January 2026
The Messenger
God saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace, and this grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
2 Timothy 1:9-10
As we reflect on the past year and
The
look ahead to what is new, there is a
changed for the season of Epiphany.
sense of excitement and anticipation
They hold cards with short phrases
that
and
accompanies
beginning. with
Whether
resolutions,
perhaps
quiet
every the
year
new began
celebrations, longing,
there
liturgical
words
of
trees
have
been
encouragement.
You
are invited to simply read them and
or
receive
is
light, or to take one that speaks to
Arise,
you in a particular way.
has come, and the glory of
something about a new year that feels
their
messages
of
love
and
like a fresh start—another chance to
shine,
for
your
light
the Lord has risen upon you.
become the person God is calling us
Place
it
it
For darkness shall cover the
to be.
often, as a reminder of the light within
earth and thick darkness the
you,
peoples,
or
somewhere
consider
you
will
sharing
see
it
with
but
the Lord will
The season of Epiphany reminds us
someone who may need a message
arise upon you, and his glory
that
of hope, love, and light. It may also
will
serve
Nations shall come to your
God
through
has
Jesus.
been
revealed
It
a
is
to
reminder
us that
light has come into the world, and that
as
an
opportunity
to
set
an
intention for the year ahead.
light
we are invited to be bearers of that light.
In
Jesus,
we
see
that
life
is
possible even after death.
one another and to share the light of As
this
new
year
begins—
This light is not meant to remain in
whether you set a resolution or not—
one place. Like the lingering smoke
let
from
Christ’s light wherever we go. Let us
extinguished
candle
drifting
through the air, we are God’s people, called to carry the light of Christ into every place we go.
and
over
kings
to
you.
the
brightness of your dawn. As a community, we are called to love
Jesus.
an
appear
us
commit
ourselves
to
carrying
love one another as God loves us.
Isaiah 60:1-3
Do you like to sing? Consider joining our Sanctuary Choir. We sing for the 11 am service each Sunday. Rehearsals are 6:007:30 pm on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month (and 5th Wednesdays when they occur). Consider joining us. Contact Chris for details. chris@fxbgbaptist.org.
If you can read music and are looking for
something
do,
considering
fun
and
meaningful
joining
our
to
handbell
ringers. Rehearsals are roughly twice a month (Wednesdays) beginning in mid Epiphany is a season of light, of noticing, of paying attention to how God reveals God’s self in our lives
January.
Contact
and in our world. This series will invite us to reflect on what it means to begin again—to newly follow or more nearly follow Jesus—and to consider how God might be shaping something new among us, both individually and as a church family.
Jan. 4 - “… of a new season for God’s people” | Matthew 2:1-12 Jan. 11 - “… of humility and peace” | Matthew 3: 13-17 Jan. 18 - “… of living faith” | John 1: 29- 42 Jan. 25 - “… of change beyond change” | Matthew 4: 12-23 Feb. 1 - “… of perseverance” | Matthew 5: 1- 12 Feb. 8 - “… of being and doing” | Matthew 5: 13- 20 Feb. 15 - “… of love’s transforming power” | Matthew 17: 1- 9
FXBG Baptist Stars Light Up The Night A Night of Stars dazzled with many fun talents and varieties!
We
began
our
evening
with
a
spaghetti
dinner and finding out our star words for the year. These words will remain with us as we journey through the ups and downs of the year with intentionality to live into that word. Our talent show portion followed with a total
of
15
acts!
There
were
jokesters,
singers,
gymnasts, musicians, and majorettes who showcased their talents and shined bright as we kicked off our New Year together. We even were lucky enough to witness the amazing vocal talent of our dog friends, Mortie and Baxter. The evening filled our souls with laughter and joy as we begin this Epiphany season together. As the stars shined bright that night and as the magi made their journey, may we too be inspired by the bright star and carry light with us into this new beginning.
Chris
chris@fxbgbaptist.org.
for
details.
MEMORIALS / HONORS Month of December In Memory Of Ministry Memorial Fund –for Billie Braswell, given by Capt. & Mrs. Bryan Braswell…for Lois Northern, given by her daughter, Patricia Pulliam…for Martha Slusher, given by Virginia Slusher Organ Restoration Fund – for David Onderdonk, given by Tom & Lynn Medley; Bill & Nancy Young… for Shirley Onderdonk, given by Tom & Lynn Medley; Debby Slaydon…for Kate Perlewitz, given by Tom & Lynn Medley…for Franklin Powell, given by Virginia Powell Music Ministry – for Dee Dodd, given by her daughter, Catherine Ryder…for David Onderdonk, given by Dianne Watson Benevolence Fund – for Dennis Hundley, given by Gail Hylton…for David Onderdonk, given by Vicki & Jerry Silver…for Kate Perlewitz, given by Vicki & Jerry Silver…for Shirley Onderdonk, given by Lee Newick…for Jack Schweitzer, given by Neal & Betty Walters…for Mona Berry Spayde, given by Neal & Betty Walters…for Clarene Woodward, given by Neal & Betty Walters Youth Ministry – for Della Green, given by Carol Hartmaier
End of 2025 Financial Report Another year is behind us, and we look with anticipation to the opportunities God will place before us in this new year. We accomplished much Kingdom work in 2025 and may
we
dedicate
ourselves
to
greater
efforts
in
2026
through our time, our talents, and our resources. Many of the good things accomplished last year were the result of your
generosity
and
faithful
financial
support.
We
are
thankful for your dedication. Here is the final stewardship report for 2025.
Ministry Budget Our budget was $1,524,855, and we came up a little short.
