From the Pastor's Pen - A Note to the Class of 2026
Dear FMBC 2026 Graduates,
On behalf of the First Missionary Baptist Church Family, we congratulate each of you for reaching this milestone. This is a major accomplishment, so celebrate this moment and give thanks to the God of all grace who made this possible. All your hard work has paid off. Your labor has not been in vain. Hopefully, the grind of writing papers, studying for exams, and the lengthy reading assignments has taught you discipline as well as how to persevere amidst your toil and struggle. School at any level is not just about finishing assignments and receiving certain grades. There are many life lessons that your academic journey teaches you. They teach the lessons of patience, preparedness, listening, paying attention, and, hopefully, what it means to have a life of prayer.
I heard this many years ago, and up until then, I had never considered it. The term “commencement” is always associated with graduation. If no one ever took the time to
look up the word, we would only interpret it in the context of finalization and completion. However, as you know, the word commencement is defined as the beginning or start of something. It all makes sense. Your graduation from your respective school is indeed a commencement. For those of you graduating from high school and heading to college, it marks the start of a more rigorous academic career or of adulthood. It is the start of the true stewardship of your time and resources. For those of you graduating from college and heading into graduate programs or the workforce, it is the start of balancing relationships, family time, financial obligations, social organizations, and extracurricular activities.
None of this is to invoke fear within you. This is a challenge for each of you not to relax, approach life passively, or become complacent. Keep working hard until you reach the goals you set for your life. While in pursuit of your dreams, you will hit roadblock after roadblock,
but don’t lose heart. Reflect on this season in your life and remember how you were able to overcome by your personal dedication, family support, and the prayers of your church family and village. Finally, remember to keep God first in your life. Give him your heart and soul. Spend time with him each morning in prayer and in meditation on the scriptures before you start your day. Walk in righteousness daily and be a witness for him with your voice and the way you live. Seek him for your purpose and ask him to lead you into it. Finally, remember with Christ in your life, “you can do all things through him that strengthens you (Philippians 4:13).
We, the members of the First Missionary Baptist Church, are very proud of you, and we count it a joy to celebrate all that God has done in and through you.
In His Name,
Dr. Carlos D. Williams Senior Pastor
Worship Service
“LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY” VIDEO PRESENTATION
CALL TO WORSHIP & INVOCATION*
As we gather, we come together as people of the cross and resurrection. We come reconciled by grace through the son and filled with God’s love. Therefore, let us lift our hearts, our hands, and our voices unto him in praise and thanksgiving.”
ENTRANCE OF GRADUATES*
MUSICAL SELECTION (1)
FMBC Mass Choir
RECOGNITION OF GRADUATES
Sister Shirley Clemons
CHARGE TO 2026 GRADUATES
Dr. Kelli Curry
WORSHIP THROUGH GIVING & THE GIVING OF THANKS
INTRODUCTION OF THE PREACHER
Dr. Carlos Williams, Senior Pastor
MUSICAL SELECTION (1)
FMBC Mass Choir
THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL
Dr. Solomon W. Cochren, Assistant Professor of English Alabama A&M University
INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP*
RECOGNITION OF VISITORS
PASTORAL HIGHLIGHTS
PASTORAL PRAYER & THE FINAL BLESSING*
*Please stand | **Worshipers may enter
Youth Spotlight: Brother Nicholas Carter
An Intentional Journey of Faith
Spiritual formation for Christian youth is the intentional, lifelong process of being transformed into the image of Christ, focusing on developing a personal relationship with God rather than just religious activity. Key practices include prayer, fasting, scripture reading, engaging in mission projects, and witnessing to deepen their faith.
Brother Nicholas Carter is currently a rising senior at Madison Academy, with high hopes of attending Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, upon his graduation next year. At a time when most 17-yearold youth spend their free time participating in extracurricular activities, sports, hobbies, or preparing for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT to enhance their college prospects, Nicholas is focused
by Minister Jo Anita Miley
on one thing—witnessing for Christ.
Nicholas, an active member of the First Missionary Youth Ministry, takes spiritual formation seriously. He has seen firsthand how following practices within the spiritual disciplines, engaging community and fellowship opportunities, and participating in service projects and mission work help youth ground their identity in God, rather than peers or achievements.
Nicholas accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour when he was seven years old, but didn’t realize what encompasses the Christian walk until he was 12. Up until that time, he thought being a Christian only meant getting baptized and going to Heaven. As God began to change his heart, he reframed the way he saw being a Christian. Once this transformation took place, he realized he had to live the life that he wanted to lead others to and was compelled to witness.
