All Saints' Sunday was deeply meaningful to me. Sharing the names of those we have loved and lost, and holding each person in memory and prayer, is a beautiful practice. As each name was read, I felt connected not only to the people we remembered, but also to the community gathered around them. Even those I never had the chance to know felt close in that moment.

I love these moments that connect us to our past and remind us that we do not walk alone. So many have made this journey before us. Their faith, courage, and witness continue to speak to us. In difficult seasons, there is strength in remembering that we belong to something much larger than ourselves.

It is that same gift of belonging that I hope we will pass on to those who come after us.

What we do here is not simply for our own benefit. We are preparing and building for what is yet to be. The work we do today helps shape the church of tomorrow. The relationships we nurture become part of the community that future generations will turn to for encouragement, support, and hope.

"For What Is Yet to Be" is our theme for November. During this month, we will spend time reflecting on financial giving. Often, we talk about giving as an obligation. It is, after all, part of the covenant we share together. Other times, we focus on gratitude. We give because we have first received. Both of those perspectives have value. This year, though, I want us to consider a different motivation: hope. We give because we believe God is still at work among us, and because we care about what this community will become in the years ahead. We believe communities like ours matter, not only for today but also for the future.

We want our children and grandchildren to inherit a faith that reflects the way of Jesus. We want future generations to know there is a place where questions are welcomed, where doubts can be expressed honestly, where people are loved and affirmed as beloved children of God just as they are, and where we learn together what it means to live the values of God's Kindom. We want to nurture and sustain a witness that reflects the compassion, humility, and hope of Christ.

Our motivation is not simply to keep the lights on, maintain a budget, or preserve an institution. It is to invest in a future where this kind of witness continues to flourish.

As you hear us talk about giving this month, I invite you to hear the conversation through a different lens. Rather than asking what the church needs from you, consider what kind of future God might be building through us. Think about the role you are called to play through prayer, service, presence, generosity, and participation.

What we are building together matters.

For those who come after us. For our community today. And for what is yet to be.

Grace and peace,

Kristin

The Pastors' Blog



In the Pastors' Blog this week, Pastor Brittany writes what children teach us about worship. This article was published by the Alliance of Baptists. We are thankful for Brittany's leadership and voice.

Read more →

Recognition of Staff Work Anniversaries - Sunday, November 8th

Please join us on Sunday, November 8th as we recognize two of FBC's dedicated staff members who have significant work anniversaries in 2026!!

• Colleen Ostercamp celebrates 35 years at the organ here at First Baptist Church. In addition to manning the organ bench, Colleen has organized opportunities for our young church members to share their musical gifts in church and brought a joyful smile to our life together! Colleen has been celebrating over the course of the year through monthly special pieces in Traditional Worship.
• Brenda Rice celebrates 20 years in her full-time role (Brenda worked for FBC in a part-time capacity as well) providing building coordination, project, and liturgical art. Brenda's contributions have made our community spaces more welcoming and enhanced our worship and liturgical seasons for many years! Earlier this year, in recognition of her anniversary Brenda attended a liturgical art and worship conference.



We will recognize both Colleen and Brenda in both worship services. We will have card baskets available if you want to leave a word of gratitude for either Colleen and Brenda. If you can't join us on Sunday, please feel free to send or drop-off cards or notes at the church office.

Colleen and Brenda have been vital parts of the worship experience over the years at First Baptist Church. Their contributions to our church community are greatly appreciated!! Whether you are able to join us on Sunday or not, we hope you will take the time to show your appreciation for these two wonderful staff members!

The Personnel Committee,

Noah Hartsfield (chair), Becki Forsee, Charles Hunter, David Chang, and Jen Boeckman

Scripture Readers Needed

We are creating a list of individuals who want to be scheduled to be a Scripture reader, and become a part of our worship services each Sunday. 

If you would like to be involved in this list, or have any questions contact Pastor Hayden, hdennis@fbc-columbia.org so that he can add you to the list of readers. 

Faith Formation Sessions

Sundays at 10:15 am

Adults

Faith After Certainty: The Courage to Believe Differently

The Fellowship Hall - October 18-November 22

For those navigating questions and changes in faith, this six-week class explores progressive theology and what it means to be both Baptist and progressive. Together, we'll reflect on who God is to us now, honor what we've left behind and what we still carry, explore fear and uncertainty, and practice spiritual discernment and faith-based visioning. Facilitated by Shelby Pride and Pastor Kristin.

The Discussion Class: Grateful

The Parlor - Novemeber 8-January 10

Beginning November 8, the Discussion Class will explore Grateful by Diana Butler Bass. Together, we’ll take the spirit of Thanksgiving beyond a single day in November and spend eight weeks exploring what it means to live with gratitude. Join us through January 10 for thoughtful conversation, meaningful reflection, and a deeper appreciation for the joy of being thankful. We’ll meet in the Parlor on the 2nd floor, and copies of the book will be provided

Youth

Our 6th-12th graders are gathering in the 3^rd floor Youth Ministry Suite for a 6-week series on “Being the Church.”

Children

Wee Wonder | 2s and 3s

In the Nursery | We Thank God

Through songs, Bible stories, action rhymes, and play, our youngest friends will explore gratitude and discover ways to thank God.

Preschool–Kindergarten

3rd Floor Rainbow Room | God’s Welcome

Through the story of the Prodigal Child, play, and hands-on activities, children will discover that God's love makes room for everyone and that they have an important place in our community.

Elementary | 1st–5th Grade

3rd Floor Kids’ Ministry Suite | Family of Abraham and Sarah

Children will explore stories from Abraham and Sarah's family, including Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Esau. Through stories of conflict, joy, and reconciliation, they'll discover that God is present in our family stories and goes with us wherever our journeys may take us.

Pause for Prayer

Tuesdays at 12:30 pm

In the midst of busy schedules, constant responsibilities, and the many demands of daily life, we all need moments to pause and reconnect with God's presence.

On Tuesdays at 12:30 pm, we invite you to join us each week, either in person or online, for Pause for Prayer. Together, we will bring our joys, concerns, hopes, and burdens before God while also practicing rhythms of prayer that can sustain us throughout the week.

Whether prayer is a familiar comfort or something you are still exploring, all are welcome. Each gathering will offer space to slow down, listen for God's voice, and be reminded that we are held in God's love and connected to one another.

Our hope is that this weekly time of prayer will become a source of encouragement, helping us experience God's presence, hope, peace, and healing amid the rhythms of everyday life.

Zoom ID: 584 859 3678

Passcode: fbc

If you would like to join an email list for weekly reminders about Pause for Prayer about 30 minutes before, click the link below.

New Members Lunch

November 15

If you or someone you know wants to learn more about First Baptist Church Columbia — or how you might get involved — we’d love to see you at lunch on November 15 in the second-floor Parlor. We’ll share a bit about our ministries, what we’re up to, and have a space for you to share a little bit about yourself. 

RSVP by contacting Pastor Hayden.

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.

Our Spire will be taking a brief break next week while Pastors Kirstin and Brittany are away at their respective Peer Learning Group Meetings. The Spire will resume on November 18.

During this time, Pastor Hayden will be on call for all pastoral care.