FIBC
SEPTEMBER 2026
ISSUE 409
TALK OF THE TOWN THE PLACE YOU BELONG. THE SPACE YOU CAN THRIVE.
In this Issue
CHURCH ANNIVERSARY
WOMEN’S CONFERENCE
TALK OF THE TOWN
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER CALENDAR OF EVENTS
1 Praise Team & Choir Rehearsal 2 Pre-Noon Day Prayer Noon Day Bible Study Convergence Bible Study 5 Deacon’s Ministry Monthly Meeting Homecoming Legacy Choir Rehearsal 6 First Sunday & Communion 8 Men’s Ministry Monthly Meeting Praise Team & Choir Rehearsal 9 Pre-Noon Day Prayer Noon Day Bible Study Convergence Bible Study 12 12 Legacy Weekend Family Reunion Intercessory Family Prayer 13 13 Second Sunday - 121st Church Anniversary Legacy Weekend Homecoming Concert 15 Praise Team & Choir Rehearsal 16 Pre-Noon Day Prayer Noon Day Bible Study Convergence Bible Study 19 Women’s Ministry Monthly Meeting 20 Third Sunday 22 Praise Team & Choir Rehearsal 23 Pre-Noon Day Prayer Noon Day Bible Study Convergence Bible Study 26 Intercessory Family Prayer 27 Fourth Sunday 29 Praise Team & Choir Rehearsal 30 Pre-Noon Day Prayer Noon Day Bible Study Convergence Bible Study
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.
PRAYER & BIBLE STUDY Intercessory Prayer Sundays, Wednesdays and Saturday (2nd & 4th) In-Person & Online We invite you to unite with us in prayer on Sundays before worship services, Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. and on the second and fourth Saturdays at 8 a.m. 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 in The Hope Center Chapel.
Convergence Bible Study Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Streaming on YouTube Deepen your understanding of scripture and align your daily walk with Biblical principles through this engaging and interactive study that’s streamed live via YouTube.
TALK OF THE TOWN
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
REMINDERS FROM THE ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF 2026 calendar dates. All ministries should send calendar dates, including monthly meetings, to the appropriate Staff Pastor for approval BEFORE submitting a Ministry Request Form. Update your membership record. Giving statements will be made available early next year and members are responsible for updating contact information, including email and U.S. mailing addresses to ensure proper delivery.
Join the DREAM TEAM! We're building a DREAM TEAM of engaged volunteers and you can join the excitement! Please take a moment to let us know where you'd like to serve and we'll get you connected by clicking this link. We want to see every member serving in ministry and that starts with you joining the DREAM TEAM today.
JOIN THE CHOIR! We are excited for the return of our choir and want to invite you to come make a joyful noise. Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary and the choir ministers twice a month. If you have any questions contact Bro. Christian Branham or call the office.
WORSHIP SERVICE REMINDERS
Sunday Bible Studies at 8 a.m., Worship at 9 a.m. Sanctuary doors will open at 8:45 a.m. (15 minutes before service begins) Birthdays and anniversaries are recognized on the FIRST SUNDAY of each month Baptism is held every FOURTH SUNDAY (8 a.m. class, 9 a.m. baptism). Prayer requests should be submitted to Pastor Jordan Hampton in the church office.
For 121 years, First Institutional Baptist Church has been a beacon of faith, hope and community —and we invite you to celebrate this extraordinary milestone with us during our 121st Church Anniversary Celebration. Join us September 12 & 13 for Legacy Weekend and enjoy inspiring Sunday worship services with special guest preachers, a family reunion-style BBQ, a nostalgic Senior Prom for adults ages 60 and up, an unforgettable anniversary concert featuring former choir members, musicians, and community choirs, as well as exciting children's and youth activities designed for the entire family. Whether you've been part of the First Institutional family for decades or are joining us for the first time, there's a place for you as we celebrate 121 years of God's faithfulness together.
Saturday, September 12 Family Reunion | 11AM-2PM | FREE
Sunday, September 13 Celebration Service | 9AM
Bring the whole family for food, fellowship, fun, and a generational party.
Join us as we gather in worship and celebrate God’s faithfulness.
Sunday, September 13 Celebration Concert | 4PM-6PM | FREE Come make a joyful noise featuring our homecoming reunion choir. Homecoming Legacy Choir Rehearsals We’re inviting everyone to come make a joyful noise as part of our Legacy Weekend Choir. Rehearsals will be held on September 5 & 12 at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary. For more information contact Bro. Christian Branham.
