Ministries
This summary of ministries is brought to you by the Deacons of First Baptist Church to help each of us find places of ministry and service. It describes activities in which our FBC family is involved as we Grow, Share, and Serve together. It is roughly organized into these three categories (Grow, Share, and Serve). Whether you are a member of the church or not, our hope and prayer is that you can find a place to engage the talents you have been given by God. If you sense a call to a new ministry that is not listed here, please contact the church office. What is God doing in our world? Look in the mirror.
The pandemic and its aftermath have limited some of our ministries.
In His Service,
Your Deacons
Grow
Adult Bible Studies: We have numerous classes meeting on Sunday morning (at 8:45 AM or 11:15 AM depending on the class) for approximately one hour. Please click the link to see the classes currently available: Adult Bible Studies. Liz Brady is our Sunday School Superintendent.
Additional Congregations: Two independent churches of Christian believers worship at First Baptist Church of Frederick on Sunday afternoons. They are:
- The Lord’s Church of Frederick (Korean) with Pastor Kyungsoon Park. For more information, please contact the church through email: pks20070031 @yahoo.com
- Mizo United Apostolic Fellowship (Burmese) with Pastor Biakchhawna. For more information, please contact the church through email: mizoapostolic@gmail.com or find them on Facebook
Children: Our Children’s Ministry Leader is Rachel Pyles.
What’s Going on Sunday Mornings for children?
Your child is invited to join us Sunday mornings at 10am during our Sunday school hour. They will participate in children’s choir and hear about the love of God through Bible teachings and discussions in small groups. From those small groups they will move into our praise and worship time at 11:15am called the Lighthouse. We are taught that we are to be a light in this world and during this hour we will worship the Lord though praise and worship and Bible teaching. The goal of the children’s ministry is to help you set the foundations for your child’s spiritual growth. We hope to see you there!
Children (Kindergarten through 5th grade): Through a broad range of programs and activities we work to serve the children in our church, helping them to learn to live for Jesus.
- Children’s Missions
Seeks to introduce grade school children to the joy of missions. Through hands-on involvement, we seek to open children’s eyes to the needs of the world and invite them to follow Jesus in service to the world.
Teacher – Prepare and teach a lesson each week building relationships with the children.
Mission Planner – Help identify and plan hands-on mission experiences for the children once a month.
Helper – give an hour to help prepare and run the lesson.
- Vacation Bible School
Once a year, in the summer, VBS focuses on sharing the love of Jesus with children. If you love to work with children we need your help to reach more children! We always need: Group Leaders, Teachers, Activities Coordinators, Snacks Coordinators, Assistants.
Children (Preschool)
- Preschool Ministry
Our goal is to enable every parent to be involved in Worship and Bible Study. Therefore we pursue our mission to provide a safe and loving environment for children from birth to 5, nurturing them in God’s love and teaching them about Jesus.
- Little Lights Child Development Center
The mission of the Little Lights Child Development Center is to provide a faith based and academic program for your young child and to set the foundations of their spiritual growth as well as their academic success.
Youth (6th – 12th Grades):
- Youth Council
The Youth council is a group of students and adults who provide support and guidance to the youth pastor. They also help with planning and scheduling events, activities and trips. If you would like to be a part of this vital ministry contact the office.
- Scholarship Committee
Our committee offers scholarships to students graduating from High School and going on for further education. For more information, please contact the office.
- Middle/High School Youth
Youth Sunday School meets in the Middle School rooms at 9 am.
Share
Homebound: We seek to extend the community of the church to those who can no longer come to our physical building. You can help through practical acts like getting groceries, visiting, calling, praying and any other way you can think of to simply befriend those who are no longer able to get around. Liz Brady leads this ministry.
Visitor – once a month contact assigned home-bound individuals through cards, calls or visits.
Hospitality Team: It is the intention of the committee to provide help and comfort to families in the times of bereavement especially by providing food for the reception following the funeral. Peggy Van Bibber leads this ministry.
Meal Ministry: When someone in our church family needs to have meals delivered, we step up to the plate! Meals are usually provided by the Adult Bible study classes to which the person(s) in need belong. If you know of a need of someone that is not plugged into an Adult Bible study class, or if you would like to be “on call” to provide a meal for such a situation, please contact the Church office.
Prayer Chain: The Prayer Chain members engage in daily prayer for those individuals and situations within the church family that have been made known to us. We welcome those who wish to join us in this commitment. Information and guidelines are available. Sandy Schrock leads this ministry.
Chapel Prayer Fellowship: Come “as you are” to fellowship, share praises and burdens with one another, pray together. This is a chance to include a time for corporate prayer during your time of running errands. Drop by the Chapel anytime on Thursdays between 11AM and 2PM, stay as your schedule permits. Romans 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” We believe prayer changes things, but more importantly it changes us. Phyllis Thomas leads this ministry.
Prayer Shawl: Prayer shawls can bring comfort and spiritual strength, and be a powerful reminder of God’s love and compassion, particularly to those in most need of it during a trying time in their life. Whether it be battling cancer, terminal illnesses, or any other hardship a person is facing, a prayer shawl can help lift the soul.
