Most of us cannot interrupt our lives and rush to near and distant lands in times of disasters and emergencies; however, through One Great Hour of Sharing and material goods we can make a tremendous difference in the lives of so many who have lost everything.  ISOH-IMPACT, a disaster relief organization located in Waterville (and supported by Outreach), has teams on the ground and has been collecting and shipping goods since the earthquake struck.  A “needs list” can be found at the conclusion of this article.   A box has been placed in the Narthex marked “Haiti Relief” to receive items.  Monetary contributions may be given through One Great Hour of Sharing with the check made out to First Baptist Church, make sure to include a notation for Haiti. God calls us to care for our brothers and sisters and this is a time when we can answer His call through our gifts -- no matter how small.

As one of our major fundraisers for this summer’s youth Mission to Appalachia, our youth are creating a First Baptist Church of Greater Toledo recipe book.  We are now collecting recipes but we need your help!  Download a recipe submission form HERE.  You may also pick up submission forms in the church office.  It is important that you use the form so that we have everything in the proper format for our books.  This spring we will feature a special “Recipe Book Potluck” where everyone will have the opportunity to sample creations from the new cookbook.  Start submitting your recipes now!  There is no limit to the number of recipes you may turn in.  Thank you for your support!

The wedding vow renewal ceremony scheduled for Valentine's Day has been cancelled.

TAKE NOTE!  Another church season is upon us and it is coming rapidly.  That means the music groups of FBC are already into rehearsing music for Lent and Easter.  Without going into great detail, that means we are looking for more folks interested in singing or playing an instrument to join with us in making the Lenten season a rich blend of voices and instruments.  Every month the plea goes out to have more members in the choir/groups and we have gotten a few new faces to join us.  From time to time, you will see a new face or a different instrument, but “there is always room for more.” 

Our youth and leaders will travel to the Appalachian mountains as representatives of First Baptist for a mission work trip from July 18 to 25.  We will join with the West Virginia Baptist Association's "Brother's Keeper" ministry for one week of home maintenance, repairs and construction in rural areas of Jackson County, West Virginia.  The goal of the trip to give our youth a new perspective on the Christian ideals of servant hood through giving of oneself.  In the next few months, you will hear much more about the details of the trip. 

It’s time to get ready for another Dinner Theater production! Bagels & Bobby Sox makes its’ world premiere on May 14, 2010 as we head back to the Fifties for two weekends of fun (May 14-16 and May 21-23). We need you!  Would you like to participate in this year's production?  We have a place for you:  acting, food preparation, ticketing, waitstaff, lights, set, sound and more! 

Our annual Chili Warm-Up will be held following morning worship on February 28, 2009.  The menu obviously includes chili - but if you aren't in the mood for chili, you may have noodle soup instead.  Tossed Salad and our traditionally wonderful desserts will also be served.  The cost is only $5 for adults and $3 for children 4 to 12 years old.  Children 3 and younger are FREE.  Click READ MORE to sign up online.

The Spiritual Development TEAM is looking for COOL leader(s) (Children of our Lord) grades 3-6. Contact Joanna or Karen Weaver if you feel God is calling you to lead an amazing group of kids who love the Lord with all their heart.