April 2025 Communicator

April 2025, VOL 50 NO. 4

First Missionary Baptist Church

The Communicator

HE IS RISEN C E L E B R AT E T H E R E S U R R E C T I O N

IN THIS ISSUE Note!

UPDATE FROM THE A NOTE FROM PASTOR RICHIE PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE Page 3 Page 2

RECOGNIZING OUR FMBC 46TH ANNUAL HONORS USHERS CONVOCATION FOR HIGH Page 6-7 SCHOOL STUDENTS Page 10

MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS Page 11

Easter: A Time of Renewal and Rebirth

by W. Temple Richie, Jr, Interim Pastor

E

ASTER. The name comes from the Anglo-Saxon spring Goddess Eostre, whose celebration coincided with the spring equinox which marks the beginning of spring in the earth’s Northern Hemisphere. On the day of the equinox, day and night are approximately equal in length of time around the globe; but in the Northern Hemisphere, starting with the very next day, the days get longer, the beginning of Spring.

Thus, symbolically the spring equinox is often associated with renewal, rebirth, and by religious extension with the Resurrection (re-birth) of Jesus Christ.

is no Christianity. Easter is the most important day of the church year, and the oldest festival of the church year.

a conscious theological reflection of the church upon the Mystery of Christ, who truly manifests himself in the rituals of the church.

The Church year, or liturgical year, is a cycle of seasons and days that focuses on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and is marked by periods like Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter. First Missionary Baptist is not a liturgical congregation. That means, among other things, that we do not FORMALLY celebrate the various stages of the church year as other churches do with such things as assigned scriptural readings or special prayers or The Resurrection event caused “collects”, i.e. brief, structured Christians to move their day of prayers gathering the thoughts worship from the last day of the and petitions of the congregation week to the first day, each Sunday and presenting them to God. being a “little Easter.” Easter is the keystone of the Christian faith. From a theological and structural Without the Resurrection, there point of view, the liturgical year is

Easter may hold a special significance for FMBC this year as we are looking for a “re-birth / renewal” of our congregational life and ministry through the calling of new pastoral leadership in the biblical tradition of Jeremiah 3:15: (“And I will give you pastors (KJV) / shepherds (NIV) after my own heart who will feed (KJV) / lead (NIV) you with knowledge and understanding.”) As we celebrate this Easter the triumph of Christ over death and the grave, may the SPIRIT of our RISEN SAVIOR indwell and empower our church into the vitality and freshness of a revived ministry and fellowship, all to God’s glory,

2

3

4

UPDATES FROM THE SCRUGGS ACADEMY Ms. Nicol Stokes - Head of School

All Aboard for "Full STEAM Ahead" Sports Camp!

We're thrilled to announce this summer's exciting camp opportunity for our children! Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey as we present our "Full STEAM Ahead" Sports Summer Camp - where faith, physical activity, character development, and STEAM learning all come together on one amazing railway adventure!

The Journey Awaits!

This summer, campers will travel along our six-week railway line, stopping at a different "station" each week: Week 1: "Training Camp Station" Building foundations across various sports while focusing on discipline and effort Week 2: "Team Express Station" Exploring basketball, soccer, and volleyball through teamwork and communication Week 3: "Momentum Junction" Discovering track and field events while developing perseverance and goal-setting skills Week 4: "Aqua Rail Station" - Diving into swimming and water sports with

courage and safety as our guides Week 5: "Precision Point Station" Mastering baseball/softball, golf, and tennis with focus and patience Week 6: "Victory Valley Station" Celebrating with Olympics-style competitions and emphasizing sportsmanship and excellence What Makes Our Camp Special?

Location: 3509 Blue Spring Road Huntsville, AL Cost: $180/week All Tickets, please!

Registration is now open! Sign up early to secure your child's spot on this exciting journey. Each camper will receive their own "Passenger Ticket" booklet, engineer bandana, and special water bottle to use throughout their adventure.

At "Full STEAM Ahead," we're not just playing sports - we're building character, exploring God's creation through science and creativity, and developing skills that last a lifetime.

Each day includes: • Sport-specific skills and games • Character development based on biblical principles • Exciting STEAM activities that connect sports with science, technology, engineering, arts, and math • Team-building challenges that foster friendship and cooperation • Daily opportunities to see how faith connects to sports and life

Calling All Volunteers!

We're looking for "Station Masters" (adult volunteers) and "Switchmen/ women" (youth helpers) to make this camp a success. Contact Nicole Stokes at [256-852-6673/nstokes@ fmbc.org] if you're interested in being part of our railway crew!

Camp Details Dates: June 2nd – July 11th Time: 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM, MondayFriday (Extended care 7:00 am – 8:00 am/ 3:30 pm to 5:15 pm) Ages: 2.5 to 11 years old

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." Colossians 3:23.

Don't miss this train! Register by May 1st to join us for a summer of faith, fun, and "Full STEAM Ahead" adventures!

In His Service, Nicole Stokes Head of School

5

The History of Ushers in the Black Church

U

shering in the Black church has a rich history that reflects the broader struggles and triumphs of the African American community.

The role of ushers can be traced back to early Christian practices, where they served to greet congregants and maintain order in worship settings. As African slaves in America adopted Christianity, they transformed these practices, adapting them to their cultural contexts (Mays, 1933).

