This past Sunday was a beautiful day in the life of our church family. With hearts full of gratitude, we celebrate the overwhelming affirmative vote to call Dylan Reese as our next Pastor for Music and Worship. What a testimony to God’s faithfulness and the unity of His people!

As I think back on this moment, I do so with deep thanksgiving. The Lord has guided every step of this process, from prayerful discernment of the search team to joyful affirmation from the congregation. Dylan and his wife, Bethany, bring with them a love for Christ, a passion for worship, and a heart for God’s people. Together, they will help us continue to lift high the name of Jesus in all we do.

As the Reese family prepares to relocate and settle into life here in Alexandria, let’s surround them with our prayers. Uprooting and beginning a new season is both exciting and stretching.

Let’s pray for:

• Peace as they pack, travel, and adjust to new surroundings.
• Joy in the transition, as they build new friendships and rhythms of life.
• Anointing over Dylan’s leadership, that the Spirit of God would fill and guide him as he shepherds our worship ministry.

Let’s celebrate what He has done, thank Him for what He is doing, and trust Him for what He will do next.

“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” – Psalm 126:3
Welcome to the First Family, Dylan and Bethany. We can’t wait to see how God will use you among us!

With a heart of Gratitude,
Pastor Robert

One the personal sayings I often remind myself of is this: There is never a bad time to pray.
In every season, for every situation whether we are celebrating, grieving, preparing, or sending - prayer is our first and best response. And right now, church, we are in a season of sending.

Over the next several weeks, we will close each Sunday service with a special time of benediction: a prayer of commissioning and covering. We will pray for mission teams heading into new places, children and students going to camp, and volunteers to serve at VBS and Music Camp here within our walls. These are not just calendar events - these are mission opportunities to share the Gospel around our city, state and world.

We are asking Him to go before each person, to work through them powerfully, and to bring them back with stories of His faithfulness. But our prayers are not just for those we’re sending. We are also called to intercede for the nations, and right now, we feel especially burdened to pray for peace and wisdom regarding the situation in Israel and the growing tension in the Middle East. This is a time for the Church to pray.

So, I invite you to join me in this season of prayer. Pray for those being sent. Pray for those they will serve. Pray for our nation and pray for the nations. And as always, know this: there is never a bad time to pray.

Let us be people marked by prayer. In our homes, in our services, in our conversations, and in our decisions.

Praying with you!
Pastor Robert

Dear First Family,

One of the things we treasure most about our church is the sense of peace and belonging we feel when we gather. It’s important to us that every person, whether visiting for the first time or here every week, feels safe, cared for, and secure when they walk through our doors.

To that end, I want to share with you a new step we’ve taken to help protect and care for our congregation. We've formed a small group of trained volunteers whose goal is to quietly and compassionately serve behind the scenes to help keep us all safe. These individuals are part of our Team First Alert!  Their mission is threefold:

• Identify and mitigate risks to minimize accidents, medical emergencies, or situations where people may be harmed or facilities damaged.    
• Facilitate, as needed, the introduction of medically trained personnel or law enforcement to a situation.
• Be the “help needed until help arrives.”

Each Team First Alert member has passed a background check and completed training in first aid, CPR, AED usage, and emergency response, including “Stop the Bleed.” You’ll be able to recognize them by their gold oval name tags.

Of course, keeping our community safe is something we all share responsibility for. If you notice a spill, see someone in distress, or observe anything that seems out of place, please don’t hesitate to alert a member of the team.

We’re grateful for this team’s ministry, and I trust this helps you feel even more confident that First Baptist Church is a place where you and your family are cared for in every way.
As always, if you have questions or suggestions, I’d be glad to hear from you.

With gratitude for this team,
Pastor Robert Stephens

Dear First Family,

As we step into June, I’m reminded that this season brings a change of pace—not just in our homes and schools, but in the life of our church as well.

Many of our regular rhythms are taking a break for the summer:
Our Mid-Week gatherings will pause after this week, the children’s and student choirs have sung their last notes (for now), and our monthly Pray & Go mission work will rest for a bit before launching again in the fall.

These pauses are intentional.

They create space for rest, renewal, and a chance to breathe. But they can also leave us feeling a little unmoored. Without the structure of our usual calendar, we might find it easier to drift in our spiritual lives.

So here’s a gentle encouragement: while our programs may pause, let’s not pause our pursuit of Christ.

Psalm 1 describes the person who delights in the Lord as “a tree planted by streams of water,” one who “yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.” Even in a different season—even in summer—fruit can grow when we stay rooted in Him.

This summer, I invite you to name one or two sacred routines you can carry with you:

• Maybe it’s a short morning devotion before the day begins.
• Maybe it’s quiet prayer on the porch at sunset.
• Maybe it’s reading Scripture with your kids over breakfast or finding a moment of stillness on your vacation.

Whatever it is, let it anchor your heart. Let it draw you near to Jesus, who never takes a break from loving, guiding, and sustaining us.

Let’s enjoy the gift of a slower season—but let’s also stay connected to the One who never slumbers or sleeps (Psalm 121:4). May this summer be a time of refreshment with God, not apart from Him.

Pastor Robert

First Family, Exciting News: Partnering for a Safer Future!

First Family, we have some incredible news to share with you! Did you know that we’ve been actively working with the Evangelical Council for Child Abuse Prevention (ECAP) to receive their official accreditation? This is a huge step forward in our commitment to creating a safe, nurturing, and Christ-centered environment for every child and family in our church.

