Church News

I join in the sorrow, anger and confusion felt by Americans across the country following the death of George Floyd. The nature of his death is shocking to all of us who believe in a just, lawful, and equal society.

I believe that God’s love is all-encompassing and it urges us to reject racism and discrimination. The Bible commands us to “be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” We are committed to fighting racism wherever it exists and will speak up wherever we encounter it. As we pray for God’s will to be done on earth as in heaven, I will continue to work toward a world where all people are loved.

I encourage people of good will to look closely at their own attitudes to determine how they can contribute peacefully to solving this problem. I support the peaceful protests and dialogue that have come from this tragedy. I encourage a display of love for all, in non-violent ways.

Never has our Christian mission been more imperative: to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. I call on all individuals to work together toward a common cause in the spirit of love, tolerance, and forgiveness.

Bramwell Kjellgren

INTERIM PASTOR

If you are donating cookies, bring store-bought, prepackaged cookies to church on Sunday, June 21 and place them in the yellow wagon in the foyer.  If you want to donate cookies but are not planning to attend church, cookies can be placed in the cooler located outside the church at the foyer entrance on Thursday June 18 and Friday June 19.

We wish to recognize Rev. Bramwell Kjellgren our Interim Minister
and congratulate him on his one year anniversary at our church as of June 9.
 
The Lord has richly blessed First Baptist Church with your ability to shepherd the flock.

Eleanor Keenan (Mission Board) and Carol Clayton (organizer) would like to say THANK YOU to all the ladies who spent days sewing a grand total of 1,354 face masks for the safety of others.
For a small group of servants, you selflessly shared A LOT OF GOD’S LOVE!

_____________

A few short weeks ago, the Mission Board sent out a plea for donations to assist the Westmoreland County Food Bank who was in dire need of funds due the coronavirus crisis. As God’s will be done, the contributions began rolling in totaling $1,888.00!
 MANY, MANY THANKS to all the donors for such a quick response and amazing result! 

Farmers to Families Food Box distributors are planned twice monthly at the Westmoreland Fairgrounds, 123 Blue Ribbon Lane, in Mt. Pleasant township. The drive-thru program provides federally purchased food on a first-come, first-served basis. Recipients don’t need to meet income guidelines to qualify. Distributions will continue as long as the federal program lasts. Tentative dates include 3-5pm June 8 and 10am-noon June 22. Visit westmorelandfoodbank.org and search under “What We Do” for more information about the distributions.

Thanks to everyone for your kind and caring wishes on my birthday. 

The cards, phone calls, and messages were so appreciated.  You touched my heart. 

I hope you know how much I deeply care about all of you at First Baptist.  

…May God richly bless you, Rev. Bramwell Kjellgren

First Baptist, thank you so much for giving to Camp Carmel.  We know this summer will look a little different for camp, but we value your continued support of this ministry.  Please continue to keep camp and the board in your prayers.

…In His Service, Chris Carson

I would like to acknowledge and thank all those who have had a part in the online presentations of our Sunday morning Worship Services.  It has been heartwarming and comforting to see and hear members and friends that make up our Church Family each Sunday during this period of isolation and uncertainty.

The messages you bring, Rev. Bram, have kept me grounded in the Word. 

Mary Ellen, the music has lifted my heart each Sunday morning.  Just beautiful. 

I enjoyed singing the prerecorded praise songs along with the Praise Team. Thank you for those familiar choruses.

Jim Gongaware, in his gifted way, to the children, presents a down to earth message to all of us.  I know that someone puts this all together with a special technological skill.

That would be Alan McBride, thank you.  I would also like to thank Dana Loucks for all she does behind the scenes to keep us all informed and up to date with all that is happening with our Church Family.

Thank you all for the gifts you have been given and so willingly share during these unusual circumstances. May God bless you all and keep you safe.

…Most Sincerely, Carol Clayton

The First Baptist Church will be open on June 2 for the Primary Elections. Many people have decided to vote through mail-ins. If you are concerned about getting out to vote in June and November, Voterspa.com provides an easy way to request mail-in or absentee ballots for the elections. Mail-in ballot applications will be accepted through Tuesday, May 26, 2020. 

At the end of May, our dedicated group of ladies will complete the mission project of sewing face masks for healthcare workers!  Thanks to all who are volunteering!