first-baptist-church-of-middletown

Good News Newsletter

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 08:44:37 GMT

Vol. 47 No.3

March 25, 2026

G ood N ews

N ewsletter

Rev. Dr. Karen E. Johnson

Interim Pastor

Weekly Live Stream from our website:

www.fbcmiddletown.org

and from our Facebook page and YouTube Channel

Sunday School

9:15 AM

Sunday Morning Worship

10:30 am

Wednesday Bible Study at 2 pm

Office Hours M-Th 9 am to 2 pm

First Baptist Church

4500 Riverview Avenue

Middletown, OH 45042 513-423-5721

www.fbcmiddletown.org

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus

Master, Savior, Jesus, like the fragrance after the rain.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, let all heaven and earth proclaim,

Kings and kingdoms shall all pass away,

But there’s just something about that name.

This favorite hymn was on the mind of one in our church family when I visited her recently. It has stayed on my mind as an anthem to lead us to Easter day. It’s all about Jesus, his suffering, death, and resurrection. And what a celebration it will be on Resurrection Day all around the world! It will be good to gather here in Middletown, in the sanctuary and online, at First Baptist for Easter Services. Join with us, won’t you?

Easter is a pull-out-all-the stops type of Sunday. I encourage you to include our Lord and Savior in your celebrations, whether in a large group or as individuals. Grace, or telling something you are grateful for, or relating your experience at church with joy are just a few ways it might happen. And in the midst of it, let’s remember, there’s just something about that name.

Easter Blessings,

Pastor Karen Johnson

Praying for Vonda Barner who is now in Hospice Care in her skilled nursing room at Mt Pleasant.

Sending prayers to Hugh Wilder . He will be having surgery on March 26.

Jackson Redding has been deployed to the Middle East. Please keep him and others in that area in prayer.

The CarePortal teams are looking for a wheelchair. If you have one to donate, please contact Rosy Burchett or Paula Cox. Thank you.

Apr 1 Kathy Adkins

Apr 1 Adrian Worbis

Apr 3 Kingston Worbis

Apr 4 Chuck Montgomery

Apr 8 Melissa Worbis

Apr 9 Amy Barner

Apr 17 Joni Janney

Apr 18 Marilyn Mulligan

Apr 23 Chevy Janney

Apr 29 Sean Daly

Chuck & Celeste Scheibert

April 23 - 38 Years

Richard & Kath Adkins

April 29 - 59 Years

Easter Flowers can be picked up after the Easter Service.

Looking for God's Voice?

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:50:14 GMT

SHALOM Summary for the week of February 15- 22

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 21:37:59 GMT

The week went very well. The number of guests ranged from 28 to 34 each night. Several new guests came as other guests left so overall, served around 40 different people. The diversity of this group is great – those that lost jobs to care for loved ones, those that had experienced loss of home due to fire, to those that struggle with addiction and mental health and more. Some grouped together and talked throughout the evening; others were solitary and would stay in the area of their sleeping mat. Use of personal phones is a regular thing and having multiple plugs and plug strips to power up was essential.

So many volunteers made this mission possible starting with those that drove (5 different men drove both the church bus and the SHALOM van morning and night, many nights needing one of the vehicles to make 2 runs). 20 different people chaperoned during the evening and overnight (many doing multiple shifts). We can’t thank enough the 3 people that cleaned every day (Cheryl, Larry, and Dan Shoemaker) and provided a clean and sanitary environment. Countless people provided wonderful breakfasts, dinners and snacks, fruit, coffee, sugar, juice, milk, etc. and the guests thanked us every meal for that. Three of the meals were provided by groups outside the FBC congregation – the community is chipping in! The boy scout troop helped set up the tables, chairs, dividers and place signage on the Saturday before start date – very helpful. Money donations from individuals and the Mary Martha class were used for resupplying a few things and for the large amount of laundry that exists when guests trade in used sheets, towels and washcloths and receive clean sets for the next week. Any remaining donation money will be added to the SHALOM quarterly donation FBC makes. Laundry was also done for guests throughout the week as possible – a total of 25 loads was completed for them and as it was being done, grateful thoughts for being able to wash cloths regularly went through my head.

The coordinators from “downtown” came every evening to give updated information on guests and bring additional mats and linen as needed. They were also available at any hour should an emergency occur.

A Valentine/Birthday party at Mt. Pleasant with the Mary Martha class

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:22:32 GMT

On a beautiful day at Mt. Pleasant, the Mary Martha class gathered for a delightful Valentine and Birthday celebration! The air was filled with joy and laughter as members participated in games, shared stories, and celebrated the warmth of friendship. The vibrant decorations, themed for both Valentine's Day and birthdays, brought an extra touch of fun to the occasion.

In the photos, you can see the bright smiles of the participants, many enjoying a classic game of bingo, surrounded by festive decorations, including heart-shaped accents and sweet treats. A special birthday balloon added to the cheer, reminding everyone of the joyful celebrations that were taking place.

At the heart of this gathering were moments of connection, kindness, and shared experiences. The Mary Martha class, known for their close-knit bond, took this opportunity to come together in the spirit of love and celebration, making memories that will last a lifetime.

Whether it was a quiet conversation, a smile exchanged across the table, or the joy of winning a bingo round, this celebration highlighted the importance of community and the lasting connections that form within it.

The images captured from this heartwarming event provide a glimpse into the fun-filled day, with guests seated around a beautifully decorated table, engaging in lively bingo rounds, and celebrating with the utmost joy. Check out the vibrant community spirit shared by all!

For more heartwarming events like this one, stay tuned to updates from First Baptist Church of Middletown .

Coat Drive

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 19:37:33 GMT

Member Spotlight - October

Sun, 02 Nov 2025 21:06:14 GMT

Vol. 46 No.

October 22, 2025

Good News Newsletter

Rev. Dr. K. Scott Robertson

Senior Pastor

pastor@fbcmiddletown.org

Weekly Live Stream from

our website:

www.fbcmiddletown.org

and from our Facebook

page and YouTube

Channel

Sunday School

9:15 AM

Sunday Morning

Worship 10:30 am

Wednesday Bible Study

at 2 pm

Office Hours

M-Th

9 am to 2 pm

Member Spotlight

Q: What childhood memory makes you smile?

Leah: My Daddy giving me chocolate ice cream at Park Street Ice Cream.

Jim: Spending the week fishing at the lake in Celina Ohio.

Q: What drives you to get up every morning?

L: A desire to start a new day.

J: A new day with new challenges and opportunities.

Q: How do you spend your free time?

L: Reading and playing my instruments.

J: Playing my dulcimer and other music instruments and reading.

Q: What are your hobbies?

L: Watching movies.

J: Gardening, music instruments, reading and learning about different things.

Q: What goal are you working toward right now?

L: Learning to walk again.

J: Learning to play the clawhammer banjo.

Q: What subjects, current events, or causes are you passionate about?

L: Animals and how they are treated.

J: Nature and preserving land for plants and animals.

Q: What’s your favorite way to unwind after a hectic day?

L: Sitting in my chair with a good supper.

J: Relaxing and watching something entertaining on my iPad.

Q: If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be and why?

L: Great Britain, nice people and beautiful scenery, good government.

J: Scotland, as that is where some of my ancestors are from.

Q: What book or movie left a lasting impression on you?

L: The Blue Piano by Carol Montparker

J: Many books and movies have left an impression on me. I can’t name just one.

Q: Who do you look up to, and why?

L: My sister, because she really loves me and encourages me.

J: My older brother Gene who always challenged me to do better and learn something new.

Jim & Leah Hogg

People @ First

Vonda Barner was discharged from the hospital and is back in her apartment.

As always keep Jackson Redding and Nathan Byers in prayer.

The next Men’s Breakfast will be Saturday, November 22, at 8:30 am, at Cracker Barrel in Middletown.

Game night Schedule:

Saturday, October 25, at 5 pm

Saturday, November 8, at 5 pm

As always, bring a friend and a snack.

The Fall Business Mtg will be Sunday, November 23, right after worship service.

Thanksgiving dinner will be Sunday, November 23 at 6 pm.

