March 2024 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

Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart

First Sunday - The Lord’s Supper

Pre-Noonday Prayer

Noonday Bible Study

Evening Bible Study

Praise Team & Band Rehearsal

Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart

Second Sunday

Pre-Noonday Prayer

Noonday Bible Study

Evening Bible Study

Praise Team & Band Rehearsal

Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart

Prayer Ministry Retreat

Third Sunday

Pre-Noonday Prayer

Noonday Bible Study

Evening Bible Study

Seniors on the Move Biblical Bingo

Praise Team & Band Rehearsal

Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart

Fourth Sunday - Palm Sunday

Maundy Thursday

Good Friday

AACCC Community Good Friday

Service

Silent Saturday

Fifth Sunday - Resurrection Sund

Generations 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.

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 for tag-team preaching from Pastor Stewart and Pastor Talley, both in-person and online, walking through the Book of Titus

In-person Bible Study will meet in The Hope Center Chapel

Zoom ID: 602 258 1998 Passcode: 1141

Trust Issues Bible Study

Wednesdays at 6 p.m.

In-Person

Our new Wednesday evening series, Trust Issues: an interactive Bible Study experience focusing on cultivating genuine and heartfelt trust in the Lord Trust is the foundation of all things and this study is going to use different teaching methods to explore trust issues and what the Bible says about how to address them

TALK OF THE TOWN

Greetings, FIBC Members and Friends,

It is almost hard to believe that we just have four more weeks until RESURRECTION SUNDAY 2024, March 31, 2024. Easter comes early this year. Our 2024 Lenten Praying and Fasting Season, with our Modified Daniel Fast, began on Ash Wednesday which was also Valentine’s Day, so here we are. As usual the first few days of a Modified Daniel Fast are always challenging. I experience headaches and caffeine withdrawal over the first week or so. For those of you who have joined us this Lenten Season, please know that I am praying for you and FIBC as a whole because of our focus: attaining three of our 2024 FIBC Goals:

(1) That we encourage FIBC Ministries to increase in-person meetings and activities both on and off the FIBC Campus,

(2) That we prioritize knowing and fulfilling our Purpose, Vision, Values and Strategy, and

(3) That we create and sustain a congregational culture that models Jesus Christ through unconditional love for and genuine hospitality extended to everyone.

Throughout March our 2024 FIBC Theme Focus is THANK YOU, LORD, FOR OUR JOURNEY TOGETHER—YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER—EMPOWERED BY CHRIST’S RESURRECTION! Living in these challenging times confronted daily with the powers that the Apostle Paul labeled as “principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this age, and spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places”, we must remember that as followers of the Resurrected Jesus Christ, the same God who raised His Son from death and the grave does the same miracle for you and me every day Stay tuned for announcements about HOLY WEEK 2024 at FIBC

Keep the faith and be encouraged!

Pastor Stewart

Hitting the Highlights Hitting the Highlights

THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES

R.N.NesbyScholarshipSeason

The R.N. Nesby Scholarship Ministry is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 academicseason.Ifyouareenteringhighschool or college in the fall, or a current higher education student, there is a scholarship for you Lastyear,theministryalsolaunchedascholarship for community members who are not part of the FIBCfamily

There are requirements for the various scholarships. You can find more information at fibcaz.org/scholarship. The deadline to apply is April2,2024.

New FIBC App and Database

We are excited to announce the next phase of our membership affirmation process and database update. We are launching a new APP and content management system

Effective April 1 we will sunset our current APP through Ministry Platform. If you have it on a device, go ahead and uninstall. We are currently beta testing our new APP and will provide you download information in the coming days This new APP will include new features for messages and ministry opportunities including a chat feature and integrated registrations and payments.

We are also working on updating all those who affirmed their membership to ensure we have up-to-date information If you would like to update your contact and member informationwithus,pleasecalltheofficeforassistance

LookformoreinformationinthecomingweeksonournewAPPanddatabase.

