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Congratulations Graduates

By Rev. Beth Bailey

We celebrated our graduates on Sunday, May 18th in worship and at the church picnic! During worship, we recognized all of our high school, college, and graduate school graduates at the 11 am service through a gift presentation and blessing. Later that evening at our church picnic, we celebrated with cake, balloons, and music trivia. It was lots of fun as we tried to guess songs from the high school graduates' birth years (20072008).

In worship, each graduate received a devotional book, Bread for the Journey by Henri Nouwen, as well as an art print by artist and minister, Suzanne Vinson. Our congregation blessed and commissioned these graduates as we read a prayer together. One of my favorite lines from the blessing is this:

May you live with an awareness that real life is happening to you right now,

and that life does not begin at some later milestone.

We commission you, through the Spirit and love of God, to add beauty to this world.

One of the things I make sure to remind our young adults is that "real life" is happening right now and that they matter to the church right now, not when they become "successful" or have it all together, because let's be honest, we never truly have it all together. As our graduates start a new chapter in their lives, we are proud to celebrate and recognize them and their accomplishments. Graduates, we cannot wait to see how you flourish and grow in your next adventure. Know that you are loved and cared no matter where you are in your journey and that you will always have a place here at FXBG Baptist. Congratulations, graduates and families of graduates!

Theology on Tap is back for the summer, but with a twist! We are meeting monthly during the summer for Backyard Theology on Tap from 7-8:30 pm where will fellowship & have dialogue on different topics that surround the theme of "Liberating Lenses." Our dates and locations for the summer are June 9th at the Houghton's House, July 21st at the Pryce's House, and August 18th at the Stewarts' House. Our first topic on June 9th will be "Voices from the Margins." Bring your own beverages (spirited or not) and a lawn chair and come ready to participate in conversation! Reach out to Beth Bailey at beth@fxbgbaptist.org for more details.

“Walking With The Enslaved” Pilgrimage

By: Theresie Houghton

Mark and I recently traveled to Richmond to participate in a one-day pilgrimage. ”Walking with the Enslaved: The Church’s Role in Slavery” is a one-day experiential faith-based pilgrimage about race and history. It is overseen by a steering committee comprised of members of St. Paul’s and St. Philip’s Episcopal Churches. During the antebellum years, whites and blacks, both enslaved and free worshiped together at St. Paul’s. St. Philip’s was established in 1861 for enslaved and free people of color. During the war years, St. Paul’s was known as the Cathedral of the Confederacy, with elite white members including Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee. Our historians/spiritual directors were from both congregations, and the “pilgrims” included about 30 individuals, ages 18-85, from both congregations and other churches around Richmond and Northern Virginia.

From the moment we gathered, we were asked to confront the distortions of Christianity that justified slavery while also recognizing Christianity’s role in the resistance and liberation of African Americans. And indeed , we wrestled with that tension throughout the day as we walked portions of the Richmond Slave Trail.

We began with a short bus ride to Manchester Docks, slightly upriver from where kidnapped Africans were unloaded from their transatlantic journey. There, we digested historical facts about the slave trade along the James River.

As the words to “Wade in the Water” were sung, we silently reflected on the enslaved experience of landing in a foreign land at nighttime after months in horrible, cramped conditions. We were invited to walk together silently through the woods, linked hand to shoulder as if we were chained. Mark suggested later, “All I could think about was their terror.” Upon exiting the woods to the respite of the air-conditioned bus, we were again challenged to remember our privilege, of transportation, air conditioning, and freedom.

We continued our journey with the enslavers and the enslaved for 10 more stops, where we heard more historical facts, stories of resistance and resilience on the part of the enslaved, and spiritual songs. In front of the capital, we listened to excerpts from Virginia’s Declaration of Rights (1776) and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom (1786). We remembered Patrick Henry’s words “Give me Liberty or Give me Death” and grieved his confession that his life of luxury could not be maintained without his slaves. We remembered enslaved individuals by name who chose to fight for their freedom risking death. We walked by the medical education buildings of MCV and mourned that bodies of African Americans were used in teaching medical students. We walked by Wall Street, where Richmond housed the 2nd largest market for the domestic slave trade, next to New Orleans. We stood at the African Burial Ground and pondered the communion of enslaved saints who were with us asking us to continue the fight against racial injustice.

