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
Young Adult Prayer Night
First Sunday - Lord’s Supper
Ash Wednesday Noonday Worship
Lenten Revival
Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart
General Mission & Senior Adult Luncheon
Second Sunday - General Mission
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
Pre-Noonday Prayer
Noonday Bible Study
Evening Bible Study
Praise Team & Band Rehearsal
Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart
Fourth Sunday
Pre-Noonday Prayer
Noonday Bible Study
Evening Prayer
Praise Team & Band Rehearsal
Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart
Disciple U New Member Class
Fifth Sunday - D.R.E.A.M. Zone Sund
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, FIBC Members and Supporters,
Believe it or not, we are less than one week away from Ash Wednesday and our Lenten Revival 2024. That means “Fat Tuesday” is almost here too! The Lenten Season which encompasses the seven weeks prior to Resurrection Sunday calls us to spiritually prepare for celebrating the Crucifixion and Resurrection of our loving and liberating Lord Jesus Christ. This year, we have added the Lenten Revival to launch our time of meditation, reflection and prayer, with Pastor Kenneth C. Curry, Jr., Senior Pastor of the Friendship Baptist Church of Yorba Linda, California, to be our Revival Preacher each night, March 5-7, 6:30 p m On Ash Wednesday, 12:00-1:15 p m , Dr James E Wright II, a relatively new FIBC member and preacher as well as a professor at ASU, will be our Revival Preacher. We encourage our seasoned saints who do not travel at night to join us at midday.
The focus for our Lenten Revival and March is: OUR SPIRITUAL ASSIGNMENT—PASSING THE LORD’S BATON GENERATIONALLY BY SPIRITUAL FORMATION. Spiritual formation is the nurturing, shaping and developing of who one is spiritually made in the image and likeness of God, and for us as Christians, through Jesus Christ. I believe that one of failures of the 20th century Church was lack of spiritual formation for our younger generations. Perhaps, somehow, we thought that our children and grandchildren would understand and attach themselves to our Christian faith by just being in the room Duh! That did not work Consequently, in order to get the younger generations back active in their faith and the Church, we must return to spiritual formation principles and practices. Please plan now to P.I.C.B. Pray, Invite, Come and Bring yourselves and others to our Lenten Revival.
Elsewhere in this March newsletter you will learn of many of the awesome things that God is doing through this still pregnant, giving birth FIBC! (If you don’t know what that means, watch my February 23rd message on our social media platforms.)
Keep the faith and be encouraged!
Pastor Stewart
Back to Church Sunday Back to Church Sunday
IT’S TIME TO COME BACK TO CHURCH IT’S TIME TO COME BACK TO CHURCH
It’s time to go back to church! That was the message from Pastor David Wade this past Sunday and what a Word for FIBC as a Pastor and People It’s why we ’ re asking you to answer Pastor Wade’s call and invite a loved one to Back to Church Sundays Here’s what you need to know
Think about loved ones you want to invite back to church Bring their names with you on Sundays, Feb. 16 and 23. You’re going to write the names down and leave them at the altar where we ’ re going to pray over them as a church family Then invite them with you to worship on Sunday, Mar. 2 for Back to Church Sunday when Pastor Stewart will preach a special message on the Church.
Back to Church Sundays is an opportunity for you to reconnect loved ones with FIBC and the larger church as we pray and remain steadfast during these strained social times. With worship services at 7:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., Bible Study at 9:30 a.m. and the D.R.E.A.M. Zone for children and youth at 11 a.m., there is something for the entire family, no matter your age or stage.
Make the commitment today Think about who you want to invite back to church Write that name down and leave it at the altar when you come for the next two Sundays Invite them to church on Sunday, March 2 and bring them with you FIBC, it’s time to go back to church
Lenten Revival Lenten Revival
PASSING THE LORD’S BATON GENERATIONALLY PASSING THE LORD’S BATON GENERATIONALLY RITUAL FORMATION RITUAL FORMATION
Associate Professor Arizona State University
ebrations leading up to Holy Week with the FIBC’s Lenten sing the Baton Generationally by Spiritual Formation, 025. We are excited to welcome Pastor Kenneth Curry, Senior ndship Baptist Church in Yorba Linda, California as our Guest he’s bringing along some friends. The Friendship Mass Choir worship on Friday, March 7. Services will be held in-person he FIBC streaming platforms beginning at 6:30 p.m.
o our nightly worship services, there will also be a special h Wednesday Service at 12 p m with Dr James E Wright, II as acher and special music, in The Hope Center Chapel
day marks the start of the Lenten season and our pilgrimage Week and Resurrection Sunday As we walk through our holy ransition, let’s continue to pass the baton by focusing in our ation and what it means to live a life walking with Christ
ee you and your entire family in worship for our 2025 Lenten ng Pastor Kenneth Curry as our Guest Revivalist.
