By Trustee Ronald Brown “Let all things be done decent and in order.” (1 Cor. 14:40 KJV)

When the discussion of budgets become a part of the church conversation, the reaction more often than not in one of re-sistance. You may hear statements like, "Who

needs a budget? Let's just spend money as the Lord pro-vides. If God is in it, he will supply!" Someone else may declare, "Budgets limit God’s work." But do they? Does a budget really stifle the work of the Holy Spirit in the church? The process of budgeting in a church setting is often one

tent set up in somebody’s field. Today, out-reach requires that you “pin, post, tweet, snap, tag, check, and share” the Gospel. All of that takes place outside the walls of FBC. Similarly sized churches as ours share the same generational challenges, that of: an ag-ing congregation - older members are slowing down, and younger members don’t seem to be interested; stay-at-home media ministry - you can hear the Word from the comfort of your living room; lifestyle changes - mem-bers sacrifice church time because they have to work more in keeping up with escalating financial needs; and negative attitudes to-wards religion - the church has been charac-terized as being hypocritical and money-hungry, and criticized for not realistically See Reaching Out with The Word … page 3

R e a c h i n g o u t

with The Word By Minister Katrina White Brown

Go therefore, and make disciples of all the nations This centuries-old instruction from Jesus to His disciples is also the Great Commission that directs the modern day saints. We are required to reach out with the Word; prayer-fully, FBC is engaged in fulfilling this Holy mandate. Not only is the church: regularly visiting the sick and shut-in; opening our arms to embrace the hungry; and ministering at other churches through preaching, sing-ing, and praise dancing, but we are also sending out the Word “to all nations” using the internet and social media. Reaching out with the Word looks a lot different today than in the past. Back in the day, a lot of evangelism took place under a

INSID E

THIS

ISSUE:

Thoughts

Along the

Path

2

Soul Food

Feast Feeds

Fellowship

Hall Funds

3

Christian

Reading Room

4

The Pastor’s

Pen

Deacon…

Anniversary

5

7

Christian

Lifestyles

Word Jumbles

8

9

Praise Danc-

ers Anniver-

sary

10

11

Ministry

Spotlight

Shaping Your

Words

13

14

First Baptist Church O R D I N A R Y V I R G I N I A

S P R I N G 2 0 1 5 V O L U M E 3 I S S U E 6

“I am the voice of one

crying in the wilderness,

make straight the way of

the Lord …” John 1:23

Dollar$ and $en$e viewed negatively. If you asked ministry chairpersons, budgets get in the way of ac-tivities. To the financial com-mittee, budgets hold ministry chairpersons accountable. For the individuals coordinating and compiling the budget numbers, it consumes vast amounts of time. However See Dollars and Sense pg. 12

P A G E 2

I ’m a part of the generation who were inspired to believe that we could do anything that we wanted to do, and that we could be anything we wanted

to be. This was to be achieved as a matter of faith and hard work. We were bolstered by riveting affirmations. Dr. Martin Luther King assured that no matter what our calling, our success was determined by our effort, and he used as an example, a street cleaner. Dr. King said if a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep the streets even as Michelange-lo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shake-speare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, “Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.” Simply stated—be the best at whatever it is you do. Rev. Jesse Jackson added his own words of confirmation. He emphasized that we should never give up, never surrender, and rise against the odds. He further made us shout loudly and proudly that I am somebody, making sure that we squashed the societal slam directed towards people who looked like me. As my generation matured we came to understand that in the on-going fight for respect, equality, justice, and equal opportunities, weapons like our resolve, our edu-cation, and our successes could only achieve partial victory. Until we gained victory in the battlefield of the mind, we would repeatedly be defeated by our thoughts and our attitudes. Minister and author of The Power of Pos-itive Thinking Norman Vincent Peale point-ed out that any fact facing us is not as important as our attitude toward it, for that determines our success or failure. The way you think about a fact may defeat you before you ever do anything about it. You are overcome by the fact because you think you are. Winning comes when the thoughts, the attitude, the perspective, and the vision are all aligned for success. You either believe you can, or you believe you can’t—both statements are true. You are what you believe you are. The children of Israel proved this. After Moses sent spies into Canaan, they came back with ominous reports about the inhabitants of

the land. They described those who dwelled in the land as being strong, and the cities are fortified and large, … and the men are of great stature—they are giants. (Numbers 13:28-33). Israel’s defeat on the battlefield of the mind was quick and deadly. They believed we are like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight. (Numbers 13:33) Then they mourned about how they should have remained [in bond-age] in Egypt to die, instead of being where they were. Understand this - they were on the threshold of the greatness God had prepared for them, but they would rather have com-plained about their leaders and have rejected the promises of God (Numbers 14:4-9). This be-cause they believed they could not win against the inhabitants of Canaan. But they were defeated however, only be-cause they believed they were. The truth is that the victory was already theirs; they didn’t believe it and they didn’t receive it. God decreed that the unbelievers shall not see the land of which I swore to their fathers, nor shall any of those who rejected me see it (Numbers 14:23.) Victory is not always simple, quick, or pain-

