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
Praise Team & Band Rehearsal
Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart Men’s Summit
First Sunday - The Lord’s Supper
Pre-Noonday Prayer
Noonday Bible Study
Evening Bible Study
Praise Team & Band Rehearsal
Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart
Pregnancy Loss Balloon Release
Second Sunday - Men’s Sunday
Hoop Dreams
Pre-Noonday Prayer
Noonday Bible Study
Evening Bible Study
Praise Team & Band Rehearsal
Friday Fellowship with Pastor Stewart
Third Sunday
India Mission Trip
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 Bible Study
Trunk or Treat Harvest Festival
Praise Team & Band Rehearsal
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
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,
Well, we, as a pastor and people, are certainly beginning this month differently than we have ever begun the last 46 Octobers On Sunday, September 29th, I announced my desire to retire from being the Senior Pastor of FIBC on Monday, June 30, 2025, God-willing If the Lord allows that to happen, we will have completed 48 years together as pastor and people. You are reading my pastoral comments as we have begun 60 DAYS OF SELAH, SUMMONING AND SEEKING THE LORD’S GUIDANCE, September 29 through November 27, 2024.
We thank God for His Holy Spirit that anointed our Generation Sunday worship service. The younger generations in FIBC led the way in worship enthusiastically and energetically. I pray that my message titled, “BETTER DAYS ARE COMING,” from Hebrews 6:9-12, with its three points: (1) We believe better days are coming, (2) We believe God does not forget our labor of love for Him, and (3) We believe we will keep on doing what we’ve been doing with hope in God, enlightened and encouraged you who heard it It is hard for me to tell how you received my announcement of retirement However, the applause, prayers, words, hugs and even some tears that you directed toward me, Pastor Karen, our family and FIBC proved to be heart-warming.
Our 2024 FIBC Theme Focus for October is THANK YOU, LORD, FOR OUR JOURNEY TOGETHER MENTORING BROTHERS FOR SERVANT LEADERSHIP! Our Men’s Ministry will be holding relevant activities that exemplify leadership in these challenging times. October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Dr. Carolyn Watson is guiding our focus on a prevalent problem that very few churches are courageous enough to address. During the first week of October, I will be presenting for the Flinn Scholars at the ASU Barrett Honors College, and preaching and presenting for the ABCOFLASH Annual Meeting, First Baptist Church, Glendale, California The second weekend this month, FIBC will be hosting the Black Church Essentials Conference Pivoting for the new Paradigm! Then, October 20-30, Pastor Talley and I will be leading the 2024 FIBC India Mission Trip to our sister church, Calvary Baptist Church, Akividu, India. Please pray for us as God continues to use us to make a difference for the Body of Christ
As we begin the final quarter of this year, let’s do our best to FINISH STRONG in every way as a pastor and people. We have experienced God’s faithfulness all year long and I have faith in you that we can rise to the occasion and close out 2024 with victory!
Keep the faith and be encouraged!
Pastor Stewart
Purpose—To spend 60 DAYS engaging in the following prayerful and meditative actions:
Selah – Taking time to pause
Psalm 24:3-6 3Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? 4The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. 5They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior. 6Such is the generation of those who seek him, who see your face, God of Jacob. Selah
Summoning – Recalling the pastor and people relationship over the past 47+ years
Psalm 90:1-2 1Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. 2Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
II Corinthians 4:1 1Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.
Ephesians 4:11-13 11So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Seeking – Praying to the Lord for guidance during our season of senior pastoral leadership transition
Proverbs 3:5-6 6Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Matthew 7:7-8 7Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
We begin at the close of our Generations Sunday worship service on Sunday, September 29, 2024, with Pastor John H. Talley III leading us in congregational prayer for our 60 DAYS OF SELAH, SUMMONING AND SEEKING THE LORD’S GUIDANCE. I have asked Pastor Talley to lead this season of praying and meditating for us.
We will continue with focused congregational praying on Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 6:006:30 p.m. as well as on Sundays in the Sanctuary, 7:00-7:30 a.m. and 10:30-11:00 a.m.
We will be teaching a special Wednesday Bible Study series on Leadership Transitions in the Bible, beginning on Wednesday, October 2 through Wednesday, November 27, 2024, 12:00-1:00 p.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m.
