June Communicator 2026

JUNE 2026, VOL 50 NO. 6

First Missionary Baptist Church

The Communicator

IN THIS ISSUE Member Highlights

TE A NO HE MT FRO TOR A P S

A NOTE FROM PASTOR FMBC GUEST SPEAKER RICHIE Solomon W. Cochren, PhD, Page 4 Page3

GRADUATE CLASS OF 2026 Page 6 & 7

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT FMBC Page 10

MEMEBER HIGHLIGHTS Page 15

From the Pastor's Pen - A Note to the Class of 2026

Dear FMBC 2026 Graduates,

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.

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 None of this is to invoke fear it means to have a life of prayer. within you. This is a challenge for each of you not to relax, I heard this many years ago, approach life passively, or and up until then, I had become complacent. Keep never considered it. The term working hard until you reach the “commencement” is always goals you set for your life. While in associated with graduation. If pursuit of your dreams, you will no one ever took the time to hit roadblock after roadblock, 2

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

3

4

Youth Spotlight: Brother Nicholas Carter

by Minister Jo Anita Miley

An Intentional Journey of Faith

S

piritual 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

on one thing—witnessing for such as music, movies, and Christ. video games, but believes people should use these media Nicholas, an active member to the glory of God by sharing of the First Missionary Youth Christian books or groups Ministry, takes spiritual based on a person's interests. formation seriously.

He Instead of getting people to has seen firsthand how come to us at church, we should following practices within go to them in the world. Since the spiritual disciplines, making witnessing a priority, engaging community and Nicholas has personally led at fellowship opportunities, least five individuals to Christ. and participating in service projects and mission work help Nicholas also serves on youth ground their identity the student-led Spiritual in God, rather than peers or Formation Team (SPT) at his achievements. high school, where student teams are expected to be Nicholas accepted Jesus spiritual leaders on campus Christ as his personal Saviour by planning weekly chapel when he was seven years activities. Nicholas notes that old, but didn’t realize what this team is for students who encompasses the Christian are eager to spread the Gospel walk until he was 12. Up until and are willing to be held that time, he thought being a to a high standard, as other Christian only meant getting students know when you are baptized and going to Heaven. being a hypocrite.

As God began to change his heart, he reframed the way he This passion extends to a saw being a Christian. Once community youth group where this transformation took place, young people experience prayer he realized he had to live the groups, Bible studies, and life that he wanted to lead praise and worship music. He others to and was compelled to believes church leaders should witness. pool their resources to further the Gospel message as a team Nicholas thinks living as a effort. Nicholas challenges witness for Christ is vital to every church to organize our faith and walk with God. active youth witnessing teams Loving Jesus, loving others within their congregations. He like Jesus, and loving God are emphasizes that there is no all key principles for youth trick to witnessing; we put the to learn in order to win the Word of God out, and the Holy unsaved. He notes there are Spirit does His work. many distractions for youth, 5

e le m e ntary

Class to of Mothers 2026 A Tribute

H igh School

Skylar Bernard Bradford Scruggs Academy

6

Legacy Pearson Kidz Choice Preschool

Reign Pearson Kidz Choice Preschool

Kennadi Alexandria Bankston Bob Jones High School

Markus Childress Sparkman High School

Ave Renee' Hargrove Sparkman High School

Kimberly Lewis Sparkman High School

Jada Makena McElroy Sparkman High School

Ti'Marii Pitts Lee High School

Paige Alexandra Quarles James Clemens High School

Aaron and Jayden Shingleton Sparkman High School

Mekhi Christopher Taylor Bob Jones High School

Nickaylah Elyce Wilson Buckhorn High School

College/Un ive rsity

Class of 2026

Amani Blair Alabama A&M University

Ashley Branyon West Texas A&M University

Maya Bryant Alabama A&M University

Quita Cole Augusta University

John-Paul Wilson Gilmore Alabama State University

Teréna D. Hunter Alabama A&M University

Shaniya Jacobs-Lanier Samford University

Vernotto McMillan Drake State Community and Technical College

Xavier O’Neal Alabama A&M University

Elizabeth Francina Scruggs Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Birmingham Cosmetology

Jared Peterson Smith Jackson State University

Nathan Stewart Jackson State University

Kaitlyn E.Walker Bethune-Cookman University 7

8

9

10

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.

11

12

13

14

15

FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 3509 BLUE SPRING ROAD, NW | HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA 35810 Carlos D. Williams, Senior Pastor