Letter to First Baptist

Dear Members of First Baptist Church,

I began coordinating Jackson County’s Circle of Hope program in May of this year. My first meeting has remained with me in spite of my spotty memory. Everyone seemed happy, shining smiles everywhere and eyes eager to meet mine, a complete stranger. Since then, every Tuesday has been a Tuesday I eagerly anticipate at First Baptist Church. Thanks to your fabulous facility, mouthwatering meals and caring childcare our program has continued to grow and help people help themselves out of poverty. With the support of many in your congregation, our first cohort of Circle Leaders increased average income or returned to school, improved savings, increased friends and feel better about themselves and their future. Our next cohort began recently. Ten new Circle Leader candidates eager to get their lives in order while growing spiritually, emotionally and economically. Each candidate visited us and shared dinner before being interviewed and invited to become Circle Leader candidates. Your warm, welcoming environment encouraged them to become part of our Circles family. Thank you for all you do to support Circles of Hope, people in poverty and our community!

Ron Robinson Coordinator, Circles of Hope Jackson County

A Thank You Letter

Dear First Baptist Church, 

I am continually astounded by your generosity.
 
You give so deeply and so frequently. Let me count the ways:
 
First Baptist Church, you give with your hands.
I have never been associated with a congregation that was so willing to work. When asked to help, you say yes. When notified of a need in our church facility, you’re there. Never once have I experienced a spirit of entitlement when it comes to the condition of our church campus. You never assume someone else should do what needs to be done. You jump in and serve with muscle and expediency. You assist in cleaning, you help set-up, you help tear down, you pick weeds, you move this, you move that, you trim our rose bushes and tidy up as you see fit. You are a generous people.
 
First Baptist Church, your hospitality is a spiritual gift.
I have been deeply humbled at the sweet spirit that accompanies your commitment to provide a meal for the bereaved in our church family. Regardless of whether the deceased was actively attending or not, you jump at the chance to provide a casserole, bake bread or make a dessert for their family. And if that is not enough, you decorate the tables in the Mission and Fellowship Center, you pull out the nicest place settings, you create centerpieces for the tables. This beautiful gesture gives families a sense of dignity and warmth in a time of loss. In providing this ministry, you are giving to others an elegant and priceless gift.  
 
First Baptist Church, your service in leadership is rich.
Our deacons share their wisdom and provide care for us. Our team leaders bring their practical experience and simple but profound willingness to do the work of the church. Our Sunday School teachers consider God’s word and are committed to sharing the Good News with us time and time again. Our committee members attend to the mundane, yet critically important duties of our church. Our Circles and Missionary Unions invest in local ministries, teach our children about the Great Commission and collaborate to provide opportunities to serve and grow. Our ushers provide hospitality, our children collect our offerings, our musicians sing and play, our young people sacrifice their time to work with sweaty teenagers. In ways too numerous to count, our church gives their time and attention so that Jesus is present today and tomorrow.
 
First Baptist Church, you invest your resources in our mission.
The financial gifts that you give to the church become the fuel that powers our work. Your investment employs individuals in our community and helps to provide them with income for rent, food and clothes. In turn, these staff members work tirelessly behind the scenes to provide services that are as wide as the view from Waterrock Knob. Your invested contributions cool the air in the Mission and Fellowship Center, making it possible for our neighbors and partners to have a place to meet or have a banquet. The money that you give to our church makes it possible for us to be generous to local ministries and to help fund missionaries around the world. Your tithe funds our Baptist Children’s Home, the ministry at our Baptist colleges, disaster relief and so much more. Furthermore, the money you give on-line or on Sundays becomes a down-payment on the promise we made 128 years ago to be a source of good on Main Street for future generations.
 
First Baptist Church, your generosity is contagious.
Your gracious blessing of our 1st Explorers Program has expanded our ministry and extended our missional reach. Many of us are aware that our 1st Explorers Ministry leadership could have taken an easier path in providing care for families in our community. Some could have argued that the decision to provide specialized care for an individual with developmental needs would have been an unwise move. Caring for this bright young man required much more thoughtfulness and logistical coordination. And yet, in a beautiful testimony of the generosity that has been modeled to them by our church, these staff members continued to welcome this individual even though it would require much more time and attention than it might otherwise require. First Baptist Church, this is what your generosity inspires.
 
In short, your generosity makes our mission possible.
 
I suspect that people come to church so that they may be generous. And if so, it is incumbent upon our church’s leadership to provide opportunities for our church to be generous to one another, our community and the world around us.