November Coffee Cart Dates

11/2 Coffee

11/9 No coffee

11/16 Coffee

11/23 No Coffee

11/30 Coffee

Nov 6 Roger Burchett

Nov 6 Kenton Pate

Nov 7 Carolyn Patrick

Nov 9 Cheryl Basil

Nov 10 Sally Welch

Nov 14 Ron Gerzema

Nov 15 Quinn Daly

Nov 20 Sue Ann Hale

Nov 25 Jerry Arnold

Ron and Billie Gerzema

November 10 – 58 Years

Steve and Marcy Pledger

November 28 – 55 Years

Last week I delivered the food from our grocery cart in the narthex to the Salvation Army. They were so happy to have the food. They said they are running low on food because the need has increased greatly. They are getting overwhelmed. So, if you would like to help with this need, please put food in the grocery cart every Sunday. One can or many, up to you. I will deliver it when it is full. We will pause this when we start collecting for the Christmas baskets, then continue in January. Thanks for your help.

Susan Singer

Discipleship Committee

Christian Education & Missions

Beth Daly & Susan Singer

Co Chair of the

Discipleship Ministry

Focus Area Coordinator

Congregational Care & Worship

Tim Willis

Community Ministry

Focus Area Coordinator

Church Finances & the Building

Celeste Scheibert

Administration Ministry

Focus Area

Mark your calendars! Thanksgiving Dinner is Sunday, November 23, at 6 pm. Please call the church office a 513-423-5721 to RSVP. More information will be in the bulletin on Sunday.

First Baptist Church

From the Archives of FBC

“All at once,

summer collapsed into fall”
Oscar Wilde

Fall Memories

On October 11, 1904, a shield-shaped, “First Baptist Church 1854” marble stone is removed from the gable above the North Main Street Baptist Church’s doors and placed on the back wall of the side porch of the stone at the South Main Street church.

The 1854 Inscription Stone was removed from the side porch of the South Main Street church and moved to the Riverview Avenue building in 1972. It is now imbedded in the hill in the back of the Daycare wing.

History of the Bible - Week 1

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 15:01:18 GMT

History of the Bible - Week 1

Discover the fascinating history behind one of the most influential texts ever written. In this first week of our series, "The History of the Bible," we take you on a captivating journey through the Bible's origins.

Member Spotlight - August

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 00:57:47 GMT

Vol. 46 No. 8

August 27, 2025

Good News Newsletter

Rev. Dr. K. Scott Robertson

Senior Pastor

pastor@fbcmiddletown.org

Weekly Live Stream from

our website:

www.fbcmiddletown.org

and from our Facebook

page and YouTube

Channel

Sunday School

9:15 AM

Sunday Morning

Worship 10:30 am

Wednesday Bible Study

at 2 pm

Office Hours

M-Th

9 am to 2 pm

Member Spotlight

Q: What childhood memory makes you smile?

A: Going tobogganing with the church youth group.

Q: What drives you to get up every morning?

A: I automatically wake up, like my Dad did and I’m ready to work on retirement projects.

Q: How do you spend your free time?

A: Watching Netflix and reading.

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: Photography and playing the guitar.

Q: What goal are you working toward right now?

A: Developing a center in Middletown for adults on the Autism Spectrum.

Q: What subjects, current events, or causes are you passionate about?

A: The deaf community.

Q: What’s your favorite way to unwind after a hectic day?

A: Sitting on the patio

Q: If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be and why?

A: We are taking a trip to Portugal in October.

Q: What book or movie left a lasting impression on you?

A: Love and Will by Rollo May.

Q: Who do you look up to, and why?

A: God, the source of all things.

bob Basil

People @ First

Please keep Vonda Barner and Ron and Billie Gerzema in your prayers.

As always keep Jackson Redding and Nathan Byers in prayer.

Coffee Cart Dates

9/7 Coffee

9/14 No coffee

9/21 Coffee

9/28 No Coffee

The Walking Track will be closed Sunday, August 31 and Monday September 1 for carpet cleaning.

Thank you to the Leadership team for the gift card and to our FBC Family for the many, many cards we received.

Blessings,

Chuck and Jeanette Montgomery

Sept 2 Vickie Selby

Sept 5 Jo Johnston

Sept 15 Eli Boggs

Sept 16 Kaleb Janney

Sept 17 Irene Orem

Sept 18 Judy Harper

Sept 21 Colton Adkins

Sept 21 Roberta Daly

Sept 21 Mark Dunaway

Sept 21 Tim Willis

Sept 25 Autumn Allen

Sept 29 Andy Singer

Sept 30 Marvin Clark

Jerry and Judy Beasley

Sept 8 – 63 years

Don and Tami Hughes

Sept 23 – 30 years

Tom and Terri Henry

Sept 29 – 35 years

Discipleship Focus Group Update

The summer was full of chaos – Camp Chaos that is. Our Sunday morning group of children and approximately 80 children in our Day Care participated in lessons that teach us that Jesus understands and is with us through life’s chaos. On Friday, August 1st, church members and Day Care families joined together to see what the children had been doing, hear them sing the songs they learned and share a casual meal. Thanks to all that assisted with Camp Chaos – Ruth Willis, Kadie Grossman, and Kathy Dunaway in the game center, JoAnna Stitt and Susan Singer in the story/song center, Beth Daly, Mia Shoemaker and Kristi Cofield in the science/art center, and Tom Henry that got the dinner together. A shout out to the women of the Mary Martha class that have always supported VBS and provided sides and dessert for the dinner.

On the mission side of your giving – funds used to assist those in the community in need of help with utility bills has helped 51 families, utilizing $2,650. Think of the blessing this has been to those families.

If this local mission is a passion of yours, please consider an extra donation to this fund as the need is always great.

As the season of Autumn starts up, pray for our children as school gets into full swing. We want to support them as they learn, grow and are challenged.

Church Finances & the Building

Celeste Scheibert

Administration Ministry

Focus Area

Congregational Care & Worship

Tim Willis

Community Ministry

Focus Area Coordinator

Christian Education & Missions

Beth Daly & Susan Singer

Co Chair of the Discipleship Ministry

Focus Area Coordinator

From the Archives of FBC

“A generation which ignores history has no past and no future.”

Robert Heinlein

American author

(1907-1988)

Recap of our 2025

Founder’s Day service and

celebration.

217th Founder's Day service on 8/3/25

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 16:56:36 GMT

Celebration of the History and Future of First Baptist Church of Middletown

1808 -2025

217 years of Service to the Community and the Kingdom of God

Member Spotlight - July

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 15:00:20 GMT

Good News Newsletter

Rev. Dr. K. Scott Robertson Senior Pastor

pastor@fbcmiddletown.org

Weekly Live Stream from our website:

www.fbcmiddletown.org

and from our Facebook page and YouTube Channel

Sunday School 9:15 AM

Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 am

Wednesday Bible Study at 2 pm

Office Hours

M-Th

9 am to 2 pm

Member Spotlight

Q: What childhood memory makes you smile?
A: Vacations at my grandparents’ farm. We learned about caring for animals, gardening and every Sunday we went to a little country Baptist Church.

Q: What drives you to get up every morning?
A: Wondering what God has planned for me to do each day.

Q: How do you spend your free time?
A: Until I retired, I didn’t have free time. I’m still getting use to having all the time to do anything I want. I do enjoy being outdoors and being able to participate in church activities.

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: Walking and Reading.

Q: What goal are you working toward right now?

A: Being more involved in my church and enjoying my church family

Q: What subjects, current events, or causes are you passionate about?

A: Helping people have a better life.

Q: What’s your favorite way to unwind after a hectic day?

A: Listening to music.

Verla Voyles

More from Verla ……

Q: If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be and why?

A: I would like to tour each state in the U.S. meeting the people.

Q: What book or movie left a lasting impression on you?

A: The Ten Commandments, The Shack, and now viewing The Chosen.

Q: Who do you look up to, and why?

A: Everyone I know has a special quality that I try to implement in my life to make me a better person. I’m grateful for Sally Welch. She trained me on my job. She brought me back to church and got me back on track. I also learned a few life lessons from her. Thanks, Sally.

Who will be the next FBC Member in the spotlight?

Have a suggestion, let me know.

secretary@fbcmiddletown.org

People @ First

july 2025

Please keep Jane Cook in your prayers as she recovers from gallbladder and hernia surgery earlier this month.

Ron Gerzema had an ER visit this month. He was treated and sent home. Has a couple of doctor appointments coming up. Please keep him in prayer.

Susan & Andy Singer’s daughter-in-law, Tara Singer had a stroke and is in a hospital in Chicago.

As always keep Jackson Redding and Nathan Byers in prayer, both are deployed.

The next Men’s breakfast is Saturday, August 23, at 8:30 am at Triple Moon Café.