Nicholas thinks living as a witness for Christ is vital to our faith and walk with God. Loving Jesus, loving others like Jesus, and loving God are all key principles for youth to learn in order to win the unsaved. He notes there are many distractions for youth,
such as music, movies, and video games, but believes people should use these media to the glory of God by sharing Christian books or groups based on a person's interests. Instead of getting people to come to us at church, we should go to them in the world. Since making witnessing a priority, Nicholas has personally led at least five individuals to Christ.
Nicholas also serves on the student-led Spiritual Formation Team (SPT) at his high school, where student teams are expected to be spiritual leaders on campus by planning weekly chapel activities. Nicholas notes that this team is for students who are eager to spread the Gospel and are willing to be held to a high standard, as other students know when you are being a hypocrite.
This passion extends to a community youth group where young people experience prayer groups, Bible studies, and praise and worship music. He believes church leaders should pool their resources to further the Gospel message as a team effort. Nicholas challenges every church to organize active youth witnessing teams within their congregations. He emphasizes that there is no trick to witnessing; we put the Word of God out, and the Holy Spirit does His work.
A Tribute to Mothers Class of 2026
Jada Makena McElroy Sparkman High School
Ave Renee' Hargrove Sparkman High School
Legacy Pearson Kidz Choice Preschool
Kennadi Alexandria Bankston Bob Jones High School
Markus Childress Sparkman High School
Ti'Marii Pitts Lee High School
Reign Pearson Kidz Choice Preschool
Mekhi Christopher Taylor Bob Jones High School
Nickaylah Elyce Wilson Buckhorn High School
Paige Alexandra Quarles James Clemens High School
Skylar Bernard Bradford Scruggs Academy
Aaron and Jayden Shingleton Sparkman High School
Kimberly Lewis Sparkman High School
Class of 2026
Vernotto McMillan Drake State Community and Technical College
Jared Peterson Smith Jackson State University
John-Paul Wilson Gilmore Alabama State University
Xavier O’Neal Alabama A&M University
Nathan Stewart Jackson State University
Quita Cole Augusta University
Teréna D. Hunter Alabama A&M University
Elizabeth Francina Scruggs Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Birmingham Cosmetology
Ashley Branyon West Texas A&M University
Amani Blair Alabama A&M University
Shaniya Jacobs-Lanier Samford University
Maya Bryant Alabama A&M University
Kaitlyn E.Walker Bethune-Cookman University
Mission is a Lifestyle
By Sister Mary Ann Flowers, President of the Missionary Society and Minister Jo Anita Miley
As a mission-driven church, First Missionary’s core identity and daily life is centered on fulfilling the Great Commission—to make disciples of all nations and share the Gospel in a way that transforms individuals and communities locally and globally. The Missionary Society plays a vital role in integrating mission into every aspect of the church’s life. This ministry exists to organize, promote, and support evangelism and missionary work while fostering spiritual growth and outreach among the congregation. Mission is not simply a department within the church; it is the heartbeat of the church and the calling of every believer.
The Great Commission, “Go ye therefore and teach all nations” (Matthew 28:1920), remains one of the most significant commands given by Jesus Christ to His followers. In this passage, Jesus instructs
believers to spread the Gospel, baptize new believers in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teach others to obey His commandments. He also promises His continued presence with believers until the end of the age. This scripture emphasizes the global scope of the Christian mission, transcending every cultural and geographical boundary. It reminds believers that mission is not limited by location, race, or circumstance, but extends to all people everywhere.
For many, the word “mission” may sound like a phrase repeated during church services or printed in ministry programs. Yet mission is far more than words on paper— it is a lifestyle. Rooted in the teachings and example of Jesus Christ, mission is the daily commitment to grow in faith and actively share that faith with others. Hebrews 10:2425 highlights the importance
of fellowship, encouragement, and community among believers. Mission is lived out through everyday actions, conversations, and relationships. It is reflected in how believers respond to challenges, show compassion, extend grace, and demonstrate love to those around them. At its core, missional living begins with spiritual growth. Acts 1:8 reminds believers that power comes through the Holy Spirit. Through prayer, study of God’s Word, fellowship, and obedience, believers are strengthened and equipped for service. A living faith naturally reaches outward through kindness, service, and compassion. Ultimately, mission is not merely a saying, but a lifestyle of intentional service, faithful witness, and Christ-centered living that transforms lives and communities for the glory of God.