Pastor Kenneth C Curry, Jr Friendship Baptist Church Yorba Linda, California
Dr James E Wright II
Hitting the Highlights Hitting the Highlights
THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES
YA Prayer Night
Coming off the heels of our month-long fast in February, the FIBC Young Adult Ministry invites you to a Night of Prayer on Saturday, March 1 Bring your concerns to the altar and unite with others in prayer from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in The Hope Center Chapel.
This prayer night is open to all and seeks to create an atmosphere of prayer and a space for you to join with others in prayer.
General Mission Weekend/Luncheon
We are blending the past with the present as part of our bi-annual General Mission Weekend, March 8 & 9, 2025. With a luncheon on Saturday and worship on Sunday with two dynamic guest preachers there is something for you. This year ’ s theme is, “Blending the Past with the Present: Embracing the New Age,” and highlights the historic generational change we are facing as a congregation
Join the General Mission and Charles Favors Home
Alone Senior Adult Ministry for a special luncheon on Saturday There will be a panel discussion, special presentations from both ministries, give-a-ways and more! Tickets are $15 each and available for purchase from a ministry member The doors will open at 9 a m , and the program will begin around 10 a.m.
Then join us in worship on Sunday, March 9 when we welcome two dynamic women as our guest preachers. Sisters Linda Easter and Crystal Blackwell will combine their gifts and talents to bring us one mighty word during our 7:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship services, in-person and on the FIBC Streaming Platforms
FIBC’s General Mission Weekend and Charles Favors Home Alone Senior Adult Ministry luncheon promise to be an experience you don’t want to miss
Hitting the Highlights Hitting the Highlights
Dream Zone Parent Gathering
Our newly launched D.R.E.A.M. Zone for childre youth takes place every Sunday on the upper l the Body Building and you have the opportu connect with Pastor Claiborn on March 9
We invite all parents and guardians to meet Claiborn in room 206 following 11 a m service a any questions you have answered You can learn about the D R E A M Zone online and in the FIBC
YA Fellowship
The next young adult fellowship takes plac Saturday, March 15. Bring your a-game and get for a bible trivia game night and potluck We’re to enjoy great food, fun and fellowship at the S home from 6 p m to 8 p m
Let us know you ’ re coming and what you ’ re br by Sunday, March 9 We’ll share address inform and other details with all who RSVP once we ’ re to the event date.
Visit fibcaz.org/yafellowship to RSVP today!
Hitting the Highlights Hitting the Highlights
tly joined our church family? Do you more about who we are, what we do lieve what we believe? Then we invite or Disciple U, our New Member Class, n Saturday, March 29. This is your et connected with us, learn about our alues as a pastor and people and get stry.
pen to all new members and those earning more about FIBC You can org or in the APP
Men’s Breakfast
You’re invited to join the FIBC Men’s Ministry for their first fellowship breakfast of the year Meet the men of FIBC at the Golden Corral in Goodyear on Saturday, March 29 at 9 a.m.
Enjoy candid conversations, fellowship and more over a great breakfast in a private meeting room It’s $20 per person and open to all men. See a men ’ s ministry leadership team member for more information and how you can connect with the FIBC Men’s Ministry.
Hitting the Highlights Hitting the Highlights
THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES
Dream Zone Sunday
Our first D.R.E.A.M. Zone Sunday of the year take on March 30 and there is something for every worship
With a “focus” on our mandate to generational the baton, we ’ re going to lean into worship w young people, enjoy high energy praise, worsh the preached Word during our 7:30 a m and services, in-person and on the FIBC Stre Platforms
If you have a young person you want to see serv D.R.E.A.M. Zone Sunday, contact Pastor Claiborn today!
Praise Dance Rehearsals
The FIBC Praise Dance Ministry is preparing for its first ministry moment of the year and looking for talented individuals to join the team The praise dancers will minister on Palm Sunday, April 13 and rehearsals will start this month If you ’ re interested in joining and praising through dance, join today
All rehearsals will be held on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in The Hope Center Gym. Rehearsals will take place on March 16, 23, 20 and April 6.
You can get more information on the ministry by joining the group in the FIBC APP or reaching out to Sister Tracy Lewis.
2025 CHURCH CALENDAR AND UPDATE TO THE 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
The 2025 Church Calendar is now available in both in-print and online! Stay connected and engaged with ministry life at FIBC by downloading yours today at fibcaz.org or in the APP, or stopping by the sanctuary welcome center to pick-up a copy.
The 2024 Annual Report from the 2025 Church Business Meeting is also available online. Visit fibcaz.org/forms to download a copy.
