Welcome to worship. We are honored to have Ben David as our guest speaker as we worship God and offer our praise for the freedom we have in Christ and as Americans.

Ben is a friend of First Baptist and an Elder of First Presbyterian Church. He has served as the District Attorney for New Hanover and Pender Counties for the past 16 years. Ben and Mike Queen, our Pastor Emeritus, were founding members of Wilmington’s Blue Ribbon Commission on the Prevention of Youth Violence. He has been a strong advocate of the mission and ministry of our church for many years and the Jo Ann Carter Harrelson Center s ince its inception . Ben and his wife, Stephanie, are parents to three beautiful children. We welcome his being with us today.
"Freedom in Christ"
Romans 8:2-3 & Micah 6:8
Guest Speaker - Ben David
The Preamble to the Declaration of Independence states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” God’s word, through the mouthpiece of the Prophet Micah states, “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” And, through the Apostle Paul in Romans 8:1-2, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” We are endowed by our Creator with Rights; required by our Creator to act justly, love mercy, walk with God with a humble spirit; and, we have been set free from sin by the grace of God. Freedom granted comes with a responsibility to practice it while loving our neighbors. 
HOLY COMMUNION
Today you will have the opportunity to partake in the Lord's Supper during our worship gathering. Jesus used common everyday elements as he shared this powerful symbolic act of love with his disciples. Prepare your typical drink and bread as we remember the sacrifice of our Savior.
RESPOND TOGETHER
We rejoice, O Christ,
for in your tender compassion
you shoulder our burdens and ease our heavy hearts.
Give us the strength to carry each other
as you have carried us. Amen
Trusting in God with all we have, we give to support the work of God's church because we believe in our mission to share God's love with our community and world in the name of Jesus. Give online or by mail. Giving allows us to keep being the church, even in the absence of our physical presence. Mail to: 411 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28401.


God desires to have a relationship with you! He has given us ways to know Him better through His son, Jesus Christ. Knowing God and having faith in Jesus is a personal and individual decision for each person. Do you have questions about being in a relationship with God? We would love to talk with you and help you begin or deepen your faith journey.