Hitting the Highlights Hitting the Highlights

THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES

100th Birthday Celebration

It’s a birthday celebration 100 years in the making Mother Viola Jenkins will turn 100years-old this month and we invite you to join the festivities. We invite you to bring a birthday card for Mother Jenkins on Sundays to the Sanctuary Welcome Center and during business hours to The Hope Center Lobby and wish her well on her birthday. Our General Mission Ministry is also planning a special birthday celebration for her on Saturday, March 9 as part of their inperson meeting

If you have questions, call the office or contact a General Mission member.

Seniors on the Move

Seniors on the Move is a new and exciting opportunity for FIBC members and their friends, 65-years-old and up. Gatherings will be held quarterly and include light refreshments and prizes

The March 2024 Seniors on the Move event is a Biblical Bingo Game Day on Wednesday, March 20 from 1:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. in The Hope Center Community Room You can signup online or by calling the office.

Prayer Ministry Retreat

You’re invited to join the FIBC Prayer Ministry for a special time of consecrated prayer and strategic planning on Saturday, March 16 at Canaan in the Desert from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. This event is free and open to all ministry members, those interested in connecting with the ministry, and those interested in praying for our 2024 goals For more information and to register visit fibcaz.org.

This will be a time of focused praying and fasting, utilizingtheModifiedDanielFast.

Scriptural Foundation: I Corinthians 1:9; Genesis 12:1-4a; II Thessalonians 3:3-5; Hebrews 13:7-8 (NRSVUE)

Our Praying and Fasting Focus: Meeting our 2024GoalsasaPastorandPeople

That we encourage FIBC Ministries to increase in-person meetings and activities both on and offtheFIBCCampus

That we prioritize knowing and fulfilling our Purpose,Vision,ValuesandStrategy

That we create and sustain a congregational culture that models Jesus Christ through unconditional love for and genuine hospitality extendedtoeveryone.

Besuretofollowoursocialmediachannelsandcheckoutfibcaz.org/lentenfastforscripture readingsandprayersyoucanusethroughoutthefast.

HolyWeekataGlance

PalmSunday,March24

Worshipservicesat7:30&11am

MaundyThursdayLastSupper,March28

Worshipserviceat6:30p.m.

GoodFriday,March29

CommunitySevenLastWords(AACCC) serviceat12p.m.

ResurrectionSunday,March31

Worshipservicesat5:30,7:30&11a.m.

Ministry Moments Ministry Moments

CHECKING IN WITH THE CHECKING IN WITH THE OUTREACH & SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY OUTREACH & SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY

The Outreach and Social Justice Ministry has been hard at work, answering the call to engage in Jesus and Justice, evangelism and emancipation through FIBC Here’s a look at some recent ministry moments

PlanningPerfected

In January, the ministry hosted its first in-person meeting and discussed topics that members believethechurchandcommunityshouldaddress in2024,fromfostercaretotheupcomingelection.

nC

y ntaattendedtheRainbowPush

Dallas, Texas. The Reverend Jessie Jackson passed the baton of leadership to Pastor Fredrick Haynes, III to officially serve as President. Conference sessions also addressedjusticeissuesthatchurchesshouldfocusonthisyear,including“election grief” when your preferred candidate loses as well as how our values should influenceyourvote.

SavetheDate

On March 14 FIBC will host a meeting in partnership with Faiths United to Save Democracy with leaders from across Arizona to start planning ways to mobilize votersandreachyoungervoters.

Community Events Community Events

UPCOMING MINISTRY & OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES

UPCOMING MINISTRY & OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES

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

IIampleasetoreportthatFIBCOFamilyServices,Inc.iscontinuingto ampleasetoreportthatFIBCOFamilyServices,Inc.iscontinuingto iimpactlivesinthegreaterPhoenixarea. mpactlivesinthegreaterPhoenixarea.

