“When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,” (Luke 2:17). Even though we Baptists have learned to join the larger Christian church and observe Advent during the four weeks leading up to Christmas, most of us don’t really wait until December 25 to celebrate the…
Embracing vulnerable neighbors right here in our own communities has been the mission priority for CBFNC and our churches for over five years now. Especially during Advent, it’s quite common for CBFNC staff to field questions from church leaders across the state looking for alternatives to some of the larger, more well-known Christmas mission opportunities.…
“John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Mark 1:4) Who are your favorite characters in the Christmas story? Shepherds, wise men, the holy family, maybe even Elizabeth or Zechariah? I bet you didn’t name John the Baptist. Yet John is a central character in the…
“A voice cries out: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord…” (Isaiah 40:3) In a normal year, our family’s preparation for Christmas involves several elements: Retrieving Christmas decorations from the attic Thanksgiving weekend and adorning every room in our house with Kim’s magic decorating touch. Sharing gift lists with extended family members and making…
From the Nov-Dec issue of Nurturing Faith Journal By Larry Hovis, CBFNC executive coordinator As I was growing up in the same town as my widowed grandmother who lived with her two sisters, these three women exerted a profound influence on my father, my sister and me. To earn a living, my grandmother ran…
At the CBFNC Annual Business Meeting earlier this year, participants approved changes to the Bylaws that will create 14 ministry teams to lead CBFNC ministries in collaboration with the Coordinating Council and CBFNC staff. The Nominating Team is requesting recommendations for positions related to these teams. You may recommend yourself or someone else. To submit a…
By Jeff Mathis Pastor, First Baptist-Sylva Here is a true statement: Some of us will be displeased with the results of the election. What’s less certain, First Baptist Church, is whether we’ll be displeased with one another. I know. I’m understating it. The word ‘displeased’ doesn’t begin to capture the range of emotions people feel…
By Scott Hudgins Director of CBFNC’s Helping Pastors Thrive Program Anger and no one can heal it. Slides through the metal detector. Lives like a mole in a motel. A slide in a slide projector. The cool, cool river. Sweeps the wild, white ocean. The rage of love turns inward, to prayers of deep devotion.…
By Seth Hix CBFNC Associate Coordinator For the past 32 weeks most of our CBFNC congregations have been worshiping in a virtual, hybrid or outdoor setting. These seven months have required church leaders and pastors to think creatively in planning worship services for Holy Week, Easter, Mother’s Day, graduation celebrations, communion, baby dedications, baptisms and…
By Mary Kaylor CBFNC Associate Coordinator About two weeks ago, Helen Reddy passed away. Many remember her as the Grammy winning ‘I Am Woman’ singer. Her words struck a chord with listeners, becoming a rallying cry for the women’s liberation movement and reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 at the end of 1972.…