Community, Compassion, Service
By Tony Tench with the help of Nell Canipe Ben Ledford has been a part of our church family since his birth in December of 1988. Ben’s mother, Jeri, has been faithfully serving the Lord from our organ console for more than 35 years. Ben’s father, Reggie, is a foundational member of our ministry team as he leads Solo Flight, a community of singles at First Baptist Church, in Bible Study and service. Ben graduated […]
By Tony Tench John Donne was an early 17th century priest in the Anglican church who exhibited such insightful skill through his poetry. I am always impressed by the way his turn of phrase makes me think more deeply into the meaning of spiritual life. With the season of Advent approaching this week, I am reminded of this line from his poem Wilt thou love God, as he thee?: ‘Twas much that man was made like God, […]
Day 20: Pastor Tony “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 Not long ago, during a casual trip up to Asheville, I walked into one of my favorite coffee houses up that way — the French Broad Chocolate Lounge. […]
Missing Our Worship Together Today (Jan. 8, 17)! Stay Warm and Safe. Here’s a synopsis of what would have been today’s sermon! “Striking Appearance” 2 Timothy 1:6-10 Today is Epiphany Sunday on the Christian Calendar. The Gospel of Matthew records the scenes of the Magi’s journey following the star that “appeared” (that’s what “epiphany” means) to lead them to the newborn Jesus. ● The “appearing” of the star, which led the Wise Men to witness […]
One week ago on Christmas Eve and standing at the door to wish folks a “Merry Christmas” upon their departure from our service, I noticed several members of Fred and Joan Flowers’ family departing the service still holding their candles from the candlelighting and the flames on the candles were still aglow! Joan made a comment as she walked by that made me wonder about what they were up to. So, I asked her about […]
by Tony Tench I look forward to worship on Christmas Eve! For all of the fun and excitement that comes with the shopping and games and gift giving and joyful reunions and celebrations, it is not until I get to worship on Christmas Eve that I know I have been face to face with the the “why” of it all. At the heart of the joyful family traditions and the thrill of opening gifts around […]
Sunday was a great day for our church to receive five couples as they dedicated themselves to the sacred task of parenting their children. We were blessed to pray for, and commit to walking with, Justin and Amanda Ayers and their son Dylan, Justin and Tracy Harper with their daughter Harmony, Trevor and Lucy McDaniel with their son Harrison, Michael and Alexis Pruitt and their son Thomas, and Trey and Tara Warrick with their daughter […]
