I'll be away for much of the week. Wednesday marks Brian's and my ninth anniversary, and we're looking forward to a few days away together to celebrate. Later in the week, we'll return to Oklahoma City for the funeral of the mother of a dear friend whose family has been woven into our lives for many years. I was honored when they asked me to officiate the service, and Brian will share memories of the years she and her husband served as missionaries in Spain.



On Saturday, Brian and I will return to the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Oklahoma City for the funeral. That room holds so many memories for us. We were married in that room, and perhaps we will even take a “Nine Years Later” photo to share on social media. My own mother’s funeral was held in that room. I was ordained to ministry there, preached some of my first sermons in that room. Danielle sang in children’s choirs, and I had solos in the musical “It’s a Wonderful Life” for several years. Brian preached there, and hosted services for Burmese and Sudanese churches in that space. It’s a room full of memories for us.

But what I discovered the last time I was there is that while the space is sacred and special to us, it is not the sanctuary itself that matters most. What made that place holy for us were the people, the relationships, and the ways we encountered God there together.

As I reflected on those memories, I noticed that almost every one of them was connected to a person rather than a place. I thought about what I learned of God through worship, service, ordinations, partner congregations, and the wisdom of friends who preached and led there. I thought about the people who carried me through difficult seasons, including the dear friend who sat beside me when my mother died, stayed through the hardest moments, and made sure I ate lunch afterward.

The connections stretch across generations. The woman leading music for this funeral is someone I first knew as a child in Sunday School. A young man singing a solo grew up in our church's summer programs. My friend's sons moved from children's ministry into the young adult group I led, and their family has remained part of our lives ever since.

Those are the memories that endure. When I think about that sanctuary, I find that what matters most is not the room itself, but the people who filled it and the ways God met us there together.

They are what matter. While I will enjoy being in that sanctuary again, it has changed over the years, just as we have. What remains is not the building itself, but the relationships formed there and the ways God met us in that place. The sacredness was never found in brick, wood, or stained glass alone. It was found in worship, friendship, service, grief, celebration, and the presence of God experienced among a community of people.



We will miss you this Sunday morning. Brittany and Hayden will lead in worship, and Hayden will preach. We will miss the Ecumenical Concert. I hope that many of you will go in our place! My hope is to be back for Trunk or Treat. (My last drive home from OKC took ten hours thanks to an accident. Say some prayers for us!) What we miss is being with you. More than a sanctuary, more than a church campus, more than a familiar room, what we miss is the opportunity to worship, laugh, serve, and share life with the people who make this church what it is.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Kristin

What is a church?

Moses' first question wasn't, "What's the plan?" It was, "God, are you still going with us?" As First Baptist begins a season of discernment, we're asking a similar question. Read the first installment of The Pastors’ Blog and join the conversation about where God may be leading us next.

Read more →

Southwest Baptist University Choir Visits This Sunday

11:15 Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary

This Sunday, traditional worship will welcome the Southwest Baptist University choir under the direction of Dr. Sarah Howes to enhance our service with some beautiful offerings as part of their fall tour! They will file in about halfway through the service and offer a few selections as an anthem and postlude. We hope you will join us in giving them a warm welcome!

Ecumenical Concert: Let Everything That Hath Breath

Sunday, October 25 at 2:00 pm in the Sanctuary

Join us Sunday, October 25 at 2:00 pm in the sanctuary for our annual ecumenical concert entitled "Let Everything That Hath Breath!" In addition to many beautiful and diverse anthems featuring choir, bells, organ, and brass, the centerpiece will be Benjamin Britten's epic cantata "Rejoice in the Lamb," in honor of the 50^th anniversary of the composer's passing. We'll be joined by friends from sister churches and local schools, as well as other special guests. You won't want to miss this concert!

Trunk-or-Treat & Chili Cook-Off

Sunday, October 25 at 5:00 pm

It’s hard to believe our Trunk-or-Treat and Chili Cook-Off is almost here! All are welcome to join us at First Baptist this Sunday, October 25, for our Fall Festival!

It’s a big day at FBC, with an ecumenical concert happening earlier that afternoon, so I hope you’re ready for a wonderful day together!

Here’s a quick look at the evening’s schedule:

• 4:00–4:45 PM: Cars arrive and decorate their trunks. The gated playground will be open for children.

