2017 Palm Sunday Parade
You’re invited to join us on Sunday March 25th, for a Palm Sunday Parade! “Mariachi Ay Ay Ay” will return to lead us in song as we circle our DuPont Neighborhood waving palm branches. Wear your walking shoes and join us as we let our neighbors know that they are loved. “Mariachi Ay Ay Ay” was one of the featured bands in a Washington Post Magazine article on Sunday, March 4.
Charlie Reynolds
New Sunday Morning Class Begins April 8
Taught by Dr. Charlie Reynolds, US Army Chaplain (Ret.)
Every day in the news we view events involving Muslims, yet there is a vacuum of misunderstanding about Muslims and the Islamic Faith. Muslims comprise one of the largest groups of emigrants coming to the United States. Muslims are our neighbors. It is critically important for Christians in the United States to understand Islam and the beliefs of Muslims, as well as how we can interact with our Muslim brothers and sisters in meaningful ways.
Teacher: As a US Army Chaplain, Charlie Reynolds served as the Strategic Religious Advisor for United States Forces Iraq and United States Army Africa. He retired as the director of the Army Center for World Religions and is currently a religious advisor for the Army. Charlie received his BA in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Richmond and an MDiv and DMin from Golden Gate Seminary in Mill Valley, CA. While in the military he received a Master of Theology Degree from Princeton Seminary in World Religions and Culture and was an Academic Fellow at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, where his academic focus was on ways Religion can assist in reducing conflict. He has presented this material at the American Academy of Religion Annual Meeting and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship General Assembly, as well as at conferences in the U. K. and Germany. Charlie’s hobbies are golf, running and hiking.
Classes begin at 9:30am each Sunday:
April 8 Bridge One: Understanding Islam
April 15 Bridge Two: Understanding a Muslim’s World View
April 22 Bridge Three: Understanding the Diversity in Islam
April 29 Bridge Four: The Bridge We Walk Over
The word "deacon" comes from the Greek word diakonos, which means "servant." There are many references to deacons in the early church. Deacon ministry was developed in response to specific needs within the corporate life of the church itself, and its inspiration was no less the example of Christ himself, who "came not to be served but to serve".
At First Baptist Church, deacons are actively engaged in the mission of the church. They promote peace, reconciliation and the spirit of cooperation and unity in this body. They model the ministry of presence by their regular participation in worship and in other events in the life of the church. They offer pastoral care and help lead in worship. They are faithful in their financial support of the church. They participate in diaconate meetings and training events. As a foundational priority, deacons endeavor to follow Jesus Christ themselves through personal practices of discipleship.
If a person has been nominated to serve as a deacon and is prayerfully considering deacon
service, he or she is invited to consider the following questions:
Nominating People for Deacon Service @ FBCDC
During the period between Sunday, March 18, and Tuesday, April 3, First Baptist Church members are invited to offer the names of up to 6 church members who demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23), and who embody characteristics of servant leadership. Nominees, as well as those nominating, must be full members of FBC.
This year’s deacon election will fill three, 3-year terms ending in 2018 and one, 2-year term ending in 2020. A nomination form will be provided on the Sundays of March 18, 25 and April 1, or you may submit names by email to office@firstbaptistdc.org. All nominations must be received by 5pm on Tuesday, April 3.
Individuals not eligible for election as new deacons:
Following the nomination period, the Deacon Selection Team, comprising Kate Campbell and other deacons, in conversation with Pastor Julie, will prayerfully review all nominations and begin reaching out to individuals.
Deacon Election Timeline
March 18 – April 3 Deacon nominations received
After April 3: Deacon Election Team meets; begins reaching out to nominees
May 2018: New term of deacon service begins
On February 27, work began at Anamer Castrello’s family’s house in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. Anamer, a member of our choir, flew to PR to help oversee the installation of the new solar water heater (the family has been without hot water since the middle of September 2017). Your gifts also purchased a new gas-powered generator which was delivered on Wednesday to Carolyn Roebuck’s family in St. Croix. Carolyn is the Director of FBC’s Child Development Center. And batteries that you donated will be sent soon to these families for use in flashlights and lanterns when they’re not allowed to use generators. The FBC family has given $3,275 and 238 batteries. Your generosity is making a real difference— thanks be to God!