Anyone who can make a shawl (through crocheting, knitting, etc.) and are interested in being a part of this ministry will be added to a rotation list. Those who make the shawls will need to provide their own yarn; yarn donations are appreciated. Creating prayer shawls are a great way for a person to be Light Unleashed and show the love and support of God and His people through their time and talent in providing this service! Each shawl will be prayed over by individuals or groups before delivery. Anyone interested in making a prayer shawl or in requesting one should contact Stacey Steinhaus.
Stephen Ministry: Stephen Ministers provide one-to-one Christian care to the bereaved, hospitalized, terminally ill, separated, divorced, unemployed, relocated, and others facing a crisis or life challenge. Stephen Ministry helps our congregation provide quality caring ministry for as long as people need it.
Sunday “Linners”: Chris and Jamie Eaton host an interdenominational Sunday lunch/dinner (Linner) at their home most Sunday afternoons at 1pm. We meet and eat in hopes of deepening friendships and serving the community together through various projects. All are welcome. If you would like to be added to the evite list, be sure to contact Jamie Eaton.
Serve (Outward)
2nd Street and Hope Meals: 2nd Street and Hope is an organization in downtown Frederick that helps to feed, clothe, and provide community and spiritual guidance for the homeless, addicted, and working poor of Frederick. We have a First Baptist group that assists this ministry by preparing and serving meals as well as preparing “goodie bags” for the patrons. Serving is typically Saturday afternoons. Jamie Eaton leads this ministry.
A21 Abolish Slavery: Did you realize slavery still exists in the 21st Century? If you didn’t, think again. The sad truth is this: over 40 million vulnerable women, children, and men – more than at any other time in human history — are currently enslaved and being exploited for their bodies or their labor as part of a $150 billion dollar industry that is active in every country in the world. A21 is focused on abolishing slavery (also called human trafficking) through a combination of Reach, Rescue, and Restore. To learn more about how you can join the fight to stop the cycle of human trafficking and abolish human slavery everywhere, forever, please visit https://www.a21.org/ National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888.
Al-Anon: Al-Anon has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics. We do this by practicing the Twelve Steps, by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics, and by giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic. We believe alcoholism is a family illness and that changed attitudes can aid recovery.
Al-Anon is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization, or institution; does not engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any cause. There are no dues for membership. Al-Anon is self-supporting through its own voluntary contributions. Mary Czartoryski, (301) 228-2501, muffm@sprintmail.com
CentrePointe Counseling: CenterPointe Counseling is a non-profit counseling agency whose mission is to provide Christ-centered professional counseling and consultation services that work for transformation at the center of individuals, families, and organizations; creating a ripple effect of change in thinking, believing and acting.
Licensed counselors provide services to clients of all ages, backgrounds, regardless of their insurance or economic status. CentrePointe is grateful for the donation of office space from First Baptist Frederick and their other (25+) church sites. CentrePointe relies on this in-kind support and financial donations from individuals, businesses and churches to offer sliding-scale rates and scholarships for services. All appointments are made directly with CenterPointe and NOT our church office. To reach their intake coordinator, call (800) 491-5369 x 120.
Disaster Relief: A disaster hits suddenly and with it the opportunity for immediate ministry. No area of mission action requires more rapid response than disaster relief. Baptist Convention of Maryland – Delaware Disaster Relief is Christian love in action – meeting needs in crisis situations. Contact the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCMD) at (800) 466-5290 or click for their website. Samaritan’s Purse also has opportunities to help with disasters both financially and volunteering, click for their website.
Food Drop Distribution – Waverley Elementary: On the third Thursday of each month (9:00 – 11:00 AM) at Waverley Elementary, volunteers from the community assist in unloading and the distribution of the bulk food provided from the Maryland Food Bank. First Baptist volunteers are part of this community, and encouraged to participate. Elisa McCoy leads this ministry.
Frederick Food Bank: Sponsored by the Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs, the Food Bank provides food supplies to those in need. Contact Mike Smith or the office.
Volunteers – to work in the Food Bank once per month and as substitutes.
Donations – contribute food by placing non-perishables by the back door on the third Sunday of each month!
Frederick Rescue Mission Breakfasts: The Frederick Rescue Mission is a Christ-centered ministry providing residential recovery programs to the homeless or chemically addicted, food to the hungry, clothing and furniture to the needy, and connection within our community through relationships. If you are interested in leading this ministry, please contact the church office.
Kairos Prison Ministry:
To make a donation to Kairos of Maryland please visit http://marylandkairos.org/index.html and click on “Donation.”
Karaoke Buddies (Non-Profit Organization): Karaoke Buddies supports over 400 individuals with disabilities each month by providing a FREE meal, singing, and dancing at the First Baptist Church of Frederick. Camille Kime leads this ministry.
Missions Committee: We seek both to help each member discover their gifts and calling and to lead the church into mission locally and internationally. Elisa McCoy leads this ministry.
