STEWARDSHIP MOMENT

We both are what might be called “cradle Baptists.” While infants cannot become Baptists, we were certainly enrolled in the cradle departments of our respective home congregations (Bethel Baptist in Ellenboro for Linda and FBC Gastonia for Sam).

From the very beginning of our lives, we were part of a Christian community, and we grew up immersed in our communities of faith. These were congregations where we were loved and nurtured, so it is no surprise that as we each enrolled at Western Carolina, we walked into little Cullowhee Baptist Church and moved our memberships there.

Without realizing it, that move placed us in a new kind of Baptist community: an inclusive one. As we worshiped there, we realized that the church welcomed people of color and had women deacons! That congregation, combined with the same openness of the Baptist Student Union (where we met), opened a new understanding of what a community of faith could and should look like. As we have moved through our married life, we have since been members of other congregations. While not all of them replicated Cullowhee Baptist's inclusiveness, they welcomed and affirmed us, celebrated with us, and mourned with us.

But when we came to Raleigh and began to visit First Baptist, we knew that we were in the right place. This became home for the three of us, and Lacey several weeks after we joined. In many ways, it took us back to the sense of inclusiveness we discovered at Cullowhee Baptist, but it also carried us forward as we experienced the pulpit presence of Dr. John Lewis and so many great preachers/pastors who followed him. We were challenged in both worship and educational settings, and invited to serve in many ways. Over the years, this congregation has nurtured us, our children and their spouses, and now, our grandchildren. First Baptist is a gift to all of us. We encourage all of you to give prayerful consideration to your stewardship pledge. -Linda and Sam Carothers

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Stewardship campaign packets for the 2027 budget were mailed on Friday, October 30, and should be arriving in your mailboxes shortly. If you do not receive one in the next week, please let us know (contact Jennie Herrick here) and we will put another one in the mail to you, or you may pick it up in the church office.  Also, this week, we will mail contribution statements for January 1–October 31, 2026.  If you do not get one to help with your end-of-year giving and 2027 pledge decisions, please contact Kathy Rattie here.

321 COFFEE AT FBC

We're excited to announce a new partnership with 321 Coffee, a Raleigh-based coffee company with a mission that aligns beautifully with our church's commitment to inclusion, belonging, and meaningful opportunities for all people.

321 Coffee creates meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). With 80% of adults with IDD experiencing unemployment, 321 Coffee is working to change that reality. Their team of more than 60 employees works across their coffee shops, roastery, and mobile coffee cart, with people with disabilities involved in every step of the process—from roasting beans to making lattes. Their mission is simple but powerful: serve great coffee, create meaningful jobs, and build a more inclusive future.

We're thrilled to welcome the 321 Coffee mobile cart to the Lewis Lobby on Sunday, November 15, from 9–11am! They'll return for a second visit on Sunday, December 13, during the same hours. The church is covering the cost of hosting the coffee cart, but we invite you to make a suggested donation in exchange for your coffee to help offset some of that expense.



We hope you'll stop by, enjoy a delicious cup of coffee, meet the 321 Coffee team, and help us celebrate a partnership that reflects our belief in the dignity, gifts, and contributions of every person.

2026 HOLIDAY SERVICE OF

HOPE AND REMEMBRANCE

After sharing a service with Edenton Street United Methodist Church last year, we will hold our own Holiday Service of Hope and Remembrance this year. It will take place on Thursday, November 19, at 7pm in our sanctuary. We will read texts of assurance and pray for all dealing with loss; Music Made in Heaven will play, and we will remember loved ones we have lost, gathering near the front of the sanctuary and lighting candles in memory of these loved ones. Everyone is invited to attend whether you are in need of healing or willing to offer support to others, and it is fine to invite friends who have known loss. Below, Denise Aslett reflects on the impact this service had on her journey with loss, grief, and faith.



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The last three years have ushered in quite a few life-altering changes for me – difficult changes. Changes that made me question my faith and my identity. Changes that have seemed impossible to deal with.

After enduring some challenging health problems, both of my parents died in 2023. As an only child, I was close to them, and the loss of them was deeply painful. During that time, my husband of nearly 40 years was battling cancer. And in August of 2023, we moved out of our two-story home of 27 years into a new single-story house. Soon after we settled in, his cancer progressed rapidly and he died under hospice care in April 2024. All of this happened while I was working full-time. Then in June 2025, I was forced to take early retirement and leave my job as a research scientist because of all the harsh changes being made in federal agencies. And while I was still experiencing intense anger over that situation, my beloved golden retriever died in August 2025. Now I look back over these events and wonder how I made it through such acute heartbreak. I really cannot put an explanation into words.

