We have really enjoyed our fall 2022 Wednesday night sessions with you, and we’re already looking forward to spring 2023! Be on the lookout for more information soon.
Adults
America’s Religious History
Leader: Dr. Jeff Rogers
Location: Heritage Room
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Dates: Wednesdays, August 17 through December 14, 2022
(Note that breaks occur on October 12, 26, and November 23)
About the study:
In this post-9/11 world, it is not difficult to see how important religion remains in America and around the globe. An older generation of scholars expected that America and the rest of the Western world was headed toward secularization and the end of religion. America is undoubtedly secular in many ways, and our constitutional order requires a clear distinction between faith communities and government. Yet from the Colonia era to the present, American men and women have been, and have remained, a pervasively religious people.
In America’s Religious History Video Lectures, leading historian Thomas S. Kidd traces the theological and ethnic diversity and enduring strength of American religion, with special attention to Christianity and evangelical faith. Interweaving religious history and key events from the larger narrative of American history, the video lectures consider how faith commitments and categories have shaped the nation.
Bible Study: Who is the Holy Spirit?
Leader: Rev. Ron Murray
Location: Hardee Hospitality Room
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Dates: Wednesdays, August 17 through December 14
(Note: breaks occur on October 12, 26, and November 23)
About the study:
Ron Murray will take you on a journey through the Bible to learn more about the Third Person of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit. Participants only need their Bibles.
The purpose of this study is for you to understand what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit and to apply that truth to your life. Get to know God at a deeper, more personal level through His Spirit as He speaks to you and works in you.
Bloom (Mom’s Group)
Leader: Sandra Long
Location: Copeland Classroom (Room 108)
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Dates: Wednesdays, August 17 through December 14
(Note: breaks occur on October 12, 26, and November 23)
About the study:
“I want you to take every step of your life with excitement for where you are headed. And I want you to feel beautiful and confident as you do.” But how? When the enemy whispers lies that you are not smart enough, pretty enough, or rich enough? Or you are too dumb, too loud, too quiet, too thin, too fat, too much or not enough? What if you don’t have what takes to be who you really want to be?
In Looking for Lovely, Annie F. Downs shares personal stories, biblical truth, and examples of how others have courageously walked the path God paved for their lives by remembering all God had done, loving what was right in front of them and seeing God in the everyday — whether that be nature, friends, or the face they see in the mirror. Intensely personal, yet incredibly powerful, Looking for Lovely will spark transformative conversations and life changing patterns. No matter who we are and what path God has us on, we all need to look for lovely, fight to finish, and find beautiful in our every day.
GriefShare
Leaders: Jackie Lee & Debbie Neely
Location: Church Parlor
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Dates: Wednesdays, August 24 – November 30
About the group:
It may be hard for you to feel optimistic about the future right now. If you’ve lost a loved one, you’ve probably found there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel. This can be a confusing time when you feel isolated and have many questions about things you’ve never faced before.
GriefShare groups meet weekly to help you face these challenges and move toward rebuilding your life. Each GriefShare session has three distinct elements:
Video seminar with experts: Each week your GriefShare group will watch a video seminar featuring top experts on grief and recovery subjects.
Support group discussion with focus: After viewing the video, you and the other group members will spend time as a support group, discussing what was presented in that week’s video seminar and what is going on in your lives.
Personal study and reflection: During the week you will have the opportunity to use your workbook for further personal study of the grieving process and to sort out your emotions through journaling.
Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Transform Your Family
Leaders: Michelle and Steven Norris (Senior Pastor)
Location: Bramblett Chapel
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Dates: Wednesdays, August 17 through December 14
(Note: breaks occur October 12, 26, and November 23)
About the study:
In the midst of folding laundry, coordinating carpool schedules, and breaking up fights, many parents get lost. Feeling pressure to do everything “right” and raise up “good children, it’s easy to lose sight of our ultimate purpose as parents in the quest for practical tips and guaranteed formulas.
In this life-giving book, Paul Tripp offers parents much more than a to-do list. Instead, he presents us with the big-picture view of God’s plan for us as parents. Outlining fourteen foundational principles centered on the gospel, he shows that we need more than the latest parenting strategy or list of techniques. Rather, we need the rescuing grace of God — grace that has the power to shape how we view everything we do as parents.
Freed from the burden of trying to manufacture life-change in our children’s hearts, we can embrace a grand perspective of parenting overflowing with vision, purpose, and joy.
Women in the Word
Leaders: Carol Baldwin & Susan Hardwick
Location: Cheatham Room
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Dates: Wednesdays, August 17 through December 14
(Note: breaks occur October 12, 26, and November 23)
Benefits of the study:
Explore how Jesus generously restores dignity and honor to women in the first century and now.
Gain deeper insight into the biblical world, including fresh perspective on familiar Bible stories.
Discover the Bible through the lens of Middle Eastern culture.
Understand Jesus more fully and fuel your worship of Him.
Students
Wednesday Night Kids Music & Missions
Volunteers lead preschool (K4 & K5) children through a CBF Spark curriculum on Wednesday evenings. The children learn about missionaries serving around the globe, as well as in the U.S. During the hour, part of the lesson focuses on music common to the region being studied that evening. The children get to practice rhythm, play instruments, or learn songs related to the curriculum being studied. For more information about Wednesday Night for kids, contact our church office at 770-227-5517 or email us publications@fbcgriffin.org.