“Why are we promoting the March for our Lives and the Rally to End Racism?” While no one at FBC has asked me this question, it is certainly fair. There are marches in Washington all the time. Why these two?
“March for Our Lives”
This march wears a personal face for us at First Baptist. Our brother and newest church member, Andrew Blasi, graduated from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School 12 years ago (see his letter here) and grew up in Parkland, FL. The mass shooting on February 14th has left Andrew and an entire community devastated. I’ll be marching as a way of demonstrating love and support. In a much broader sense, while March for Our Lives is not organized as a religious action, advocating for peace and an end to gun violence is a faithful expression of Christian discipleship as well as our own Anabaptist heritage. The way of Jesus, our Prince of Peace, embodies both an unmistakable rejection of violence and the power of love and truth in action for justice, peace and wholeness for all people. (Bill Leonard, this year’s Winter Forum speaker at FBC, wrote a blog this week for Baptist News Global about gun violence in America. Read it here.)
“Rally to End Racism”
This event, initiated by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, and marking the 50th anniversary of the assassination of our Baptist brother, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is overtly grounded in faith, and is the beginning of a focused, intentional effort to eradicate the racism that paralyzes our ability to see every human being as equal and created in God’s image.
The gospel is political but not partisan.
The gospel of Christ, grounded in the witness of the Hebrew prophets, addresses not only individual hearts but also the societal systems of every nation. In this season of Lent it is well for us to remember that it was the threat Jesus posed to both religious and political authorities that led to his crucifixion. The gospel is political…but never partisan. It is a misguided, even arrogant, assumption that the way of Christ is perfectly articulated by any political party. Our congregation includes people with varied political affiliations so our ideas on how best to encourage peace and justice may differ. And yet, beyond all political differences, the gospel of Christ calls us all to advocate for these.
Grace and peace,
Kelly Magee-Prichard
With excitement and gratitude, the Personnel Committee and Faith Formation Team invite the FBC family to join them in welcoming Kelly Magee-Prichard as our new Minister for Children and Families.
Kelly and her family (husband, Chuck, and son, Angus) began worshiping with us in the fall of 2017 and immediately sensed the spirit of God at work (Kelly was initially drawn to FBCDC because of our Statement of Inclusion, adopted last September.) They joined First Baptist on January 28, 2018.
Kelly holds a Doctor of Management degree in Organizational Leadership (University of Phoenix, 2009); a M. A. in Mass Communication (Northeast Louisiana University, 1996); and a B. A. in Journalism (Louisiana Tech, 1990).
Kelly’s greatest passion is nurturing children, encouraging their families, and directing, coordinating and training volunteers who serve infants, preschoolers and children. The daughter of a Baptist pastor, she began leading children as a teenage counselor at Acadian Baptist Center in Louisiana. Most recently Kelly taught children at International Baptist Church in Stuttgart-Vaihingen (Germany).
As Minister for Children and Families Kelly will work under direct supervision of the Pastor. Her responsibilities will include three focal areas:
1. Spiritual Leadership
2. Collaboration
2. Cultivation of a welcoming, safe and healthy environment for children and families
We will welcome Kelly to the FBC staff at the upcoming church-wide potluck on March 4 (also Winter Forum Sunday). In the meantime, please pray for Kelly, her family, and all the children and families at First Baptist Church.
In Christ,
The Personnel Committee and Faith Formation Team: Denny Austin, Becky Ellison, Dennis Lambert, Allen Norfleet, Lucy Plovnick & Charlotte Straight
Rally to End Racism
Wednesday, April 4, on the National Mall
50th Anniversary of the Assassination of MLK
On April 3-5, 2018 the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA and partners will gather in Washington, D.C. for a historic event to mark 50 years since the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968, and to launch its Truth and Racial Justice Initiative. The Rally to End Racism is a launching point for a comprehensive, multi-year program to address racism in our nation. Pastor Julie is serving on the fundraising committee for this event. Many volunteers will be needed from local congregations. Stay tuned for ways you can help.
