THE BEACON CHILDREN’S MINISTRY USPS 571-380 Dated Material

Published semi-monthly by The First Baptist Church 307 S. Manning St., Anderson, SC. Periodicals postage paid at Anderson, SC 29621. Postmaster: Send address correction to The Beacon, First Baptist Church 307 South Manning Street, Anderson, SC 29624. 307 South Manning Street, Anderson, 29624 864.224.1622 / andersonfbc.org Sunday School teachers are needed for the Babies/Toddlers class, Preschool class, and Elementary class. If you are willing to help

one Sunday, on a rotation, or even be on CONDOLENCES a substitute list, please let Cara know at Lawrence Webb on the passing of his [email protected]. wife, Pansy Webb, on 3/22/2021.

Wayne Self and family on the passing of his SUNDAY MORNING CHILD CARE PROVIDED IN ROOM 321 mother, Edith Self, on 3/26/2021. Parents please remember to make a reservation for YOUTH MINISTRY children 4 years and younger by Friday each week. WHAT’S INSIDE SUNDAY YOUTH GROUP To make a reservation please visit Sundays from 4:00 to 5:30 PM andersonfbc.org/community and click on the 2 Pastor’s Article

Meet in the Pavilion “Reserve Child Care” button or look for the link in First Glance. 3 More from FBC’s History

A reservation is not required for visiting families 4 Events and Announcements with children. Please see an usher for assistance.

MUSIC AND MISSIONS CLASS VIA ZOOM FOR SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN 307 S. Manning Street, Anderson, SC 29624 Wednesdays at 6:00 PM CHURCH OFFICE — 224-1622 CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER — 224-2635 The Zoom link will be sent to parents’ emails and for Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 9:00 - 4:00; Fri. 9:00 - 3:00 security reasons, cannot be shared publicly. To register visit: Rev. Amy Brown, Minister of Students Contact Cara at [email protected] Andersonfbc.org/community Mr. Mike Darby, Housing Ministry Manager for additional information or questions.

Mrs. Janice Fouts, Financial Assistant We hope to see your kids there! Mrs. Shannon Griffin, CDC Director CHURCH WIDE MINISTRY Mrs. Ramona Hallman, Organist Dr. Josh Hunt, Pastor WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Rev. Chris Liles, Associate Pastor SUNDAYS - 9:30 AM Mrs. Chrys Marett, Food Service Manager JOIN US IN-PERSON Mr. Kyle Minyard, Student Ministry Intern Rev. Cara Morgan, Minister to Children and Their Families Or WATCH LIVE: Mrs. Sharon Royals, Ministry Assistant andersonfbc.org/watch-live/ Facebook.com/firstbaptistanderson Mr. Jamie Smith, Asst. Music Director Mrs. Kelly Smith, Pianist SUNDAYS - 10:30 AM Friday, April 16, 2021 Mr. Addrian Wilson, Minister of Music SUNDAY SCHOOL (Resumes April 11th) Hosted by First Baptist Church

Mr. Greg Wilson, Facilities Manager WEDNESDAYS - 7:00 PM of Pendleton MINISTER ON CALL: (after hours & weekends) For more information/To register Call: 224-1622, Press 6, leave name, number and a brief message ON THE RADIO visit: www.cbfsc.org/ga and the MINISTER ON CALL will return your call promptly. 104.7 FM and 1020 AM Please Note: The Church Office will be closed on Good Friday, April 2 and Easter Monday, April 5. From One Minister to Another...