We stood at the sight of Lumpkin’s Slave Jail, only discovered in 2005, and confronted the fact that the Jail was easily visible from windows at the governor’s mansion. But we also heard the powerful stories of Anthony Burns and Mary Lumpkin, who resisted slavery in ways available to them. We envisioned the transformation of Lumpkin’s Slave Jail into a National Slavery Museum and Memorial Park. Our final stop on the trail was Sixth Mt. Zion Baptist Church, a historic black church that successfully fought demolition when I-95 was purposefully routed through the heart of Jackson Ward, the largest black neighborhood in Richmond in the 1950s.

Following completion of the trail, the pilgrimage continued at St. Paul’s where we shared lunch and intentional reflection as individuals, in small groups, and the large group. We left the retreat with full heads and hearts, feeling better equipped, challenged, hopeful and inspired to continue working for Jesus-centered justice.

The “Walking with the Enslaved” pilgrimage is being offered monthly in 2026. If interested, you can learn more on their website: https://walkingwiththeenslaved.org. We would discourage groups larger than 4 participating on the same day because the experience was more powerful hearing diverse voices from different backgrounds. If you choose to pilgrimage, however, we would love to join with you in conversation and prayer to wonder what God might be calling us to do here in the Fredericksburg.

As we move into the summer season together, we invite you into a new worship series called Season of Play. In a world that often tells us to hurry more, worry more, produce more, and carry more, this series invites us to rediscover something holy we too often forget: joy. From the wonder and creativity of Creation to the laughter, meals, celebrations, and surprising moments shared throughout Jesus’ ministry, scripture reminds us that delight is not separate from faith—it is part of God’s design for life itself.

Beginning next Sunday and continuing through Sunday, June 21st, we will explore how play, rest, creativity, imagination, and shared joy can become sacred practices that reconnect us to God and one another. Together we will discover that play is not simply a reward after the “real work” is finished, but one of the ways God forms us, heals us, and reminds us that we are beloved.

Throughout the series, expect moments of laughter, creativity, participation, storytelling, and grace-filled connection for all ages. We will invite one another into simple, meaningful practices both in worship and at home that help us step away from fear, exhaustion, and pressure and return to delight, wonder, and community.

This is a series you will not want to miss. Invite a friend, bring your family, and come ready to experience a church that reflects the joy, imagination, and delight of God. After all, God delights first —and we are invited to respond.

MEMORIALS / HONORS

April 2026

In Memory Of

Music Ministry – for Gene Barlow, given by Dianne Watson

Benevolence Fund – for Chris Hylton, given by Fred & Ginny Karnas…for Berena Paul, given by Jim & Ann McGlone

Messenger Class Mission Fund – for Jeanne Vaught, given by Bill & Marla Tignor

In Honor Of

Benevolence Fund – for Dennis Sacrey, on his retirement, given by Rosemary Dodd; John & Margaret Ingram

Ministry Fund – for Dennis Sacrey, on his retirement, given by Steve & Sherri Gallahan

April Stewardship Update

Ministry Budget

Gifts to the Ministry Budget for April totaled $10,457 less than April of last year. Total gifts for this year total $364,192, a $5,966 increase over last year. Through April, giving is behind the budget by $155,326 and behind expenses by $149,067. Summer, when our gifts typically lessen, will be here soon so let's be attentive to our giving during May.

Watering the Roots Capital Fund

Gifts totaled $3,085 in April for a year-to -date total of $12,195 with no expenses thus far this year. The balance in the fund is $368,764. Although there have been no expenses in 2026, remember a million dollars in probable capital expense needs over the next 10 years have been identified.

Benevolence Fund

Gifts to the fund in April totaled $7,385 while expenses totaled $12,452. Of the $12,452 disbursed, $10,849 went to assist families in meeting critical housing needs. Year-to-date the fund is $37,283 in deficit. As many folks face increasing everyday costs of living, this fund is a vital means of helping to love our neighbors.

