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
Pre-Noonday Prayer
Noonday Bible Study
Evening Bible Study
Campus Closure - 4th of July
Observance
Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart
First Sunday - One Service Sunday
Baptist World Alliance Annual Meeting and Mission Trip to Kenya
Pre-Noonday Prayer
Noonday Bible Study
Evening Bible Study
Praise Team & Band Rehearsal
Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart
Second Sunday - One Service Sunday
Pre-Noonday Prayer
Noonday Bible Study
Evening Bible Study
Praise Team & Band Rehearsal
Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart
Third Sunday - One Service Sunday
Pre-Noonday Prayer
Noonday Bible Study
Evening Bible Study
Praise Team & Band Rehearsal
Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart
Fourth Sunday - One Service Sund and Volunteer Appreciation
Celebration
Pre-Noonday Prayer
Noonday Bible Study
Evening 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 to be walking through the Gospel of John 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, will walk through our the Gospel of John with Pastor Talley. This is your opportunity to come learn more about who we are and what we believe.
TALK OF THE TOWN
Greetings, FIBC Members and Supporters,
Thank you, Lord, for bringing us to mid-year 2024! May we never take it for granted that we have been divinely-gifted with another day.Welcome to July, folks! I pray that your Fourth of July holiday will be a blast. �� It already is for you and me as we have begun our 48th year together.Can you believe that? Never in my wildest imagination did I envision being any church’s senior pastor for nearly a half century and in my 70s. However, my late pastor-mentor, Dr. Sandy F. Ray, often said, “God works in mischievous ways; His wonders to perform ” But as I told a pastors’ class recently, “I love pastoring and leading the Lord’s people ” Much obliged, FIBC!
Our 2024 FIBC Theme Focus for July is THANK YOU, LORD, FOR OUR JOURNEY TOGETHER ADVOCATING JESUS AND JUSTICE UNAPOLOGETICALLY! We continue to incarnate this focus by fulfilling our Purpose, Vision, Values and Strategy with enthusiasm, effectiveness and excellence. During last month’s Juneteenth Celebration, FIBC Pastors McGilvery, Talley and Claiborn as well as Brother Matthew Stewart met with ASU football players to nurture our relationship with them. Pastor Thomas Claiborn IV, our Pastor of Family Life, is partnering with, Sister Akilah Stewart, Executive Director of FIBCO Family Services, Inc., for our Annual Back to School Sunday on August 4th to bless 300 young students and their families.Pastor Donta McGilvery and I are serving as Arizona Co-Leads for Faiths United to Save Democracy to engage citizens in voter education, voter registration, voter participation and voter protection. Yours truly is participating with media, faith and community organizations locally and nationally as we address injustice and inequality, and approach the critically important 2024 General Election in November
Lastly, please remember to register for our Annual Volunteers Appreciation Sunday worship service and luncheon to express our appreciation to all of you who are the servant leaders who keep FIBC moving forward because of your love for the Lord, His Church and this senior pastor.
Keep the faith and be encouraged!
Pastor Stewart
Super Summer Services Super Summer Services
WORSHIPING AS ONE CHURCH FAMILY THIS JULY
WORSHIPING AS ONE CHURCH FAMILY THIS JULY
We're going to worship as ONE Church Family this July and August 4, and want you and your entire family to join us for our Super Sized Summer Worship Services. Here's what you need to know to navigate the Sundays in July; July 7, 14, 21, 28 and August 4.
Sunday Bible Studies will begin at 8:00 a.m.
The sanctuary doors will open at 8:45 a m
Intercessory prayer will begin at 9:00 a m
Worship service will start at 9:30 a.m.
There are several parking options for you:
- To the South in the Phoenix Fire Department lot
- To the West in the City of Phoenix lot
- To the East & West on 11th & 12th streets and in the Garden Center workspace lot
- The middle parking lot is reserved for handicapped plates & guests
Our Super Sized Summer Worship Services are a great time for you to connect with members you may not see because you attend different services and a great opportunity for you to invite someone with you to worship. The 90-minute service means you'll be done in enough time to enjoy a Sunday brunch
We want you to PRAY about who you're going to invite, then INVITE them to join you in worship, COME yourself and BRING them with you to one of our Super Sized Summer Worship Services this July.
Volunteer Appreciation Volunteer Appreciation
CELEBRATING ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS THIS JULY
CELEBRATING ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS THIS JULY
It’s time to celebrate you! We want to show our appreciation to the FIBC and FIBCO Family Services, Inc. volunteers so we ’ re having a celebration. You’re invited to join us on Sunday, July 28 in The Hope Center Gym for a special Volunteer Appreciation Celebration. We’re looking for all our ministry members and supporters to come out and be celebrated
This year ’ s celebration is goin’ old school, except indoors because it’s hot during the summer. Break out your lawn chairs, pull out your favorite games because we ’ re having an indoor family reunion style BBQ, complete with games, music fellowship and a feast with all the fixin’s. You don’t have to bring your lawn chair, but you get it!
To let us know you ’ re coming, all you have to do is scan the QR code or visit our website When you register you’ll tell us if you ’ re a FIBC or FIBCO volunteer, where you serve and any special dietary restrictions, that’s it! We need a headcount to ensure we're prepared. Please RSVP no later than Monday, July 15, 2024. If you have any questions, please call the office
Hitting the Highlights Hitting the Highlights
Campus Closure for Fourth of July
Young Adult Pool Party
Calling all 18-39-year-olds, it's time to FELLOWSHIP LIKE YOU MEAN IT! As part of our commitment to engaging with you, we're excited to announce our first fellowship experience. Break out your poolside attire and join us for a Pool Party Fellowship on Saturday, July 27.
