Weekly News & Updates

April 28, 2026

Wandering & Wondering with Pastor Carrie   


What Makes a Church Feel Like Home?


When I am out walking, I am always intrigued by what people place at their front doors. Partially because I am always looking for ideas. Partially because I am just curious.


A bright wreath. A weathered welcome mat. Signs that say welcome or blessed or something about dogs. Potted plants trying their best in West Texas sun and wind. Children’s chalk drawings on the sidewalk and toys in the yard. Benches, flags, wind chimes, signs of celebration, signs of life.


Front doors often tell you something about the people inside. They can say welcome, beauty, joy, personality, memory, tradition, or simply, we live real life here.


I have been wondering what makes a church feel like home.


Surely it is more than brick and windows and art, more than routines and room numbers.


A church feels like home when you can exhale a little upon entering. When you do not have to perform to belong. When you are seen and safe.


It feels like home when children are present enough to be heard in worship. When someone notices another person is carrying something heavy. When generations share life together. When people find their way back and are welcomed with joy.


Some are looking for a church home for the first time. Others may be invited to discover rooms they have not entered before. And some are wondering what it will feel like to come back after a time away.


Every church teaches something at its front door.


My hope is that ours says: Come in. There is room for you here.


Peace, 

Pastor Carrie

Senior Pastor | Second Baptist Church

Honoring Rev. Charlie Johnson as Pastor Emeritus

Sunday, May 24 | 9:30a Worship


When we had to postpone Charlie’s Emeritus service because of weather, the date of May 24 seemed so appropriate as a new day for this service. It is Pentecost, the birthday of the Church, and the day that the Holy Spirit began beautiful work. During the time when Charlie served as interim pastor, he brought people together, inspired new people to join, encouraged conversation and compassion, and helped healing occur. He has been a reminder of what good leadership looks like and shows us how God works through humans. Charlie has been faithful to us through his beautiful work. And we will honor him with a title that is much more than a title. He will be our ongoing advocate on earth as we continue to learn and grow and emerge as the church God is calling us to be.


Join us on Sunday, May 24 in worship as we celebrate with Charlie and Jana and honor their ministry among us.

Gratitude and Celebration for Josh McDonald’s Ministry

Wednesday, May 13 | 6:15p | Grand Hall


For the last three years, Josh has been a stabilizing presence for our youth ministry, staff, and the church. He stepped in to fill a gap when we were hurting and needed care. He took youth who were hurting and helped them heal, while creating space for new youth to find their way to us. He has built relationships and community. His gifts for ministry are vast. As he prepares to step back from leading our youth ministry, we want to offer gratitude and celebration for the good work he has been faithful to.


Please join us on Wednesday, May 13 at 6:15 PM for a reception that will honor Josh and his ministry. You are invited to bring cards and gifts of appreciation or participate in the love offering through the church office.


We are grateful for all that Josh, Amy, Ruthie, Hazel, and Clark mean to our church.

Find Your People with 2Belong

May 7, 2026 | 6:00 PM | Blue Sky on 98th


We all know the stats and data. Loneliness is at an all-time high. Families are looking for ways to connect with each other and share the “oh, I am not alone!” parts of life. Many of us are seeking authentic community and relationships. And we are all just trying to belong!


We hope that 2Belong might meet those needs. 2Belong is an off-campus, intergenerational event for newcomers, long-time folks, and everyone in between. Each time we gather, Rev. Carrie will be there for conversation, connection, and community. Our first 2Belong will be Thursday, May 7 at 6:00 PM at Blue Sky on 98th. This is a come-when-you-can, leave-when-you-need-to time. And we will meet on the patio so that those with littles have the giant sandbox for fun! We have worked out a dinner deal with Blue Sky, just tell them you are with Second Baptist!


No need to RSVP. Feel free to invite a friend, and we hope to see you on May 7th, if not before!


Come as you are. Bring a friend. There is a place for you here.

New Wednesday Night Series 

April 29 | 5:15p Dinner | 6:00p Classes | Grand Hall


What if the sermon isn’t the end of the conversation—but the beginning?


Each week, we gather, we listen, we pray… and then we go. But if we’re honest, the scripture, the sermon, even the prayers don’t always settle neatly. Something lingers. A phrase stays with us. A question quietly follows us home. Something stirs—comfort, resistance, curiosity, even confusion.


