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TALK OF THE TOWN
from July 2023 Newsletter
by FIBC Phoenix
Greetings, FIBC Members and Friends,
Guess what? We made it halfway through 2023, with a “reasonable portion of health and strength”. In addition, we, as a pastor and people, end Chapter 46 of our relationship on June 30, 2023.Won’t God do it! On July 1, we begin Chapter 47, hopefully a little bit wiser and more mature than this time last year God be praised for allowing us to continue to make “holy history” emanating from 1141 E. Jefferson Street in the Eastlake Park Neighborhood and encompassing the world, fulfilling our Purpose, Vision, Values and Strategy with enthusiasm, effectiveness and excellence.
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Our 2023 FIBC Theme Focus for July is LET’S SHIFT TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE LORD’S “BUT” ENVISIONING BIBLICAL JUSTICE! Our definition of “Biblical Justice” around FIBC is a right relationship with God, oneself and all others. It is foundational to whom every person is because each human being is created in the image and likeness of God. However, it does not mean that we agree with each other on everything nor does it deny the reality that we may have enemies. But, most importantly, this understanding of “Biblical Justice” is built on our equality with all other human beings in spite of differences. Our enemies are no less made in God’s likeness as we are, period
Remember that we are moving to one Sunday worship services for the entire month of July, beginning on July 2nd, and our Sunday Bible Studies will begin at 8:00 a.m. We do this to give most of our staff and volunteers who serve on Sundays, at least, a little break from guiding and participating in two worship services the other eleven months of the year. Lastly, please pray for your senior pastor as I have been asked to preach for that Annual Gathering of the Baptist World Alliance in Stavanger, Norway, on Wednesday, July 5th, 8:15 a.m., which is 11:15 p.m. Tuesday, July 4th (AZT). God just keeps on opening doors for me that I did not even know were there for me, for which I am very grateful.
Keep the faith and be encouraged!
Pastor Stewart
