Drive Through Retirement Party! - First Baptist Church

November, 2020

THE CONTACT: First Baptist Church of Burlington

CHURCH STAFF

Dr. Terry E. Peele

Senior Pastor

Rev. Joel N. Marshall

Associate Pastor of Music & Worship

Rev. Stacey L. Grimm

Associate Pastor of Admin. & Communication

Rev. Cameron M. West

NextGen Pastor

Dr. Katherine Thomas Lucier

Principal Church Accompanist

Lydia Jones

Children’s Ministry Intern

Lynn Anderson

Financial Secretary

First Baptist Church of Burlington

FirstBaptistBurlington.com

Phone:336.226.2433

[email protected]

Sunday Services Broadcast Live

9:00 Awakening Worship

facebook.com/AwakeningWorshipFirstBaptist

christianworldmedia.com/livesite/awakeningworship

Vol. 14, Issue 11

Drive Through

Retirement Party!

Mark Your Calendar!

Join us on Sunday, November 22 from 2:30

p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Gathering Place /

Welcome Center entrance, for a drive through

retirement party for Dr. Terry E. Peele. We hope

you will drive by to extend your thanks and well

wishes to the Peeles. There will be a drop off

basket for anyone who wishes to bring a card.

https://www.facebook.com/AwakeningWorshipFirstBaptist

http://www.christianworldmedia.com/livesite/awakeningworship

The Transition Team has been tasked with finding an Interim Pastor to

serve at First Baptist for the period of time after Dr. Peele's last Sunday

until our new Senior Pastor is called and is in our pulpit.

We have met with Dr. David Hull, retired minister recently relocated to

Winston Salem with his wife. The Hull's daughter and family live in Win-

ston so fortunately for us they made the move to be close to them (we

all know grandchildren is the draw).

Dr. Hull is an accomplished author and teacher, and has a special love for the local church. Over the

years, he has developed a passion to see all churches become healthy and thriving. He has a special

interest in helping congregations navigate leadership transitions in a healthy and Spirit-led manner.

Your Transition Team recently met with Dr. Hull via Zoom. We were impressed with his insight into

the interim needs of churches in transition and how best to meet those needs. We have listened to

several of his sermons on You Tube. His messages are very relevant, theologically sound and he is a

gifted speaker.

This past Sunday evening, our deacons approved calling Dr. Hull to serve as our Interim Pastor. If we

have at least 75 members in attendance at our Quarterly Business Meeting on Wednesday, October

28, we will consider this matter for a church vote. If there are less than 75 members in attendance,

there will be a called meeting at a later date.

Ralph Harwood

Transition Team, Chair

Dr. David Hull

Transition Team Update

EDUCATION:

Public School: Louisville, Kentucky School System, 1961-1973

Graduate, Atherton High School, June, 1973

College: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee

B.A., May, 1977, (Business Administration Major)

Seminary: The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

(Master of Divinity, 1980; Master of Theology, 1982; Doctor of Ministry, 1993; Doctoral Project –

“An Application of the Deming Management Method to the First Baptist Church, Laurens, South Carolina”)

Biographical Information for David William Hull

ACADEMIC:

Garrett Fellow, Christian Preaching Department, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary,1981-82.

Adjunct Instructor in Religion, The University of South Carolina/Union in Laurens, 1989-91

Adjunct Professor, McAfee School of Theology of Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, 2015 – 2020

Associate Director, Center for Teaching Churches, McAfee School of Theology of Mercer

University, Atlanta, GA, 2014- 2017

MINISTERIAL:

Ordained: Crescent Hill Baptist Church, Louisville, Kentucky, 1980

Staff: Youth Minister, Crescent Hill Baptist Church, Louisville, Kentucky, 1978-80

Pastor: Burk’s Branch Baptist Church, Shelbyville, Kentucky, 1980-82

Candlewyck Baptist Church, Charlotte, North Carolina, 1982-86

First Baptist Church, Laurens, South Carolina, 1986-93

First Baptist Church, Knoxville, Tennessee, 1993 – 2002

First Baptist Church, Huntsville, Alabama, 2002 – 2014

Interim Pastor: First Baptist Church, St. Petersburg, Florida, 2015 – 2016

First Baptist Church, Augusta, Georgia, 2016 – 2017

First Baptist Church, Gainesville, Georgia, 2019-2020

Consultant: Southeast Coordinator for The Center for Healthy Churches, 2014 – present

