& Flea Market    SATURDAY   8:30-3

 Lessons from History

I am writing this article after a wonderful Homecoming Service on November 3. Last Sunday, 207 worshippers gave a full feeling to the sanctuary. Many former members helped celebrate our last month in the old buildings. Some came from Texas, Illinois and the Carolinas, along with scores from the Mid-Atlantic States. Two former pastors, who could not attend, sent greetings that were shared with the congregation. After the service, Fellowship Hall was filled with joyful chatter as friends and acquaintances of the past reunited.

My primary task for the day was to build a worship service around the weekly lectionary and the history of First Baptist Church of Silver Spring. Having read the historic materials twice in the past 12 years, I read it differently this time, to reduce it in time to fit in a 90-minute worship service so the Spanish-language congregation could start their regular worship service on time in the sanctuary.

Reframing the history for a worship setting helped me grasp the dynamic relationship between our religious ancestors and their Lord! Three strong faith characters traits jumped out at me about the 15 who signed the original charter on October 22, 1924. They were people of deep faith, strong religious conviction, and courageous ministry stands.

They were people with a tremendous confidence in God that drove them to take deep-pocketed financial risks during even the Great Depression and start building when they only had $0.63 in the bank account They were convinced that God would provide if they were faithful. And, they were faithful. They worked with their hands, stretched the resources of their community of faith, and shared the Gospel in many ways to draw more people to follow their Lord.

They also had strong religious conviction. I use "religious" for their Baptist beliefs that completed their Christian faith. While they shared in and supported an ecumenical service sponsored by Grace Episcopal Church for a largely unchurched area, they also wanted to support Baptist Missions and teach their children Baptist history and beliefs. So, a meager dozen met in a home for PRAYER and Sunday School. As Baptists, they had lots of meetings with lots and lots of discussion. But, as Christians, they had lots and lots of prayer! They prayed for wisdom and answers. They discussed for clarity of thought and strategy. Putting them both together, they succeeded as Christians with Baptist convictions.

But, they also took courageous ministry stands. They focused on evangelistic strategies of praching, visiting and witnessing. They bussed in children who would have gone without Christian training. And, they focused on material things: building, and paying off mortgages. Needs of people-both in and out of their fellowship-were always attended to. Besides the members, they also cared for society's marginalized, often neglected behind walls of institutions. They started a Sunday School class for children and youth with learning and physical challenges. When the community did not want to notice the homeless, First Baptist was a catalyst for over 30 churches and synagogues to open a ministry to feed and clothe the needy.

What a heritage the Lord has given us. What a blessing that our God has not changed! Have we?

                                                                                   Pastor Mac

Church Estate Sale & Flea Market

Saturday, November 16

On SATURDAY, First Baptist Church will have an indoor Flea Market to benefit the Building Fund. Interested persons who attend services here may begin browsing and shopping at 8:30 AM; the general public will be admitted beginning at 9:00 AM, ending at 3:00 PM. If you can volunteer to help guide shoppers or monitor for a couple of hours, call the church office with your available time information.

What's available?

• Church and office furniture, equipment and supplies (pews, file cabinets, air conditioners, desks, chairs, computer components, compact photo printer, vases, dishes, sofas, chalkboards, bulletin boards, books, etc.)
• Health aids (crutches, walkers, etc.)

Because we will still be using the building until the end of the month, some of the items will have to be picked up after December 1.

Additional Methods of Contributing to FBC

For information on Cyber Giving and Online Bill Pay, click here.

NOTICE TO THOSE CURRENTLY DONATING THROUGH ONLINE BILL PAY: If you contribute to FBCSS through your online banking, please edit the PAYEE address to: 9727 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring MD 20910 to prevent delays in forwarding.

If you do cyber giving through our church website, no action is required.

Stay connected with your church family during the week! Beginning the week of November 17, adult Bible study will take place in small groups at three homes. It is an opportunity to become better acquainted with individuals in this community of faith while discussing spiritual perspectives in a casual, group setting close to your home of place of employment. The same resource material will be used at all locations (including our adult Sunday school).

Help us get started! In the near future, additional venues will be added in other neighborhoods. You can also try attending different groups until you find what works for you. Let the Lord "do a new thing in you." Thanks to those who have volunteered to open their homes to this new fellowship opportunity and those who have volunteered to lead the discussions.

Monday, November 18      7:00 p.m.

              10755 McGregor Dr., Columbia

Thursday, November 21  10:30 a.m.

            15005 Peachstone Dr., Silver Spring

Saturday, November 23  10:00 a.m.

12612 Springloch Ct., Silver Spring

As of November 19, our interim administrative offices will be located at Montgomery Hills Baptist Church (near Forest Glen Road, I-495, METRO Red Line: Forest Glen station).

Our NEW phone number will be: 301-754-1100 at the following address:

            First Baptist Church of Silver Spring

            9727 Georgia Avenue

            Silver Spring MD 20910-1458

Beginning Sunday, December 1, our worship services will take place at the following interim location:

            Takoma Park Community Center

            7500 Maple Avenue

            Takoma Park MD 20912

            (at the corner of Philadelphia Avenue & Maple Avenue)

Sunday Schedule

       10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.            Adult Bible Study (FBC)

       11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m.            Worship Service (FBC)

       11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.            Children's Bible Study

                                                                       (all congregations)

NOTE: Like our current location, the parking lot ENTRANCE is located behind the building. Enter the TPCC parking lot from Philadelphia Avenue.