Issuu

November 2026, VOL 50 NO. 11

First Missionary Baptist Church

The Communicator

Give thanks

to the Lord, for He is Good;

His love endures

forever

—Psalm 136:1

IN THIS ISSUE TE A NO HE MT FRO TOR A P S

ORDER OF "HOW CAN WE SAY SERVICE THANKS" Page 3 Page 2

FMBC THANKSGIVING GIVEAWAY

DIABETES AWARENESS AND WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Page 4

Page 9

ANGEL TREE INITATIVE Pages 10

Order of Service Worship Service “Life in the Community” Video Presentation Congregational Song of Praise** “Lord, We Bless Your Name” Scripture Reading & Invocation* “Let us give thanks to the Lord with our whole heart. Let us recount all his wonderful deeds and exult in him, for the Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” Musical Selection (1) Inspirational Voices of Praise Recognition of Visitors & Fellowship Period** Pastoral Highlights Worship Through Giving & The Prayer of Thanksgiving Musical Selection (1) Inspirational Voices of Praise The Proclamation of the Gospel Carlos D. Williams, Senior Pastor Invitation to Christian Discipleship* The Final Blessing* 2

From the Pastor's Pen

“How Can We Say Thanks?” – Psalms 116:12 For many non-believers, Thanksgiving is simply a day. However, for believers, it is a way of life that is not confined to a day. There is absolutely no way we could restrict our gratitude to God to one day because of the many things he has done for us. Additionally, when we consider what he has done, how could we possibly express our gratitude in a way that is commensurate to his goodness toward us? This is the internal inquiry and interrogative of the Psalmist in Psalm 116:12. He says to himself, “what shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits to me?” The NIV says, “how can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me?” The NLT says, “what can I offer the Lord for all he has done for me?” This is a relevant question. Is there anything we can do to show our gratitude to him especially when we discover the magnitude of his blessings and benefits bestowed upon us. I am reminded of a story told by Dr. Harry Wright, Sr., retired pastor of the Cornerstone Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York, where he recalls a conversation with his daughter after her graduation from

Spelman College in 1987. He said, “she came up to me, hugged me, kissed me, and said Daddy, since I’ve graduated now and I’m going to get a job and pay you back for everything. He said she meant well, but she was intoxicated with commencement euphoria.” He knew the tuition he paid. He knew the money he sent her. With all that added up, he knew there was no way she could pay him back for everything. Afterward he thought, what currency would she use? Then he said he thought about everything God has done for us and posed this piercing question: What currency could we use to refund the eternal God for all his amazing grace? What a Question!!! After reflecting on God's deliverance, the Psalmist is gripped by the grace of God towards him and is overwhelmed by the overflowing abundance of it. He is moved to a response of repayment. One commentator says, he feels at once the impulse to requite and the impossibility of doing so. In other words, he wants to do something in response to God’s goodness, but he is cognizant of the fact that there is nothing that is commensurate to what

God has done. Likewise, we have been recipients of God’s abundant grace and we owe him. However, since he has done so many wonderful things, God never expects repayment, but he does expect a response. Therefore, we should respond the way the Psalmist responds. Consider three ways you and I can respond to his grace: ■ With a Grateful Heart, Verse 13a ■ By Praising His Name, Verse 13b ■ By Keeping Our Word, Verse 14 Let’s counter the world’s way of thanksgiving by developing a lifestyle of thanksgiving through an attitude of gratitude, verbal praise, and keeping our vows unto the Lord. May we be reminded of the words of the apostle Paul in I Thessalonians 5:18, “in all things give thanks, for this is the will of God concerning you in Christ Jesus.” -I Thessalonians 5:18 We have so many reasons to give thanks, so think on those reasons then give thanks! Blessings, Dr. Carlos D. Williams Senior Pastor 3

Young Adult Spotlight By Minister Jo Anita Miley

hen the path ahead feels uncertain, and the weight of both dreams and burdens presses heavily, it’s easy to wonder where God’s hand is in the midst of it all. This month, as autumn’s colors remind us of change and renewal, we reflect on the journey of a young adult member navigating the challenges of career decisions and unexpected illness—finding hope, strength, and purpose through faith. Her story is a reminder that even in seasons of struggle, God’s promises remain steadfast. Sister Angelina Williams, age 23, grew up in First Missionary, singing hymns and memorizing scripture verses, yet adulthood brought challenges she never anticipated. “When I left for college, I thought my faith was strong enough to handle anything,” she shares. “But life has a way of testing you in ways you don’t expect.” Williams speaks candidly about seasons of doubt — moments when her prayers felt unanswered and God seemed distant, “I wrestled with questions I didn’t have as a teenager. Why is it sometimes hard to hear God? What does it really mean to follow Jesus? Why do some plans change unexpectantly? I felt guilty for even asking.” Yet, William’s story is not one of defeat. She appreciates the tough periods during her life that helped with her spiritual formation. Through late-night conversations with God, quiet moments in Scripture, and the unwavering support of her family, 6

