PASSPORT KIDS

Fourteen of our third through sixth graders headed up the mountain recently to enjoy four days of Passport Kids camp at Lees McRae in Banner Elk. Our theme for the week was VAMOS! (Let’s Go) and our focal verse was from Hebrews 12: 1a: “So then, with endurance, let’s also run the race that is laid out in front of us.”  As we enjoyed competing against other Bible study groups at the Rec Party (with a beautiful view of the mountains around us), learning about Mexico City and the mission of EduK at the Night Market, and creek-stomping in a nearby river, we learned that God equips each of us with gifts and abilities, provides for us strong building blocks of faith through Jesus’ life and teachings, and calls us to go into our schools and neighborhoods and communities to be the light of Christ for others in authentic and impactful ways.    

It’s also worth mentioning that our FBC guys were on the winning team in the camp-wide kickball tournament (Woo Hoo!) and our girls danced in the talent show (Hollywood, here they come)!

We had a great time together, and I’m so grateful for our chaperones who took time off from work to go with us. Three cheers for Sarah Collins, Daniel Rohrbaugh, Wade Sasser, and Bob Talley! Take a look on the screen in the Lewis building for more pictures of our week!  -Lynn Lingafelt 

A MEMORABLE TRIP TO HONDURAS

WITH SHAREFISH 

The small, tight-knit community of La Fortunita in southern Honduras now has an expansive new playground, thanks to a project initiated by Sharefish and largely funded through an $8,000 grant from FBC’s Day Missions Fund.

I was one of a seven-member Sharefish team that traveled to Honduras for a week in June to paint and install the playground in a large field across from a K-8 grade school. The other team members were Chuck Nichols, Sharefish’s president; John Baldwin; Bob Kimball; Greg Clary; John Clary; and Charles Gale.

The components of the playground were built on the campus of Sharefish’s Aprende Conmigo preschool/middle school in El Carrizo by a small Honduran crew from Mercy and Grace Ministries that works regularly with Sharefish. The highly skilled crew constructed three monkey bars, each a different height; two large swing sets; two full-size slides; and an ingenious fort that would soon accommodate a small climbing wall, a mini zip line, and a climbing rope.

After we (and several local volunteers) sanded and painted these pieces, they were moved, slowly and carefully given the rutted roads, to the nearby field in La Fortunita via flatbed truck. At this point, community members — adults and children alike — gathered at the site to help dig holes, mix concrete, and pull weeds. Mothers, grandmothers, and small children congregated under the shade of a large tree next to the playground. Students carried over chairs and desks from the school so that everyone would have a seat. It was the perfect example of community.

The next day — our final workday — once the concrete had set and the final touches had been added to the fort, students and teachers came over from the school to experience the playground for the first time. After a short assembly to express their thanks, the students immediately started sliding, swinging, and climbing. What a privilege it was for our team to share in their excitement! The hot, humid conditions (much like Raleigh’s weather that week!) were quickly overshadowed by the laughter and joy surrounding us.

We returned home the following evening with full hearts and the knowledge that the past week had been tiring but so meaningful. The country and people of Honduras are truly beautiful.

Learn more about Sharefish and its educational programs at sharefish.org. Once on the home page, scroll down to see videos from the trip. Please consider traveling to Honduras with Sharefish in 2027! Talk to any of us from June’s group — we will be happy to answer your questions. -Holly Cook

JULY MISSION PROJECT

As our preschool and grade school children gather for Vacation Bible School this month, they will be given the opportunity to collect items for a school that's located in La Fortunita, Honduras. Many of our church members have been going to Honduras for years to help the people in communities there, and have accomplished amazing things. Just recently they constructed a playground for the children at the school in La Fortunita (pictured above). This public school has very limited resources, mostly just work books. The churchwide mission project this month will collect the supplies listed below. Your donations may be placed in the marked drawer in the Lewis lobby cabinet.