We believe that protecting and shepherding our children is not just a responsibility—it’s a calling. That’s why we’ve taken this process seriously, ensuring that First Family is a place where families can grow in faith with confidence and peace of mind.

Meet Kimberly Fairbank – Leading the Charge

To help us navigate this journey, we’ve recently welcomed Kimberly Fairbank to our team! Over the next year, Kimberly will be working alongside our leadership, staff, and volunteers to implement best practices, strengthen our policies, and guide us toward achieving ECCAP accreditation. Her expertise and passion for child safety will be a tremendous asset as we work together to make our church an even stronger, safer place for families.

Why This Matters
Accreditation isn’t just a badge—it’s a statement of excellence, accountability, and care. By pursuing this certification, we are committing to:
✅ Creating the safest possible environment for children and families
✅ Equipping our staff and volunteers with top-tier training
✅ Implementing policies that reflect both wisdom and Christ-like love
✅ Ensuring that First Family remains a trusted refuge for all who walk through our doors

What’s Next?
This is a journey we take together as a church family. In the coming months, you’ll hear more about opportunities to learn, grow, and take part in this initiative. Whether you serve in children’s ministry, student ministry, or simply want to be informed, your role matters.

We invite you to pray with us, engage with the process, and celebrate as we take this monumental step forward. Together, we are building a church that not only proclaims the love of Jesus—but protects and nurtures the hearts of our youngest members.

Stay tuned for updates, and join us in welcoming Kimberly Fairbank with open arms! We can’t wait to see how God moves through this exciting new chapter.

Dear First Family,
We are excited to invite you to a special gathering in honor of the National Day of Prayer, this Thursday, May 1st, from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, right here in the sanctuary.

This will be a self-paced opportunity for you and your entire family to engage in meaningful prayer for our nation. Throughout the sanctuary, we will have seven interactive prayer stations, each thoughtfully prepared with Scripture, prompts, and materials to guide and inspire your time of intercession.

The National Day of Prayer has been a vital part of our country’s spiritual heritage since 1952, when it was established by a joint resolution of the United States Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. It calls on all Americans, regardless of denomination or background, to come together in unified prayer for the well-being and future of our country. Each year, on the first Thursday of May, people all across the nation gather to lift up our leaders, communities, and families to God.

As Scripture reminds us in 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV):
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Let us come together in humility and faith, trusting that our prayers are not only heard by God but have the power to shape the heart of our nation. Whether you’re able to stay for just ten minutes or spend a few hours in reflection, every prayer is a meaningful offering to the Lord—an act of faith that He honors.

I look forward to praying with you!
Pastor Robert

First Family, have you heard the exciting news? Our beloved church bell has been restored to its full glory! Thanks to the hard work of several dedicated individuals and the generous support of many in our congregation, we are thrilled to announce that our church bell is once again ringing loud and clear, marking a new chapter in our church’s rich history.

Mark Your Calendars for Palm Sunday, April 13th!
On Palm Sunday, we will begin each of our services by ringing the original church bell, bringing with it a deep sense of tradition and joy. Join us on the church lawn at the King Street entrance, where we will ring the bell at both 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM services.
This is just the beginning of an unforgettable Palm Sunday celebration! Our Children’s Ministry will lead a processional into the sanctuary, waving palm branches as we remember the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Just like the crowds that cheered as Jesus rode in on a donkey, we will celebrate with excitement, joy, and awe, marking the start of Holy Week.

A Historic & Memorable Palm Sunday for All Ages
This will be a fun, historic, and memorable Palm Sunday that you and your family won’t want to miss. It’s not just an event—it’s a moment for all of us to come together as a church family, honoring the past, embracing the present, and looking forward to the bright future that God has planned for First Family.

As we reflect on the joy and triumph of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, let us remember the words from Matthew 21:9:

"The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, 'Hosanna to the Son of David!' 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!' 'Hosanna in the highest heaven!'" — Matthew 21:9

Invite Your Friends & Family
This special service is the perfect opportunity to invite your friends, family, and neighbors to join us as we celebrate together. We are not only welcoming the start of Holy Week but also opening our hearts to the hope and joy that Jesus brings to all. Let’s share that joy with those around us!

Come celebrate with us, and let’s make this Palm Sunday one to remember!

With great excitement and anticipation,

Pastor Robert

FBCA UPCOMING RETIREMENTS
Thank You for Your Years of Faithful Service!

Debbie Corder
Welcome Program Coordinator/Receptionist
Started Working at FBCA: January 19, 2010
Retirement Date of May 1

Ellen Frazier
Ministry Assistant to Adult Discipleship
Started Working at FBCA: February 26, 2007
Retirement Date of May 15

Mark Milroy
Director of Audio, Visual & Lighting
Started Working at FBCA: July 3, 2020
Retirement Date of April 3

Sam Moneyhun
Church Administrator
Started Working at FBCA: June 10, 2012
Retirement Date of May 29

First Family,
Our church is truly blessed to have an incredible team of staff members who have faithfully served the Lord here at First Baptist Church of Alexandria. Many of our team members have dedicated decades of service, creating wonderful stability and a wealth of institutional knowledge that has shaped the direction of our church and its ministry. Their love for the Lord and commitment to His work have left an indelible mark on our community. This year, we are experiencing a significant transition as four of our valued staff members are stepping into retirement. Collectively, they represent 50 years of service, and we are both deeply grateful and inspired by the lasting impact of their time here. While this change is bittersweet, we are excited for the new season of life that each of them is entering and the peace that comes with knowing their labor has been a blessing to so many. We are also incredibly thankful for the advance notice they have given, allowing us the time to prepare and plan for a smooth transition. Our Personnel Committee has been working diligently to finalize a succession plan, ensuring that all of our ministries are well-supported and staffed for the future. Their careful work will allow us to continue serving the needs of the congregation and positioning our staff for both present and future ministry endeavors.

