Young at Heart

By Karen Riggs

Richmond “Dickie” Hamilton has been a member of Richmond’s First Baptist Church (FBC) for over 87 years. He has served for 65 years as a deacon at FBC, continuing to serve now as Deacon Emeritus. Dickie served one year as a visiting board member of the Endowment Fund. He has participated on mission trips, been on the Finance Team, and has been a friend and mentor to many in our church family. Dickie, who was married to his late wife, Lil, for 71 years, turned 100 on October 25, 2021.

Dickie and Lil have been dear friends of mine. The following is an excerpt of a letter I sent to Dickie during the pandemic, and I wanted to share it with you.

August 23, 2020

Dear Dickie,

Have you ever pondered what love genuinely means? This letter is to share with you what you (and our beloved Lil) have taught me about the scope of love, with portions of 1 Corinthians 13 coming to mind when I think of you. Here are my thoughts on how I have witnessed you emulate this scripture:

“Love is patient. Love is kind.” (1 Corinthians 13:4)

• Your patience and kindness toward Lil were profound to me. I watched as you patiently walked with Lil through the FBC corridors, knowing that she would stop to greet each person. You regularly reached out to hold Lil’s hand when we were in the car, and on all occasions, you gingerly helped Lil out of the car or steadied her gait as we walked along.

“It does not envy.” (1 Corinthians 13:4)

• You are one of the most humble individuals I have ever encountered, genuinely happy for other people’s success, a cheerleader for others, encouraging them to get involved in FBC or other activities.

“It does not boast.” (1 Corinthians 13:4)

• Most people are unaware that, along with your devoted service to FBC, you have served in the community. You were president of the Westwood Club. You were instrumental in building the Bridge Center 55 years ago and are active with the Richmond Boys Home. You have delivered Meals on Wheels for years, many of those years with your brother, Buddy.
• You notice when something needs to be done and focus your efforts to assist.

“It is not proud.” (1 Corinthians 13:5)

• You have approached challenges of others modestly with vigorous focus on solving the issue, ALWAYS with the other person’s comfort and satisfaction prominently in mind.

“Love does not dishonor others.” (1 Corinthians 13:5)

• I have never heard you utter an ill word about anyone. You always think the best of others and share your kind thoughts about them with everyone you encounter. I have marveled as you diplomatically diffuse situations with grace, respect, and dignity for all parties.

“Love is not self-seeking.” (1 Corinthians 13:5)

• As Lil’s health became more precarious, you shared that you had spoken with the management at Cedarfield Retirement Community about moving Lil to assisted living. You told them that you were moving with her, saying that you would not leave her to live by herself while you continued to live in the independent living section. You knew that Lil would be afraid without you, and you said you would not allow that to happen.
• While attending your grandson’s orchestra concert you noticed that he needed a tuxedo to wear for the performance. You decided to give him yours to wear and were delighted that your tuxedo fit him perfectly!

“It is not easily angered. It keeps no records of wrongs.” (1 Corinthians 13:5)

• I have never heard you say or do anything in anger toward anyone. Nor have I ever heard you comment negatively about any wrong done to you.
• I have also heard you reframe a negative comment into a positive statement.

“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” (1 Corinthian 13:6)

• You walk the talk, period.

“Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:7-8)

• For ten years, I witnessed your tender love and affection toward Lil. You thoughtfully and carefully made each decision with Lil’s happiness, well-being, and safety foremost in your mind.
• You desire to always be present for your family and others in so many ways.
• You show great, unconditional love and a willingness to go above and beyond for your family and others.

“And now these three remain: Faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)

• No further comments are necessary.

Dickie, I admire you. I have been abundantly blessed by my friendship with you and your family. Words are inadequate to express my deep heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to you for your endearing friendship.

WWII flight group

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Karen Riggs, a longtime member of FBC, serves as a Deacon since 2014. She has one son and three fabulous grand-
children! She volunteers with the Divorce Recovery Ministry. Karen, retired from HCPS, works for the Senate of Virginia, and teaches yoga part-time. Karen loves to read and cycle.

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FBC Staff Grows

By Susan Beach

Do you remember what it was like to start a new job? This year, Richmond’s First Baptist Church (FBC) has added several new staff members who are experiencing such a transition. Over the next several months, we’ll tell you more about these new staff members, starting with the three below.

Each one comes to their new position with energy and purpose to serve and love. Some staff names are familiar, and some are new to FBC. Some are new to the area and others grew up right here in Richmond. Read their stories below and get to know how each one views their new mission at FBC.

Emma Tilley, Compassion Ministry Associate since February 2021, has been active in FBC since elementary school. With her parents, Gwen and Charles, and sisters, Virginia and Mae, Emma finds serving God a family activity: “Whether through music, organization, art, or caring for children, we all love using our gifts to serve.”

“I felt called to ministry in middle school as I experienced the love and support of my youth group community. They were there for me during the difficult days of growing up. I knew I wanted to commit my life to doing the same for others.

“I was drawn to serve the church who poured into me, where I was given leadership opportunities and encouragement that prepared me for ministry. FBC financially supported me, encouraged me in ministry and prayed for me when I was sick while in seminary (Duke University Divinity School, M.Div., 2020).

