FIRST WORD
April 2017
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
712 RANDOLPH ST NW, WASHINGTON, DC
REVEREND DR. FRANK D. TUCKER, SENIOR PASTOR
April ushers in long and bright days,
the warm breath of spring, and
golden sunshine with a fresh and
colorfully blooming landscape. For
us at First Baptist Church, April also
means a myriad of activities and
ministries to embrace. Please put on
your spiritual and committed traveling
shoes and make sure you engage in as
many of the activities that your faith
allows.
Please note the following activities
that
are
important
for
your
participation during April.
On April 8, 2017, at 9:00 AM, we will
have our quarterly church meeting.
Each member is encouraged to share
in this time of accountability, reporting
and reflection. We expect God to
bless us with renewed insight and
inspiration.
We will celebrate Good Friday
services on April 14, 2017 at 12:00
noon.
This service is always a
highlight in the life of our church. You
really don't want to miss this great
spiritual hour that prepares you for the
highest event in the Christian calendar
(Resurrection Sunday).
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Our Resurrection Day will begin on
Sunday, April 16, 2017 at 6:00 AM with
The Emmaus breakfast. We will have a
wonderful time breaking bread and
reflecting on the evidences of the
Resurrection. Let us join together and
share how we have experienced our
Resurrected Savior.
The day will
continue with regular morning services
at 7:50 and 10:50 AM. Those who
participated in the Deaconesses’
Poinsettia project may pick them up
after the 10:50 AM service.
Our Spring Revival will be held from
Wednesday, April 26 through Friday,
April 28. The revivalist will be the
Reverend Graylan Hagler, Pastor of the
Plymouth
Congregational
Church.
Each evening will begin with a light
meal at 6:00 PM. Worship services will
commence at 7:30 PM. Let us prepare
for a renewed experience of praise,
worship and service.
In these challenging times, God is
calling us to a new level of commitment.
Our faith is tested by the obvious unrest
that is manifested in our national life.
This new show of cyber warfare and
political turmoil is evidence of new
schemes of satanic forces to destroy
Divine purpose and hinder Kingdom
fulfillment. We are called to remember
that “no weapon formed against God’s
people shall prosper.”
We must remain faithful to a faithful
God, for “Great is His Faithfulness.”
Don’t allow yourself to be lulled into
complacency and indifference. “Be
steadfast always abounding in the work
of the Lord.”
HOLY WEEK AT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
“Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?”
(By The Reverend Donald Robinson)
“Were you there when they crucified
my Lord”? These are rather profound
and probing lyrics, which raised a
question about a cruel, bloody event,
which occurred on a very sad day, bad
men called “Good”! In a real sense,
these lyrics and this question are really
a call which beckons us to “The Cross
of Calvary.”
In fact, this Lenten
season also helps us to spiritually
prepare ourselves to adequately
observe the incredulity of “The
Cross,” as we make our way to
“Resurrection Sunday”!
Yes, that cruel Cross, the emblem of
suffering shame and death.
Just
imagine, all of humanity was destined
for hell and damnation because of the
sin of Adam and Eve. Not only were
they dammed, but because of their sin
sickness, we too forfeited the
opportunity to have a sincere
relationship with God the Father.
God created us to love “Him,” do
“His” will and to have fellowship with
“Him” daily. Because of our sin “He,”
as a divine being can’t have fellowship
with us. As a result, God The Father
offered “His” only Begotten Son, Jesus
The Christ to be put on the altar of
sacrifice in our place (cruel cross) as a
substitute offering on our behalf. Yes,
Jesus became the spotless, blameless,
Lamb of God who was offered up as a
ransom payment for our sin debt and
who’s blood was shed for the
remission (forgiveness) of our sin.
On “Good Friday,” we pause
especially to remember the high cost
that was paid by Jesus, that we might
have
salvation,
redemption,
regeneration, forgiveness of sin,
mercy and grace! We also pause to
experience what we call….”The
Seven Last Words” of Jesus, which
“He” uttered while hanging on the
cross.