less, but it starts with believ-ing you can win. My genera-tion spawned the yes we can attitude which became the unifying slogan that propelled the 2008 campaign of Presi-dent Barack Obama. We be-lieved we could , and worked

towards that goal, because our parents believed they could and didn’t let nobody turn them around; driven to succeed by what they believed. What we believe will keep us from perishing and give us everlasting life. What we believe gives us the ability to move mountains. What we believe makes all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). And when we believe we can do all things through Christ which strengthens... (Philippians 4:13) all who are overcomers, be-cause they believe they are.

Peace and Blessings,

Minister Katrina White Brown Editor

P A T H W A Y S

You are because you believe you are

You either believe you can, or you believe you can’t - both statements are true.

You are what you believe you are.

P A G E 3

Hospitality Chairperson

Terry Osbourne is assisted

by Nick Ali in setting up the

DAV for the Soul Food

Feast. Over 100 meals

were either served or pre-pared for take-out

Reaching Out with the Word … Continued from Page 1

Soul Food Feast helps feed Fellowship Hall funds The Gazette Journal headline described the event as “Soul for a Goal”, and the goal was met and exceeded. The first ever “Old Fashioned Soul Food Feast” not only reached out to the communi-ty in fellowship, but also raised over $1800 to go to the building fund. The Soul Food Feast was spon-sored by the Connections Wom-en’s Ministry (CWM) and was the brainchild of CWM Steering Com-mittee members Sister Teri Red-cross-Ali and Sister Terry Os-bourne. They envisioned a buffet-type restaurant environment where folks could come after church and enjoy a good meal.

Sister Terry, who is also the secre-tary for the Gloucester Union Relief Association (GURA) real-ized that “a lot of people who attend GURA member churches actually live across the Coleman Bridge. It would be great if they didn’t have to worry about rushing home to cook. They could just pick up their meals, or sit and fellowship at the Soul Food Feast.” The event was held at the Disa-bled American Veterans Center (DAV) on Sunday March 8th. The menu included baked and fried chicken, pig’s feet, baked ham, venison and gravy, macaroni and cheese, black-eyed peas, collard

greens, corn pudding, stewed tomatoes, green beans, pasta sal-ad, potato salad, rolls, pies, and cakes. Everything, except the chicken, was prepared home-made, by “some of the best cooks in Gloucester County!” The Gazette’s article on the event also featured recipes for some of the dishes that were pre-pared, from Trustees Nelson Fos-ter and Ronald Brown; Steering Committee members Minister Katrina W. Brown, Deaconess Barbara Foster, and Sister Teri-Redcross-Ali. The other Steering Committee members are Deacon-ess Christine Boyd and Sister LaVerne Forrest.

logue, sound, illumination, response - all directed toward increasing the awareness of God, in a way that people can see the Truth of God’s word, and it be-comes real to them. The Praise Dancing and Drama Ministries at FBC achieve a number of objectives for the Lord. The Min-istries: lift up the name of Jesus; in-spire worship; creates an atmosphere conducive to the Holy Spirit; is a living and visual testimony of the Grace and Victory of Jesus Christ; and reaches those in need of salvation in ways that the preached Word does not or cannot touch the spirit.

Website and Facebook The internet and social media are great tools for in-teraction and mak-ing connections. Our Facebook page: First Baptist Church Ordinary, and our website: fbcordinary.org provide the opportuni-ty to engage with those who may never set foot inside the church doors. 21st

meeting the needs of, or even caring about, suffering people. Church in general, and FBC in particu-lar has to become more aware of the 21st century challenges confronting us in ful-filling Christ’s Great Commission. We must be prepared by incorporating diver-sity in the ways we reach out to spread God’s Word. Drama and Dance Dancing is one of the oldest documented ways of praising the Lord. Old Testament scriptures ex-hort us to “praise His name with dancing”; “praise Him with the tam-bourine and dance”; and that “the young women rejoice in the dance.” Drama is one of the most powerful methods of communicating the Word of God. The Bible is filled with parables and word pictures. Praise and worship is drama and dance in its purest sense, incorporating actions and atti-tudes. This does not mean entertainment, but of movement, contemplation, dia-

century communications often times does not include looking in the Yellow Pages or consulting the church directo-

ry listed in the newspapers (Gazette Journal). FBC’s internet presence provides scriptures, videos and pic-tures from church events, encouragement and guidance for those who are in need, and ministry updates. When searchers find our website it

also provides them a link to our Face-book page.