Coffee Cart Dates

8/3 No Coffee

8/10 Coffee

8/17 No coffee

8/24 Coffee

8/31 No Coffee

Aug 1 Tom Henry

Aug 6 Dot Hall

Aug 7 Steve Pledger

Aug 7 Mia Shoemaker

Aug 9 Zach Nicely

Aug 10 Bob Allen

Aug 10 Kyle Daly

Aug 11 Gary Perkins

Aug 13 Charles Nicely

Aug 14 Jeanette Montgomery

Aug 15 Monroe Shoemaker

Aug 18 Don Hughes

Aug 24 Kathy Dunaway

Aug 30 Nicole Redding

Kyle & Amy McGlone

Aug 2 – 22 years

Andy & Susan Singer

Aug 10 – 51 years

Tim & Paula Cox

ug 15 – 33 years

Gary and Donna Perkins

Aug 17 – 57 years

Bob & Cheryl Basil

Aug 18 – 46 years

Jim & Irene Orem

Aug 22 – 68 years

Jerry & Esther Arnold

Aug 30 – 56 years

Welcome to new Member Tom Carroll, who came forward Sunday, July 27, 2025.

Dear Friends of Middletown FBC,

We invite you to join us in celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the marriage of Wayne and Julie Paulsen. They were married at Prairie Baptist Church in Overland Park, Kansas, on August 15th, 1965. If you are geographically close in the area, we invite you to attend a reception on August 16th from 2-4 p.m. at Prairie Homestead, 1605 W. May St. in Wichita, Kansas, where they have been living for the past 7 years. The reception will be held in the main building's Garden Room.

If time and/or distance prohibit you from attending, we kindly ask if you would participate in a card shower for them. You may send a card to the above address in care of them or at their private address:

Wayne & Julie Paulsen

1613 W. May St., Apt. 4

Wichita, KS 67213

We thank you for your friendship with them through the years, either past or present, as you have been a support and comfort to them. They often speak of the churches where they served and the many fond memories they have of the people. They will be thrilled to hear from you!

Kind regards,

Lisa Knapp, daughter of the Paulsen’s, and the rest of the Paulsen clan.

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP REPORT

A few months ago, Pastor Scotty presented your leadership team with a list of goals that we could achieve this year. It was part of the Church Reimagined Initiative. Your Community team decided to begin serving communion at home. We’ve done this in the past at First Baptist, but it was sidelined for obvious reasons during Covid.

Pastor Scotty put together some training pointers for the team. Earlier in June, Pastor Scotty and Jean Back made the first visit to Mount Pleasant and offered communion to some FBC folks there, among them Jim and Irene Orem and Marvin Clark.

Our ultimate goal in giving home communion is to get other people from the congregation involved. If you’d like to be part of this effort, reach out to anyone in Community or Pastor Scotty.

On July 12, Community is planning a new/prospective members BBQ. Other than having some great grilled food, we’ll be sharing what it means to be a Baptist and, most likely, share some stories about FBC.

Your Community team for 2025 (which is now half over!): Tim Willis (chair), Jean Back, Jeannine Taylor, Bob Allen and Jo Johnston.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH HOUSE CLEANING

(Mid to late July starting in the Daycare Wing)

The Leadership Administration Team needs your help!

There are numerous pieces of furniture in the lower level that are not being used, in addition to more chairs in the old choir room located in the back hallway near Scotty's office.

If you have family or friends who are looking for furniture to set up new housing or to add to family rooms, dorms, etc. Free of charge!

The Boy Scouts have agreed to help with the clean up along with several leadership members to make a start on the clean out middle to late July.

In the meantime, please notify your clean-up committee, Rosy Burchett or Janet Horton if you are interested in furniture items.

Thanks for your help in this monumental task.

Thank you for the cards, calls and prayers during my recent illness. I am so thankful and blessed to have such a caring church family. Marilyn Mulligan

I want to say thank you to my church family for the kindness shown to me with passing of my sister. Although my relationship with her was complicated, your compassion has reminded me of the importance of forgiveness. Grief can take many forms, and your kind words, support, cards and flowers has been a comfort. Blessings, Paula Cox

Founder’s Day 2025 Recap: 217 Years of Community, Faith, and Celebration

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 15:23:24 GMT

A Tradition of Togetherness: Celebrating Faith, Family, and Community in 2025

At Rite Touch, we believe in the power of milestones — not just as markers of time, but as moments to honor the people, passion, and purpose that brought us here. Founder’s Day 2025 is one such moment — a time to reflect on the vision that shaped us, celebrate the legacy that drives us, and recognize the community that continues to grow with us.

As we look back on the journey, we’re reminded that behind every innovation, every game, and every partnership was a bold idea and the dedicated hearts of our founders. From humble beginnings to becoming a trusted name in skill-based entertainment, Rite Touch has always stood for more than just play — we've stood for progress, purpose, and pushing boundaries.

This year’s Founder’s Day isn’t just a celebration of our roots — it's a celebration of connection. Families, friends, and community members came together to enjoy a vibrant weekend of joy, reflection, and unity.

Here’s a look at the highlights:

Friday, August 1st at 5 PM – Guests gathered for a delightful evening to see what the kids had been working on all week at Vacation Bible School (VBS), followed by a heartwarming community dinner.

Sunday, August 3rd, After Worship Service – Tea, cookies, and celebration followed as we marked 217 years of community at the First Baptist Church , a legacy of faith and togetherness from 1808 to 2025.

Though this event was hosted by the First Baptist Church , it echoes our own belief at Rite Touch: that tradition and innovation go hand in hand. Whether it's a local gathering or launching a new line of skill games, it's all about bringing people together and creating meaningful moments.

As we commemorate this Founder’s Day, we send our gratitude to those who’ve built, supported, and stood beside us. Here’s to the past that shaped us and the future we’re still creating — one skill, one game, one connection at a time.

Happy Founder’s Day 2025 from all of us at Rite Touch!

Member Spotlight - June

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 14:15:59 GMT

Good News Newsletter

Rev. Dr. K. Scott Robertson Senior Pastor

pastor@fbcmiddletown.org

Weekly Live Stream from our website:

www.fbcmiddletown.org

and from our Facebook page and YouTube Channel

Sunday School 9:15 AM

Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 am

Wednesday Bible Study at 2 pm

Office Hours

M-Th

9 am to 2 pm

Member Spotlight

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: I love reading and crocheting.

Q: How do you spend your free time?

A: I like to journal. Mostly about the books I read. But it gives me time to slow down, think and relax after the workday.

Q: Who do you look up to, and why?

A: In many ways I look up to our Church family members. Everyone of you has shaped me into the person I am today. There has been times I leaned on the advice and guidance, and I am so grateful for that.

Kelsie Cox

Member Spotlight - May

Wed, 21 May 2025 16:52:55 GMT

Good News Newsletter

Rev. Dr. K. Scott Robertson Senior Pastor

pastor@fbcmiddletown.org

Weekly Live Stream from our website:

www.fbcmiddletown.org

and from our Facebook page and YouTube Channel

Sunday School 9:15 AM

Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 am

Wednesday Bible Study at 2 pm

Office Hours

M-Th

9 am to 2 pm

Member Spotlight

Q: What childhood memory makes you smile?

Vicky: My cousin Linda and I got our first bikes together and we would ride all over.

Q: What drives you to get up every morning?

Vicky: Our dogs Ruby and Rosie.

Q: How do you spend your free time?

Vicky: Playing with my grand kids and great grand kids.

Q: What are your hobbies?

Vicky: Reading books, going to the movies with family and friends.

Q: What goal are you working toward right now?

Vicky: Spending as many precious moments as I can with my family and friends.

VICKY SELBY

About Erica Collins

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 17:52:15 GMT

Erica M. Collins

CHT, CRMT, E RYT500, IAYT

Founder/Owner: Harmony Healing Arts

Office: (513) 424-4730

www.EricaHarmonyHealingArts.com

Founder/Owner: Harmony Healing Arts / Harmony Dance

Erica Collins, owner of Harmony Healing Arts, is now in residency at First Baptist Church in her hometown of Middletown.

Erica is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist of over 29 years, a Nationally Certified Yoga Instructor/ERYT500, an IAYT-Certified Yoga Therapist, a YACEP-certified teacher, a retired Dancer and Dance Instructor, a licensed GYROTONIC Method Practitioner, a Pilates Mat and Reformer Certified Instructor, and a Reiki Master/Teacher.

Erica Collins from Middletown, Ohio, has been teaching dance and yoga to children and adults for over 39 years!

Erica has worked with "A" list celebrities, world-renowned athletes, Olympic Gold Medalists, children and those with physical ailments such as MS, chronic pain, as well as patients undergoing cancer and HIV treatment.

