The Grace of Giving
Retired Ministers & Missionaries
Since the Great Depression era of the 1930’s, American Baptist congregations have contributed to a special offering to provide financial support to retired ministers & missionaries and their widowed spouses. Rev. Anne Scalfaro, Sr. Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church of Denver, states the following: “We know that our church cannot be all things to all people and we cannot serve all the people we wish we could serve. We need our ABC-USA missionaries who are working hard serving as the hands and feet of Christ in places we cannot reach on our own. RMMO provides local churches with a wonderful opportunity to say “thank you” in a tangible way to all of the ministers and missionaries who have sacrificially served in our American Baptist family.”
“But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” (2 Corinthians 8:7)
White Cross is a ministry supported primarily by the women of the North American Baptists. It grew out of the Red Cross work being done in World War 1, folding bandages, etc. In 1919, it was formally organized by two American Baptist women as the White Cross Service League. After the war, it was turned into a support group for Baptist missions, now supported by entire Baptist congregations.
MISSIONS
John Gersick, Art Teacher at Lamar High School and First Baptist member, is the Sponsor for our local High School group. They meet every Wednesday for lunch time during the school year. There are four parent teams that oversee the preparation and serving of the lunches for each meeting. Meetings include student-led devotions, as well as good food. This past school year, there has been an average attendance of around 80 students. Not all of the students that attend are athletes, the point being that they want to reach all students with the message from our Lord. John also meets with the student leaders of FCA on Wednesday mornings before school for a time of Bible Study and prayer.
FCA periodically sponsors special events, i.e., in the past, a barbeque for the high school during Abstinence Awareness week in the Spring, and a pep rally for the football team in the fall.
First Baptist has prepared and served a January lunch in the past and is planning to do so again this year. We also contribute financially as a part of our Mission outreach.