Reminders:

All gifts are automatically applied to the Ministry Budget unless otherwise stipulated. If you make a gift intended for Watering the Roots Capital Fund or the Benevolence Fund, be sure your wish is clearly noted on your check/gift. If you are required to make a Required Minimum Distribution from your retirement plan, you can receive a tax advantage by designating all or a portion of the RMD to the church. Also, if you have a life insurance policy that you no longer rely on, you can make the church the beneficiary. Also, the church accepts gifts of stock which can provide tax savings for the donor. For details, check with your financial advisor. Questions about church finances and stewardship can be directed to the church treasurer, Dennis Sacrey.

As we enter the summer months and a new sermon series on a Season of Play, we are reminded that joy is something to be welcomed. During the month of June, Beth Bailey will be leading a book club on Joyful, Anyway by Duke Divinity School professor, Dr. Kate Bowler. In this book, Kate reminds us that joy coincides with grief and "the aches" of life, and that it can be a part of our lives alongside the pain, and that there is more. Book Club will occur on Tuesday and Thursday nights in June on the dates below on Zoom (linked below) from 7-8:30 pm. Join us in this season of play as we discover how joy can be a part of our daily lives! Below are the dates along with the sections we will discuss on those dates:

June 2nd — Part I: The Ache

June 11th — Part II: Mourning

June 23rd — Part III: Joy

June 25th — Part IV: Living

Meeting ID: 450 069 1426

Passcode: joy

Upcoming Events

Backyard Theology on Tap

Tuesday, June 9th, 7-8:30 pm

Young Adult Sunset Series

Monday, June 22nd, 7-8:30 pm

All young adults (college students included) are invited to Sunset Series this summer! We will have a monthly gathering outside on the patio on Monday evenings from 7 to 8:30 pm for dinner, conversation, and a short devotional. Our first one is Monday, June 22nd at Susan Graham's house (address in the weekly email). Let Beth know if you are attending or if you have any questions by text or email at beth@fxbgbaptist.org.

Mid Week Minis

Wednesday, June 17th and July 22, 10:30–11:30 AM

Join us for a joyful morning of play and connection in the church playroom! Families with little ones—from babies through preschool —are warmly invited to enjoy toys, simple activities, and time to connect with other children and caregivers. We’ll gather on June 17 and July 22 from 10:30–11:30 AM. Let Stephanie know if you can attend!

Bay Day Trip

Saturday, June 27th

All children and youth families are invited to a Bay Day Trip at Beth & Colin Bailey’s family farm in Leonardtown, MD on Saturday, June 27th (about 1 hour from FXBG)! Join us anytime from 10 am to 8:30 pm for a full day of fun including water skiing, tubing, paddle boarding, fishing, swimming in the bay or pool, boat and jet ski rides, and a fireworks display to end the day. This event is free—just bring a side or dessert to share for our potluck meals. Sign up your family by scanning the QR code by June 25th! Contact Beth Bailey at beth@fxbgbaptist.org for more details.

Family VBS

Monday- Wednesday, June 29- July 1st, 5:30-7:30 pm

We’re excited to invite your family to our upcoming evening Family VBS! Each night will begin with a light dinner—a simple way to gather and connect. Throughout the week, children will explore faith through storytelling, play, crafts, and music, all centered on building community and celebrating who God created us to be. Our Just Like Me theme highlights inclusion, belonging, and the joy of growing together as a church family. Please email Stephanie if you plan to attend.

Museum of the Bible & Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibition

Wednesday, July 22nd 9am- 4pm

Join us for a trip to Washington DC to visit the Museum of the Bible and the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit. We will leave the church at 9am and spend our day exploring exhibits and enjoying lunch together. We will plan to be back by 4pm or earlier depending on traffic. Cost of the trip is $32 and includes admission to the museum, Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit, and a boxed lunch. Please sign-up and pay for your trip by July 1st. You may sign up by contacting Tammy in the front office. Please see Erin with any questions about the trip.

Family Pool Party

Sunday, July 26th, 5 pm

Make a splash with us at our Family Pool Party on Sunday, July 26th from 5:00–7:00 PM at Grafton Pool (711 Jett St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401)! Families with children or youth are invited to join us for an evening of swimming, pizza, and summer fun together. Please be sure to email Stephanie or Beth ahead of time so we can plan for food and order enough pizza for everyone!