Would you join me in celebrating these individuals and thanking God for their incredible service to First Baptist Church? May we continue to honor their legacy as we look forward to the future God has in store for our church.

Sincerely,
Pastor Robert

Happy Snow Day, First Family!

What a blessing it is to begin my third year here at First Baptist. God has been amazing, powerful, and faithful as we have sought to follow His leadership in His church. You are such a loving congregation, and it is truly a joy for my family to be among you.

As we step into this new year together, I want to invite you to renew your prayers for our Worship Leadership Search Team. This dedicated group continues to work hard in prayerful discernment, seeking the individual God has prepared to lead our worship ministry.

Please keep them in your prayers:

• Pray for discernment as they navigate this important process.
• Pray for perseverance and strength as they remain committed to this task.
• Pray for the right individual to be prepared, led, and called to serve in this vital role at FBC.

If you’re willing, I’d like to ask you to send a note of encouragement to our search team. A quick email or message would mean so much. You can reach them at worshipleadersearch@fbcalexandria.org. Your words of support and affirmation can uplift and energize them as they continue this important work.

Secondly, I want to express my gratitude to Don and Alydia, who have graciously committed to FBC for the remainder of our interim season. Their leadership has been a blessing, and we are committed to supporting them as they guide us in worship during this time.

Lastly, I’d like to address the parking challenges we faced this past Sunday. Our neighboring church celebrated the grand opening of their new location, which brought a significant swell in attendance as their sister churches gathered in support. Unfortunately, this resulted in an unexpected takeover of our parking lots, despite prior agreements for limited use of a fraction of our east lot. We had cones and tape marking a small portion of the east parking lot, and these markers were ignored and moved without seeking permission going far beyond our agreed support.

I understand the frustration and difficulty this caused, and I want to sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. Our team quickly worked with local police and staff to manage the situation and ensure our services were uninterrupted. Moving forward, there are no additional parking agreements in place, and this challenge should not recur. Let’s continue to extend grace and celebrate their strong opening while trusting that these logistical challenges are behind us. Thank you for your patience and prayers for this new congregation.

Thank you, First Family, for your love, prayers, and steadfast faithfulness. I am excited to see how God will continue to work through us as we follow His lead in 2025.

In Christ’s love,
Pastor Robert

Dear First Family,

The Advent season is officially underway!

This past Sunday, we began our journey of anticipation and celebration, and I can assure you, after reviewing the worship plans for December, there isn’t a single Sunday you’ll want to miss.

Each week of Advent, we’ll reflect on the traditional themes leading us toward Christmas:

• Hope on December 1st (Luke 1:26-38)
• Peace on December 8th (Matthew 1:18-25)
• Joy on December 15th (Luke 2:8-20)
• Love on December 22nd (Matthew 2:1-12)

These services will include beautiful worship music, and sermons focused on the story of Christ’s birth.

Our Advent journey will culminate in our Christmas Eve services, titled Carols and Candlelight. We’ll gather at 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM for a meaningful time of worship, concluding with a candlelit singing of Silent Night. This cherished tradition is such a special way to honor the gift of Jesus together.

We’re also thrilled about our Christmas Concert on December 16th. This sold-out event will feature incredible guest artists, including one of our own children’s choir members, and a collaboration with a local high school drumline. The concert will include a gospel presentation and an invitation, making it a powerful opportunity for worship and outreach.

God has prepared us for an extraordinary Christmas season at First Baptist. I hope you will join us each week as we celebrate the hope, peace, joy, and love of Christ.

Merry Christmas,
Pastor Robert Stephens

Dear First Family,

Life often brings unexpected setbacks that challenge us and disrupt our plans. However, today, I want to offer a simple but powerful truth: setbacks do not always mean starting over. They are not the end of our journey but rather a part of the path God has carefully designed for us.

Consider the Israelites as they fled Egypt under Moses' leadership. In Exodus 14, they faced the seemingly insurmountable Red Sea. With the Egyptians pursuing them and the sea ahead, they were tempted to despair. Yet, Moses boldly declared: “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today” (Exodus 14:13).

Some may call me an eternal optimist—and perhaps that’s true! But my optimism is rooted in a firm belief that even in the face of challenges, God presents us with new opportunities to witness His deliverance.

In particular, I am excited about the new possibilities unfolding in our worship and music ministries. Though we may encounter setbacks, I believe God is opening doors for growth, creativity, and a deeper connection with Him through our worship. These moments can become invitations to experience His grace in fresh and profound ways.

I’m especially thrilled to share a special opportunity ahead: from November 11-13, our church will host the state convention, BGAV Annual Meeting, and we have been asked to lead the opening night of worship! On that Monday evening, I will have the privilege of preaching, and our children’s, student, and adult choirs will lead the state meeting in songs of praise. This is a remarkable opportunity to set the tone and vision for the meeting, and we pray that the Lord will move in mighty ways.

