July 2025 Communicator

JULY 2025, VOL 50 NO. 7

First Missionary Baptist Church

The Communicator

"Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?

I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:19

IN THIS ISSUE Member Highlights

TE A NO HE MT FRO TOR A P S

A NOTE FROM PASTOR SCRUGGS ACADEMY RICHIE GRADUATES Page 4 Page3

WHAT'S HAPPENING RENOVATION UPDATES AT FMBC Page 10 Page 6 & 7

MEMEBER HIGHLIGHTS Page 11

“WHICH/WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON? Written by W. Temple Richie, Jr, Interim Pastor

Whose side are you on? You may face this question, or a variation thereof, several times in your life. In most cases your answer will be of no major consequence.

But there will be a time, or times, when the answer you give will be determinative of your future life, either in the here-and-now, or in the “hereafter.”

When Moses came down from the mountain in conversation with God, carrying with him the two tablets of the Ten Commandments, he found the waiting Israelites reveling in the creation of an idol God they had demanded be made.

They had become impatient waiting on Moses to return, with some saying he would not return.

Angered at what he saw the people doing, Moses posed the question to the Israelites, “Who is on the Lord’s side?” (Exodus 32:26)

1:26 records God as saying, “Let us make man in our own image,” known in theological language as the Imago Dei (image of God). The understanding of this term can vary, but for the purposes of this article we will define it as reflecting the intellectual or rational aspect of man’s being that complements the freedom of choice that God gave to mankind.

to be nailed to his cross, he is not alone. There are two thieves there, and they will be crucified with him, one on either side of the Master. Luke recalls their conversations with each other and with Jesus. Each of the thieves crucified with Jesus represents a different attitude toward Christ.

The one thief denies Jesus is the son of God, rejects his authority, resists his influence, and seeks LUKE 23: 39 One of the criminals to manipulate him for selfish who hung there hurled insults at purposes. The other believes he is him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save the Son of God, trusts and seeks to yourself and us!” 40 But the other obey him. criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are As we consider these two events, under the same sentence? 41 We they pose a simple question for are punished justly, for we are us today when it comes to our getting what our deeds deserve. attitude or response to Christ: But this man has done nothing “WHICH/WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU wrong.”42 Then he said, “Jesus, ON? Let us be aware that the remember me when you come answer we give is of a dual nature: into your kingdom.[d]”43 Jesus it is a verbal statement that must answered him, “Truly I tell you, be compared to and corroborated today you will be with me in by our life-style. Do we practice paradise.” what we profess? Pastor Richie

As we all move through life we will be called upon to make choices: political, economic, social, religious, etc. Genesis When Jesus arrives at calvary

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One Team...One Dream: Scruggs Academy's Championship Summer!

Sports Camp Builds Character integrity and honesty and Community • Skating showed us the What an incredible summer it's importance of helping been at Scruggs Academy! Our others when they fall sports-themed summer camp, • Bowling reminded us that built around the inspiring theme every frame is a fresh "One Team...One Dream," has start—just like God's grace! brought together children from across our community for three The laughter echoing through our weeks of fun, learning, and halls and the friendships being character development. formed remind us why Scruggs Academy has been such a blessing Learning Life Lessons Through to our North Huntsville community Sports for nearly four decades.

Over the past three weeks, our young scholars have discovered Looking Ahead: An Exciting that sports are about so much School Year Awaits more than winning and losing. As we wrap up our summer Through golf, they've learned camp experience, we're already patience and precision. Skating getting excited about the has taught them balance and upcoming school year! Scruggs perseverance—literally and Academy continues to provide an figuratively! And bowling has exceptional Christian education shown them that sometimes the where children don't just learn— most important thing is getting they thrive. back up and trying again.

Now Enrolling for 2025-2026 "Watching these children support School Year We're currently each other, celebrate together, accepting applications for students and learn from both successes and ages 2.5 through 5th grade. With challenges has been absolutely our small class sizes (9:1 studentbeautiful," shared one of our teacher ratio) and commitment to camp counselors. "They're truly developing each child spiritually, living out what it means to be academically, physically, and 'One Team' working toward 'One emotionally, Scruggs Academy Dream.'" students consistently perform above grade level.

