September 2026, VOL 50 NO. 9
First Missionary Baptist Church
The Communicator
IN THIS ISSUE TE A NO HE MT FRO TOR A P S
ORDER OF A NOTE FROM SERVICE PASTOR WILLIAMS Page 2 Page 3
Member Highlights KEENAGE MEMBER UPCOMING FOCUS HIGHLIGHT EVENTS Page 7 Page 9 Pages 10-11
Order of Service “LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY” VIDEO PRESENTATION CALL TO WORSHIP* Deaconess Carolyn Williams “Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him and bless his name.” – Psalm 100:2, 4 CONGREGATIONAL SONG OF PRAISE** “Pass Me Not” INVOCATION Deaconess Malene McElroy MUSICAL SELECTION (1) FMBC Brotherhood Chorus RECOGNITION OF VISITORS & FELLOWSHIP PERIOD** PASTORAL HIGHLIGHTS WORSHIP THROUGH GIVING & PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Deaconess/Minister Arnatta Poole DEACONESS REFLECTIONS/MEMORIAL MOMENT Deaconess Cheryl Davis, Deaconess Flo Stallworth, and Deaconess Denise Long VIDEO INTRODUCTION OF THE GUEST PROCLAIMER MUSICAL SELECTION (1) FMBC Brotherhood Chorus THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL Dr. Ernest L. Reid, Jr, Senior Pastor Second Baptist Church Chattanooga, Tennessee INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP* THE FINAL BLESSING* *Please stand | **Worshipers may enter 2
From the Pastor's Pen
Looking Back & Looking Forward………
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reetings First Family! What a joy and a blessing it is to be able to share with you in this edition from my pen and my heart!! I want to use this space to reflect on a few things that the Lord has done for our church and celebrate some of our wins! Additionally, I’d like to share where my focus will be for the near future as well as highlight some upcoming events. God blessed us to have a remarkable spiritual revival and church anniversary. We were tremendously blessed with two dynamic preachers of the gospel, Rev. Arthur Jackson and Dr. Charles Lomax. Their messages were timely, challenging, and inspiring. Our Wednesday Lunchn-Learn Bible Study attracted over 200 members, and for that I am thankful. To meet the ongoing demands of ministry, we have filled two needed positions: Pastoral Executive Assistant & Ministry Coordinator and Staff Minister of Christian Education & Discipleship. Last month, we officially brought on Dr. Tamara French & Rev. James Taylor, II. We are blessed to have two gifted servants, who both bring years of ministry experience to FMBC. I
want to challenge each of you to embrace them, and most of all, to pray for them, as they enter a new season here in Huntsville and at FMBC. Our church is G.R.O.W.ing. I praise and thank God for sending us 18 new members in the month of August. The Lord is adding to our church! We welcome our new family members, and I personally look forward to getting to know each of them and seeing them flourish in their spiritual growth and their walk with God. FMBC, we have so much for which to be thankful. Together, let’s give God the praise, the honor, and the glory that is due to him and him alone. I attribute this surge of sovereign grace to a church that is constantly committing herself to prayer, a commitment to the corporate study of God’s word, passionate worship, pursuits of forgiveness and reconciliation, and expressions of love toward one another. Let’s be faithful in these habits of grace.
serving as your Shepherd. Where has the time gone?? It has been an honor and privilege to serve you. My family and I are grateful for this stewardship. We are thankful to God for choosing us for FMBC and FMBC for us. I am also looking forward to the upcoming calendar year. I am in a mode of prayer, seeking God’s guidance and direction for our church. Our vision teams are busy doing research and assisting me in shaping the vision. Our finance & budget team has begun the budgeting process, as we seek to be good stewards over your resources. My ministry coordinator and I are working to assist ministries in planning for next year, and our proficient staff is already in discussion about how we can make 2027 a wonderful year. Our staff, leadership, and ministry leaders, need your prayers and support. Thus, I solicit your prayers during this season for wisdom, patience, discernment, and increased faith as we continue to G.R.O.W. together.