Therefore, on Friday, April 14, 2017
(from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM) get
ready to hear seven dynamic
accounts of the “Last” poignant
words uttered by Our Lord and
Savior, Jesus The Christ from “The
Cross!”
Yes, seven sons and
daughters of The First Baptist Church
will render these utterances; we
commonly call “The Seven Last
Words” of Jesus from “The Cross.”
Please remember, on “Good Friday”
the government extends religious
leave to persons, who desire to share
in this deeply personal religious
event unencumbered! This “Good
Friday” service is a great opportunity
to invite some of our co-workers,
colleagues, neighbors, friends and
family, who have not accepted Jesus
The Christ as their personal Lord and
Savior. Perhaps on that day, they can
say yes to “Him!”
Page 3
“Were You There When They Crucified My Lord”
(Continued)
Please remember, on “Good Friday” the
government extends religious leave to
persons, who desire to share in this deeply
personal religious event unencumbered!
This “Good Friday” service is a great
opportunity to invite some of our co-workers,
colleagues, neighbors, friends and family,
who have not accepted Jesus The Christ as
their personal Lord and Savior. Perhaps on
that day, they can say yes to “Him!”
also. Whatever you do, if you care for
them, don’t let this moment of personal
spiritual opportunity pass them by. Get
your friends to Jesus, by any means
necessary!
Additionally, you can rise early Sunday
morning and experience the spontaneity and
freshness of “The People Who Were Looking
For Jesus” as they journeyed “on the road to
Emmaus.” During this “Easter Sunrise and
Emmaus breakfast (Sunday, April 16, 2017 at
6:00 AM) our Pastor Reverend Dr. Frank D.
Tucker and the ministerial staff will lead us
on this hope restoring, faith affirming “Road
To Emmaus” experience!
“Father, forgive them, for they know not
what they do.”
Reverend Nancy Knight
(Luke 23:34)
You don’t want to miss out on the enactment
of what it might have been like for those
persons living during the times of Jesus, who
rose early Sunday morning looking for Jesus
after “His” death on the cross. The real
question is, what is it like for you today, as
you revisit Jesus death, suffering and
resurrection? Do you believe “He” has risen
within you? Come and experience afresh for
yourself what it means to have Jesus alive
inside of you! After the Emmaus Experience,
we’ll conclude our day with two spiritually
enriching worship services at 7:55 AM and
10:50 AM. The senior pastor of the historic
First Baptist Church, The Reverend Dr. Frank
D. Tucker will proclaim “the Gospel” at both
of these services. If you know someone who
needs to be spiritually revived, encouraged
or restored, please bring them with you! If
there’s someone who doesn’t know Jesus, as
their personal Lord and Savior, bring them
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Listed below are the scriptural themes the
preachers will preach from on “Good
Friday:”
“SAYING FROM THE CROSS”:
“Today Thou Shalt be with me in Paradise”
Minister Reginald Williams
(Luke 23:43)
“Woman, behold They Son! Son, behold
Thy Mother”
Reverend Ralph Peters, III
(John 19:27)
“My God, My God, why has thou forsaken
me?”
Reverend Peggy Miller
(Matthew 27:46)
“I Thirst”
Minister Jonathan Wade
(John 9:28)
“It Is Finished”
Reverend Renee Few
(John 19:30)
“Father, in Thy hands I commend my
Spirit.”
Reverend Donald D. Robinson
(Luke 23:46)
“FBC Missionary Society Ministry”
(By Sister Colleen Sweat, Sister June Cunningham and Fellow Missionaries)
The Missionaries of First Baptist Church
(FBC) attend Stoddard Baptist Nursing
Home on the first Sunday of April (4-22017), while there we worshipped and
fellowshipped with the residents and
staff. We invite you to come and join us
each First Sunday of the month that
together, we can bring joy, peace and
happiness to others.
