Thursday Thoughts

At the end of June, I had the opportunity to attend the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) General Assembly in Atlanta, GA. I was grateful that Sarah Laurence and Matt Waller were able to go this year and that we were able to bump into Cathy Cole who attended a portion of the assembly, as well. Due to the pandemic and other factors, it had been 4 years since I had last attended a General Assembly, and it was a great joy to be able to gather with friends old and new once again. While I do not have the space to share all of the things that made it a joy, I do want to share a few highlights.

Some of the greatest opportunities of any General Assembly are found in the spaces between and around the official worship and workshop sessions when you can catch up with friends and meet new colleagues in ministry. These conversations are always an encouragement for one’s spirit, often inspire new ideas and insights for ministry, and can even lead to new and unexpected partnerships. One of the cups of coffee I was able to share was with Rev. Angela Zimmerman. If you recognize that name, it is probably because you have prayed for her. She was the Associate Pastor at First Baptist Church of Danville when I was called to from there to serve as your pastor. She has since been called as the pastor of another church in Virginia. Angela is a dear friend, and we were looking forward to catching up on life and ministry in general. However, I also wanted to see how she was doing because she and her church had been a target of a recent campaign by a few intolerant individuals to highlight Baptist churches with some form of connection to the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) who had female pastors or ministers. The goal of that campaign was to say that women should not be pastors of any kind and that churches who have female pastors should be removed from the SBC. Angela had weathered that ordeal well; she was being actively supported by her church; and, in the midst of local media attention about it all, she was steering away from the controversy to highlight the good that her church had been doing and would continue to do in the community in the name of Jesus. It was good for my heart to see and hear that she was doing ok. Yet, I know I will continue to pray for her and other female ministers who were targeted, and I would ask you to do the same.

Another highlight of the General Assembly stood as an incredible contrast to the difficultly Angela had to navigate—it was a dinner attended by nearly 700 people to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Baptist Women in Ministry (BWIM), an organization that focuses on supporting and advocating for female ministers. We had the opportunity to speak words of blessing over female ministers—including our very own Sarah Laurence. We got to hear from leading voices advocating for ways women can be affirmed and supported in local churches. We were also able to participate in the kick-off of BWIM’s Multiply Campaign by collectively contributing $27,000 toward their good work in just 15 minutes that very night. The whole event emphasized the clear support that the CBF family gives to women in ministry.

The final highlight that I want to name for you was not any particular event, but was simply an awareness of the growing diversity of the CBF family. CBF has done good, intentional work over the last few years to partner with Hispanic and African-American churches and ministers. The fruit of that good work could be clearly seen not only in the make-up of those attending but also in the leadership of worship and in the content of workshops. We will all be better churches, ministers, and disciples for having the opportunity to fellowship with and learn alongside a greater breadth of God’s church.

Grace and Peace,

John Carroll

I haven’t been to camp in a long time, but as I write this I have the privilege of listening to our youth having a blast at Unidiversity. Over the last couple of days, I’ve gotten to worship alongside them, to race them on a bouncy obstacle course, to laugh at their jokes, to listen in as they process what they are learning about God, and to get to know them better. We have such great youth. And we have such great kids off at their own camp at Passport this week too.

As I’ve been enjoying chaperoning for a couple of days, I’ve been thinking about the adults that were involved in the youth program I came up through—the ones who chaperoned the trips and the ones who showed up week in and week out to love on us crazy kids. Mr. Bill, who could somehow make our automatic 15-passenger van feel like it was manual in need of some clutch work. Mrs. Barbara, who had everything organized and had a spare of anything that someone might forget to pack. Mr. Thomas, whose calm, quiet soul could bring peace to any moment. Mrs. Diane, who could prep any food necessary. All of these and so many more made a huge impact on me, not because they were my youth minister but because they showed up, loved me as I was, listened when I needed to talk, offered kind wisdom, and kept pointing me to Jesus.

I’m writing, not just to reflect on this week with our youth nor to reminisce about 25 years ago, but to let you know we need some of you to step up and be those adults that make a difference in the lives of our youth by showing up, by loving them, and by pointing them to Jesus. Outside of Sunday School and chaperones for trips, we only have one regular adult volunteer and one occasional adult volunteer for Wednesday and Sunday night programming. That’s not enough. Its not enough as we hit a point where youth need to be split into High School and Middle School groups. And its certainly not enough when we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that one of the most vital things in a youth’s development is having a couple of adults outside of their own parents whom they know love them and have their back no matter what. So, yes, we need our parents involved, but we also need non-parents involved because often a youth needs a trusted adult outside of the family to process certain things with.