October 2 – Lesson on our 60 DAYS Theme Scriptural Foundation
October 9 – Lesson on Noah from Genesis 6-9
October 16 – Lesson on Abraham from Genesis 12
October 23 – Lesson on Joseph from Genesis 50
October 30 – Lesson on Moses and Joshua from Deuteronomy 34
November 6 – Lesson on Deborah from Judges 4
November 13 Lesson on John the Baptist from Mark 1
November 20 – Lesson on Jesus Christ’s Departure Preparation from John 14
November 27 – Lesson from Paul on Thanksgiving from I Corinthians 1
Please join us daily in praying and meditating during our 60 DAYS OF SELAH, SUMMONING AND SEEKING THE LORD’S GUIDANCE and our Scriptural Foundation.
If you can, please join us on Sundays in the Sanctuary for focused congregational praying, 7:00-7:30 a.m. or 10:30-11:00 a.m., or Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in person or virtually, or 6:00-6:30 p.m., in person. You are also welcome to join us in our special Wednesday Bible Study series on Leadership Transitions on Wednesdays, 12:00-1:00 p.m., in person or virtually, or 6:30-7:30 p.m., in person.
God is going to speak to the pastor and people of FIBC in a special, strategic way during our 60 DAYS OF SELAH, SUMMONING AND SEEKING THE LORD’S GUIDANCE.
Keep the faith and be encouraged!
Pastor Stewart
Hitting the Highlights Hitting the Highlights
THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES
Men’s Summit
In these toxic political times, Christian men and women must show love and leadership in ways that are pleasing to God and influence our communities Join us on October 5 for a free summit focusing on Christian leadership and unity in our current climate.
Join us for a summit featuring Pastor Caleb E. Campbell of Desert Springs Bible Church and author of Disarming Leviathan – Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor for an engaging summit experience on Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in The Hope Center Gym.
This summit is free and open to all Register today at fibcaz org/mensweek
stor’s Conference
k Church Essentials Conference is a 3-day for Pastors focusing on disciple-making and rowth. Hear from ministry experts and other valuate your current ministry and develop a growth, taking place October 10-12 in The nter.
erence is facilitated by by Dr Mark A Croston, nal Director, Black Church Ministries , General OU Urban Bible Study and Executive Editor, Magazine at Lifeway Christian Resources,
on information available by calling (615) 519-
Young Adult Sedona Hike
Are you interested in learning basketball fundamentals? Join us for Hoop Dreams It’s free and open to all young people, ages 6 to 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in The Hope Center Gym.
Sunday, October 13
Sunday, November 10
Sunday, December 8
The next Young Adult fellowship gathering will take place on Saturday, October 12 in the high country Our young adults are heading to Sedona for a hike of the West Fork Trail
Registration information and travel details are available at fibcaz org/yafellowship
Hoop Dreams Basketball Clinic
Hitting the Highlights Hitting the Highlights
THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES
Pregnancy Loss Balloon Release
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day annual day observed on October 15 for pregnanc and infant death, which includes miscarriage, stil SIDS, and the death of a newborn
FIBC's Outreach & Social Justice Ministry is m space for those who have experienced a pregnan infant loss for Prayer & Balloon Release at Encanto on Saturday, October 12 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Anyone can join and pray. For more inform contact Pastor Donta’ in the office.
Men’s Sunday
Men’s Sunday, October 13 is coming up and we are excited to welcome Dr. Mark A. Croston, Sr. as our guest preacher He is a leadership, coaching, discipling, visioning and planning professional, with several books to his credit, including the YOU Bible Study series used by our Sunday Bible Studies classes.
If you ’ re interested in joining the men ’ s choir, rehearsals will take place on Thursday, October 10 at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, October 12 at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary If there’s a ministry you ’ re interested in serving with, please reach out
India Mission Trip
Pastor Stewart and a delegation of members will travel to India for missionary work, October 20-30, with stops at our sister church, Calvary Baptist Church, Akividu, India and other places.