During the month of April, we will be
going out to feed the homeless in several
areas in the city (dates and times to be
determined).
Also, during this Lenten season we are
passing out Easter material, Christian
tracts and related FBC, Christian reading
material.
This retreat will take place at the
National 4-H Conference Center,
7100 Connecticut Avenue in Chevy
Chase, Maryland (April 6-8, 2017)
For more information contact- Sisters
June Cunningham, Daisy Savage,
Colleen Sweatt and Shirley Lambert
The Missionaries of FBC are excited
that we were able to help the senior’s
Center out at their recent event. In
fact, our Missionary Ministry donated
$200.00 to help support the FBC
Senior’s Center! May God continue
bless you and keep you, as your mind
is fixed and focused on “Him”!
The FBC Missionaries are also engaged
in ministry with the Lott Carey Foreign
Mission Board. We meet with the Lott
Carey Group every 4th Saturday at the
Vermont Avenue Baptist Church in
Northwest DC.
Additionally, we continue to make calls,
as well as visits to our sick and shut in
members. Easter cards will be sent to
senior citizens, sick persons and those
who are otherwise homebound.
Moreover, the WOMEN’S AUXILIARY TO
THE BAPTIST CONVENTION OF THE
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AND VICINITY,
is having their 36th Annual Nicely/
Ankrum Spiritual Retreat. (This year the
focus
is……Walking
in
Spiritual
Authority (Matthew 16:19)
Page 5
“Youth News, You Can Use”
(By Sister Kareema Robinson and Minister Reggie Williams)
TWO LITTLE BOYS
A young couple had two little
boys, ages 8 and 10, who were
excessively mischievous. The
two were always getting into
trouble and their parents could
be assured, if any mischief occurred in their
town their two young sons were in some way
involved.
Congratulations
to
George Hancock, who
along with his dance
partner
Quemya
Haywood, won 2nd
place recently at a dance competition at their
school. This competition is held annually at Two
Rivers Public Charter School to promote
Cultural Arts and diversity. George and his
partner who are both 5th grade students
competed against other 5th graders, as well as
6th, 7th and 8th grade students in they
performed a salsa dance routine. When you see
George, be sure to congratulate him on a job
well done.
The parents were at their wits end as to what to
do about their sons' behavior. The mother had
heard that a clergyman in town had been
successful in disciplining children in the past,
so she asked her husband if he thought they
should send the boys to speak with the Girl Scout Sunday was celebrated at FBC in
clergyman.
March and our troops were on hand to lead our
10:50 am service. At that service a plaque was
The husband said, 'We might as well. We need presented to Reverend Tucker to show
to do something before I really lose my appreciation for his continued support of Girl
temper!' The clergyman agreed to speak with Scouts.
the boys, but asked to see them individually.
The 8 year old went to meet with him first. The All are invited to join our youth ministry on
clergyman sat the boy down and asked him Saturday, April. 22, 2017 for their Total Youth
sternly, 'Where is God?'
Experience. For this event, guest youth choirs,
The boy made no response, so the clergyman
repeated the question in an even sterner tone,
'Where is God?' Again the boy made no attempt
to answer. So the clergyman raised his voice
even more and shook his finger in the boy's
face, 'WHERE IS GOD?'
At that, the boy bolted from the room and ran
directly home, slamming the door and locking
himself in the closet. His older brother followed
him into the closet and asked what had
happened. The younger brother replied, 'We
are in BIG trouble this time. God is missing and
they think we did it.' Lately, have you been
accused of hiding God from people?
Page 6
dance ministries and musicians from churches
in the DMV will join us in season of praise and
fellowship. In addition, our own youth dance
ministry and choir will be on hand to render
liturgical and musical services.
Don’t forget, The District Federation of Young
People’s annual youth conference will be held
on Saturday, April 29th at Antioch Baptist
Church, 1105 50th St., NE, Washington, DC
20019. All youth in grades K through 12 are
encouraged to attend this event. Youth can
sign up with Miniser Reggie Williams, Sister
Kareema Robinson or their Sunday school
teacher.