The
which
means
total
budget
we
missed
receipts
were
meeting
the
$1,471,012.67, budget
by
only
$53,842.33. While we did not fully fund the budget, we were able to pay all of the budget expenses and have a positive balance of $3,370.75 remaining. Our budget for 2026 increased about 4%, so let's start working now to meet that challenge.
Watering the Roots Capital Fund It has been shared with you previously about some of the projects
funded
in
Capital
Fund.
Contributions
$34,081.05
and
2025
through
expenses
Watering
for
were
the
the
year
$33,083.
The
Roots totaled ending
balance in the fund is $356,568.76.
Benevolence Fund
In Honor Of Micah Ministry -for Dr. Larry Haun, given by The Sojourners Class of FBC Ministry Fund – for Church Ministry Staff & Church Support Staff, given by Vicki & Jerry Silver CBF Global Missions – for Mark & Jane Walters, given by Neal & Betty Walters Benevolence Fund – for Dave & Susan Ellefson, given by Vicki & Jerry Silver…for Vicki & Jerry Silver, given by Dave & Susan Ellefson; Isaac, Davis, Erin & Michael Silver… Messenger Class Mission Fund – for Larry Case, Becky Parker & Fred Rankin, given by Vicki & Jerry Silver Organ Restoration Fund – for Robert & Chalee Carmichael, given by Anne Nuckols…for Mark & Theresie Houghton, given by Anne Nuckols…for Jane Sthreshley, given by Anne Nuckols
Many
persons,
the
majority
being
participants
in
our
church family, received much needed assistance due to your support of the Benevolence Fund. Gifts to the fund totaled $151,448.99 and assistance disbursed totaled $152,210.39, leaving a negative balance of only $761.40. Many expressions of thanks have been received for the support you provided.
Remember
that
all
gifts
received
are
applied
to
the
Ministry Budget unless they are specified for the Watering the Roots Capital Fund, the Benevolence Fund, or some other church effort. Be sure to clearly indicate how you wish your gift to be applied if you wish for it to go to something other than the Ministry Budget. If you ever have any questions concerning church finances, please contact the
treasurer,
Dennis
dennis@fxbgbaptist.org.
Sacrey.
Dennis'
is
Upcoming Events Women’s Missions Group Monday, January 12th, 1 pm Please join us for the Women's Missions Group meeting on Monday, January 12th at 1:00 in the Church's Blue Room. We meet on the 2nd Monday of every month. Most months we have a guest speaker and this month we will host Ms. Meghann Cotter . Ms. Cotter is the Executive Servant-Leader of Micah Ecumenical Ministries. You can attend just for Ms. Cotter's discussion or better yet, join us for our meeting. We'd love to see you! Contact Phyllis Marcom with any questions you may have. Hope to see you soon!!
Mission Possible Sunday, January 18th, 6- 7:30 pm Join us for our next Mission Night as we explore missions around the world! We’ll share dinner together before diving into stories
Ö
and activities that help us discover how people serve and share God’s love in every corner of the globe. To help us plan enough dinner, please email Stephanie if you plan to attend:
stephanie@fxbgbaptist.org. We can’t wait to learn and grow together!
Young Adults Next Chapter Small Group Tuesday, January 20th, 7-8:30 pm Join us for a young adult small group led by Beth a few times each semester. We’ll begin with classic Bible study and devotionals, with plans to transition into a book study—your book suggestions are welcome (theology, spirituality, or beyond!). We meet at Beth's house (address in weekly email). Pizza is provided, and friends are always welcome! Contact Beth at beth@fxbgbaptist.org for more details.
Mom’s Meetup Wednesday, January 21st, 6:30pm Moms are invited to meet-up for dinner and conversation! This gathering is meant to be a time of fellowship and support for moms with children birth-college so that we might support each other in the joys and challenges that come with parenthood. We will meet at Agave at 6:30pm. If you are interested in joining the fun, please email Erin.
Ladies’ Fellowship Thursday, January 22nd, 11:15 am Chase the Chill with Theresie's Chili! All ladies are invited to join in a time of fellowship at Theresie Houghton’s home to enjoy tasty chili, cornbread and dessert. Due to limited parking, we are asking that you meet in the church parking lot at 11:15 to take the church bus. RSVP by Monday, January 19th to Linda Britt, at lindpau@aol.com or Gail Hylton, at gailhylton7@gmail.com. We are hoping that you will join us!
Youth Ski Day Trip st
Saturday, January 31 , 6:30 am- 8:30 pm Date changed to Jan. 31st! All youth (7th-12th grade) are invited to join us for an all-day Ski Trip to Wintergreen Resort! We will spend the day skiing, snowboarding, and/or tubing. We plan to leave the church parking lot around 6:30 am and return around 8:30 pm. For more details and to sign up, scan the QR code. Please sign up by January 23rd—payment is due January 31st. Contact Beth Bailey at beth@fxbgbaptist.org for more details and if you are interested in chaperoning.
Souper Bowl Cook-Off Sunday, February 8th, 12:30-2 pm Join us for a fun and friendly Chili & Soup Cook-Off on Super Bowl Sunday from 12:30–2:00 pm in Ferrell Hall! Compete, taste, and vote for your favorites by purchasing $1 tickets (cash, check, or credit card via QR code) and placing them in the voting boxes—vote for one or many! Prizes will be awarded for the top chili and top soup. You can enter a chili or soup, help with setup or cleanup, or simply come enjoy the fun. All proceeds support scholarships for youth and children to attend Passport Camps this summer. For more details and to sign up, scan the QR code. Contact Beth Bailey at beth@fxbgbaptist.org with any questions.
1019 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 fxbgbaptist.org | (540) 373-4402