November Events at FBCA

First Family,

I hope that you are having a blessed week. If you would allow me there are several things that I would like to highlight this week:

• Today, Tuesday, Nov. 7th is voting day in VA. I believe that voting is a way to be good stewards of the blessings that God has bestowed upon us. By casting our vote, we can choose candidates who will implement policies that improve our country and align with God's will. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 cautions us against wasting our God-given gifts, and therefore we should be diligent in not only exercising our right to vote but also doing so in an informed manner.

• This Wednesday, November 8th we will be entering into a special business meeting for the purpose of discussing the 2024 General Budget and the 2024 slate of Commissions and Committee nominations. These votes will take place during our morning worship on November 19th.

• This week we will observe Veterans Day, originally “Armistice Day” on November 11th. On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month (i.e., November 11, 1918), the truce was declared that ended World War I, then known as “The Great War.” The United States Congress subsequently declared that the date “should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations.” We are so grateful as a church for our Veterans, and we look forward to expressing our appreciation this Sunday as part of our worship services.

• Our Deaconate is hosting our annual Thanksgiving Dinner on Tuesday, November 21st at 7 pm. The doors will open at 6:30 pm with hors d'oeuvres. This will be a wonderful meal accompanied by a special time of worship, The Lord's Supper, and a powerful testimony. During this meal, I have a particular burden in my heart for our church family members who are unable to attend our in-person worship services regularly. If you know someone in need of transportation or any other assistance to enable them to participate, please bring it to my attention. I would be delighted to assist in finding ways to accommodate them and ensure their participation in the upcoming event. Kindly note that RSVP is required, and you are requested to register yourself and your family by clicking on the link provided in the Beacon or on the homepage of the FBCA website.

• This Christmas season, we are excited to offer an Advent devotional titled "He Alone is Worthy". It contains a compilation of scriptures organized thematically to prepare our hearts for worship during the holiday season. Our December sermon series will be based on this devotional, making it an immersive study for the Christmas season. You can purchase these books at our church at a discounted rate, and they will be available for pickup starting this Sunday. To order your copy follow the link in the beacon or on the homepage of the FBCA website.

It is such a wonderful season in the life of First Baptist Church, and I am so thankful to serve alongside as Senior Pastor. If I can ever do anything for you or your family, please let me know, as I consider it a joy!

Servant for HIS Glory,
Pastor Robert