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Chili Cook‑Off Success!
What a lunch we had on January 18 after worship at our Church wide Chili Cook‑Off! The fellowship hall was buzzing with joy, laughter, and the mouthwatering aroma of over ten pots of amazing chili. What a blessing to see more than fifty of our church family gathered for fun, food, and fellowship.
A huge thank you to our Adult Council for organizing such a fantastic event, and to every cook who rolled up their sleeves and brought their best recipe. You made the afternoon unforgettable.
In addition, of course, congratulations to Evelyn Goswick (1st place winner), Billie Alexander Avery (2nd place winner), and Sandi Harris (3rd place winner)! Your chili truly stood out in a room full of talented cooks.
Sunday afternoons like this remind us how good it is when God’s people come together. We are already looking forward to the next time we gather around the table as a church family.
Church Business Meeting Wednesday, February 11
Please mark your calendars for our Church Business Meeting on Wednesday, February 11. We encourage all members to be present as we gather to hear important reports from our committees and discuss matters related to the ongoing stewardship of our church.
During this meeting, the Building and Grounds Committee will also bring a recommendation designed to significantly improve the appearance and usefulness of our second‑floor classrooms. Your presence, your voice, and your support are vital as we make decisions that strengthen our ministry and care for our facilities.
Valentine Banquet Saturday, February 14
The Adult Council is sponsoring a Valentine Banquet on February 14 at 5:00 P.M. This is NOT just for couples. It is simply a banquet that falls on Valentine’s Day. Cost is $20 per person and $40 per couple. Money for the event will be taken at the door. We will enjoy the evening with a meal consisting of a meat, 2 vegetables, tea and water. We will also have entertainment. We need a count to know how many people to prepare for so you must sign up for this event. Please sign your name and the number of people in your party. And please call Debra Allen, Adult Council Chair, with questions.
Youth Sunday February 15
On Sunday, February 15, our youth will once again step forward to lead us in worship for Youth Sunday. This is always a bright spot in our spiritual life together; a morning when we get to witness their faith, their courage, and their growing love for Jesus Christ and His church. They will share Scripture, offer testimony, and guide us in worship just as beautifully as they did last year.
This year, our youth have committed to leading worship one Sunday each quarter, and we could not be more grateful. Their willingness to serve reminds us that God is raising up new leaders right here among us, and their voices bring fresh hope and energy to our church family.
Franklinton Baptist Church has always been a place where young people are encouraged, supported, and surrounded with love. Thank you for being a church family that shows up with smiles, prayers, and open hearts, to cheer them on as they grow in faith. Let’s fill the sanctuary with joy and gratitude as we worship under their leadership on February 15. Let’s continue to be the encouragers and supporters they need as they discover their gifts and follow God’s call.
Baptist Women's Day February 22
Baptist Women’s Day (A Celebration of Faithful Leadership)
Baptist Women’s Day is a special moment in the life of our church when we pause to recognize and celebrate the gifts, leadership, and faithful service of the women in our congregation. Across Baptist life, this day has long been a way to honor the spiritual strength, compassion, and dedication that women bring to the ministry and mission of the church family, often quietly, consistently, and with deep love for God and neighbor.
On this meaningful Sunday, February 22, the women of Franklinton Baptist Church will lead us in worship. Our ladies will fill the choir with joyful praise and share reflections from their own spiritual journeys. Their voices, stories, and testimonies will remind us of the many ways God is at work in the lives of the women who shape our church family.
As they plan and prepare, we invite you to be in prayer for each woman who will lead. Pray for confidence, clarity, and joy as they offer their gifts to God.
And on that Sunday, February 22, let’s be fully present, ready to encourage, support, and celebrate the faithful women who bless our congregation in countless ways.
Seeking God's Future Together Luncheon Sunday, March 8
Over the past several months, many of you completed Our Church Health, Mission Fulfillment, and Community Dynamics Survey. Your responses were thoughtful, heartfelt, and full of hope for what God can do in and through Franklinton Baptist Church. You shared a desire for greater effectiveness, clearer communication, and a decision‑making process that moves with purpose and unity. You also offered practical suggestions; refreshing our interior spaces, improving exterior signage, strengthening visitor follow‑up, and expanding our outreach presence in the community.