Will you be praying alongside me for the right volunteers to come forward and talk with Sarah about getting involved? Will you be praying if you are one of those that God might be calling to step into this vital role in our church and in the lives of our youth?

Grace and Peace,

John

Thank you for your contributions to ACTS each month!  Our church committed many years ago to providing 450 units of each month’s desired items.  When we do not collect enough items each month we write a check to cover the missing items.  Unfortunately, this year we have only met our goal for one month out of the last five months.  

The ACTS Executive Director recently wrote us a letter outlining the support that Aiken’s First Baptist Church provided in 2022.  ACTS is grateful for our support.  Our support in 2002:  

• Six (6) volunteers from AFBC contributed a total of 376 hours to ACTS’ Programs and Services 
• Members participated in the ACTS Monthly Food Collection Program 
• Vacation Bible School youth volunteers participated in special projects during the year 
• Debbie Sessions and other members packed the food and hosted the monthly Oakwood-Windsor Food Distribution 

• Debbie Sessions served as the Member-at Large on the ACTS Board and chaired the Volunteer Committee 
• Financial Support totaled $8,696.50.

ACTS has served this community for 37 years.  Our partnership with ACTS helps them to continue to give hope to individuals and families in need in our community. 

Thank you, Aiken’s First Baptist Church! 

June 22, 2023

On Monday, June 26, our annual Vacation Bible School will begin. This year our theme is Stellar…..Shine Jesus’ Light! Children will have a blast shining Jesus’ light into the world. They will learn how we can shine His light during times when life is good and when things are difficult. Over 100 children will be here as we launch into an out-of-this world VBS experience. This is a wonderful opportunity for the children in our church and community to learn more about God’s love and His gift of salvation. 

Please be in prayer for each child and the many volunteers who will be in attendance. May God’s glory shine throughout the week.] 

Ellen Looper

Minister of Children

June 15, 2023

Search Committee Wrap up

In April of 2022 our congregation nominated 6 members to be a part of a committee to find our next Minister of Children and Families.  That committee first met in early May.  Andy Brown and I are the co-chairs and have been blessed to have Erin Joenk, Aaron Campbell, Lindsey McCullough, and Casey Carrol to round out an all-star team.  We were issued a job description from our personnel committee to review and worked over the summer to draft position announcements to post through CBF and Divinity school job boards.  Late summer and early fall proved to not be fruitful in any applicants submitting resumes.  We then decided to meet and come up with a plan to revise the job description to open the applicant pool to those that may not have a Masters of Divinity degree.  We revised the job description to include those with teaching experience and the desire to continue their education in some type of theology to include a masters or an advanced certification.  The co-chairs presented this plan to the personnel committee for approval of the new job description.   Therefore the position of minister or director of children and families was formed and approved. 

Fast forward to late winter and early spring our push to post on the job board for round two was initiated.  This would prove to be all about timing.  Over a forty-five-day period during February and March, we received seven (7) resumes and cover letters.  All applied had great qualifications and we again met as a committee in March to decide which to invite to a Zoom interview.    We decided to interview six (6) of the seven (7).  This process brought three (3) candidates that stood above all the others.  The search committee convened and debated which two (2) of the three (3) we should bring to town for an in-person interview.  After deliberating through meetings, phone calls, and texts it all became very clear.  There was only one to bring to interview in person and tour our wonderful town and church campus.  This happened on the weekend of June 2nd through 3rd.  The 3-hour dinner/interview seemed more like 15 minutes.  This further confirmed we had made the right choice. 

Our candidate exemplified all the qualities we felt our church deserved.  They demonstrated a passion unlike the others with a calm that would serve our congregation well.  Their description of curriculum, leadership style, and wisdom resonated well with all of us.  We, as a committee, will present more information next Wednesday, June 21st, at 6:30 pm and will be more than willing to answer any questions from the congregation.  We encourage that there be a great turnout as we would like everyone to be excited to meet our choice on Saturday, June 24th, in person from 10 am – 12 pm in the fellowship hall. We hope that the choice will be clear to our congregation as it was to us on Sunday, June 25 when our congregation votes to have our next minister join our church.

Josh Pniewski

June 8, 2023

You may notice a new face in the church office this summer. Lillian Land resigned as Administrative Assistant on Wednesday, May 31, and Toni Banks, who regularly serves as the assistant director of our preschool, is filling in during the summer while we search for our new Administrative Assistant. We wish Lillian well in all future endeavors and are grateful to Toni for filling in this summer.