Looking further ahead to December, our choirs will continue to faithfully lead us in worship, as we celebrate the season together. On Monday, December 16, we will host our First Family Christmas, featuring a special Christian artist for a Christmas concert. Then, on Christmas Eve, we will gather for a beautiful service of Carols and Candlelight—choir robes may even make a special appearance!

I also want to update you on our Worship Director Search Team. Our Personnel Committee Chair has reconvened the team, and they will be holding their first meeting this week. During this time, we will prayerfully ask ourselves important and challenging questions as we make plans for moving forward. They will be able to share additional information at our upcoming Quarterly Business Meeting on Sunday, October 13 at 6p on Zoom.

In the interim, here is our leadership structure for Music and Worship:

• Don Wingard – Interim Director for Music and Worship
• Alydia Wingard– Ministry Assistant to the Director of Music and Worship
• Carol Mills – Director for Children’s Choirs
• Don Wingard – Director for Youth Choir
• Cynthia Marr – Orchestra Director
• Deborah Lloyd – Organist and Accompanist
• Mark Milroy – Director of Audio, Visual and Lighting

As we continue this journey together, let us press forward in faith, trusting that God is working in every detail, using all things for our good and His glory. I eagerly anticipate the ways He will move among us in the days ahead.

With faith and great expectation,

Robert Stephens
Senior Pastor

Matthew 13:47

“Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish.”

One of the consistent elements of our weekly worship services is that I offer a time for public invitation. This is a moment in each service after the Word of God has been read and preached in which people can physically respond to what the Lord is stirring in their lives. For some, this is considered a more traditional part of worship, and many churches have ceased any form of public invitation and have created different pathways for people to respond. Allow me to share with you why I am passionate about continuing to have a time of public invitation during our services:

• James 1:22-25 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.  But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

After the word of God has been preached, we should seek how we apply this truth to our lives. A public invitation gives us all the time to reflect on what the Lord has just revealed to us through His preached Word. Rather than quickly “moving on” to whatever is next in our lives, a public invitation gives us all a moment to be still and listen to what the Lord says to us. It is the only moment in our services where we can reflect, sit with the Lord, listen, and, should He lead, respond. A public invitation gives us a moment to say, “Lord, I hear you!”

• There is something powerful about connecting your body physically with what the Lord is doing spiritually in your life. When the Lord stirs in your heart and mind, you have this internal passion that cannot be contained. A public invitation allows you to share that with the congregation and allows a measure of accountability in your life. When you physically take a step forward to meet with a pastor and stand before a congregation, it “waters the seeds” of the work of the Lord in your life, leading to personal growth and spiritual development that can inspire and motivate us all.
• A public invitation gives others the courage that they may need to take a step of obedience to the Lord. Have you ever noticed how sometimes, during an invitation, people can be slow to respond, but after one person steps forward, two or three others will quickly follow? Sometimes people need a little encouragement from others to step out and do what they already know the Lord is leading them to do. When one sees another moving forward they too will find the courage to respond as well.

My list could go on and on, but I hope you will appreciate this moment in our services as much as I do.  Please do not ever worry about me and my emotions should no one ever come forward. I do not take that personally, nor am I discouraged by that. I know that my responsibility is to extend the invitation, and then I must trust the Lord and others to respond. I will keep giving them in faith and not grow weary.

What many do not see is that the effects of the invitation are like waves of the ocean that continue to roll into the days ahead. Frequently, people will email, call, or come by the office and say, “Pastor, I should have come forward on Sunday, but I didn’t,” and in that conversation, they will make a decision or stand for the Lord. What I want you to know is that people are coming and responding, but you may not always see it during the services, and that is okay.

What should you do during the invitation? Well, you should respond. If the Lord is leading you to come forward, please feel welcome and encouraged.  You should also be willing to support others and go with them if they need a little support. Perhaps you have a friend who wants to come forward but does not want to come down alone. Maybe you should offer the opportunity to walk forward and stand with them as a means of support. What a great picture of discipleship. One believer helps another step further into their relationship with the Lord. Finally, you should pray. Pray during the week and even during the service that the Lord would use the public invitation to do His work among us.

I cannot wait to see what the Lord will do in our lives next week. I’ll be waiting for you at the altar!  

Pastor Robert

First Family,

It is with great joy and anticipation that we extend a warm welcome to our new Director of Music and Worship Ministry, Chuck Newman. As many of you know, Chuck joins us with a rich background in both music and worship leadership, and we are thrilled to see how God will use his talents and experience to enrich our worship here at First Baptist.

His passion for leading worship and his dedication to fostering a vibrant and spiritually enriching music ministry make him a wonderful addition to our team.

In his new role, Chuck will be responsible for overseeing our music programs, leading worship services, and working closely with our talented choir, musicians, and worship teams. His vision for our ministry is to create an environment where our music and worship not only glorify God but also inspire and engage every member of our congregation. I particularly appreciate that he seeks opportunities to reach out to our community through the arts.

Please join us in extending a heartfelt welcome to Chuck. We encourage you to introduce yourselves, share your stories, and extend your support as he transitions into his new role. Chuck is eager to get to know each of you and to begin working together to glorify God.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers. We are excited about the future and confident that Chuck’s leadership will be a blessing to our church.