“The compassion ministry is a huge job, so I am grateful to help in the work with Steve Blanchard (Minister of Compassion). I send out newsletters, respond to calls about donations, seek volunteers, and connect people looking for resources or financial assistance with agencies that support their needs. My job includes working in the food pantry, coordinating deliveries from Charlotte Acres and helping organize the plant sale.

“Michael Lacy and I lead the Delta Ministry for 18- to 24-year-olds. Delta symbolizes change; this ministry is for those in a period of change in their lives. During seminary I worked in campus ministry. I love bringing what I learned in that job to the Delta group. It’s been really life-giving during the pandemic to have a place to talk openly about our faith, to laugh and have a good time.

“I am excited to join a team of ministers and staff who are passionate about this church, serving God and loving others. I want to help cultivate an environment of teamwork and collaboration among ministries. My dream is to encourage a spirit of compassion to flow into many different areas of our church and, by strengthening our communications, make more visible the wonderful things God is doing.”

Emma exemplifies the tree planted by the water in Jeremiah 17:7-8, a verse that inspires her.

Michael Lacy, Student Ministry Assistant, grew up in a military family and then served in the Marines, experiences that allowed him to live in Europe and Asia and develop an attitude of openness to all. That openness, a valuable trait in ministry, was built on in his previous position in sales and service. “In that job, I learned how to relate to different people and their personalities. I learned to value the gifts they bring.”

He and his wife, Shawnae, have two biological sons, Darius, 23, and Justin, 17. They adopted siblings, Tia, 5, and Leo, 4, in 2020. “Family is the most important aspect of my life and every new person I meet becomes a part of my family.”

Michael volunteered for many years in the youth ministry. When in 2019 this part-time position became available, “I prayed and talked it over with my family and friends. Thankfully, the hiring team felt I would be good as the assistant to Ann Carter (Minister to Students). Previously the position focused on Youth 1 (for youth in grades 6-8), but she has allowed me to contribute to Youth 2 (for youth in grades 9-12) and to college students through the Delta Ministry. Together we plan curriculum, retreats, missions and other group activities. I feel fulfilled and tired at the same time.

“Under Ann’s guidance I have grown in faith and knowledge and feel I have a clear vision of my purpose in life and at FBC: to deepen my relationship with God and help our youth grow in their relationship with God.

“I am still learning and growing in that relationship. I believe my position here is to walk with our students as we grow in faith together. Yes, I have experience and knowledge. But I believe I still have some things to learn. God is still teaching me and leading me. And sometimes He teaches me through the voices and ideas of the students.

“A special gift from my father-in-law was a Bible with Psalm 119:105 on the cover: ‘Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.’ This gift was exactly what I needed at that time in my life and remains my reminder of the One who goes before me. I know I am exactly where I am supposed to be right now. I am learning about FBC and I have an amazing group of mentors here to help me discern what next step I should take.”

Tim Powitz began as Food Service Director on September 1, following work as a chef for Young Life at Rockbridge Alum Springs and prior to that as a kitchen manager at a Chick-fil-A. He and his wife, Mary Margaret, have a four-year-old daughter, Anna Beth, a five-month-old adopted son, Teddy, and a daughter, Virginia Stuart, born on August 18.

With Tim’s parents, sister and best friend already in the city, Richmond was not a hard choice. Timing was more challenging, but “the Lord softened my heart about vocation, moving on from camp and not putting Him in a box. Richmond also offers more diversity for our family, specifically Teddy who is Black, as well as opportunities to enjoy restaurants, parks and recreation. And we won’t be 45 minutes from the closest Chick-fil-A!

“I know I have some very big shoes to fill and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t intimidated. My immediate goals are to stay the course. But for longer term, I want to develop in leadership, streamline some of the systems by utilizing technology, create a fun, welcoming, and spirit-filled environment, and get my hands dirty, particularly with baked goods. I know I’ll be handling everything administrative, including booking and scheduling, menu pricing, ordering, health inspections and safety standards, invoices and billing, scheduling maintenance for any equipment. But I think I’ll go crazy if I don’t get out and cook, bake and serve.

“I’m excited to get to know people, too. I got a small glimpse of the love that Beanie Brooks (former Food Services Director) gave and received from the FBC community, and it’s a beautiful thing that I want to be a part of.

“I love the neighborhood outreach of the church and want to figure out how we can do even more for the city’s needy population. In my last job, I learned to see food service as a ministry, to know and love the people behind the plate, to convey a non-verbal witness that a meal has been lovingly and bountifully prepared for them. Food and community are physical and spiritual needs that we all have in common, and it’s a blessing to be able to provide for both of those. I challenge you to pick a gospel, read through it, and pay attention to the meals and to the events that happen around them.”

FBC has a rare history of superb staff, staff who love us, challenge us, and help us grow. Get to know these wonderful new additions to our staff. Emma, Michael and Tim each have gifts that they are excited to use to keep the FBC history alive.

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Bob and Mary Palmer: Over 50 Years of Faithful Service

By Jeanne Hechler

Editors’ note: No church can survive, much less thrive without the support and participation of many volunteers within that congregation. Here’s a quick glimpse at some of our amazing volunteers at Richmond’s First Baptist Church.