More Than Fun and Games While the children have been Why Families Choose Scruggs having a blast, they've also Academy been growing in ways that align Our families tell us they choose perfectly with Scruggs Academy's Scruggs Academy because: mission to develop the whole • Christ-centered education child. Each sport has provided that builds character opportunities to practice Christian alongside academics values: • Individual attention with • Golf taught us about small class sizes that allow 4

teachers to know each child • Strong community where families feel connected and supported • Academic excellence that prepares students for future success • Whole child development addressing spiritual, emotional, and physical growth

Join Our Team!

If you're looking for an educational environment where your child can grow in faith, knowledge, and character, we'd love to talk with you. Our "One Team...One Dream" philosophy extends throughout the entire school year, creating a supportive community where every child can reach their Godgiven potential.

As we continue through this summer and look toward fall, we're reminded that when we work together as one team, united in our dream of providing excellent Christian education, amazing things happen. We're grateful for our church family's continued support and prayers as we prepare these young minds and hearts for God's calling on their lives.

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6 Scruggs Academy: Where scholars learn to honor God and themselves while developing into tomorrow's leaders.

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FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH RENOVATION PROJECT UPDATE CONSTRUCTION STARTED ON-SITE – JUNE 23, 2025

CONTRACTOR PARKING AREA DURING CONSTRUCTION: MONDAY - FRIDAY AND SOME SATURDAYS

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CONSTRUCTION HAS BEGUN

Front View Santuary

Front View Santuary

Choir Loft Entrance

Back View Santuary

Vestibule View

Wom e ns Bath Room

Choir Loft Entrance

Back View Santuary

Vestibule View

Vestibule View

Vestibule View

Vestibule View

Wom e ns Bath Room

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WHIMSICAL

Woodland of Words An Enchanting Outdoor Literary Celebration Honoring Breast Cancer Survivors Through Stories, Strength, and Sisterhood

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AUGUST THURSDAY

5 PM - 8 PM SPECIAL ACTIVITIES:

NASA STEM DIY Projects Authors Meet & Greet Boots on the Ground Line Dancing & More

T Third hird TThursdays h rsdays

Downtown D owntown Madison Ma dison

14 Main Street, Madison, AL

256-509-0434 | crshsv.org shopsouthandpine.com

A CHILDREN READ SUCCEED AND BLUE APPLE BOOKS COLLABORATION 9

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member highlights

James and Karen Turnage celebrate their 29th wedding anniversary July 27th.

Aaron and Jayden Shingleton attended Alabama Boys State at the University of Alabama the last week of May.

Aaron and Jayden Shingleton graduated from the Leadership of Huntsville Challenge Class of 2024 in March.

Brother Ozell and Sister Betty Brunson celebrate their 58th wedding anniversary on July 16th.

Brother Jacob and Sister Ronke Oluwoye celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary on July 22nd.

Brother Bill and Sister Doris Carter celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary on July 26th.

Congratulations Sister Dion Lucas on your remarkable work as a Proximity honors math teacher at Shiloh Park and Zion Central!

Congratulations Sister Madison Saylee on your achievement! Who has been approved to officially become a Gold Award Girl Scout.

SAVE THE DATES!

Join us for the 82nd Annual Session of the Alabama Baptist State Congress of Christian Education, taking place at FMBC from Monday, July 28, to Wednesday, July 30*! For additional details, please visit our website at alabamastatebaptist.org. To make this event a success, we need your support! We're looking for volunteers in the following areas: - Pre-Congress Setup - Hospitality - Parking - Lunch Service - Security

- Transportation - Banquet Host/Hostess - Greeters - Medical Assistance - Ushers

Whether you can volunteer for a few hours or a full day, please reach out to Sister Quanda Stevenson at drqstevenson@gmail. com or register in Realm. There will be a meeting for all volunteers on **Wednesday, July 23, at 5:30 PM** in the Fellowship Hall.

Scan the QR CODE to Register 11

F I R S T M I S S I O N A RY BA P T I S T C H U R C H 3509 BLUE SPRING ROAD, NW | HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA 35810