December 2022 Newsletter

TALK OF THE TOWN

Dear FIBC Members and Friends,

God is faithful! He did it again! What did God do again? He brought us to the last month of the year! Can I get a “Thank You, Jesus!” from any of you reading these comments? In addition, we just experienced another Thanksgiving and the Advent Season has begun. That brings us to our 2022 FIBC Theme Focus for this month—A PASTOR AND PEOPLE PRESERVING GOD’S GOOD NEWS ABOUT OUR NEWBORN KING JESUS CHRIST WHO TRANSFORMS HISTORY!

The birth and life of our Savior was so monumental that they split time into B.C. and A.D. And that’s only the beginning of the strategically salvific impact that Emmanuel had on human history. Therefore, we must do as the Christmas spiritual directs, “Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills, and everywhere; go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born ”

We begin December with heavy hearts due to the deaths of two of our daughters in the ministry, namely, the Reverend Janet L. Denson, who died unexpectedly on November 28th, and the Reverend Brenda Jack Rushing, who died on November 29th, after a brief illness. Both of them were members of my 2000 Licentiates Class of 13 who were licensed to preach after spending a year in mentorship with me. They were women of prayer and purpose who used their gifts and talents to advance the Body of Christ. May we remember their families and loved ones.

God willing, on December 11th, I will celebrate my 71st birthday, for which I am deeply grateful to God and you for allowing me to continue to serve as your “history making” Senior Pastor. According to our Church Historian, Sister Annette Smith Willis, I have now become the youngest, oldest and longest serving Senior Pastor of FIBC. My, my, my!

Please join us in our Sunday worship services, Sunday Bible Studies, Wednesday Congregational Praying Time and Bible Studies, and other FIBC activities in person and/or virtually during the week. Your presence and participation add to who we are as a pastor and people.

Keep the faith and be encouraged!

Pastor Stewart

Pastoral Notes Pastoral Notes

OPPORTUNITIES AND INFORMATION OPPORTUNITIES AND INFORMATION

Your Support and Volunteerism is Needed

Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. Mid Winter Board Meeting January 16 19, 2023

The Pastor and People of FIBC will host the Mid-Winter Board Meeting of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. this January. We are excited about the opportunity to bring the leaders of the organization founded by Dr Martin Luther King, Jr , Dr Gardner C Taylor and others to the Valley of the Sun.

As Host Pastor and Church there are several areas where you can serve. We have 10 subcommittees and we need 100 volunteers to serve on the following committees; coordination, transportation, health, hospitality, registration, sponsorship, media and public relations, pulpit search, ad sales, vendor/exhibits and local tours and excursions.

If you are interested, please call the church office so you can be connected to a sub committee lead

Sub-Committee Leadership

Bro Lemuel Cannon

Sis. Suzanne Garrett Tate

Sis. Marion Holmes

Bro Richard Holmes

Sis Kym Majors

Sis. Dorthea Williams

Sis Geralyn Staten

Sis Tracy Lewis

Sis. Nancy Hooper

Sis Lesa Shannon Bunkley

WILDLY IMPORTANT GOAL An Update to the An Update to the

FIBC'S STRATEGIC GOALS:

Increase FIBC's Sunday in-person visitors, those who have visited on Sunday less than four times), by an average of 20 in person guests, and a 10% increase in online viewers each week by December 1, 2022.

Transition 10% of FIBC's average weekly visitors to actively participating members of the church by December 1, 2022.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Pick up our new invitation cards from the sanctuary welcome center and hope center lobby

Remember to always PICB Pray, Invite, Come & Bring Like, share and comment on our social media channels

When you bring a guest with you to worship, be sure to stop by the Sanctuary Welcome Center and pick up a gift!

Stop by Ms. Jessie's Place on the First Sundays beginning in October. Our campus cafe is reopening!

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

Praise Team & Band Rehearsal

Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart Praise Team & Band Rehearsal

First Sunday - The Lord's Supper

Second Sunday of Advent

Sandra Caldwell Blanket Drive Begins

Call to Prayer

Pastor's Mission Trip Presentation

Praise Team & Band Rehearsal

Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart Virtual Birthday Party Christmas Party for the Neighborhood Praise Team & Band Rehearsal

Disciple U All in One Class

Second Sunday - Pastor Stewart's Birthday

Third Sunday of Advent Praise Team & Band Rehearsal

Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart Praise Team & Band Rehearsal

Third Sunday Time to Remember

Fourth Sunday of Advent Trial Sermons

Praise Team & Band Rehearsal

Church-wide Christmas Selah

Fourth Sunday - Christmas Day

Fourth Sunday of Advent Kwanzaa Begins

New Year's Eve Prayer (online)

A Call to Prayer

November 6, 7 p m

In Person and Online

This first Tuesday prayer service is an opportunity for you to join with others in our congregation and beyond and bring your concerns to the altar.

You're welcome to join us in person in The Hope Center Chapel or online via Zoom for this hour long prayer service.

