Fayetteville First Baptist connects with community through Serve Sunday

Members of Fayetteville First Baptist Church headed out Sept. 4 to do community service projects on Serve Sunday. FAYETTEVILLE FIRST BAPTIST/Special

In what has become an annual tradition on the Sunday before Labor Day, hundreds of Fayetteville First Baptist Church members spread out across Fayette County on Sept. 4 to do community service projects on "SERVE Sunday."

“The purpose of SERVE Sunday is to put hands and feet to our faith," said Jim Thomas, senior pastor. "We can stay in our churches and talk about what it means to follow Jesus, or we can take what we learn and live it out in practical service to our community.”

“Serve Sunday enables us to share Christ’s love by serving others," explained Ronnie Reid, pastor of music and worship. "This year we served assisted living centers, schools, and in downtown Fayetteville. In past years we have served our police, firefighters, local food banks, and various needs throughout our city."

To serve and not be served

Added Thomas, "We want to have a positive impact on our community in the name of Jesus. As He came to serve and not be served, we desire as a local congregation to emulate our Savior and serve those around us in practical ways.

“This summer we have studied Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7," said Thomas. "SERVE Sunday allows us the opportunity to corporately demonstrate the principles of following Jesus in practical ways as we serve our community.”

Added Reid, "It is truly a joy for us to see smiles on faces as people realize we are there to serve them."

Fayetteville First Baptist Church is located at 205 E. Stonewall Avenue, just one block off the square in downtown Fayetteville. Sunday worship times are 8:30 a.m. (Classic) and 11 a.m. (Celebration), with Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. For more information, visit www.fayettevillefbc.org or email info@fayettevillefbc.org.