A couple from our first Faith & Finances class here at First Baptist, Richard and Michele faced eviction and potential homelessness. They had accumulated debt that had gone into collection and their marriage was struggling. This is not an uncommon problem in our community. In...
Family homelessness is a problem in Knoxville just as it is nationwide. During the second quarter of 2019, 292 homeless families were served by agencies in town. Homeless shelters are not always safe for children. Families are often separated there, and it is especially difficult for...
You can change a life- one relationship at a time. In 2005, FBC became involved in a mentoring program called Kids Hope USA. For over two decades KHUSA has been on a mission to change the lives of at-risk kids of elementary age through one-on-one relationships. KHUSA is a national...
Cindy Hood, her husband Brad, and daughter Anna are members of Central Baptist Bearden. In 2005, Cindy led her Sunday School class as they sponsored a Turkish family through Bridge Refugee Services. At that time God set in motion a ministry calling to Internationals in the Norwood...
In 2011, as our church began looking outward, Carol McEntyre learned of a Food Co-Op in Atlanta. She and some members of the Missions Council made a trip to Atlanta to observe. After this visit, the Missions Council felt this Co-Op was a good opportunity for First Baptist to meet the needs...
A silent retreat is a foreign concept to many people. For good reason. Spending extended periods of time in silence is almost impossible. One of the most common questions asked about a silent retreat is, “Why should I pay to spend a weekend in silence?” And, “What is the...
Prayer and Cross-Cultural Ministry in Puerto Rico Diane Robinette is the President of the Board of Directors of Christian Association for Deaf Education. Several years ago, I was teaching Bible study classes for the high school students on Wednesday evenings at the Tennessee School for...
Reflecting on Kids Camp: This was my first Kids Camp. I had no idea what I was getting into. I have been on hundreds of church camps, but this is the first one that I have experienced that is almost completely run by adult and youth volunteers. Most of the time, Susan and I were simply...
Stitching Connections Across the Ocean Members of the church’s Knots of Love knitting group are extending their outreach around the globe by contributing hand-knitted cotton dishcloths to the Wheels for Kenya program sponsored by the Joni and Friends organization. Joni and Friends...
Local Ministry: Getting Ahead Ministry Contacts: Emily & Jim Plemmons On April 10th, 2019, the sixth Getting Ahead Class graduated in the Chapel at First Baptist. The Getting Ahead Class is for individuals who live in poverty (defined as a lack of resources), are in...