• By 5:15 PM: Chili entries must be dropped off in the Fellowship Hall. Chili participants will then head back outside until the doors open.

• 5:00–5:30 PM: Trunk-or-Treat

• 5:30 PM: Fellowship Hall opens, and the Chili Cook-Off begins!

• Around 5:35 PM: Parade of Costumes



• 6:30 PM: Chili Cook-Off winners and the Golden Pumpkin winner announced!

Don't forget to bring your muffin tins to sample all the chili! It makes sampling fun and easy, and it saves on paper goods!

Click the link for more information: https://conta.cc/4yIpaqs

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 many of us, faith once came with clear answers. Somewhere along the way, questions arrived, and the old certainties stopped fitting. This six-week class is a growth space for anyone navigating that shift. Together we'll explore what progressive theology is and what it means to be both Baptist and progressive.

We'll reflect on who God is to us now, name and grieve what we've left behind while honoring what we still carry, and look honestly at fear, including what "fear of the Lord" might really mean, without rushing past hard feelings. We'll also talk about why this work is messy and how to do it in community, and close by practicing spiritual discernment and faith-based visioning for the road ahead. You don't need to have it all figured out. You just need to be willing to wonder together.

This faith formation session will be facilitated by Shelby Pride and Pastor Kristin. 

The Discussion Class: The Heart of Christianity

The Parlor - August 23–November 1

The Discussion Class is currently reading Marcus J. Borg’s The Heart of Christianity: Rediscovering a Life of Faith. Together, we’re exploring the contrasts between the vision of Christianity many of us grew up with and perspectives that have emerged within mainline and progressive Christianity. Along the way, we’re considering questions of faith and deconstruction, the changing landscape of the church, and the influence of Christian Nationalism. Through thoughtful conversation and reflection, we’ll have the opportunity to deepen our own faith and understanding.

Following this study, the discussion class will begin Gratitude by Diana Butler Bass

Youth

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

Join us in answering the question of what it means to be the church. And, how we can join together and serve others. 

Children

A new season of learning is beginning at First Kids! During our second six-week session, children will have opportunities to learn, wonder, create, and grow together as they discover more about God and God’s good world.

Wee Wonder | 2s and 3s

In the Nursery | We Thank God

Our youngest friends will explore gratitude through songs, action rhymes, Bible stories, and play. Each week, they’ll discover ways to thank God and celebrate the goodness all around them.

Preschool–Kindergarten

3rd Floor Rainbow Room | God’s Welcome

Our preschool and kindergarten friends will explore what it means to be welcomed by God and to welcome others through the story of the Prodigal Child, play, and hands-on activities. They’ll 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

Our elementary friends will explore the stories of Abraham and Sarah’s family, including Isaac and Rebekah, and Jacob and Esau. Through stories of conflict, joy, sorrow, and reconciliation, they’ll discover that God is present in our messy 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

Find Joy in Serving

Serving isn't just about filling positions. It's about helping people discover meaningful ways to live out their gifts, passions, and faith.

The Nominating Committee's work is connecting people with opportunities that make a difference, both for those who serve and for the life of our church. Many of you have already said "yes" to serving, and we are grateful. But there are still opportunities waiting for the right people.

Right now, our greatest needs are in the following ministries:

Hospitality Action Group

Coordinates the Welcome Table and helps provide food and refreshments at church events.

Serving Team

Connects our congregation with local and global partners serving their communities.

Racial Justice and Inclusion Team

Guides our ongoing work in inclusion, racial healing, accessibility, and justice.

There are also opportunities to serve as a Sunday morning greeter, a Welcome Table host, or a Faith Formation leader. Whether you enjoy offering hospitality, building relationships, teaching, or serving behind the scenes, there is a place for you.

The strength of our community is built through faith put into action. Your gifts can help create a welcoming, caring, and vibrant church for all.

Interested in learning more? Contact Christine Chang. We'd love to help you find where your passion and our mission meet.

"Service that brings joy" begins when each of us discovers how God is calling us to serve.

First Stories

We're excited to share another edition of "First Stories," First Baptist Church's blog. Periodically, we'll share stories about the life and impact of our church community. This blog post highlights the work of the Racial Justice and Inclusion Team. Keep an eye on our social media accounts for updates on new blog posts, or check our website: https://fbc-columbia.org/first-stories-blog

New Members Lunch

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.