FBC April Newsletter 2017

FIRST WORD April 2017

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 712 RANDOLPH ST NW, WASHINGTON, DC

REVEREND DR. FRANK D. TUCKER, SENIOR PASTOR

April ushers in long and bright days, the warm breath of spring, and golden sunshine with a fresh and colorfully blooming landscape. For us at First Baptist Church, April also means a myriad of activities and ministries to embrace. Please put on your spiritual and committed traveling shoes and make sure you engage in as many of the activities that your faith allows.

Please note the following activities that are important for your participation during April.

On April 8, 2017, at 9:00 AM, we will have our quarterly church meeting.

Each member is encouraged to share in this time of accountability, reporting and reflection. We expect God to bless us with renewed insight and inspiration.

We will celebrate Good Friday services on April 14, 2017 at 12:00 noon.

This service is always a highlight in the life of our church. You really don't want to miss this great spiritual hour that prepares you for the highest event in the Christian calendar (Resurrection Sunday).

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Our Resurrection Day will begin on Sunday, April 16, 2017 at 6:00 AM with The Emmaus breakfast. We will have a wonderful time breaking bread and reflecting on the evidences of the Resurrection. Let us join together and share how we have experienced our Resurrected Savior.

The day will continue with regular morning services at 7:50 and 10:50 AM. Those who participated in the Deaconesses’ Poinsettia project may pick them up after the 10:50 AM service.

Our Spring Revival will be held from Wednesday, April 26 through Friday, April 28. The revivalist will be the Reverend Graylan Hagler, Pastor of the Plymouth Congregational Church.

Each evening will begin with a light meal at 6:00 PM. Worship services will commence at 7:30 PM. Let us prepare for a renewed experience of praise, worship and service.

In these challenging times, God is calling us to a new level of commitment.

Our faith is tested by the obvious unrest that is manifested in our national life.

This new show of cyber warfare and political turmoil is evidence of new schemes of satanic forces to destroy Divine purpose and hinder Kingdom fulfillment. We are called to remember that “no weapon formed against God’s people shall prosper.”

We must remain faithful to a faithful God, for “Great is His Faithfulness.”

Don’t allow yourself to be lulled into complacency and indifference. “Be steadfast always abounding in the work of the Lord.”

HOLY WEEK AT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH “Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?”

(By The Reverend Donald Robinson) “Were you there when they crucified my Lord”? These are rather profound and probing lyrics, which raised a question about a cruel, bloody event, which occurred on a very sad day, bad men called “Good”! In a real sense, these lyrics and this question are really a call which beckons us to “The Cross of Calvary.”

In fact, this Lenten season also helps us to spiritually prepare ourselves to adequately observe the incredulity of “The Cross,” as we make our way to “Resurrection Sunday”!

Yes, that cruel Cross, the emblem of suffering shame and death.

Just imagine, all of humanity was destined for hell and damnation because of the sin of Adam and Eve. Not only were they dammed, but because of their sin sickness, we too forfeited the opportunity to have a sincere relationship with God the Father.

God created us to love “Him,” do “His” will and to have fellowship with “Him” daily. Because of our sin “He,” as a divine being can’t have fellowship with us. As a result, God The Father offered “His” only Begotten Son, Jesus The Christ to be put on the altar of sacrifice in our place (cruel cross) as a substitute offering on our behalf. Yes, Jesus became the spotless, blameless, Lamb of God who was offered up as a ransom payment for our sin debt and who’s blood was shed for the remission (forgiveness) of our sin.

On “Good Friday,” we pause especially to remember the high cost that was paid by Jesus, that we might have salvation, redemption, regeneration, forgiveness of sin, mercy and grace! We also pause to experience what we call….”The Seven Last Words” of Jesus, which “He” uttered while hanging on the cross.

Therefore, on Friday, April 14, 2017 (from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM) get ready to hear seven dynamic accounts of the “Last” poignant words uttered by Our Lord and Savior, Jesus The Christ from “The Cross!”

Yes, seven sons and daughters of The First Baptist Church will render these utterances; we commonly call “The Seven Last Words” of Jesus from “The Cross.”

Please remember, on “Good Friday” the government extends religious leave to persons, who desire to share in this deeply personal religious event unencumbered! This “Good Friday” service is a great opportunity to invite some of our co-workers, colleagues, neighbors, friends and family, who have not accepted Jesus The Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Perhaps on that day, they can say yes to “Him!”

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“Were You There When They Crucified My Lord” (Continued)

Please remember, on “Good Friday” the government extends religious leave to persons, who desire to share in this deeply personal religious event unencumbered!