Associate Pastor: Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA, 2017 - 2020

DENOMINATIONAL:

North Carolina Baptist Convention:

Committee on Committees, 1982-83

Gardner -Webb College, Ministerial Board of Associates, 1983-85

Gardner-Webb College, Board of Trustees, 1986

South Carolina Baptist Convention:

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering Task Force, 1987

General Board of South Carolina Baptist Convention, 1988-92

General Board Facilities Committee, 1989-92 (Chair)

Executive Committee of the General Board, South Carolina Baptist Convention, 1990-92

Tennessee Baptist Convention:

Baptist Hospital of East Tennessee, Board of Directors, 1995

Baptist Health Care, Board of Directors, 1996—2002

Baptist Health System of East Tennessee, Board of Trustees, 1997 – 2002



DENOMINATIONAL (Continued):

National Organizations:

Interim Steering Committee, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, 1990-91

Baptist Center for Ethics, Board of Directors, 1991-96, (Chair, 1992-95)

Whitsitt Baptist Historical Society, Board of Directors, 1996 – 2001

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Coordinating Council, 1997— 2000

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, General Assembly Steering Committee, (Program Chair), 1998 – 1999

National Organizations:

Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond, Board of Trustees, 2006-2012, (Chair, 2010 – 2012)

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, 2012 Task Force, Chair, 2010-2012

Metro Ministers Association, 1998 – 2017

Baptists Today, Board of Directors, 2013-2019

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Missions Council, 2015-2018

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, 25th Anniversary Committee, 2015-2017

CIVIC:

Laurens Rotary Club, 1986 – 93, (Board of Directors, 1987-90)

Laurens YMCA Board of Directors, 1987-89, (President, 1988-89)

Laurens County Health Care System, Board of Directors, (Secretary, 1987-90; Chair, 1990-93)

Leadership Laurens County, 1987

Knoxville Rotary Club, 1994 – 2002, (Board of Directors, 1999-2001)

Leadership Knoxville, 1996

Friends of Literacy Board of Directors, 1999 – 2002, (President of the Board, 2001 – 2002)

Huntsville Rotary Club, 2003 – 2014, (President, 2012-2013)

HONORS AND ORGANIZATIONS:

Outstanding Young Men of America, 1979

Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges, 1979-80

Clyde T. Francisco Preaching Award, Southern Seminary, 1979

Vice President/Secretary, Student Government, Southern Seminary, 1978-79

President, Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Vanderbilt University, 1976

FBC Quarterly Business Meeting - Wednesday, October 28

We hope you will join us on October 28 at 6:00 p.m. for our Quarterly Business Meeting.

How can I participate in the business meeting?

The meeting will be held online. You can participate in our Zoom Meeting by video online, or you can call into

our Zoom Meeting and participate by conference call. The login information will be emailed to you. To partic-

ipate online by video, you can simply click on the link in the email. If you would prefer to join us by phone

you simply dial the number and enter the meeting I.D. and the passcode when prompted. We will all be in

the same meeting. This is not two separate events. If you have questions or need assistance, contact Stacey

Grimm at [email protected].

Business Meeting Agenda

Opening Prayer—Rev. Cameron West, NextGen Pastor

Call business meeting into session – Kemp Liles, Church Moderator

Presentation of past meeting minutes – Bob Finley, Church Clerk

Election of messengers to the Annual Meeting of the BSC of NC—Kemp Liles, Church Moderator

Proposed changes to the Constitution regarding meeting practices— Ralph Harwood, Deacon Chair

CDC Financial Report – Martha Fraize, CDC Treasurer

Stewardship Report—Roger Phillips, Stewardship Chair

Nominating Committee recommendations for 2021 committee members—Frank Mayo, Nominating Chair

Transition Team recommendation to call an Interim Pastor—Ralph Harwood, Transition Team Chair

Meeting adjourned – Kemp Liles, Church Moderator

Presentation of 2021 proposed budget followed by discussion—Roger Phillips, Stewardship Chair

Called Business Meeting

There will be a Called Business Meeting on Sunday, November 15 at 6:00 p.m. We will

vote on our 2021 Proposed Budget. The meeting will be held online. You can participate

in our Zoom Meeting by video online, or you can call into our Zoom Meeting and partici-

pate by conference call. The login information will be emailed to you. To participate

online by video, you can simply click on the link in the email. If you would prefer to join

us by phone you simply dial the number and enter the meeting I.D. and the passcode

when prompted. We will all be in the same meeting. This is not two separate events. If

you have questions or need assistance, contact Stacey Grimm at

[email protected]

Resuming In-Person Worship

Currently, we are planning on resuming in-person worship 11/1. However, the New Normal Committee

will be making a final decision this week based on current local & state conditions. As soon as they meet

there will be an announcement about resuming in person worship.

