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
Labor Day Observance - Campus Closed
Pre-Noonday Prayer
Bible Study
Praise Team & Band Rehearsal
First Sunday - The Lord’s Supper
Sweet Hour of Prayer
Pre-Noonday Prayer
Bible Study
Praise Team & Band Rehearsal
Second Sunday - 120 Church Anniversary th
Pre-Noonday Prayer
Bible Study
Praise Team & Band Rehearsal
Third Sunday
Pre-Noonday Prayer
Bible Study
Praise Team & Band Rehearsal
Disciple U New Member’s Class
Fourth Sunday - FIBCO Family Services,
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
TALK OF THE TOWN
Blessings to you in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ!
As we enter a new season, we give thanks to God and to the members of FIBC for the privilege of serving as your pastors during this interim period. It has been an honor to follow in the footsteps of our Senior Pastor Emeritus, Dr. Warren H. Stewart Sr., and a true joy to serve alongside the incredible staff of FIBC. We are grateful for the opportunity to provide oversight during this season of transition, and we look forward with great expectation to the move of God under the leadership of our incoming Senior Pastor, Dr. Robert Ty Jones.
Our September Theme is: “Our Spiritual Assignment – Passing the Lord’s Baton Generationally: Celebrating 120 Years as an Impactful Church.” This month, we are especially excited to celebrate how the Lord has allowed FIBC to spread the Word of God, transform lives, and make a lasting impact in the community for 120 years!
Here’s what’s happening at FIBC this September:
Labor Day Observance – campus closed, Sept. 1 & 2
Sweet Hour of Prayer – A congregational call to prayer, Sept. 7
120th Church Anniversary, Sept. 14
FIBC Family Service Sunday & “On the Ground” Luncheon, Sept. 28
With so many meaningful opportunities to gather, pray, and celebrate, our prayer is that you will journey with us throughout September as we honor God and give thanks for all He is doing in and through the life of FIBC.
Grace and Peace,
Pastors James L. Harris Jr. & Dr. Dontá McGilvery
Co-Interim Pastoral Oversight
Welcome to the Valley Welcome to the Valley
Greetings FIBC,
This is an exciting time for us both My prayer is that this partnership will yield much fruit as God is calling us to the Valley and beyond
My family and I are excited and looking forward to getting to know you and working alongside you Let’s maintain a posture of prayer as this relationship begins between Pastor and People
I am excited about what God is going to do.
In
Purpose,
Dr Robert "Ty" Jones
Impactful Ministry Impactful Ministry
AS THE HOPE OF THE CITY FROM THE CITY CENTER AS THE HOPE OF THE CITY FROM THE CITY CENTER
FIBC will celebrate 120 years as a church family this September and there is a lot to celebrate! So much so, we ’ ve spread the celebration out over several events you and your entire family can join.
Be sure to check out our website as you never know when we ’ re going to add an event, program or service. Are you ready? Well, you better get ready, because here’s everything you need to know
Theme: Our Spiritual Assignment – Passing the Lord’s Baton Generationally Celebration Colors: Bold Black and Metallic Gold
8 a.m. Bible Study
9:30 a m Worship – Dr Robert "TY" Jones, Senior Pastor-elect
11 a m (following worship) - Celebration Reception in The Hope Center Gym
Hitting the Highlights Hitting the Highlights
THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITIES
FIBCO Family Services, Inc. Sunday
et Hour of Prayer
the FIBC Prayer Ministry in the sanctuary for a of prayer and reflection as part of our season of tion as part of Sweet Hour of Prayer on Sunday, 7 at 8 a.m.
e will be a specific prayer focus every few minutes ou are welcome to pray out loud or on your own unday Bible Study classes are canceled and invited n the prayer hour.
We will celebrate the work our amazing non-profit is doing this month. Join us on Sept. 28 for FIBCO Family Services, Inc. Sunday.
Join us in worship and learn how you can support food and clothing distribution, feeding those in need and more as we continue to show we are the Hope of the City, from the City Center
If you ’ re interested in learning more about FIBCO now, contact Sis. Akilah Stewart.
Labor Day Observance
The FIBC campus will be closed in observance of Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 1 and Tuesday, Sept. 2. Normal operations will resume on Wednesday, Sept 3 If you have a meeting or activity scheduled, please call the office to reschedule or cancel
New Member Class
The next opportunity for you to learn more about FIBC, who we are, what we believe and why we believe it, is coming up. The next Disciple U New Member Class will take place on Saturday, September 27. If you ’ re interested in attending, please call the office.