Rest assured, First Baptist. Your gifts and generosity of time, skills and resources are not wasted. In fact, it’s how God is changing our world.
 
Signed,
 
A Grateful Pastor

Staff Spotlight

Get to know our First Explorers staff with "Staff Spotlight!" Every week, we will highlight a 1E staff member so that everyone can get to know our team a little bit better.

Meet Heather Odom!

Heather works on our 1st Explorers Ministry Staff in our After School Ministry.

Where are you from? Maiden, North Carolina
If you are in school, what year are you in and what is your major? I’m a senior, and my major is Psychology.
When you were in Kindergarten, what did you want to be when you grew up? A cowgirl
Now, today, what kind of a career do you want to have? Child or School Psychologist
Favorite Bible verse or story (and why?): Proverbs 19:21 “You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail.” This is my favorite verse, because it is a reminder that God is in control, and no matter how much I stress or worry about my future, I know I will be okay because God's got me.  
"I spend a lot of my free time doing...": Hanging out with my friends and Watching One Tree Hill
"One thing I love about living in Western North Carolina is...": the Mountains, and it being a relatively small school
"One thing I want to do before graduating is...": Leave my mark

Get Your Yeti!

What is a Yeti!  All hunters, fishermen, and campers know - and they all
wish they had one.  Here is their chance.  United Christian Ministries is
raffling a Yeti 75 (the largest cooler) in time for Christmas.  Tickets
are $l.00 or 6 for $5.00 with proceeds going to support UCM....the Yeti
was donated.  See Cindy Parker or Shirley Kool for tickets.

Fire Pit Needed

Dear church family,
We are in need of assistance. It seems after many wonderful uses our fire pit has given out on us. What does that mean for us as a church? This means we are unable to provide a fire and s'mores for our trick-or-treaters and family this year. We need your help and this is where you come in. We are asking if you or someone you know has a fire pit they would like to donate or even let us use just for Halloween. We would gladly appreciate it. We would love to provide some warmth and fellowship for the families that will crowd our church steps and need your help to do so. Please contact the church office if you have any information on locating one for us.
Thank you.

UCM Food Drive

Please Support United Christian Ministries Food Drive
When: This Friday & Saturday Oct. 21st & 22nd
Friday     9:30am – 6pm
Saturday  9:30am – 2pm
Plus Hot Dog Sale on Saturday!!!
Where:    Harold’s Supermarket

Thank You to the Kitchen Team!

We want to extend a huge thank you to the Smoky Mountain High School's JV football team for coming out and to all who helped prepare and serve their meal! It was a great time of fellowship and fun!

Toxic

If you are blessed to live long enough, you’re bound to see it all.
 
In an unprecedented moment in our nation's history, the crescendo of this election cycle has felt more like the Egyptians’ weathering of the plagues than it has the triumph of our democracy.
 
Personally, I feel like I have been poisoned. But when it comes to my own personal politics, that’s as forthcoming as I’m going to be.
 
Here’s why.
 
Baptists have historically championed the principle of religious freedom and the separation of church and state. By distinguishing where the institution of the church ends and the institution of the state begins, it preserves the integrity of both organizations. As history has proven time and time again, when the church becomes the state, it loses its ability and privilege to speak prophetically. If the state is the church, it becomes near-to-impossible for the church to speak truth to power.*
 
In regard to politics, the times in which we live have become especially fraught with danger. While there was once a time where we could engage in civil dialogue about our political similarities and differences, that day is not today. The arena of civil discourse has become so toxic that we can seemingly find nothing in common and regard one another as the bitterest of enemies.
 
Just as the Church of Jesus Christ is a place for all people--regardless of nationality, race, ethnicity or background--the Body of Christ is the place where our unity in Jesus becomes our common ground. And when differences do exist (and how could they not?), it is imperative that we treat one another with respect, kindness and love.
 
Indeed, as Pastor Blake McKinney of First Baptist Church of Lee’s Summit in Missouri points out in his article, “A Dangerous Path for Politically Active Christians,” our demonstrative political discourse can damage our Christian witness. Regardless of our political affiliations, we can, in fact, be doing harm in the name of Jesus.
 
McKinney admonishes us: “Are you free to speak your mind about political matters? Absolutely. Should you speak up when political decisions have ethical and spiritual ramifications? Absolutely. But be careful about how you discuss politics, and how often. Realize that your political talk can have unintended consequences on the spiritual lives of the people who hear you. The more obnoxious you are in talking about politics, the more people will tune you out in matters of faith.”*
 
Perhaps I’ve said too much. Maybe I haven’t said enough. Probably, both statements are accurate.
 
