January 2025 Communicator

January 2025, VOL 50 NO. 1

First Missionary Baptist Church

The Communicator

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

IN THIS ISSUE Note!

A NOTE FROM LEADERSHIP Page 2

NEW YEAR, NEW HOPE: TRUSTING GOD’S PLANS Page 3

A GUIDE FOR A PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE Page 4-5

YOUTH MISSION PROJECT

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MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS Page 7

A NOTE FROM LEADERSHIP

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ear Beloved Members of First Missionary Baptist Church, Happy New Year!

As we step into 2025, we give thanks and glory to God for His steadfast love and abundant grace that have carried us through another year. The beginning of a new year is a sacred opportunity to reflect on God’s blessings and to seek His guidance as we move forward together in faith, hope, and love.

Our prayer for each of you is that this year will be filled with God’s favor, prosperity, and peace in every area of your life. May you walk confidently in His promises, knowing that with God, “all things are possible for the one who believes” (Mark 9:23).

Our Vision for 2025: “Faith in Action, Love in Motion” As a church family, our vision for 2025 is rooted in Ephesians 3:2021: “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever!

Amen.”

This year, we aim to deepen our relationship with God and one another through:

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Growing in Faith ●We will expand opportunities for spiritual growth through small groups, Bible studies, and prayer gatherings. ●We will focus on cultivating a bold and unwavering belief in the power of God to transform lives, families, and communities.

Honoring God in Worship ●Our worship will reflect our deep gratitude and adoration for the One who is worthy of all praise. ●Through music, preaching, and creative expressions, we will offer our very best to glorify Him. Let’s Begin the Year Together

Serving in Love ●We will increase our outreach to those in need, ensuring that the love of Christ is evident in our service. ●Our efforts will include feeding the hungry, mentoring the youth, and supporting families in crisis.

We invite you to join us for our New Year Consecration Prayer Service on Saturday, January 11, at 3:00 PM. Let us come together in unity, surrendering 2025 to God and seeking His will for our lives and our church.

Building Community ●As a family of believers, we will strengthen our bonds by creating spaces for fellowship, collaboration, and encouragement. ●Together, we will celebrate our shared victories and uplift one another in challenging times.

Equipping the Next Generation ●We will invest in our children, teens, and young adults, empowering them to be the next generation of leaders in the church and beyond. ●Through mentorship and discipleship, we will pass on a legacy of faith and service.

We encourage each of you to actively participate in the life of the church this year. Together, let us be a beacon of hope and light in our community, demonstrating the love of Christ in all we do.

With hearts full of faith and expectation, we look forward to an extraordinary year of spiritual growth, impact, and blessing.

May God bless you abundantly in 2025!

In His Service, Deacon Earnest Davis, Chair of Official Board Trustee Elizabeth B Richardson, Chair of the Trustee Board Deacon Michael Scruggs, Vice Chair of Official Board Deacon Maurice Cowan, Jr., Vice Chair of Trustee Board

"New Year, New Hope: Trusting God’s Plans"

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s we step into a new year, many of us take the time to reflect on the past and anticipate what lies ahead. The transition into a new year often brings a sense of renewal and hope, providing an opportunity to set new goals and embrace fresh possibilities. For those of faith, this time can be particularly meaningful as we trust in God’s plans for our lives.

the unknowns of the coming year—whether they be personal struggles, health concerns, or societal issues—we can find solace in the belief that God is in control. His plans are not only for our benefit but are also rooted in love and hope. Romans 8:28 reinforces this idea, stating, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (ESV).

Jeremiah 29:11 offers profound This verse reminds us that even reassurance: “For I know the the difficulties we encounter can plans I have for you, declares the serve a greater purpose in God’s Lord, plans for welfare and not divine plan. for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (ESV). This powerful verse This New Year, let us commit to serves as a cornerstone of our embracing the future with faith. faith, reminding us that God has a Instead of being overwhelmed by purpose for each of us, even when anxiety about what may come, we cannot see the path ahead. It we can choose to focus on the encourages us to trust that His possibilities that lie ahead. By intentions are good, guiding us seeking God’s guidance through toward a hopeful future. prayer and reflection, we can align our goals with His purpose, In a world filled with challenges allowing us to move forward with and unpredictability, trusting confidence. Philippians 4:6-7 in God’s plans can provide encourages us in this endeavor: comfort and strength. As we face “Do not be anxious about anything,

but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (ESV).