Save these Dates Save these Dates
Trunk or Treat
GET READY FOR A BUSY OCTOBER GET READY FOR A BUSY OCTOBER
Men’s
Fishing Trip & Weekend
The FIBC Men’s Ministry is preparing for two great opportunities you can join First up, the annual Men’s Fishing Fellowship on Saturday, Oct. 11. Men and boys of all ages are invited to join the event. A fishing license is required. Then get ready for high energy praise, worship and the preached word on Men’s Sunday, Oct. 12. Look for more information on both in the coming days.
Our annual October tradition is back and we invite you to back up your vehicles and decorate your trunks as we present a safe, family friendly experience on Friday, Oct. 31. Trunk or Treat is open to FIBC members and the entire community. Candy donations and trunk decorators will be needed The signups will open in the coming days
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October also marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month and our Minister of Pastoral Counseling is preparing to educate and dvocate Look for informative video presentations, handouts and more all month ong, under the theme, “I’ve got a Testimony ” Don’t want to wait until October’s awareness ctivities? Visit our website for resources and more or contact Dr. Carolyn Watson.
MEN’S CORNER
Connect with the FIBC Men’s Ministry
MEN’S SPOTLIGHT
This month we want to acknowledge Brother William C. “Bill” Smith, III.
Bro. Smith grew up at FIBC and served as a Junior Deacon and Usher and was in the Youth Choir. After serving in the Air Force, he spent more than 25 years in marketing.
He is a facilitator for the Prayer Ministry, Men’s Ministry, volunteers with FIBCO Family Services, Inc. and was recently ordained as a Deacon. He’s married to Yvonne and as a blended family they have four children. He enjoys fishing and spending time with his family.
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.
2025 Theme: “No Man Left Behind”
Vision Statement: “Drawing, Developing, Disciplining and Deploying Men for the Cause of Christ”
Vision Scripture: “Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach.” – Mark 3:13-14
Upcoming Ministry Engagement Opportunities in 2025
Men’s Fishing Fellowship - Saturday, October 11
Men’s Sunday - Sunday, October 12
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.
MEN’S CORNER
Connect with the FIBC Men’s Ministry
EVERY MAN
NEEDS
OTHER MEN INVESTING IN THEIR LIVES. WHO IS INVESTING IN YOUR LIFE?
Proverbs 18:1
Almost every start-up company needs investors. An investor is someone who believes in the company and will invest financial capital for the company to grow and expand. A more engaged investor might even invest his business expertise to help the company make good decisions. Companies need investors to succeed. So do you.
We all need people who believe in us, see potential in us, and want to invest in our future. To become the man God wants you to be, you need godly men to invest in you. Sometimes this is through more formal, long-term investment, and sometimes it’s an informal, shortterm investment. Most likely, you will need some of both.
Most mature godly men will tell you that they are the product of those who have made an investment in them. Some of those investments were intentional and some of them were more informal. But almost every man is the product of those who have made some kind of investment.
Satan’s two greatest weapons in the life of every man are passivity and isolation. We often neglect the danger of isolation. Proverbs 18:1 says, “Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.” Most men tend toward isolation. Even if it’s not social isolation, it’s spiritual isolation. For this reason, we must heed the warning and wisdom of Solomon and actively seek out men to invest in us. Isolation kills manhood. We need other men in our lives.
Don’t wait for a man to invite you into that process. Take the initiative. And don’t overthink it or over complicate it. You don’t need a man to commit to meet with you every week for the next three years. Start by asking a man you respect for breakfast or lunch. Ask questions. Be honest. Seek his wisdom. And in doing so, you will not only honor the other man, you will benefit greatly.
“You need an Investor
Pg. 162 in the Titus Ten bible study.”
By J. Josh Smith
Focus FIBCO in
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.
Akilah Stewart Akilah Stewart
Community Events Community Events
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.
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
information up to date with the office? Do we have your mailing address, email and telephone number? As we e to enter a time of transition, we need you to verify update your contact information
bcaz org for information on how you can affirm your ership or call the 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: 9:30 a.m.
Children & Youth Worship: 9:30 a.m.
Sunday Bible Studies: 8 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)
Co-Interim Pastoral Overseers - Pastor James L Harris, Jr and Dr Donta’ McGilvery
Executive Director of Operations - Bro Deangelo D Hall Ext 2205 | dhall@fibcaz org
Pastor of Family Life - The Rev Thomas Claiborn, IV Ext 2206 | tclaiborn@fibcaz org
Pastor of Congregational Care and Outreach - The Rev Jordan Hampton Ext 2228 | jhampton@fibcaz org
Acting Director of Worship - The Rev Kendall Washington kwashington@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