100 years ago, the people called First Baptist Church planted their new home at 501 West Fifth Street. After two other locations they called home, the third time got it right. They found their home right in the heart of the city, and one hundred years later, so do we! This fall at First Baptist on Fifth, we’ll kick off our year of celebrations with worship, events, gatherings and more all centered around our rootedness right here on 5th street.
100 on 5th: Home in the Heart of the City Celebration Calendar
September
Sunday, September 21
100 on Fifth: Home in the Heart of the City Celebration Kickoff
We will kick off our celebration of 100 years of our Sanctuary building with a jubilant worship service featuring special music. After worship we will gather in Kelly Auditorium to share a meal and hear stories of the building throughout the years. Main and sides will be provided, please bring a dessert to share. RSVP here to join in the fun!
October
Sunday, October 5
The Longest Table
We will celebrate World Communion by inviting our downtown neighbors to join us for a dinner along Fifth Street. Tables will be set up along 5th between Spruce and Poplar for a Spirit-filled gathering. This event is sponsored by our Community Engagement Ministry Team. First on Fifth members will act as table hosts for this event. Our hosts will provide food and decor for 6-8 people. If you would like to be a table host or have any questions please contact Mary Kaylor.
November
Sunday, November 23
Thanksgiving Potluck & Bazaar
Together we will give thanks for 100 years of our church house! The main dish will be provided, as well as a vegetarian main dish. Please bring a side and/or dessert to share. You will also have the opportunity to do a little holiday shopping by visiting booths of church members and mission partners featuring lovingly handmade goods.
December
Sunday, December 14
Lessons & Carols
The Sanctuary will fill with song and joy in morning worship, as our Sanctuary choir and guest orchestra proclaim the story of Jesus through our beloved Service of Lessons & Carols.
January
100 on Fifth: A Retrospective
Throughout the month of January you are invited to walk through a visual history of 100 years of our Sanctuary building. The display will be set up around the perimeter of the Sanctuary and you are welcome to visit during weekly office hours and of course on Sundays. On January 25 we will gather in the Sanctuary during the Sunday school hour for a churchwide session on the history of our beautiful sacred space.
February
Details for this part of our celebration are still in the works. Be on the lookout in the coming weeks for the finalized information.
March
Missions From First
Over the years this place has given birth to many missional organizations that continue to do life-changing work in our city. Throughout the month of March we will highlight these organizations in worship. The membership will also be challenged to give a combined total of 100 hours of service to these organizations and others throughout the month.
April
Saturday, April 25
A Walk to Remember
Join in a guided walk of First’s previous locations to where we now sit on 5th Street. Stories and history will be shared along the way. The walk will end in the Sanctuary with special reflection.
May
Sunday, May 3
The Next 100
We will wrap up our celebration by celebrating our new hymnal in worship and a catered meal on the back lot. As we enjoy the new additions to our church property, we will dream about what the next 100 years in this place might bring!