Daylight Saving Time

ends on Sunday

November 1.

Don’t forget to set your

clocks back one hour.

Operation Christmas Child

There’s still time to fill a Samaritan's Purse shoebox! Now more than ever, children need great joy! By

filling a shoebox, you can give children in need a tangible expression of God’s love. Boxes and instruc-

tions are available in the Worship Center / Felowship Hall Entrance. Contact any staff member to schedule

a time for pick up. Instructions are also available online at SamaritansPurse.org.

Our collection date is Monday, November 15.

Appalachian Backpack Collection Day

Saturday, Nov. 7, from 9:00 am - 12:00 Noon

FBC Welcome Center

Hillcrest Backpack Buddies

As we approach the holiday season, please remember our Hillcrest Backpack food recipients' needs.

We especially need individual boxes of cereal, individual small cans of beanie weenies,

pudding cups, granola/snack bars, small boxes of raisins, and peanut butter crackers.

We are filling 26 bags a week, and appreciate all you can do to help.

Cast Your FBC Deacon Ballot by November 1

This year there are two ways for you to cast your vote for Deacons. The easiest way is to go online to

https://firstbaptistburlington.com/deacon-ballot/ and cast your ballot there, or you may fill out the ballot

below and return it to the church office by 12:00 noon on Sunday, November 1. Please note that each

church member is allotted 1 ballot.

Our candidates are listed on the ballots. You may see their pictures and read more about them on pages

9—15 of this newsletter.

FBC Deacon Ballot

Please place a mark by the 5 candidates for whom you wish to vote.

If you vote for more than 5 candidates, your ballot will be nullified.

Please return this ballot by 12:00 noon on Sunday, November 1, 2020.

First Baptist Church

P.O. Box 2686

Burlington, NC 27216

_____ Lynn Akins

_____ Jim Bass

_____ Chris Clemmons

_____ David Smith

_____ Wilton Smith

_____ Elizabeth Tate

_____ Cheri Thomas

FBC Deacon Ballot

Please place a mark by the 5 candidates for whom you wish to vote.

If you vote for more than 5 candidates, your ballot will be nullified.

Please return this ballot by 12:00 noon on Sunday, November 1, 2020.

First Baptist Church

P.O. Box 2686

Burlington, NC 27216

_____ Lynn Akins

_____ Jim Bass

_____ Chris Clemmons

_____ David Smith

_____ Wilton Smith

_____ Elizabeth Tate

_____ Cheri Thomas

https://firstbaptistburlington.com/deacon-ballot/

Lynn Akins

Candidate's Biographical Information

I was born in Burlington and graduated from Walter Williams High

School. Beside being a nurse, I graduated from the University of Ala-

bama with a degree in Information Systems and Business. I traveled for

almost 18 years as a senior computer analyst doing configuration of

electronic medical records and working as an informatics. After retiring

I could return to singing in the adult choir and helping with the chil-

dren’s choir. I have also worked with the children at Tucker Street. I

love to cook so I fixed the meals for them on Thursday nights when we were able. I taught Sun-

day School for the children in first and second grade. I attend WMU and work on any missions

that we have available.

Candidate's Statement of Faith

I was raised in a Christian home, where we attended church every week for as long as I can re-

member. As a child through adulthood I loved church and all the activities that were offered. I

gave my life to Jesus when I was a teenager at a Billy Graham crusade. It was a very powerful

experience and I tried to live my life following him everyday. I’m not a perfect person but I try

to do what is right in his eyes. I love working with children and have tried to help with them in

Sunday School or anywhere I can. I care for all age groups from babies, children, youth, young

adults to senior citizens. All are important in the eyes of God.