Literacy Council: The Literacy Council of Frederick County is a non-profit, non-sectarian educational organization of volunteers dedicated to helping fellow adult residents improve their language skills. One-on-one tutoring using Laubach methodologies is employed. Basic literacy is tutored to the native-born and ESL to the foreign-born. The LCFC is a member of ProLiteracy America. Liz Brady leads this ministry.
Open Table: This ministry allows volunteers to bring their years of life experience, education and relational networks to a young adult who is aging out of foster care. For approximately one year, each team of volunteers enters into relationship with one young adult, helping them create change in their life and empowering them to live into their human potential God gave to them. Daphne Matthews leads this ministry.
Operation Christmas Child: Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham. The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world, and together with the local church worldwide to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Jim Devilbiss leads this ministry.
Religious Coalition for Human Needs: Founded in 1981 by churches and civic groups, the Coalition exists to help with short term human needs. Whether through the Cold Weather Shelter, the Food Banks or the new year-round Shelter we can use your help to make a difference for those in need in Frederick County. Daphne Matthews leads this ministry.
Client Services Volunteer – assist clients through intake and referral.
Receptionist – Answer the phone, greet and help with filing.
Public Relations Volunteer – help with informing the community and contacting folks for involvement.
Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP): RSVP is looking for seniors (age 55+) to step forward to serve our community through volunteer opportunities.
The following volunteer opportunities are currently available:
- Mentor a youth virtually by meeting online once per week to encourage and support their academic progress.
- Read to children who need help with learning English (done virtually until in-person is available).
- Help once a month to bag and distribute food for families struggling with food insecurity.
Marcy Gouge leads this ministry.
Waverley Clothes Drive: In the spring and fall the church donates new and/or gently used closing to support the Waverley Elementary Clothes Drive.
Serve (Inward)
Deacons: The deacons work alongside the pastor and staff to provide spiritual leadership and direction to the congregation. Please feel free to contact any deacon with your questions or concerns. Below is a listing of our current Deacons:
- Class of 2023
Doug Dawson (Chairman), Carl Haas
- Class of 2024
Reggie Gunter, Gene Thomas
- Class of 2025
Liz Brady, Betsy Devilbiss
Baptism Team: Our goal is to make the day of Baptism a wonderful experience for the candidates. We help with all the physical needs from clothes to towels and answering questions from those to be baptized. Feel free to contact us with any questions you might have about the mechanics of getting baptized. If you would like to help people on this special day, please contact Jim Devilbiss or Jim Buppert.
Church Council: The Church Council is the coordinating body for the committees and church organizations. Contact the church office for more information. George Littrell leads.
Computer Committee: The purpose of the computer team is to maintain, secure, and upgrade the computers of FBC. The team also investigates new technologies to enhance the use of computers as a tool for ministry. Shannon McWilliams leads this ministry.
Nominating Committee: Coordinates the staffing of all church leadership positions that are filled by volunteers. The committee recommends persons to the church to be elected. Janeen Littrell leads.
Personnel Committee: We monitor the need for new staffing, recommend remuneration, maintain policies, and process problems related to employees of the church. Jamie Halley leads this committee.
Finance Committee: Leads the church in budget planning, promotion and administration, encouraging and promoting stewardship education in all areas of church life. Jim Devilbiss leads.
Music Scholarship Committee: The church, through generous donations, is able to make available scholarships for lessons leading to the performance of church music. Whether child or adult, the funds can be used to help build skill in an instrument for the Glory of God. Jamie Halley leads this committee.
Trustees: We maintain the physical resources of First Baptist. This includes overseeing the budget for the building, investigating insurance, hiring contractors and doing a lot of the work ourselves! Jim Schrock leads.
Mowing Team: A group dedicated to maintaining the church lawns. If you like spending a couple of hours once a week on zero-turn mowers, this is the ministry for you! Please contact the office if you would like to join the team.
Worship Ministry
Greeter Team: Our goal is to make everyone feel welcome each time they come to First Baptist. We welcome at the doors and help people at the Welcome Area. Doug Dawson leads this ministry.
Welcome Desk: Help answer questions, hand out material, and direct people to the right location. Sandy Haller leads this ministry.
Worship Committee: The mission of the Worship Committee is to assist the Worship Pastor in planning and evaluating the worship experiences of the church and in developing new methods of enhancing worship for present worshipers and other generations and people groups. Rich Cook leads this committee.
Ushers: We help people feel welcome as they enter the Worship Services through a warm greeting, providing seating direction and handing out information. Jim Devilbiss leads the ushers.
Chancel Choir: The Chancel Choir (Youth and adults, ages 16 and up) rehearses every Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. Our dedicated choir members present several special musical events throughout the church year including the annual Christmas concert accompanied by orchestra. The music is beautiful, and the atmosphere is friendly and fun. We are always looking for new voices to join our family. Prospective members are not required to read music but must have the ability to match pitch. Contact the office.
Praise Team: Our Praise Team leads us in music generally every other Sunday. We are always seeking new folks as we enlarge this team of excellent Christian singers and instrumentalists. An audition is required. Rich Cook leads.
Worship Production Team: We run the audio/video equipment for FBC worship services and other events. The team is responsible for equipment set-up, maintenance and managing the sound blend/mix. Rich Cook leads the team.
