Story by Susan Beach. Photos by Susan Brown and Mary Palmer.
When you say “Christmas,” members of Richmond’s First Baptist Church think of many things – hoping no one will drop a wreath during Hanging of the Green, humming along at the choir concerts, making gingerbread houses and eating the remnants, wondering who will be Baby Jesus in the Youth Christmas Pageant. We have much to enjoy and many opportunities to celebrate.
But wait; there is more – a lot more that we enjoy and celebrate outside FBC.
- Women on Mission serve a holiday breakfast to the homeless at Oregon Hill Baptist Center and provide toys and clothes for the Christmas Store at South Richmond Baptist Center.
- One Accord presents a concert at Bruton Parish in Williamsburg.
- Staff wrap and deliver gifts to the teachers and students of Glen Lea Elementary and Anna Julia Cooper Episcopal schools.
- A gift from former member Ralph Anderson provides a special Christmas breakfast to the homeless.
- The church family gives holiday parties for international students, for residents of Essex Village, and for members of Grace Fellowship.
- Members of women’s mission groups prepare Christmas food bags for the homeless in South Richmond.
And there’s still more. There’s all you do! Use the Comment box below to share what you do or what you’ve seen others do to take Christmas outside the doors of FBC and bring the celebration to Richmond.
Today, 12/18/14, Becky Payne and the Joyful Ringers under the direction of Ruth Szucs brought Christmas Joy to the participants of Riverside Pace on Mactavish Avenue in Richmond. Handbells, ensemble, solos, and a Christmas Carol sing-along put smiles on the faces of listeners, ringers, and singers.
Our food service staff works tirelessly to treat special groups to holiday meals during this time. Under the direction of Doris Pittman, I helped other volunteers serve the Lambs class, members of their family, and two of our ministers to a sumptuous meal this past Sunday, 12/14/14. This is just one of many extra events Beanie Brooks’ and crew work with volunteers to provide!