Happy Easter!
First Baptist Church
Men’s Ministry Monthly Prayer Breakfast
Saturday, April 15, 2017 …..9:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M.
(Special Spring Revival Emphasis)
AGENDA
Devotions
Opening Prayer
Scripture Reading
Welcome Blessing of Food
Occasion
Understanding the Significance of Evangelism, Witnessing and Canvassing,
as We Prepare for the “Spring Revival.”
Discussion
Closing Remarks
Closing Prayer
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“DON’T WORRY, CONSIDER THE LILIES OF THE FIELD”
(By Brother Kevin Shamblee)
We see it all the time, whether it is
during the month of April or at
Easter time or any other month for
that matter. Excessive worrying
about the daily cares of life. This
worrying is far beyond just
taking a serious interest in the
maters that affect our lives. For
instance, we see the over the top worrying of our friends and loved ones, to the point that they
are unable to get a proper amount of sleep. Many are experiencing physical and emotional
symptoms such as muscle tension, shortness of breath, lack of appetite and general irritability.
Some of us even worry about the price of gas, the economy, our children’s future, as well as our
own golden years.
While delivering a sermon on a mountain, Jesus exhorted His disciples to avoid this kind of over
the top worrying which we see today. Too often, whether it is the latest fashions, fast cars or
financial portfolios, these material concerns seem to occupy our minds no matter what point in
history we reside in. Jesus was quite aware then as He is today that the day-to-day matters of
life are important. His message then, as well as now, remains the same. We can think about
things but we must not worry; we must consider the lilies of the field.
In many instances, we are preoccupied with the day-to-day affairs of our lives to the point that
excessive worrying is a daily occurrence. We sometimes become so obsessed to the point that
we experience either the above mentioned difficulties or a host of others inherent in this type of
behavior. Jesus’ message then and now is that there is no need to worry because God will
provide all of the things we need. God will not only give us the spiritual matters we desire, but
the clothes, cars and money we need.
These are not the only issues that we allow to invade our minds in the form of worrying. Many
people worry about their health, acquiring high paying jobs, that latest electronic gadget,
acquiring elegant places of residence, getting older and even close intimate relationships.
Parents worry about the lives of their children and/or grandchildren. Again, Jesus’ message
transcends the test of time. “He” says, there is no need to worry because “He” will provide all
our needs according to “His” riches in glory!
Therefore, First Baptist Church, in this fast paced twenty-first century of worrying, we are
reminded to don’t worry, but consider our own “lilies,” as we combat the menace of worrying.
First, for the unsaved, this is a wonderful opportunity to accept Jesus as your personal Lord and
Savior, (there is no better time than right now, in the springtime of April). As saved people, we
can begin to increase our prayer lives, study the Bible and learn what God has in store for us.
Thereby we can avoid the ambassadors of worrying and those who are eager to share in a pity
party. Next, let us begin to count the many blessings that we currently have in 2017 and avoid
overly fixating on what we wished we had last year in 2016.
Lastly, let us look back on the many occasions when God helped us to overcome similar
situations in the past. We can use this as an example for the present and begin to relax
knowing God is aware of our situations and circumstances and has already blessed us richly
through Jesus Christ. Church, don’t worry, consider the lilies of the field. If you do not see any,
plant some and by all means enjoy this Lenten Season, the month of April and of course Holy
Week and “Resurrection Sunday”!
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First Baptist Church
2017 Women’s Day Celebration
“Christian Women builDing relationships”
(By Sister Gleniss Wade and Sister Deborah McKethan)
CALLING ALL WOMEN!
Our Women’s Day Committee is searching for fabulous, faith walking women
who desire to be crowned Ms. or Mrs. FBC 2017. The crown will be awarded to
the woman who receives the most pledge donations before our 3:00 pm service
on Sunday, May 21st. All proceeds from this event will be used to support
ministries within First Baptist Church. Please contact Sister Gleniss Wade or
Sister Deborah McKethan if you wish to compete in this worthwhile experience.
