THE DISCIPLE

The Newsletter of Franklinton Baptist Church

102 West Mason Street

Franklinton, North Carolina 27525

Volume Sixty-Two, Issue Seven

July, 2026

Welcome to our church newsletter! We’re glad you’re here. Our goal is to inspire and encourage you in your walk with Christ, fostering a deeper connection in prayer, Bible study, spiritual growth, and our faith community. May the content of this newsletter motivate and stimulate you to draw closer to the Lord Jesus Christ!

Take Your Jacket Off!

Dear Church Family,

“Don’t take your jacket off. Remember don’t take your jacket off!” That’s what I kept repeating to myself at church one Sunday a few months ago. I uttered the warning again and again because I knew if I wasn’t careful, I would surely forget.

I almost always wear a coat and tie to church on Sunday. I wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t. But when I get to my study, I instinctively slip my jacket off. It usually rests on the back of my chair, or if I’m particularly careful, I hang it behind the door. My internal thermometer typically runs on the warmer side. I don’t need the added warmth of a jacket. Besides, I like the relaxed feel of rolling up my sleeves and getting to work.

That Sunday, I stayed buttoned up from start to finish. I wasn’t trying to impress anyone; I learned long ago a jacket won’t do the trick and it certainly wasn’t about protocol or pastoral polish. The real reason was simple: a huge ink blot was hiding beneath my left shirt pocket.

I didn’t notice it until I arrived at the church. “Oh no,” I groaned. I knew perfectly well that this was the only clean white shirt in my closet that would go with this suit and tie. Meantime, Pam reminded me that I did not have time to go home to change.

So, on this particular Sunday, I was a little warmer and a little less relaxed than I wanted to be, but there was no other way. There was a huge ink spot in the fabric of my shirt and I didn’t want anyone to notice. I’m not alone, of course. Most of us are pretty proficient in our skill of hiding our faults and imperfections from others. At least we try to be. After all, we wouldn’t want anyone else to know that we don’t have it all together.

This reminds me of the importance of personal reflection that calls me to repentance. Scripture tells us plainly, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” Before you can change your mind or turn around, you have to admit that you’re mistaken and that you’re headed in the wrong direction. If you don’t do that, well you’re bound to blow your cover. Everyone will know that beneath that carefully pressed jacket, you’re wearing a shirt that’s spotted with stains.

But here’s the good news: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Repentance isn’t about shame; it’s about freedom. It’s about letting God do what only God can do.

“Repent.” That’s what the voice in my head is saying. “Go ahead and take your jacket off. You’ll never rid yourself of that worthless shirt if you keep hiding it behind a mask.” And come to think of it, the same is true of your sins.

David prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” That’s our prayer too. When we stop hiding the stains, God begins His cleansing work. When we take off the jacket, grace goes to work on the shirt underneath.

So maybe this week, take your jacket off. Let God see the places you’ve been trying to cover. He already knows they’re there and He already loves you. God stands ready to make you new!

In the eternal fellowship,

Dr. Richard Childress 

Throughout Scripture, we see a common temptation: focusing on what is visible rather than trusting the goodness of God. Eve looked at the forbidden fruit and began to doubt God's provision. Israel looked at the golden calf and chose a visible symbol over faith in the unseen God. Satan even tempted Jesus with the kingdoms of the world, offering glory without obedience. In each case, the temptation was not simply about desire, knowledge, or influence—it was about choosing self-direction over trust in God's plan. The enemy seeks to narrow our vision until God's abundant blessings fade into the background and one thing becomes our focus. Yet God remains faithful. Even after human failure, He responds with patience, mercy, discipline, and the promise of redemption.

Jesus shows us a better way. Rather than grasping for power, He humbled Himself and followed the Father's will, even to the cross. Because of His obedience, salvation is now available to all. As believers, we are called to follow His example by trusting God's provision, resisting shortcuts that bypass obedience, and serving others with humility and love. The question we must ask ourselves is this: Will we seek influence through control and domination, or through sacrificial love and service? When we surrender our desires to Christ, we move beyond temptation and become a blessing to those around us.

