The Grace Place
SUNDAY WORSHIP
Are you ready to praise the Lord? We will look for you in worship this Sunday!
Celebration Worship begins at 9:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary. We invite you to view our Order of Worship.
Connexion Worship, our contemporary service, begins at 11:15 a.m. in the Family Life Center inside Morgan Hall. We invite you to view our Order of Worship.
Sunday School classes meet throughout the church at 10:15 a.m. Find a Class
Don't forget to drop by Common Grounds Coffeehouse while you are heading to class.
We look forward to seeing you for our next Wednesday meal on December 10, which will be baked spaghetti, salad, rolls, and sugar cookies.
We encourage you to RSVP.
Be in the Know...
Church Community Announcements
Anticipation. Excitement. Hope. Love. Peace. Joy. These are blessings of Advent. We hope you will take part in our advent activities and invite your loved ones. Our community will come together on December 7 for the highly acclaimed piano ensemble concert, The Holly and The Ivories, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. We will hold a One Church Worship service in the Sanctuary at 11:00 a.m. on December 21, and then we will gather again with our church family and our community on December 24 at 5:00 p.m. for the annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.
we will host 10 gifted pianists at 5 grand pianos for an evening of Christmas music you won’t want to miss. The Holly & The Ivories is free for the community. Families are welcome, but please note that we will not have childcare. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 6:00 p.m.
We have signed up nearly 200 children for our Christmas Toy Shop experience! That means we will need YOU to help us serve those families on December 8th.
If you can help us between now and then, please sign up with the link below.
Please consider taking an ornament from our Toy Shop trees in the welcome areas at church to shop for a toy donation. We also have a wish list on Amazon. Your donation helps us provide for the children we will serve on December 8. Find all the links you need at our website: fbcgriffin.org/christmas-toy-shop.
If you would like to make a contribution in memory or in honor of someone to go toward the expense of Christmas poinsettias and other Christmas decorations placed throughout the church, then please place your gift of $15.00 per listing and the name(s) of the person(s) you are remembering or honoring in the offering plate or see Leigh Ann Williams no later than Sunday, December 7, 2025.
We look forward to gathering together again as one church in the Sanctuary on Sunday, December 21st and December 28th in Morgan Hall at 11:00 a.m. Sunday school classes will have the option to meet prior to the the service; please ask your class leader for more details.
We invite our members to join us at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17, for a meal in Morgan Hall before our annual church conference begins at 5:45 p.m. BBQ sandwiches, chips, coleslaw, and dessert will be served (no charge). The conference packet will be available in advance of the conference.
Our traditional Christmas Eve service begins at 5:00 p.m. in our Sanctuary. We celebrate the birth of our Savior through carols, Scripture, communion, and candlelight. The Christmas Eve choir is open to the communith with rehearsal at 4:30 p.m. that evening. All resources are available online for anyone who would like to sing the Hallelujah Chorus with us that evening. Please visit the link below for more information.
January Book Conversation
Howard Thurman: Seeing Jesus from the Underside
Howard Thurman was one of the most influential voices in American Christian spirituality in the 20th century. His writings served as the theological underpinning of the Civil Rights Movement in America and he was a deep influence on such prominent figures as Martin Luther King, Jr., Maya Angelou, Arthur Ashe, and Alice Walker. What is the significance of Howard Thurman’s thought for the church today? Join us for a three-part conversation co-facilitated by Rev. Steven Norris and Rev. Dr. Cleopatrick Lacy as we explore Thurman‘s legacy and message for the Church. We will meet on Wednesday nights in FBC Griffin’s Morgan Hall from 6:00-7:00 pm.
Session 1 (January 7, 2026): Who was Howard Thurman and why does his voice matter today?
Session 2 (January 14, 2026): How do we look at the story of Jesus from the bottom up?
Session 3 (January 21, 2026): How do we live in the upside-down Kingdom of God?
(In preparation for this conversation, we encourage you to purchase and read Howard Thurman’s book, Jesus and the Disinherited. Anyone may attend and participate, but you will be better prepared if you have read this important work prior to these sessions.)
Grace Notes
a weekly blog written by Senior Pastor, Steven Norris
Hope for Real Families
Where do you come from? Who are your people? The answers to such questions give context and location to a life. It is no surprise that the story of Jesus begins with a genealogy (Matthew 1:1-17) — tracing his lineage back to Israel’s origins and the authority of Israel’s monarchy. These connections would be expected for someone so significant to world history. Such roots, however, often go deep into potentially dark and hardened places that we might be tempted to hide from polite company.