We are, therefore, looking for a new Administrative Assistant. This position works 24 hours per week, Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Applicants for this position should be ready to help our ministries flourish by taking on clerical and support duties with proficiency and efficiency and should interact well with members of the congregation and outside guests.

Qualifications:

• Kindness and a willingness to listen, to learn, and be challenged.

• Proven experience as an administrative assistant or similar role is preferred.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong organizational and time-management skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office with an aptitude to learn new software and systems

If you know of anyone who might be a fit for this position, please encourage them to apply by sending their resume to fbc@fbcaiken.org.

Thank you,

Debra

June 1, 2023

Encourager Church Need & Opportunity 

As you may recall, on February 26 we entered into a covenant with Grace and Main Fellowship and Third Chance Ministries of Danville, VA in the role of Encourager Church.  The Missions Committee has communicated with Jessica Hearne as to their needs and the result is our first opportunity to put our prayers and support into action.  The ministry in Danville needs certain items to maintain their urban garden and to offer opportunity through their tool library for those they serve in the community seeking food & shelter.  If you have any of the following items in usable condition, please consider donating to this cause.  The items will be cleaned & re-furbished prior to transport to Danville.  This is a great opportunity to clear out that cluttered tool shed of duplicate tools in good shape but seldom used.  

Chainsaws—used but in operable condition  

Hand tools—loppers, pruners, trowels, small garden shovels, etc.  

You may drop-off hand tools in the mission cabinets located in the hallway across from the church office.  For chainsaw donations, please contact David McGuire in advance at (803) 221-2282.  

If you would like to provide support in another way, you may send cards of encouragement to:  

Grace & Main Fellowship 

Attention: Jessica Hearne 

228 Broad St 

Danville, VA 24541  

Sincerely,  

Mission Committee 

May 18, 2023

We are so excited to announce our 2023 high school and college graduates! Please join us this Sunday, May 21 as we celebrate them and their accomplishments during morning worship!

Prayer Quilts  

The Prayer Quilt Ministry at Aiken’s First Baptist Church has been active for most of the last fifteen years.  In that time, our church has given away more than 300 quilts to church members, community friends, as well as family members at a distance.  This past year was our most productive year yet, as we gave away 40 quilts in 2022!!  

Our church has made an impact on many lives through the quilt ministry.  The impact begins with fellowship in the quilt room every Thursday morning from 10-12, when our quilters meet.  Generally, there have never been more than ten workers at any given time, but through the years, we have taught half a dozen ladies to sew, improved our own sewing skills, and made lifelong friendships.  We have had award winning quilters work with us, as well as beginners, and even a few who do not sew at all!    

The quilts, with the prayers that they contain, make a difference in people’s lives.  Several church members have asked to be buried with their quilt – because it is from their own church!  Community members recognize that they have been prayed for, “Almost 100 ties, and I only know a few people there!”  One neighbor, after receiving a quilt and realizing its meaning, asked if we could please make one for her brother who was going through a tough time.  A young mother, a thousand miles from here, continued to ask our church to pray for her infant daughter as her illness progressed.  

Just recently, a friend in Virginia who had received a quilt a few years ago, asked us for prayers for her terminally ill stepson.  Of course we sent him a quilt, with all the prayers that you, the congregation, supply.  The quilt was a conversation starter for a young man who had questions about eternity.  The stepmother was relieved when she realized that he was “right with God” when he was called home.  And now, she has started a quilt ministry in her own church!  

When you see a prayer quilt on the table outside the library, please stop, say a prayer, and tie a knot.  Your prayers matter to those who are going through the darkest times of their life.  

Wanda Payne 

Dessert Auction

It’s almost here! Sunday, February 26th at 6:30 is our annual Dessert Auction! The Dessert Auction has proved to be the largest fundraiser in the life of our youth ministry. The funds raised provide scholarship money to supplement the cost of our trips for our youth. Currently, our youth have three main trips: Fall Retreat at $150, Middle School Mission Trip at $150, and Unidiversity at $350. Camps and retreats are essential in youth ministry! They provide the opportunity to focus on building relationships and strengthening relationships. Youth who participate in retreats experience God in ways impossible to convey in a couple hours a week in a church building. Getting away from home and church allows time for the youth to simply be together. Experiencing different environments and new challenges along with spending an extended time with their peers will help to create unique memories, which are vital parts of forming more authentic and long-lasting friendships. Youth trips can get expensive, and I never want money to keep any of our youth from having these opportunities. Participating in this auction ensures there are always funds available for our youth.