Scripture Verse:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." — Proverbs 3:5-6

Practical Application:

This week, identify one area of your life where you are tempted to rely on your own understanding rather than God's guidance. Spend time in prayer, search the Scriptures, and ask the Lord to help you trust His wisdom above your own. Look for one opportunity each day to serve someone selflessly. As we choose obedience, trust, and love, God shapes us into people who reflect His Kingdom and become a blessing to others.

"Trust and Obey" (John H. Sammis)

Trust and obey, for there's no other way

To be happy in Jesus,

But to trust and obey.

Deacon ministry is one of the oldest and most beautiful expressions of servant leadership in the church. In Acts 6, when the early church faced growing needs, the apostles called the congregation together and said, “Choose from among you men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom.” The church prayed, laid hands on them, and set them apart for the work of caring, serving, and strengthening the body of Christ.

We will follow that same pattern prayer, laying on of hands, and commissioning; trusting that the Holy Spirit continues to equip those whom God calls. This service is not simply a ceremony; it is a moment of blessing, affirmation, and commitment. It is our opportunity as a congregation to stand with these individuals, to pray over them, and to pledge our support as they step into this sacred responsibility.

Scripture reminds us, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45). Deacons embody this Christlike posture of service; quiet, faithful, steady, and Spirit‑led.

I hope you will make every effort to be present. Your prayers, your encouragement, and your participation will make this day even more meaningful for Daniel, Doug, Tommy, and Nathan and for our entire church family.



Let’s come together with grateful hearts, asking God to bless these men and to strengthen our fellowship as we continue serving Christ and our community.

Vacation Bible School

Illumination Station

Please join us for VBS "Illumination Station" this year on July 24-26. We have classes for all ages: birth to adult.

Here is the schedule for the children:

Friday, July 24: 5:00-8:00 pm (with a meal)

Saturday, July 25: 10:00 am-2 pm (with a meal)

Sunday, July 26: 10:00 am-1 pm (with a meal)

Please contact Abby Hoffman at 210-383-9282 with questions.

Patrick Woods will be teaching the VBS adult class on "The Kingdom of God."

This class is offered on two different schedules, so you only need to attend one of these:

Option 1 (VBS Weekend): Friday, July 24: 5:30-8:00 pm (with a break)

Saturday, July 25: 10:00 am-2:00 pm (with a break)

Option 2 (Repeat Session) Saturday, August 1: 10:00 am-3:00 pm (with a break and

lunch downtown)

Pease sign up in the Welcome Center for the VBS class.

Children's Camp

The children will be going to Fort Caswell from August 14-16. Please contact Carol Abbott at 919-495-1281 for more information about this.

School Supply Drive

Our school supply drive for our local schools will run July 5th through August 9th. Some items needed, but not limited to, include: earbuds, pencils, notebooks, glue sticks, crayons, gallon size ziplock bags, kids safety scissors, highlighters and dry erase markers. The Welcome Center will have two school bus bins where donations can be placed. Your support is very much appreciated. If you have any questions, please reach out to Abby Hoffmann at 210-383-9282.

Homecoming

We will celebrate Homecoming on September 20, 2026.; Our guest speaker will be Dr. Patrick Fuller from the Raleigh Baptist Association. We hope you will mark your calendars and make plans to attend this special time of fellowship in our church.

Raleigh Baptist Association Semi-Annual Meeting

Tuesday, October 27, 2026

10:30 am



Host: Samaria Baptist Church, 3621 Poole Road, Raleigh, NC

Business Session and Reports:

• Presentation of RBA Nominating Report
• Presentation of RBA Finance Report
• Presentation of Church Relations & Credentials Report

Full Membership:

• Franklinton Baptist Church, Franklinton, NC

This October,Franklinton Baptist Church will have the privilege of standing before the Raleigh Baptist Association once again, this time not as a church under watch care, but as a congregation recommended for full membership. Last year, many of you remember the joy and gratitude we felt when we were presented and placed under watch care. It was a season of learning, connecting, and demonstrating who we are as a church committed to Christ’s mission.

Now, after a full year of faithful participation, the RBA Church Relations & Credentials Committee will present their report recommending three churches for full membership; including Franklinton Baptist Church. This is a meaningful moment in our life together, and I will be attending as your pastor to represent our congregation.

