What is Pageant and why is it kicking off?

We have officially transitioned in Pageant time here at FBR. If you are new to Pageant or new to our church, you probably have a few questions like:

What is this Pageant thing I keep hearing about?
To people who attend, Pageant is simply First Baptist Raytown’s annual Christmas play, but Pageant is really a love gift from the members of First Baptist Raytown to the members of the community. Every year we share the story of Jesus from his birth to the crucifixion to His Resurrection. We’re able to share the same remarkable storyline year after year because new characters in new situations share it in a fresh way each year. Last year the cast, choir, and crew performed 8 free performances to over 20,000 people, with 1,488 of those individuals accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior. If that doesn’t convince you to be involved, I don’t know what will!

I don’t like to sing or act, so how else could I be involved?
Just like any theatrical production, it takes a multitude of people with different gifts to pull it off. While we do need people to sing and act, we also need volunteers to help backstage; participate as non-speaking cast members, angels, and solders; take tickets and pass out programs; seat the audience; wash costumes; direct traffic; feed the cast; and more. There is some way for everyone to get involved.

How do I sign up?
You can sign up online at www.firstbaptistraytown.com/serve, at the Registration Station in the lobby, or at Pageant Kickoff on Wednesday.

Is the kickoff something I should attend if I don’t know if I want to be involved?
ABSOLUTELY! Pageant kickoff is a great time to come get acquainted with the behind the scenes stuff, what the story line is, what music we’re doing, and all the different ways to get involved. Even if you aren’t sure if Pageant is for you, we’d still love for you to join us at the Pageant Kickoff at 7:00 p.m. in the Atrium (located by the Gym) this Wednesday, September 7. See you there!

Serving Snapshot: ROC Catering Volunteer

Every week, church staff members work hard to put together worship services, Bible studies, events, and activities, but these things couldn’t take place without volunteers. Where could you volunteer throughout the year to serve the church? Maybe you aren’t sure what opportunities we have. Here’s one way you can serve your church:

ROC Catering Volunteer

Who? People who like to serve

What? Help prepare food, set up, serve, and clean up after catering events and/or Wednesday night dinners

When? Wednesday night dinners are every Wednesday evening, but catering events happen at all times and on all days during the week. You can pick and choose when to serve.

Why? Our catering ministry is a huge outreach into the community and a huge blessing to our church, and we can’t continue this great ministry without people like you.

How? Contact Linda Rogers at lrogers@firstbaptistraytown.com or 816-353-1994.

To find out more ways to volunteer with First Baptist Raytown, visit us online at www.firstbaptistraytown.com/serve.

Staff Appreciation Day Recap

Instead of a Serving Snapshot this week, how about a snapshot of how 42 people who serve you daily spent a fun day last week?

Last Monday after a few meetings and hours of work, the 42 First Baptist Raytown staff members boarded two shuttle buses for a mystery day of staff appreciation and team building. The personnel team planned a fun day for the staff at the Culinary Center of Kansas City in Overland Park. The day started out with a fancy feast of beef bourguignon. While we finished up our last bites of lunch, our facilitators for the afternoon let us in on what we’d be doing and the rules of the activity.

The staff was split into six teams of seven for a cake decorating competition. The rules were simple. Each team was given two sheet cakes and a tub of cake decorations, each tub with a different theme. The teams were to use the items in the tub to create a cake that represented the church’s goals in the next year. The teams also had the task of naming their teams and creating a presentation to go along with the cake, whether it be a song, a cheer, or an awkward dance. The cakes and the presentations got sillier as the afternoon progressed. After said presentations, our facilitators gave us some constructive feedback about what they observed. So, who were the teams, what were the themes, and how did things turn out?

Team #1
Gary Treat, Julie Herron, Nadine Kenney, Billy Hipsher, Jane Ann Welch, and Alyson Browning
Team #1 was given a tub full of Halloween decorations and candy, but the team, being the glass half-full type, chose to go with a harvest theme instead. The men fashioned the structure of the wagon out of sheet cake while Julie was the icing queen. Jane Ann, of course, wrote a song about harvesting believers and we helped her make up choreography, which included a kick line. Very entertaining. The facilitators named this team “most likely to take over a school cafeteria” because of their organization and assembly line technique, and were awarded hairnets and wooden spoons.

Team #2
Larry Jones, Carmen Kraus, Don Keith, Wayne Wheeler, Denise Alt, and Lois Chambon
Team #2 was given a tub full of dice, poker chips, and a whole slew of other items related to Vegas. Rather than try to work around using the Vegas theme, the team hit it head on and decided to build a Vegas Church. Following their everyday roles, Larry Jones took a director’s role while Carmen planned the recreation ministry for the church. I’m sure Don did a great job securing the decorating area. The team was given the “smile award” for their cheerful spirit during the activity. They each received a smiley inflatable ball.

Team #3
Sharon Miller, Debbi Fann, Amy Treat, Megan Buck, David Bundrick, Ryan Langford, and Janet Lowe
Team #3 opened their tub to find an array of sports items, I’m sure to David’s pleasure. They created a City on a Hill cake. The base of the cake was a football field with a lighthouse in the middle of it. Their cake decorating abilities, although impressive, were not the highlight of this team’s presentation. Going with the sports theme, the team created a cheer, which ended in a pyramid with Sharon Miller on top. This moment was probably the highlight of the afternoon. Way to go, Sharon! Team #3 received the “true team award” for working well together. They each received a soccer ball hat, which they wore proudly.