Last year’s Dessert Auction was a HUGE success! Let’s do it again! It will be $5 per person at the door. Coffee, tea, water, and milk will be provided and served by the youth as you enjoy your desserts! A new addition to the auction this year is we will be selling cakes by the slice. There is no expectation of participating in crazy bidding wars if that is not something you are interested in. But everyone loves community, and everyone loves dessert. So please come, buy a slice and spend the evening fellowshipping with your community!

I love this event. I love that this auction is possible because of the willingness of our congregation to donate desserts. I love the laughter and banter that comes along with bidding. I love watching the excitement on faces when dessert gets delivered to the table. More than anything, I love that so many people show up to support this ministry. Thank you for being a congregation who cares and so generously gives. I am excited to share this evening with you all!

Grace and Peace,
Sarah Laurence

Missions! Missions! Missions!

Do you have a heart for Missions?!

Your AFBC Missions Committee is offering 3 opportunities in the near future to impact our community in Jesus’ name.

Encourager Church.  This Sunday, Feb. 26 in the 11:00 am service, we will sign a three-year commitment to be an Encourager Church.  We will encourage the ministry of Grace and Main in Danville VA, which ministers to the homeless and near-homeless. AFBC will commit to pray, visit, send encouraging cards and items, and give financially through our Missions Budget. Plan to be here Sunday to hear Jessica Hearne speak of the work she and her husband, Josh, do in Danville.

Blood Drive. March 22 we will be hosting an opportunity to give to our community through a blood drive. From 2:00-6:00 pm in the gym, Shepeard Community Blood Center will be set up to receive your donation of the gift of life!  Appointment information can be found in the Tuesday Update.

Mission: HERE  (Helping Everyone Reach Everyone) will be offered this year in April. We will again be repairing homes for those in need in partnership with United Way. Project work dates are April 27-29, Thursday-Saturday.  An organization/kick-off will be held 6:00-6:45 pm Wednesday evening April 26.  A Celebration Family Time will be right after church April 30.

Children can participate through the Children’s Workshop Wednesday evening Apr 26, 6:45-7:30 pm during Children’s Missions and Sat April 29, 9:00 am-12:00 noon.

Youth can participate Saturday, Apr 29 on a ramp build.

Sign up for Mission: HERE now through March 31 in the office or through this link: https://forms.office.com/r/y8q4N4n93n.  You can indicate how you would like to help and which days you are available on the sign-up form.  We’ll need volunteers to prepare and deliver lunches, Children’s Workshops helpers, house repair workers and assistants, and project team leaders. We’ll also be collecting items for gift baskets like last summer, so donations of small items can be left in the cupboard across from the office.

Be prayerfully considering how you will participate in these Mission opportunities to show our love and concern to our community.

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

I have heard from so many of you this week about how meaningful our worship with Second Baptist was this past Sunday. Some of you raved about the warmth and hospitality extended to us by Second Baptist. Some of you highlighted the joy of the worship experience. Others of you named the meaningful impact of worshiping with such a diverse body of Christ—some of you even worshiped with friends from the community or colleagues from work for the first time. And still others of you referenced the incredible food, the stunning facility, and the ease of the whole experience. Collectively, I think we all were astounded by the way God blessed this experience beyond our highest hopes.

As your pastor, I want to tell you how very grateful I am to each and every one of you. You showed up and exclaimed in a powerful way how very important this opportunity was and how committed we are to finding fruitful ways of bridging the divides—or as our choir beautifully sang, of tearing down every wall! You ministered hope to me. You showed our community who we truly are. And you added strength and trust to our ongoing relationship with our brothers and sisters at Second Baptist. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I cannot wait to see the unexpected and powerful ways that God guides and blesses this good work in the months and years to come.

If you will remember, during worship we were challenged to “Affect the Culture” by offering 5 random acts of kindness to individuals outside of our usual circle of relationship. If you accepted the challenge, I hope you will follow through on those acts of kindness in the month ahead. It doesn’t have to be anything grand or expensive, just a kind act offered to another human being. If you are open to sharing what you have done as an encouragement for others to do the same, you can share about the act on social media and simply add the hashtags #affecttheculture and #1stand2ndunite to your post. Adding the hashtags will help us to track and collect those experiences. If you aren’t adept at social media, you can also share your experiences with us on staff through email so that we can collect those experiences in that manner.

Again, thank you for leaning into this opportunity. Let’s pray that God will continue to bless this effort in surprising and powerful ways in the months and years to come.

Peace,
John