For example, we find the name Tamar. After the death of her wicked husband, she finds herself childless and the kinsman redeemer unwilling to fulfill his duties, she takes matters into her own hands. When her father-in-law Judah passed by, he mistook her for a prostitute and gave her his staff and signet as an “I.O.U.” for her services, but she flees before he can return with payment. When her pregnancy was questioned, she produced the staff and signet as proof of paternity. Though scandalous to our modern ears, Judah testifies that she has been more faithful to the covenant than he (see Genesis 38).
Jesus’ genealogy includes Rahab, a prostitute from Jericho who assisted the Israelite spies sent to explore the Promised Land (Joshua 2).
It includes Ruth, whose Moabite ancestry can be traced to shockingly incestuous beginnings (Genesis 19:30-38). By any modern standard, she would be seen as an illegal immigrant (her mother-in-law instructed her to return to her own people), a strain on the welfare system (the practice of gleaning was meant to take care of the most vulnerable Israelites), and as one who seduced Boaz (to “uncover his feet” was a euphemism for sexual advances).
The family tree includes Bathsheba (though her name is excluded). Her relationship with David was not a passionate love affair. Given King David’s position, it is unlikely that she had any agency in the relationship. Not only was she a victim of sexual assault, but David went so far as to have her husband killed to cover for his sin.
Finally, I can only imagine the ridicule Mary must have experienced after her pregnancy was discovered. Her fiancée, Joseph chose to protect her rather than subject her to punishment. I wonder if those questions followed Jesus throughout his childhood.
In such a highly patriarchal culture, Matthew could have told this story without including these women, but he did not. He does so, not to excuse or overlook sin, but to remind us that Jesus shows up in the depths of our pain. He shows up in the midst of hurtful words, unwed pregnancies, addictive behaviors, wayward children, failed marriages, physical and mental illness, lost jobs, compromised business decisions, and seasons of doubt and uncertainty. Matthew includes these stories to remind us that Jesus shows up in the chaos of real life.
As we walk the road of Advent, do not let the serene perfection of Christmas cards and familiar carols dull the shock of Emmanuel — God with us — in all our mess and chaos. In God’s plan, we will not find perfect families or perfect circumstances, only perfect love that makes room for us all in God’s story of redemption.
Be in the Know...
Adult Ministries Announcements
XYZ Activities
Have a merry Christmas! We will see you in the new year!
WOM Activities
WOM will not have a regular meeting in December. We look forward to seeing you again in the new year!
Are you plugged in?
Did you know that we have 12 adult Sunday school classes that meet each week at 10:15 a.m. throughout the church? If you want to dive deeper into scripture, or if you are looking for a place to be reassured of God's love, we invite you to check out our Sunday school groups. See what is available here: Sunday School Classes.
Be in the Know...
Children and Student Ministry Announcements
Weekday Education
Fall Food Drive
The Weekday Education Program will be collecting canned and dry goods for charity through December 5. Please consider bringing your donation in to help our preschool students as they minister to our community.
KIDMIN & Student Schedule
You’re invited to gather for a cozy morning of good food, laughter, and Christmas cheer! To make it extra special, bring a dish to share and a small “comfort” gift — think soft blankets, fuzzy socks, a candle, or a mug with hot cocoa. Nothing fancy, just something that warms the heart! Let’s celebrate the season together, enjoy some comfort food, and appreciate all God has done through the Children's Ministry this year.
Get Your Student Connected
We are excited to provide your student opportunities to learn more about God's Word and work here in our own town and around the world. If your student has not gotten involved in our Sunday school classes or Wednesday night activities, then we invite you to check out our programs this week. Sunday school for all age groups begins at 10:15 a.m. Contact Lori Welborn for preschool and grade school children's program information. Contact Seth Brown for middle and high school student program information.
A Note for Families Using the Gym...
If you would like to request access to the weight room, aerobics room, or gymnasium outside of a regular church activity, then we need your signature on a waiver (in accordance with our insurance policy expectations). Please see Leigh Ann Williams in the Church Administrative office during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:00-5:00 p.m.). Members and regular participants at First Baptist will find the gym available for their use on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays after 6:00 p.m. If you would like to inquire about the schedule for the gym on any other day, please reach out to the church office to ensure that your use would not conflict with anyone who has reserved the space.
Our childcare kiddos are invited to snuggle up in their coziest Christmas PJs for a merry good time! We’ll enjoy holiday songs, fun games, sweet treats, and plenty of jingly joy. It’s a cheerful, comfy Christmas celebration made just for our little ones.
Grade school children are invited to come out to play reindeer games on Wednesday, December 10 to close out our semester of Music and Missions.
Walking the Way in service to others...
Missions
Caregivers Clothes Closet Needs
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 the church office. Donation boxes are located in the Welcome Center and in the Family Life Center.
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.