Knowing of some of these hardships and losses, my high school friend, Lynn Marshbanks, invited me to attend the 2024 Service of Hope and Remembrance at First Baptist Church. Lynn explained that it was a service designed to remember and celebrate lost loved ones. I remember being amazed at the number of people there. We heard a loving tribute one speaker did for her daughter who was tragically killed when she was a child. How in the world do you survive losing a child? Yet here was this wonderful and brave woman telling us her story. And we heard a performance by Music Made in Heaven, a beautiful handbell ensemble which features handbells that are each engraved with the name of a lost child. At the end of the service, we were all invited to light a candle and say the names of our loved ones. As hard as it was, it was also beautiful and very meaningful.

Grief can be such a solitary journey, and for me, it would have been very easy to give in to bitterness and fall into a permanent sadness. But when I left the service that night, I had the feeling that First Baptist was a church community willing to embrace people as they navigate the hardships of their lives. So, I started attending Sunday morning worship. Slowly, I found opportunities for service with outreach ministries such as White Flag, Meals on Wheels, Raleigh Police Department luncheons, Toy Joy, and the Prayer Shawl ministry. Suddenly I had new friends and a multitude of avenues for finding joy. Eventually, I joined the Thirty-Niners group and the Pathfinders Sunday School class. And I have reached a point in the grief process where I can share stories about my husband, Harry, and feel more gratitude than sadness. Everyone who met him liked him immediately. He had an easy-going nature, a quick smile, and a charm that made people laugh and feel appreciated. He would have loved the people at First Baptist.

I am very grateful to have landed at First Baptist Church. I am grateful for all the times people like Jane Kelley and others moved from their regular seats to sit beside me when I was new to the church. And I am especially grateful for all the times people like Jonathan Kelley, the Thirty-Niners, the Pathfinders, and many others said: “We’re so glad you are here.” What people often perceive as a routine and perhaps insignificant kindness can be a lifeline. It certainly was for me.

As we prepare for the 2026 Service of Hope and Remembrance, I encourage you to attend. Share the names and stories of your lost loved ones, and let us help you celebrate them. - Denise Aslett

FALL FESTIVAL FUN FOR ALL AGES

This year's FBC Fall Festival, including the church’s first Trunk-or-Treat, was scary good! Families enjoyed visiting the variety of festive trunks for games and treats. There was also an inflatable slide, a cake walk, pumpkin decorating, and cornhole. And Also with ‘Cue was on hand for delicious meals. Children of all ages came through to enjoy the festivities and to have some fun the day before Halloween while the adults manned their respective trunks. There was also a photo opportunity set up so people could capture the memories of the night. Event coordinators said they were pleased with the turnout and the creativity from the people who decorated their trunks and made the evening festive for everyone. - Will Woodson

HANGING OF THE GREENS

AND RECEPTION

Our 50th annual Hanging of the Greens service will be held Sunday, December 6, at 6pm. We hope you will make plans to join us for this special service of readings and sacred music, as we adorn our sanctuary with greenery for the season of Advent. A reception in the fellowship hall will follow this meaningful service of greens, poinsettias, lights, readings, and music.

As is our custom for this event, we are asking for homemade cookies (2–3 dozen) from our church members and friends. This allows everyone to be involved in this worship experience. If you are interested in bringing cookies, there will be sign-up sheets in the Sunday School boxes. You may also sign up to bring cookies by contacting Sheila Jordan. Please bring them on Sunday morning, December 6, to the fellowship hall so that they can be plated that afternoon before the service. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to Sheila or any member of the social committee.

HONOR A LOVED ONE

DURING THE HOLIDAYS



Our sanctuary is so lovely during Advent and Christmas when it is decorated with candles, fresh flowers, and greenery. This holiday “dress” transformation will occur as members of our music ministry share special musical offerings during the annual Hanging of the Greens service at 6pm on Sunday, December 6. You are invited to honor a loved one by making a donation toward the decorations for the service. With $15 for each honorific or memorial gift, all monies will help defray the cost of the trees, wreaths, fresh flowers, and greenery for the service. An insert in the December 11 bulletin will list the names of all for whom gifts were given. Please submit your request here. Checks or electronic payments should be received no later than Friday, December 2. Forms are also available in Sunday School boxes. Mail checks to: Financial Administrator, 99 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC 27603; please write “Holiday Greenery” on the memo line.