With warm regards and blessings,

Pastor Robert

First Family,

Serving as a co-leader for a great group of third-grade kids this week at Vacation Bible School has been my joy. Most of my class members do not come from First Baptist families but are our guests, which serves as a great reminder of Vacation Bible School's outreach potential. Your prayers are invaluable to us. Please join me in praying for all of our kids and their families who are involved this week. Particularly on Wednesday and Thursday, when we share the Gospel with each group.

Jesus taught us in Matthew 18:3-4,

3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

In the ancient world, a child was without status or rights, utterly dependent on the goodwill of others to care for him or her. In a similar way, the Kingdom of God requires humility and dependence upon God’s good will for our needs. He calls us to give up claims to power and status and awaken to one's total dependence on Him. Indeed, we are all “little children” before God, completely dependent upon God for the breath of life here and now and for the life to come. This is a profound reminder that I am learning again at the VBS.

Humble yourself before the Lord, and He will lift you up!

Pastor Robert

First Family,

You have heard these sayings before:
"Time flies when you're having fun."
"Life is short."
"Time keeps ticking away."
"They grow up so fast."

When I was younger, time seemed to pass slowly, and I always looked forward to what was next. But these days, I find myself not asking, “What is next?” but, “Where has the time gone?” In so many ways, I struggle to wrap my heart and mind around the passing of time. Yet, there is something very comforting about the steady marching on of time—almost relentless. You know, we always, all of us, have moments where we get weary of the constant change in our lives. I talk to other parents about this often; just about the time you catch up to a stage your child is in, they move on to another stage; you always feel like you’re catching up.

Read with me some verses from Psalm 90.

A prayer of Moses the man of God.
1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place
throughout all generations.
2 Before the mountains were born
or you brought forth the whole world,
from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.
3 You turn people back to dust,
saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.”
4 A thousand years in your sight
are like a day that has just gone by,
or like a watch in the night.
5 Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death—
they are like the new grass of the morning:
6 In the morning it springs up new,
but by evening it is dry and withered.
7 We are consumed by your anger
and terrified by your indignation.
8 You have set our iniquities before you,
our secret sins in the light of your presence.
9 All our days pass away under your wrath;
we finish our years with a moan.
10 Our days may come to seventy years,
or eighty, if our strength endures;
yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow,
for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

In this Psalm, God is presented as one who always was, who is now, and forever will be. And we mere humans bump around for seventy or eighty years in this life of toil and trouble.

12 Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
for as many years as we have seen trouble.
16 May your deeds be shown to your servants,
your splendor to their children.
17 May the favor[a] of the Lord our God rest on us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands.

Two things that you need to do if you accept the shortness of your life as compared to God.

• Invest your days well. You have a limited number of days.
• Be thankful for your life, even in times of trouble, because there is a God, this eternal one, who is with you in this moment, and if you’re his child, will be with you forever!

Today is a new day. The beautiful message of Christianity is that no accomplishment we make can be bigger than God, and no failure we make is unforgiven by God through Christ. Because of this truth, we should all take a deep breath and not be so stressed out. Nothing surprises God.

God’s got this!

I invite you to pray this prayer from verse 17: “Lord our God, may your favor rest on me today, establish the work of your hands for me. I find peace in you!” Amen

Pastor Robert

First Family,

This coming Sunday is our second Quarterly Business meeting. We have several items to discuss and present. We will hear from both our search teams (Student and Worship), a report from our messengers at the Southern Baptist Convention, and an update from our newly appointed team, which has been stewarding the potential acquisition of the King Street properties. We will gather in the sanctuary and stream online for those unable to attend in person.

I want to share the two items that our Executive Church Council will present. They have diligently reviewed our four constitutional partners for a year, gathering information, asking questions, and prayerfully discerning with whom we should partner in the coming years. After this season, the Executive Church Council will present the following constitutional and 2024 budget amendments.

Currently, Article II, the Fourth item of the Constitution, reads:

“In all these things, to cooperate with the NorthStar Association, the Baptist General Association of Virginia, the Southern Baptist Convention, and the Baptist World Alliance.”
The recommendation of the Executive Church Council is to amend Article II, the Fourth item of the Constitution, to read,

“In all these things, to cooperate with the NorthStar Church Network, the Baptist General Association of Virginia, and the Baptist World Alliance.”

This amendment notes that the Southern Baptist Convention is no longer listed as a partner in ministry for the First Baptist Church of Alexandria.

The second item is an amendment to the 2024 budget due to the above proposal. We currently give 12% of our budget to the denominational missions through the SBC and BGAV. In addition, we give a fixed gift to NorthStar and BWA. Considering the above amendment, the 4% of giving to the SBC needs to be reallocated.

The Executive Church Council recommends the following budget amendment effective June 11, 2024.

2024 Denominational Mission Budget

Partnership Current % Proposed Budget Amendment
SBC 4%                               0%
BGAV 8%                                No change - remains 8%
NorthStar $28,500                Additional 3%
BWA $3,800.00                     Additional 1%
Total $457,077.00                  $457,077.00

These two items will not be voted upon during our meeting on July 7th. However, they will be voted upon during a Special Called Meeting on August 11th during both of our services by ballot vote.

These amendments represent a significant amount of work for our Executive Church Council. I would like to personally thank each member for their faithfulness to the process and for enabling us to make such a decision as a congregation. Thank you!

I look forward to celebrating all that God is doing in our midst during our Business Meeting.