We invite all ladies to join us October 9-10, 2026 for our Deeply Rooted Women's Conference, where we will cultivate what lies beneath the surface and strengthen our foundation in Christ so the visions, callings and purposes God has planted in us can grow, flourish and bear lasting fruit. Schedule at a Glance (subject to change) Friday, October 9 6 a.m. | Before the Bloom ~ A Prayer Walk 6 p.m. | Rooted Connections: Speed Friending with a Purpose 7 p.m. | Evening Waters ~ A Worship Experience Saturday, October 10 9 a.m. | Deeply Devoted: Morning Devotion & Praise 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Sessions 1 and 2 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Lunch Fellowship 1:30 p.m. | Session 3 3 p.m. | Break 7 p.m. | Evening Service
Registration - $150 per person Your registration includes: Conference materials Light breakfast (Friday) Speed Friending Social Hour with Light Refreshments (Friday) Lunch (Saturday) Rooted Essentials Welcome Kit Deeply Rooted Worship Experience Dynamic Speakers and Priceless Memories Secure your spot today with a $50 non-refundable deposit. Your deposit will be applied toward your registration balance, with the remaining balance due by September 30, 2026. Registration is non-refundable, but transferable until 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time), September 30, 2026. Learn more by clicking here.
LeadershipConnections Learn more about the FIBC Governance Council
The Mission of the Governance Council is to be spiritually led overseeing the affairs of FIBC in order that its leadership and members fulfill its purpose and vision with enthusiasm, effectiveness, and excellence. Members of FIBC are welcome to attend a Governance Council meeting by notifying a member, calling the office or using the submission form. The Governance Council meets on the fourth Tuesday. Members are also welcome to submit questions to church leadership, including the Governance Council, using the submission form.
Meet the FIBC Governance Council Members
REV. JAMES HARRIS, JR. CHAIR
REV. JAMES MORRIS, JR. VICE-CHAIR
BRO. OBIE SADDLER, JR. SECRETARY
REV. LEVADA COKER HUMAN RESOURCES SUB-COMMITTEE
REV. DELORES PICKARD POLICY SUB-COMMITTEE
REV. CLAUDIA PHELPS-WADE DARK SPACE SUB-COMMITTEE
DEACON DARNELL SELLS BUILDING & GROUNDS SUB-COMMITTEE
DEACON BENNIE HARGROVE BUILDING & GROUNDS SUB-COMMITTEE
BRO. ROBERT HARMON STEWARDSHIP SUB-COMMITTEE
BRO. RICHARD HOLMES FINANCE SUB-COMMITTEE
Community Events
UPCOMING MINISTRY & OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
Arizona Black Rodeo Weekend Yeehaw! The Arizona Black Rodeo featuring national African American rodeo competitors is returning to WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N Pima Road, Scottsdale, on September 4-5! Join enthusiastic rodeo fans from all over Arizona at the "hottest show on dirt" inside a comfortable, large, indoor arena! You don't want to miss all of the great music and dancing! The Friday, September 4 show will begin at 7 PM. The Saturday, September 5 shows begin at 1 PM and 7 PM.
Community Events
UPCOMING MINISTRY & OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
Have an upcoming community event you want to share? Email the flyer (JPEG & PNG only) and information to tlewis@fibcaz.org.
Stay in t he Know VOLUNTEER | SERVE | GIVE | SHARE Volunteers Needed Our ministries are continuing to transition back to full activity on the FIBC campus, and we are in need of additional volunteer support. We invite you to find your place in ministry and serve—there is room for everyone to use their gifts and talents. We are currently seeking volunteers for ministries including Ushers, Security (Ministry of Protection), Multi-Media, and Student Ministries, along with other areas of service. If you are ready to serve, click here or call the church office. 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 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) Online at fibcaz.org and click on "Give"
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.
Member Contact Information Update Is your information up to date with the office? Do we have your right mailing address, email and telephone number? As we prepare to enter a time of transition, we need you to verify and/or update your contact information. Visit fibcaz.org for information on how you can affirm your membership or call the office.
FIBC
SEPTEMBER 2026
ISSUE 409
TALK OF THE TOWN THE PLACE YOU BELONG. THE SPACE YOU CAN THRIVE. 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 a.m. Children & Youth Worship: 9 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) Senior Pastor -Dr. Robert “Ty” Jones Ext. 2210 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 Creative Director of Worship and Arts - Bro. Christian Branham cbranham@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