December 2024 Communicator

December 2024, VOL 49 NO. 12

First Missionary Baptist Church

The Communicator

Hope Love Peace Joy

IN THIS ISSUE Note!

A NOTE FROM LEADERSHIP Page 2

SCRUGGS ACADEMY UPDATES Page 4

EMBRACING LONGEVITY FMBC KEENAGERS Page 5

MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS Page 6

COMMUNITY PRAYER Page 6

A NOTE FROM LEADERSHIP We are excited to invite you to our Annual Volunteer Fellowship. This gathering is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together as a community, celebrate our shared mission, and encourage one another to serve in the spirit of Christ.

As members of the body of Christ, we are called to serve one another and our community. In Galatians 5:13, we are reminded, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Volunteering is a beautiful way to express our love and commitment to God and each other. Whether you

2

have a few hours to spare or can commit to a regular schedule, your contributions make a significant impact.

go unnoticed, and we are truly thankful for your service. You are the hands and feet of Christ, and your efforts inspire us all.

We have various opportunities to serve within our church and the broader community. From helping with church events to supporting outreach programs, there is a place for everyone to get involved. We believe that every member has unique gifts and talents that can be used to glorify God and uplift our community.

Join us on December 11 as we come together to celebrate, connect, and commit ourselves to serving in love. We look forward to seeing you there!

We also want to take this moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to our current volunteers. Your dedication and hard work do not

Blessings, Deacon Earnest Davis Trustee Elizabeth B. Richardson Deacon Michael Scruggs Trustee/Deacon Maurice Cowan, Jr.

3

Celebrating the Season at Scruggs Academy

By Ms. Nicole Stokes

A

s December unfolds, our halls are filled with the joyful sounds of children preparing to share the greatest story ever told. The students and staff of Scruggs Academy are busy rehearsing for our annual Christmas program, "Long Ago on a Silent Night," which will be presented on December 19th at 6:00 PM in the sanctuary.

the miraculous birth of our performance of "Long Ago on Savior, Jesus Christ. a Silent Night."

Beyond the Christmas program, our classrooms are alive with seasonal learning activities that combine academic excellence with spiritual growth. Students are exploring the Christmas story through literature, art, music, and hands-on projects.

They're learning about giving, compassion, and Through music, drama, and God's greatest gift to us while heartfelt performances, our developing critical thinking children will take us on a and creative skills. journey back to that holy night in Bethlehem. From our We invite our entire church smallest preschoolers to our family to join us for this special elementary students, each evening of worship and class plays a special role in celebration. Come witness bringing this timeless story to how our students are growing life. The program promises to in both knowledge and faith, be a beautiful reminder of the as they share the message true meaning of Christmas - of Christmas through their 4

The doors will open at 5:30 PM, and we encourage you to arrive early to secure your seat for this beloved holiday tradition. Your presence and support mean the world to our students and staff as we celebrate this most blessed season together.

At Scruggs Academy, we're grateful for the opportunity to partner with families in providing Christ-centered education that nurtures both academic excellence and spiritual growth. We wish our entire church family a blessed Christmas season filled with the peace and joy that comes from knowing Emmanuel God with us.

THE KEENAGE MINISTRY FMBC CHRISTIANS EMBRACING THE RESPONSIBILITIES ASSIGNED TO LONGEVITY More and more Christians are living longer and more mature in God's word. They are surrounded by advanced technology and information on how to become physically, mentally, and spiritually healthy.

First Missionary Baptist Church (FMBC) is blessed to have many members 55+ who are classified as seniors. These spiritually matured individuals have a wealth of knowledge and experiences they are waiting to share with other younger and older people.

Memories can be a blessed gift from God and He wants the Good News, The Word, shared with others.

could strengthen the church's foundation and demonstrate their faith, spiritual attitudes, and godly ideas in an atmosphere of love.

This initial group of Keenagers set out to provide programs for seniors that would encourage them "to continue their studies, remain physically and spiritually fit, and fellowship with one another." They also wanted to encourage seniors to develop an intimate relationship with God through the study of "His Word" by actively participating in Bible study, fellowship, and physical fitness.

• •

administration wing.

Purchasing a chairlift for the church bus.

Implementing a noon-day Bible study.

After achieving several of the goals while continuing the work, committee members recommended that a name change be considered. Therefore, Sis. Thelma Fuqua and the following deceased members, Deacon Leonard Jackson, Lloyd C. Humphrey, and Fred Carodine, coined the name "Keenage" (Keen-minds).

HISTORY OF THE OLDER ADULT MINISTRY

The Keenagers Ministry invites all believers aged 55 and above to stay physically and spiritually The Deaconess Board Long-Range productive.

Planning Committee coordinated the Older Adult Ministry with Sister KEENAGERS Carolyn Williams, chairperson of COMMITTE MEMBERS Sister Marchetta Fontaine-Chair the Deaconess Board, and the late (256) 529-7284 Deaconess Harriett Littlepage, member of the Long-Range Planning Committee. Several of DeaconJoseph Henderson-Co Chair josephshenderson7@gmail.com the goals set by the committee were achieved, such as: Sister Samatha Pepper -Advisor

Reflecting on the history of the Keenagers (Seniors) at FMBC, the concept of a "Keenage ministry" grew out of the Deaconess Board Long Range Planning Committee, chaired by Sister Carolyn Williams, board chair; the late Sister Harriett Littlepage, committee member; and other committee members.

They believed senior Christians, along with their collective memories and experiences, •

Identifying a Chapel in the new

samanthapepper@rocketmail.com

5

Brother James Sr., and Sister Cynthia Carter celebrate their 49th year Wedding Anniversary on December 20th.

6

Deacon Daniel & Sister Joyce Mose, Jr., celebrate their 11th year Wedding Anniversary on December 20th.

From the Office of the Financial Comptroller As the year-end approaches, we want to ensure our church meets all tax deadlines. We will distribute 2024 giving statements via email, so please update your Realm profile with an active email by January 15, 2025, to receive your statement.

Contributions can be made via check, cash, or online through Realm or Givelify. To count toward your 2024 giving, please adhere to these deadlines: • Realm online or text giving: complete by 11:59 p.m. on 12/31/2024 • Givelify online giving: complete by 7:59 p.m. (Central) on 12/31/2024 • Mailed envelopes: received by 12/30/2024 • Hand-delivered envelopes: received by 1:00 p.m. on 12/30/2024 Available giving funds include Tithe, Offering, Sunday School, Women’s Day, Men’s Day, Revival, Scruggs Academy, and Foundation.

For questions, email the Financial Comptroller at tbaugh@fmbc.org or call (256) 852-4318 ext. 212. Thank you!

7

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