Bob and Mary Palmer met in high school. After dating through their college years, they were married upon Bob’s graduation from Virginia Military Institute. In 1965, they moved to Richmond where Bob began his engineering career at DuPont. Not long after they settled, they joined Richmond’s First Baptist Church (FBC).

In 1967, Bob, Mary, and their one-year-old daughter, Mary Lynn, moved to Germany for two years while Bob completed his active military service. While in Germany, they joined an English-speaking Baptist church in the town of Baumholder, where many of the members were military families. During this time, they began working with the youth in the church. They discovered how much they enjoyed teaching these young people and interacting with their families. Their second daughter, Barbara, was born during their time in Germany.

Bob, Mary, Mary Lynn, Barbara Sue and grandchildren

Upon returning to Richmond in 1969, they rejoined FBC and continued their focus of working with the youth, specifically in the Sunday school department teaching children. Mary began teaching the first-grade Sunday school class where she faithfully taught for 40 years. Bob taught the fifth-grade Sunday school class and eventually began to teach in the youth group. Why did they love teaching children? Both Bob and Mary loved the enthusiasm of the children in their classes and the opportunity to watch them grow.

During their years at FBC, they have been active participants and leaders in many other areas of the church, serving on numerous church committees. Both are deacons, and Bob has served as Deacon Chairman. In recognition of his many years of service, Bob now serves as one of our Deacon Emeritus. Mary has enjoyed singing in the choir for many years and has served on the Children’s Committee.

WMU projects (top & bottom) and Mission Friends (center)

They both have a passion for missions. Mary is a long-time member of FBC’s Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU). She is the current First Baptist Church WMU Director responsible for coordinating the Girls in Action and Missions Friends programs. As an extension of her role at First Baptist Church, she serves as WMU Director for River City Faith Network. In this capacity, she coordinates the local mission assignments for the churches in this organization.

Bob and Mary have been active volunteers in so many other, sometimes less-recognized, ways. Bob drove the church van for many years. He used his engineering expertise to help the church with renovation plans. Mary leads the Flower Delivery Team, taking the flowers used in the Sanctuary on Sunday to church members and those in the hospital. She also sells tickets for Wednesday night meals.

Habitat build and teaching Sunday school

In addition to the many ways they devote their time and energy to FBC, the couple also is active in several Richmond faith-based initiatives and organizations. Bob initiated a partnership between FBC and First African Baptist Church which spans over twenty years. This partnership includes the many volunteer teams from both churches that Bob has led to build Habitat for Humanity projects. Mary has taught Red Cross and CPR training for seventeen years. She also worked with Girl Scout troops and served on the Girl Scout Board of Directors for Midlothian. She currently drives for The Shepherd’s Center, taking those who need rides to and from doctor’s appointments.

After more than 50 years of faithful service to Richmond’s First Baptist Church, this couple is still going strong. Their family has grown, and they are blessed with five grandchildren. They continue to serve the Lord and are grateful for the opportunities they have to bring the Kingdom of Heaven to Richmond, Virginia.

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Jeanne Hechler has attended First Baptist for many years and is a deacon. She is a member of the Mustard Seed class. She enjoys participating in mission trips with First Baptist groups and volunteers with WMU missions activities.

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Learning as I Go

By Justin Pierson

“What exactly is a pastoral resident?”

I’ve been asked this question often in the months since I began as pastoral resident in August 2020 at Richmond’s First Baptist Church. The idea of a residency in a church setting is a bit of a new concept and for someone unfamiliar with the need for preparation before going into full-time ministry, it may seem like a waste of two years. But when you look closely at the position of a pastoral resident, you will find it to be particularly beneficial, both to the resident as well as to the congregation.           

For Christian ministry, you must have practical experience. Just as reading about driving a car won’t make you a good driver, knowing about ministry is far different than actually working in ministry. Seminary does a good job of giving future ministers the knowledge they need, but practical experience is still necessary to put that knowledge to use. Some ministers choose to start serving in a senior or associate position immediately after graduation. While that is a great option for some, I want to attain as much training and experience as I can before taking on such an important role with larger risks and responsibilities. 

This is why I was attracted to the residency position at FBC and in the short time I’ve been in the position I’ve already performed a funeral, trained for marriage counseling, preached, planned worship, led a youth small group, facilitated the young adult ministry, learned about church communication and digital media, and brainstormed about creative ministries. But I haven’t done it alone. I have received staff supervision, feedback and guidance in each of my experiences. My first six months in this position have given me years of ministerial experience in a very short time.

I enjoy most aspects of ministry, but there are certain areas that are more attractive to me than others. Some of these are knowledgeable faith, cultural engagement and acts of justice. These areas are what I hope to pursue during my residency.

Though I have greatly benefited from my time as resident, I don’t want to focus only on my personal development; I want the church to benefit from my service here. I believe that my personal interests intersect with the specific needs of FBC, which is a main reason I feel called to this residency.     