I celebrate the WINS and commit to finishing this year strongly. I The Best is Yet to Come!! am excited about our upcoming In His Service, Christian Education Sunday as well as our College Sunday. However, Carlos D. Williams, Senior Pastor I must say I am overjoyed to say that on the 1st Sunday in October, I officially celebrate the first year of
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Young Adult Spotlight By Minister Jo Anita Miley
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ROTHER TERRIRON FIELDS, JR. Young adults bring energy to ministry in the church due to their unique perspectives, creativity, and the transformative impact they can have on congregational life. None would argue the importance of churches being open to their ideas and fostering an inclusive environment that values their contributions.
Engineering and permanently relocating to Huntsville in 2025.
mentor while also learning from younger generations.
Fields said he’s happy to grow • Cultural Relevance — Young where God has planted him. His adults can help churches adapt responsibilities as co-chair of to cultural shifts, ensuring that the Youth Adult Ministry include the ministry resonates with a planning and organizing activities broader audience. and events for young adults; and teaching a bi-weekly Bible • Empowerment — Allowing Study class. YAM also works young adults to take leadership closely with the Fellowship of roles fosters a sense of University Students team, since ownership and commitment to Brother Terriron Fields, Jr., college students are a part of the church community a native of Muscle Shoals, First Missionary’s young adult Alabama, currently co-chairs First population. According to Fields, anything we Missionary’s Young Adult Ministry do requires a relationship with with Sister Timeka Smith. This Putting initiatives in place that will God. It is helpful and beneficial ministry is open to all members allow young adults to grow and for young adults to be a part of age 18 to 39 years old. increase their desire to serve God is a a faith community where they priority for Fields. Communication can grow and be fed the word of Fields said he initially came to First is key. He thinks highlighting the God to establish a relationship Missionary for employment as a role of young adults in ministry can with Him. This gives believers the drummer for the Music Ministry. inspire positive change within the nourishment needed to face the At the time, he was a computer body of Christ for several reasons: challenges of life. engineering student at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical • Fresh Perspectives — Young Fields said he’s growing where University. Shortly afterwards, adults often bring innovative he’s planted. He’s found the right he felt the church vibes and faith ideas that can revitalize place to serve God in this season of rhythms from the congregation tug traditional practices in the his life. He challenges other young at him; making him want to learn church. adults to find their place in ministry more about what this congregation too, “Don’t be afraid to be the was doing to glorify God. • Community Engagement — change, and fall in love with what Their energy can enhance God wants to do in His Kingdom. In November 2023, Fields became outreach efforts, making God can and will use anyone, and a member of First Missionary when ministries more relevant to that might be you.” God led him to an opportunity to contemporary societal issues. provide leadership in the Young To learn more about joining First Adult Ministry. He continued • Mentorship Opportunities — Missionary’s Young Adult Ministry, his education, graduating from Engaging young adults allows contact the Young Adult Ministry A&M University with a Bachelor for mutual growth, where team. of Science Degree in Computer experienced members can 5
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KEENAGE FOCUS By Minister Jo Anita Miley
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Annual Summer Revival creates memorable moments within the congregation...
ttending revival services can be highly beneficial for senior citizens as it fosters community, spiritual growth, and emotional support. These gatherings provide opportunities for connection, encouragement, and renewal of faith, which can enhance their overall well-being and sense of belonging. Revival offers unique advantages for older adults compared to younger individuals. For example, revival can reignite faith and provide emotional uplift, which older adults may seek as they reflect on life experiences. Many seniors also appreciate the traditional aspects of revival, which can offer a comforting sense of continuity in their spiritual lives. Revival services also foster a sense of belonging and community, which is vital for combating loneliness often experienced by older adults. First Missionary’s Summer Revival took place August 11-13 at the church. The guest revivalist for the occasion was Reverend Arthur Jackson, III., Pastor of Antioch Baptist Church, Miami Gardens, Florida. Members of First Missionary’s Keenage Ministry supported the revival. Some took a moment to share their experience, Sister Josephine Scruggs, said she looked forward to having a revival
this year. She finds a great sense of community within the church. For her, revival fosters a sense of belonging and support among attendees, particularly those who have experienced hardship. The prayers, songs, and sermons that are a part of the service can speak to the hearts of attendees in a special way.