Zoom ID: 602 258 1998, Passcode: 1141

Noon Bible Study & Prayer

Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. 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're studying from the book, "Play with Fire," and you don't want to miss these hot topic discussions. This class is held via Zoom, so you can join from anywhere

Zoom ID: 602 258 1998 Passcode: 1141

Breaking Bread Watch on demand

Season 2 of Breaking Bread with the Pastors has wrapped, but don't worry, you can still enjoy the discussion All you have to do is watch on demand

Visit our YouTube channel for access to all the episodes and start your own discussion group and keep the conversation going.

Worship with Abandon Worship with Abandon

SPECIAL SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES SPECIAL SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES

CHRISTMAS SUNDAY CHRISTMAS SUNDAY

December 25

NEW NEW YEAR'S SUNDAY YEAR'S SUNDAY January 1

You’re invited to start Christmas Day with His family and yours as part of FIBC’s Christmas Sunday worship We’re going to gather as a family celebrate the Savior at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 25. That’s right, one worship service so that you can celebrate with your family and the entire church family Bible Study will take place at 8 a m

We invite you to celebrate the Savior with His family and yours on Christmas Sunday at 9:30 a.m., live, in-person and online at FIBC.

Experience the gift of a new year, as we welcome in 2023 as one church family We’re going to worship together on New Year’s Sunday, Jan. 1 at 9:30 a.m. Bible Study will be held at 8 a m

This is your opportunity to celebrate the gift of a new year, all that you accomplished and God blessed you with in 2022 and all that's to come in 2023, in worship with your entire family on New Year’s Sunday 2023, live, inperson and online at FIBC.

Marketplace Mortgage Burning Ceremony

We will commemorate another milestone in the life of FIBC as we celebrate the mortgage debt elimination on the Marketplace on Sunday, Dec. 11. Back in September, as part of our 117th Church and 45th Pastoral Anniversaries Celebration the Governance Council led efforts to pay off the entire mortgage on the building next to the sanctuary, making FIBC once again debt free.

New Year's Eve Prayer Service

You're invited to bring in the new year, in prayer. We're going to gather in Zoom for a time of congregational prayer beginning at 11:30 p.m., ending 2022 and beginning 2023 with prayer. There is so much we have to be thankful for and this is a great way for you and your entire family to offer prayers of thanksgiving and hope for the new year no matter where you are.

Zoom ID: 602 258 1998 Passcode: 1141

Hitting the Highlights Hitting the Highlights

THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES

Give the gift of warmth this Christmas by donating blankets and socks to the Sandra L. Caldwell Blankets and Socks Drive. All you have to do is purchase new items and bring them to the altar on Sundays or by the church office during business hours.

We’re going to pray over each and every item and then give them out to those in need this December through FIBCO Family Services, Inc

Pastor Stewart's Birthday Celebration

It’s the biggest birthday of the year and you ’ re invited to celebrate Pastor Stewart’s birthday with your FIBC family. You’re invited to join us on Sunday, Dec. 11. In addition to the marketplace mortgage burning ceremony, we ’ re going to celebrate in between services and during worship

You’re welcome to bring birthday cards as we celebrate our Senior Pastor’s birthday.

Trial Sermons

You’re invited to join Pastor Stewart as his 2022 Licentiate’s Class presents their Trial Sermons on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. This is your opportunity to celebrate the licensing of a new Preacher of the Gospel. The Trial Sermons service will be held live, in person and online at FIBC.

Mission Trip Presentation

You're invited to join Pastor Stewart on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at noon and 7 p.m. for a special presentation of he and Pastor Karen's mission trip to Africa. This is your opportunity to hear more about the work being done in Liberia and beyond by the Lott Carey Legacy Mission Team

Sandra Caldwell Blankets & Socks Drive

Hitting the Highlights Hitting the Highlights

THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES

A Time to Remember

The FIBC H.E.L.P.S. Ministry wants you to join us for our annual A Time to Remember Christmas Edition on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 9:30 a.m. This gathering will be held online so you can join from anywhere You’re invited to light a candle in your space, say a prayer or just sit and listen as participants share about a loved one who’s no longer with us.

Zoom ID: 602 258 1998 Passcode: 1141

Christmas Holiday Office Closure

While you're enjoying family, friends and loved ones, so will the FIBC and FIBCO staff Our campus will be closed beginning at 1 p m on Saturday, Dec 24 through 1 p m on Saturday, Dec. 31. This is our campus wide Christmas Selah. Worship Services will still be held on Christmas Sunday, Dec. 25. The campus and office will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023.

In addition to the Campus wide Selah, FIBC Student Ministries will take a break in December, allowing for our volunteer families and yours to worship together in the main sanctuary. Student Ministries will return to full operation in January.

Pastor's Christmas Party for the Neighborhood

Our annual tradition is back. Pastor’s Christmas Party for the Neighborhood is fast approaching and you have the opportunity to support a community family in need. Our drive through event will be held on Friday, December 9, 2022. This year ’ s event will support community families and families in need within the FIBC congregation

There are several ways you can support Pastor’s Christmas Party for the Neighborhood

Make a financial contribution and let Santa’s Helpers shop for you Shop on your own for clothes and gifts (under $40) and bring them unwrapped by Friday, Dec. 2. Volunteer to hand out gifts at our drive through event

Hitting the Highlights Hitting the Highlights

THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES

A New Health Partnership

FIBC has partnered with Arc Health to offer preventative health services to our members and wider community We are one of 33 churches around the country who are piloting this preventative health program, creating a new healthcare opportunity in our community.