Pam Godard has generously donated this handicap ramp to anyone who might have need of it. If you know of someone who would benefit from having this ramp, please contact Bob Long (678-438-6491).
Church Community News
Morgan Hall was filled with the glow of candlelight, the aroma of delicious desserts, laughter, and friendship on Monday, December 1, at our annual Advent by Candlelight ladies event.
The five pianos for our piano ensemble concert arrived Wednesday morning. Join us Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. for The Holly & The Ivories. This event is a perfect way to kick off the Christmas season with your loved ones.
Music Ministry News
The Ukulele Ensemble has begun its Christmas Tour starting with The Woods on Thursday, December 4. Their festive music had everyone smiling and singing along.
Rehearsal Schedule
BEGINNER'S UKULELE
NO REHEARSAL
HANDBELLS
NO REHEARSAL
INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE (ORCHESTRA)
Dec. 10: Rehearsal in Instrumental Room from 6:00-6:30pm
PRAISE TEAM
December 10:
SANCTUARY CHOIR
December 10: 7:00-8:15pm rehearsal
UKULELE ENSEMBLE
(Big Group)
December 11: Stepping Stones at 9:15am, Griffin Manor at 10:30am
PIANO ENSEMBLE
December 4: 6-8pm
December 5: 6-8pm
December 6: 10:30am-12:00, lunch after
December 7: 8am rehearsal, play at 9am
10:30 am rehearsal, play at 11:15am
11:30am-1:00pm rehearsal
6:00pm Concert!
Other News
Comcast Broadcast of Celebration Worship Information
If you watch the broadcast of our Celebration Worship service on Sunday mornings at 11:00 a.m. (Channel 26), please note that they are now listing our service as two (2) thirty-minute broadcasts. If you are recording the service for later viewing, then you will need to schedule your recorder to pick up both "blocks" of the service from 11:00-11:30 and 11:30-12:00.
Did you Know...?
If you missed the worship service, you can always watch it on demand from our website. Visit fbcgriffin.org/watch-live and then select Watch Last Service or Watch on Demand if you would like to find an older service. Both Celebration and Connexion worship services are archived in this space. Special events held in the Sanctuary can also be viewed on demand by searching the year and month they took place.
If you are looking for ways to support our community and the local arts scene, then we encourage you to check out these shows on offer this fall. Be sure to look for FBC Griffin faces involved in these activities!
The Griffin Choral Arts will perform "Hodie! Today Christ is Born" at 7:30pm at First Baptist Church on Tuesday, December 9. You will find more information and tickets available online at Griffin Choral Arts.
I NEED TO KNOW...
We get it...finding the information you need is not always be easy. If the answer to your question is not obvious here, please reach out to us.
We have a very active church membership! If you would like to request the use of a meeting space at the church, please contact Leigh Ann Williams.
If you would like to request access to the weight room, aerobics room, or gymnasium outside of a regular church activity, then we need your signature on a waiver (in accordance with our insurance policy expectations). Please see Leigh Ann Williams in the Church Administrative office during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:00-5:00 p.m.). Members and regular participants at First Baptist will find the gym available for their use on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays after 6:00 p.m. If you would like to inquire about the schedule for the gym on any other day, please reach out to the church office to ensure that your use would not conflict with anyone who has reserved the space.
Are you inviting friends or family to church? Or maybe you just need to know all the places you can park when you are here? Visit this link: DIRECTIONS AND PARKING.
Contact us at 770-227-5517 by Friday at noon (or Thursday if Friday falls on a holiday) if you need us to help coordinate a ride to worship service.
The First Baptist Church Endowment Foundation, Inc., is a separate entity from FBC Griffin. If you wish to donate to the FBC Endowment Foundation, there are three convenient ways to do so. Please make checks payable to the FBC Endowment Foundation, Inc.
1) Mail a check to FBC Griffin, P.O. Box 908, Griffin, GA 30224.
2)On Sunday morning, place a check in the blue FBC Endowment Foundation envelope (located in the pew rack or in the Welcome Center) in the offering plate.
3)Drop off a check in the church office.
For more information about the Foundation, please visit https://fbcgriffin.org/fbc-endowment-foundation/.
Access to the church outside of regular business hours may be requested through the Church Office. Please contact Leigh Ann Williams during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30-noon, 1:00-5:00 p.m.) to inquire about this process.
We want to help you use the electronic resources available to you at our church. If you have a question or need a tutorial, or if you need help troubleshooting a technology problem with some of our resources, please REQUEST IT HERE.
New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, Monday following Easter, Memorial Day, Juneteenth (observed on June 20th this year), Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day following Thanksgiving, Christmas Day
© 2025. First Baptist Church of Griffin. All rights reserved.
Mailing address: P.O. Box 908, Griffin, GA 30224