“Revival meetings can significantly benefit senior citizens by enhancing spiritual well-being, and providing opportunities for personal growth. Revival meetings provide a space for seniors to receive encouragement and support from fellow believers. Engaging in revival activities help seniors feel valued and connected. Revivals are also restorative. They provide a refreshing experience “Revival shows the healing that reignites passion for spiritual power of community and faith. growth. I enjoyed the prayers, the I embrace every opportunity I singing, and the preaching that have to hear the word of God and took here we had a good time,” interact with God’s people in a Sister Hurt said. faith setting. There is something uplifting about believers uniting While none would argue that in prayer, praise and worship. our Summer Revival offered Seniors should attend revival something for persons of all ages, because it provides opportunities it’s important to recap how revival for spiritual renewal and personal plays a significant role in enhancing growth. These gatherings can help the spiritual lives of senior citizens. rekindle faith, foster connections Revival seems to rejuvenate with others, and offer a chance their faith, foster community to reflect on life experiences in a connections, and provide renewed supportive environment. This has purpose in their spiritual journey. been a blessing for me. We’ve had great singing, genuine prayer, Ultimately, nostalgia associated and phenomenal preaching. I’ve with revival and faith for seniors savored every moment of it,” often centers on cherished Sister Scruggs said. — Sister Mary memories of a faith community, Hurt, said she agrees. Revival is spiritual practices, and personal an exciting moment in the life connections that shaped their of a church. She appreciates lives. These reflections can provide intergenerational engagement comfort, a sense of belonging, and where older adults can share their a renewed purpose to serve God in wisdom and experiences, enriching later years. the revival experience for younger attendees. 7
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REV. JAMES TAYLOR II FMBC NEW STAFF MINISTER OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION & DISCIPLESHIP associations in Alabama. He has served in various capacities throughout his ministry, including as the senior pastor of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Merced, CA. Rev. Taylor has also taught, preached, and facilitated lectures at Baptist denominational conventions on the state level.
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ev. James Taylor II is an ordained Baptist minister from Florence, AL. He holds a diverse educational background and a wealth of experience in ministry. Rev. Taylor obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Congregational Studies from Samford University in Birmingham, AL. At Samford, he assumed various leadership roles, including President of the Black Student Union and Samford’s spiritual life, vill crew, and Sunday student preacher, delivering sermons across different Baptist
Furthering his education, Rev. Taylor pursued a Master of Divinity Degree in Biblical Studies & Theology at George W. Truett Seminary, Baylor University. He demonstrated a profound dedication to his studies and school community, serving as a Student Recruiter, editorial board member of the Truett Journal of Church and Mission, and member of the Black Student Association. He was recognized as the Robert Jackson Robertson Outstanding Preaching Student upon graduation.
In addition to his theological pursuits, Rev. Taylor expanded his academic horizons by earning a Master of Science in General Psychology from Regent University. He recently graduated with a Master of Arts in Counseling, focusing on spirituality, addiction, marriage, and family dynamics. Rev. Taylor’s interests extend beyond the church walls, encompassing many activities such as reading, writing, exercising, playing racquetball, and following the Alabama Crimson Tide football team. He also enjoys traveling, visiting museums, exploring art, poetry, and experiencing cultural and regional cuisines. He is also actively engaged in efforts to address systemic injustice, reflecting his commitment to social justice and community advocacy. Rev. Taylor’s greatest joy is sharing life with his wife, Jasmine, and their three girls, Journee, Janissa, and Justice.
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FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 3509 BLUE SPRING ROAD, NW | HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA 35810 Carlos D. Williams, Senior Pastor