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Dear Church Family,
 
On August 12, 2022, a Baptist Press news story began this way: “The Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee has been informed that the United States Department of Justice has initiated an investigation into the SBC that will include “multiple SBC entities,” according to an Aug. 12 statement from all SBC entity leaders and SBC President Bart Barber.” You can read the story in full, as well as the statement referenced above, here: 
SBC Leaders Respond To DOJ Investigation

 
If you have seen this story in the news, you may be wondering what the implications are for First Baptist Church, or more broadly, for our denomination. Before addressing that, let me state unequivocally that I am encouraged that our entity heads are committed to fully and completely cooperating with the investigation. As followers of Christ, we have nothing to fear from the truth. That is particularly the case when we consider survivors of sexual abuse at the hands of ministry leaders, pastors, and volunteers.
 
At the same time, and to be perfectly honest, I do not see any immediate implications for our local church. The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is a “convention” of churches and not a denomination with a hierarchical ecclesiastic structure. Richard Hammar, an attorney and CPA who specializes in church law and tax issues has written: “Most courts have refused to hold denominational agencies liable for the acts of affiliated ministers and churches, either because of First Amendment considerations or because the relationship between the denominational agency and affiliated church or minister is too remote to support liability.”
 
Hammar’s point is particularly true in the SBC. Every SBC Church is autonomous, which means we are not under the control of the SBC. We call our own pastors, we govern our own affairs, and we control our own financial resources. No one in Nashville (national convention) or Richmond (state convention) has authority over us. Our denomination does not even “hold” ordination credentials for pastors, local churches do.
 
We will continue to monitor this story and I’ll keep you posted about any developments at the national level. In the meantime, remember that FBC Park Street will continue to go to great lengths to be a safe place for individuals and families to worship. Speaking of worship, I look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday, either in-person or on Livestream, as we take a break from Summer of Psalms to welcome back Daniel Ritchie. I hope to see you with an unchurched friend by your side!
 
 It's a joy to be your pastor,
 
Pastor Rob
Eph 3:20-21

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NOTE: Where a web link is provided, click anywhere on the announcement and you'll go directly to that site.
Lunch Menu:

Pulled Pork and Chicken w/Soft Buns

Sides:

Bang Bang Mac N Cheese
Fresh (local) Green Beans
Traditional Slaw
Asian Kale Slaw
Variety of Sauces
PRAY WITH US

MJH - Mary Roberts

Remember these serving in mission work:
 
Bryan and Wendy Frady and family; Anne Hendrick, Ashley Hosan; Tim and Cathleen Pfeuffer and family; Rob and Lera Ricciuti; FBC Families serving in closed or restricted countries; IMB Missionaries, NAMB Missionaries.
Weekly Report
Sunday, August 14, 2022


SUNDAY SCHOOL

WORSHIP
261
10:45 a.m. Worship - in person 408
Extended Care during worship 28

 
 
Annual Budget-2022  1,953,947
Weekly Budget (52 weeks) 37,576

Budget Receipts this week

30,797
August Gifts To Date 79,133
Designated Non-Budget Gifts this Wk 30,115
YTD Budget Need 1,240,005
YTD Budget Receipts 1,114,485
   
Online Giving
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FBC Volunteer Opportunities
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