This “Good Friday” service is a great opportunity to invite some of our co-workers, colleagues, neighbors, friends and family, who have not accepted Jesus The Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Perhaps on that day, they can say yes to “Him!”

also. Whatever you do, if you care for them, don’t let this moment of personal spiritual opportunity pass them by. Get your friends to Jesus, by any means necessary!

Additionally, you can rise early Sunday morning and experience the spontaneity and freshness of “The People Who Were Looking For Jesus” as they journeyed “on the road to Emmaus.” During this “Easter Sunrise and Emmaus breakfast (Sunday, April 16, 2017 at 6:00 AM) our Pastor Reverend Dr. Frank D. Tucker and the ministerial staff will lead us on this hope restoring, faith affirming “Road To Emmaus” experience!

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Reverend Nancy Knight (Luke 23:34)

You don’t want to miss out on the enactment of what it might have been like for those persons living during the times of Jesus, who rose early Sunday morning looking for Jesus after “His” death on the cross. The real question is, what is it like for you today, as you revisit Jesus death, suffering and resurrection? Do you believe “He” has risen within you? Come and experience afresh for yourself what it means to have Jesus alive inside of you! After the Emmaus Experience, we’ll conclude our day with two spiritually enriching worship services at 7:55 AM and 10:50 AM. The senior pastor of the historic First Baptist Church, The Reverend Dr. Frank D. Tucker will proclaim “the Gospel” at both of these services. If you know someone who needs to be spiritually revived, encouraged or restored, please bring them with you! If there’s someone who doesn’t know Jesus, as their personal Lord and Savior, bring them

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Listed below are the scriptural themes the preachers will preach from on “Good Friday:” “SAYING FROM THE CROSS”:

“Today Thou Shalt be with me in Paradise” Minister Reginald Williams (Luke 23:43) “Woman, behold They Son! Son, behold Thy Mother” Reverend Ralph Peters, III (John 19:27) “My God, My God, why has thou forsaken me?”

Reverend Peggy Miller (Matthew 27:46) “I Thirst” Minister Jonathan Wade (John 9:28) “It Is Finished” Reverend Renee Few (John 19:30)

“Father, in Thy hands I commend my Spirit.”

Reverend Donald D. Robinson (Luke 23:46)

“FBC Missionary Society Ministry” (By Sister Colleen Sweat, Sister June Cunningham and Fellow Missionaries)

The Missionaries of First Baptist Church (FBC) attend Stoddard Baptist Nursing Home on the first Sunday of April (4-22017), while there we worshipped and fellowshipped with the residents and staff. We invite you to come and join us each First Sunday of the month that together, we can bring joy, peace and happiness to others.

During the month of April, we will be going out to feed the homeless in several areas in the city (dates and times to be determined).

Also, during this Lenten season we are passing out Easter material, Christian tracts and related FBC, Christian reading material.

This retreat will take place at the National 4-H Conference Center, 7100 Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase, Maryland (April 6-8, 2017) For more information contact- Sisters June Cunningham, Daisy Savage, Colleen Sweatt and Shirley Lambert The Missionaries of FBC are excited that we were able to help the senior’s Center out at their recent event. In fact, our Missionary Ministry donated $200.00 to help support the FBC Senior’s Center! May God continue bless you and keep you, as your mind is fixed and focused on “Him”!

The FBC Missionaries are also engaged in ministry with the Lott Carey Foreign Mission Board. We meet with the Lott Carey Group every 4th Saturday at the Vermont Avenue Baptist Church in Northwest DC. Additionally, we continue to make calls, as well as visits to our sick and shut in members. Easter cards will be sent to senior citizens, sick persons and those who are otherwise homebound.

Moreover, the WOMEN’S AUXILIARY TO THE BAPTIST CONVENTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AND VICINITY, is having their 36th Annual Nicely/ Ankrum Spiritual Retreat. (This year the focus is……Walking in Spiritual Authority (Matthew 16:19)

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“Youth News, You Can Use”

(By Sister Kareema Robinson and Minister Reggie Williams) TWO LITTLE BOYS A young couple had two little boys, ages 8 and 10, who were excessively mischievous. The two were always getting into trouble and their parents could be assured, if any mischief occurred in their town their two young sons were in some way involved.

Congratulations to George Hancock, who along with his dance partner Quemya Haywood, won 2nd place recently at a dance competition at their school. This competition is held annually at Two Rivers Public Charter School to promote Cultural Arts and diversity. George and his partner who are both 5th grade students competed against other 5th graders, as well as 6th, 7th and 8th grade students in they performed a salsa dance routine. When you see George, be sure to congratulate him on a job well done.

