss this fellowship.
The cost is $30 per person and children are welcome. Visit fibcaz.org/yafellowship to register.
YA Mission Trip
Our mission-minded young adult are planning for a mission trip later this year There will be an informational meeting on Saturday, February 15 at 12 p.m. (noon) via Zoom for those interested in learning more about the plans around the Mexico mission trip, including the work we’ll be doing, travel, accommodations and more this trip is open to all young adults and those interested in traveling. For more information, contact Pastor Talley in the office.
Zoom Connect Details
Meeting ID: 841 0395 1841 | Passcode: 860729
We want you to save the date and get ready for our first D.R.E.A.M. Zone Sunday of 2025, taking place on Sunday, March 30 and there is something for everyone. With a “focus” on our mandate to generationally pass the baton, we ’ re going to lean into worship with our young people, enjoy high energy praise, worship and the preached Word. Look for ways you can get involved in the coming days.
Hitting the Highlights Hitting the Highlights
THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES
Dream Zone Parent Meeting
Our newly launched D.R.E.A.M. Zone for childre youth takes place every Sunday on the upper l the Body Building and you have the opportu connect with Pastor Claiborn on February 16
We invite all parents and guardians to meet Claiborn in room 206 and get any questions yo answered You can learn more about the D R Zone online and in the FIBC APP
Disciple U Class
Have you recently joined our church family? Do you want to know more about who we are, what we do and why we believe what we believe? Then we invite you to join us for Disciple U, our New Member Class, taking place on Saturday, February 22 This is your opportunity to get connected with us, learn about our church history values as a pastor and people and get involved in ministry
Disciple U is open to all new members and those interested in learning more about FIBC. You can register at fibcaz.org or in the APP.
2025 CHURCH CALENDAR IS AVAILABLE
The 2025 Church Calendar is now available in both in-print and online! Stay connected and engaged with ministry life at FIBC by downloading yours today at fibcaz.org or in the APP, or stopping by the sanctuary welcome center to pick-up a copy.
SIGN-UP SIGN-UP HERE HERE
MEN’S CORNER
Connect with the FIBC Men’s Ministry
PASSING THE BATON OF GENERATIONAL WEALTH
In a relay race, any runner will tell you that handoffs are the difference between winning and losing. If you cannot move the baton smoothly from one person to the next, you do not stand a chance no matter how fast you are! When it comes to generational wealth, we have our own handoff to manage. We need to start thinking about how we will pass that wealth to the next generation today. Whether you are the first person in your family to pass on generational wealth or are next in line to inherit it, the steps you take right now can give your family the opportunity to embrace your legacy and build on it long after you are gone.
Why Is Generational Wealth Important?
The Bible tells us families are called to manage wealth for God’s glory, and it is a good thing to pass that wealth down to the next generation. Proverbs 13:22 (NKJV) says, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children.”
Keep in mind, your wealth is not the only thing being passed down once you are gone. The responsibility to manage that wealth is passed down to the next generation too. Unfortunately, we are not doing an excellent job of setting up the next generation for that responsibility.
How to Build Generational Wealth
Before you can pass down generational wealth, you first must build wealth! Remember, building wealth is a marathon, not a sprint. It is a process that takes time, intentionality, and consistency. And there are no shortcuts. Here are just a few tips in building generational wealth: Create a Firm Financial Foundation 1. Invest 15% of Your Income for Retirement 2. Pay Off Your House Early 3. Teach Your Kids About Money 4.
Remember, generational wealth is not just about money; it is about the values, opportunities, and legacies you leave behind for your loved ones. By instilling financial literacy in future generations, you can ensure that your legacy endures and continues to make a positive impact for years to come.
As we endeavor to execute on our 2025 church in conjunction with the Men’s Ministry theme to minister in a manner that that No Man is Left Behind., we must run our individual race in lock step with God’s plan and purpose for our lives so that we effectively pass the baton to assure that no man or generation is left behind either financially or spiritually.