Joining this program means you will receive a personalized care plan that will cover the next 5 years After you sign up you will receive information on how to access our on campus health pod where you can meet with medical professionals and receive your annual wellness check up. There is no co-pay or deductible.

What is Arc Health?

It is not a physical exam

It is a one on one discussion with health care professionals about your goals and concerns.

It is an opportunity to review or create a wellness plan. It is a free service to maximize your wellness.

Restrictions

You must have had Medicare Part B coverage for more than 12 months, and not had a Medicare Initial Physical Exam or Annual Wellness Visit within the last year. If other services are provided or lab work is ordered during the visit, those will be billed at the normal rate. Your AWV is still free.

We are in the sign up phase of this initiative You can sign up by calling the church office

Have

you been reading the monthly Mayo Clinic Medical Minute?

Each month we present and highlight medical issues and education in the African American community.

These monthly medical minutes, posted on the third Sunday of each month and in partnership with Mayo Clinic, seek to provide information and resources on topics that matter in our community.

Community Connection Community Connection

OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND THE FIBC CAMPUS OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND THE FIBC CAMPUS

On behalf of Jack and Jill of America, Inc , Phoenix Chapter, the BIENNIAL BEAUTILLION SEASON IS HERE and we are recruiting Arizona’s best and finest junior and senior Beaus in high school.

The Beautillion process spans 10 weeks during which the young men participate in social, cultural, and community service activities; in addition, the young men will attend seminars on college preparation and other educational topics.

If you are or know a young man who would benefit from the Beautillion program, the application deadline is December 1, 2022.

Please visit www jackandjillphoenix org to learn more

FIBC will host the Young Ladies First Empowerment Workshop for girls 11 17 years old on Saturday, Dec. 3.

This free event will feature sessions on health and fitness, education, politics, entertainment and more Lunch will be provided and participation prizes will be given out

For more information, please call the church office.

Community Connection Community Connection

OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND THE FIBC CAMPUS OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND THE FIBC CAMPUS

FIBC invites you to participate in our special 25 Days of Giving campaign. We want you to spread the gift of Christ and show His love in a tangible way this Christmas. All you have to do is follow the calendar and complete an act of kindness through Christmas Sunday

This is just one of the ways you can help FIBC reach our Wildly Important Goal of increasing in person visitors Your act of kindness could be the one thing that brings a new person to our congregation Be sure to follow the calendar and share your acts of kidness on our social media channels using the hashtag #FIBC25days.

R R ecapping November ecapping November

LORD OF THE HARVEST LORD OF THE HARVEST

God's harvest blessings poured out across FIBC this November From Harvest Sunday worship to our Pastor and First Lady traveling to Africa with missions on their minds, FIBC was truly blessed by the acts of service, outpouring of love and worship that took place There truly was something for everyone this past November

Recapping Novemb Recapping November er

LORD OF THE HARVEST LORD OF THE HARVEST

Stay in t he Know Stay in t he Know

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:

Music Director

Multi Media Facilitator (PT) Receptionist (PT) Custodian (FT)

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

to Give

er worshiping in person or online, you have the unity to give generously through tithes and g. Your generous support of FIBC goes a long n helping us fulfill our mission, vision and se.

o Give:

Mail or In Person (1141 E Jefferson St , Phoenix, 85034) shAPP using the tag $FIBCAZ line 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.

#didyouknow FIBC has several social media channels for yo to like, share, follow and enjoy?

You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Start liking and sharing our online content, and ge ready because we're launching on new platforms like TikTok. Search FIBC Phoenix or First Institutional Baptist Church and find us on your favorite social media platforms today.

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 Afternoon Prayer and Bible Study: 11:30 a m & 12:00 p m (noon) Wednesday Evening Prayer and Bible Study: 6:30 p m & 7:00 p m

Senior Pastor Dr Warren H Stewart, Sr

Executive Director of Ministries Dr Karen E Stewart Ext 2211 | kstewart@fibcaz org

Executive Director of Operations Bro. Deangelo D. Hall Ext. 2205 | dhall@fibcaz.org

Pastor of Family Life The Rev April Hawkins Ext 2206 | ahawkins@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

Digi Pastor The Rev. Joseph E. Green jgreen@fibcaz.org

Creative Director of Virtual and Multi Media Bro Maarcus Hall Ext 2208 | mhall@fibcaz org

Minister of Music Sis Brenda G Hankins Ext 2353 | bhankins@fibcaz org

Minister of Pastoral Counseling Dr Carolyn Watson Ext 2227 | cwatson@fibcaz org

FIBCO Family Services, Inc. Sister Chiquita Taylor Ext. 2226 | chiquita.taylor@fibco.org