If you knew you had twenty-four hours left to live, how would you spend that time? In an online forum, people responded to this question in some interesting ways. One person responded that he’d max out The Baraca Class his credit card. Another said he’d petition Amazon to create an “instant delivery” option for people who First Baptist of Anderson established a Baraca class in 1900 had only one day to live. One person said she’d eat anything and everything she wanted. Several said during the pastorate of Dr. J. D. Chapman, and the class they’d call their lawyers to make sure their wills were updated. flourished. Baraca proved to be a forward-thinking group, and in April 1934, using a leased telephone circuit from Anderson to When Jesus knew he had twenty-four hours before his crucifixion and death, he gathered his disciples, Greenville, they began to broadcast their Sunday service over WFBC radio, the first station in . The shared a meal with them, and gave them the commandment to love and serve one another. broadcast became immensely popular, mixing gospel music, prayer requests, and Bible study. In April 1935, WAIM, located And then he showed them how to serve one another. in Anderson, began broadcasting, and Baraca moved their program to the new venue. For 43 years the broadcast continued in Anderson, supported by Mr. and Mrs. Wilton E. He draped a towel over his shoulder, took a water basin, and knelt down to wash the filthy feet of his Hall. In August 1978 the program was moved to WRIX in Honea Path, where it continues its Sunday broadcast. disciples. In Understanding Biblical Themes: Peace, Walter Brueggemann writes, “To kneel in the Many First Baptist members have participated in the Baraca class, and several have taught, directed music, played presence of another is to be totally vulnerable, because you are in an excellent posture to have your face instruments, and handled sound equipment. Of note is Judge Ralph King, who taught from 1941 to 1984, a span of or your groin kicked in. Just one swift motion and there you are. I for one resist ever putting myself in that 43 years. Rev. Lawrence Webb began rotational teaching in 1992 and presently teaches every Sunday. Dan Marett Sr. position, but our Lord has made himself vulnerable precisely in that way. In bringing one’s self to the directed the music for four decades, assembling the chorus, quartets, and ensembles. His son Phil Marett presently directs the music. posture of a servant, one bestows the other mastery. Jesus came to the frightened failures who had abandoned their dreams or to anxious successes who had nightmares about protecting their dreams and The Baraca Class is a labor of love for all concerned. It's impossible to know how many radio listeners have been he knelt before them, [saying], ‘I value you. I take you seriously. I empower you.’ The secret of the cross is touched by these dedicated servants over the past 87 years. revealed to us at that table in the middle of the night: Being vulnerable empowers the other one.” The Child Development Center

Vulnerability is at the heart of Holy Week. It is at the heart of the Gospel. It is at the heart of all Christian Another ministry of Anderson's First Baptist Church was founded in 1957. As Miss Georgia ministry. Jesus’ instruction in the Upper Room was not about correct teaching; it was a demonstration Hamlet wrote, "...the church began a new phase of Christian education with the opening of about how we, his followers, are to live and serve. a Christian Kindergarten and Playschool." This ministry showed forward-thinking mentality among FBC members as they prepared for more women joining the American workforce. As we remember the events of this week and as we look forward to celebrating Easter, perhaps we’d do Upon completing the "new teaching building" in 1972, the entire first floor was dedicated to the "weekly day kindergarten," just as it is today. well to consider those calloused carpenter’s hands washing our feet. Jesus is up close and personal with the aspects of ourselves we’d just as soon hide—our bitterness, our prejudice, our hatred, our judgment, Currently we have enrolled in our CDC 104 full-day children plus 29 drop-in children, our self-centeredness—and yet he loves and serves us anyway. and our staff consists of 25 dedicated teachers and assistants, under the direction of Mrs. Shannon Griffin.

With his last twenty-four hours before the cross, Jesus spent some time making sure his followers understood what vulnerable service looks like and of his desire for them: “A new command I give you: The Wilmary Apartments love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you Purchased in 1986 by the First Baptist Church Housing Ministry Corporation, a are my disciples, if you love one another.” nonprofit entity, the eight-story Wilmary Building stands prominently in Anderson's skyline. Its mission is to provide safe, secure, and affordable living quarters for senior When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you citizens of our community. The governing authority is a board of trustees comprised of eight First Baptist members and one ex-officio member. understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. Forty-eight apartments provide low-cost living accommodations for our tenants. The We answer his question by how we choose to live. building is two blocks from the center of Anderson, on a city bus route, and a stones throw from First Baptist Church.

Peace of Christ, If you've not visited the Wilmary, please plan to do so and see the renovations and upgrades in progress. Our director is Mike Darby and our board chairman is Sonny Reed.