AbigTHANKYOUtoallourFIBCOvolunteers. AbigTHANKYOUtoallourFIBCOvolunteers. Thankyoutoeveryonewhohasdonateditemstoourprescription Thankyoutoeveryonewhohasdonateditemstoourprescription bottleandclothingdrive. bottleandclothingdrive.

Y YourcontinuedsupportofFIBCOFamilyServices,Inc.ismakinga ourcontinuedsupportofFIBCOFamilyServices,Inc.ismakinga differenceintheGreaterPhoenixarea. differenceintheGreaterPhoenixarea.

Akilah Stewart Akilah Stewart

FIBCO LOVES OUR VOLUNTEERS!

FIBCO LOVES OUR VOLUNTEERS!

Congratulations to Sister Rose Nelson who was Congratulations to Sister Rose Nelson who was honored for her work as a FIBCO volunteer on honored for her work as a FIBCO volunteer on Sunday, February 11. Sister Nelson is a dedicated Sunday, February 11. Sister Nelson is a dedicated volunteer who helps in so many ways, from preparing volunteer who helps in so many ways, from preparing lunch bags to organizing items in the clothing center. lunch bags to organizing items in the clothing center.

We extend heartfelt thanks to Sister Nelson and all We extend heartfelt thanks to Sister Nelson and all our amazing volunteers who make the ministry work our amazing volunteers who make the ministry work FIBCO Family Services, Inc. happen. FIBCO Family Services, Inc. happen.

CONGRATULATIONSTOOURNEWESTBOARDMEMBERS! CONGRATULATIONSTOOURNEWESTBOARDMEMBERS!

ShareeHurtselectedastheFIBCOBoardchairinJanuary ShareeHurtselectedastheFIBCOBoardchairinJanuary ChristaL.SaddlerwaselectedaBoardMember ChristaL.SaddlerwaselectedaBoardMember KeenanA.StokeswaselectedasBoardMemberandTreasurer KeenanA.StokeswaselectedasBoardMemberandTreasurer

For the shortest month of the year, this February was BUSY!

For the shortest month of the year, this February was BUSY!

Thank you to the University of Arizona College of Public Health

Thank you to the University of Arizona College of Public Health for letting us host “Street Medicine Phoenix” on February 13. Free for letting us host “Street Medicine Phoenix” on February 13. Free preventative health services, from screenings to wound care and preventative health services, from screenings to wound care and Narcan distribution, were available. Narcan distribution, were available.

Our volunteers provided 373 hours of community service as we Our volunteers provided 373 hours of community service as we served 1,898 individuals, from emergency food box distribution to served 1,898 individuals, from emergency food box distribution to produce giveaways and clothing. produce giveaways and clothing.

Recap the

We are in need or toiletry items for men and women. Travel and

We are in need or toiletry items for men and women. Travel and regular size items will be accepted; regular size items will be accepted;

deodorant deodorant

disposable razors disposable razors

ssoaps oaps

llotions otions

toothpaste and toothbrushes

toothpaste and toothbrushes

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 Hope Welcome Center and during Business Hours at The Hope Center Lobby. For more information, reach out to FIBCO Family Center Lobby. For more information, reach out to FIBCO Family Services. Services.

March Donation Drive Alert!

March Donation Drive Alert!

R R ecapping February ecapping February

CELEBRATING OUR AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE

CELEBRATING OUR AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE

It may be the shortest month of the year, but that does not stop celebration and remembrance in February Our African American heritage was on full display this month, from worship services to engaging community activities, we are thankful and praise God for all that took place during this leap year month, as we take a giant leap forward toward Holy Week and Resurrection Sunday 2024

Recapping Februar Recapping February y

CELEBRATING OUR AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE

CELEBRATING OUR AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE

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.

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 Ministries - The Rev John Talley, III Ext 2211 | jtalley@fibcaz org

Executive Director of Operations - Bro Deangelo D Hall Ext 2205 | dhall@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

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