The parents were at their wits end as to what to do about their sons' behavior. The mother had heard that a clergyman in town had been successful in disciplining children in the past, so she asked her husband if he thought they should send the boys to speak with the Girl Scout Sunday was celebrated at FBC in clergyman.

March and our troops were on hand to lead our 10:50 am service. At that service a plaque was The husband said, 'We might as well. We need presented to Reverend Tucker to show to do something before I really lose my appreciation for his continued support of Girl temper!' The clergyman agreed to speak with Scouts. the boys, but asked to see them individually.

The 8 year old went to meet with him first. The All are invited to join our youth ministry on clergyman sat the boy down and asked him Saturday, April. 22, 2017 for their Total Youth sternly, 'Where is God?' Experience. For this event, guest youth choirs, The boy made no response, so the clergyman repeated the question in an even sterner tone, 'Where is God?' Again the boy made no attempt to answer. So the clergyman raised his voice even more and shook his finger in the boy's face, 'WHERE IS GOD?' At that, the boy bolted from the room and ran directly home, slamming the door and locking himself in the closet. His older brother followed him into the closet and asked what had happened. The younger brother replied, 'We are in BIG trouble this time. God is missing and they think we did it.' Lately, have you been accused of hiding God from people?

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dance ministries and musicians from churches in the DMV will join us in season of praise and fellowship. In addition, our own youth dance ministry and choir will be on hand to render liturgical and musical services.

Don’t forget, The District Federation of Young People’s annual youth conference will be held on Saturday, April 29th at Antioch Baptist Church, 1105 50th St., NE, Washington, DC 20019. All youth in grades K through 12 are encouraged to attend this event. Youth can sign up with Miniser Reggie Williams, Sister Kareema Robinson or their Sunday school teacher.

Happy Easter!

First Baptist Church Men’s Ministry Monthly Prayer Breakfast Saturday, April 15, 2017 …..9:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M. (Special Spring Revival Emphasis)

AGENDA Devotions Opening Prayer Scripture Reading Welcome Blessing of Food Occasion Understanding the Significance of Evangelism, Witnessing and Canvassing, as We Prepare for the “Spring Revival.”

Discussion Closing Remarks Closing Prayer

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“DON’T WORRY, CONSIDER THE LILIES OF THE FIELD” (By Brother Kevin Shamblee)

We see it all the time, whether it is during the month of April or at Easter time or any other month for that matter. Excessive worrying about the daily cares of life. This worrying is far beyond just taking a serious interest in the maters that affect our lives. For instance, we see the over the top worrying of our friends and loved ones, to the point that they are unable to get a proper amount of sleep. Many are experiencing physical and emotional symptoms such as muscle tension, shortness of breath, lack of appetite and general irritability.

Some of us even worry about the price of gas, the economy, our children’s future, as well as our own golden years.

While delivering a sermon on a mountain, Jesus exhorted His disciples to avoid this kind of over the top worrying which we see today. Too often, whether it is the latest fashions, fast cars or financial portfolios, these material concerns seem to occupy our minds no matter what point in history we reside in. Jesus was quite aware then as He is today that the day-to-day matters of life are important. His message then, as well as now, remains the same. We can think about things but we must not worry; we must consider the lilies of the field.

In many instances, we are preoccupied with the day-to-day affairs of our lives to the point that excessive worrying is a daily occurrence. We sometimes become so obsessed to the point that we experience either the above mentioned difficulties or a host of others inherent in this type of behavior. Jesus’ message then and now is that there is no need to worry because God will provide all of the things we need. God will not only give us the spiritual matters we desire, but the clothes, cars and money we need.

These are not the only issues that we allow to invade our minds in the form of worrying. Many people worry about their health, acquiring high paying jobs, that latest electronic gadget, acquiring elegant places of residence, getting older and even close intimate relationships.

Parents worry about the lives of their children and/or grandchildren. Again, Jesus’ message transcends the test of time. “He” says, there is no need to worry because “He” will provide all our needs according to “His” riches in glory!

Therefore, First Baptist Church, in this fast paced twenty-first century of worrying, we are reminded to don’t worry, but consider our own “lilies,” as we combat the menace of worrying.

First, for the unsaved, this is a wonderful opportunity to accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, (there is no better time than right now, in the springtime of April). As saved people, we can begin to increase our prayer lives, study the Bible and learn what God has in store for us.

Thereby we can avoid the ambassadors of worrying and those who are eager to share in a pity party. Next, let us begin to count the many blessings that we currently have in 2017 and avoid overly fixating on what we wished we had last year in 2016.