she began to see that faith isn’t about never struggling — it’s about trusting God through the struggle. One turning point came shortly after navigating life after college. Williams said she made an abrupt career change and was unclear on whether this was the correct path for her life. “In 2025, I graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Bachelor of Arts degree in marketing and entrepreneurship. I put my degree to use right away by taking a marketing position. I enjoyed working in my career field. However, earlier this year, I decided to take a new position in the medical field. Taking on the new career involved a lot of on-the-job training and studying outside of my career field. Reading the Bible helped me stay grounded. My favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength,” because it reminds me how our confidence comes from Jesus Christ. I was learning something entirely different from what I’d studied in college, but God was with me during this transition,” Williams said. Williams is also no stranger to how God’s healing power sustains Believers during a health crisis. She shares a recent experience, “I had an unexpected illness that came out of nowhere. It was difficult to handle because healing takes time and patience; and you don’t have a lot of either of these when you’re young. I ended up having a lengthy hospital stay and had to trust God to see me

through that difficult time,” Williams recalls. “I kept silent and trusted God and one day it hit me —In the quiet moments of illness, God’s presence is the steady hand that holds you. Even when pain is real and healing is slow, God’s love never wavers. He sees your struggle, hears your prayers, and works in ways you may not yet see. Even when you don’t see Him-- He is there. Even when you don’t think He is with you--He is. That changed everything for me,” Williams said. Now, Williams is intentional about sharing her faith with others, especially younger members who may feel alone in their struggles. She feels her experiences will be helpful as she serves in FMBC’s Young Adult Ministry because her faith walk can be an inspiration for others. Williams has advice for other young adults, “Walking with God is a journey. It’s okay to have questions along the way. He can handle them. The things that I’ve gone through have given me a deeper understanding of who Jesus Christ is, what He has done, and why He did it,” Williams said. “Let Him navigate your life,” she added. As we enter this season of thanksgiving, William’s testimony reminds us that gratitude isn’t just for the sunny days — it’s for the moments when God’s light breaks through the shadows.

SPOTLIGHT ON YOUTH MISSION Faith in Action: Young Leader Shares His Ecuador Mission Experience By Minister Jo Anita Miley

s autumn’s golden leaves remind us of God’s faithfulness, one young member of our congregation, Brother Jacobi McGhee, carries a story from far beyond our borders. Last month, he journeyed with his school to the vibrant heart of Ecuador, where the mission was simple yet profound: to serve, to learn, and to share Christ’s love. Now, as we enter a season of gratitude, his experiences offer us a glimpse of how God moves in unexpected places— and willing hearts. Jacobi shares what he takes from this experience in his own words, “The purpose of the mission trip was to build children in Ecuador's relationship with God through a spiritual emphasis week. This was different from the mission projects in previous years because it was specifically focused on the middle and high school age children and was

not a physical task such as the road paving project done last year. The spiritual emphasis week consisted of both funny and serious skits, identification in the world vs. with God, a biblical panel discussion, and a concert of prayer. Through these activities, we shared the Gospel, encouraged the orphans in their faith and relationship with God, and built meaningful connections that helped them grow spiritually. This mission trip also had a major impact on my own spiritual growth because it taught me the importance of planting seeds and entrusting God to let them grow. Seeing the children's faith and joy helped me appreciate my own blessings and showed me that there is always something to be thankful for. No matter what situation I'm going through, I can trust that the Lord will be with me.” Jacobi said. In closing, Jacobi thanks his family, friends, mentors, school and church

family for their prayers and support that made his trip possible. For him, every smile, every shared meal, and every prayer in Ecuador was a reminder that we are one family in Christ, no matter how many miles apart we live. Seemingly, Jacobi went to Ecuador hoping to make a difference, but he came home genuinely changed himself. He learned that mission work isn’t just about what we give—it’s about the relationships we build and the ways God shapes our hearts along the way. As his trip came to an end, Jacobi realized that gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s a way of living. This November, may we all pause to see the blessings God has placed in our lives, and let that thankfulness guide our hearts and actions.

F I R S T M I S S I O N A R Y BA P T I S T C H U R C H 3509 BLUE SPRING ROAD, NW | HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA 35810 Carlos D. Williams, Senior Pastor