Beyond the Sanctuary The Walter Reed Convalescent Cen-ter takes us be-yond the sanctuary during the two Bible studies and 3rd Sunday service conducted month-ly, which brings the Word to those who are unable to come to church; as does the Caring Hands Community Meal. The monthly meal touches those who may never attend a Sunday ser-vice. And we must continue to reach out “by any means necessary” to spread God’s Word.

P A T H W A Y S

V O L U M E 3 I S S U E 6

Jaidyn Forrest is a

FBC Praise Dancer

Webster Corbin

working in the Drama Ministry

P A G E 4

Leaving Church

announcing the FBC was seeking a pastor was placed in local newspapers and Baptist church websites for applicants. Over a dozen candidates submitted resumes; these are now being evaluated to determine who will be offered the opportunity to provide more in-depth information.

Committee Chairperson Deacon Calvin Randall has emphasized that even though Rev. Harris plans to step down, “nothing will be rushed about this process.” He said

It’s a task that none of the committee members relish … searching for a new FBC under-shepherd. Pastor James Harris notified the church in 2014, that he would be stepping down at the end of August 2015. A Pastor’s Search Committee has been in place since January 2015 undertak-ing the process that will eventually culmi-nate in a recommendation to the congre-gation of a new pastor.

Work started in earnest after advertising

that “we must be led by the Holy Spirit, and God will guide us through all that we must do.”

Other committee members are: Trustees Nelson Foster and Zanette McMillan, Dea-con Keith Osborne, Minister Katrina W. Brown, Church Clerk Sister Toni Foster, and Brother Albert Ali. Deacon-ess Sharon Washington sits as a non-voting ex-officio committee member.

P A T H W A Y S

Barbara Brown Taylor Leaving Church;

A Memoir of Faith Review By Dan Clendenin

Most Christians devoted to parish ministry like Bar-bara Brown Taylor discover at some point in their lives the perilous interface be-tween one's personal identi-ty and the professional in-stitution of the church which they serve. Often this interface brings a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment, but at other times it becomes a flash point for crisis. In the words of the Bene-dictine nun Joan Chittister, given the grace of experiencing the faults and failures of both my-self and the church, how do I remain a "loyal member of a dysfunctional family?" After ministering for nine years on the staff of a large Episcopal church in urban Atlanta, where she had lived half of her adult life, Taylor moved to Clarkesville in northeast Georgia, a town of 1,500 people and two stoplights. The prospect of serving Grace-Calvary Episcopal with its tiny sanctuary that seated 85 people was a dream come true for her, or so she thought. Her passion and competence spelled success, and after five years the church had expanded to four Sunday services. In the process she nearly lost her soul, and so she resigned, left church, and took an endowed chair of religion at nearby Piedmont College. Taylor's memoir reads like an account of clas-sic burnout—an exaggerated sense of self-

importance, her "staggering" sense of owner-ship, a deep need to help others, a relentless work ethic, self-pity, a "heroic image of myself [and] a huge appetite for approval." All these led to a meltdown of bitterness, loneliness, un-controllable tears, and resentment. "My role and my soul were eating each other alive," she writes. In addition to describing her personal issues that contributed to her crisis, Taylor also reflects on the church as an institution. Here too we discover familiar if frustrating experi-ences. While Jesus prayed for a kingdom of God, what we got was an imperfect church. The church guards its "center" and often perse-cutes those on the "edges." Rigid belief en-forced by "jurists" marginalizes the "poets" who would rather "behold." Taylor structures her narrative around the themes of finding, losing, and keeping. She dis-covered that what she really wanted was to be-come merely but fully human. She lost her par-ish job but gained Sabbath rest. She lost her professional identity but gained a far broader and deeper identification with all of humanity. Most important of all, she discovered a spiritu-ality of imperfection in which "spiritual poverty is central to the Christ path." As this is what she calls a "love story" and a "memoir of faith," her candid narrative reminded me of the wise words of Erasmus who, after failing at rap-prochement with Luther, returned to the Cath-olic church with all its imperfections. "I will put up with this church until it becomes a better church," said Erasmus, "and it must put up with me until I become a better person."

Pastor’s Search Committee Setting Up Candidate Interviews

Deacon Calvin Randall

leads the committee tasked with recommend-ing a new pastor to the

congregation.

The Pastor’s Pen By Rev. James Harris

P A G E 5

Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits – Who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the ea-gle’s.” – Psalm 103:1-5 [NIV] Spring has sprung and sum-mer will soon be on the way. This is always an exciting time of the year. Our spirits are lift-ed because we have made it through another particularly rough winter. We have ridden out the frigid winter and now our thoughts have now turned to those things of Spring - yard upkeep, garden prepara-tion, cleaning, and completion of the unfinished projects left lying around the house while we waited for the cold to go. In our flower beds we await the return of our perennials; we plan how we will plant new bulbs and other flowers that will bring the rich colors of spring and summer. But even with all of our attention to de-tail, we may overlook some things. Consider this. In the midst of all the planning and prepara-tion for the beauty of summer stands the “evergreens” who receive little thought during this time of year. They have stood majestic during the snowy winter and added color to a barren landscape. Despite

