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A New Year, A New Doorway of Grace
Dear Franklinton Baptist Church family,
As I sit down to write this, I’m thinking about how quickly the calendar turned. One moment we were lighting Advent candles, and the next we were stepping into a brand‑new year. January always catches me a little off guard. It feels like standing in a doorway, one foot in the year behind us, one foot in the year ahead.
Maybe that’s why I’ve always loved the symbolism behind the name January. The ancient Romans named this month after Janus, the god of thresholds and transitions, the one who looked both backward and forward. And while we don’t follow Roman gods, I do think the image is helpful. Because that’s exactly where we are right now as a church: looking back with gratitude, and looking forward with hope.
Paul captures this beautifully in Philippians 3:4–14, where he reflects honestly on his past, the good, the bad, the complicated, and then says: “Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal…”
Paul doesn’t pretend the past didn’t happen.
He remembers it.
He learns from it.
But he refuses to be defined by it.
As your pastor, I feel that deeply this year.
On Friday January 2, 2026, I found myself sitting alone in the Franklinton Baptist Church sanctuary, no lights on, no music playing, just the quiet glow of the
stained-glass windows. I sat on the front pew and looked back over the year we’ve shared: the joys, the losses, the prayers, the surprises, the moments of grace that carried us through; And then I sensed a gentle nudge from the Lord:
“Rich… that’s enough looking back.
Now look forward.
I’m already in the year ahead.”
That’s the promise I’m holding onto as we begin 2026.
It’s the promise I want you to hold onto too.
God has been faithful, God is faithful, and God will continue to be faithful as we step into this new season together.
Upcoming Events at Franklinton Baptist Church
These next few months give us beautiful opportunities to worship, celebrate, and grow together as a family of faith.
Baptist Men’s Day – Sunday, January 25
This will be a special Sunday for our church.
We’ll begin the morning with an 8:30 a.m. Baptist Men’s Breakfast, a time of fellowship, encouragement, and good food shared around the table.
During worship, we hope to fill the choir loft with men lifting their voices in praise.
We’ll also hear testimonies from several of our men, sharing how God has been at work in their lives.
It’s a powerful reminder that God is shaping the hearts of our men, fathers, grandfathers, sons, brothers, mentors, and using them to bless FBC.
Youth Sunday – Sunday, February 15
Youth Sunday is one of the most joyful, hope‑filled services of the year.
Our youth will lead us in worship, reading Scripture, offering prayers, sharing music, and proclaiming the message God has placed on their hearts.
With every Youth led worship service, I walk away feeling encouraged and grateful.
Our young people are not just the future of the church; they are a vital part of the church right now. Come ready to be inspired.
Baptist Women’s Day – Sunday, February 22
On this Sunday, we will celebrate the gifts, leadership, and ministries of the women of Franklinton Baptist Church.
Our women will lead us in worship, share testimonies, and help us reflect on the ways God continues to work through their faithfulness.
This service will help us honor the deep well of wisdom, compassion, and strength that our women bring to our church family.
Looking Ahead with Hope
Franklinton Baptist Church, I am grateful for you.
I am grateful for the way you love one another, the way you serve this community, and the way you show up, week after week, ready to worship, ready to grow, and ready to follow Jesus.
As we step into 2026, may we do so with open hands and open hearts.
May we remember God’s goodness behind us.
May we trust God’s promises before us.
And may we press on together, toward the goal of knowing Christ more deeply and serving Him more faithfully.
With love and gratitude,
Dr. Richard Childress
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