The First Baptist Church of Bennington, Vermont

Throughout the summer, First Baptist will host community events called "FUN FRIDAYS". A variety of events will be offered, and the schedule will be posted very soon.  The initial event is "GAME NIGHT" on Friday, May 30, from 6 PM to 8 PM.  All are welcome!   (Drinks and refreshments are provided.)

CELEBRATE PENTECOST & MOTHER’S DAY WITH FIRST BAPTIST, BENNINGTON

This year, Sunday, May 11, 2008 marks two significant dates in the sacred and civic calendars. This Sunday is the celebration of Pentecost, recalling the New Testament account (Acts 2:1-42) of the day early Christians were empowered by the coming of the Holy Spirit. Set fifty days after Easter, Pentecost is symbolized through the use of red colors in worship, recalling the tongues of fire as the Spirit descended upon the early believers. Hymns are sung celebrating God at work in the life of the church, and Christians reflect about what it means to be the church empowered by the Spirit of God today. Worshipers are encouraged to wear red for this service and enjoy the choral anthem “Spirit of God”, and the minister’s sermon “Mother Church.”

The civic calendar also observes Mother’s Day, a secular holiday remembering and honoring mothers. Carnations will be given to mothers as well as all other women as a sign that the hallmarks of motherhood are exhibited in many women who mentor, tend, and care for others in a relationship similar to mother and child. Also known as “Blanket Sunday” at First Baptist, this day occasions the blessing of donations given to provide blankets made and distributed by Church World Service used in crisis and humanitarian aid situations around the world.

Located at 601 Main Street in downtown Bennington, Vermont, First Baptist worships on Sundays at 9:30 AM. Visit us online at www.fbcbennington.org. For information, call 802/442-2105 or email fboffice@sover.net. The Rev. Jerrod H. Hugenot serves as the intentional interim minister.

Church Employer Seminar To Be Held Saturday, June 21 @ FBC Bennington, VT

The workshop is for American Baptist pastors, treasurers, financial folks, and pastoral relations teams. To be held on Saturday, June 21, 2008, from 9 AM to 12 PM, this workshop will be conducted by the Rev. Holly Bean, Education Director, MMBB, and the Rev. Dr. Hazel Roper, Regional Representative for MMBB. Topics for consideration at this workshop include: the church as employer, compensation, benefits, accountability, and the questions that participants bring with them.

This workshop is free of charge and includes all materials, plus a continental breakfast (8:30-9 AM) and a luncheon (12 noon). This workshop is open to any American Baptist congregation and its leadership, regardless if MMBB is utilized as a provider of benefits to a congregation's staff.

Pre-registration is requested by June 2, 2008, in order that adequate meals and material preparation can occur. Please contact First Baptist, Bennington, at 802/442-2105 or fboffice@sover.net.

First Baptist will host its Spring Tag Sale on Friday, April 4, and Saturday, April 5, 2008.  Held in Colgate Hall (the fellowship hall) of First Baptist, the tag sale hours are Friday (10 AM - 3 PM) and Saturday (10 AM - 1 PM). Best of all, the prices are great!

Donations are welcome!  Call 802/442-2105 if you have questions.

PRESS RELEASE

HOLY WEEK OBSERVANCES AT FIRST BAPTIST, BENNINGTON

The First Baptist Church of Bennington, Vermont, invites you to Holy Week activities, commencing this Sunday with worship services on Palm Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 9:30 AM. The children will lead the procession of the palms, and the congregation will reflect upon Jesus’ entry into the city as told by St. Matthew’s gospel. The Rev. Jerrod Hugenot, minister, will offer the sermon “As Christ enters the city…”

On Thursday evening, March 20, the congregation will host a community potluck at 6 PM, followed by the Maundy Thursday communion service at 7 PM. The service music will draw from various sources including the contemplative Taize tradition, and the minister will speak on “The Strength of Vulnerability”. Rev. Hugenot will be the service preacher for the ecumenical Good Friday service held at St Peter’s Episcopal Church on Friday, March 21, at 7 PM, speaking on “The Pain of the World”.

On Easter Sunday, March 23, 2008, First Baptist celebrates Easter with joyous music and proclamation at its 9:30 AM worship service. The service marks the high point of the Christian year, as Christians gather to sing praise to the risen Christ. The Rev. Hugenot will speak on Matthew’s Easter narrative in a sermon entitled “The Story Without End”. An Easter egg hunt for children and coffee hour fellowship follows the service.

An American Baptist congregation, the First Baptist Church is located at 601 Main Street in downtown Bennington. Learn more by visiting www.fbcbennington.org or calling 802/442-2105.