Tuesday, April 3: Ecumenical Worship Service in the Orthodox Tradition
Wednesday, April 4: ACT to End Racism Rally on the National Mall
Thursday, April 5: National Day of Advocacy & Action
Serving as a leading voice of witness to the living Christ in the public square since 1950, the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) brings together 38 member communions (including the Alliance of Baptists) and more than 35 million Christians in a common expression of God’s love and promise of unity.
More Info: http://www.rally2endracism.org/
These 45-minute worship services will offer a simple, meaningful opportunity to pause in the middle of the week to connect with God and receive fresh inspiration. Each service will feature someone from FBC sharing a piece of his or her faith story, as well as musicians from our congregation.
Faith Story Musician(s)
Feb 21 Lilia Abron Cindy Fuller
Feb 28 Kevin Biggins Paul Nelson, Zena Aldridge
Mar 7 Carol Nicholas Robert Cochran, Kimberly Galva
Mar 14 Roger Alford Christina Whitehouse-Suggs
Mar 21 Oliver Müller Charles Pugh, Kevin Biggins
Two Dinner Options!
Prefer to eat early? Enjoy a delicious meal prepared by Chef Laval at 6pm in Fellowship Hall. Cost: $8.00. RSVP to D’O Dillard, ddillard@firstbaptistdc.org each week by Monday at 5pm or make a standing reservation for all five suppers during Lent.
Prefer to eat later? Each week after vespers, all who’d like to join in are invited to walk as a group to one of the many nearby restaurants.
Historically in the Christian movement, the season of Lent, the forty days leading up to Easter, was a time when new believers prepared for their baptism. During the Lenten season this year at First Baptist Church, we are following the example of the early church by remembering together our great story as followers of Christ through the image of baptism. All the major themes of a believer’s story are visible every time we baptize: birth, cleansing, new “clothes”, community, burial, resurrection. Join us as we remember our story.
Wednesday, January 17, 2018 (Fellowship Hall)
Our “third Wednesday” speaker series sponsored by the Faith Formation Team continues in January. Join us for a conversation with Rev. Dr. Donna Claycomb Sokol, senior pastor of Mt. Vernon Place United Methodist Church here in D.C., and co-author of a new book, A New Day in the City: Urban Church Revival. The MVP congregation focuses its energy on a limited number of ministries in order to offer each with intentionality, excellence and the hospitality of Christ. On January 17th, Pastor Julie will facilitate an interview and Q&A with Pastor Donna. Come and hear more about the MVP story, and meet this exceptional pastor who is also eager to meet the people of First Baptist Church.
Schedule on January 17 in Fellowship Hall (come for some or all of the evening)
5pm Sandwich making for Martha’s Table
6pm Supper prepared by Chef Laval (RSVP to ddillard@firstbaptistdc.org)
7pm Conversation with Rev. Dr. Donna Claycomb Sokol
This year Christmas Eve falls on Sunday. In addition to our weekly service at 11am, we’ll also gather again at 4pm to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the light of the world. Join us for this beautiful hour of worship featuring special elements for children, a reading of the Christmas story, the music of organ and choir, and a Christmas Eve meditation by Pastor Julie. We’ll conclude the service with the lighting of congregational candles.
Let’s be honest: Advent can be a hard sell. While Christmas starts appearing in September, often in glaring, gaudy ways, Advent comes on padded feet with very little fanfare. Advent is about waiting. It’s about reflection and repentance and delayed gratification—things with which we tend to struggle. And yet, Advent has a gift it wants to give, which our souls desperately need. Advent, if observed with intentionality and an open heart, helps us to resist some of the Christmas craziness out there. Advent offers the simple joy of preparing our hearts and minds for Christ. In this holy season, our chief assignment is to watch and wait and worship. Doesn’t that sound like something of a relief? Join us!
