The Branch—January 26, 2026
Click to Access PDF
Our Engaged Aging Ministry Is Off to a Great Start!
Our Games & More gathering was a hit! Many thanks to Kathy Barksdale and Deb Willingham for their leadership and teaching. We have two more special events (weather permitting) coming up that promise to be lots of fun. Signup information is below. If you’re looking for meaningful ways to connect, share meals, laugh and enjoy […]
Deacon Ordination and Installation
We are grateful for the newest class of deacons that were ordained or installed in worship on January 11, 2026. Their servant leadership will be valuable to our church. Ordained: Patrick Bairefoot, Katherine Gallagher-King, Anna Goldston, Walt Herbert, Jamie Kaltenbach, Brian Marshall, Julie Moniot, Sarah Ramsey-Smith, Doug Stout and Zachary Sutton Installed: Cassandra Bray, Lora […]
Parent Education Initiative
On Sunday, January 11, we hosted a Parent Education Night for families of children and youth. We welcomed six knowledgeable and compassionate panelists who shared insight into body safety, sexuality and other meaningful topics that support parents as they navigate important, sometimes challenging, conversations with their children. The evening included extended Q&A, where parents asked […]
Authentic Engagement?
Before he became Pope John Paul II, then Cardinal Wojtyla wrote a book—The Acting Person—which described church participation as either authentic or inauthentic. The two kinds of authentic engagement, he wrote, are solidarity and protest. We expect him to say solidarity. But he says there also must be a space for protest in communities where […]
Foundation Sunday
On Sunday, February 8, our congregation will celebrate The FBG Foundation during a special worship service. We will share how the Foundation supports missions and ministries as well as hear from Foundation fund recipients who will be worshipping with us. Prior to the service, there will be a reception in the Fellowship Hall during the […]
From the Senior Minister (January 20, 2025)
In November 2024, NPR ran a story titled “Churches in America Are Having a Hard Time Finding Pastors.” The story opened with a sobering reality: “American religious institutions are facing a crisis: they don’t have enough clergy to lead congregations, particularly in rural areas.” Across the country, clergy are retiring and dying at a faster […]
The Branch—January 20, 2026
Click to Access PDF
Vocare: Youth Ensemble at First Baptist Greenville
As I reflect on my first six months as Minister of Music at First Baptist Greenville, there are many highlights, but one of my favorite parts has been working with and getting to know the students who sing in Vocare, our youth ensemble. Youth choir was a huge part of both my musical and spiritual […]
New Intercessory Prayer Group
Are you moved by the growing hardship faced by our neighbors living on the margins but don’t know how to help? Perhaps God is calling you to support our neighbors through prayer. A new prayer group is forming to support community members inquiring for Local Relief assistance (rental and utility assistance). Spiritual support from this […]