Pastor Robert

First Family,

I hope that you had the opportunity to meet Peter and Lauren Wimberly this past Sunday when they joined our church family. Peter is coming on staff as our second Director of Student Ministry. He and his wife Lauren have recently relocated from central Texas and quickly joined in last week by attending youth camp. I am confident that Peter will be a great addition to our team, and I look forward to seeing how the Lord will use his ministry here at FBCA.

This Sunday, our Youth Choir will present a special presentation at 6 p.m. in the Sanctuary. I invite you and your family to join us for a time of worship led by our talented students. This is the same presentation they will share during their mission trip. Let's send them off with our prayers and support. After this uplifting worship, we will host a warm and welcoming reception for Peter and Lauren in the Faith Activities Center.

Please join us as we welcome the Wimberlys and continue to invest in the lives of our student ministry.

Pastor Robert

First Family,

I'm aware that the recent disfellowship of our church from the SBC has sparked a lot of questions and discussions. To shed light on this matter, I've prepared a list of the most common queries and their respective answers. I believe this will assist us in comprehending and processing this significant decision.

• Let's start with the question that's likely on many of your minds: Why did FBCA face disfellowship even though the constitutional amendment didn't pass? This is a complex issue, so let's dive in and explore the details.

Opponents of the Law Amendment made it clear that the 2000 BF&M already provided doctrinal clarity and that the current credentialing process was adequate to address the concern of female pastors within SBC churches. They cited FBCA as an example, arguing that the amendment was unnecessary because the convention was already able to address churches with female pastors. In essence, they argued that the amendment was not needed because it would be redundant. Currently, there are 1,844 female pastors serving in 1,225 SBC churches. Those who oppose female pastors will begin reporting these churches to the credentialing committee for review, such as was our experience.

• What will happen to all the money we send to the SBC?

Now, let's address the financial aspect. The ECC will propose a budget amendment during the July business meeting. Currently, we allocate 4% of our income to the SBC. This 4% will still go towards supporting mission work, but it will be redirected to our other constitutional partners. We will also continue to collect annual mission offerings, but these funds will be used by other mission partners to support our missionaries.

We faithfully gave 4% of our budget and any special offerings to the SBC until June 10th, the day the SBC voted for our disfellowship. Based on the church's decision in August, we would then reallocate the fund accordingly from June 11th and the remainder of the year.

• What is the next step for FBCA with regard to the SBC?

Looking ahead, our Executive Church Council has been diligently reviewing our four constitutional church partners: NorthStar Church Network, the Baptist General Association of Virginia, the Baptist World Alliance, and the Southern Baptist Convention. After a year of prayerful consideration, our ECC will present a constitutional amendment during the July QBM, stating which of these four partners FBCA will continue to support. This amendment will likely read “First Baptist Church of Alexandria will partner with NorthStar Church Network, the Baptist General Association of Virginia, and the Baptist World Alliance.” Once our constitution is amended to exclude the SBC, we will formally end the partnership.

Because this recommendation will come in the form of a constitutional amendment, we will not vote on its adoption until 30 days later. This will occur in a special business meeting on a Sunday morning in August. This vote will be taken via written ballot.

• Who will we partner with next if we are not part of the SBC?

We anticipate that our existing partnerships with NorthStar Church Network, the Baptist General Association of Virginia, and the Baptist World Alliance will continue. These organizations have been consistent ministry partners for many years and have supported us during difficult times. At the moment, we are not seeking new partnerships and don't require additional denominational partners to maintain our Baptist identity.

• If we are not a Southern Baptist Church, who are we?

We are First Baptist Church of Alexandria, the church that existed before the Southern Baptist Convention. The church that you have come to know and love. Practically speaking, nothing will be impacted. They did not make us Baptist, nor do we require any denominational partner to maintain this identity. Doctrinal distinction of a Baptist church includes the following: Biblical Authority, Autonomy of the Local Church, Priesthood of All Believers, Two Ordinances: Believer’s Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, Individual Soul Liberty, Saved and Baptized Church Membership and Separation of Church and State. All of these distinctions continue to be part of FBCA, making us a historical Baptist church. We will proudly remain the First Baptist Church of Alexandria.

• Would you please clarify our position of female pastors, specifically senior pastors?

There is a false biblical distinction that many have made that it is somehow biblical to have a female associate pastor but not a female senior pastor. The challenge to this conclusion is that it is an artificial distinction of the modern church being imposed upon the biblical text. The biblical text knows no hierarchical distinctions between pastors, either associate or senior. According to the biblical text, an individual is either qualified and called or not at all. To assume that it is biblically acceptable to have a female as one level of pastor but not another level of pastor is to, in fact, add to the teachings of scripture. If we biblically conclude that it is acceptable to have a female pastor in one form, then we conclude that it is appropriate to have female pastors in any form should it be productive for the church.  

There are three things I would like to remind you of as you consider the role of females as pastors in the teaching of the Bible.

