First Family,This season at our church has been full of celebrations for various milestones. We've recognized a 50-year membership anniversary, appreciated our children and youth volunteers, presented Bibles to first-graders, and we will be celebrating our high school graduates this coming Sunday.This Sunday, we are sending our students out into a new phase of life. As a church, we have invested i...

First Family,The Deaf community has been a focus of First Baptist Church's ministry for many years. We have always been blessed with the passion and support of a congregation to host this ministry, thanks to God's provision. Our church is located just 10 miles away from Gallaudet University, the foremost institution for Deaf education.Are you aware that the Deaf community is currently the most unr...

Thank God for Faithful Church MembersI received a list this week that spans six pages containing the names of individuals who have been members of First Baptist Church of Alexandria for over 50 years. It's inspiring to see that some of them have been a part of this community for over 80 years. These long-standing members serve as a great source of motivation and inspiration for all of us.It's not ...

First Family,The 5th commandment is to “Honor your Father and Mother, that you may live a long time in the land the Lord your God is giving to you.” -Exodus 20:12This is a unique commandment in several ways. For one this is the only commandment with a promise. It is to your benefit to fulfill this commandment as it comes with a guaranteed promise from God. What also makes this commandment unique i...

First Family,Lately, there has been a growing discussion among our community regarding the security measures at FBCA. I want to take a moment to provide an update on the measures we're implementing to ensure our safety.Our church is taking steps to improve security by forming a Ministry Action Team (MAT). This team, made up of lay leaders, will review a third-party security audit that was complete...

First Family,As my family and I settled into our home in Northern Virginia, we gathered and prayed the following prayer in our living room together.I am sharing it with you as an invitation for you to gather with your loved ones and pray together in your home. When did you last pray as a family outside of mealtime?Would you consider praying this prayer together? Whether you have lived in your home...

First Family,Ecclesiastes 3 tells us there is a time for every matter under heaven.A time to be born, and a time to die.A time to plant, and a time to uproot.A time to weep, and a time to laugh.A time to mourn, and a time to dance.Some of these experiences we welcome, such as laughing and dancing. While others we hope to never encounter, such as mourning. But this text reminds us that neither will...

First Family,Ephesians 3:20-21 states,Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.What an amazing time of worship we had together this past Sunday. The faithfulness and power of God was evident among us. Many families...

April 4, 2023Dear First Family,Have you invited anyone yet?A personal message to a friend or loved one goes a long way in making them feel welcome and loved. Take a moment this week to simply send a text message, an email, or a Facebook message inviting someone to join you for Easter.I recognize this can be intimidating, so I’ve included a simple sample message below that you can simply copy and p...

March 28, 2023Dear First Family,Have you invited anyone yet?82% of people who don’t attend church say they would visit a church if they were personally invited (“The Unchurched Next Door” by Dr. Thom Rainer).A personal invitation is a powerful opportunity for someone to find their way to a relationship with Jesus. The most effective way to welcome someone this Easter is with a face-to-face persona...