By Susan Beach. Photos by Win Grant and Jess Ward.
Dr. Peter James Flamming, Pastor Emeritus of Richmond’s First Baptist Church, served FBC as Senior Pastor, 1983-2006.
In 23 years, Dr. Flamming shared with our congregation his gifts of leading, preaching, teaching, and pastoring. Those gifts came in various shapes and forms, usually marking and nurturing significant steps in our spiritual journeys.
I followed his column, “…from the Vesper Garden,” in the church newsletter. His words often were exactly what I needed to hear on a particular day. One of those columns, now yellowed and brittle, I carry with me every day; it continues to set me straight:
A Prayer for a Busy Day
Lord,
I’ll not complete everything I need to do today. Time will run out; the sun will set; the day will be done; and I will not have finished the task. Help me not to set myself up for failure by thinking I can get it all done, then feeling defeated when I don’t.
Acceptance comes hard sometimes. I find myself wishing I were two persons. Help me to accept my limitations and the limitations of this day. Help me to remember that You too once lived with these constraints and struggled under the press of a twenty-four hour day. Yet it was enough. May I remember that it is Your grace and Your Spirit that matters, not my check-list.
Since I’ll not get everything done today, guide me, oh Lord, to accomplish the essential instead of simply the demanded. Help me to see those who must be seen. Lead me to do those things that must be done instead of those that could be done; make me more sensitive to broken hearts than to my planned schedule.
On the other hand, may my sensitivity to time free me from the time-grabbers and time-wasters. Above all, be my Partner this day. You can see ahead and I can’t. Help me to remember that nothing can happen to me today that You and I can’t handle together.
In Christ’s name,
Amen.
What gift did Dr. Flamming share with you? What marked and nurtured your journey? Help celebrate Dr. Flamming’s 80th birthday (February 3) by sharing a memory in the comment box below.
Doctor Flamming told the congregation at First Baptist Church that he thought he’d be marrying me and my future wife long before we’d told anyone! Even before he discussed it! You know what? He was right! :)
When we moved to Richmond, I will always remember the lunch he shared with our family at a restaurant. He became a beloved “grandfather” to our children over carrot cake that day!
I’ll never forget our first face-to-face conversation on a Wednesday afternoon in September 2002, the last step before my plunge into membership, nor will I forget what happened that night during choir rehearsal — the door opened just a crack, your face appeared and you beckoned to Phil, the two of you exchanged a few words, and turned in my direction — and that wonderful, broad smile broke across your face as you waved to me. You not only dismissed any reservations I had about becoming a member of FBC but you went out of your way to make sure that I felt welcomed and at home. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Dr. Flamming is my spiritual grandfather! He baptized me, performed my wedding, ordained me as a deacon, and dedicated my oldest daughter. When I was in the third grade he came to my Sunday School class and explained what you do when you wanted to become a Christian in such an easy way all my worries about the process were removed. He gives wonderful hugs!
Dr Flamming was there for so many moments in the lives of my family; presiding over the weddings of my sisters, praying with us and speaking at my father’s funeral — but the most surprising moment was when he came to see us when my mom passed. He was retired; mom had been in assisted living for some years and I thought we’d rather been dropped out of the life of the church. Yet there he was at the funeral home — and I can’t tell you what just the sight of him meant to me and to my sisters on that difficult day.
God bless you, Dr Flamming, for your kindness.
Dr Flamming has the most wonderful smile and warm hug! We were members of FBC for 20 years and loved having Dr. Flamming as our Pastor. I’ll never forget my first mission trip that Dr. & Mrs. Flamming were on also to Austria in 2002. It solidified my relationship with a wonderful couple! Happy Birthday!!
Dr. Flamming has been an inspiration and encouragement to me since he first set foot inside FBC. He has also been a source of pride as he became a spritual leader in the Richmond community and in his efforts to bring peace to a divided SBC. He continues to help guide my spiritual journey with his beautiful devotions every Wednesday evening at Catalyst Prayer. Happy birthday and thank you for being such a wonderful example of what it means to be a follower of Christ.
