First Baptist has been gifted a stunning, hand-painted icon of Jesus from Greece. An anonymous donor generously gave this beautiful piece of sacred art, which is now hanging in Carpenter Chapel. Icons have been part of the Christian tradition since the early church and are used to enhance worship, prayer and spiritual contemplation. Our new icon was created by Father Pefkis, a Greek Orthodox priest and skilled iconographer. Father Pefkis and his family use traditional techniques in their iconography. If you look closely at the photo of him, you can see eggs on his paint tray, which he uses to mix his paints! His wife and daughter-in-law also paint in the studio, while his son welcomes visitors by appointment and oversees the studio’s business, frequently selling icons to the Vatican. They were especially pleased to know that one of their works would find a home in a Baptist church in South Carolina. I invite you to spend time in the chapel with this beautiful icon. I am grateful for this connection to the sacred artistry of the global Christian community, and for the way, art can draw us into God’s presence.
—Carol
November 13 Breathing in Gratitude & November 20 Sharing Our Stories
On Wednesday, November 13, we will begin a new block of Wednesday night programming. Carol McEntyre will lead MidWeek and explore prayer, focusing on the specific practice of breath prayer. Breath prayer aligns our breathing with a sacred phrase, helping us center our minds and spirits and draw closer to God with each breath.
Join us on Wednesday, November 20, at 6:00pm in the Fellowship Hall for a special evening of stories and faith. Caroline Hiatt, Walter Colemen and one or two other guests will share their faith journeys, reflecting on questions like: What is your earliest memory of encountering God? How has your understanding of God evolved? What do you wrestle with most in your faith? How does your faith shape daily life? Carol McEntyre will be interviewing them, and we’ll have the privilege of hearing their unique stories.