But I don’t want to stand there alone.

The Semi‑Annual Meeting is an opportunity for us to show our support, celebrate what God is doing, and participate in the wider fellowship of Baptist churches across our region. The business session will include important reports; Nominating, Finance, and Credentials and will conclude with a Worship and Mission Celebration. More details will be coming soon, but I want to encourage you now to consider being part of this special day.

If you are able to attend and represent Franklinton Baptist Church, please let me or the church office know. Your presence matters. It speaks to our unity, our gratitude, and our commitment to the mission God has entrusted to us.

Let’s show up together with joy, with gratitude, and with expectation for what God will continue to do through our partnership with the Raleigh Baptist Association.

Empowering Community Through Christ

Monday, November 2, 2026

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

"The Power of Being Prayed For"

Location: Raleigh Baptist Association

820 S. New Hope Rd., Raleigh, NC

Guest speakers will be Amy Boone and the WMU of NC staff.

Mission project will be writing blessing cards to recipients of Mission Dignity of North Carolina.



Fall Senior Adult Rally

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Registration Begins: 9:30 am

Program Begins: 10:00 am

Location:   Highland Baptist Church, 8524 Crowder Rd, Raleigh 

Cost:    $20.00 per person

Menu: Hamburger Steak with Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Carrots, Corn Muffins and Dessert

Entertainment:

Generation Excellent is an evangelistic choral and drama ministry passionately proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ and the life-changing truth of His Gospel. Formed in 2009, Generation Excellent was initially composed of children and youth; however, over time, our members and presentations have greatly changed, evolving and maturing into a smaller group of professional adults who are strongly committed and dedicated to our original purpose and mission. Although we come from different backgrounds, it is still our utmost desire to further God’s kingdom by spreading Christ’s love and bringing encouragement to lost and hurting souls.

Registration Deadline: Monday, September 14, 2026

Raleigh Baptist Association, PO Box 46659, Raleigh, NC 27620



Mission Opportunity

NC State Fair Ministry Opportunities

October 15-25, 2026

Join us as we partner with Campers on Mission to provide services to the carnival workers at the NC State Fair. Below you will see many ways you can be a part of this ministry. 

·        Fair Chaplains:    Volunteer to serve 4 hour shifts, 9:00 am-1:00 pm; 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm; or 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Call Julie Williams at 919.538.4584 or Travis Williams at 919.624.5165.

·       Donate Food Items: Sweet Sue Brand Chicken & Dumplings; Great Value Chicken & Dumplings, Great Value Beef Stew, Dinty Moore Beef Stew, Jiff Creamy Peanut Butter, Grape Jam (not squeezable), Hot Chocolate Packets, Pop Tarts or Breakfast Bars, Fruit Cups, Bottled Water. Deliver to the RBA office by October 8, 2026.

·       Donate Hygiene Kits: Trial size only. Toothpaste, Toothbrush (Regular size), Shampoo, Hair Conditioner, Deodorant, Lotion, Soap, Disposable Razors, Wash Cloths, Combs, Gallon Size Zip Lock type bags. Deliver to RBA by October 8, 2026.

·       Donate Baked Goods: Cookies, muffins, brownies and cakes (no icing please) are needed during the days of the Fair. You may drop off at the old church at the fairgrounds anytime during fair hours or deliver to the RBA office on October 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22. Baked goods can be individually wrapped in plastic wrap or put in plastic sandwich bags to be easily transported and served.

·       Dental Bus Volunteers: Dentists, dental assistants, dental hygienists, doctors and nurses are needed to volunteer Monday, October 19 - Friday, October 23; four hour shifts. Contact Julie Williams at 919.538.4584 or Travis Williams at 919.624.5165.

·       Donate Clothing: New Black Pants, Belts, Socks, Shoes, Gloves, Ball Caps or Toboggans, Coats, Sweat Shirts in Men’s and Women’s Sizes, and Blankets.

Dr. Richard Childress, Pastor

Patrick Woods, Music Director

Cheryl Hollar, Secretary

Anita Fuller, Handbell Director/Worship Leader

Danny Fuller, Custodian

Kay Mendenhall, Nursery Attendant