the hardships of winter, they have remained green, sym-bolic of life and growth. They have not withered as our annuals do nor have they gone dormant as the perenni-als do. They have remained steadfast and unchanged, even in the face of cold win-ters and hot, dry summers. As Christians, we are chal-lenged to live like this: as people who stand firm during good times and bad times; in all seasons. We are to be the “evergreens” of the human race; the symbols of “life and light” for a harsh, barren, dark and dying world. For Christians, spring is the season associated with East-er. It ushers in a period of preparation to remember and celebrate the LOVE of God for His creation, and the GIFT from God of eternal life offered to all, through belief in Jesus Christ. Let us echo the words of David as we give honor and glory to Him who puts the “green in our evergreeness.” Let us continue to spread the gospel message in word and in deed. Let us continue to love God and love our neigh-bors as ourselves. And most of all, let us be a people being led by the Holy Spirit to even greater works. God bless you and keep you with the abundance of His love, grace and mercy!

Rev. Jim Harris

When you think of the Wise Men, generally the birth of Christ comes to mind. The Magi delivered gifts to the Baby Jesus, as they worshipped the birth of the King. Sel-dom, if ever, are the Wise Men mentioned at the crucifix-ion of Christ, unless… they get lost for 33 years while on the way to Nazareth. These misguided Wise Men show up at FBC on Satur-day April 4th at 6:30 during the Easter production “The Not So Wise Men.” Drama Ministry Chairperson Jackie Slade will be staging her largest production to date: a 5 act play with 18 characters. Although the play is quite funny, it delivers a powerful message about how sinners have been given life because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. The audience follows along with the Magi Azarius and Josiah as they search to find Baby Jesus so they can deliver their gifts. Deacon Keith Osborne and Brother Albert Ali portray the two min characters. The Not So Wise Men is directed by Sister Jackie Slade.

“The Not So Wise Men”

show up at FBC for Easter

V O L U M E 3 I S S U E 6

The Not So Wise Men cast of 18 includes: Rev. Ward

Warren, Deacon Keith Osborne, Deaconess Barbara

Foster, Trustee Zanette McMillan, and Sister Eunice

Corbin.

P A G E 6

1 Brenda Bolden birthday

2 Marlene Murdock birthday

3 Good Friday

4 Cemetery Clean-up 9:00am; “The Not So Wise Men” Easter Production 6:30pm

5 Resurrection Sunday Sunrise Service at FBC 6:00am; Easter Worship Service 11:00am

6 Nursing Home Bible Study 10:30am

7 FBC Bible Study 6:30pm

8 Caring Hands Community Meal 11:00am

11 Executive Board Meeting 11:00am Quarterly Church meeting 12:00pm Appreciation Luncheon for Eunice Corbin 2:00pm Hibachi Grill, Jefferson Avenue

12 Randall Hazard birthday

14 Nursing Home Bible Study 10:30am

18 Bike Blessing 12:00pm

Cleo Warren birthday

21 Nursing Home Bible Study 10:30am FBC Bible Study 6:30pm

25 Missionary Anniversary 3:00pm

26 Men’s Chorus at Zion Baptist 3:30pm

28 FBC Bible Study 6:30pm

30 Carlos Slade birthday

13 Caring Hands Community Meal

11:00am

16 Teri Redcross-Ali birthday

17 Tiffani Moss birthday

18 Deacon and Aux. Meeting 7:00pm

19 Nursing Home Bible Study 10:30am

20 Trevor Foster birthday

22 Sharon Washington birthday

26 FBC Bible Study 6:30pm

1 Jean Randall birthday

2 Executive Board Meeting 10:00am

3 Calvin Randall birthday

4 Nursing Home Bible Study 10:30am

5 FBC Bible Study 6:30pm

6 Kiryenski McMillan birthday

10 Mother’s Day

11 Keith Osborne birthday

12 FBC Bible Study 6:30pm

P A T H W A Y S

1 Nursing Home Bible Study 10:30am

2 FBC Bible Study 6:30pm

Nelson Foster birthday

9 FBC Bible Study 6:30pm

10 Caring Hands Community Meal

11:00am

14 Terrell Randall birthday

16 Nursing Home Bible Study 10:30am

FBC Bible Study 6:30pm

19 Tavon Randall birthday

21 Father’s Day 148th Church Anniversary 3:30pm

23 FBC Bible Study 6:30pm

29 Christine Boyd birthday Jaidyn Forrest birthday

30 FBC Bible Study 6:30pm

Deacons, Deaconesses, Trustees Celebrate “Why they do what they do”