Team #4
Laura Davis, Dale Berry, Caroline Jones, George Keith, George Watson, Beth Tanaka, and James Harding
Team #4 opened their tub to find an obvious them of the FBR Corral. The western and farm decorations, a church, and plenty of green “grass” made up their “Giddy on up to FBR” cake. Again, the presentation was better than the cake. George Watson wore a tiny red cowboy had while Beth led the team in singing a new version of “Old McDonald” with the team joining in on the “E-I-E-I-O.” The facilitators thought Team #4 was “out of this world,” so they rewarded them with funny, space-like headbands with antennae that wobbled as the team walked to their seats.

Team #5
Larry Thomas, Samantha Stookey, Trudy Buehler, Brett Laxton, Debbie Leakey, Gene Calhoun, and Lisa Miller
Team #5 named themselves “The Blockheads” after deciding to use their collection of patriotic items to create a cake of building blocks to represent FBR building for the future with ministries such as Pageant, Kids, Inc., and Hope Network. Larry and Gene seemed to be the troublemakers of the group, cracking jokes every time the facilitators turned around, but they certainly wore their pink aprons proudly. With Gene in the group, it’s no surprise that the team’s presentation was a medley of songs that represented their cake. The medley included: Silent Night, We Will Rock You (for the ROC, of course), Jesus Loves You, I Have a Hope, and All Rise. I don’t think we’ll be singing that medley any time soon on Sunday mornings. The team played well together, so they each received a ball and paddle.

Team #6
Frank Lugenbeel, Diana Spalding, Harry Bras, Carla Williams, Judy Hastings, and Lynn Lewallen
After opening their tub to find Hawaiian umbrellas and seashells, Team #6 built a very impressive cruise ship and island destination cake called “Feelin’ Cruisey.” To no surprise of the rest of the staff, this team did not follow the rules because they claimed not to have received any. Instead they made up their own rules and made it work. The team sang a song to the tune of “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” complete with the men singing the low echoes. Team #6 received the “Frank Sinatra award” for doing it their way, and was given hats and toy microphones.

At the end of the day, the staff had fun, but also got the opportunity to work with staff members they don’t usually have the occasion to work with. It was a beneficial day of team building and much needed day of fun! Thank you, Personnel Team!

Serving Snapshots: Bindery Worker

Every week, church staff members work hard to put together worship services, Bible studies, events, and activities, but these things couldn’t take place without volunteers. Where could you volunteer throughout the year to serve your church? Maybe you aren’t sure what opportunities we have. Here’s one way you can serve your church:

Printshop Bindery Worker

Who? Experienced bindery worker

What? Cutting and folding various press sheets including the Sunday bulletin

Where? Printshop – located on the Lower Level of C building. Take the elevator in the ROC down to LL, and we’re your first door on your left.

When? As needed. Flexible schedules preferred.

Why? To help the graphic design team get ready for Sunday and other events.

How? Contact Frank at 816-778-1108 or flugenbeel@firstbaptistraytown.com.

To find out more ways to volunteer with First Baptist Raytown, visit us online at www.firstbaptistraytown.com and click on “Volunteer” under the Ministries tab. Be sure to check back for more Serving Snapshots each Wednesday.

Serving Snapshots: Worship Team

Every week, church staff members work hard to put together worship services, Bible studies, events, and activities, but these things couldn’t take place without volunteers. Where could you volunteer throughout the year to serve your church? Maybe you aren’t sure what opportunities we have. Here’s one way you can serve your church:

Contemporary Service
Worship Team

Who? People looking for a place to serve

What? Play an instrument, sing in the band or choir, or help out as a stagehand or on the light and sound crew

When? We rehearse on Wednesday evenings and our service is at 11:00 a.m. on Sundays

Why? It takes more than a handful of people to lead a worship service. It’s all about God’s glory, and we want you to be a part of it!

How? Contact Jesse Land at jland@firstbaptistraytown.com or 816-353-1994.

To find out more ways to volunteer with First Baptist Raytown, visit us online at www.firstbaptistraytown.com and click on “Volunteer” under the Ministries tab. Be sure to check back for more Serving Snapshots every Wednesday.

Serving Snapshots: Backsnack Program

Every week, church staff members work hard to put together worship services, Bible studies, events, and activities, but these things couldn’t take place without volunteers. Where could you volunteer throughout the year to serve your church? Maybe you aren’t sure what opportunities we have. Here’s one way you can serve your church:

Hope Network
Backsnack Program

Who? Anyone 18 years or older who has their own transportation

What? Pack nutritious meals in backpacks for elementary children

Where? Raytown School District elementary schools

When? Fridays at 9:00 a.m. for all schools, except one school, which needs people on Thursdays at 9:00 a.m.

Why? If we do not send food home with these children over the weekend, they will not eat again until Monday when they return to school

How? Call Lisa at 816-268-1514 or email her at lisa@hopeforraytown.com for more information and to apply

To find out more ways to volunteer with First Baptist Raytown, visit us online at www.firstbaptistraytown.com and click on “Volunteer” under the Ministries tab. Be sure to check back for more Serving Snapshots every Wednesday.

Serving Snapshots

One day every year, our church hosts ServeFest when hundreds of church members come together to serve the church. Projects include mowing, pulling weeds, planting flowers, painting, vacuuming, washing windows, and cleaning bathrooms. The church facilities are in much better shape at the end of the day because of these dedicated volunteers. ServeFest is great opportunity to serve, but it’s only one day out of the year.

Every week, church staff members work hard to put together worship services, Bible studies, events, and activities, but these things couldn’t take place without the help of volunteers. Where could you volunteer throughout the year to serve your church? Maybe you aren’t sure what opportunities we have. Beginning next week, check the FBR Blog every Wednesday for “Serving Snapshots” to find out more about an area where you can serve. You can also check the Volunteer page under the Ministries tab at www.firstbaptistraytown.com.

Begin praying about how you can serve your church.

Already serve? Let us know how it is impacting your life. Leave us a comment on this post or email us at yourstory@firstbaptistraytown.com.