Pastor Jim….I think so fondly of ALL the times I was with you and the girls. If it wasn’t for those girls, I don’t think I would have ever gotten to know you and Shirley so intimately. You are a larger than life figure….deep voice…and a gentle and loving spirit. One really fun time I can remember is when the grandkids decided to put hand, foot and nose prints on the bathroom walls and ceiling on Rothesay Circle. You and I lifted them up so they could “walk on the ceiling” with feet coated in pink paint. Jeannie and I truly feel like you and Shirley are family. We love you so much and Happy #80!!! J&J
Dr. Flamming performed my wedding, dedicated and baptized both my children, and buried my dad. His presence gave me peace and strength in all of those moments, and that kind of relationship is a gift so few have with their pastors. I’m eternally grateful for his friendship, wisdom and love.
Pastor, There are so many times that you have touched my life as God servant. There was your voice on the phone the day my father died and a supportive conversation after my brother died. You have really been m pastor. Hope that your birthday was all that you hoped for! Much love to you and Shirley.
I remember very well a time when Dr. Flamming dropped by my office out of the blue with no special reason except to have a prayer with me. I was deeply moved! It was totally unexpected and so needed! I am grateful for his ministry and friendship. Happy Birthday Chief!
Two of my favorite memories at FBC are Terry Goolsby breaking into tears and leaving the choir podium when his son came forward to present himself for baptism on DNOW weekend and when Dr. Flamming walked two rows down the ailse and kissed Shirley, who was sitting on the end, as we sang the Lords Prayer after communion when he had just announced that his son Dave had gone into remission for Cancer. Both “acts” were so human, so natural, so loving. Those two are now joined by a third, Dr. Flamming with his two oldest sons this past Sunday being recognized by Jim Somerville, in honor of his 80th birthday. Like so many others, I was baptized, married and have had children dedicated and baptized by him. Happy birthday and many more to come-:)
Dr. F,
You have been such an encourager, mentor, and friend to me over these past 25 years! Thank you! May you feel the love and support of all that you have touched along the journey! Happy birthday!
I get tears in my eyes when I think about all that Dr. Flamming has meant to me. His love for The Lord and his people is so genuine. Thank you for being there with your wonderful Hugs.
Happy Birthday Dr. Flamming!
There are several memories I could cite, but will stick with two. The first is when my dear friend Ellen White died, and Dr. Flamming came to her home where I was with her husband and sister. That is when I really saw what a tender heart he has. The second was on the trip to England for the Baptist World Alliance, and the great fellowship in the back of the bus with him, Shirley, and their two granddaughters. Thank you, Dr. Flamming, for your loving and caring spirit.
I remember my children talking about Dr. Flamming’s voice – “it sounds like GOD is speaking to us” – all I could say with a smile was – you’re right”. He was and is a special prayer partner and brother in Christ. Happy Birthday dear brother, In HIS forever love, Clyde Davis
When I arrived in Richmond Phil and Bernice Rodgerson invited me to FBC. Dr. Flamming’s sermon on.my first visit told me God was leading me to FBC and I joined on my second visit. He was God’s voice to everyone and always had time to listen. Happy Birthday and many more to come. God needs you and so does FBC. Shirley Hines
When my mother was diagnosed with cancer in October 2001, I told Dr. Flamming I was praying that she would have a glorious Christmas knowing it would be her last. She died that Christmas Eve morning. Dr. Flamming came to be with us as soon as he got word of her passing. He not only came once, but, came back to our home again after the candlelight service. I was so deeply touched by his love and support. He also said at her service that he believed God answered my prayer because my mother was having a glorious Christmas by being with our Lord and Savior. I will never forget this because he has a way of bringing peace in the midst of grief. Dr. Flamming was also right there when I lost my Dad suddenly, twelve days after my wedding. I felt the prayers from him and the Catalyst prayer group. Dr. Flamming, thank you for your love and friendship. I look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with you! Beverley Beer
Tom and I have so many fond memories of Dr. Flamming. Jim officiated at the marriage of our daughter and her husband, twenty years ago. He recently sent a message, for which we are eternally grateful, that he and Shirley were praying for our daughter this year during her chemo for breast cancer.
