Join Pastor Kristin for a Spiritual Retreat

September 18-19

 “To share our stories is not only a worthwhile endeavor for the storyteller, but for those who hear our stories and feel less alone because of it.”

-Joyce Maynard

I had the joy of meeting Sandra Dorsainvil a few years ago. Together, we led a retreat for CBF student summer interns. Through the summer, we continued to mentor them. Sandra’s spirit of peace and renewal was a gift to me. We have remained in contact, and I often join her monthly retreats online.

I’ve invited Sandra to come lead us for a short retreat at the Lay Center in Louisiana, MO. Together we chose a topic that leads us all into deeper self-awareness of how God creates us as beloved. It also gives opportunity for building community, welcoming one another’s true selves. You will experience multiple contemplative practices as we do the sacred work of sharing and receiving our stories. The retreat begins at 4pm on September 18th and concludes at 4pm on September 19th. This beautiful location is peaceful and contemplative. The cost is $45 per person which covers your room and meals.

-Pastor Kristin

Register for the retreat by August 30th by contacting Pastor Kristin or the church office. Space is limited to 25 participants.

September 18–19

Friday, 4:00 p.m. – Saturday, 4:00 p.m.

Lay Center, Louisiana, Missouri

Cost: $45 per person

Churchwide Pool Party

August 11, 5:30-8:00 at Albert-Oakland Family Aquatic Center

Join us for our churchwide pool party at Albert-Oakland Aquatic Center on August 11 from 5:30-8:00 pm.

Faith Formation Leader Training

Sunday, August 16, 12:30-2:00 pm

All children, youth, and adult faith formation leaders are asked to attend our required Leader Training on Sunday, August 16, from 12:30–2:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided.

This training will lay the foundation for the year ahead as we:

• Review the essentials of our Child Protection Policy
• Share practical tips for leading engaging and meaningful small groups
• Build connections across our children's, youth, and adult ministry teams
• Preview what each age group will be exploring this semester

We hope everyone can be there as we prepare to learn, grow, and serve together. If you are unable to attend, you will need to schedule a one-on-one meeting with one of the pastors to complete the required training before serving as a teacher or leader this semester. For any questions, or to reserve childcare, please contact Pastor Brittany. 

Preschool Playdate: You Belong Here!

August 19, 5:30–6:30 PM

in the Children's Ministry Suite

Families with preschoolers are invited to a special Preschool Playdate on Wednesday, August 19, from 5:30–6:30 PM in the Children's Ministry Suite (3rd Floor). Come play, connect, and discover that you belong here! We'll enjoy storytime, hands-on play stations, and a fun adventure through the Children's Ministry Suite as children collect stamps in their Adventure Passport. Along the way, they'll meet friends, explore their Sunday School space, and experience the joy of being part of our First Kids community. While children play, parents and caregivers will have the opportunity to connect with one another and build community, too.

This playdate is especially helpful for children who will be promoting to our preschool Sunday School class this fall (children who turn 4 by December 31 and are potty trained). It's a fun way to become familiar with their new classroom before Promotion Sunday on August 23.

Whether this is your first time visiting or your family has been here for years, you are welcome here. Invite a friend and join us for an evening of fun, friendship, and belonging!

Promotion Sunday

Sunday, August 23



On August 23, First Kids and Youth will be celebrating Promotion Sunday! This Sunday marks the transition to new classes. Children turning 4 by December 31 and are potty-trained are invited to move upstairs to First Kids, and our new 6th graders will join the youth group for the first time.

Adults of First Kids are encouraged to join for donuts, meet the teachers, and complete the 2026-2027 registration. 

Blessing of the Backpacks

Sunday, August 23

As we gear up for a new school year, we want to send our students, teachers, and school staff back with more than just sharpened pencils and packed lunches, we want to send them with kindness and courage. On August 23, during worship, we’ll offer a special Blessing of the Backpacks, reminding our students and educators that they go into the school year surrounded by a community that is cheering for them and praying with them. So, bring your backpack, your lunchbox, your briefcase or just yourself, as we welcome the new school year with a blessing. 

