SHALOM week here at FBC
It is so appropriate that the Discipleship Focus Group reports to the congregation in February for it is the month when First Baptist is involved in its biggest hands-on mission. Many of you reading this will have been a part of serving those that find themselves homeless as we hosted SHALOM for the week of February 16th-23rd. For this week, we opened our Celebration Center to house, feed, and share the love of Jesus with 40+ different guests. This endeavor had over 65 people providing food and supplies, chaperoning during the evenings or through the overnight, driving guests to and from the check-in location and keeping the facility clean and ready. Our children and young adults got involved by making trail mix and breakfast casseroles as well as doing artwork for decorations. Think of this supported by even more involved in prayer for this endeavor. We also had several community neighbors call and ask to join us. The week brings many challenges but also many blessings. God is present.
Of course, this week of mission isn’t the only thing going on as FBC reaches out to others. The holiday season was only a few weeks ago and FBC was again the hands and feet of Christ as groups in the church contributed to the food drive and shipped so that numerous families had gifts for their children and food for their tables. Gift cards for perishable foods were also given (see the line item in the budget “Christmas Mission Food Gift Cards.”)
Another line item in the budget titled “Emergency Funds” continues to help those in the community that struggle with utility bills. The church receives numerous phone calls each month asking for assistance. The authenticity of each call is researched and if appropriate, $50 is paid directly to the utility company to help with the family’s bill.
The Discipleship Focus Group will soon be gearing up for the Easter Season by having a traditional Easter Egg Hunt that many of our Daycare Families attend along with our church’s wonderful children. When available, take a few dozen plastic eggs home, fill, and return so that the children have a lot of “hunting” to do.
Reaching out to the homeless, providing food and gifts at Christmas for families, helping keep the lights and heat on in homes, and loving on our children are only a few of the opportunities in which FBC (you) serves Jesus. Do not miss any of these as First Baptist people we strive to exemplify James 2:14-17.
14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
Beth Daly, Co-Chair of the Discipleship Ministry Focus Area at First Baptist Church
More from Joanne and Chris ……
Q: What’s your favorite way to unwind after a hectic day?
Joanna- Cuddling on the couch with my Hubby and our 2 dogs, Charlie and Poppy.
Q: If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be and why?
Chris- Scotland or Ireland
Q: Who do you look up to, and why?
Joanna- My faith was shaped by all of you at FBC!! From JoAnn Borland and Judy Beasley as a child, Rev. Marty Carney as a teenager through Pastor Scotty now! I look up to you, First Baptist. You are my church home and family!
Chris- I look up to my Great Grandfather Carpenter for his kindness and his work ethic and ability to take things apart and fix them.
Who will be the next FBC Member in the spotlight?
Have a suggestion, let me know.
People @ First
Kay Fugate had a fall and broke some ribs.
Sue Ann Hale had a fall and broke her arm.
John Daly also broke his arm.
Please pray for complete healing for Kay, Sue Ann and John.
Long time member Nancy Reams passed away over the weekend. Please keep her family in prayer as they navigate this difficult time.
Please remember the Casey Family on the tragic passing of Taeler.
Also, heartfelt condolences go out to Esther Arnold and family on the passing of her sister.
As always, please keep Jackson Redding in prayer.
Dick and Reba Casey
4560 Weybridge St.
Sarasota, FL 34235
Upcoming events
The next Men's Breakfast on will be Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 8:30 am at Garver’s in Monroe.
May 1 Troy Deuth
May 2 Charles Scheibert Sr.
May 2 Chuck Scheibert
May 5 Lucy Griffith
May 5 Nicholas Janney
May 12 Esther Arnold
May 14 Cami Scheibert
May 15 Chris Boggs
May 19 Doug Rose
May 21 Declan Daly
May 26 Joanna Stitt
May 27 Bill Rogers
May 27 Leanne Taylor
May 31 Renee Beasley
Doug & Teri Boggs
May 10 – 45 years
Tim & Ruth Willis
May 22 – 54 years
Charles & Stephanie Nicely
May 24 – 34 years
Lost and found:
We now have two pairs of glasses that have been turned into the office.
Thanks to everyone who sent prayers, cards and well wishes! I’m doing good and recovering well. Love, Kelsie