And here’s the truth: no two people hear the same sermon in exactly the same way.


One person hears hope.

Another hears challenge.

Someone else hears a question they didn’t know they were carrying.


All of it matters.


This spring, we’re creating space for that holy noticing.


Tell Me More… Listening for What Lingers is a Wednesday night gathering where we come back to Sunday’s worship—not to analyze it or debate it, but to listen more deeply. Together, we’ll name what stayed with us, ask the questions that didn’t get answered, and gently wonder where God might be leading us next.


You don’t need to have the “right” insight or the perfect words. You don’t need to be a teacher or a theologian. You simply need to come with a willingness to notice… and to share.


Because sometimes the Spirit speaks not just in what was said—

but in what stays.


Come. Pull up a chair.

And tell us more.

Stephen Ministry

Training Opportunity


We are excited to have new folks who are interested in exploring becoming a Stephen Minister. This internationally known program has been used in churches across denominations and has provided care and support for those who have participated, impacting both those who give and receive care. This year we have six individuals who are interested in training, and we would welcome a few more. To learn more, please contact La Nelle Ethridge at 806-786-8207.

Al-Anon

Sundays @ 6:00p | Rm 134


Thirteen years ago, Second B established an Al-Anon group. This group has helped approximately 100 people over the years and is great exposure for 2B to the community. Due to a change in leadership, we are looking for new facilitators. This could be one or two people. The time we meet now is Sundays, but that can be changed also. If this opportunity speaks to you, please contact La Nelle Ethridge, 806-786-8207.  

New Book Begins

at B & B Book Club

Tuesday, May 5 | 11:00a | Hope Room


B & B Book Club is beginning a new study of Braving the Truth: Essential Essays for Reckoning with and Reimagining Faith by Rachel Held Evans. The collection was compiled after Rachel’s death and edited by Sarah Bessey.


New members are always welcome. If you are interested in joining, we would love to have you.

Register Today: 2b Leaders Summer Camp

June 1–5, 2026


This faith-based week helps kids grow in leadership, serve others, build friendships, and have a whole lot of fun along the way. It is one of the most meaningful weeks of the summer for so many of our families.


Spots are limited and camp fills each year. RSVP here: 2bLeaders.org

Passport Camps Deadline: Thursday, April 30th

Weekly Church Activities

Week of April 29 – May 5, 2026


Wednesday, April 29

10:00a: Beginners Bridge – Room 130

2:00p: Senior Adult Fellowship – Rm 130

4:00p: Prayer Shawl Ministry

5:15p: Fellowship Dinner

6:00p: Children’s Choir and Activities

6:00p: Youth Ministry Activities

6:30p: Orchestra Rehearsal

7:00p: Second Voices Choir Rehearsal


Thursday, April 30

6:45a: Jesus and Grits at Chicken Run Cafe


Friday, May 1 – No Activities


Saturday, May 2 – No Activities


Sunday, May 3

9:30a: Worship

10:45a: Sunday Small Groups for All Ages

4:00 – 6:00p: Sick Children’s Clinic Volunteer Appreciation

4:00p: Bells Gloria Rehearsal

5:00p: Youth Choir

6:00p: Second Chance Al-Anon – Rm 134


Monday, May 4

6:00p: Deacons Meeting – Worship Hall


Tuesday, May 5

6:30a: Tuesday Morning Prayer Breakfast at Chicken Run Café

9:00a: Food Bank Distribution Day @ 2b

11:00a: B & B Book Club Meeting – Hope Classroom

6:00p: Learn to Play Mahjong – Rm 130

Upcoming Events



May 6: Children’s Musical @ 6:00p

May 7: 2Belong | Blue Sky on 98th @ 6:00p

May 11: VLT Meeting @ 6:30p

May 13: Blood Drive

May 13: Church Conference @ 5:45p

May 13: Reception for Josh McDonald @ 6:15p

May 24: Pastor Emeritus Service Honoring Rev. Charlie Johnson

May 31: Jesus Fund Offering

June 1-5: 2b Leaders Summer Camp

June 15–18: Summer Fun Camp

June 23: Summer Nights at Main Event

July 13–17: Passport Camp for Youth

July 19–22: Passport Camp for 2b Kids

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