NOVEMBER MISSION PROJECT

For the month of November, we will be supporting King's Ridge, a 100-unit apartment complex in southeast Raleigh that opened at the beginning of 2025. It's geared to folks who are experiencing homelessness and has 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units that come fully furnished, including linens and kitchen items. Residents pay 1/3 of their monthly income as rent and have free access to onsite health care, employment counseling, food pantry, etc. The goal is to reduce Raleigh's homeless population — paying the monthly rent is not always the problem — coming up with first- and last-months' security deposit is often the stumbling block to getting a place to live. More places like this are in the construction or planning stage for our area.

We will collect jars of peanut butter and jelly (plastic jars only) for their food pantry. You may place your donations in the marked drawer in the cabinet in the Lewis Lobby anytime through the end of November.

HELP OUR NEIGHBORS

STAY WARM

As temperatures begin to drop, our clothing ministry is preparing to help our neighbors stay warm throughout the colder months. Our greatest need right now is coats and hoodies in all sizes for men, women, and children. If you have gently used winter clothing to share, we would be grateful for your donations!

We are especially thankful for the generosity of our congregation and community, which has kept our clothing ministry well-stocked. In fact, our volunteers are currently working through an abundance of women's clothing donations! To give them time to sort and organize what we've already received, we kindly ask that you temporarily hold off on donating women's clothing other than coats and hoodies. Thank you for your continued generosity and for helping us extend warmth, dignity, and care to our neighbors in need. Your gifts make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve!

LIGHTS, CAMERA, WEDNESDAY NIGHTS!

As we continue working with Parable Media on our new church website, we're excited to capture some of the people, programs, and moments that make First Baptist such a special community! Tonight, Wednesday, November 4, the Parable Media team will be on campus during our Wednesday night activities, taking photos and filming video footage of our congregation gathering for fellowship, learning, music, and missions. These images and videos will help us tell the story of who we are and give visitors to our new website a glimpse into the life of our church.

We want to be especially mindful of the privacy of our children and youth. Lynn Lingafelt will be following up with parents and guardians to obtain photo and video permission for all minors who may be included in the filming. Thank you for helping us share the warmth, welcome, and community that make First Baptist who we are. We're excited to see our church's story come to life!

HELP PROVIDE DINNER FOR OUR COLLEGE BIBLE STUDY

Our newly formed college Bible study group is off to a great start, and we'd love your help supporting these students! The group gathers each Thursday at 6pm in front of the Witherspoon Student Center on NC State's campus for a time of fellowship, conversation, and Bible study. One meaningful way our congregation can support this growing ministry is by providing dinner for the students. Sharing a meal is a simple but important way to extend hospitality, build community, and remind these young adults that they are loved and supported by their church family. Thank you for helping us nurture this new community of college students and extend the hospitality of First Baptist beyond our church walls. If you're interested in helping to sponsor a meal, contact Jennifer Talley. 



Sign up here!

TOY JOY IS COMING!

Toy Joy is happening on November 14 and as always, we count on our devoted church members and friends to make this special day happen for our guests. We ask that all volunteers inside the building be no younger than middle school age students. We'll be having a hospitality area in the rear parking lot (offering refreshments to our guests as

they finish their shopping) again this year that will be staffed by our elementary and preschool age children and their families. If you and your children would like to volunteer for a one hour slot, please contact Lynn Lingafelt.  

We do have a new opportunity for our current 5th graders and their parents this year. In an effort to give them some on-the-job training, we're offering them the chance to work a regular shift in the building with one parent who would stay with them the entire time. We hope that this will give them the chance to see how the process works before they become old enough to volunteer on their own next year. If you and your child would like to do this, please put both your name and your 5th grader's on the Signup Genius in your preferred time slot.

The SignUp Genius link will give you the option of signing up for the morning and/or afternoon session. If you're able to work both sessions, lunch will be provided. If you speak Spanish and can serve as a translator/shepherd, or need to have a job that doesn't require you to be on your feet most of the time, please indicate that in the comments. We will assign you to a specific task and let you know where you'll be stationed a few days before the event. There is also a need for volunteers on November 13 to come in and help set up, so that information will be on the signup as well.  

This year we are in need of books for all ages, but especially for middle and high schoolers. Gently used ones are fine — thrift stores and yard sales are good places to find inexpensive books. You may place the books in the marked drawer in the cabinet in the Lewis Lobby. After your neighborhood trick or treaters have come and gone, we'd love to have your leftover candy to share with our families. You may place the candy in the cabinet in the Lewis Lobby as well.

If you'd like to donate new toys, you may check out the wish lists below and have the gifts shipped directly to the church. Don't like to shop or have the time to do so? The Toy Joy team is happy to shop for you with your check made out to First Baptist with "Toy Joy" in the memo line. Checks can be dropped off to the finance office.