In addition to the survey, several groups met with Tom Iversen and his team to respond to questions concerning the future ministry and growth of FBC. These two information‑gathering efforts, along with several information‑gathering exercises conducted on Wednesday nights, have together produced the results we will now share with the congregation.
To honor your participation and ensure transparency, we are preparing a clear and accessible report of the findings. These materials will be available in early March.
On Sunday, March 8, we invite the entire church family to join us for a worship service and churchwide luncheon dedicated to discussing and interpreting the results together. This will be an important time to reflect on what we have learned, celebrate our strengths, and prayerfully consider the question:
Where are we now, and where is God calling us to go next?
For the luncheon, the church will provide the meat and drinks, and everyone is invited to bring a covered dish to share. We will begin promptly at 12:15 p.m. and conclude no later than 1:45 p.m.
Your presence and your voice matter. We hope you will join us as we continue this journey of discernment, unity, and faithful growth.
Baptist Men's Day Rescheduled for March 15
As many of you know, Baptist Men’s Day was originally planned for Sunday, January 25. Due to snow and ice, we made the difficult decision to cancel services that morning. We are grateful for your understanding and are pleased to share that Baptist Men’s Day has been rescheduled for Sunday, March 15.
Baptist Men’s Day is a special time set aside to recognize and celebrate the ministry, leadership, and faithful service of the men in our church. Across Baptist life, this day highlights the ways men serve Christ through prayer, missions, teaching, mentoring, and hands‑on ministry within the church and community. On March 15, we will celebrate this meaningful day with an all‑men’s choir and testimonies from four of our FBC men, who will share how God has been at work in their lives. Their stories and leadership will be a blessing to our entire congregation. We invite you to be present, prayerful, and supportive as we honor the men of Franklinton Baptist Church.
Parade of Tables Has Been Rescheduled for March 28
First of all, this is not a competition. It is meant to be an event of fun and fellowship. The round tables we will have for the event could be decorated with various themes, such as Christmas, the beach, spring, or even reference to a favorite Bible verse which can be “literal”- (examples-Philippians 4:13- “through God who strengthens me” – Rosie the Riveter; “Be ye doers of the Word “– with a bee/honey theme). If you are interested in decorating a table, please see Debra Allen or Pam Childress. More directions to follow. We’re excited!
Palm Sunday March 29
March 29 will be Palm Sunday, a deeply meaningful day in the life of Franklinton Baptist Church. As we enter Holy Week, we remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, a moment filled with hope, praise, and the promise of God’s redeeming love.
Palm Sunday invites us to lift our voices, open our hearts, and prepare ourselves for the sacred journey toward the cross and the empty tomb. It is a day of celebration, reflection, and renewed faith for our entire church family.
We look forward to gathering together on this special Sunday as we wave our palms, worship with joy, and begin the holiest week of the Christian year. Your presence makes our worship richer and our fellowship stronger.
Easter Sunday April 5
Easter Sunday, April 5, will be a beautiful day of worship and celebration at Franklinton Baptist Church. We will begin the morning with a Sunrise Service at
7:00 a.m., joined by our brothers and sisters from the Methodist Church. This year's service will be held on FBC property, offering us the joy of welcoming our community as we greet the dawn of Resurrection Day together.
Following the Sunrise Service, we will gather for a churchwide breakfast, a time of fellowship and gratitude as we celebrate the hope and promise of Easter morning.
Then, at our 11:00 a.m. worship service, we will continue our celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord. Through music, Scripture, and the proclamation of the Good News, we will lift our hearts in praise for the victory of Christ over sin and death. Make plans to be present for this meaningful day of worship, fellowship, and joy. Easter is a powerful reminder that God is still making all things new, and your presence enriches our celebration as a church family
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