Erica even had her own TV show called "Yoga with Erica", filmed in downtown Middletown!

She is looking forward to offering her one on one clinical services and ongoing group yoga classes at FBC.

Starting Wednesdays in May, Erica will offer a 5:30-6:30 pm Barre Pilates Conditioning Class followed by a 6:45-7:45 pm Gentle Yoga Class.

Take one class for $50 per month or BOTH for ONLY $75.

A single drop-in class is $25, for the cost of 2 classes you get an entire month of classes!

Erica is also offering a FREE ongoing Chair Yoga class on Tuesday's Noon-1pm starting mid-July so stayed tuned for more info.

Contact her with questions or to enroll in Wednesday night classes at 513-424-4730 or erica@harmonyohio.com .

Visit My Website - Erica Collins CHT RYT Harmony Healing Arts

www.EricaHarmonyHealingArts.com

Buy my classes/workshops: ��.��

https://erica.mastermind.com/directory/

Make a reservation online:

https://www.fresha.com/harmony-healing-arts

Follow me on Instagram! @��

https://instagram.com/ericahharts

Visit me on Facebook! /��

http://www.facebook.com/ericahharts

Follow me on Twitter! @��

https://www.twitter.com/ericahharts

Follow me on Tumblr! @��

https://www.tumblr.com/ericahharts

Member Spotlight - April

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 17:50:29 GMT

Good News Newsletter

Rev. Dr. K. Scott Robertson Senior Pastor

pastor@fbcmiddletown.org

Weekly Live Stream from our website:

www.fbcmiddletown.org

and from our Facebook page and YouTube Channel

Sunday School 9:15 AM

Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 am Wednesday Bible Study at 2 pm

Rev. Dr. K. Scott Robertson Senior Pastor

pastor@fbcmiddletown.org

Office Hours

M-Th

9 am to 2 pm

Member Spotlight

Q: What childhood memory makes you smile?

Joanna- I smile when I remember that little 6year old boy chasing me around Sunset Park and I realize I married him!!!

Chris- Getting up early to make it to the bus stop on Aberdeen and Milton for the chance to see my sweetie walking up from her house. I eventually married her!!

Q: What drives you to get up every morning?

Chris- The opportunity to show kindness and God’s love to others.

Q: How do you spend your free time?

Joanna- I love taking road-trips with Chris. Radio turned up and singing along!

Chris- I love communing with nature and all God’s creatures. Taking in the awe and wonder of it.

Q: What are your hobbies?

Joanna- I love to sing, draw and paint! Art, for me is so relaxing and a great way to express myself!

Q: What goal are you working toward right now?

Chris- RETIREMENT!!!

Chris & Joanna Stitt

Capital Improvements 2025

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 08:29:24 GMT

Gift ideas for your church Budget ranges for each gift idea We also welcome your ideas for new projects!

Outdoor intergenerational space / picnic shelter-$125,000

ADA hardware throughout the church
Upgrade the Narthex old toilet rooms
New landscaping around the LED sign
Update our campus landscape
Refresh the Narthex to make it Inviting to visitors
Upgrade our site lighting & building spot lighting
Add a storage mezzanine in the garage
Replace old plumbing fixtures around the church
Purchase large vacuum cleaners for carpet cleaning
Final Sanctuary AV upgrades
Microphones -$4,000
LED screen for pulpit -$1,500
Sanctuary Carpet Phase 2 - $27,393
Metal fascia, doors & exterior trim painting
LED lights for daycare wing
Reupholster the sanctuary pews
Repair concrete sidewalks that are cracked and add
concrete barrier curb to main entry drive -$16,000
PV solar panel and electrical system
Prayer garden upgrades & privacy fencing
Infant/Toddler playground upgrades
New glass sculpture hanging behind the
sanctuary cross
New Breiel amphitheater &
performance area

Middletown First Baptist

Capital Improvement Gift Ideas

From the Administration Focus Area

April 5, 2025

Matthew 6:19-21
19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Projects with budgets listed have

been detailed and bid previously.

Other project budget ranges are

educated guesses by our Administration Team.

Under $5,000 - Green

$5,001 to $15,000-Blue

$15,001 to $35,000-Purple

$35,001 to $50,000-Red

Above $50,001 -Orange

If you think you might want

to consider sponsoring a pro-

ject please talk to any mem-

ber of your FBC Admin Focus

Area Leadership Team or our

church architect: Mike Taylor

AV center for World Mission live events

Renovate the lower-level Daycare wing building Create a Daycare entry Vestibule Develop an ESL school that uses our celebration center building Replace the rooftop HVAC units in the Celebration Center - $21,000 2 Story addition east of daycare wing New Adult Daycare facility along Limerick New Assisted living facility along Limerick Help MFBC to develop and lead the push for a new Middletown Homeless & Addiction Center Facility downtown

FBC DOESN'T SIT AROUND & WAIT FOR THINGS TO HAPPEN! WE'RE DRIVEN BY GOD!

Proverbs 4:18
The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.

FBC NEVER SITS AROUND WAITING FOR THINGS TO HAPPEN!

1 Corinthians 3:11

For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is

laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Middletown First Baptist

August 9, 1808

Our story began!

YOUR GIFTS WILL HELP FIRST BAPTIST TO CONTINUE

The Creech Memorial Scholarship

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 15:32:03 GMT

The Betty Creech Memorial Scholarship was established in 1999 in memory of Mrs. Betty Creech, an active member of First Baptist Church until her passing in January of 1999. The Scholarship fund was established by one of her sons, Masatoshi Omiya, when he contributed $1,000 as seed money for the scholarship.

This scholarship is designed to provide small supplemental scholarships for any persons related to the ministry of First Baptist Church. The scholarships would help to provide for books for a semester or cover similar expenses related to higher education.

Betty Creech was a wonderful Christian woman, who loved her church family dearly and believed in education at the next level. To keep the memorial active in providing supplemental scholarships, further contributions are welcomed. This scholarship fund has aided many students related to the ministry of FBC over the years. If you would like to contribute to the Betty Creech Memorial Scholarship, please mail your contributions to the Church office and mark it Betty Creech Scholarship Fund. Contributions are accepted year-round.

The Administration Ministry Focus Area appreciates your continued commitment to supporting the Betty Creech Memorial Scholarship Fund. Thank you for your prayerful consideration.

Member Spotlight - March

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 13:53:50 GMT

G ood N ews

N ewsletter

Rev. Dr. K. Scott Robertson

Senior Pastor

pastor@fbcmiddletown.org

Weekly Live Stream from our website:

www.fbcmiddletown.org

and from our Facebook page and YouTube Channel

Sunday School

9:15 AM

Sunday Morning Worship

10:30 am

Wednesday Bible Study at 2 pm

Office Hours M-Th 9 am to 2 pm

First Baptist Church

4500 Riverview Avenue

Middletown, OH 45042 513-423-5721

www.fbcmiddletown.org

Liz Looney

Q: What childhood memory makes you smile?

A. We lived in the country. If it snowed in winter and the school buses couldn’t run, my four older brothers and I and neighborhood kids would play outside all day. There were never enough sleds, so we would double up. First kid on their stomach and the second one flat on top of the first! That was fun, especially riding with a boy you had a crush on!

Q: WHAT DRIVES YOU TO GET UP EVERY MORNING?

A. I’ve always been a morning person and like getting up early.

Q: WHAT GOAL ARE YOU WORKING TOWARD NOW?

A. Maintaining my health as best as I can and aging gracefully!

Q: WHAT SUBJECTS, CURRENT EVENTS, OR CAUSES ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?

A. I have supported the National Association for the Advancement of Preborn Children (NAAPC) and the Vasculitis Foundation for many years, both causes near and dear to my heart. Vasculitis was the cause of my husband Jerry’s kidney disease.

More from Liz Looney ……

Q: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO UNWIND AFTER A HECTIC DAY?

A. In spring and summer, I like to sit on our covered patio, watch the birds at the feeders, and talk or read.

Q: WHAT BOOK OR MOVIE LEFT A LASTING IMPRESSION ON YOU?

A. When I was a young girl, I saw the movie “So Proudly We Hail!,” about the courageous nurses sent to the Philippines early in World War II. It had a profound effect on my desire for a nursing career.

Q: WHO DO YOU LOOK UP TO AND WHY?

A. At present, I especially look up to the many selfless, dedicated, and humble people at First Baptist who minister every day in our church and to their families, friends, and community. Thank you all!

Who will be the next FBC Member in the spotlight?