Pastor’ s Retirement Celebration Pastor’ s Retirement Celebration
HONORING OUR SENIOR PASTOR’S LEGACY OF SERVICE HONORING OUR SENIOR PASTOR’S LEGACY OF SERVICE
For 48 years, Pastor Stewart has faithfully shepherded our congregation with unwavering commitment, visionary leadership, and a deep passion for Jesus and Justice His ministry has not only shaped each of our lives but has also left an indelible mark on our community, state, nation, and world
As we prepare to celebrate our Senior Pastor’s 48th Pastoral Anniversary and Retirement, this is an opportunity to express your heartfelt gratitude for his years of dedication, leadership, and spiritual guidance Like the eagle, Pastor Stewart’s leadership has been marked by strength, resilience, and the ability to see beyond the present - soaring above challenges and charting a path toward faith, justice, and liberation for all.
Throughout June 2025, we will gather for special Celebration Worship Services each Sunday and a Retirement Celebration Gala on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown.
CELEBRATION SCHEDULE CELEBRATION SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & SERVICES OF EVENTS & SERVICES
Every Sunday in June Celebration Worship Services
June 27
Retirement Celebration Gala Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
Coming Soon!
Commemorative Retirement Journal Advertising, Celebration Sponsorship Opportunities and more!
CelebrationPlanningCommitteeMembers
Sis.MarchelleFranklin,Chair,Bro.MatthewStewart,Vice-Chair,Dea.AnthonyDorbin,Secretary
Sis.TielahDawan,PastorJamesHarris,Jr.,Hon.SandraKennedy,PastorKarenStewart, Dr.LaVernTarkington,Bro.ErnieUrquhart
Bro.DeangeloHall,StaffSupport,PastorJohnTalley,StaffSupport
MEN’S CORNER
Connect with the FIBC Men’s Ministry
NO MAN LEFT BEHIND; PASSING THE BATON THROUGH NUGGETS OF WISDOM
As a father passes down what he has learned in life to his sons and family, so we men also pass our experiences along to our family and friends that no man, no one, will be left behind.
Proverbs 3:5-6 read it and live by it.
Patience – God is in control, Good Times and Bad Times.
Use your power to help others like Jesus did, not to further yourself.
Pray God’s promises, don’t give up, ask persistently, pray in God’s mercy.
Seek respect, not attention. It last longer.
Responsibility Never Takes a Day Off.
Always Do the Hard Right Thing, Versus the Easy Wrong Thing. You will be all right when the Swelling goes down. (This means be careful what you say and think about your actions before making a decision.)
Money can be many things; motivation, reward, a tool, etc., but it cannot be the end goal, that has to be “God’s love, mercy and joy.”
Always accept the challenges life presents. They allow you to grow and change. Remember yesterday but keep reaching for tomorrow.
Choice, not chance is the determinant of success. Long-term success is achieved by the choices you make and not the chances you take.
Harness your happiness within your own heart. Look inward at yourself and not outward at others for your happiness and well-being.
A prayer of wisdom taken from Mark1:9-11
Lord, make us mindful of the needs and desires of our loved ones. Show us how easily we can satisfy those needs, even as you expressed pleasure in your Son.
MEN’S CORNER
Connect with the FIBC Men’s Ministry
GET READY FOR NEW WAYS TO CONNECT WITH THE MEN’S MINISTRY
We want to see every man 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 Breakfast
Saturday March 29, 9 a.m.
Golden Corral Buffet
420 N. Dysart Rd Goodyear, AZ 85338
All men are invited and welcomed. $20 per person inclusive Pay in the meeting room not at the door. Private restaurant meeting room.
2025 Men’s Retreat
Emmanuel Pines Camp & Retreat Center, Prescott, AZ Friday, August 29 through Sunday August 31
Men’s Fishing Fellowship (October) Men’s Sunday (October)
Church Center
Stay up-to-date with everything happening in the Men’s Ministry! Join the Men’s Ministry Group in the FIBC APP today.
Download instructions at fibcaz.org and search “Men’s Ministry” in groups. Call the church office if you need connecting support.
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 THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS
A big THANK You to all of our FIBCO Volunteers. In January 2025, they contributed 344 volunteer A big You to all of our FIBCO Volunteers. In January 2025, they contributed 344 volunteer hours! We couldn’t do it without you! FIBCO Family Services served a total of 2,024 individuals hours! We couldn’t do it without you! FIBCO Family Services served a total of 2,024 individuals through food and clothin di t ib ti i J 2 through food and clothing distributions in January 2
Akilah Stewart Akilah Stewart
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 -4:00 p m
FIBCO FAMILY SERVICES, INC ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE HOURS: Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 10:30 a m -12:30 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