• When reading passages such as 1 Timothy 2-3 and 1 Corinthians 14, do not read them in isolation. Please read the entire letter to add the very-much-needed context to what is being addressed. When taken out of context, it is expedient to come to a false conclusion that leads to a universal application that, in my opinion, simply was not intended by God. However, as is the case in many examples, a specific concern is being addressed within the local church. This concern is only illuminated when one reads the entire letter.
• I would encourage you to draw conclusions from a Biblical text that aligns with all of God’s Word. The Bible will never contradict itself, so any conclusions that seem to contradict each other must be resolved to ensure the correct interpretation. We can trust that the Bible will help interpret itself and guide us when we encounter difficult passages. Use the entire Bible to help understand challenging passages.
• Finally, we must consistently apply the same interpretive skills across each book of the bible. For example, 1 Timothy 2:9 states “I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes.” Are we to conclude that women cannot wear jewelry? He clearly states, “not adorning themselves with gold or pearls.” The answer is, of course, no. We know that the intent of Paul was to convey modesty and show people who are set apart from the rest of the community. Paul’s instruction was not an eternal mandate against wearing pearls. If we are going to use this hermeneutical skill in verse 9 to understand Paul’s intent over what is specifically stated, then we must also apply it to verse 12.
• Many are often proud to say, “I read the Bible literally, and what it says is what it means.” I understand the intent behind such a statement, and most often, what we mean is that the authority of the Bible should not be questioned. I completely agree that the authority of the Bible should not be questioned, and I believe that the Bible is inerrant. However, when we study the Bible, we will have to apply a whole host of interpretive skills to ensure appropriate interpretation. Skills that will require us to look deeply at the words in context to fully understand the Lord’s intent.

I would also like to remind you that the constitution of FBCA clearly specifies that the calling of its Senior Pastor is limited to a vote of the congregation. The congregation always has the authority to prayerfully discern who will be the Senior Pastor. This rule of governance has not changed, and the church will always be empowered to approve who is presented to serve.

For a full teaching on the key passages of scripture, follow these links:

https://firstbaptistalexandria.subspla.sh/hgx4qkv
https://firstbaptistalexandria.subspla.sh/v48rm8c
https://firstbaptistalexandria.subspla.sh/xb72jn8
https://firstbaptistalexandria.subspla.sh/6n527kd
https://firstbaptistalexandria.subspla.sh/7q79jkp

• What’s next?

Our Quarterly Business Meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on July 7th, and it will be held in person at our sanctuary. Some people have asked if we could stream the meeting online to ensure participation. While we are aiming to set up online streaming for those who cannot attend in person, it's important to note that only those present in the sanctuary will be able to vote on any business matters. There will be no online voting available at this time.

I am so grateful for your support and Christlike nature in this season of our church life. Thank you for your support and prayers. I consider it a joy to serve as your Senior Pastor.

Pastor Robert

First Family,

Have you ever seen the I Love Lucy episode where she gets a job at a chocolate factory?

There is a famous scene in which Lucy is working on the factory line wrapping chocolates. In the beginning she is doing fairly well while seemly enjoying herself. Then the line supervisor calls for the line to speed up. Her face begins to physically change as she is overwhelmed and simply cannot get it done as chocolates begin spilling out onto the floor.

If you have never seen the clip, you can find it on YouTube, it’s worth the watch to bring a bit of laughter to your day.

It has been my experience that sometimes life feels this way. There are moments where things are so busy and moving so fast that they are spilling out on the floor, and we are feeling defeated.

This may seem counterintuitive but when life comes at me like this, I pause and take moment to be still with the Lord. I sacrifice my already limited time and compromise productivity to be still in the Lord’s presence. This time of stillness and prayer does not shorten my to do list or lessen the demands on my time, but it does reprioritize my thinking and put me in a better place to face the challenge ahead.

This Sunday we are pushing the pause button as a church to dwell in the presence of God.
This is an incredibly busy season for the life of our church, and we are going to come together as one congregation in one service at 10:30am to be still before the Lord. This service will be a moment for us to seek God together and be still. Amongst the craziness of this season, we choose to step away and focus on God. To sacrifice our time and invest it in our relationship with the Lord.

I hope you will join us! Seeking God Together!

Pastor Robert

First Family,

Excitement is in the air as we prepare for the many upcoming activities and services. We have a busy month ahead, filled with opportunities for fellowship, spiritual growth, and service to our community. From inspiring worship services to engaging small group gatherings, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Look at a few key opportunities for this week:

• We will host a Special Called business meeting on Wednesday, May 29th, at 6 p.m. via Zoom to discuss the 2912 and 2916 King Street properties.
• On Sunday, June 2nd, during both of our services, we will recognize our graduates and the foundation scholarship recipients.
• This Sunday also kicks off the summer J-Term. Our summer J-term courses are similar to the winter term, with the intent that you may engage in a different course than you were unable to attend previously.

Looking even further ahead, please mark your calendars for our combined service on June 9th. This combined service will begin at 10:30 am, allowing us to worship and seek God together. We will also host a churchwide luncheon on the grounds at noon. If you have not pre-registered for the luncheon, please do so at the link below as soon as possible.

https://fbcalexandria.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/394/responses/new

As we continue our collective journey of faith, we are immensely thankful to have you as a part of our church family. Your presence enriches our worship, deepens our connections, and inspires us to live out our shared beliefs each week. Thank you for being part of the first family.

Pastor Robert

First Family,
As we approach Memorial Day, our hearts are filled with gratitude and solemn reflection. This day holds deep significance for our nation as we honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. It is a time when we come together as a community to remember their courage, sacrifice, and the families they left behind. In reflecting on the meaning of Memorial Day, we cannot help but turn to the example set by Jesus Christ. He gave His life out of love for humanity, to offer salvation and hope to all. His example of selflessness and love serves as a guiding light for us, especially as we remember those who have given their lives for the freedoms we hold dear.

