SHALOM week here at FBC

February 21, 2025

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 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.”)

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 at First Baptist Church

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February 26, 2026

SHALOM Summary for the week of February 15- 22

February 23, 2026

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

February 23, 2026

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.