While our church offers so many great opportunities, I hope to challenge us to think about ways to improve our existing ministries and think about the future of our congregation. It is my goal to introduce new ways of participating in the life of a church, to help us think about our place in the greater Richmond community, and to help us become more welcoming to young adults, youth, and those unfamiliar with a faith community. It can be easy for congregations to simply go through the motions, but I hope to encourage our congregation to take risks, try new things, and to be creative in our understanding of church community.    

It can be easy for a resident to end up working alone, but I think it is crucial to work alongside the congregation in doing the work of God’s kingdom. So, will you walk alongside me as we live into God’s calling? Let us work together to bring the Kingdom of Heaven to Richmond, Virginia through our existing ministries, as well as ones we haven’t thought of yet, being willing to take risks and to boldly serve where God is calling us.

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Betty Gollwitzer’s Memories of Her 66 Years at FBC

by Karen DeMarino

I met Betty Gollwitzer at Richmond’s First Baptist Church one sunny Tuesday in February through an introduction by Robert Thompson, Minister of Pastoral Care. Betty’s husband, Bob, had died recently, and she wanted to donate several bags of his clothing to our Compassion Ministry. As I struck up a conversation with Betty, she began taking me back in time, sharing decades of jaw-dropping stories and heart-felt memories sprinkled with bits of her infectious personality. I was glued.

Betty has been a member at FBC for 66 years, joining on January 9, 1955. She calls First Baptist her “home church” because worshipping here makes her feel so very calm inside and “it feels like home … big and friendly.” Back in the day, Betty shared that there were four rules for Sunday School members: “Be on time, give, bring your Bible and stay for worship.”

She continued, telling me about her beloved husband and how they met. Bob was 11 and living in Wisconsin when his father died. Through a relationship his mother had with Dr. and Mrs. Theodore Adams, FBC’s senior pastor at the time, Bob was invited to live with the Adams in Virginia and attend the University of Richmond. Bob had originally started out as a Presbyterian, but at the age of 17 he was baptized by Dr. Adams and continued his faith journey at FBC.

Bob first noticed Betty’s “fiery red hair” from upstairs in the balcony of the sanctuary during a Sunday morning worship service and wanted to meet her. As Bob was already dating Betty’s best friend, Betty called her friend for approval. (Sure would have liked to have been a fly on the wall to hear that conversation!) After Betty’s friend and Bob broke up, they planned a first date.

“At this time, when you reached 25 years old, you had to move into a different Bible Study class.” Betty didn’t want to abandon the comfort of her class and considered leaving FBC altogether when she got a call from Mrs. Adams encouraging her to stay. Mrs. Adams had noticed the budding relationship between Bob and Betty and told Bob, “You had better treat Betty right!”

Together, Bob and Betty attended Bible Study, dated for six months and then Bob asked for Betty’s hand in marriage. “I told Bob I had 10 qualifications he must meet to become my husband and he met all but one: You are not from Virginia,” chuckled Betty. Bob, who was determined to win Betty’s heart, correct ed her saying, “Actually, I am a Virginian. At one time, Wisconsin was part of Virginia.” And he showed her where the land marker stands. “Then you qualify.” Betty accepted Bob’s proposal but insisted on a one-year engagement.

Dr. Adams married the happy couple in the Parlor, now the Adams Room, on March 19, 1960. Fifty people attended. Betty designed and wrote and the invitations herself. Bob was 36 and Betty was 28. As if lost in happy memories, Betty softly said, “It’s been over 60 years and I can still remember our vows.” Bob requested the word “obey” be removed from their vows and replaced with “cherish.” Soon the happy couple welcomed a daughter, Lynn, who was dedicated in the First Baptist sanctuary at six months old. Bob, Betty and Lynn walked to church every Sunday from their home on Monument Avenue.

Betty keeps in touch with 15 members from her original Bible Study class. They have since left Richmond and are scattered all over the United States, as far away as Texas and Washington. She mails a hand-written newsletter once a month that includes days of celebration, news from home, a quote and always ends with a joke or a funny story. “When we turned 25 and our Sunday School class ended, I wanted a way for us to keep in touch. I can’t lose track of our members!” said Betty defiantly.

Today, Betty faithfully watches the Sunday service on television and online. “I enjoy watching ‘the little church in the den’,” referring to First Baptist’s weekly television program and live stream. “I like singing to the old hymns.” Before he died, Bob was unable to join Betty in worship. “He couldn’t make it down the steps to watch the internet,” said Betty. “I would share the lessons and scripture with him.”

Something tells me that Bob is still with Betty, in spirit. Theirs is a true love story that started, here, at Richmond’s First Baptist Church.

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Learn More About FBC’s Transition Team

By Charlotte Evans

Pastor’s Note: Several years ago Lynn Turner and I began to talk about the number of leadership staff retirements that would be coming up in the next decade. We wondered if it would be possible to put together a ”dream team” of lay leaders who would help us think about what kind of staffing we would need in the future. With the encouragement of the Deacons and Personnel Team we came up with a list of names, and as I recall not a single person turned us down, but we were especially pleased that Charlotte Evans and Susan Beach were willing to share leadership of the newly formed Transition Team. Charlotte’s reflections on that team’s work are printed below.  – Jim Somerville

Why was it formed?