Have a suggestion, let me know.

secretary@fbcmiddletown.org

People @ First

March 2025

Kelsie Cox will be having surgery for Crohn’s and a removal of an ovarian cyst on March 31st

As always, please keep Jackson Redding in prayer.

Upcoming events

Easter flower sale ends April 4th. Get your orders into the Church office.

The next Women’s breakfast is Wednesday April 9, 2025, at the Triple Moon Café at 10 am, 1100 Central Avenue, Middletown.

Friendship Circle mtg will be Saturday, April 12, 2025, here at the church at 10:30 am.

Easter Egg Hunt is Saturday, April 12 at 11 am.

Bible Study through the Book of Romans will begin, Wednesday, April 16th at 2 pm in the Parlor.

The next Men's Breakfast on will be Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 8:30 am at Carver’s in Monroe.

Community Good Friday and Maundy Thursday Services will be here at First Baptist and both services will begin at 6 pm.

April 1 Kathy Adkins

April 1 Adrian Worbis

April 3 Kingston Worbis

April 4 Chuck Montgomery

April 5 Joni Jones

April 8 Melissa Worbis

April 9 Amy Barner

April 17 Joni Janny

April 18 Marilyn Mulligan

April 18 Scotty Robertson

April 23 Karlee Robertson

Chuck and Celeste Scheibert – April 23

37 Years

Richard and Kathy Adkins – April 29

58 Years

Lost and found:

A pair of glasses was turned into the office.

The Forge Bible Study

Bible Study Schedule:

March: 30th - 5pm: 4th lesson- “Investing like Jesus”

April: 6th - No bible study, (Military obligation) 13th - 5pm: 5th lesson- “Spending like Jesus”

First Baptist Church 4500 Riverview Drive

(DATE) Saturday, April 12th 11:0 0 a.m.

There will be separate areas for different age groups.

Dress for weather and wet grass. If weather is “ify” for an outside event, check for a message on the church answering machine (513-423-5721) that morning.

Spring and Easter are soon! Hope is eternal!

It’s time to prepare for our annual Easter Egg Hunt by stuffing eggs with wonderful treats for the children. Please take a bag or two of eggs from the “to go” bin, stuff them with small wrapped candies, stickers or something fun and return to the “stuffed “bin by Sunday, April 6th. The hunt is Saturday, April 12th at 11 am. Invite a child you know to come.

Community Good Friday and Maundy Thursday Services will be here at First Baptist and both services will begin at 6 pm.

Lenten Lunch

Starting at 12 pm each week

April 2 at St. Paul’s UCC

April 9 at First Baptist Church

Given to the

Glory of God

And to the

Memory / Honor of

Loved Ones …

Tulips and Daffodils can now be ordered. Each plant is $16. The deadline for placing orders is Friday, April 4, 2025.

Please note: Due to so many being allergic to lilies, we are not ordering lilies this year.

They may be ordered by filling out the form at the bottom and placing in the offering plate, leaving in the church office or by calling the church office, 513-423-5721. You will be able to pick them up after Easter Sunday Worship Service.

**** ****** ****

I would like to order __________ Tulips at $16 each.

I would like to order __________ Daffodils at $16 each

In memory/honor of ______________________________________ ______________________________________

Instead of flowers, I would like to donate $ ______ to ________fund. (Special Projects, Creech Scholarship, etc.) _______________________________________

Given by_______________________________

Amount: ____________ Payment required at time of order.

Church Finances &the Building Celeste Scheibert Administration Ministry Focus Area

Congregational Care & Worship Tim Willis Community Ministry Focus Area Coordinator

Christian Education & Missions Beth Daly & Susan Singer Co Chair of the Discipleship Ministry Focus Area Coordinator

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP REPORT TO CONGREGATION

It’s been a long cold winter for everyone (our heating bills are evidence) but the signs of spring are everywhere. The month of March brings the start of Lenten season and Community hosted the first of six Lenten luncheons on March 12. Many thanks to all those who helped. First United Methodist hosted the second one. Other churches participating include First Christian and St. Paul Church of Christ. First Baptist will host a second soup and sandwich luncheon on April 9.

This all leads up to Holy Week. Maundy Thursday services will be here at First Baptist this year and will be open to the public. Community leaders are planning Easter morning breakfast the same as last year. Yes, we’ll have eggs!

Looking ahead, we are planning to do a new family photo directory. Paula has started distributing signup sheets. Signups will begin in earnest in April. Photos will be taken in the month of May by Paula Cox. Hopefully, we can get this directory compiled and printed for distribution this summer. Our last photo directory was published in 2018.

Community leadership is also planning to restart home communion for those who request it. By the way, you might have noticed a small change in communion. We now use a real loaf of bread at the altar.

Your Community leadership team: Tim Willis, Jean Back, Bob Allen, Jeannine Taylor and Jo Johnston.

Church Directory Information Form

Please fill out the form below, giving us the contact information that you would like us to have. The information you provide will only be used for church purposes and will allow us to contact you as needed. Please mark yes or no below on whether or not you would like to have your information in the church directory.

Name_____________________________________________

Spouse’s Name __________________________________________

Mailing Address ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________

Phone Number ________________________

Cell Phone ___________________________

E-mail __________________________________________________

Your Birthday __________________________________

Spouse’s Birthday ___________________________________

Your Wedding Anniversary ___________________________________

Baptism Date _______________________________________

Member since _______________________________________

Children’s Name(s) Birthday _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

May we put your information in the public church directory?

Yes ______ No _____ Yes, but only a portion of my information ________________________________________________________

If we acquire any photographs from church events with you or your family members, may we have your permission to publish them to our Web site or our social media sites?

Yes________ No _______

Comments: _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________

FBC Daycare

Classroom News

Toddlers I and II : Reviewed shapes and finishing up the colors with yellow and green. They also worked on St. Patrick’s Day projects.

Busy Bees : They worked on name recognition. Continued to work on sharing, getting along with each other, table manners, and cutting skills.

Jelly Beans : The Jellies reviewed letters A thru S. Continued to work on writing names and letters. They will also worked on St. Patrick’s Day projects and learned about spring.

Pre-K : Worked on the letters S, T, U, and V. The sight words this month are, have here, are, and up. Numbers were 13, 14, and 15.

Cyndi Sparks, FBC Daycare Director

Classroom News

Toddlers – Toddler I and II was busy making holiday projects and learning the story of Christmas this month.

Busy Bees – The Bees have been working hard on Christmas crafts and learning the true meaning of Christmas.

Jelly Beans – The Jellies had fun working on Christmas activities and art projects.

Pre-K – Christmas projects kept the Pre-K class busy this month. They also reviewed the letters they had been working on.

Cyndi Sparks, FBC Daycare Director

Secretary's Space

Starts of the month

Attendance Offering

Paula Cox, FBC Secretary

The next Newsletter will be published April 30, 2025. If you want anything added to the newsletter, you can email it to me at secretary@fbcmiddletown.org by April 28, 2025.

*Any FBC Family pics you would like to share in the newsletter, please email them to me.

I found a hymnal believed to be one of our earliest mass print hymnals used here at First Baptist Church around the late 1800's. We have had several hymnals over the years, but this is the earliest one I could find. It is in very delicate condition. I'm sure well used on Sunday mornings.

Check out the blog on our website: www.fbcmiddletown.org for more pictures and history of First Baptist Church of Middletown.

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP REPORT TO CONGREGATION

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 14:22:45 GMT

Community leadership is also planning to restart home communion for those who request it. By the way, you might have noticed a small change in communion. We now use a real loaf of bread at the altar.

Your Community leadership team: Tim Willis, Jean Back, Bob Allen, Jeannine Taylor and Jo Johnston.

History of FBC from the Historian

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 13:22:52 GMT

Rev. Weber’s holistic concept of ministry – belief in the total person, care and love for all people – has always been manifested through his work with organizations in Middletown as well as his church. He has been very involved with the Alcoholics Anonymous group, has served on the Board of Directors of United Way, served on the Civil Service Commission and is one of the founders of the Council on Human Relations. He served on various boards of American Baptists at the State and National level and was president of the Middletown Ministerial Association – to name a few!

Excerpt from: Anniversary Service and History, August 10, 2008, by then Church Historian Evelyn Dell.

Given to the Glory of God And to the Memory / Honor of Loved Ones …

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 19:58:07 GMT

Given to the Glory of God And to the Memory / Honor of Loved Ones …

Tulips and Daffodils can now be ordered. Each plant is $16.

The deadline for placing orders is Friday, April 4, 2025.

Please note: Due to so many being allergic to lilies, we are

not ordering lilies this year.