Here's what you need to know:
This event is free and open to all 18-39-year-olds
Location information and access details will be given once registration closes
Registration will close on Sunday, July 21
Register at fibcaz.org/yafellowship
Our Voice, Our Vote
With the 2024 election fast approaching, it is critical that we better understand changes in AZ voting laws to protect vulnerable citizens' right to vote
Join us for a meeting with Arizona Faith and Community Leaders and the Arizona Secretary of State, Mr Adrian Fontes, on Tuesday, July 2 at 5 p.m.
Registration isn’t required, just use the Zoom link below. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87225784306? pwd=YecHIVIn417ZmtllfsejDNLi6RcDEB.1
Nationwide we will observe the July 4th holiday on Thursday, July 4. There will be no on-campus activities, and the administrative offices will be closed Normal campus operations will resume on Friday, July 5
Hitting the Highlights Hitting the Highlights
THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES
Pardon our Dust
Pardon our dust, we ’ re making some upgrades to our sanctuary this month. We want to let you know that while these upgrades are taking place, we will worship in the gym as one church family. Please be prepared to join us in The Hope Center Gym on Sunday, July 14 and possibly July 21. Please monitor your email for any updates and be in prayer with us as we give our sanctuary an audio/visual upgrade
If you have any questions about the upgrade or how it will impact our worship experience, call the office.
The dog days of summer are far from over, but many of our students and educators are preparing to head back into the classroom, which means we ’ re gearing up for our annual Back to School Fest on Sunday, August 4, 2024.
This year ’ s event will takeover The Hope Center Gym from 9:30 a m to 2 p m with games, food and fun for students of all ages and include free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts and hair styles, shoes and more! This year we ’ re also excited to announce that we are supporting our educators and collecting supplies for classrooms
School supplies can be dropped off on Sundays at the Sanctuary Welcome Center and in The Hope Center Lobby during business hours. The deadline to drop off donations is Sunday, July 28.
Parents and educators, you can sign-up to attend the bash and receive supplies by visiting fibcaz.org/backtoschool until Sunday, July 28.
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.
THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS
MINISTRY ON DISPLAY MINISTRY ON DISPLAY
FIBCO Family Services provided 57 large food bags to help feed the African American Congregation. Congregation.
FIBCO Family Services provided 57 large food bags to help feed the African American
We celebrated three birthdays for our wonderful volunteers; Dorothy, Dollie, and Etta.
We celebrated three birthdays for our wonderful volunteers; Dorothy, Dollie, and We continue We continue to encourage any donations of hygiene products. to encourage any donations of hygiene products.
SUMMER COOLING CENTER NOW
SUMMER COOLING CENTER NOW
As part of our effort to provid As part of our effort to provide unhoused community, the H unhoused community, the H Cooling Center is now open. Cooling Center is now open.
Visitors are welcome to stop by Visitors are welcome to stop by Gym on Tuesdays, Wednesdays an Gym on Tuesdays, Wednesdays an p.m. to 6 p.m. using the back entran p.m. to 6 p.m. using the back entran
Akilah Stewart Akilah Stewart
FIBCO Family Services served 1,397 individuals and provided St.
FIBCO Family Services served 1,397 individuals and provided St. Mary’s Emergency Food Boxes onsite and held mobile Mary’s Emergency Food Boxes onsite and held mobile distributions at 7 sites in the community. Additionally, 738 lunches distributions at 7 sites in the community. Additionally, 738 lunches were provided to those in need throughout the month. were provided to those in need throughout the month.
DONATION DRIVE ALERT! DONATION DRIVE ALERT!
As the Arizona summer starts to heat up, we are
As the Arizona summer starts to heat up, we are always looking for donations to support the unhoused always looking for donations to support the unhoused and underserved community. Please consider a and underserved community. Please consider a donation today: donation today:
water bottles water bottles
reusable water bottles and bags reusable water bottles and bags toiletry items toiletry items
Items can be dropped off on Sundays at the Sanctuary
Items can be dropped off on Sundays at the Sanctuary Welcome Center and during Business Hours at The Welcome Center and during Business Hours at The Hope Center Lobby. For more information, reach out Hope Center For more information, reach out to FIBCO Family Services. to FIBCO Family Services.
Medical Moments Medical Moments
HEALTH AND WELLNESS CORNER HEALTH AND WELLNESS CORNER
PRESENTED
PRESENTED
BY
BY
THE FIBC HELPS MINISTRY & MAYO CLINIC
THE FIBC HELPS MINISTRY & MAYO CLINIC
On the third Sunday of each month we share medical information in partnership with Mayo Clinic highlighting medical issues and education in the African American community
On the fourth Sunday of each month the FIBC HELPS Ministry shares a Mental Health Moment, aimed at providing resources, tools and information about healthrelated challenges within our congregation and the African American community as a whole Click below to watch the presentation
Dealing with Anxiety with Dr. Donald Godbold
R R ecapping June ecapping June
A JOYOUS JUNE A JOYOUS JUNE
Our sizzling summer days are here and things are even hotter inside and outside the walls of FIBC We have seen ministry in motion From a powerful workshop on dementia care, to one-on-one time with members of the ASU football team, our ministries are on the front lines of ministry work
Recapping Jun Recapping Junee
A JOYOUS JUNE A JOYOUS JUNE
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
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:
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.
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 2211 | jtalley@fibcaz org
Pastor of Congregational Care - The Rev Sharmal Cannon Ext 2228 | scannon@fibcaz org
Pastor of Family Life - The Rev Thomas Claiborn, IV Ext 2206 | tclaiborn@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