New to the Pew Blessing

Sunday, August 30



With the beginning of the new school year, we are excited to welcome our newest worshippers to the pews and seats. On Sunday, August 30, during both worship services, we will be presenting a Bible to our first graders and offering a blessing to them and their families. As a church community, we want to celebrate this milestone and commit to accompanying our kids in their faith.

Together on the Way: A Family Sunday School Experience

This summer, First Kids is trying something new for Sunday School!

Children and their adults are invited to join us in the Children’s Suite for Together on the Way, a Family Sunday School experience focused on learning and growing in faith side by side.

Throughout the summer, we will explore themes of the Spirit, discipleship, the church, and prayer through hands-on activities, conversation, storytelling, and shared practices designed for all ages. Along the way, we will collect mementos on carabiners as reminders of what we are discovering together.

While designed with First Kids families in mind, adults of all ages are welcome to join us as we learn and grow together in community. Together on the Way will continue through August 16.

Looking to End Your Summer with a Bang (or Clang)? Ring Bells!

Are you looking for some summer enrichment? Maybe you need a fun activity to do with a friend, family member, or loved one? Did you make a New Year's resolution to learn a new skill and you haven't started yet? Whether it's any of these or one of a hundred more reasons, come join Noah Hartsfield, Handbell Director for an easy-going and low-commitment summer opportunity! He invites you to join in an intergenerational handbell ringing opportunity.

The group will meet on Wednesday evenings for five weeks, from July 22nd to August 19th, to learn how to ring handbells, make music, and have fun. Whether or not you have any experience with bells or music, all are invited to give it a try. You are only responsible for two notes and we can mark music! All friends who are rising 2nd graders or older are invited to participate (friends that are 2nd through 5th grade need an adult to participate with them). The group will meet from 6:30p to 7:30p and nursery care is available if needed. You do not need to be available all Wednesdays to participate. The goal will be to ring in Traditional worship on Sunday, August 23rd. If you are interested or want more information, please contact Noah at nhartsfield2010@gmail.com.

Sing With the Chancel Choir! - All Are Welcome!

If you've ever considered singing in the choir, this will be the perfect time to join in the fun!

All ages are welcome! From 5 to 105! Worshipping God through singing is for EVERYONE!

Never sung in a choir before? No problem! There is no previous experience needed. All our choir veterans are friendly and will help you feel comfortable.

You do not need to commit to choir every week -- we are happy to have you singing with us whenever it fits your schedule best.

If you normally attend the Awakening service but would still like to sing in the choir - even if it's not every week - you are more than welcome to attend just a portion of the rehearsal, or none at all and just sing along during the service. While rehearsal time is certainly valuable, it is not a hard requirement. The important thing is that you are included!

Also, you are not bound to the choir loft for the entire service. If you just want to "pop up" to sing the anthem and then go back to the pews, that is okay! Flexibility is the name of the game for us.

If you ever have any questions at all, just talk to Jonathan or send him an email. Choir is for everyone and you are always welcome here, no ifs, ands, or buts.

We look forward to seeing you and hearing your beautiful voice Sundays at 9:10 in the choir loft!

Fall Kick Off

August 30

Front Lawn at 12:30 pm 



As summer winds down, we’re getting ready for our annual Fall Kick-Off! This fun event is a great opportunity to connect with others, enjoy good food, and play lawn games together.

The church will provide the main dish, beverages, and tableware. You’re invited to bring a side dish or dessert to share. In addition to great conversation and food, we will have our favorite games like 9-square, gaga ball, corn hole, and a bounce house. We can't wait to welcome a new season with you!

We Want to Pray for You

At First Baptist, we believe community is stronger when we support one another in prayer. If there’s something on your mind, a concern, a hope, or a celebration, our pastors would be honored to hold it in prayer with you.

Your prayer requests are kept private with our pastoral team. Share your request anytime through our Prayer Request page, and know that you are held in prayer. Because we are better together, your joys and burdens matter to us.