Previously Held Leadership / Servant Positions

Nursery, Child Care Committee Music Committee, Sunday School teacher, Adult Choir, Chil-

dren’s Choir, Tucker Street Outreach Ministry

F I R S T B A P T I S T D e a c o n Ca n d i d a te s

Jim Bass


I made a profession of faith in Christ at age 12 and

was Baptized at First Baptist Church, Alexandria,

Va. My wife, Peggy, and I moved, to Burlington in

November, 2014. We joined First Baptist Church in

June, 2015. I am retired and have served in many

ministries at Lawndale Baptist Church in Greensbo-

ro, NC and First Baptist Church in Charleston, SC. I

was ordained as a Deacon at Lawndale Baptist Church in April, 1993 and

served for 3 years. I served as a Deacon at FBC Charleston from 2008 to 2011

and served as Chairman of the Deacons from 2010 to 2011.


I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God, lived a sinless human life, and

offered himself as a sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He

rose from the dead after 3 days. He ascended to Heaven and will return again

in God’s good timing and reign as King . I believe that we are save by the

grace of God through faith in Jesus and not by any works of man.


Sunday School Class President, and a member of the Stewardship committee

F B C D e a c o n Ca n d i d a te s

Chris Clemmons


Chris and Laura Clemmons live in the Village of

Alamance with their three children - Zach, Lilly,

and Catie. He has lived in North Carolina for

most of his life and was baptized into the Bap-

tist faith at FBC Boiling Springs Lakes when he

was in the 6th grade. Chris and Laura became

members at FBC Burlington in 1999. Chris has

served FBC as a Sunday School teacher, a deacon, and on various com-

mittees. He graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a BA in 1988 and from

Elon University with a MBA in 1998. He is a banker with First Bank.


I was so fortunate to commit my life to Jesus and to receive His blessing of

eternal forgiveness and love when I was still young. He has truly blessed

me and my family. I believe that His will for me has been to for me to be

the best servant leader that I can be. Jesus is Lord of all things and focus-

ing on his teachings help us to have a better world here on earth. Amen.


Sunday school teacher, Deacon, Stewardship Committee, and Nominating

Committee.


David Smith


I came to Alamance County after graduating from UNC School of Phar-

macy in 1977. I met my wife Jennifer here in Burlington and we were

married in 1981. We have three grown children and four grandchildren.

I retired from retail pharmacy in 2015 and am enjoying doing all the

things that retirees do!


I was lost without hope and then Jesus came into my life. I remember a church service on a Sun-

day morning some 25 years ago. I could feel the Holy Spirit nudging me, hovering over me and fi-

nally within me. And oh, what a feeling that was and still is today. I responded to the altar call and

rededicated my life to Jesus. Blessed be the Lord, my rock, my stronghold and my deliverer, my

shield and in whom I take refuge (Psalm 144: 1-2).

I had already been baptized, but this experience was just my confirmation that I will spend eterni-

ty with Jesus. I have the assurance that Jesus is with me. Before this time of renewal, I tried to do

life all on my own. I had continuous struggles, much frustration and no real peace. After this bless-

ing, I have learned that things work out best if I let Him lead and I follow. That is real peace. As I

entered into a new walk with the Lord, He placed in me a new hunger and thirst to know God's

word, to do His work, and respond to His call. I am growing closer to the Lord each day.

In this phase of my life I am so grateful to our Father that he called me. He leads me through Holy

Spirit which speaks softly to me. I have been saved to serve. One of God's greatest rewards is the

privilege to serve Him. Now I get up each morning knowing my purpose for the day.


Previously served as a Deacon, have served on Stewardship, Personnel and Properties com-

mittees. I am currently involved with Men on Missions and am serving as Church Treasurer.


Wilton Smith


I was born and raised in

Raleigh North Carolina.

My parents and brother

and I attended Tabernac-

le Baptist Church of Ra-

leigh. After graduating

Enloe High School in

1972, I attended North Carolina State University

graduated 1976, followed by Bowman Gray School

of Medicine at Wake Forest University, graduated

1980. General Surgery training was at the Good

Samaritan Hospital In Cincinnati, Ohio completed

in 1985. I first encountered Charlene when she

sang at a wedding in Raleigh in 1972. We were

later introduced to each other at a Christian

coffee house in Raleigh in 1975. We were married

in Apex in 1980. After living the next five years in

Cincinnati we moved to Burlington in 1985 so that

I could join the Kernodle Clinic in the practice of

general surgery. Soon after moving to Burlington

we joined First Baptist Church in 1986. With the

help of the church and the Lord, we raised Rachel

Ann, Jacob, and Melanie. We are grateful for our

son-in-law Tyler and son-in-law Matthew and for

Jacob’s fiancé Kara, all of whom trust in Jesus. We

also rejoice in two grandsons Teddy and Bo who

are nurtured in Faith in Jesus. Charlene and I are

now empty-nesters and I retired from surgery in

2019. As of April 2020, all four parents have gone

to be with the Lord. Looking to the future and

greatly anticipating the marriage of Jacob and Ka-

ra on October third, we look forward to discern

God’s coming plans for our lives.