Tom remembers so well the Bible study he attended that Jim began and led. Those men studied some powerful books together and encouraged each other to grow deeper in their faith.
Once, I told Jim that I loved looking at the back of his head while he preached the sermons, a view I had from the choir loft. He replied with a twinkle in his eye that there were fewer and fewer hairs to count back there!
For all Dr. Flamming’s wonderful lessons taught, the sermons preached, his great sense of humor, the pastoral care, the sharing of joys and sorrows, the terrific hugs and the outpouring of love, we are so thankful! May God bless you over and over. You have been such a huge blessing to so many! Happy Birthday and many more!
In His Love, Nancy and Tom Chewning
Dr. Flamming is one of the most influential and endearing persons that I have ever met. As my pastor in the 1980’s and 90’s, I struggled through many times as a young adult trying to find my way through life. Dr. Flamming was there as a guide and I must say that I would not be the individual that I am today had it not been for his spiritual guidance. Thank you Dr. Flamming. I love you and want to give you a great big hug.
Jim, I am grateful for your friendship and your spiritual guidance during the years. You have truly blessed my life and led me to deeper spiritual experiences.I still remember my two favorites among your many inspirual sermons-Come Before Winter and In The Meantime. You preached Come Before Winter as Linwood and I were deciding about moving to Lakewood..
In the sermoin you said not to put off a spiritual decisioin and wait until it was too late. We felt that this sermon helped us make this important decision.
There are so many phases of my life that were touched by your spiritual guidance. You and Shirley continue to be on my Prayer List. With much love,
Alma Snowa
Dr. Flamming, I am now finding there are few days that go by that I do not receive a nudge or read something that you have said that does not minister in some way to me. As I reflect on my time (ten years) as your Administrative Assistant, I can say that your spiritual guidance intensified during those years more than any time in my life.
Every time Dr. Flaming gave a sermon leading up to my joining FBC, his message spoke to me profoundly and on a very personal level – every single time. I always thought to myself, how can this be happening? I am sure that others had the same experience with his sermons even though their personal situations vary widely. The holy spirit spoke through him. And guess what? It continued after I joined the church as well.
For this, and for many other reasons, Dr. Flamming will always hold a special place in my heart.
For some reason I decided to look up Dr. Flamming today and found my way here. Reading some of the other comments above brought back many of my own memories of you 50 some years ago when you presided over Royal Lane Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. I remember loving to hear your messages back then even though I was only about 10 years old. Finally, thanks so much for comforting our family one fall morning when my father suddenly passed away back in 1965. Your presence and strength that day is still a strong memory for me.
Wow. Too cool, Will!
Pastor, I am a little late in wishing you a Happy Birthday, but I have learned that a belated wish it may be just the wish you need today. With love and christian fellowship. Sara
Dr. Fleming o was so glad when o saw your photos.I am João de Deus from corrente. Grettings from am old Friend from Brasil.
O represente I;okay?
I discovered this site while looking for an address to write Dr. Flamming re: the death of his beloved Shirley. How ironic that the last comment would be from the only person I recognized — and from a mission trip to Corrente that Dr. Flamming organized when he was pastor of First Baptist Church, Abilene, TX. Trish and I are praying for him and his sons as they once again experience the loss of a family member. How well he is still remembered at FBC. He baptized all four of our children and I had Dave in Sunday School. Love and prayers from Trish and Roy A. Jones II, Abilene, TX
Dr. Flamming, I babysat your three boys in Abilene. I have never forgotten your wonderful family and the blessings they bestowed on me. You helped me through tumultuous adolescence, and Shirley’s grace, loving-kindness, and dignity inspired me to be a better person. In 1991, when Dave went to Heaven, I tried to find the words to touch your pain. I failed. But I want you to know by long distance, I grieved and grieved. It is clear you are loved deeply by so many people. Abiding love and blessings, Judy Griggs Cotton in Cedar Hill, TX, daughter of Jim and Mickie Griggs who both passed in Abilene in 2010