After the abolition of slavery in the 19th century, the Black church emerged as a cornerstone of community life. It became a sanctuary for spiritual growth and social justice, with ushering playing a vital role in this environment.

Ushers, often women and youth, became the first point of contact for congregants, greeting them warmly and creating an inviting atmosphere (Pew Research Center, 2018).

6

The formalization of usher boards allowed congregations to engage volunteers for specific responsibilities, such as managing offerings and facilitating worship. Ushers embody a spirit of service and commitment, viewing their role as a ministry deeply rooted in faith (Sernett, 1997). Many usher boards extend their influence beyond church walls, organizing community outreach efforts, thus reinforcing the church’s role as a pillar of support (Payne, 2016).

Throughout history, ushering

has encountered various challenges, especially during significant social movements like the Civil Rights Movement, when ushers were key in organizing community gatherings and rallies. Today, the role of ushers has adapted to technological advancements and hybrid worship formats while remaining focused on their core mission: creating an

inclusive environment for all worshippers.

The history of ushering in the Black church exemplifies resilience, community spirit, and faith, showcasing the vital role ushers play in enhancing the church experience.

References Mays, B. (1933). *Born to Rebel: An Autobiography*. New York: T. Y. Crowell.

Payne, R. (2016). *The Empowering Church: A Fresh Perspective on the Black Church*. Nashville: Abingdon Press.

Pew Research Center. (2018). *The Future of World Religions: Population Growth Projections, 2010-2050*.

Sernett, M. (1997). *The AfroAmerican Readings of the Bible: A Historical Perspective*. New York: Orbis Books.

FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH Senior Usher Board Sis. Mary P. Joiner, President Bro. Jesse Cook, Vice President Bro. Ben Long, Secretary Sis. Phyllis Williams, Asst. Secretary Sis. Lavon Jennings, Treasurer Deaconess Judy Edmond, Chaplain Bro. Willie Aaron, Chief Usher Bro. Michael Horry, Assistant Chief Bro. Christopher Adams Sis. Deborah Colley Bro. Roosevelt Conley Bro. Daniel Cook Bro. James Crenshaw Sis. Betty Frazier Sis. Wendy Harris Sis. Joann Hicks Bro. Dewayne Kelley Sis. Erlese Kent Sis. Bernice Massey Bro. Kimball Merriweather Sis. Janie Palmer Bro. Dewitt Palmore Sis. Sandra Palmore Sis. Patricia Pope

7

8

9

46th Annual Honors Convocation for High School Students Wendi Wiliams

by Deaconess Malene McElroy

Jacobi McGhee

Sophomore at Madison Academy

Jada McElroy Sparkman High School

O

ur church family is blessed to have many amazing students.

On Sunday, March 23rd, at least seven of our children were recognized by the Huntsville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. during this year’s 46th Annual Honors Convocation for High School Students. In order to be included in this ceremony, students had to complete an application and submit their current high school transcript demonstrating that they were either on the A Honor Roll or the AB Honor Roll for the fall semester.

This year’s honorees include: Dawson Betts (Senior at Sparkman High School), Devin Cowan (Senior at Madison academy), Jordyn Liner (Freshman at Buckhorn High School), Jada McElroy (Junior at Sparkman High School), Jacobi McGhee (Sophomore at Madison Academy), Paige Quarles (Junior at James Clemens), and Eugene Tasie (Sophmore at Buckhorn High School).

10

Eugene Tasie

Sophmore at Buckhorn High

Jackson Quarles Featured Speaker

Devin Cowan

Senior at Madison Academy

Jordyn Liner

Freshman at Buckhorn High School

Additionally, one of our own FMBC students, Devin Cowan, is a four-year scholar which means that she has been on the honor roll for all four years of high school. She will graduate from Madison Academy in May and plans to attend The University of Alabama at Birmingham where she plans to major in her desired field.

I am especially delighted to note that another FMBC student, Jackson Quarles, was the featured speaker during this event. He is a past fouryear scholar and is currently planning to graduate from The University of Alabama this May with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and a minor in African American studies.

Please join us in congratulating our high school scholars!

Paige Quarles Junior at James Clemens

Dawson Betts

(Senior at Sparkman High School

Brother Anthony and Sister Danielle Briggins celebrate their 4th year of marriage on April 30th.

Brother Danny and Sister Maple Brown celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on April 5th.

Deacon Maurice Cowan and Deaconess DeAndra Cowan, Jr., celebrate their 27th wedding anniversary on April 18th.

Brother Anthony and Sister Janeen Johnson celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary on April 14th.

Brother Dwight and Sister Pam Henderson celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary on March 31st.

Brother Donald & Sister Sherley Lawrence celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary on March 5th.

Sister Dion Lucas was honored on the Proximity Learning website for Transformative Women in education technology, like Dion Lucas, who are revolutionizing how students learn.

Congratulations to our young FMBC adults, Brother Jacobi McGhee and Sister Madison Pokey Saylee who served as a legislative House page for the Alabama House of Representatives.

11

FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 3509 BLUE SPRING ROAD, NW | HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA 35810