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
Praise Team & Band Rehearsal
Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart
First Sunday - Lord’s Supper
Pre-Noonday Prayer
Noonday Bible Study
Evening Bible Study
Praise Team & Band Rehearsal
Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart
Second Sunday
Dream Zone Parent Meeting
Pre-Noonday Prayer
Noonday Bible Study
Evening Bible Study
Praise Team & Band Rehearsal
Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart
Young Adult Fellowship
Third Sunday - MLK/Dream Zone Sunday
Pre-Noonday Prayer
Noonday Bible Study
Evening Bible Study
Praise Team & Band Rehearsal
Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart
Disciple U New Member Class
Fourth Sunday - Sanctity of Life Sunday
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.
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, HAPPY2025TOYOUANDYOURS,FIBCMembersandSupporters! GOD IS FAITHFUL. By His “Amazing Grace” you and I made it out of 2024 and intoabrand-newyear!Hallelujah!Thankyou,Jesus!Wedidnothingtoearnbeing granted this merciful privilege. However, we can do much to evidence our appreciation to the Lord for giving us this once-in-an-eternity opportunity. I recommendthatshouldbeoneofourcongregationalresolutions
Throughoutlastyear,weincarnatedour2024FIBCTheme: THANKYOU,LORD,FOROURJOURNEY TOGETHER YESTERDAY,TODAYANDFOREVER!Itwasawonderfultwelvemonthsaswereflectedon howfartheLordhasbroughtusacongregationsince1905,andparticularlyasapastorandpeople beginningJuly1,1977.Thankyouforeverywaythatyousupported,prayedandparticipatedasamember ofFIBClastyear.
Thatbringsustoour2025FIBCTheme:OURSPIRITUALASSIGNMENT PASSINGTHELORD’SBATON GENERATIONALLY!ScripturalFoundation:Psalm145:4-7;Deuteronomy3:27-28;ICorinthians15:3-5, 11;Titus1:4-5(NRSVUE).Indeed,wewillbeexperiencingtransitionasapastorandpeoplelikewehave neverdonebeforeduetoournearlyhalf-centuryrelationshipGodhasallowed.ButweknowthatFIBCis God’schurch Therefore,wearespirituallyappointedbytheLordtofulfillourresponsibilitieswith faithfulnessoverthecomingmonthswithHishelpWeengagedin60DAYSOFSELAH,SUMMONINGAND SEEKINGTHELORD’SGUIDANCE,September29-November27,2024.Wehaveprayerfullyselecteda Senior/LeadPastoralSearchCommitteethatwillbeginmeetingearlythismonth.The48thPastoral AnniversaryandRetirementCelebrationCommitteehasbegunworkandisrecruitingmembersand friendstoserveonsubcommitteesAsusual,IamenthusedaboutpreachingonourannualFIBCtheme throughoutJanuary,God-willing.
OurFIBCStaffisgoingthroughreorganization.WethankDr.DontaMcGilveryforhisthreeyearsasour PastorofOutreachandJusticeandtheReverendSharmalCannonforhertwoyearsasourPastorof CongregationalCareTheirpositionswillbecomeonefull-timeposition,andthesearchisopentofillthat position WethankSisterNancyD Hooper,ChurchAdministrator/ChurchClerk,andSisterGeralyn Staten,OperationsAdministrator,fortheirmanyyearsofservice.Theirpositionsbecamepart-timeasof January1,2025.
Lastly,asthecountdownhasbegunformyfinalsixmonthsasSeniorPastorofFIBC,pleaseknowhow muchIloveandappreciatetheawesomeblessingithasbeentoserveandgrowwithyouoverthelast almost48yearsYou,FIBC,willalwaysbeinmyheartasthefirstandonlychurchIhaveeverpastored! Keepthefaithandbeencouraged!
PastorStewart
SIGN-UP SIGN-UP HERE HERE
Dream Zone Launch Dream Zone Launch
NEXT LEVEL STUDENT MINISTRIES FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH NEXT LEVEL STUDENT MINISTRIES FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH
We are excited to launch the DREAM Zone, FIBC’s new student ministries model of ministry for children, youth and young adults DREAM stands for Divine, Revelation, Enrichment,AbundantandMomentum,servingasthecatalystforthisnewministrymodel.
