Over the last two years, First Baptist Greenville has intentionally heightened her presence outside our walls. People have faithfully given of their time, talents and resources to make a difference in the world…so we’ve gone into the world. Our presence has been felt in South Africa, on a Habitat for Humanity build, in the Middle East, in Cuba, in Northern California, in Puerto Rico, in rural Alabama, and in the many nooks and crannies of our county where mission teams and Inasmuch Day volunteers serve. Our monetary gifts have literally traveled the globe in support of mission endeavors through the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, the South Carolina Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and the Alliance of Baptists. We have attempted to be good stewards of the gifts given to us and strived to take seriously the command of Jesus to “Go into all the world…”
This weekend, we are going to stay at home. Our Pastoral Care Ministers have planned a World Within Weekend for us. It is a time to primarily ‘receive’ ministry as church members and to learn about ministries extended to the congregation. After all, if we do not take care of ourselves, we will not have the strength to care for the world. This Saturday, January 25, from 10:00am-12:00noon, you may attend a seminar in marriage enrichment, addiction recovery, grief support, end-of-life planning or mind and body care. These seminars are followed by a luncheon, and the total cost is $10. Saturday evening, a Caregiver Respite Dinner will be served. If you are a ‘caregiver’ for a family member or friend and you need a little care yourself, come be pampered by some marvelous chefs and some caring fellow church members. This dinner is free. You can register for all of these activities on the church website at https://firstbaptistgreenville.com/world-within-weekend/. Then, on Sunday, January 26, Pastoral Care Ministers and Ministries will lead us in worship, as well as provide information booths in the welcome area to help us understand how to give and receive care within the walls of this church.
As a church, we do a lot of going and doing. I hope you’ll ‘come home’ this weekend and simply receive the care of your church.
—Jim