As part of our Church & Pastoral Anniversaries Celebration, we want to thank those who contributed to the special offering that will help with their building project
Trunk or Treat Donations
Our annual fall event is coming up and we are now accepting donations for individually wrapped candy for Trunk or Treat, taking place on Thursday, October 31. Items can be dropped off at the Sanctuary Welcome Center on Sundays and The Hope Center Lobby during Business Hours Visit fibcaz org/trunkortreat for details
October is Domestic Violence Awareness
SILENCE HIDES VIOLENCE
B E A S U R V I V O R Psalm 3:3; 34:18 (NIV)
presented by
Dr. Carolyn Watson Minister of Pastoral Counseling
Rarely, do we see a day in our country, indeed the world, where a person or family members have not been murdered, injured, shot, stabbed, set on fire, stalked, threaten, harassed or otherwise suffered a grave emotional, psychological or physical indignity related to domestic and family violence.
Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, (IPV) is defined as a pattern of abusive behavior that exerts control and power over another, particularly in a relationship that is considered intimate or familial which includes marriage, dating, living together, or other intimate relationship. The behaviors are intended to frighten, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, intimidate and terrorize another, typically a male exhibiting such behavior over a female
Domestic violence does not discriminate It occurs among every economic and societal strata; transcends race, ethnicity, age, physical condition, gender identification, sexual orientation, educational standing and religion
Though, we have heard the many stories of tragic events related to domestic and family violence, and as we mourn those who died, let us use our collective and individual voices and media platforms to raise awareness within our circles of influence to celebrate survivors, who continue their journey in healing and well-being
This year we continue a committed and renewed focus on supporting survivors in offering a heart space and physical space for renewal (Heal), a heart space where survivors experience caring (Hold) and on-going counsel and support where we help to empower survivors (Center) as they reclaim hope and as we champion change on their behalf
As with our spiritual health, our emotional, mental, psychological and physical well-being are also very important to the Lord (III John 2)
R E S O U R C E S
A N D S U P P O R T
You are not alone, there is support at the church, local, regional and national level.
1-800-799-7233 Domestic Violence Hotline
TEXT: START 88788
988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline
Dr. Carolyn Watson
Minister of Pastoral Counseling
602-258-1998 Ext 2227
https://fibcaz.org/counseling
Support and Solidarity for domestic violence survivors
https://www dvawareness org/HealHoldCenter https://www thehotline org/ https://goyff az gov P U R P L E T H U R S D A Y
We invited you to unite with FIBC and others around the nation on PURPLE THURSDAY, October 17 and wear PURPLE in support of domestic and family violence survivors Everyone plays a role in raising awareness by letting survivors know they are not alone
All month long, Dr. Carolyn Watson will share information and resources.
website. website.
FIBCO Family Services served 1,912 individuals and provided St.
FIBCO Family Services served 1,912 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, 737 lunches distributions at 7 sites in the community. Additionally, 737 lunches were provided to those in need throughout the month. were provided to those in need throughout the month.
LEARN
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 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.
Items can be dropped off on Sundays at the Sanctuary
Community Events Community Events
UPCOMING MINISTRY & OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
UPCOMING MINISTRY & OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
If you know a deserving high school senior or junior that works in their schools or community to advance the ideals of Dr King through their Excellence in Service, please encourage them to apply for a 2025 AZ MLK Beacon Award!
The Beacon Awards application for high school seniors and juniors can be found at azmlk org Applications must be postmarked by Friday, October 11, 2024 Only complete application packages will be considered. For more info - including information about sponsorships and event tickets - contact Dalyn Blue at dalyn@azoic.org.
Have an upcoming community event you want to share? Email the flyer (JPEG & PNG only) and information to tlewis@fibcaz.org.
R R ecapping September ecapping September
SHOUTING THROUGH SEPTEMBER SHOUTING THROUGH SEPTEMBER
Let’s take a collective breath and celebrate all that took place this September! Can you believe it! In just one month FIBC celebrated its 119th Church and 47th Pastoral Anniversaries, the return of children and youth praise dancing, singing and basketball clinics and honored our Senior Pastor, who announced his intention to retire next year! Whew! What a month and what a way to honor all the amazing work we are doing at FIBC and in the community
Recapping Septembe Recapping Septembe rr
SHOUTING THROUGH SEPTEMBER SHOUTING THROUGH SEPTEMBER
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 2214 | 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