Connect and Explore at First Baptist
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.
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