Amazon wish-list

Target wish-list

The Toy Joy team is looking forward to your help this year as we work together to serve the families who will receive the Christmas presents that have been donated for their children. Questions? Please email Anne Cooke.

NOVEMBER CENTERPOINT ADULT PROGRAMMING

Join us on Wednesday evenings in November as we gather for opportunities to serve, learn, and connect with one another. Here's what's coming up for our Centerpoint adult programming:

November 4 – clothing ministry service project

We'll spend the evening serving in our clothing ministry, helping sort and hang recent donations. This is a wonderful opportunity to support one of our church's vital community ministries and lend a hand behind the scenes.

November 11 – Veterans Day panel discussion

In recognition of Veterans Day, we'll hear from several FBC members who have served in the military. Join us as they share their experiences and reflections on their time in service.

November 18 – church conference

November 25 – no Wednesday night programming

We wish everyone a restful and meaningful Thanksgiving!



We hope you'll join us throughout November as we continue to grow in community, service, and fellowship!

WHAT'S FOR DINNER?

We would love for you to join us for a mid-week meal! The supper line is open each Wednesday night, 5–6pm. You may reserve your spot at this link on the website or by calling the church office. Please note that everyone eating Wednesday night supper must check in with our volunteer collection team before receiving their meal. Even if you have pre-paid online, please check-in with our volunteer. We accept cash, checks, or credit cards. Click here to pre-pay for your meal via Paypal.



Ages 0–3: Free

Ages 4-12: $4

Adults (over 12): $8

Family cap: $24

Congratulations to Ike & his wife on the birth of their son! Ike will be away for a short time, and upcoming menus may change.

The menus for upcoming Wednesday night suppers are as follows (all meals come with salad and bread):

November 4: enchiladas, Mexican rice and beans; vegetarian option: veggie enchiladas; kids: taquitos

November 11: soup night

November 18: lasagna; vegetarian option: veggie lasagna; kids: meatballs

December 2: taco bar; vegetarian option: veggie tacos; kids: cheese quesadillas

December 9: breakfast for dinner

December 16: hamburger steak and smothered chicken with rice, corn, and cabbage; vegetarian option: mock hamburger steak; kids: chicken nuggets

THIRTY-NINERS WEEKLY GATHERINGS

Join us Thursdays at 10:30am in the fellowship hall for interesting speakers, mission projects, and occasionally, a program that's a little out of the ordinary.

We also have an outing each month, but mostly we enjoy spending time together, learning something new and useful, and always ending with a meal.

November

5: Holiday monthly mission project—Toy Joy preparation

12: Southern Supreme Fruitcake trip—11am tour and shopping; 12:30(ish) lunch at Best Food Cafeteria (220 11th Street, Siler City); meet at FBC at 9:30am to ride in bus

19: Raleigh Police Department: Teddy, therapy dog and Officer Robert Wyrick, handler

26: No meeting 

BIBLE VERSES FOR DAILY USE

• Wednesday, November 4: Psalm 128; Joshua 10:12-14; Matthew 15:1-9
• Thursday, November 5: Psalm 78:1-7; Joshua 5:10-12; Revelation 8:6-9:12
• Friday, November 6: Psalm 78:1-7; Joshua 8:30-35; Revelation 9:13-21
• Saturday, November 7: Psalm 78:1-7; Joshua 20:1-9; Matthew 24:1-14
• Sunday, November 8: Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 and Psalm 78:1-7; Wisdom of Solomon 6:12-16 or Amos 5:18-24 and Wisdom of Solomon 6:17-20 or Psalm 70; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13
• Monday, November 9: Psalm 78; Joshua 24:25-33; 1 Corinthians 14:20-25
• Tuesday, November 10: Psalm 78; Nehemiah 8:1-12; 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13
• Wednesday, November 11: Psalm 78; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Matthew 24:29-35

AAWC'S WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Each week, we post And Also with 'Cue's weekly schedule here in Rose Window Weekly as well as on our Facebook page to let you know our lunch schedule and if there will be outside events on the weekend for you to attend.



Week of November 4:

Wednesday lunch – church parking lot,11am–1pm

Thursday dinner – Partridge Village neighborhood in Lillington, 5:30–8pm

THANKSGIVING PRE-ORDERS

It's time again to place your pre-orders for your Thanksgiving feast from And Also with 'Cue! Let David and his team do your cooking, and visit their website to place your order. Pick-up will be on Wednesday, November 25 in the church parking lot from 10-2pm. Thank you for continuing to support us and our mission!

AMONG OUR FAMILY

A link to the entire prayer list may be found below.

Please use your church directory for mailing addresses.



Prayer List • November 3