On October 8, 2019, the Personnel Team and the Board of Deacons created the Richmond’s First Baptist Church Transition Team to assess and plan for leadership needs as several ministers near retirement over the next five to seven years. A large part of this work is envisioning what the needs of the church and congregation will be, and what qualifications and skills will be needed for the Ministry Leadership staff.

This team is composed of seven lay leaders: three who have extensive institutional knowledge of FBC and four active young adults who have been involved in many areas of the church. Members of the team are Charlotte Evans (chair), Susan Beach (co-chair), Karen Brown, Jon Buckbee, Michael Lipford, Clint Smith and Hannah Ramsey Vieth  

How did the pandemic affect the team’s work?

While the pandemic meant so many changes to the ways we have traditionally held worship services and caused the cancelation of many church activities, it has also given the Transition Team insight into the future. It has accelerated the hybrid church model, which is a mixture of in-person, television and online participation that we envisioned early on as virtual connections have been growing. People are glad to return to in-person worship, but some will continue to participate online and engage virtually with the church.

We have gained experience in how a hybrid church functions, how our church can use the resources we currently have in place, what additional resources will be needed, how people engage with the online church, how to welcome people to our church and help them become a part of us – whether they are watching and participating from afar or entering the church doors.

What has been done so far?

The first task was initiated when Steve Booth, Associate Pastor for Spiritual Formation, retired. The Transition Team developed a job description, with a view of changes that a hybrid church model would necessitate for whomever filled this position. Following the approval of the job description by the senior pastor and the Personnel Team, the Transition Team appointed a Search Team headed by Anne Ball. After receiving many resumes and conducting interviews, the Search Team recommended to the deacons and congregation that the Rev. Dr. Allison Collier be called to be the next Associate Pastor. She accepted the call and began her ministry in February.

What are the next steps?

As a result of Ralph Starling’s retirement, the Transition Team will begin developing the job description for the Associate Pastor of Engagement. This minister will invite and engage people – both online and in person – to our church. A Search Team, chaired by Clint Smith, was appointed.            

The Transition Team will continue to study how the hybrid church will function and what ways the model can be incorporated into the future life of FBC. If you have questions, please contact one of the Transition Team members.

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Open Doors and Hearts to Richmond’s Students

By Donna Earley

Dr. Somerville’s charge to the congregation at Richmond’s First Baptist Church to bring the Kingdom of Heaven to Richmond and beyond has always resonated with me. I remember when he explained it this way “find something that breaks your heart and then roll up your sleeves and do something about it!”

I found my heartbreaking moment last summer when the public school systems announced that children would not be able to attend school for in-person learning. Many of my friends who live in the counties surrounding Richmond were planning neighborhood learning pods, hiring tutors and making plans to work from home so they could supervise their children while they learned virtually. But I started to wonder about our neighbors in the City of Richmond who are essential and hourly workers who cannot work from home and therefore can’t be at home to supervise their children. What about our neighbors who cannot afford to hire a tutor and don’t have the community resources to form a neighborhood pod? It turns out, I was not the only one wondering this.

Staff members Bonnie Wilmoth, Steve Blanchard, Candi Brown, Ann Carter and Michael Lacy were all concerned, too. We mobilized our teams and planned to open the temporarily empty Sunday school rooms to provide Wi-Fi, supervision and a safe place for children to attend school virtually. On September 21, 2020, we opened the First Learning Center to nine elementary students. Ellie Carter, Will Maynard, Nellie Martin, Anthony Vega and Thomas Brown, all young adults who grew up and were nurtured at FBC, joined in to help with teaching. I am in awe of how they opened their hearts to these children and dedicated themselves to making the Learning Center a success. They have found a meaningful way to connect with their church as young adults and are truly making us proud to call them our own.

We quickly found that just being a child-minding center was not enough for these students. Many had been without instruction since the previous March and were behind in academics. Many needed special learning accommodations or had suffered trauma in their young lives. We felt called not only to help them academically, but to provide afternoon enrichment activities and provide two hot meals each day. Many church members started devoting countless hours to the center tutoring, crafting, reading aloud, playing with, and loving the children.

Our reputation as a learning center that provides quality care and academic support for students grew. More parents and school administrators asked if we had room for additional students. We quickly realized we needed an administrator for the center to grow properly. Ira Nealy had relocated recently from Arkansas to Richmond to begin training at another facilitated learning center in the city. When he concluded his training, we were blessed to hire him as full-time administrator. Additionally, we were fortunate to hire Keyonta Lee, also from Arkansas, to serve as a full-time staff member at the Learning Center. Many of you may recognize these names from FBC mission programs to Helena, Arkansas, where they both grew up. Also, in 2015, they served as Interns at FBC. Under Ira’s creative and innovative leadership, our center is thriving in ways we could only have imagined when we opened in the fall.

students and Ira Nealy

Ira, Keyonta, the staff and our volunteers have grown our facilitated learning center from nine to 20 students. They fill their days with structured academics, enriching afterschool activities, and plenty of love and encouragement. Briar Chatterjea teaches Dance and Movement each week. The Richmond Ballet has brought their Minds-In-Motion program to our center. Jeanne Dortch has become the center’s Librarian, allowing the children to take books home to read. Franklin Hamilton comes to read aloud to the kids. Shirley Ramsey provides counseling. Beth Holthaus, Susan Hughes, Sue Atkins, Lillian Bruce, Davis Buckbee, Andy Berry, Phillip King, Carol-Ann Moore, Virginia Watson, Maura Davis, Gavin Kashiwabara and Gwyn Garrett all provide tutoring and afternoon enrichment.