WeinviteyoutoexplorealltheD.R.E.A.M.ZonehastoofferonSunday,January19whenour newlearningmodelofficiallylaunches.YoucangetmoreinformationbycontactingPastor Tommieintheofficeorvisitingfibcaz.org/dreamzone.
TheD.R.E.A.M.Zones
Dreamers(nursery-preschool)
Focusingoncreatinganenvironmentwhere childrencanexperiencetheloveofChrist
Catchers(elementary-middleschool)
Focusingonbelonging,learning,and explorationGodandtheworld.
Designers(highschool)
Focusingoncriticalthinking,personal reflection,spiritualdevelopment
Builders(youngadults)
Focusingonservice,leadership,and colle
ProgramDimensions
CaringCommunity
Westrivetocreateanenvironmentwhere childrenarewelcomed,appreciated,and encouragedtolearnandexplorefreely
CenterforLearning
Wedistinguishbetweeneducationand trainingorindoctrination,encouraging childrentounderstandthemselvesand theirgovernancestructure
CharacterDevelopment
Weserveasapracticegroundforspiritual disciplines,routines,andrituals,helping buildastrongfoundation.
CollectiveAction
Weencouragechildrentoservetogether andengagewiththeirneighborsbyliving outChristintheireverydaylives
Hitting the Highlights Hitting the Highlights
THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES
MLK Sunday and Celebration
We are excited to announce the activiites tied to the Dr Martin Luther King, Jr Day of Service, showing that we are "the hope of the city, from the city center "
MLK Sunday Celebration
Sunday, January 19 at 7:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
City of Phoenix MLK Celebration
Monday, January 20, 2025, 10:00 a.m.
The annual MLK Festival is held at Margaret T Hance Park (Third Street and Portland) and you are welcome to serve at the FIBC outreach table Sign-up at fibcaz org/mlkoutreach
Campus-Wide Christmas Selah
Sanctity of Life Sunday
FIBC will mark Sanctity of Human Life Sunday on January 26 Instituted in 1984 by President Ronald Regan, pastors, churches and life organizations across the United States use this day to bring awareness to the attacks that are daily waged against human life
At FIBC, we will highlight the injustices and disparities from birth to death, not just those caused by abortion, in our worship services and on our social media channels.
MLK Observance
Our campus-wide Christmas Selah will end on Thursday, January 2, 2025 with the campus and office returning to full operations As part of your new year planning, be sure to check your mailing address and contact information for giving statements and other important church-wide updates.
FIBC will close on Tuesday, January 21 in observance of MLK Day All normal operations will resume on Wednesday, January 22 If you have a ministry meeting or activity scheduled, please all the office to reschedule
Hitting the Highlights Hitting the Highlights
Fellowship Dinner & Business Meeting
Our annual Fellowship Dinner & Chu Meeting will take place following servic January 26 in The Hope Center Gym FI are invited to join us for our annual ga reports from senior leadership, staff pas Governance Council, as well as get upda church-wide initiatives and programs
We need a headcount for the meal a Please RSVP no later than Wednesday online or by calling the office.
Young Adult Fellowship Outing
The first young adult fellowship opportunity of the new year takes place on Saturday, January 18 at Top Golf Scottsdale. Enjoy great food, fun and fellowship, while teeing off in this state-of-the-art facility
The cost is $63 per bay, per hour up to 6 players or you can pay as you play for $16 per person Children are welcome, with adult supervision and on the lower level only. Let us know you ’ re attending by Thursday, January 16 and join us at Top Golf Scottsdale for dinner at 6:00 p.m., followed by golf at 7:00 p.m.
Save these Dates Save these Dates
GET READY FOR A BUSY FEBRUARY GET READY FOR A BUSY FEBRUARY
Leaders and Workers Conference
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.