You’ve probably heard the anecdote about the individual who just suffered through a long, wandering sermon. “I know the preacher means well, but today he should have just read the scripture and sat back down.”
 
So, I’ll do just that.
 
The Word of the Lord from Paul’s Letter to the Church in Rome:

"Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
 
God’s words serve as the anecdote for our “warring madness.” Thanks be to God for giving us the way out of this mess.
 
*For those interested in the historical foundation for the Baptist principle of religious liberty, consider this resource from the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty: http://bjconline.org/religiousliberty/
**Blake McKinney’s article, “A Dangerous Path for Politically Active Christians,” is a good read. I commend it to your attention: http://www.ethicsdaily.com/a-dangerous-path-for-politically-active-christians-cms-23666

Staff Spotlight

Get to know our First Explorers staff with "Staff Spotlight!" Every week, we will highlight a 1E staff member so that everyone can get to know our team a little bit better.

Meet Marcus Tayloe!

Marcus works on our 1st Explorers Ministry Staff in our After School Ministry.

Where are you from: I am from Rome, Georgia but currently live in Charlotte, North Carolina.
What year are you in school: I am a sophomore, and I am double major in History and Philosophy and Religion
What did you want to be when you grow up: I wanted to be an archaeologist or a professional baseball player
Now, today what kind of career do you want to have: I want to teach high school history or philosophy. I am also considering some form of ministry as a career option as well. 
My favorite Bible verse is John 3:30 which is “May He become greater, and I become less.” This is my favorite verse because it simply and effectively states a central doctrine of Christianity, and also is something that I try to focus on doing every day. 
I spend a lot of my free time playing sports, fishing, and playing guitar.
One thing I love about living in Western North Carolina is the mountains and streams. 
One thing I want to do before I graduate is take a road trip out to the Midwest. 

Help Needed in Recovery from Hurricane Matthew

Please be in prayer for Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina (BCH).
As is the case with others who were in the path of Hurricane Matthew, several of
BCH's statewide locations have been hit hard by this devastating storm.
The good news is all the children and families we serve are safe. However,
as a result of the storm's impact, some of the residents and staff were evacuated.
We will need work volunteers once the damage has been assessed as well as
immediate financial support. See the information at the end of this post if you can help.
Here is what we know at this time:
- Kennedy Home, BCH's eastern area campus in Kinston, has been evacuated
due to power outage (lasting for as long as 10 days) and wind-driven rain
resulting in fallen trees and high water levels. The potential for more damage is high.
Flooding is expected later this week as the rivers and creeks continue to rise.
Water has already entered some of the buildings on campus. It is predicted that all
of Kennedy Home's buildings will have water inside them by the end of the week.
Accompanied by their houseparents and staff, the boys, girls and mothers
have been relocated to BCH's Mills Home campus in Thomasville where they will be for
the foreseeable future. The staff have rallied and the children are holding up very well.
Damage, which is expected to be substantial, will be assessed once the water recedes.
Around a dozen trees have fallen at Kennedy Home in Kinston.
Wind-driven rains at Kennedy Home. Flooding expected to worsen.
- Odum Home in Pembroke evacuated this past weekend gathering at the local
high school gymnasium due to wind-driven rain causing fallen trees, power
outages and high water levels. Conditions have improved and the residents and staff
have returned to campus. They have generator power at the Odum Home gym, but it is
unknown when power will be restored to the residential cottages and offices. The
children are doing well and staff are using grills to cook meals.
- Cameron Boys Camp and Camp Duncan for Girls, BCH's residential
wilderness camps in Moore County, both experienced power outages and fallen trees. The campers spent two nights indoors and have returned to their campsites. Power at both camps is now back on. There does not appear to be substantial damage but conditions will be assessed in the coming days.
- Three of BCH's Family Care homes, Oak Ranch near Sanford, Britton
Ministries in Ahoskie and Smith Home in Marston, all lost power power this weekend.
However, the mothers and their children are doing well and there does not appear to be
any damage.
As with the camps, things will be assessed further in the days ahead.
Please help! The need for funding and volunteers to help with clean-up is
vital.

If you or your volunteer group wish to assist with clean-up, please
contact BCH's Sam Barefoot at 336-474-1278 or svbarefoot@bchfamily.org