As we embark on this journey into the new year, let us hold onto the promise of hope that God offers.

With each new day, we can trust that His plans will unfold in ways that lead us to a brighter future, filled with purpose and joy. By placing our trust in Him, we can navigate the uncertainties of life with assurance, knowing that we are guided by a loving and purposeful Creator.

Note: God wants us to do our part to advance his kingdom. Just as the devil works hard to enslave us we must work twice as hard to bring others to Christ in a loving and merciful way. Make it a resolution, this year to encourage at least 5 people to deepen their faith and walk with God. 3

"Embracing Faith: A Worksheet for Setting Spiritual Goals" This worksheet encourages personal growth in faith, spirituality, and community involvement.

1. Reflection on the Past Year **What were some spiritual highlights from the past year?** (Consider moments of growth, answered prayers, or meaningful experiences.) ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ **What challenges did you face in your spiritual journey?** ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Setting Your Spiritual Goals **What specific areas of your faith would you like to grow in this year?** (Examples: prayer life, Bible study, service, community involvement.) ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ List 2-3 specific resolutions related to your spiritual growth:** 1. __________________________________________________________________________________ 2. __________________________________________________________________________________ 3. __________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Action Steps **What practical steps will you take to achieve these resolutions?** (Consider resources, accountability partners, or specific actions.) ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Scripture and Inspiration **Choose a Bible verse or quote that will inspire you this year:** (Example: “For I know the plans I have for you…” - Jeremiah 29:11) ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 4

"Embracing Faith: A Worksheet for Setting Spiritual Goals" 5. Accountability **Who can you share your resolutions with for support and accountability?** (Consider friends, family, or a church group.) ____________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

6. Reflection and Review **Set a date to review your progress:** (Consider quarterly or monthly check-ins.) ________________________________________________________________________ **How will you celebrate your achievements throughout the year?** ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

Additional Notes **Feel free to add any other thoughts or prayers related to your resolutions:** ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 5

Youth M ission Donates Stuffe d An i mals to H untsvi lle Hospital Pe diatric Toy Drive

By Malene A. McElroy

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his year the First Missionary Baptist Church (FMBC) Youth Mission circle participated for the second time in the Huntsville Hospital Pediatric Toy Drive. Each donated toy will go to pediatric patients from infants to teenagers.

All leftover toys will be used in the hospital's play room where children go to be distracted from their illness while staying in the hospital. The FMBC Youth Mission circle members stuffed 100 toy animals by hand and placed a white t-shirt on each one.

The t-shirt has the FMBC symbol so that hospitalized children and their families will recognize that FMBC is thinking of them and praying for them demonstrating our church's goal to become one of the most loving churches in all the world. Twenty FMBC kids participated in stuffing the animals and half a dozen accompanied four of the Youth Mission Advisors to drop the toys off at the Huntsville Hospital for Women and Children.

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Sister Dawn Horn (a nurse practitioner) kicked off the event by speaking to the children about the importance of this service project. She told them that toys are often used therapeutically to put scared children at ease before performing medical procedures.

She encouraged and inspired the children. On January 3rd four FMBC high school students went with one of the Youth Mission Advisors to play games with hospitalized children further teaching FMBC kids that one of the FMBC Missionary Society's goals is to implement mission programs that will help minister to the needs of our community.

So far this school year, the Youth Mission circle has created placemats for the inmates in the Limestone County Correctional Facility via the Kairos Ministry, collected fuzzy socks for cancer patients at Clearview Cancer Institute, and stuffed toy animals

for the Huntsville Hospital Pediatric Toy Drive. The Youth Mission is planning two service projects in January: making no-sew scarves to be distributed to Huntsville's homeless population and helping serve chili to the unhoused on the MLK Day of Service.

If you would like for your child to participate in Youth Mission service events, join us during the Wednesday Night Bible Study hour on the third Wednesday of the month. You may also contact the Youth Mission Advisors (Pat Benson, Mary Ann Flowers, Malene McElroy, Martha Roberts, and Carol Woods) with any questions.

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