They may be ordered by filling out the form at the bottom and placing in the offering plate, leaving in the church office or by calling the church office, 513 - 423 - 5721. You will be able to

pick them up after Easter Sunday Worship Service.

**** ***** ****

I would like to order _______ Tulips at $16 each.

I would like to order _______ Daffodils at $16 each.

In memory/honor of _____________________________________________________________________________________

Instead of flowers, I would like to donate $ _____________ to ______________

fund. (Special Projects, Creech Scholarship, etc.)

___________________________________________________

Given by: _______________________________

Amount: _________________________ Payment required at time of order.

Member Spotlight - February

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 19:50:32 GMT

G ood N ews

N ewsletter

Rev. Dr. K. Scott Robertson

Senior Pastor

pastor@fbcmiddletown.org

Weekly Live Stream from our website:

www.fbcmiddletown.org

and from our Facebook page and YouTube Channel

Sunday School

9:15 AM

Sunday Morning Worship

10:30 am

Wednesday Bible Study at 2 pm

Office Hours M-Th 9 am to 2 pm

Susan Caldwell

Q: What childhood memory makes you smile?

A: The birthday I got my English bike! I either rode it every day or I skated on my sidewalk.

Q: What drives you to get up every morning?

A: I’m basically a morning person. I love to watch the sun rise. My pets also “help” to get me up early.

Q: How do you spend your free time?

A: All my time is free now! I keep in touch with my 3 sons and families. I exercise daily and look forward to warmer weather so I can resume walking.

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: I love redecorating. I decorate for the seasons. I recently painted and wallpapered my kitchen pantries.

Q: What goal are you working toward right now?

A: Looking forward to warmer weather to start walking. Maybe planting a small garden.

Q: What subjects, current events, or causes are you passionate about?

D: History

T: ASPCA, I love animals.

Q: What’s your favorite way to unwind after a hectic day?

A: I snuggle in my recliner with my dog “Buck” in my lap and usually watch HGTV. Often catching up with friends by phone.

Q: If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be and why?

A: Alaska. Dave and I always planned on going but never got the chance. I told my kids I would take all of them when I hit the lottery!

Q: What book or movie left a lasting impression on you?

A: The Chosen

Q: Who do you look up to, and why?

A: There are many people I look up to, past and present. A best friend, a brother and sister now departed and Alvin Lee who always had the best advice.

Who will be the next FBC Member in the spotlight?

Have a suggestion, let me know.

secretary@fbcmiddletown.org

People @ First

February 2025

Liz Looney had a lung biopsy earlier this month. She does have a lung infection, but it is not pneumonia. Please keep her in your prayers

Jerry Beasley has been moved to Bickford this month.

Our hearts go out to The Casey family. Reba & Dick Casey’s granddaughter, Taeler , was in an accident and is currently in a coma. Their great-grandsons, a 5 month old and a 3 year old were killed. Please keep them in prayers.

Dick and Reba Casey

4560 Weybridge St.

Sarasota, FL 34235

As always, please keep Jackson

 Redding in prayer.

The next Men's Breakfast on will be

Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 8:30 am

at Cracker Barrel in Middletown.

Bible Study through the Book of

Romans will begin on Wednesday,

March 12th at 2 pm in the Parlor.

Mar 6 Celeste Scheibert

Mar 7 Nancy Reams

Mar 8 Jean Curlis

Mar 13 Ingrid Standafer

Mar 18 Susan Calwell

Russell & Carolyn Young

March 12 - 48 Years

Ron & Barb Cobb

March 24 – 46 Years

Beth and I wish to thank all of our

church family for the wonderful

calls and cards following the

passing of my brother.

John Daly

From a Christmas Card:

Dear First Baptist Church,

Thank you for the supplies.

Merry Christmas,

Angel & Denay

Shalom and Discipleship Report

It is so appropriate that the Discipleship Focus Group reports to the congregation in February for it is the month when First Baptist is involved in its biggest hands-on mission. Many of you reading this will have been a part of serving those that find themselves homeless as we hosted SHALOM for the week of February 16th-23rd. For this week, we opened our Celebration Center to house, feed, and share the love of Jesus with 40+ different guests. This endeavor had over 65 people providing food and supplies, chaperoning during the evenings or through the overnight, driving guests to and from the check-in location and keeping the facility clean and ready. Our children and young adults got involved by making trail mix and breakfast casseroles as well as doing artwork for decorations. Think of this supported by even more involved in prayer for this endeavor. We also had several community neighbors call and ask to join us. The week brings many challenges but also many blessings. God is present.

Of course, this week of mission isn’t the only thing going on as FBC reaches out to others. The holiday season was only a few weeks ago and FBC was again the hands and feet of Christ as groups in the church contributed to the food drive and shopped so that numerous families had gifts for their children and food for their tables. Gift cards for perishable foods were also given (see the line item in the budget “Christmas Mission Food Gift Cards.”)

Another line item in the budget titled “Emergency Funds” continues to help those in the community that struggle with utility bills. The church receives numerous phone calls each month asking for assistance. The authenticity of each call is researched and if appropriate, $50 is paid directly to the utility company to help with the family’s bill.

The Discipleship Focus Group will soon be gearing up for the Easter Season by having a traditional Easter Egg Hunt that many of our Daycare Families attend along with our church’s wonderful children. When available, take a few dozen plastic eggs home, fill, and return so that the children have a lot of “hunting” to do.

Reaching out to the homeless, providing food and gifts at Christmas for families, helping keep the lights and heat on in homes, and loving on our children are only a few of the opportunities in which FBC (you) serves Jesus. Do not miss any of these as First Baptist people we strive to exemplify James 2:14-17.

14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Beth Daly, Co-Chair of the Discipleship Ministry Focus Area

Our choir singing “Awesome God” on February 9th.

Lenten Lunch schedule 2025

Starting at 12 pm each week

March 12 at First Baptist Church

March 19 at First United Methodist Church

March 26 at First Christian Church

April 2 at St. Paul’s UCC

April 9 at First Baptist Church

Church Finances

& the Building

Celeste Scheibert

Administration Ministry

Focus Area

Congregational Care

& Worship

Tim Willis

Community Ministry

Focus Area Coordinator

Christian Education

& Missions

Beth Daly & Susan Singer

Co Chair of the

Discipleship Ministry Focus Area Coordinator

Lost and found:

A pair of glasses was turned into the office.

The Forge Bible Study

Reminder:

Starts Sunday, March 2 at 5 pm.

Bible Study Schedule:

March:

2nd- 5pm: Watch the Movie “The Forge”

9th- 5pm: 1st lesson- “Seeing like Jesus”

16th- 5pm: 2nd lesson- “Giving Like Jesus”

23rd- 5pm: 3rd lesson- “Leading like Jesus”

30th- 5pm: 4th lesson- “Investing like Jesus”

April:

6th- No bible study, (Military obligation)

13th- 5pm: 5th lesson- “Spending like Jesus”

Classroom News

Toddlers: They have been working on the colors brown, red and

orange. They also celebrated Valentine’s Day with artwork.

Busy Bees: The Bees kept busy learning the letters Q, R, and S. They

also celebrated Valentine’s Day with fun activities. Teachers have been introducing music, social skills like manners and problem-solving techniques this month.

Jelly Beans: The Jellies had fun working on Valentine’s Day projects and learning he letters Q, R, and S. They also worked on writing letters and their names. They continued to work on fine motor skills.

Pre-K: Worked on the letters P, Q, and R this month and math skills.

Cyndi Sparks, FBC Daycare Director

SHALOM week here at FBC

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 19:55:49 GMT

Of course, this week of mission isn’t the only thing going on as FBC reaches out to others. The holiday season was only a few weeks ago and FBC was again the hands and feet of Christ as groups in the church contributed to the food drive and shipped so that numerous families had gifts for their children and food for their tables. Gift cards for perishable foods were also given (see the line item in the budget “Christmas Mission Food Gift Cards.”)

Beth Daly, Co-Chair of the Discipleship Ministry Focus Area at First Baptist Ch urch

Our awesome choir singing “Awesome God” on February 9th

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 13:52:44 GMT

A message from the Health Ministry

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 22:20:34 GMT

The Good News Newsletter

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 16:15:27 GMT

G ood N ews

N ewsletter

Rev. Dr. K. Scott Robertson

Senior Pastor

pastor@fbcmiddletown.org

Weekly Live Stream from our website:

www.fbcmiddletown.org

and from our Facebook page and YouTube Channel

Sunday School

9:15 AM

Sunday Morning Worship

10:30 am

Wednesday Bible Study at 2 pm

Office Hours M-Th 9 am to 2 pm

First Baptist Church

4500 Riverview Avenue

Middletown, OH 45042 513-423-5721

www.fbcmiddletown.org

Rosy and Roger Burchett

Q: What drives you to get up every morning?