It was at the age of 20 during the final week of

my sophomore year at NCSU that the Lord orches-

trated an encounter that saved me. Without antic-

ipation on my part when walking past Danforth

Chapel I came upon three friends who in conver-

sation invited me to a meeting of the Full Gospel

Student Fellowship which was about to start in

the chapel. I went in with them and was much

moved by the joy of worship, the spoken message,

and the call of God. After leaving the meeting, the

three friends and another gave witness of life in

Jesus Christ and the Roman road plan of salvation.

I continued to feel the undeniable call of God and

as my friends laid hands on my shoulders and led

me, I prayed and Jesus came into my heart. I felt

such a flood of joy and was much moved to tears.

I was born again and changed forever. The next

week at another meeting a larger group laid hands

on me and prayed and I received the baptism of

the Holy Spirit. Since those days, I am forever alive

IN CHRIST. There is no greater treasure than Jesus.

He is “the way, the truth, and the life”.


I have previously served as deacon and facilitator

of the Truth Project and currently serving on the

nominating committee.


Elizabeth Tate


I grew up in Atlanta's suburbs, nurtured by Mt. Vernon Presbyterian church,

with many visits to my grandmother's church, Woodland Hills Baptist (they

had the best VBS!). I graduated from Davidson College with a degree in math

and a love of all things North Carolina. I worked in Charlotte for a few years

then moved to Burlington to work for Carolina Biological. Here, I met commu-

nity musicians, who invited me to join their church's music ministry. I joined

First Baptist around 1990. I earned my masters degree in adult education from NC A & T and put

that to work at Alamance Community College, where I still work today. Randy and I have been

married almost 30 years. We are blessed with two children who are both in college in Pennsylva-

nia at the moment.


God is. God is, and was, and will always be. God is love. I have always known that God made me

and that God loves me. God wants me to show others that God loves them, too. God came along-

side people on earth as a man in Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus taught us about God's love as He includ-

ed and served unexpected people - outcasts, sinners, women, children, and people who had seri-

ous diseases. Jesus is my example and my guide. Jesus carried my sins to the cross, and He paid

for all of them for all of time. With His resurrection, He defeated death for all who accept the

greatest act of Love ever witnessed. The Holy Spirit breathes God's love and Jesus' teachings into

God's people for the increase of the Kingdom. I have experienced the blessing of guidance from

the Holy Spirit. One God, three shades of Love.


Sunday School - aide in children's, teacher in adult classes, Woman's Missionary Union - served in

Baptist Young Women, President of WMU, Stewardship Committee - member and Chair, Board of

Deacons - member and Secretary, Church Treasurer - and Associate Treasurer, Music Committee -

member and Chair, Children's Choirs - aide and leader, Instrumental Ensemble (longest term of

service) - member, Sanctuary Handbells - member


Cheri Thomas


I was born into First Baptist Church of Burlington, and have

been here all but five years ever since. I grew up in Graham,

graduated from Graham High School and Meredith College,

and now live in Mebane. I have been an elementary music

teacher, elementary core teacher in grades 3-5, and middle

school chorus teacher, and am now back in an elementary

(virtual) music classroom. I have been married more than 30

years, and have three children aged 25, 20, and 20.


My faith grew as a child in my home and in FBC Sunday School, Mission Friends, GAs,

and children's handbells. I made a profession of faith and was baptized at a young

age, and continued to strengthen my faith in Sunday School, children's handbells,

youth choir and handbells, youth group Bible Study and activities, Acteens, and

countless other experiences at FBCB. Over the years my faith has been tested over

and over again by life's challenges, but I live my life by my faith, trusting God to guide

and direct me in decisions big and small.


Over the years I have served as church babysitter, children's choir director, Mission

Friends leader, Youth Council member, adult Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible

School worker and director, Extended Session child care director, Music Committee

member, pastoral Transition Team member, charter member of new needed Sunday

School classes multiple times, Full Circle vocal ensemble leader, and more. I believe

building and cultivating the life of the church is the responsibility of all of its mem-

bers.


Drive Through Retirement Party! - First Baptist Church

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