Student Ministry (6th through 12th Grades)
Minister: Seth Brown (sethbrown@fbcgriffin.org)
Location: The Student Center (the Basement)
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Dates: Wednesdays (year round)
About Wednesdays in the Student Ministry:
Every Wednesday night starts out with games and fellowship, whether that’s in the gym or in the Student Center (the Basement). A time of worship follows, led by volunteers and the Student Minister. Students are encouraged to develop and share their talents during this time if they are gifted in the area of worship arts. During the evening, students will also hear a message and attend small groups.
What else can you expect to be part of your evening in the Student Ministry? Snacks (think popcorn, shakes, chips, or even pizza — depending on what’s going on). Wacky games (that may or may not involve a mess).
Most importantly, you will find an authentic love for Jesus and for every kid in the room when you visit the Student Ministry. We hope you’ll check it out.
Music
Handbell Ensemble
Minister: Ellee Hilley
Location: Handbell Room
Time: 4:30 – 5:15 p.m.
Dates: Wednesdays
About the Handbell Ensemble:
Handbells have been used for music throughout much of human history. They are essentially bells that can be held by a strap in one’s hand. When played in an ensemble, the bells range several octaves and can deliver an entire song without the need for additional instrumentation. These lovely instruments make a great entry point into instrumental music for those who do not yet read music very well.
The Handbell Ensemble performs primarily during the Celebration Service on Sunday mornings several times a year. The group will be practicing regularly under the direction of Ellee Hilley and may make more appearances as the group is prepared.
If you would like more information about the Handbell Ensemble, or if you would like to get involved in this group, please contact Ellee Hilley at elleehilley@fbcgriffin.org.
Instrumental Ensemble (Orchestra)
Minister: Ellee Hilley
Location: Sanctuary
Time: 6:00 -6:45 p.m.
Dates: Wednesdays
About the Instrumental Ensemble:
The FBC Orchestra is composed of volunteer musicians with a wide range of playing experience. Woodwinds, brass, percussion, piano, and stringed instruments are all typically represented in this group. All ages and experience levels are welcome, although musicians who would like to play for the orchestra should already know how to read music. This is open to youth and adults, although instrumentalists should be in at least 8th grade to join, and should have at least two years of experience playing an instrument.
Performances typically feature hymns and prelude or offertory pieces played during the Celebration Service on Sunday mornings.
Practices for the Orchestra will take place weekly (with a few exceptions) and will end with a brief devotional.
Contact Ellee Hilley at elleehilley@fbcgriffin.org for more information on this group.
Sanctuary Choir
Minister: Erin Clarke
Location: Choir Room (2nd Floor)
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Dates: Wednesdays
About the choir:
The Sanctuary Choir is a group of volunteer singers who meet weekly to prepare hymns and special music for the 9AM Celebration Service on Sunday mornings.
Choir rehearsals are held in the second floor Music Suite on Wednesday nights, 7-8:15PM.
Contact Erin Clarke at erinclarke@fbcgriffin.org for more information.
Ukulele Ensemble
Minister: Ellee Hilley
Location: Instrumental Multipurpose Room
Time: Noon to 1:00 p.m.
Dates: Thursdays
About the Ukulele Ensemble:
The ukulele resembles a small classical acoustic guitar. When you assemble a group of ukulele musicians, you have a recipe for entertainment, fellowship, and personal growth. The FBC Ukulele Ensemble is known around Griffin for its renditions of favorite tunes, both Christian and secular. They regularly play for local community groups and for our church.
If you are looking for a place to get plugged into music without a lot of added stress, then the Ukulele Ensemble might be perfect for you! The Ukulele Ensemble requires no music reading skills, just a desire to learn chords and have fun!
Contact Ellee Hilley at elleehilley@fbcgriffin.org for more information on this group and its performance schedule.
Note: If you are new to the ukulele, the instrument is not difficult to learn. Ask Ellee about the Beginner’s Ukulele lessons offered through FBC.
Worship Team: Praise Band & Vocalists
Minister: Ellee Hilley
Location: Morgan Hall
Times: Vocalists at 6:30 p.m.; Praise Band at 7:00 p.m.
Dates: Wednesdays
About the Praise Band and Vocalists:
The FBC Praise Band is made up of instrumentalists and vocalists who lead in the contemporary worship service each week, engaging the congregation in song. The band resembles typical stage band instrumentation with guitar, keyboard, bass, and drums, though other instruments are welcomed additions. A small ensemble of vocalists lead the singing each week. Play or sing once in a while or often…the worship team works on a rotational format.
Practices are on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, and are always fun though we do work hard during rehearsal. Don’t read music? Rest easy….Band and vocalists do not need to know how to read music (in fact, we do not read music at all on the worship team), but should be proficient in their instrument or voice. Vocalists are trained by our vocal coach, Orietta Russom, and the band is led by Ellee Hilley. Contact Ellee at elleehilley@fbcgriffin.org to talk about becoming part of our Worship Team rotation!
Library
The Church Library has incredible resources to share with you! Not only do we have over 13,000 items in our collection with materials for every age and reading level, we also host a Coffee and Conversation series where we invite local authors to sit down and chat with attendees.
Did you know you can search the Church Library collection from the convenience of your smart phone or tablet? Just download the Librista app from your App Store and look for First Baptist Griffin when you set it up.
We hope you will visit us soon! We are open on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday mornings from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Read more about us at https://fbcgriffin.org/library/.