Jesus was always speaking of the Kingdom as a banquet or a party, but somehow we have managed to mute so many of the celebratory tones of the Gospel.  Because Jesus knew the hearts of men and women, he understood how in a world of stress and struggle, people look for opportunities to rejoice over the many ways God sees us through our difficult times.  

 

We have such an opportunity to rejoice on Sunday, November 8, 2009 - our "Heritage Sunday."  On that Sunday we will be celebrating our church’s 160th birthday!  Let that number sink in for a moment.  How many places do you know that have been around for that long and are still viable today?  First Baptist Church has been used of God to change lives in so many amazing ways, and we have the privilege of continuing that heritage even today.  “Here for Life!” is more than a catchy slogan for a building campaign; it really does capture what has been the heartbeat of our church from the very beginning. What would those nine people who started this church back on November 10, 1849,  think about what has been accomplished for Christ over these many years?  We hope they would simply celebrate God’s grace and His favor upon this church that has remained focused on the task of inviting people to experience the abundant life Jesus came to make possible.

 

 

 

 

Don't miss the big day!  To play off an old saying, “Let the party continue.”  We know who the “Life of the party” really is, and we celebrate His favor that rests upon us, as we continue as a church to be faithful to what He has called us to do.

 

 

1926

 

 

1929

 

 

1950

 

 

1967