September 2025 Communicator

September 2025, VOL 50 NO. 9

First Missionary Baptist Church

The Communicator "28 Do you not know?

Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom." Isaiah 40:28

IN THIS ISSUE Member Highlights

TE A NO HE MT FRO TOR A P S

THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT A NOTE FROM PASTOR RICHIE NEEDS YOU Page 5 Page 2

SCRUGGS ACADEMY UPDATES Page 6 - 7

MEMEBER HIGHLIGHTS Page 9

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT FMBC Page 11

READY! SET! GO! Written by W. Temple Richie, Jr, Interim Pastor

T

hese are the words we used as children whenever we were playing and decided to add a race to our activities.

Today, similar words are used to bring runners (or swimmers) to their starting positions in formal competitions, such as the Olympics: “Runners to your marks...

Set,” and then the starting pistol is fired, or starting horn blasts. In horse races you will often hear the commentator’s voice, “and they’re off.”

If you are looking at runners, their starting position, i.e the stance they take depends on the length of the race. It is a crouching position for shorter races, but a standing position for longer ones. These words [Ready! Set! Go!] reflect the very last of the preparatory steps leading up to actually engaging their physical body in the running of that race; i.e., going to your “mark” or starting place, positioning your body to launch yourself forward, then doing so. Taking off, as it were.

There are several other preparatory elements prior to those just mentioned. There is the physical, the actual practice running 2

sessions, along with whatever muscle strengthening, toning work that may be needed. Then there is the mental part. There are strategy sessions focused on such matters as “timing”, when to make certain “moves” in the race. The studying of one’s competitors is part of this process, as are dietary and rest considerations for the athlete.

And, athletes engage experts, coaches, to help them in the overall preparation for competition.

While we at FMBC are not engaged in racing, we are engaged in missions and ministry. We have been involved in our own “Ready! Set! Go!” stages of preparation for new pastoral leadership (a new “coach” if you will). Dr. Walter Malone (our coach) got us started with his initial threeday weekend teaching, counseling, preaching session, followed by the weekly video messages on Sundays, and the prayer sessions he suggested we hold on Saturdays at the church. We had already committed ourselves as a church to daily prayer for God’s guidance.

Our pastoral search committee was integral to our readiness, this, along with the information sessions held for the congregation. This was our

“Ready/readying” stage.

First Missionary Baptist has now reached the “Set” stage of our journey. That will take place on the third Sunday in this month when our new pastor, the Rev., Dr. Carlos Williams, will be with us in worship. Following a brief interval to complete transitional matters, he will return on the first Sunday in October, and we hit the “Go” stage. He will fill our pulpit on that day and FMBC will begin the newest chapter in the history of our ministry of spreading the Gospel to the world, as we simultaneously seek to become one of the most loving churches in all the world.

We give thanks to God for His guidance and the keeping presence of His Holy Spirit that has brought us to this culminating moment.

I, personally, thank you, First Missionary Baptist, for your acceptance, love, prayers, and support of me as your pastor in interim. We pray God’s continuing sustaining presence for both congregations involved in this transition.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

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A Joyful Sound: Join the Inspirational Voices of Praise

F

irst Missionary Baptist Church is calling all singers, worshipers, and lovers of gospel music to lift their voices and join the Inspirational Voices of Praise singing ensemble.

Whether you’ve sung in choirs for years or are just discovering your gift, this is your opportunity to be part of a vibrant ministry that blends tradition, innovation, and heartfelt worship.

RECRUITMENT SUNDAYS

voice be part of something greater.

The Inspirational Voices of Praise is ready to welcome you—heart, soul, and song.

To make joining easy and welcoming, we’ll have a recruitment table stationed by the exits after church service on: CALLING ALL VOICES! The Inspirational Voices of Praise Sunday, September 14, 2025 at First Missionary Baptist Church Sunday, September 28, 2025 is recruiting new members—and we want YOU! Stop by to meet current members, ask questions, and sign up. If you love to sing and worship Whether you sing soprano, through music that moves The Inspirational Voices of alto, tenor, bass—or just love to the soul, come join a dynamic Praise is more than a choir—it’s a worship—we want you with us. ensemble that ministers through: community. We minister through music that spans generations and Why Join?

• Traditional Gospel genres, including: • Contemporary Gospel • Spiritual Growth: Deepen • CCM (Contemporary • Traditional Gospel your connection to God Christian Music) • Contemporary Gospel through music.

• Praise & Worship • CCM (Contemporary • Community: Build lasting

Christian Music) relationships with fellow Rehearsals: Mondays at 6:00 PM • Praise and Worship believers.

Recruitment Tables: After service • Ministry Impact: Use your on Sept 14 & Sept 28, 2025 Each rehearsal is a time of voice to uplift, encourage, fellowship, growth, and spiritual and inspire.

Whether you’re a seasoned renewal. We gather every Monday • Musical Excellence: Learn vocalist or just discovering your at 6:00 PM, preparing not just for and grow in a supportive, gift, there’s a place for you in this performance, but for powerful skill-building environment. ministry of praise. Come as you moments of praise that touch are—leave lifted! hearts and transform lives.

Come as you are, and let your 5

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Ms. Nicole Stokes, Head of School

One Team, One Dream: A New Season of Growth at JRSCDCA The excitement of a new school year has filled the halls of Julius R. Scruggs Child Development Center and Academy (JRSCDCA).

The joyful sound of children’s laughter, fresh supplies, and eager faces reminds us of our calling to nurture and inspire young learners. This year, under the theme “One Team, One Dream,” we are celebrating the powerful partnership between our school, families, and church community.

The Dream We Share At JRSCDCA, our dream is simple yet profound: to see every child reach their God-given potential.

This year, we have welcomed 115 students across programs from Pre-K 2.5 through fifth grade.