• crayons and coloring books for kindergarden children
• children's books in Spanish for ages 5-10, such as Go Dog Go, The Hungry Caterpillar, and Dr. Seuss books
• chapter books in Spanish for middle schoolers, such as Magic Treehouse series or Laura Ingalls Wilder books.

All books need to be in Spanish only—no bilingual books as they are too confusing for the children.

ALL STATE YOUTH CHOIR

This is the 26th year of the All State Youth Choir of North Carolina. This choir, originally begun in 1999 (taking off two years during Covid), has been a vision of North Carolina church musicians and ministers for a long time. I first learned about this choir as a church musician and a parent of a student who was very interested in being a part of it. What started as interest grew to three summers with Leah being an All Stater! Then I began to serve on the planning team and here I am, 15 years later, still involved in this unique ministry for students throughout North Carolina. 

All State Youth Choir is made up of those who have completed 9th–12th grades and who have applied, auditioned, and been recommended to join the choir. This year is a special year in that rising 9th graders are also being admitted to the choir, one of which is our own Alice Strickland! The theme for this year’s choir is Called based on 2 Timothy 1:9 “He has called us to a holy life. . .” and the group will be directed by Dr. Nana Wolfe Hill of Wingate University, who is welcomed back for her 2nd time of leading All State. An acknowledged conductor and choral clinician of excellent reputation, Dr. Hill is pleased to be leading the group this summer. The choir will be staying at Campbell University. 

What does it mean to be an All Stater? It means joining with other students to produce choral music that is inspiring and meaningful. It means singing a lot during the first four days of rehearsal, memorizing parts and texts to 12 different anthems, and making a beautiful blending of voices into one. It means going “on the road” to places in the state to sing and share and minister in places like churches, nursing homes, hospitals, and more. It means doing things together that no one singer can do alone. It means meeting new people and learning how to live together with someone you may never have met. It means riding on a bus (lots of riding on a bus!) and getting back to a college dorm, your home away from home, so tired after concerts and full days. It means having FUN together and making memories during some of the most significant and growing years of life. It means worshipping and working together and belonging to a group.  

We are so proud to have four students from First Baptist in All State Youth Choir this year. We welcome Jay Foster and Alice Strickland for their first year in the group. We welcome Charlotte Phillips for her second year in the group, and finally, we welcome Jesse Vogel for his fourth year in All State! First Baptist will host this group of 28 singers on Sunday, July 26, at our 11am worship service. The tour for this year’s choir is from July 19–26. You can note the other places where concerts will be held, and you just may want to travel to hear them in some other place during the week. Please make every plan to be here to support this group and cheer on our own students who are in the All-State Youth Choir of North Carolina.  -Anna Anderson

SCOTLAND INTEREST MEETING - AUGUST 2

We have had an overwhelming response to our 2027 Scotland trip! We're going to have an interest meeting that will include lunch on Sunday, August 2, directly following worship in rooms 301/302. In order to get a headcount for lunch, RSVP by emailing Michael. Also, if you already have specific questions that you'd like answered at this meeting, please email those to Michael.

JOIN US FOR A

SUMMER ZOOM BIBLE STUDY

Beginning Wednesday, July 22, you're invited to gather with us each Wednesday at 7:15pm on Zoom for an intergenerational Bible study led by Michael. Whether you've spent a lifetime reading Scripture or are just beginning to explore the Bible, this is a space for all ages to learn, wonder, and grow together. This summer, we'll be exploring Jesus' miracle stories. Each week, you'll read the assigned passage ahead of time and come ready to share any questions, insights, or observations from your reading. Together, we'll dig into historical context, reflections, and discussion to help bring these familiar stories to life.

Week One Reading:

John 1:29–2:12

Short on time? Simply read John 2:1–12.

Watch for the Zoom link in next week's Rose Window Weekly. We hope you'll join us for thoughtful conversation, shared learning, and the opportunity to encounter these remarkable stories together.