None of this would be possible without the family of FBC saying, “Yes! We can help!” Thank you for your gifts of money and time to support this program. The ripple effect of this program is deep and wide. Because these 20 students are in a safe place to learn from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, their parents and guardians can go to work, put food on their tables and pay their bills. Their communities benefit because of the hope these families share with their neighbors.

Because of your faithfulness, we were able to share extra funds at Christmas. One family said, “Your church has shown me support that I don’t even receive from my own family.” Another said with tears in her eyes, “Y’all are just different.” The ripples keep growing; we were able to make the proper contacts for one mom to get a good job interview. One troubled student now has a mentor who spends time with him and provides fatherly advice. One mom joyfully told us that her student was deeply depressed before coming to our center. Now he laughs all the time, can sleep all night without anxiety and looks forward to spending each day at the center.

Thank you, First Baptist family, for loving your neighbors and bringing the Kingdom of Heaven to these families.

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Donna Earley joined the finance office staff in 2018 and now serves as the Director of Stewardship and Development. In her new position, Donna develops initiatives to grow church contributions and encourages engagement through stewardship. Donna and her husband Brad are longtime members of the church along with their two daughters, Mary Sage and Sarah.

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Love God, Love Others, Do the Work!

Rev. Dr. Allison Collier Joins Leadership Staff

By Charlotte Evans & Anne Ball

Welcome to the Rev. Dr. Allison Collier who was called to be the Associate Pastor, Christian Formation effective February 1 after an endorsement by the Board of Deacons and a vote by the congregation during a church business meeting. Allison comes to Richmond’s First Baptist Church after the retirement last year of the Rev. Dr. Steve Booth.

“Love God, Love Others, Do the Work! is my personal ministry philosophy,” Allison said. “It is through missions and ministry that I believe the church is able to be the hands and feet of Christ to a world in need.”

Allison comes to FBC from Angier Baptist Church in Angier, N.C., where she was the Associate Pastor for 15 years. Her primary responsibilities included overseeing many areas from student ministry to curriculum and technology, from assisting with worship and pastoral care to community outreach and mentoring. While serving there, she filled in many duties of the senior pastor during the interim from one senior pastor to the arrival of the new pastor.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Christian Ministry (2005) and received her Master of Divinity with Languages (2008), both from Campbell University. Allison is a recent Doctor of Ministry graduate (2020) at Campbell University where her focus was on spiritual formation and discipleship. She developed and implemented a program to teach the spiritual discipline of fasting to adults titled, A Taste of Fasting: Reclaiming the Discipline of Fasting in the Baptist Tradition During the Season of Lent. She led a six-week Lenten series at Angier Baptist Church that was well received by the congregation. In addition, her article Fasting: A congregational call for Baptists to reclaim a neglected discipline was published in Volume 117, Issue 4 of Review & Expositor. While spiritual growth can be difficult to measure, Allison contends that the personal development and skills acquired from such studies are ones that will carry over in many aspects of an individual’s faith formation.

Her passion for Christian education runs deep. “I love breaking down hard things for others to learn, and I came to realize that God called me to be a teacher in the church and community setting through leadership,” Allison said.

She likes being able to back up her faith with book knowledge that is expressed through conversations and mentoring adults and fostering growth in those who are pursuing theological education. Allison appreciates watching the light bulbs “click on” as people learn something new about scripture.

“I enjoy studying something new that I can unpack and then share with others,” Allison said. “In essence, I love it when teaching God’s word intersects with living out faith in God’s world.”

Families are an important part of her ministry. She oversaw youth activities, including Bible Studies and Wednesday night programs at Angier Baptist Church. Allison and her husband, Jared, are the parents of two sons, Josiah (11) and Liam (7). They have settled in Hanover County where Jared is a guidance counselor at Mechanicsville High School and Hanover High School. He also holds a Master of Divinity from Campbell University and was a school guidance counselor in North Carolina. The family likes to explore new places, hike and volunteer as a family. They are excited to be part of Richmond’s First Baptist Church.

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Charlotte Kingery Evans joined our church in 1981. She is a deacon and team teacher, and volunteers with Community Missions. She is a member of the Formation Team and chairs the Transition Team. She is a graduate of VA Tech and holds a master’s degree from VCU and a Master of Divinity from Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond. She is a retired chaplain and enjoys the outdoors and traveling with her husband Joe.

Anne Ball served as the Chairman for the Search Team for the Minister of Christian Formation. Anne is active in FLO, FirstRingers, and has served on several teams. She is a Realtor in the Richmond area.

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Welcome to Our New Pastoral Resident!

By Steve Blanchard and Justin Pierson

Richmond’s First Baptist Church has a new Pastoral Resident who is a familiar face. He has been a part of our fellowship for about four years. Justin Pierson, our new Pastoral Resident, began working at FBC in the Ministry of Christian Compassion several years ago, and he and his wife, Tori, have been involved in so many ways in the life of our church.