Lastly, let us look back on the many occasions when God helped us to overcome similar situations in the past. We can use this as an example for the present and begin to relax knowing God is aware of our situations and circumstances and has already blessed us richly through Jesus Christ. Church, don’t worry, consider the lilies of the field. If you do not see any, plant some and by all means enjoy this Lenten Season, the month of April and of course Holy Week and “Resurrection Sunday”!

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First Baptist Church 2017 Women’s Day Celebration “Christian Women builDing relationships” (By Sister Gleniss Wade and Sister Deborah McKethan)

CALLING ALL WOMEN!

Our Women’s Day Committee is searching for fabulous, faith walking women who desire to be crowned Ms. or Mrs. FBC 2017. The crown will be awarded to the woman who receives the most pledge donations before our 3:00 pm service on Sunday, May 21st. All proceeds from this event will be used to support ministries within First Baptist Church. Please contact Sister Gleniss Wade or Sister Deborah McKethan if you wish to compete in this worthwhile experience.

In addition, several other events are planned for this year’s Women’s Day celebration including: 

an evening of “Women in Prayer” at 6:00 pm on Friday, May 12st;

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a Brunch and Fashion Show at 11:00 am, on May 20th

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two awesome Worship Services on Sunday, May 21st at 7:50 am and 10:50 am and

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200 Women in Hats and Gloves, also at the 3:00 pm service on Sunday, May 21st.

Men are welcomed to all events EXCEPT the Friday night Women in Prayer activity. Additional details will be noted in our Sunday bulletins.

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“Seeing The Vision In Challenging Times”… Habakkuk

2:2,3

Three Nights of Revival!!!

7:00 PM TO 9:00 PM Revival Preacher, Rev. Graylan Hagler Senior Pastor, Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ

APRIL 26-28, 2017 WEDNESDAY—FRIDAY (Light refreshments served at 6:00 pm)

First Baptist Church 712 Randolph Street, NW Washington, DC Reverend Dr. Frank D. Tucker, Senior Pastor Reverend Donald Robinson, Revival Chairman Deaconess Ashley Garrick, Revival Co-Chairperson

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“GET READY, GET READY, GET READY, IT’S SPRING REVIVAL TIME”!

(By Reverend Donald D. Robinson) Just a reminder, the Men’s Ministry of FBC will be meeting on Saturday, April 15, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Our purpose for meeting this month is to spiritually prepare ourselves for “Spring Revival”! Men will focus on the need and purpose of Revival, as well as why it is absolutely important to work diligently to get our family, friends and neighbors to “The Spring Revival”.

Men will have an opportunity to do role playing, skits and dramatic enactments to dramatize what effective evangelism, discipleship, witnessing and canvassing looks like. Come join us on the 15th of April, as we witness to the world, thus compelling men, woman, boys and girls to…..come to Jesus right now”!

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APRIL 2017 EVENTS ~COMMUNION SUNDAY~ Sunday, April 2, 2017 @ 7:50 A.M. and 10:50 A.M. Services

~TOTAL YOUTH EXPERIENCE~ Saturday, April 22, 2017 @ 12:00 NOON

~JOINT BOARD MEETING~ Tuesday, April 4, 2017 @ 7:00 P.M.

~USHER’S ANNIVERSARY~ Sunday, April 23, 2017 @ 7:50 and 10:50 A.M. Services The Reverend Dr. Calvin Cage, Pastor Meridian Hill Baptist Church of Washington, D.C. (Guest Preacher)

~CHURCH MEETING~ Saturday, April 8, 2017 @ 9:00 A.M. ~YOUTH SUNDAY~ Sunday, April 9, 2017 @ 10:50 A.M. Service

~FBSC SENIOR CITIZEN’S APPRECIATION PROGRAM~ Tuesday, April 25, 2017 @ 11:00 A.M.

~GOOD FRIDAY’S SERVICE~ Friday, April 14, 2017 @ 12:00 Noon

~ANNUAL SPRING REVIVAL~ Wednesday, April 26, 2017 Thru Friday, April 28, 2017 (7:30 P.M. Nightly)

~RESURRECTION SUNDAY~ Sunday, April 16, 2017 Sunrise Service @ 6:00 A.M. Men’s Emphasis Sunday @ 7:50 A.M.

The Reverend Graylan Hagler, Pastor Plymouth Congregational Church (Guest Preacher)

Sunday Service @ 10:50 A.M. ~CARE GIVER’S SPECIAL EVENT~ Saturday, April 22, 2017 @ 11:00 A.M.

~FBC HEALTH FAIR~ Saturday, April 29, 2017 @ 11:00 A.M.

First Baptist Church 712 Randolph Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20011 (202) 541-5000 ~ Fax: (202) 291-2565 Email: fchurch@1fbc.org