Rosy – my cat, she is my wake-up call.

Roger – Also the cat, she is after me if she can't get Rosy.

Q: HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR FREE TIME?

Rosy – Reading and spending time with my grandkids, especially taking them to the library. Quilting – old movies – cooking shows.

Roger – Sudoku – You Tube car repair shows.

Q: WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES

Rosy – Reading and taking my grandkids downtown Miamisburg.

Roger – Reading – Fix mechanical and electrical things.

Q: WHAT ARE GOAL ARE YOU WORKING TOWARD RIGHT NOW?

Rosy – getting used to retirement and making sure I do something each day to keep me moving and helping someone else.

Roger – Working and reorganizing my workshop at home.

More from Rosy and Roger ……

Q: WHAT SUBJECTS, CURRENT EVENTS, OR CUASES ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?

Rosy – want to make a difference to someone else each day.

Roger – Right to Life – Like to follow Ukraine and Russian conflicts

Q: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO UNWIND AFTER A HECTIC DAY?

Rosy – my days are not so hectic, but love having my cat on my lap and watching a movie.

Roger – read a book – watch a movie – the cat.

Q: IF YOU COULD VISIT ANY PLACE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

Rosy – I would love to go the Holy land and see the many things we have talked about in our Sunday School Class.

Roger – Would like to revisit Rome, especially the Vatican

Q: WHAT BOOK OR MOVIE LEFT A LASTING IMPRESSION ON YOU?

Rosy – The book “The Shack” made a lasting impression about forgiveness. I read the book at 50 years of age and was able to forgive a member of my family that had passed when I was 22 years of age.

Roger – Winston Churchill’s memories of WW2

Q: WHO DO YOU LOOK UP TO AND WHY?

Rosy – I look up to my high school English teacher, Betty Bee. She was the librarian and English teacher at my high school, and she took me under her wing. Unfortunately, years later I tried to find her and found her obituary. I was sad I had waited so long to tell her. Roger – Bernard Weimer, High School Bank director. He was very creative and involved me in audio, electrical and stage set up for events. Taught me a lot of electronics and trusted me to do things on my own and worked at the school in the summer doing repairs

Who will be the next FBC Member in the spotlight?

Have a suggestion, let me know.

secretary@fbcmiddletown.org

People @ First

January 2025

Please keep Jackson Redding in prayer.

Please keep in your thoughts and prayers the Borland family and Marcus family

Beloved members JoAnn Borland and Mary Lee Marcus passed earlier this month

Feb 6 Grayson Allman

Feb 8 Kristen Adkins

Feb 9 Alyssa Nicely

Feb 10 Teri Boggs

Feb 12 Annie Byers

Feb 13 Vonda Barner

Feb 16 Thelma Rossi

Feb 21 Billie Gerzema

Feb 25 Timmy Cape

Feb 25 Larry Shoemaker

Feb 26 Stephanie Nicely

Feb 27 Dale Ingram

Feb 27 Marcy Pledger

Upcoming Children's Church Date:

February 9 Children's Church will not be held on Sunday February 23rd as SHALOM week will just be ending

The Annual Business Meeting

will be Sunday, January 19, 2025 ,

right after worship service.

The Next Men’s Breakfast Is Saturday,

February 22, 2025, at 8:30 am at Garver’s Farm Market

 in Monroe.

The Forge Bible Study

Everyone is invited to join! The bible study will start off with the showing of the movie, The Forge on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 5pm.

The following 4 weeks, starting March 9th at 5 pm we will conduct the Bible study portion. See the schedule below.

There will be a study book to go along with the series. Please let Paula, in the church office, know if you need one and she will order it for you. The books are $10 each.

Thanks!

Nelson Janney

Schedule:

March:

2nd- 5pm: Watch “The Forge”

9th- 5pm: 1st lesson- “Seeing like Jesus”

16th- 5pm: 2nd lesson- “Giving Like Jesus”

23rd- 5pm: 3rd lesson- “Leading like Jesus”

30th- 5pm: 4th lesson- “Investing like Jesus”

April:

6th- No bible study, (Military obligation)

13th- 5pm: 5th lesson- “Spending like Jesus”

A lot of people have asked for the addresses of the Borland family to send cards. With permission from the Borland family, below are the addresses of JoAnn’s children.

Thank you, Renee and Kristen, for providing them.

MaryAnn Brilleslyper

4102 Juliana Lake Drive

Auburndale, FL 33823

Bill Borland

412 Glendale Ave.

Decatur, GA 30030

Jim Borland

808 Coventry Point

Springfield, IL 62702

Lenten Lunch schedule 2025

Starting at 12 pm each week

March 12 at First Baptist Church

March 19 at First United Methodist Church

March 26 at First Christian Church

April 2 at St. Paul’s UCC

April 9 at First Baptist Church

Church Finances & the Building

Celeste Scheibert

Administration Ministry Focus Area

Congregational Care & Worship

Tim Willis

Community Ministry Focus Area Coordinator

Christian Education & Missions

Beth Daly & Susan Singer

Co Chair of the Discipleship Ministry Focus Area Coordinator

FBC activity from the last 12 months:

▪ 25 requests met

▪ 115 Children served

Economic Impact of $4,923.00

We will be the hands and feet of Jesus the week of

Feb. 16-23 when those experiencing homelessness

will be housed and fed here at FBC.

SHALOM - sign-ups are going well. SHALOM has already served over 30 guests. Here at FBC, there are still some chaperone slots open as well as a few meals. Supplies can be brought in on the morning of Sunday, February 16th or anytime before but let Beth know if you drop off earlier so they can be stored properly. Thanks to all who are preparing to serve. Everyone pray!

FBC Daycare

Classroom News

Toddlers – Toddler I and II was busy making holiday projects and learning the story of Christmas this month.

Busy Bees – The Bees have been working hard on Christmas crafts and learning the true meaning of Christmas.

Jelly Beans – The Jellies had fun working on Christmas activities and art projects.

Pre-K – Christmas projects kept the Pre-K class busy this month. They also reviewed the letters they had been working on.

Cyndi Sparks, FBC Daycare Director

Secretary's Space

Starts of the month

Attendance Offering

Paula Cox, FBC Secretary

The next Newsletter will be published February 26, 2025. If you want anything added to the newsletter, you can email it to me at secretary@fbcmiddletown.org by January 24, 2025

*Any FBC Family pics you would like to share in the newsletter, please email them to me.

Youth Sunday Program from February 1959.

Check out the blog on our website: www.fbcmiddletown.org for more pictures and history of First Baptist Church of Middletown.

Member Spotlight

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 03:08:22 GMT

G ood N ews

N ewsletter

Rev. Dr. K. Scott Robertson

Senior Pastor

pastor@fbcmiddletown.org

Weekly Live Stream from our website:

www.fbcmiddletown.org

and from our Facebook page and YouTube Channel

Sunday School

9:15 AM

Sunday Morning Worship

10:30 am

Wednesday Bible Study at 2 pm

Office Hours M-Th 9 am to 2 pm

Doug and Teri Boggs

Q: What childhood memory makes you smile?

D: Sunday nights in front of the TV watching Disney shows and going to grandparent's house in Virginia

T: Being in the band at school, childhood friends, and vacations with family.

Q: What drives you to get up every morning?

D: A promise of a better day.

T: Know that I can! The promise of a new day!

Q: How do you spend your free time?

D: Vacations, working in the yard, helping the boys.

T: Vacations, being with family and friends, time with Doug.

Q: What are your hobbies?

D: Working and helping the kids on their houses and being with grandkids.

T: Reading, watching the grandkids.

Q: What goal are you working toward right now?

D: Retiring.

T: Retirement!!

Q: What subjects, current events, or causes are you passionate about?

D: History

T: ASPCA, I love animals.

Q: What’s your favorite way to unwind after a hectic day?

D: Watching TV or doing Sudoku.

T: Watching TV with Doug, reading.

Q: If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be and why?

D: Alaska. I want to see the ocean cliffs and snow.

T: Iceland. I would love to see my heritage.

Q: What book or movie left a lasting impression on you?

D: The Hidden White Rouge

T: The Movie, The Sound of Music.

Q: Who do you look up to, and why?

D: Dad. He started from the bottom and worked his way to the top and people respected him because he knew his job and was able to help others on theirs.