Each student brings unique talents and challenges, and our mission is to nurture the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

Our dedicated faculty and staff embody this commitment, working tirelessly to guide students toward success.

Preparing Champions Like any winning team, success 6

requires preparation, strategy, and encouragement. Over the summer, our teachers participated in an intensive Preseason Training Camp, learning new strategies for using data, collaborating on innovative teaching methods, and renewing their passion for teaching. We view our educators as “coaches” who celebrate victories big and small—whether it’s a kindergartner mastering sight words, a third-grader tackling multiplication, or a fifthgrader discovering a love for science.

A Team Effort

• Community Connections: Mentorships, reading partnerships, and service opportunities linking students with church members.

Each month will also feature a motivational theme, from “Gear Up and Get Ready” in August to “Victory Lap: Celebrating Growth” in May, keeping our students focused on perseverance, excellence, and teamwork.

How You Can Join the Dream We invite you to partner with us in this mission. You can volunteer as a reading partner or classroom helper, mentor students, join in prayer partnerships, provide needed resources, or help spread the word about JRSCDCA. Every role matters in shaping the lives of our children.

Our philosophy of “One Team, One Dream” recognizes that education is never a solo effort. Parents act as co-coaches, reinforcing lessons at home, while our church family provides the foundation, encouragement, and resources needed to fuel success. This year we are launching new initiatives: As we begin this school year, we ask for your continued prayers • Data-Driven Instruction: for our students, families, faculty, Using assessments to and staff. Together, we are ensure every child grows building a championship team at their best pace. where children not only learn but thrive—confident in their worth, • Enhanced Communication: their purpose, and their place in Tools like Curriculum Night God’s plan. to keep parents informed and engaged.

Here’s to a year filled with learning, growth, and victories both great and small. Game on!

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“SUPPORTING STUDENTS THROUGH THE COLLEGE YEARS: BUILDING FAITH, CHARACTER, AND COMMUNITY”

D

o you remember your college years? The college years are one of the biggest transitions in a student’s life. As the students formally leave home, this season of life shapes the way students think about the world and life’s great questions. Moreover, the transition puts their existing principles, values, and character to the test. No longer under the watchful eye of their parents, students find out who they really are, for better and for worse.

Statistics show that universities are largely considered as the testing place for professing Christians.

According to Barna Research, while 32% of Gen Z teens (ages 13-17) in the U.S. self-identify as committed Christians, only 17% stay committed to following Christ during their college years. And even after graduation, statistical projections show a continuing decline in religious affiliation among 18-to-35 year olds.

A Christian will slowly begin to lose faith without the encouragement of a faithful community of believers.

Growing in godliness requires practicing the habits: reading scripture, meditation, prayer, and involvement in the life of the church. An active connection with a local church will strengthen the student’s faith in God and build the godly character that 8

will help them persevere through challenges, setbacks, failure, and disappointments.

College life is back in session for fall semester. We kicked off this year on Saturday, August 16, supporting Alabama A&M Move-In Day. FMBC ministries (Fellowship of University Students, Brotherhood, Young Adults and Youth) came together at Hugine Hall to help with the Freshmen move-in. We worked together to move students into rooms, greet parents and students, and pass out drinks/water. It was great to see the excitement of young adults starting their next phase of life. Even though we were small in number, we helped a lot of students.

Our second event was the Alabama A&M Church Fest held on Sunday, August 17. The freshmen class received prayer and praise during their Sunday session to jumpstart their first year of college and were blessed with a sermon that encouraged them while being away from home. Local churches were allowed the opportunity to set up tables and greet the students. FUS and some college students from FMBC continued to show love and support to the freshmen class by giving out S.W.A.G. (Saved with Amazing Grace) bags filled with snacks to keep them energized and

contact cards to build relationships with the church.

FMBC, as we strive to become one of the most loving churches in all the world, let’s work together to support our college students and become the faithful community of believers that they need while forming an active connection with them. Let us foster them as they continue to grow in their faith even in a strange land.

Let’s celebrate our college students on at the Annual College Day on Sunday, September 28 at 9:30 a.m. Come dressed in your college paraphernalia and support college students from local universities.

Fellowship of University Students (FUS) is still looking for some families or Singles to adopt our students. If you are interested, please contact Pat Benson.

College Students - Register with us: Local students and members who are students away from Huntsville please register with our college connection using the QR code.

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Estate Planning & Heirs' Property Consultations

NOV 11, 2025 The Virginia Caples Lifelong Learning Institute (VCLLI) is Alabama A&M University's center for lifelong learning, offering community outreach activities and workshops year-round for older adults and their caregivers, including families and friends.

Free Estate Planning & Heirs' Property Consultations ◦ Free, 30-minute sessions with a licensed attorney. ◦ Prepare estate planning documents or have an heirs' property consultation.

Help address heirs' property, land that has been passed down informally from generation-to-generation.

Schedule: Tuesday, Nov 11, 2025 Overview Session: 9:30-10:30 am Consultations Begin: 10:45 am

For more info, contact darrell.hill@aamu.edu

Establish a last will and testament, an Alabama advance directive, and a durable power of attorney for finances.

Registration:

Opens Monday, Sep 15.

Pre-registration required. Space is limited.

Consultations by appointment only.

Made possible through partnership with AAMU General Counsel, Legal Services Alabama, and Greg Varner and Associates.

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member highlights

Brother Michael and Sister Marvetta Davis celebrate their 20th anniversary on September 3rd.

Brother Jessie and Lovie Cook, III, celebrate their 33rd anniversary on September 5th

Deacon Emeritus Joe and Deaconess Beverly Lampley celebrate their 42nd anniversary on September 3rd.

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FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH RENOVATION PROJECT CONSTRUCTION REMINDERS!

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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