In addition, several other events are planned for this year’s Women’s Day
celebration including:

an evening of “Women in Prayer” at 6:00 pm on Friday, May 12st;

a Brunch and Fashion Show at 11:00 am, on May
20th

two awesome Worship Services on Sunday, May
21st at 7:50 am and 10:50 am and

200 Women in Hats and Gloves, also at the 3:00
pm service on Sunday, May 21st.
Men are welcomed to all events EXCEPT the Friday night Women in Prayer
activity. Additional details will be noted in our Sunday bulletins.
Page 9
“Seeing The Vision In Challenging Times”… Habakkuk
2:2,3
Three Nights of Revival!!!
7:00 PM TO 9:00 PM
Revival Preacher, Rev. Graylan Hagler
Senior Pastor, Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ
APRIL 26-28, 2017
WEDNESDAY—FRIDAY
(Light refreshments served at 6:00 pm)
First Baptist Church
712 Randolph Street, NW
Washington, DC
Reverend Dr. Frank D. Tucker, Senior Pastor
Reverend Donald Robinson, Revival Chairman
Deaconess Ashley Garrick, Revival Co-Chairperson
Page 10
“GET READY, GET READY, GET READY, IT’S
SPRING REVIVAL TIME”!
(By Reverend Donald D. Robinson)
Just a reminder, the Men’s Ministry of FBC will be meeting on
Saturday, April 15, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Our purpose
for meeting this month is to spiritually prepare ourselves for “Spring
Revival”! Men will focus on the need and purpose of Revival, as well
as why it is absolutely important to work diligently to get our family,
friends and neighbors to “The Spring Revival”.
Men will have an opportunity to do role playing, skits and dramatic
enactments to dramatize what effective evangelism, discipleship,
witnessing and canvassing looks like. Come join us on the 15th of
April, as we witness to the world, thus compelling men, woman, boys
and girls to…..come to Jesus right now”!
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APRIL 2017 EVENTS
~COMMUNION SUNDAY~
Sunday, April 2, 2017
@ 7:50 A.M. and 10:50 A.M. Services
~TOTAL YOUTH EXPERIENCE~
Saturday, April 22, 2017
@ 12:00 NOON
~JOINT BOARD MEETING~
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
@ 7:00 P.M.
~USHER’S ANNIVERSARY~
Sunday, April 23, 2017
@ 7:50 and 10:50 A.M. Services
The Reverend Dr. Calvin Cage, Pastor
Meridian Hill Baptist Church of
Washington, D.C.
(Guest Preacher)
~CHURCH MEETING~
Saturday, April 8, 2017
@ 9:00 A.M.
~YOUTH SUNDAY~
Sunday, April 9, 2017
@ 10:50 A.M. Service
~FBSC SENIOR CITIZEN’S
APPRECIATION PROGRAM~
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
@ 11:00 A.M.
~GOOD FRIDAY’S SERVICE~
Friday, April 14, 2017
@ 12:00 Noon
~ANNUAL SPRING REVIVAL~
Wednesday, April 26, 2017 Thru
Friday, April 28, 2017
(7:30 P.M. Nightly)
~RESURRECTION SUNDAY~
Sunday, April 16, 2017
Sunrise Service @ 6:00 A.M.
Men’s Emphasis Sunday @ 7:50 A.M.
The Reverend Graylan Hagler, Pastor
Plymouth Congregational Church
(Guest Preacher)
Sunday Service @ 10:50 A.M.
~CARE GIVER’S SPECIAL EVENT~
Saturday, April 22, 2017
@ 11:00 A.M.
~FBC HEALTH FAIR~
Saturday, April 29, 2017
@ 11:00 A.M.
First Baptist Church
712 Randolph Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20011
(202) 541-5000 ~ Fax: (202) 291-2565
Email: [email protected]