Walking the Way: Pastor Steven's Camino Journey

Led Straight to Grace

Today was the first day that I arrived in a town without a place to sleep already secured, but I believed that God would provide the right place. I saw a monastery dedicated to St. Clare (a Franciscan). “That has to be it!” I thought, remembering my own Franciscan connections. “Completo!” the host told me emphatically (“We are full!”). Clearly, God had other plans, so I continued on. 

Then, I saw it: Centro del Espiritu Sanctu Pilgrim’s Hostel (Center for the Holy Spirit Pilgrim’s Hostel). The sign could not have been clearer: stay here! The Spirit is leading you here! They had a bed available, so I checked in - a reasonably nice place with twin beds (a definite improvement over some of the bunkbeds I’ve endured), a decent washing facility, a communal kitchen, and nice showers. I was placed In a room with a lot of twenty-something’s and was having trouble connecting with their conversation as I was the “old guy” in the room. “God led me here for a reason,” I thought to myself. 

While washing clothes, I started talking to Grace, a 29-year-old from San Francisco. She was one of the young people from my room, and I was encouraged by the depth of the conversation that ensued. We talked about our motivations for the Camino and cut right through the small talk. I told her that I liked her name - that our church calls itself “A Community of Grace.” She asked me, “Can you tell me what my name means? No one has ever explained it to me.” What?! No one?! Could there have been a more open invitation for the gospel? 

That simple question opened the door for the most beautiful, hour-long discussion about the Way of Jesus, God’s love and character, the responsibility of humans, and the nature of grace. I explained, “Grace means that you are loved by God, and there’s nothing you can do about it. God’s love for you is not based on your merit, but God’s character.” She had so many questions and seemed genuinely hungry for knowledge. She was thirsty for the water of life, but she was genuinely confused over the difference between what she read in the New Testament and what she experienced in church. We kept talking long after our respective clothes had been washed and hung up to dry. 

You’ve heard me say it before: we should be living “questionable lives” - lives that cause people to want to know more about the faith that drives us. As we read in scripture, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). Are we ready to give an answer when the question comes? Are we living in such a way that it invites questions in the first place?

This week, I have passed the halfway point in my Camino journey, which means I have walked more than 250 miles in the footsteps of pilgrims dating back over 1,000 years. Thank you for your prayers. They have sustained me. Please keep them coming and I look forward to telling you more stories when I return.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Steven

Grace Notes

a weekly blog written by Senior Pastor, Steven Norris

An Invitation to Surrender

One little word – two little letters – forever changed my relationship with my children: “No!” They had been such little angels. Where did this little defiant 3 year old come from? No matter how much you grow up, there is still, somewhere deep down inside, a little 3 year old who rears his/her head every now and then to say, “No!  I don’t want to do that. No! I want it my way.” 

We have many names for this small person inside each of us: defiant, stubborn, strong-willed, will-full. It manifests itself in in numerous different ways. When people try to sabotage our plans, it can come out as anger. When we want to coerce things to go our way, it comes out as manipulation. When we always have to win, it comes out as competitiveness. 

Into this situation, Jesus teaches us to pray, “Your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.” One of the questions that I get asked consistently as a pastor is this: “What is God’s will for my life?” By that, people typically mean, “I would like clarity about my future…I don’t want to make a choice or a mistake…I want to have confidence that God is going to bless my decision.” 

There is a story told about a famous ethicist who went to see Mother Theresa. She asked him, “What can I do for you?” The man asked her to pray for him. “What do you want me to pray for?” she responded. 

“Pray that I will have clarity.” he said. 

“No, I will not do that” she responded. “Clarity is the last thing you are clinging to and must let go of.” 

The man commented that Mother Theresa always seemed to have the clarity he longed for — the focus, the single-minded direction. She laughed and said, “I have never had clarity; what I have always had is trust. So I will pray that you trust God.” 

When we pray, “Your will be done,” we are letting go of that need for clarity and exchanging it for trust in the God who holds our future. As we learn to trust God, we learn to let go of a few other things as well — fantasies, plans, regrets, shame. In Garden of Gethsemene, Jesus himself had to come to terms with his own humanity. Facing the cross, he prayed, “Father is there is any other way…yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). 

Stanley Hauerwas and Will Willimon described the issue this way: “Too often, we are conditioned to think of prayer as asking God for what we want — dear God, give me this, give me that. But now, in praying that God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven, we are attempting to school ourselves to want what God wants.” 

To pray for God’s will to be done is to have our imaginations captivated and enthralled with a greatervision. It is to surrender clarity for trust and believing that God — the one who sees the bigger picture — is better equipped to guide my life than I am. 

May is for Church Missions

May flowers are in bloom, and so is generosity shown through our Church Mission Offering! This fund supports local mission projects in our church and city. Past church mission offerings have accomplished much good — consider this short list as an example: the offering has helped to establish our church’s Community Garden, to retrofit a bus into a mobile grocery store in Sumter County, to support first-time college students from Griffin-Spalding County Schools, to raise money for the End the Wait Foundation that supports kidney transplant patients, and much more.