P A G E 7 V O L U M E 3 I S S U E 6

The Deacons, Deaconess’ and Trustees celebrated their anni-versary on Sunday March 15th, joined by the officers, choir and ushers of First United Baptist Church. And the message preached by Rev. Randolph Graham made it clear why they have been serving for 148 years - “because God found you and gave you favor.” Rev. Graham’s message, taken from Ephesians 2:8-10 was simply entitled “Why do what you do?” He made three points: “you do what you do because you are saved. God has wiped the past away and has given us grace. We are not saved by our works; we are saved to do works for the Lord.” Next, “you do what you do because you are called by the Lord. “When God gives you gifts, its easy to use them for God

- it gives you joy.” Rev. Graham noted that “You can work until your hands are full of callouses, but if you aren’t doing it for God, at the end of the day, all you will have is a hand full of callouses.” He explained “joy is a divine quality. You can do what you need to do for the Lord, regardless of what it is, because you have joy. But if you are not experi-encing joy in what you are doing, go back and ask God what you need to be doing.” Finally, Rev. Graham said “you do what you do because you are pre-destined. He concluded “your good works were destined by God. If you aren’t getting joy you aren’t walk-ing in your destiny. Because you will find joy if you do what you do for the Lord.”

FBC Deacons Corbin, Jarvis, and Board Chairman Randall FBC Deaconesses Chairperson Boyd, Washington, and Grant

First United’s Deacon Woods; First Morningstar’s Deacon Ellis

First United’s Pastor

Rev. Randolph Graham

First United’s Choir sang

powerful praises to the Lord Dea. Keith Osborne prayed

the Anniversary prayer

Worship Leader Deacon

Levi Foster -1st Morningstar

Trustee Zanette McMillan

read the scriptures

Deaconess Barbara Foster

P A G E 8

Christian Lifestyles Re-invent

Springtime Supper Now that spring has finally sprung,

maybe it’s time to make your meals

bloom. Re-invent your supper by

adding lots of greens to the meal.

This easy-to-make strawberry salad,

paired with the simple and quickly

prepared parmesan-crusted tilapia

filets, is not only healthy and deli-

cious, but it adds lots of color to the

supper table, and is bursting with tangy

flavors, making this combination the per-

fect spring fling meal re-invention.

Balsamic

Strawberry Salad

Recipe serves 6

Ingredients

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon honey

1 small shallot, peeled and chopped

2 small cloves garlic, peeled

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 cup olive oil

1 head red lettuce leaves, rinsed, dried, and

torn

1/2 small red onions, peeled, cut into 1/2

inch-wide slivers

1/4 cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted

1 pint fresh strawberries, rinsed and sliced

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Directions

To make the dressing, place the Balsamic

vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, shallot, garlic,

salt and pepper in the bowl of a blender or

food processor; pulse until blended. Slowly

pour in the olive oil and pulse again until

blended. Set aside or refrigerate until need-

ed.

Divide lettuce between 6 plates, and top

with red onions, almonds, strawberries, and

feta cheese. Drizzle the dressing on top or

serve dressing on the side.

Parmesan Crusted

Tilapia Filets

Recipe serves 4

Ingredients

3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 teaspoons paprika

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parley

Salt and pepper to taste

4 tilapia filets

Olive oil

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees, line a baking

sheet with aluminum foil

Whisk Parmesan cheese, paprika, parsley,

salt, and paper together in a shallow dish

Coat tilapia fillets with olive oil and press

into the parmesan cheese mixture. Arrange

coated fillets on the prepared baking sheet

Bake in the preheated oven until the fish

flakes easily with a fork, 10 to 12 minutes.

Recipes from allrecipes.com

P A T H W A Y S

Bursting with flavor, the rich

balsalmic dressing

seasoned with honey and

shallots, perfectly

complements a green salad

garnished with strawberries,

toasted almonds, and feta cheese

P A G E 9 V O L U M E 3 I S S U E 6

Easter Word Jumble Unscramble the letters using the words from the word bank list

1. RIVOAS

2. OTSSPLAE

3. ATFHI

4. LABM

5. RREREOSTUCIN

6. OGD

7. NOS

8. EJUSS

9. CIIFAECSR

10.OSSCR

11.LANIS

12.AEONIPPTSUILT

13.RNOHST

14.OCRNW

15.AMILREC

16.NESIR

17.CEAV

18.EEEVBIL

19.ETDMRONPEI

20.IDUCRCEFI

APOSTLES

JESUS

CROSS

CROWN

CRUCIFIED

FAITH

GOD

MIRACLE

CAVE

RISEN

SAVIOR

SACRIFICE

THORNS

NAILS

PONTIUS PILATE

REDEMPTION

RESURRECTION

LAMB

SON

BELIEVE

P A G E 1 0

Let us praise Him with the dance! His Chosen Generation Praise Dancing Ministry celebrated their first anni-versary on Sunday March 22nd, royally arrayed in purple, and majestically praising the Lord with the dance. Ministry Chairper-son Sister Terry Osbourne celebrated the anniversary by pointing out that we have gone through a lot this year, but we are rebuking the

