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Unasked for Prayers and True Blessings
by Griff Martin
You know how cats seem to have a sixth sense about people who don’t like cats, and the minute that person enters the room said cat will now make it their mission to make that non-cat person into a cat person? This is me, except instead of cats, conservative Christians who are trying to win souls for Jesus will find me out in the wild. Something about me screams, “that guy needs to know the four spiritual laws, get him a tract.”
It’s quite ironic because I used to be a Christian who handed out tracts and felt way too comfortable asking strangers whom I had no relationship with a question like, “If you died tonight, on a scale of 1-10 what do you think your chance is of getting to spend eternity with God and not burning in Satan’s fire?”
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KICK-OFF
We had so much fun at our Fall kick-off! Thank you to everybody who made the day a success!
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AUSTIN PRIDE 2022
We are so thankful for the opportunity to represent our church at the Austin Pride Festivities this past weekend. We had a booth at the festival where church volunteers were able to talk to people about our beliefs as a church and let them know they are always welcome. We offered blessings and reminded people that they are beloved children of God. We also marched as the caboose in the parade, handing out water bottles to thirsty participants. We look forward to doing it again next year! Huge thank you to the Communications Committee, the Pride sub-committee, booth and parade volunteers, and especially our Pride co-chairs, Belynda Montgomery and Nathan Williams.
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LABYRINTH UPDATES
Labyrinth Progressive Student Ministry, our outreach arm to college students in Austin, has had an eventful summer. Labyrinth alum, Mir Gerorgeson, led a Bible study on disability justice, disability theology, and disability in the Bible. Shelby Nowland, the new senior minister for Labyrinth, began on July 5. Finally a full group of students, current and alum, and leadership, spent time together in August on the Guadalupe river.
Looking forward to fall, if you know college-aged students that would enjoy connecting with Labyrinth, please email Shelby or Haley, or send them to Labyrinth Progressive Student Ministry
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GOVERNING BOARD MINUTES
Stay up-to-date and informed.
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FALL PUB THEOLOGY: THE REQUIREDS
In Pub Theology this fall we are going to examine the requireds: the books we had to read in high school but none of us had the life experience or wisdom yet to fully comprehend them. You are welcome to re-read these books, but it is not required; you can use a summary to remind you.We will meet at the Easy Tiger Pub on S. Lamar at 5:30pm. It’s super relaxed and a great time of community. (And a heads up, next spring we are doing Short Stories in Scripture: Job, Esther, etc…. So if you have suggestions, let Griff know).
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Sept 13: The Scarlet Letter
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Dec 13: To Kill a Mockingbird
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LIVE-STREAMING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
With over a year of live-streaming services under our belt, it is becoming more apparent that we need an extra set of hands to assist our Live-Streaming Coordinator each week. If you are interested in helping create a team of rotating volunteers (or know someone who might be!), please contact Ross for more info.
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CHOIRS BEGIN AGAIN SOON
Wednesday, August 31
Both Handbell and Sanctuary Choirs will resume regular rehearsals starting Wednesday, August 31 @ 6pm & 7pm, respectively. Consider joining these historic and accomplished ensembles! Contact Ross for more info.
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The Deacon Nominating Action Team is requesting nominations for NEW Deacons from the congregation.
As you decide whom you would like to nominate, remember these criteria as articulated by the Apostle Paul to Timothy: "Deacons are to be people worthy of respect, genuine, not indulging in too much wine, not given to greed. Above all, they must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. Let them be people who have been tested and shown worthy of this calling."
The deadline for submissions is August 31, 2022.
To see a list of the current deacons, click on the "nominate" button below.
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ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL, SMALL GROUPS,
AND EDUCATION
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ADULT SUNDAY
SCHOOL CLASSES
Sunday School Begins at 9:45am
Here's a list of current adult Sunday School classes:
The Chapel Class Led by Griff, in the Chapel
Love Class (Women) Led by Martha Hawkins, Room 320
Theophilus Class Led by Thomas Arthur and John Spratlin, Room 327 and Zoom
Symposium, Room 340A and Zoom (email fbcsymposium@gmail.com for Zoom link, for information about current and future studies, or to receive announcements via email)
Kairos (Young adults) in the Parlor
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SUNDAY SCHOOL
"Kairos," our young adult small group, meets on Sundays at 9:45am in the Parlor. Come join us!
Join us for our TheoED Talks video series where we'll hear from a diverse group of voices on diverse topics.
This Sunday we will watch Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III's talk "By Any Greens Necessary". Rev. Moss presents innovative, inclusive, and environmentally conscious ways the church can partner with God in bringing about community transformation.
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OTHER ACTIVITIES
Sunday Fun Days are back! Join us on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month for food and fellowship. We meet from 5-7pm in various homes, so email Paige to find out where we will meet!
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Dominion – Are We Supposed to Dominate Other Life?
By Chris Searles
In the Spring issue of AllCreation.org 2022, which my nonprofit produces, we featured an impressive collection guest-edited by First Baptist’s Dr. Rev. Dan D De Leon. Dan and I grew up in church choir and youth group, 70s-early 90s. Now we’re collaborating on Faith-led environmental care, engagement, and social justice.
Dan is a Pioneering Leader in these communities and at his church in College Station. In this issue, “Dominionism: Exploring religious relationships with other life,” Dan invites celebrated author/theologian, Dr. Norman Wirzba (Senior Fellow, Duke Divinity School) and a host of multi-generational Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Unitarian leaders to share their Faith-based insights on the meaning of Genesis 1:26 today.
Check it out HERE!
"It doesn't seem that there could be a more important question than to figure out how to live well in our places, with each other."
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All Creation Dominionism crew | | |
THE SUNSET BARN AT STILL WATERS | | | |
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Are you looking for a great covered outdoor space for your event or gathering? The Sunset Barn may be a perfect fit. With approximately 1200 square feet of covered space and a large open field in front of it with great views we can accommodate a wide variety of gatherings including birthday parties, celebrations of life, exercise classes, yoga retreats, and a wide variety of other events. | | |
All people, All people, All people | |
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR MLF TRUCK RUNS
We need more volunteers for the MLF Truck Runs. If you would like to join this important opportunity to serve meals and build relationships with our unhoused neighbors, please consider one of the following groups:
2nd Sunday lunch - 12:30pm prep, 1:30pm run
4th Monday (and 5th if there is one) - 4:30pm prep, 5:30pm run
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While we've started worshiping in person in the sanctuary again, we also offer a live-streaming option.
Follow the link below to download the worship guide and watch the live stream.
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First Austin is a vibrant presence in the heart of Austin and in the world. During this COVID-19 crisis, we recognize there is an unanticipated strain on everyone. Together, our community is most vividly seen in the sharing of our resources as we seek to remake the world with whatever means God has given. You can give online or you may also mail your gift to the church. Our mailing address is First Baptist Church, 901 Trinity Street, Austin, TX 78701. | | |
A LOOK AT OUR JULY FINANCIALS | | | | | |
