Dear Beloved Community,
The next time you come to the church house, swing by the front of the building – new 100th anniversary front column banners are up!
The process of developing these banners reflects much about the anniversary itself. This time around, we partnered with our friends at M Creative to design banners for the church house’s 100th anniversary. They were as wonderful as always, offering us multiple designs from which to choose. Along the way, we turned down lovely designs if they felt too building-centric or too separated from our downtown context. And like Little Red Riding Hood herself, the staff and 100th Anniversary Task Force found some were too formal, some were too noisy, some were too plain, but these? Oh yes, these were just right.
For you see, the message of these anniversary celebrations (and the banners that describe them) isn’t just about a building, it’s about what the building has nurtured. We won’t just talk about beautiful architecture and thoughtful construction, but more about beautiful relationships formed and thoughtful ministry undertaken here. We aren’t simply retelling history’s stories, but rather letting those stories from the past inform our present and future. We’re not just a lone island here at 501 West Fifth; we are surrounded – gratefully, hope-fully – by our downtown neighbors of all kinds.
Home in the heart of the city, you might say.
This theme phrase anchors our celebrations with purpose and faithfulness. For the God who pitched a holy tent in our midst in Jesus is the God we praise and serve through this “holy tent” on 5th Street. As the saying goes, “home is where your story begins.” Our story starts at home with God, and in every step from beginning to end, home is the place of our continued sending and returning. This home we share together tells that story, a story right at the heart of it all.
This Sunday’s celebrations of the anniversary will be grand, no doubt. Our tireless 100th Anniversary Task Force has dreamt up and created what promises to be a deeply meaningful season to remember and give thanks. As you see them on Sunday, extend your gratitude to them: Linda Stewart, Bethany Leggett, Susan Welch, Nathan Mitchell, Beth Stainback, Josh McGee, Sarah Talley, and Mary Kaylor. Special thanks too to the staff and additional volunteers who are making it all possible!
It will be a banner celebration, I’m sure! First Baptist on Fifth, happy anniversary to you!
Together in God’s work of Love,
Emily