COMMUNITY EVENT: AN EVENING WITH JULIA AINSLEY

Join the Wake Interfaith Immigration Network community on Thursday, July 16, at 7pm at the Rialto Theatre for an engaging conversation with NBC News Homeland Security Correspondent Julia Ainsley about her new book, Undue Process: The Inside Story of Trump's Mass Deportation Program. A Raleigh native, Julia has become one of the nation's leading reporters covering immigration and homeland security.

Drawing on years of investigative reporting, Ainsley offers an inside look at the policies, politics, and people behind one of the most significant immigration initiatives in recent American history. Following the conversation, she will answer audience questions and sign books. Tickets are $11 and may be reserved through the Rialto Theatre's website. Whether you're interested in immigration policy, journalism, or current events, this promises to be a thoughtful and informative evening.

THIRTY-NINERS SUMMERTIME LUNCH OUTINGS

July 23: Parkside Restaurant (301 W. Martin St, Raleigh) Reservations at 11:30am; meet at church at 11am to carpool.

August 20: Bull City Burger & Brewery (107 E. Parrish St, Durham)

Reservations at 11:30am; meet at church at 10:30am to carpool

CLOTHING MINISTRY NEEDS

Our clothing ministry continues to be a vital source of support for neighbors in our community, providing clothing and essential items to individuals and families facing difficult circumstances. Each week, we welcome guests seeking practical assistance, dignity, and care.

At this time, we are especially in need of:

• Backpacks, particularly adult-sized
• Small/Medium rolling suitcases
• Men's casual t-shirts and athletic shorts, ALL SIZES
• Men's athletic shoes, all sizes
• Women's XS, S, & M summer items (shorts, pants, shirts, and dresses)
• Children's summer items, sizes youth 10-18

Gently used items in good condition are greatly appreciated. Adult-sized backpacks are among our most requested items, helping guests safely carry clothing, personal belongings, and important documents. Donations may be dropped off at the parking lot ramp door donation bin during regular church office hours. Your generosity helps ensure that our clothing ministry remains a place of hospitality, compassion, and tangible support for those in need. Thank you for helping us share God's love in practical ways with our neighbors!

WEEKDAY PRESCHOOL IS HIRING!

Weekday Preschool is looking for a warm, caring individual to join our team! If you have a heart for working with young children in a fun and nurturing environment, we'd love to hear from you. For more information, please contact Crystal.

BIBLE VERSES FOR DAILY USE

• Wednesday, July 15: Psalm 142; Obadiah 15-21; Matthew 13:10-17
• Thursday, July 16: Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24; Isaiah 44:1-5; Hebrews 2:1-9
• Friday, July 17: Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24; Ezekiel 39:21-29; Hebrews 6:13-20
• Saturday, July 18: Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24; Exodus 14:9-25; Matthew 7:15-20
• Sunday, July 19: Genesis 28:10-19a and Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24; Wisdom of Solomon 12:13, 16-19 or Isaiah 44:6-8 and Psalm 86:11-17; Romans 8:12-25; Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
• Monday, July 20: Psalm 139:13-18; Genesis 32:3-21; Revelation 14:12-20
• Tuesday, July 21: Psalm 139:13-18; Genesis 33:1-17; Galatians 4:21-5:1
• Wednesday, July 22: Psalm 139:13-18; Genesis 35:16-29; Matthew 12:15-21

AMONG OUR FAMILY

A link to the entire prayer list may be found below.

Please use your church directory for mailing addresses.



Prayer List • July 14

A NOTE OF THANKS

Thank you, Church Family, for calls, texts, meals, and your presence and hugs at the Celebration of Life service for Charles Parker. I was overwhelmed with love from each of you. Thank you for being my family. - Grace Parker



AAWC'S WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Each week, we post And Also with 'Cue's weekly schedule here in Rose Window Weekly as well as on our Facebook page to let you know our lunch schedule and if there will be outside events on the weekend for you to attend.

Week of July 15:

Wednesday - private event, Fuquay-Varina

Thursday dinner - private event, Garner

Sunday lunch - Hayes Barton Baptist special event lunch