FIRST WORD
JANUARY 2018
Pastor’s pen Our
new year has gotten off to a good start. We completed our seven-day fast. The first Sunday service proved to be high in the spirit. We lifted up the theme for 2018: “Sing a new song unto the Lord.”
God
has blessed us to journey through the years. He deserves unabated praise and honor. Praises unto God shall be on our lips throughout this year. We want 2018 to be a year to give great and continuous appreciation to our awesome God. He provides the source of our blessings as well as the foundation for our future victories. To God be the glory!
Specific celebrations on our 2018 agenda shall be: 1.60 Years of Preaching the Gospel 2.155th Church Anniversary 3.43 years of Pastoral Service
In addition to celebrating high points in the life and history of our church, we want to cultivate a plan for leadership transition for our future. We need more of our membership to take on various tasks and responsibilities for the growth and development of current and coming generations. We will challenge ourselves to become creative and deliberate in our efforts to provide opportunities for new and different leaders.
Not only are we concerned about the stability of our church, but we are equally concerned about the well-being of our nation. Time and energy must be spent to ensure the promises and health of our country. The progress during the Civil Rights Movement of the sixties, made possible by
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the prophetic leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is gravely threatened. We must make sure that the right to vote is used to its maximum in November 2018. Make every effort to ensure that people of goodwill get to the polls and vote for candidates who will protect the democratic process. We must ensure the sanctity of diversity. All of God’s creation is sacred and deserves life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. As people of God, we are called to protect His creation.
On Sunday, January 21, 2018, we will install the appointed and elected officers for the year. All committed officers and leaders are expected to be in place for installation. Let us commence the year together, charged to work in unity to fulfill our mission.
The fourth Sunday, January 28, is Heritage and Stewardship Day. It is a time to celebrate and pay tribute to those persons who have made leadership and service contributions to the growth and development of First Baptist. In addition, we call upon each member to consider the tithe. On Heritage and Stewardship Day, all members are encouraged to respond to the voice of Malachi (3:10): “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, says the Lord of Hosts…” Try God and give one tenth. Let us see how God will bless us.
In
addition, please mark your calendar for the first Sunday in February, when we will host the Heritage Signature Chorale at the Sunday School hour. The Chorale was organized by Stanley Thurston, conductor. This fundraising concert will be part of the series of events on their road to Carnegie Hall. Several members of First Baptist are part of the Chorale. Let us show them our appreciation and support.
Sunday, February 4th 9:30 a.m.
Heritage Signature Chorale (HSC) is committed to preserving at the highest possible level the performance tradition of African-American choral music, especially the Negro Spiritual; to elevating the African-American singer and composer in all musical genres; and to bringing a unique interpretation to the classical music of America, Europe, and other regions of the world. The Chorale provides a venue for showcasing artists, composers, and arrangers who share these commitments, thereby fostering community awareness of and appreciation for this important cultural legacy. Founded in 2000 by Artistic Director Stanley J. Thurston, HSC seeks to enhance opportunities for a new generation of listeners to understand and appreciate the historical legacy of symphonic choral music.
Stanley J. Thurston is the founding Artistic Director of the Heritage Signature Chorale. He has appeared as conductor of choruses and orchestras in such venues as Carnegie Hall, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the U.S. Capitol, the Music Center at Strathmore, Carter Barron Amphitheater, DAR Constitution Hall, Arena Stage, Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Washington Hebrew Congregation, Washington National Cathedral and Joseph Meyerhof Symphony Hall. Mr. Thurston is a graduate of Morgan State University, where he was mentored by Dr. Nathan Carter, and also of the American Academy of Conducting at Aspen, Colorado. In addition to his artistic leadership with HSC, he serves as Artistic Director of the Washington Performing Arts Gospel Choirs, Artist-in-Residence at the Washington National Cathedral, and Director of Music at Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. For many years Stanley was the minster of music here at First Baptist Church.
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~JANUARY 2018 EVENTS~ Sunday, JANUARY 7, 2018
Holy Communion Services— (7:50 A.M. & 10:50 A.M) *****
Saturday, JANUARY 13, 2018 CHURCH MEETING—(9:00 A.M.) *****
Sunday, JANUARY 14, 2018 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. OBSERVANCE YOUTH SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP (10:50 A.M.) *****
MONDAY, JANUARY 15, 2018
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY *****
Saturday, JANUARY 20, 2018 CIRCLE LEADERS MEETING *****
Sunday, JANUARY 21, 2018 INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS *****
Sunday, JANUARY 28, 2018 FAITH AND HERITAGE ***** First Baptist Church 712 Randolph Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20011 (202) 541-5000 ~ Fax: (202) 291-2565~Email: fchurch@1fbc.org