devil the praising the Lord as God wants us to do.” The Praise Dancing Minis-try debuted their first dance at FBC on Sunday March 16, 2014. Since that time they were anointed with the name His Chosen Generation; they have gained a number of new members; and their ministry has traveled all across the

together several women in song and in praise after the children of Israel crossed the Red Sea (Exodus 15:20, 21). The second event occurs when David brings back the arc of the covenant to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6). Both major events showed the signifi-cance of praise dancing in rejoic-ing and thankfulness for what the Lord has done. Sister Terry gave a lot of the credit for the growth of the min-istry to instructor Sister Leslie Billups. She has always been right there for us - we couldn’t have done it without her,” she said. The Praise Dancers were pre-sented with gifts in celebration of their anniversary; among them a His Chosen Generation imprinted garment bag. Sister Terry closed by proclaiming to God be the Glory for all He is doing with this ministry.

P A T H W A Y S

county to praise the Lord with the dance. Sister Terry continues to be the catalyst driving the Ministry. During the anniver-sary celebration, she gave their history and pointed out that the Praise Dancers are determined, focused, and on fire for the Lord. She emphasized again that we’ve only just begun. Sister Terry noted that God is still shaping and blessing the ministry to be what He wants the praise dancers to be. Praise dancing is a form of worship that seeks to ex-press the Word of the Lord by using the body. The histo-ry of praise dancing begins in the Bible with scriptural ref-erences to dances of celebra-tion during two important historical events. The first event was the crossing of the Red Sea. Miriam, prophetess and sister of Moses brought

His Chosen Generation

Praise Dancers:

Brena Osbourne, Brene’ Osbourne,

Bryce Osbourne, Nevaeh Curry,

Kathya Gibson, Deshae Lane,

Jaidyn Forrest, Shakera Billups,

Ke’La Billups.

Instructor is Leslie Billups

P A G E 1 1 V O L U M E 3 I S S U E 6

In the FBC Family

The Nursing

Home Ministry

conducts service

at Walter Reed

Convalescent

Center every third

Sunday, and con-

ducts Bible Study

on the 1st Mon-

day and the 3rd

Tuesday each

month

Right Hand of Fellowship

Rev. Ward and Mrs. Cleo War-

ren, and Rev. Eric Elam are wel-

comed into the FBC fellowship.

The Warrens have joined as

members; Rev Elam and his wife

Tiffany have joined as Watch

Care members; daughter Jordan

is a candidate for baptism.

Mrs. Almae

Corbin

Mrs. Mary Green is now

residing at Walter Reed

Convalescent Center

The Sunshine Ministry prepared cards for our

ailing member Mrs. Brenda Bolden

budgets are critical to a church’s financial success. Luke 14:28 tells us that before one builds a tower, one sits down and counts the cost. For First Baptist to be successful in managing its financial resources, a budget is an absolute necessity. Budgets are a control mechanism. But, more than that, they are a planning tool and an operational guide to help achieve the church’s short- and long-range objectives. And most importantly, a budget ensures accountability. A little over a year ago, First Baptist’s finance ministry and the executive committee took on the initiative to improve the management of our church’s finances. The first step to be-coming better stewards of the church’s financial resources was developing an operating budget. This was not and is not an activity that is should be taken casually. Each ministry chairperson submitted projected income and expenses for the year by month based on a combination of previous year spending and budget year estimates or forecast. Each individ-ual budget was consolidated into the church’s overall operat-ing budget. The results were reviewed, adjusted and reviewed again. Final approval came at a church meeting January 10, 2015. Reasons we developed a church budget:

To achieve church’s mission objectives. The budgeting process forces First Baptist Church to plan and set goals which provides a structured process for funding church-wide initiatives. If you fail to plan….you plan to fail.

Budgeting eliminates turf wars over spending and availa-ble funds.

Budgeting improves communication throughout the church because everyone understands what the priorities are and what funds are allocated to each ministry and activity.

Churches that use an operating budget are equipped to tar-get and control spending. Creating and maintaining a budgeting pro-cess will help to ensure that dollars are allocated to those things that help fulfill First Baptist’s mission and vision. The budget is used for both planning and control. Plan-ning requires strategic decisions that are aligned with the church’s priorities. Control ensures that the ministries implement what was

planned and that the objectives are achieved. Planning is pointless without control over spending, and without plan-ning, there are no targeted objectives to achieve. The budgeting process makes estimates of revenues, plans expenditures, and restricts spending that is not part of the

plan. The operating budget extends out for one year and is divided into four quarters. The quarters are then divided into months and the budget review of gains, losses and variances is done on a monthly basis. First Baptist’s budget for 2015 consists of revenue (offering & fund raising) of $105,445.00 and operating expenses of $89,986.00. The chart below high-lights the allocation percent of the church’s spending for cal-endar year 2015: In comparison, a survey of 1,168 small to mid-size churches

