Dear Beloved Community,
Later today, I’ll join the madness and venture out to the grocery for our family’s pre-winter storm haul! Perhaps you’ve done so already and are prepared for what’s to come. In today’s newsletter, you’ll see details about our plans for this weekend and how we’ll adapt around the inclement weather headed our way.
One change will be the rescheduling of our Churchwide Sunday School, originally planned for this Sunday and moved now to February 15. This gathering will be one you’ll not want to miss! Stories from church members about our building, a historical display around the Sanctuary, opportunities for reflection on what has been, what is, and what will be – all together will create a memorable time of giving thanks for our beloved community and this place we call our home.
Also upcoming will be our Quarterly Church Conference this Tuesday night, where we’ll gather by Zoom to do this regular business of the church. You’ll hear about our church’s year-end financials, regular reports from our committees and leadership groups, and a report about ongoing work related to our church’s safety and security. These conversations are richer and fuller with you in them, so – assuming you have power on Tuesday night! – plan to join in.
Finally, as this week began, a cluster of First Baptist on Fifth folks enjoyed the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast, hosted by the Winston-Salem Chronicle at Benton Convention Center. It has been our practice for years to share a table with our friends of First Baptist Church on Highland, and it never fails to move me that our table marker simply says, “First Baptist Church.” Joining with these fellow travelers on the Way of Love feels more important now than ever, and together, we acknowledged our desire to share more in friendship in the year ahead. This steady rhythm anchors my observance of Dr. King’s life, orienting me to the new year with justice and a holy fire.
First Baptist on Fifth – no matter if plans change or rhythms remain steady, it is a joy to be the church with you for such a time as this.
Together in God’s work of Love,
Pastor Emily