MEN’S CORNER
Connect with the FIBC Men’s Ministry
MEN’S SPOTLIGHT
This month we want to acknowledge Pastor James Harris, the new Governance Council chair for his commitment to ministry and kingdom. Pastoring has been on his heart since he acknowledged the calling to preach and has served as a pastor for 28 years.
He strongly believes in the work and ministry of FIBC and believes that Pastor Stewart has equipped us for what lies ahead through sermons and leadership development. Pastor Harris sees FIBC striving to work as "One" in seeking God's word, will, and ways.
GET READY FOR NEW WAYS TO 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. 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 Super Bowl Fellowship, Sunday, February 9 (registration is NOW open)
Men’s Breakfast (June)
Men’s Retreat (TBA)
Men’s Fishing Fellowship (October)
Men’s Sunday (October)
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.
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.
A big THANK You to all of our FIBCO Volunteers. In
A big THANK You to all of our FIBCO Volunteers. In 2024, 2024, they gave 3,817 hours of their time helping serve they gave 3,817 hours of their time helping serve the community. We couldn’t do it without you! FIBCO the community. We couldn’t do it without you! FIBCO Family Services served a total of 24,660 individuals Family Services served a total of 24,660 individuals through food and clothing distributions in 2024! through food and clothing distributions in 2024!
FIBCO Family Services, Inc. is FIBCO Family Services, Inc. is tremendously grateful for the tremendously grateful for the collaboration with Afro collaboration with Afro Scouts and Arizona Financial. Scouts and Arizona Financial.
The donation of 25 computers will support FIBCO’s work towards our
The donation of 25 computers will support FIBCO’s work towards our mission of facilitating independence building comprehensive opportunities. mission of facilitating independence building comprehensive opportunities. These computes will assist the African Congregation at FIBC, the senior These computes will assist the African Congregation at FIBC, the senior population, and others in need to advance basic technology skills and aid in population, and others in need to advance basic technology skills and aid in advancements for the future. advancements for the future.
Akilah Stewart Akilah Stewart
Community Events Community Events
UPCOMING MINISTRY & OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
UPCOMING MINISTRY & OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
Black Women Walking
February 3-6, AND February 11-13
Herberger Theater Cent
BLACK WOMEN WALKING is an award-winning, production that combines monologues, movement, music, and multimedia to bring to life the stories of courageous Black heroines who changed the course of American history.
Community Events Community Events
2025 R.N. Nesby Scholarship Season is OPENING SOON
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 2025 scholarship application season will open soon Visit fibcaz org/scholarship to learn more about the various scholarship, eligibility requirements and how to apply
SupporttheR.N.NesbyScholarshipMinistry
BecomeaspecialbenefactorwiththeRN NesbyScholarshipMinistryandbuild educationalbrilliance.Thesescholarshipsprovideadditionalmoniestostudentstohelp withfinancialneedandareusuallygiveneachyearduringtheannualRobertNNesby AwardsConvocation.Youcanlearnmorebycontactingthechurchoffice.
SpecialBenefactorScholarships
Archie Moore Harrison Memorial Scholarship
Arthur Reid Memorial Scholarship
Deacons Robert L. and Faye Williams Langston University Scholarship
Doeg M. Nelson Memorial Scholarship
Dora “Dorie” W. Boykin Johnson Memorial Scholarship
Dr. LaVern Tarkington Scholarship
Dr. Yolanda Y. Smith Memorial Scholarship
Eileen Dorbin Memorial Scholarship
Historians William C. & Valdia M. Smith and Yvonne Smith-Lewis Memorial Scholarship
Jessie Elizabeth Washington Jenkins Memorial Scholarship
John and Jane Shipp Science Scholarship
Lottie W. Thornton Memorial Scholarship
Michael C. Wilson Memorial Scholarship
Robert L. Williams, Sr. Benefactor Fund
Sandra L. and Leonard Caldwell Scholarship
Wilma E. Rhaney-Rose Library Ministry Scholarship
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:
Pastor of Congregational Care and Outreach
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 -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
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 Family Life - The Rev Thomas Claiborn, IV Ext 2206 | tclaiborn@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