     We believe in a grace that gives generously. God has called us to use our resources to make a difference for the Kingdom of God throughout Griffin and Spalding County. As part of our Church Mission Offering education emphasis for 2026, we would like to share stories from a local partner in ministry called Spalding Samaritans. Our prayer is that in learning more about this special ministry, you will be led to pray for their work and to ask God how you might be part of it.

Please consider how God is calling you to give above and beyond your regular tithe to partner with us this year through the Church Mission Offering. You can do so online or by marking the “Church Mission Offering” space on your giving envelope.

Spalding Samaritans: Uplifting Our Neighbors through Essential Support

Since 2003, Spalding Samaritans has been providing emergency assistance to Spalding County residents who need help paying a utility bill. They are an all-volunteer, faith-based, 501(c)(3) non-profit charity —not a governmental agency. They are financed entirely through the generosity of local churches, organizations, and caring individuals. As such, they are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of First Baptist Church, who serves as a valued partner in this ministry.

Linda Hayden, a volunteer in the Spalding Samaritans, shared this story: Agnes was in the line of applicants with applications for assistance.  Her information was completed and she was ready to be seen.  When one of the directors walked her to my table, she eagerly took a chair and began asking what else she needed to do.  The process of intake was explained to her, and we began.  We completed the budget part and discussed the gap between her income and expenses.  She explained that her husband had been laid off for two months and had not worked.  He had just located another job as a truck driver who made long hauls.  The new job necessitated a move so they decided to settle in Griffin so that Agnes could help her ailing mother more.  

Agnes stated that they were unable to pay their utilities due to connection fees and service costs with the move to Griffin.  Rent was also more expensive.  I explained to her that once assistance is provided that the applicant cannot apply again for 13 months.  I asked her what they would do to pay their utility costs for the next months.  

She stated that her husband was a hard worker.  She wanted to help him pay bills.  For herself, she planned to find a job, but first she would need to renew her CNA certificate.  She provided home care visits for senior citizens under VA care.   They were awarded money plus much encouragement by Spalding Samaritans to help them to have a new start in Griffin.

Two weeks later I heard from her again.  She was trying to reach me to show me her CNA certificate that had been renewed. She also told me proudly that she had found a part-time job.  I told her about the new VA facility that was in Zebulon and how to find it.  I also told her that the local VA office in Griffin may be able to help her get re-established.  She left excited.  I knew in my heart that the couple would make it going forth.  They were giving all effort to becoming independent, successful citizens!

Levites at work

The Levite Ministry provided help at Clydene Peek's home recently by repairing a mailbox, floor, and window blinds. Thank you, Levites, for giving of your time and talents to serve our congregation!

Community Garden Update

The garden is fully planted and the plants are peeping over the soil. We have cucumbers ,okra, squash, bush beans , tomatoes, bell and jalapeño peppers. Zinnias as well as sunflowers are also planted. Ms Lori and the kids planted and created Jimmy Jimerson, our Scarecrow, on May 6.  Patrick has rebuilt another bed so we have more room for planting!  Update courtesy of Viki Bozeman.

We need helpers as we keep the garden watered! Please be a part of this amazing ministry!  You can sign up with the button below.

Caregivers Clothes Closet

The Clothes Closet continues to need rolling carts and backpacks. However, they will not be accepting any clothing donations during the months of June or July. (The closet is fully stocked with clothing right now.) Thank you!

Benevolence Ministry

Our Benevolence Ministry and Caregivers Clothes Closet serves the public each Monday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (with the exception of holidays). If you would like to volunteer for this ministry, then please contact the church office. The Caregivers Clothes Closet is in need of blue jeans of any size (but especially boys, sizes 4-16 and larger sizes for men), as well as adult-sized book bags. You will find drop boxes in the Welcome Center on the Hill Street side of the church and in the Welcome area on the Family Life Center side of the church. Thank you for supporting this ministry and those who are vulnerable in our community.

Five Loaves & Two Fish Food Pantry

If you would like to be part of this ministry team, or if you would like to donate canned or boxed food goods, please contact Justin Keiser or the church office. Donation boxes are located in the Welcome Center and in the Family Life Center.

Mark your calendars now for this quintessential semiquincentennial musical event this summer! FBC is hosting a free patriotic organ concert to Celebrate America on Tuesday, June 30, at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. The featured performer is the retired Organist for Arlington National Cemetery, Randall Sheets. The evening will also feature a community choir. All are invited.

Singers from across our community are invited to join a special combined community choir for this concert. Rehearsals will take place at the church on Sunday, June 28 from 2:00-3:00 p.m., on Monday, June 29 from 7:00-7:45 p.m., and on Tuesday, June 30 before the concert.

Ensemble Rehearsal Schedule

Church Library

The Summer Reading adventure for ALL AGES is about to begin!