This Sunday, we will pause to reflect and express our gratitude to God for these and others who have gone on to be with the Lord. Let us offer our profound gratitude to God for how they have profoundly touched our lives and for the eternal hope we have through faith in Christ Jesus. May we also deeply reflect on how we can emulate Jesus Christ's profound example in our own lives, showing love, compassion, and service to others. As part of our service on Sunday, we will read the names of our beloved church members who have gone on to be with the Lord this year. These individuals are as follows:

Sylvia Frazier, Jerry Hill, Suzann Howe, Mary Jenkins, Carroll Jordan, Erin Lynch, Marion Moon, Gerry Murphy, Glen Owens, Frances Sloan, Dick Smith, Richard Vanderhoeven.

Would you take a moment to thank God for these? Let me also challenge you to consider reaching out to a family member of these and expressing a word of support to them. A simple text, phone call, or note will go a long way to providing love and support to those who are mourning. In the spirit of Memorial Day and Jesus's teachings, let us not only remember those who have gone before but also be deeply inspired by their profound example of selflessness.

With heartfelt prayers for the families who grieve the loss of a loved one this year,

Pastor Robert

Dear First Family,
It's hard to believe that we're already in May and getting ready for graduation and summer celebrations. This year has been an exciting one at First Baptist Church of Alexandria, and God has been using this church to spread the Gospel in our broken world. Thank you for being a part of the First Family and joining us in living out the Gospel in our daily lives.

I'd like to invite you to a special worship service on June 9th. We're thrilled to announce a combined worship service on Sunday, June 9th, from 10:30 to 11:45. This won't be just a regular gathering but a unique opportunity for us to come together as one church in pursuit of God. It'll be a time of celebration, reflection, inspiration, and, most importantly, prayer. The focus will be on our relationship with the Lord and what God is doing among us. We'll be seeking God together in one service as one church.

During this special service, our normal Sunday morning schedule will be set aside. This is a rare opportunity for everyone, regardless of age, to deepen their understanding of the Word and contribute to our collective spiritual growth. Our children’s ministry will be hosting engaging activities for children, ages birth through pre-kindergarten, should they desire to attend. In addition to our worship, we'll be hosting a fellowship meal in the Faith Activities Center afterward. Registration is required for the meal and can be completed online or by calling the church office.

Don't miss out on this powerful time of prayer and worship. Let's come together to seek God's glory. Mark your calendars and get ready for an encounter with the Lord.

Pastor Robert

First Family,

Allow me to propose a question, should believers join their local church?

The New Testament writers never explicitly state that "you must become a member of a local church." However, every letter in the New Testament assumes that believers are an active part of a local church gathering.

Membership in a church involves being a part of a community where you feel a sense of belonging. This concept is demonstrated in several passages of the Bible. In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul discusses the expulsion of a person from the community of believers, indicating that there is a formal category of membership. Acts 6 describes an election held among the believers, which again implies an "in/out" category. In 1 Timothy 5:3-16, there is clear instruction on how to care for widows within the church, including the creation of a roster to aid in their care.

Based on my experience, I have noticed that a lot of people avoid joining the church because they view it as a means of consumption. I’m fine with consumer relationships for fast food, but applying that kind of thinking to important relationships like marriage or children can create major issues. The church is not a consumer relationship. The church is a family. And families are committed to each other.

This week we will celebrate individuals among our church family who have been members for 50+ years at FBCA. These individuals have been a significant part of the life of our church and have been key servants within the ministry of God amongst us. In a cultural time when commitment levels remain low, these individuals stand out as examples of how God intended for us to belong to a church.

We have 72 active 50-year members at FBCA. This year we will celebrate 5 new additions to this group: Ben Duffett III, Charles Seward, Amy Jo Redel, Kimberlee Karlinchak, and Martha Jo Meserole.

Let us be inspired by their example to serve the Lord through a local church and if you haven't joined, consider being part of the First Family.

Servant for His Glory,
Pastor Robert

First Family,

This Thursday, May 2nd, is reserved as a National Day of Prayer.

In 1988, President Ronald Reagan established the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer after a joint resolution of the United States Congress in 1952.

On this day, Americans come together across the country to pray for God's guidance and blessings upon our nation. This year’s theme is taken from 2 Samuel 22:29-31. “Lift up the Word – light up the world.”

“For you are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him.”

I am so grateful for this theme as it continues to acknowledge and build upon the truth of God’s Word. The following link contains a great resource for how to pray for our nation. Providing prompts for key areas such as Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church, and Family.

https://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/equipping/prayforamerica

Let’s join together in this national effort of prayer. God gave us this promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Servant for His Glory,
Pastor Robert

First Family,

If you have a moment today, I would like to recommend reading Psalm 24. This psalm starts with a verse that states, "The earth is the LORD’s and everything in it, the world and all who live in it." From one perspective, this verse can be humbling, but from another perspective, it can be extremely comforting. When you trust in the LORD for your provision and salvation, it is good news to know that the world and all who live in it belong to Him.

Hear these words again: "the world and all who live in it."

I feel more at ease and relaxed knowing that the world doesn't rest on my shoulders. I do my part and work hard, but at the end of the day, I confidently trust in the Lord, His provision, and His grace.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious today, I suggest reading Psalm 24 to allow the reality of God's sovereign reign to rule your heart and mind. Let this psalm reset your perspective and lead you into a moment of worship.

Let’s all take a deep breath today and rest assured that our God reigns.

As a side note, I sat on my back patio while reading these words and breathing in the crisp morning air. I highly recommend it as a way to start your day.

Servant for HIS glory,
Pastor Robert