conduct by National Association of Church Business Admin-istration (NACBA) and Leadership Network, a non-profit church-growth consulting firm, revealed the average break-down in expenses for church operating budgets were: 38% toward salaries and wages; 12% toward buildings/facilities; 8% toward utilities; 7% toward ministries and support; and 35% toward other. When making and living by our budget, prayer is the key that unlocks our ability to join God in what He is doing. That’s not an excuse to sit back and do nothing. It’s simply the admission that no matter how hard we work, it’s God’s power that fuels every good work, and it’s God who crowns our efforts with success. However God requires us to be good stewards of the funds He entrusts to us and part of that responsibility is to manage our financial resources effec-tively and with good intent. In the end, all of this dollars and sense may just lead to a healthier, true-to-mission First Bap-tist Church.

PATHWAYS

continued from page 1

P A G E 1 2

Pathways is published quarterly for the members

of First Baptist Church, Ordinary Virginia

Editor: Minister Katrina White Brown

kawbrown@yahoo.com

Like our Facebook page

First Baptist Church, Ordinary

Website: fbcordinary.org

“For First Baptist to be successful in

managing its financial resources,

a budget is an absolute necessity”

P A G E 1 3 V O L U M E 3 I S S U E 6

From hanging decorations, to painting ceilings, to soothing children … the Trustees

are Jacks and Jills of all FBC trades. Much of the maintenance and construction work

on the church building, as well as hands-on upkeep of the property, is done by our

skilled Trustees. These are the church’s stewards, responsible for the resources, assets,

and property. The Ministry members are: Nelson Foster-Chairperson, Ronald Brown-

Vice Chairperson, Zanette McMillan, and Deacons Calvin Randall and Franklin Jarvis.

Publicity Ministry launches new fbcordinary.org Website

The redesigned fbcordinary.org website launched on April 1st with a new 12 item drop down menu choice, a home page photo gallery slide show, and a link to our Face-book page.-First Baptist Church, Ordinary. The Publicity Ministry has been working to improve the site for a number of months. With the help of a new web hosting and design service, the Gazette Journal, the new site has finally gone live. Additions will soon allow FBC members to submit on line com-ments or to make prayer requests; other planned additions include weekly sermon notes and high-lights, and videoed portions of the Sunday Worship service. Publicity Ministry members are Minister Katrina W. Brown, Sister Toni Foster, Sister Calisse Man-ning, Sister Shannon Cooke, and Brother Albert Ali.

P A G E 1 4

By Joyce Meyer

Have you ever thought about God’s wonderful gift of speech? Proverbs 15:23 says a word spoken at the right moment; how good it is. God has given us the ability to encourage, praise, sing, and worship with our words. But too often our mouths, and a tiny instrument called the tongue; get us into trou-ble. If you have an “unbridled” tongue, there is no end to the havoc you can create in your own life and the lives of people around you. But the human tongue can be tamed by no man. It is a restless (undisciplined, irrecon-cilable) evil, full of deadly poi-son. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and we curse men who were made in God’s like-ness. (James 3:8-9). Our words can do se-vere damage to our rela-tionships, our careers, and the world around us. But here’s the good news: with the help of the Holy Spir-it, they can also do great good. God can give us the wisdom we need to con-trol our tongues and learn to speak life-giving words that reflect the love of Christ and what His Word says. Here are some tips to help train your tongue and shape your life: USE YOUR WORDS TO BLESS. Our words have the power to bless or curse. Proverbs 18:21 says “death and life are in the power of the tongue, and

they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it.” We need to pay close at-tention to the way we talk about ourselves. People who have not disciplined their mouths say some of the most awful things about themselves: “I can’t do anything right. Noth-ing ever works out for me. Nobody loves me. Instead of speaking out of our feelings or circumstances, we need to say the same thing that God says about us in His Word. BE THANKFUL AND SAY SO. Psalm 100:4 says we should “be thankful and say so. “Tell people you’re thankful for what they do for you-and thank God for everything. Take a few minutes every day and thank God for everything you can think of-your family, your health, food, hot water...God has given us a mouth to glorify Him. ENCOURAGE, EDIFY, AND BUILD OTHERS UP Isaiah 50:4 says the Lord God has given me the tongue of a disciple and of one who is taught that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. Think about the people you al-ready know you’re going to be around and ask God to put something in your heart that you can say to them that will build them up. Tell the truth. The Bible says in John 4 that true worshippers will worship

