|
Q. When I visit First Baptist, where should I enter the building?
For Sunday School and other activities, most people enter the church through the back door of the Education Building, accessible from the church parking lot or through the glass double doors that face Edenton Street. However, you are more than welcome to enter through the front doors of the church for the morning worship service, which you can reach by climbing the stairs on Salisbury Street facing the State Capitol building.
Q. Where should I park?
Parking is available in a lot to the rear of the church. After 5:00 p.m. and on the weekends, parking is available in the State Government lot on the corner of Salisbury and Hillsborough Streets adjacent to the sanctuary, the State Government parking lot on Edenton Street across from the church, and on the street.
Parking Update: Construction of the parking deck on the corner of McDowell and Edenton Streets has begun. Suggested alternative parking for members and visitors includes: 1.) 37 parking places are available in the parking lot next to the State Employees Credit Union on Salisbury St. (between Jones and Edenton Streets).
2.) Additionally, you may park in the lot behind the State Administration Building (corner of McDowell and Lane Streets). The FBC mini-bus will shuttle people to and from this lot for Sunday School and the 11:00 a.m. Worship service. On-street parking may also be available on Salisbury and Jones Streets. Blue parking meter covers with a handicap logo that say “FBC Parking” will be used on Edenton Street next to the church for those who are handicapped or for those who need closer access to the church but have no handicap sticker. **DOWNLOAD PARKING MAP HERE Q. Is the church building handicap-accessible?
We are proud of our beautiful sanctuary building. However, when the sanctuary building was completed in 1859, the builders did not have accessibility in mind! For those with trouble walking or those in wheelchairs, the easiest way to enter the building is through the back door of the Education Building where there is wheelchair ramp. Elevators are available to take you to all areas of the building.
Q. What should I wear when I visit?
You will find a wide spectrum of attire at the 11:00 a.m. worship service. Most folks are comfortable in suits or dresses; many are comfortable in more casual wear. Know that you will not be singled out no matter what you choose to wear. Attire on Wednesday nights and at other church functions is more relaxed.
Q. What should I bring when I visit?
Most importantly, bring yourself and your family or friends! It may also be beneficial to bring a Bible if you have one available to you. You should be aware that an offering is collected as part of every worship service. You are certainly more than welcome to bring your contribution to add as part of your worship, but it is up to you if and how much you choose to give.
Q. What is the style of worship at First Baptist?
Our Sunday morning worship service is intentionally planned by our ministerial staff to create an atmosphere where contemplation and praise are possible. We like to describe ourselves as traditional but not stuffy. At First Baptist, we follow the church year and the common lectionary, which provides a natural rhythm for the seasons of our life together. We also strive to incorporate a variety of elements and backgrounds into the service to make our worship more inviting and inclusive. We are helped in this regard by our talented choir and musicians who provide a meaningful music experience. At First Baptist, you will find that our service is not based on entertainment, but on a desire to open minds and to feed hearts.
Q. Is there a nursery available?
Yes. We have child care professionals and volunteers who teach and care for our infants and preschoolers during the 9:45 a.m. Sunday School time, as well as the 11:00 a.m. worship hour. Our nursery is located on the first floor. Any child older than 5 years old is invited to join us for worship upstairs with the rest of the congregation.
Q. How do I get involved at First Baptist?
It's easy. Just ask! There are no restrictions about who can or can't be involved at our church. Membership is not a prerequisite to service at First Baptist. If you have a passion for a particular area of church life, the chances are great that you will be able to use those gifts. There are always plenty of opportunities available--everything from teaching to greeting to building to cooking. Simply find a staff member or talk to anyone in the congregation to share your own ideas with them. We're ready to listen and we want you to be a part of what's going on!
Q. How do I become a member of First Baptist?
As Baptists, we believe that affiliating with our church is a public decision. That is why we always extend an invitation to those who are interested in becoming a part of our congregation during our 11:00 a.m. worship each week. You are encouraged to come forward as we sing the hymn of invitation and become a member of First Baptist in one of the following ways:
• If you have never publicly accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and been baptized, you would join on profession of faith and baptism. Your church membership would become official following your baptism by immersion, which would be scheduled between you and the pastor for a date soon after you come. • If you have already been baptized (immersion, sprinkling, etc.) and you are coming from another church, our church secretary would contact your former church and request that you be removed from their roll and added to ours as a member. • If you have already been baptized but have no other church home, you would join by statement of faith. We would accept you as a member on your affirmation of your previous baptism and your desire to unite with us in fellowship.
|