What you may not know is the journey that brought Justin to his decision to go into the ministry.

Justin grew up in Roanoke, Virginia and began considering a vocation in the ministry as early as high school. He continued to explore his calling to the ministry while at Virginia Tech where he was involved in the Baptist Collegiate Ministry, leading music for worship services and participating in Bible studies. He volunteered with youth ministry events for churches throughout Virginia and in the summers worked for various churches and Christian camps.

As Justin explains, “After graduation, I was almost certain that I would pursue ministry, but I wasn’t sure of the next steps. Although my psychology degree was useful for ministry, I knew that I needed more education if I wanted to properly serve, but I wasn’t sure if seminary was the next step. I wanted a break from school and wanted to understand how ministry is done in other parts of the world. So, I traveled to Vienna, Austria to live and serve for six months. I interned with a Baptist congregation there ministering to young people and Farsi-speaking refugees. It was amazing how different that experience was from my former church experiences in the U.S.”

“This experience solidified my calling to ministry, but also sparked my interest in faith, culture and justice. I saw how this congregation sacrificed to serve refugees whom society had forgotten and tried to exclude. I saw how their congregation was growing, attracting young people, discussing complex theology and its modern-day application, and living into its calling regardless of its cultural unpopularity or financial risk.”

It was after this experience that Justin knew he was called to the ministry and, after leaving Europe, he enrolled at the Baptist Theological Seminary in Richmond (BTSR) and started working part-time as an assistant in the Ministry of Christian Compassion at FBC. It was through his work in the Ministry of Christian Compassion that Justin discovered that the heart of FBC was similar to what he had seen in the congregation in Vienna. He saw people willing to serve those in need, and a congregation willing to adapt to the needs of those who are served. And he saw a staff eager to help young people and form the next generation of leaders. As Justin explains it, “I found people willing to do the unpopular thing in order to live into the calling they believed in.”

After graduating from BTSR, Justin entered Union Presbyterian Seminary where he recently completed his Master of Theology. Throughout seminary, Justin continued to work part-time with the Christian Compassion Ministry.

Throughout his years of serving in the Compassion Ministry, Justin found that FBC was a place in which he was interested in furthering his ministry experience and a place that would welcome his ideas and interests. Justin added, “I value the staff at FBC and wanted to continue to be a part of the ministries here.”

After working with Justin in the Compassion Ministry, Steve Blanchard, FBC’s Associate Pastor for Compassion, has found that, “Justin is a willing and dedicated worker, open-minded, passionate and talented in a variety of ministry areas. His faith has really taken shape as his own and his desire to continue to explore, ask questions, seek justice, learn and grow are just a few reasons why I believe he is an excellent choice for our residency program.”

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Welcoming Others through Christian Hospitality

Thirty years ago, Ralph Starling began his career at Richmond’s First Baptist Church as Minister of Single Adults. Over the years, he had several roles, but today he is most remembered as Associate Minister of Christian Invitation, and his work as the guidance and facilitation of the Divorce Recovery Ministry and his connecting with international students attending Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). The Ministry of Christian Invitation, which is rooted in the practice of Christian hospitality, is an expression of love we practice within the church and extend to the world around us.

We asked several people involved in the singles ministry, the Divorce Recovery ministry and the international student ministry to speak to the power of Christian invitation as shown by Ralph over the years.

Richard Ellis

My first visit to FBC was in the fall of 1994 and when I arrived, I was met by a greeter who introduced me to a gentleman who the greeter said could help me find a Sunday School class to attend. That gentleman was Ralph Starling. We talked all the way to the class and even after I had gone in and began getting settled, I noticed that Ralph had lingered to make sure I was comfortable. I had mentioned to him that I was new to Richmond and he checked in with me frequently to make sure I was okay. He also made sure to introduce me to others in the church so I felt more comfortable and welcome. Ralph made my transition to Richmond much easier and for that I am grateful. In large part because of Ralph, I never visited any other churches in Richmond.

Over the years Ralph “volunteered” or “drafted” me to participate in many activities and committees including driving Mission Teams to and from the airport, participating in leadership teams for Metro Richmond Singles, and leading a mission team to Nicaragua. Because of Ralph I have been introduced to many wonderful people and blessed with many rewarding experiences. My life has been so much richer because of him.

As Ralph’s role changed to one of Christian Invitation and I left the singles group for the married adults’ group, we have remained friends. My wife Bobbie has also become friends with Ralph. We still get together for lunch or a cup of coffee now and then. I still look forward to seeing Ralph each Sunday. Ralph once told me I have the gift of hospitality, but if ANYONE has the gift of hospitality, it is Ralph. He just has a way of making people feel comfortable in his presence. I will miss my friend when he retires.

Steve Booth

In 1990, only months after beginning his service as Minister of Single Adults, Ralph Starling began the Divorce Recovery Workshop (DRW). Over the years, more than 3,000 individuals have found support and encouragement to begin again. DRW has been affirmed by counselors and lawyers as a trusted resource for individuals navigating the devastating and life-changing turmoil of divorce. I know this from personal experience. In 2013, with the encouragement of my counselor, Richard, and the support of my friend and colleague, Ralph, I participated in DRW. It was a welcoming and safe place with a community of mentors and fellow strugglers to experience God’s grace and healing.