God in spirit and in truth. If you’re waiting for a pro-motion from God, then you need to be committed to the truth. Proverbs 23:23 says, buy the truth and sell it not. Holding on to the truth might mean los-ing a friend or your repu-tation. If you’re going to be committed to the truth, there will be times when you’ll have to make a sac-rifice. Hang on to it no matter what it costs you. It is so rewarding. The Bible says then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32) SPEAK THE WORD OF GOD. Jeremiah 23:28-29 says he who has My word, let him speak My word faithfully … is not My word like fire [that consumes all that cannot endure the test]? Says the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks in pieces the rock [of most stubborn resistance? Keep hitting your prob-lems with the hammer of God’s Word. Speak the Word out loud faithfully. It’ll break the hardest things you’re facing into pieces. DON’T TALK TO MUCH. A lot of times, we just need to be quiet, Proverbs 10:19 says in a multitude of words transgression is not lack-ing, but he who restrains his lips is prudent. We need to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

From ENJOY EVERYDAY LIFE magazine

P A T H W A Y S

“Encouraging

people has not always come easy

to me, but years ago, I made a

commitment to God to start doing

it on purpose. Every day I ask

the Holy Spirit to show me who I can

encourage” —- Joyce Meyer

P A G E 1 5 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1

SAVIOR

APOSTLES

FAITH

LAMB

RESURRECTION

GOD

SON

JESUS

SACRIFICE

CROSS

NAILS

PONTIUS PILATE

THORNS

CROWN

MIRACLE

RISEN

CAVE

BELIEVE

REDEMPTION

CRUCIFIED

Easter Word Jumble

Solution

Please furnish information such as pictures, poems, scriptures, business cards, or any other materials that you would like included on your page, and the names of all

persons sponsoring the request.

For more information or questions call 804-642-4229 Return all information as soon as possible to:

First Baptist Church Homecoming Ministry

C/O Rev. J.L. Harris P.O. Box 221

Hayes VA 23072

P A G E 1 6 V O L U M E 3 I S S U E 6

In the

Lord’s Service

Reverend James Harris

Reverend Eric Elam

Minister Katrina White Brown

Chairperson: Trustee Nelson Foster

Sister Toni Foster

Superintendent: Deaconess Barbara Foster

Chairperson: Minister Katrina White Brown

Chairperson: Deaconess Christine Boyd

Chairperson: Deacon Calvin Randall

Chairperson: Sister Jackie Slade

Treasurer: Trustee Ronald Brown Assistant Treasurer: Sister Calisse Manning

Financial Secretary: Trustee Zanette McMillan

Chairperson: Sister Terry Osbourne

Chairperson: Sister Terry Osbourne

Male Chorus Director: Brother Clarence Davis

Chairperson: Trustee Nelson Foster

Chairperson: Deaconess Shirley Grant

Chairperson: Sister Michaelene Randall

Chairperson: Deaconess Barbara Foster

When Forest Gump died, he stood in front of St. Peter at the Pearly Gates. St. Peter said, "Welcome, Forest. We've heard a lot about you." He continued, "Unfortunately, it's get-ting pretty crowded up here and we find that we now have to give people an entrance examination before we let them in." "Okay," said Forest. "I hope it's not too hard. I've already been through a test. My momma used to say, 'Life is like a final exam. It's hard." "Yes, Forest, I know. But this test is only three questions. Here they are." 1) Which two days of the week begin with the letter 'T'?" 2) How many seconds are in a year?

3) What is God's first name? "Well, sir," said Forest, "The first one is easy. Which two days of the week begin with the letter 'T'? Today and Tomorrow." St. Peter looked surprised and said, "Well, that wasn't the an-swer I was looking for, but you have a point. I give you credit for that answer." "The next question," said Forest, "How

many seconds are in a year? Twelve." "Twelve?" said St. Pe-ter, surprised and confused. "Yes, sir. January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd …" St. Peter interrupted him. "I see what you mean. I'll have to give you credit for that one, too." "And the last question," said Forest, "What is God's first name? It's Andy." "Andy?" said St. Peter, in shock. "How did you

come up with 'Andy'?" "I learned it in church. We used to sing about it." Forest broke into song, "Andy walks with me, Andy talks with me, Andy tells me I am His own." St. Peter opened the gate to heaven and said, "Run, Forest, Run!"

10. God was worried that Adam would frequently become lost in the garden because he would not ask for directions. 9. God knew that one day Adam would require someone to locate and hand him the remote. 8. God knew Adam would never go out and buy himself a new fig leaf when his wore out and would therefore need Eve to buy one for him. 7. God knew Adam would never be able to make a doctor, dentist or haircut appointment for himself. 6. God knew Adam would never remember which night to put the garbage on the curb. 5. God knew if the world was to be populated, men would never be able to handle the pain and discomfort of childbear-ing. 4. As the Keeper of the Garden, since he didn't have met-al sheds or greenhouses, Adam would never remember where he left his tools. 3. Apparently, Adam needed someone to blame his troubles on when God caught him hiding in the garden. 2. As the Bible says, "It is not good for man to be alone!" And the #1 reason why God created Eve: When God finished the creation of Adam, He stepped back, scratched His head and said, "I can do better than that!"