T: My Mom. Even through all her struggles and handicaps, she still strived to give us a normal childhood.

Who will be the next FBC Member in the spotlight?

Have a suggestion, let me know.

secretary@fbcmiddletown.org

People @ First

December 2024

Ruth Willis -prayers for healing. She has a broken arm and a broken hand.

Mary Loesche needs prayer for an unspoken prayer concern.

Please keep Jackson Redding in prayer

Merry Christmas

from all of us at

First Baptist Church.

Our Candlelight Christmas Eve

Service will be at 6 pm.

The Daycare and Church Office will be

closed on Christmas Eve and

Christmas Day. Also, on New Years Eve

and New Years Day

Jan 2 Ben Shoemaker

Jan 4 Caleb Boggs

Jan 8 Suzie Deuth

Jan 11 John Daly

Jan 15 Verla Voyles

Jan 18 James Hogg

Jan 21 Ruth Willis

Jan 24 Cyndi Sparks

Jan 29 Betty Allen

Jan 29 Chris Shoemaker

Nelson and Joni Janney

January 10

10 years

Ken and Ingrid Standafer

January 18

39 Years

The Annual Business Meeting

will be Sunday, January 19, 2025 ,

right after worship service.

The Next Men’s Breakfast Is Saturday,

December 28, 2024, at 8:30 am

 at Bob Evans in Middletown

FBC activity from the last 12 months:

29 requests met
71 Children served

Economic Impact of $5,882.00.

You can pick up your Poinsettia’s after the

Christmas Eve Service.

Annual Reports are due TODAY! December 18, 2024.

If possible, please email them to me as soon as you can.

We will be the hands and feet of Jesus the week of

Feb. 16-23 when those experiencing homelessness

will be housed and fed here at FBC.

Sign-ups for the various tasks continue today and

then will resume in January.

Thank you to all that have already responded – you!

are a blessing!

FBC Daycare

Classroom News

Toddlers – Toddler I and II was busy making holiday projects and learning the story of Christmas this month.

Busy Bees – The Bees have been working hard on Christmas crafts and learning the true meaning of Christmas.

Jelly Beans – The Jellies had fun working on Christmas activities and art projects.

Pre-K – Christmas projects kept the Pre-K class busy this month. They also reviewed the letters they had been working on.

Cyndi Sparks, FBC Daycare Director

Secretary's Space

S tats for the Month

Paula Cox, FBC Secretary

S ecretary's Notes

Annual Reports are due TODAY! December 18, 2024. If possible, please email them to me as soon as you can.
The Annual Business Meeting will be Sunday, January 19, 2025, right after worship service.
Our New FBC Website is now live!
A Car Key Fob was found. If you are missing one, please let me know.

The year is coming to a close and so is our year long glimpse into our Time Capsule that was found when the old sign was taken down. It's been fun sharing what I found and researching the history.

This month I found a copy of “The Journal and Messenger, The Central National Baptist Paper.” Its dated October 6, 1904. It was a newsletter for the Baptist church.

I looked it up and you can buy old copy's that have been book bound. The newsletter ran from around 1830’s to the mid 1920’s.

Holiday Food Drive

angelp@simple.biz (Angel P) — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 23:56:45 GMT

Food Donations for Christmas Families

Attention Christmas Helpers!! This year we are making a list of

non-perishables items we need for our Christmas baskets . All

non-perishable items need to be in before December 18, 2024.

Items needed: Canned Green Beans, Canned Corn, Canned Sweet

Potatoes, Pasta, Spaghetti Sauce, Mac & Cheese, Peanut Butter,

Bags of Stuffing (Pepperidge Farm), Brownie or Cake Mix and

Frosting, Cereal, Pancake mix and syrup, Jars of applesauce and

Boxes of Jiffy cornbread mix.

If you want to help and are unable to shop, you can also help with a

monetary donations or gift cards. Thank you for all you can give.

Also, it’s that time again, to think about our Christmas Families. If

you want to help us, make these family’s Christmas special, please

call Marcy Pledger at 513-267-1920.

Connect and Explore at First Baptist

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 16:44:03 GMT

Faith, Fellowship, and Virtual Engagement

The Worship Archive provides a virtual space where members and visitors alike can participate in services remotely, ensuring that everyone has access to spiritual guidance and community connection no matter where they are. This initiative not only brings the church's vibrant sermons to your screens but also allows you to delve into past services, enriching your faith journey at your convenience. The archive acts as a spiritual reservoir, helping you stay connected with the church's teachings and the community.

Reflect, Learn, and Grow with Our Weekly Bible Studies

Weekly Bible studies are a cornerstone of our community, offering a deep dive into scripture with Pastor Scotty every Wednesday at 2 P.M. via Facebook Live. These sessions are designed to foster an intimate understanding of the Bible, encourage thoughtful discussion, and provide spiritual sustenance to attendees. Whether you're new to the Bible or a seasoned reader, these gatherings are a great way to reflect, learn, and grow in faith, all within a supportive community setting.

Join Our Community Activities for All Ages

Our church is a hub of daily and weekly activities that cater to all ages and interests, ensuring that our doors are open nearly every day of the week. From youth groups and choir rehearsals to scouting meetings and Bible classes, our programs are driven by a love for community and a passion for service. These activities not only strengthen our faith but also bond us as a community, fostering an environment where everyone is welcomed, valued, and encouraged to contribute.

Where Fellowship and Personal Growth Flourish

Our church is not only a place for worship and study but also a vibrant center for community engagement and family activities. Throughout the week, our halls are bustling with the laughter of children from our daycare, the harmonious voices of our choir, and the strategic planning of our scout troops. These programs reflect our commitment to nurturing all aspects of our community's life—from the spiritual to the social—creating a welcoming space where every individual can find support, friendship, and opportunities for personal growth. Whether it's a child's first lesson in our daycare or a family enjoying a community dinner, every activity is infused with the spirit of fellowship and love.

first-baptist-church-of-middletown

Good News Newsletter

G ood N ews

N ewsletter

Looking for God's Voice?

SHALOM Summary for the week of February 15- 22

A Valentine/Birthday party at Mt. Pleasant with the Mary Martha class

Coat Drive

Member Spotlight - October

Good News Newsletter

Member Spotlight

Jim & Leah Hogg

People @ First

First Baptist Church

History of the Bible - Week 1

History of the Bible - Week 1

Member Spotlight - August

Good News Newsletter

Member Spotlight

bob Basil

People @ First

Discipleship Focus Group Update

217th Founder's Day service on 8/3/25

Celebration of the History and Future of First Baptist Church of Middletown

1808 -2025

217 years of Service to the Community and the Kingdom of God

Member Spotlight - July

Member Spotlight

Verla Voyles

People @ First

july 2025

Founder’s Day 2025 Recap: 217 Years of Community, Faith, and Celebration

A Tradition of Togetherness: Celebrating Faith, Family, and Community in 2025

Member Spotlight - June

Member Spotlight

Kelsie Cox

Member Spotlight - May

Member Spotlight

VICKY SELBY

About Erica Collins

Member Spotlight - April

Member Spotlight

Chris & Joanna Stitt

Capital Improvements 2025

Gift ideas for your church Budget ranges for each gift idea We also welcome your ideas for new projects!

FBC DOESN'T SIT AROUND & WAIT FOR THINGS TO HAPPEN! WE'RE DRIVEN BY GOD!

FBC NEVER SITS AROUND WAITING FOR THINGS TO HAPPEN!

YOUR GIFTS WILL HELP FIRST BAPTIST TO CONTINUE

The Creech Memorial Scholarship

Member Spotlight - March

G ood N ews

N ewsletter

Q: What childhood memory makes you smile?

People @ First

FBC Daycare

Secretary's Space

Starts of the month

Attendance Offering

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP REPORT TO CONGREGATION

History of FBC from the Historian

Given to the Glory of God And to the Memory / Honor of Loved Ones …

Given to the Glory of God And to the Memory / Honor of Loved Ones …

Member Spotlight - February

G ood N ews

N ewsletter

Q: What childhood memory makes you smile?

Q: What drives you to get up every morning?

Q: How do you spend your free time?

Q: What are your hobbies?

Q: What goal are you working toward right now?

Q: What subjects, current events, or causes are you passionate about?

Q: What’s your favorite way to unwind after a hectic day?

Q: If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be and why?

Q: What book or movie left a lasting impression on you?

Q: Who do you look up to, and why?

People @ First

Shalom and Discipleship Report

﻿

Lost and found:

A pair of glasses was turned into the office.