We need a headcount, and ask that your RSVP no later than Wednesday, January 29 For more information, call the office
Big Attendance Sunday
We want you to join us on Sunday, February 2 for Big Attendance Sunday. That’s when we want to pack out all of our Sunday School and Worship Services Find you fit in a Sunday Bible Study class, in-person or online, join us in worship and bring a friend or two.
Big Attendance Sunday is a great way to jump start or continue your discipling journey There are classes for everyone, no matter your age or stage Get more information on Sunday Bible Studies at fibcaz.org/biblestudies.
Save these Dates Save these Dates
GET READY FOR A BUSY FEBRUARY GET READY FOR A BUSY FEBRUARY
Men’s Super Bowl Fellowship
Right after Big Attendance Sunday, the FIBC Men’s Ministry invites you to join them for a big game fellowship opportunity That’s right, there will be a men ’ s Super Bowl Fellowship on Super Bowl Sunday, February 9. If you want to join the planning committee, reach out to the ministry Then be on the look out for event details and locations We’re ready to have a super good time at the Men’s Ministry Super Bowl Fellowship.
Paradise State Boys to Men Conference
Planning is now underway for the Paradise Missionary Baptist State Convention of Arizona, Inc’s annual Boys to Men Conference. Scheduled for Saturday, February 22, this one day workshop is open to men and boys of all ages, and is an opportunity for you to connect with others from across the PMBSCAZ convention and state. Registration will open in the coming weeks, so be sure to check your email for details.
MEN’S CORNER
Connect with the FIBC Men’s Ministry
BIBLE STUDY REFLECTION
WhatIlearnedstudyingJosephintheMen’sBibleStudyClass
Self Doubt? Did Joseph ever pray such a prayer? Perhaps he did. Perhaps he didn’t. But you probablyhave. CaughtbetweenwhatGodsaysandwhatmakessense.You’vebeendoingwhat youthoughtGodtoldyoutodo,onlytowonderifitwasGodspeakinginthefirstplace.You’ve askedifyou’restillontherightroad? You’veaskedifyouweresupposedtoturnleftwhenyou turned right. And you’ve asked if there is even a plan at all? Just like Joseph things haven’t turnedoutlikeyouthoughttheywould.
Eachofusknowswhatit’slike;Nojoborjustlaidoff,horribleboss,nomoney,badrelationship, blendedfamilynotworkingout,divorcedorinthemidstofone,youorfamilysickness,frequent ER room trips, or a loved one’s death. We’ve asked our questions; we questioned God’s plan. Andwe’vewonderedwhyGoddoeswhathedoes?
IfyouareaskinglikeJosephasked,dowhatJosephdid. Obey,that’swhathedid;heobeyed. He didn’tlethisconfusion,disrupthisobedience. Likeyou,Josephdidn’tknow,buthedidwhathe knewtodo. Why,becausethat’swhatGodsaidtodo. BecauseJosephobeyed,Godusedhim tochangetheworld.Canhedothesamewithyou?
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 month we wan to acknowledge Pastor Talley, Executive Director of Ministry, for his leadership of the Men’s Ministry in 2024 as well as vision and inspiration for the FIBC Men’s Ministry’s 2025 goal to minister such that “No Man is Left Behind.” We are excited about his continual engagement as we embark upon the implementation and execution of his vision for us to minister in that manner.
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 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 Super Bowl Fellowship (February)
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.
Community Events Community Events
UPCOMING MINISTRY & OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
UPCOMING MINISTRY & OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
Community Events Community Events
UPCOMING MINISTRY & OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
UPCOMING MINISTRY & OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
Have
Black Women Walking
February 3-6, 2025 AND February 11-13, 2025
Herberger Theater Center
BLACK WOMEN WALKING is an awardwinning, 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.
R R ecapping December ecapping December
CELEBRATING THE SAVIOR CELEBRATING THE SAVIOR
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 FIBC celebrated the savior in an epic way this December From Pastor’s Christmas Party for the Neighborhood to our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service and even Pastor Stewart’s Birthday, we celebrated the greatest gift of all
Recapping Decembe Recapping Decemberr
MINISTRY IN MOTION MINISTRY IN MOTION
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 - 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 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