I believe that any system – church, ministry, organization or institution – has in its DNA the heart and character of its founder(s). In other words, the values, beliefs and actions of those who birth a ministry imprint and guide the ministry and promote its effectiveness. The guiding objectives of DRW – a ministry dedicated to accompanying wounded and broken individuals, providing a place of radical hospitality and communicating God’s healing love and forgiveness – are truths and reflections of the life and ministry of Ralph Starling.

Thank you, Ralph, for your courage and compassion. Thank you for coming alongside so many walking through dark and fearful times. Thank you, for birthing and shaping DRW into a safe haven for healing and rebirth to take place. Thank you, Ralph, for being a companion, guide and fellow struggler on the journey. Thanks be to God!

Brenda Gibson

Ralph Starling has been a mentor and friend since 2007. He is a man of high moral character, is inclusive and displays grace and love to all. Throughout the DRW ministry, he offers hope, love and community to the participants and volunteers. Recovery is a journey and each participant is encouraged to find healing along the way.

I have participated with Ralph in welcoming the international students at VCU. He believes in the importance of helping them find acceptance and friendship. He has taken these groups on trips and many activities. He is a man with a big heart. God bless Ralph.

Louis Watts, Linda Watts, Sandra Saunders

I met Ralph in 2010 when Linda and I were searching for a new church and began attending Richmond’s First Baptist Church. He was holding Small Group Bible Studies in his home specifically for “newcomers” to help them get connected. During those studies, Ralph often spoke passionately about his welcoming ministry with international students at VCU. He invited and encouraged us to “come and see” and to join him in this ministry.

Ralph was already connecting with VCU international students through various activities. He regularly attended monthly Global Cafes hosted by the VCU Global Education Office. As he met students and understood some of their needs, he organized shopping trips to Walmart and Short Pump Town Center. Xiaomin Wu from China said the first time she met Ralph at a Global Café he said, “Hi. I’m Ralph. Here’s my phone number. Call me if you need anything!” She knew he was sincere.

To provide breaks from studies, Ralph organized weekend trips to Virginia Beach, Eagle Eyrie (the Baptist Conference Center in Lynchburg, VA) and Washington DC. Semester breaks and holidays were perfect opportunities to plan exciting adventures to New York City and San Francisco. Some students remember having the privilege of travelling to Ralph’s hometown in Georgia to visit his family. I remember when Ralph’s Mother passed away; Alena (Slovakia), Khaled (Egypt), Sanjay (Nepal) and Xiaomin (China) drove from Richmond to Georgia to attend her funeral. That is how much these students loved and cared about Ralph.

Ralph frequently included students in church activities such as One Sunday, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas services as well as Tuesday night volleyball. Over the last year, with the help of Tom and Zena Harvley-Felder, Sandra Saunders, Doug Duke and others, Ralph initiated English language classes at the church on Sunday morning and Wednesday evening. These classes help build their proficiency in the English language which is key to their success.

Ralph was always disturbed by the statistic that 80% of international students studying in the US are never invited into an American home. To address this concern, he often hosted pot-luck dinners in his home and he encouraged church families to host events in their homes. Mark and Carrie Larson often hosted Thanksgiving dinners, Easter lunches and July 4th celebrations. Linda and I hosted Super Bowl parties as well as Indian, Chinese and Persian dinners prepared by students. Sandra Saunders was especially connected to Sri Lankan students and hosted dinners and birthday celebrations. Rob Reinstein and Jeff and Jeannie Dortch hosted summer cookouts at their farms. Attendance at these gatherings often ranged from 20-60 students providing them a chance to visit in American homes and to experience genuine hospitality and love.

Ralph is a big guy with a big heart who is passionate about this ministry to internationals. He has met thousands of international students over his years of ministry. Those who know him well generally describe Ralph as kind, generous, hospitable, always willing to listen, a true friend and always making those around him feel loved and valued. More specifically, some have said:

“Ralph has been a great help to VCU International students. He will be loved and missed by everyone.”

“It was important to me to have people like Ralph around me. A guy who was always there for us.”

“Ralph helps guide us in the right direction so we can learn and grow from it.”

“Ralph, you have given your life to a great cause. Even though you are retiring, your teaching lives on in us to make our lives better.”

“Ralph, the seeds of service, love, and caring you have sown will continue to bear fruit.”

“Ralph makes God look good in my eyes.”

“You hung out with my parents when they visited Richmond and made them feel comfortable despite the language barrier. That’s how you are with all those who know you.”

“Ralph is one of our best friends in Richmond. We are blessed to know him and have him as part of our Richmond family.”

For those of us who have served alongside Ralph in this ministry to international students over the years, we thank you for inviting, encouraging and mentoring us in this ministry. It is everything you said it would be and more! The relationships we have developed with people from all over the world have blessed our lives and made us more loving and caring people. This ministry is transformational and radical—the things you have taught us best! Well done good and faithful servant!

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