Have a Safe Night on Halloween

HAVE A SAFE NIGHT ON HALLOWEEN! 

Community Event at First Baptist, Bennington

On Halloween night, remember: safety first! As little ghosts and goblins go out into the neighborhoods of Bennington, the First Baptist Church welcomes families to stop by.  The church will offer safety information and items to help tricker-or-treaters stay safe while walking down dark streets. Games, food, and hospitality will be offered from 4 PM to 8 PM in the Colgate Hall of First Baptist, which is located at 601 Main Street in downtown Bennington.

The First Baptist Church offers this event as part of its vision to be "a place for healing, community involvement, and spiritual grounding".  An American Baptist congregation, First Baptist worships weekly at 9:30 AM Sunday mornings.  The Rev. Jerrod H. Hugenot serves as coordinating minister.  To learn more call 802/442-2105 or visit us online:  www.fbcbennington.org.

Pentecost Service at First Baptist to Feature ABC/USA General Secretary

A Great Pentecost Service to be held at First Baptist, Bennington

On Sunday, May 31, 2009, Christians celebrate Pentecost, the holy day remembering the Holy Spirit’s descent from heaven to empower the Church. First Baptist, Bennington, will observe the day with its 9:30 AM worship service. This year’s Pentecost celebration will be especially memorable, as the congregation welcomes the Rev. Dr. A. Roy Medley, General Secretary for the American Baptist Churches/USA. Dr. Medley serves as the pastoral and administrative leader of the 1.5-million member denomination, which includes First Baptist as a member congregation.

Bringing greetings to the General Secretary will be Rabbi Joshua Boettigger, convener of the Bennington Interfaith Council, and the Rev. Rohn Peterson, acting executive minister for the American Baptist Churches of Vermont and New Hampshire. The worship service will also feature local trumpeter Mo Raincourt, performing sacred selections and accompanying the congregation’s singing. A reception for the General Secretary will follow worship at 10:45 a.m.

Dr. Medley’s appearance is part of First Baptist’s observance of 2009 as the 400^th anniversary of the Baptist movement’s founding. First Baptist celebrates its heritage as well as its commitment for a new day for ministry, as its building and people are becoming “a place for healing, community involvement, and spiritual grounding”.

To learn more about First Baptist, visit www.fbcbennington.org or call the church office at 802/442-2105.

First Baptist Celebrates Stewardship 2009

The First Baptist Church enters into its annual stewardship emphasis, seeking to be a congregation "living together by words of hope."  From the prophet Isaiah (58:11-12), the congregation is encouraged to hear words of hope.  The prophet says, "You shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in."  First Baptist is challenged to live by these words as they seek to become a faith community ready to celebrate a new chapter in their ministry and mission.

Stewardship letters were mailed in early November, asking each congregational household to consider making a pledge for 2009's budgetary needs.  This year's stewardship letter includes a specially produced DVD featuring more information about recent developments at First Baptist that offer new opportunities for the congregation to share its facilities with area non-profits and to help the church building become a center for community initiatives to flourish. 

On Sunday, November 16, 2008, the congregation will celebrate its consecration of its pledges.  As part of the service, the minister will offer reflection on the past history of the church, especially remembering the ministry of the Rev. Frank Richard Morris, the church's minister in the early 20th century whose last sermon was preached 100 years ago on November 15, 1908.  The service will conclude with the dedication of a new lift installed at the church, making the congregational educational wing, built in 1965, and its two floors of space now more accessible to all persons. The service encourages persons to remember their past and await their future just about to unfold.

If you would like to consider becoming a pledge-giving participant in the life of First Baptist, please contact the church office at 802/442-2105 and materials will be sent out immediately.  The First Baptist Church of Bennington, Vermont, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization affiliated with the American Baptist Churches/USA.

FBC Welcomes new religious education director

The First Baptist Church is pleased to announce their new director of Christian Education, Ms. Alycia Post. First Baptist offers programming for children and adults, and Post will work alongside the church staff and the board of Christian Education to develop efforts in faith formation for all ages.

Born in Revere, MA, Alycia recently relocated to Bennington from Staten Island, NY. She lives with her husband, Robert Post who works at Bennington College, her daughter, Ivy Rose E. Post, and their dog “Charles”. Alycia has experience working with non-profit organizations such as YouthBuild, homeless shelters, and Habitat for Humanity. She is active in the congregation’s music ministry and attends the Bennington Interfaith Council meetings as a lay representative of First Baptist.

Alycia comments, “I am very happy to be here at First Baptist Church in such a loving environment with wonderful people who care about their community.” The Rev. Jerrod Hugenot notes, “Alycia brings enthusiasm and energy to the work of religious education. We welcome her giftedness into our midst.”

Affiliated with the American Baptist Churches/USA, the First Baptist Church is located at 601 Main Street in downtown Bennington, Vermont. The Rev. Jerrod H. Hugenot serves as coordinating minister. For more information, please visit www.fbcbennington.org. Telephone inquiries: 802/442-2105.