Capture the joy of the season with a beloved First Baptist tradition! The first Candlelight Carols Service was held in the newly completed sanctuary of First Baptist Church on December 8, 1957, launching a tradition that has spanned six decades. Candlelight Carols continues today, featuring the choirs and instrumentalists of The First Baptist Church and The Runnymede Singers. An offering will be collected, benefitting SOME (So Others Might Eat), an interfaith, community-based organization that exists to help poor and unhoused people in D.C. Bring a friend!
For those of us who are grieving, Christmas can be the hardest season of all. Loss comes in so many forms: The death of someone we love. Illness. Divorce. Addiction. Estrangement from family. Loss of a job. Or just disappointment with life in general. Our Blue Christmas service offers an invitation to acknowledge and entrust every kind of grief into the hands of our compassionate God and find some healing and hope. Come for your own grief, and/or invite and accompany someone you know who could use some hope during the holidays.
We will meet at Christ House to help put up Christmas decorations around the house. All are welcome to join. Christ House is located at 1717 Columbia Rd NW, in Adams Morgan. Dinner after decorating at a nearby restaurant for those who want to join in.
For those of us who are grieving, Christmas can be the hardest season of all. Loss comes in so many forms: The death of someone we love. Illness. Divorce. Addiction. Estrangement from family. Loss of a job. Or just disappointment with life in general. Our Blue Christmas service offers an invitation to acknowledge and entrust every kind of grief into the hands of our compassionate God and find some healing and hope. Come for your own grief, and/or invite and accompany someone you know who could use some hope during the holidays.
Christmas Caroling at The Residences at Thomas Circle (a senior adult community at 1330 Massachusetts Ave, NW, not far from First Baptist). Meet at the church at 6pm to walk over together, or join the group at The Residences at Thomas Circle at 6:30pm. Dinner after caroling at City Tap House (1250 Connecticut Ave NW, at N Street, Washington, DC 20036).
Live Nativity During Potluck Lunch
Every year, our children and youth reenact the Christmas story during our December “first Sunday” potluck. Rehearsal will take place during the Sunday School hour starting at 9:30am (children and students should come to their classrooms first, then head to Fellowship Hall). During lunch, kids will eat first, then come backstage to dress as angels, shepherds, wisemen or part of the holy family. (Any children visiting are also welcome to dress and join the FBC kids on stage; they won’t have to speak.)
2016 Live Nativity:
Don’t miss First Baptist’s annual musical treat on Tuesday, October 31, at 7pm. We have talented “Goblins” (of assorted kinds) who will thrill and chill you with performances on the magnificent 5-manual Austin Organ of more than 6,000 pipes. The concert will last about an hour, and is free and open to the public. Performers will wear costumes, and the audience is invited to come in costume as well. Bring a friend!
Chef Laval is preparing a Thanksgiving feast on Sunday, November 19. Cost is $10/adults; $7/children under 12. Deadline for reservations is Thursday, November 16. You may make your reservation and pay for your tickets in advance here (preferred), or email Church Administrator D’O Dillard and pay at the door. Contact D’O at ddillard@firstbaptistdc.org. Please consider chipping in the cost of an extra meal, so that we can extend an invitation to all who worship with us that morning.
We’re located at 16th and O Streets NW—in the heart of Washington, a mile north of the White House. We are part of the Dupont Circle and Logan Circle neighborhoods. Need more info? Call us or click below.
We look forward to greeting you in person. In the meantime, you can request prayer or ask a question by calling or sending an email.
At First Baptist DC, giving is the fuel that powers every congregational expression of hospitality, compassion, generosity and justice. FBC relies on the congregation for regular, sustainable financial support.
The First Baptist Church of the City of Washington, D.C.
1328 16th Street NW Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 387-2206
Office Hours
Sunday 8:30 AM–2 PM
Monday-Thursday 8:30 AM–4 PM
Friday-Saturday Closed
