Advisory
The Advisory Meeting shall consist of the Deacons, Trustees, and Chairpersons
of all standing ministries. Also included are the Associate Ministers that are
designated by the Pastor. The duties of the Board are advisory only. It shall
consider such matters as the Pastor shall present for advisory consideration.
This meeting shall consider the names of persons nominated for officers of the
church and shall make such inquiry and investigation, as the Pastor shall deem
proper to determine the fitness for such persons for office.
The Agape Ministry’s mission is to promote quality of living by identifying and meeting the diverse needs of the people. They temporarily assist those in need due to circumstances beyond their control. We are commanded by God to help those who need help and to “feed His sheep”. They meet every Tuesday and Friday at 12:00 noon.
The Purpose of the Beautification Ministry is to glorify God and enhance the ministry of First Baptist Church of Stratford, by making our church, it’s grounds, and any other facility related to the church more aesthetically attractive and appealing.
The Boy’s Basketball Team has been developed under the leadership of Deacon Dewey Amos and Deacon Roderick Mack. The team consists of young boys that are disciples of First Baptist Church.
Bible Study is a chance for people to come and learn about the Bible. Children’s Bible Study is held on Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m.
Christian Education Ministry
The Christian Education Ministry, through the Church, elects their disciples
for one-year terms. This ministry shall unify, supervise, and promote all educational
interest of the church including the Sunday Church Scholl, Vacation Church School,
Youth groups and all other groups and classes operating in the field of Christian
Education. The Church finances this ministry.
The Culinary Ministry prepares gourmet meals for special occasions for our church family and upon any ministry’s request.
Diaconate Ministry
Deacons
The Deacons assist the Pastor in the spiritual oversight of the Church and visit
and care for the sick when notified. Deacons assist in preparing the communion
and attend to candidates for Baptism. When a disciple is sick and unable to
attend Worship on the first Sunday, the Pastor and Deacons will take Holy Communion
to the sick and shut-in. Deacons are to be available for prayer and consultation
when needed and to help you find your rightful place in God’s program.
They meet the Saturday after the first Sunday of the month at 4:00 p.m.
Deaconess
The Deaconess, along with the Deacons, will assist the Pastor in developing
the spiritual like of the women and girls of the Church for the best possible
Christian service. The Deaconess visit the sick and distressed and are of service
whenever and wherever needed.
They meet the Saturday after the first Sunday of the month at 4:00 p.m.
This Ministry is one of our newest Ministries that is now forming.
The Drill Team is made up of the youth of the church. The Drill Team meets Every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.
The Evangelism Ministry of the First Baptist Church of Stratford seeks to promote the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ by equipping the disciples of the church for lifestyle evangelism. Our goal is to provide an Evangelism Discipleship Training Ministry where all of God’s people can learn how to confidently share their faith with those who are unsaved.
Presently, this objective is being achieved through the use of the Evangelism Explosion International Discipleship Equipping Ministry, which is a worldwide evangelism training ministry that was started in 1960 by the Reverend Dr. D. James Kennedy, who is the Pastor of the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The Evangelism Ministry meets every Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. Any disciple who is interested in learning to share their faith with others in a confident and non threatening way should contact Pastor Sutton or any other disciple who is involved in this ministry.
The Finance Ministry is a made up of a group of church elected disciples. This ministry, along with the Trustee and Diaconate Ministries, shall secure the necessary funds to meet all expensed within the church budget, as adopted, to maintain and advance the work of the church. At least one month before the church’s annual meeting, the Finance ministry shall allow a committee to present to the Advisory Ministry for its consideration and to the church for its action, an itemized budget of church expenses. The ministry shall, through its counting committee, keep an itemized record of amount received for the respective funds each week.
First Baptist Development Corporation
The First Baptist Development Corporation is made up of disciples of First Baptist Church of Stratford, but are a separate entity of the church. The corporation completed its first large project in 2000, by building and selling affordable housing to a disciple of First Baptist Church.
First Baptist Federal Federal Credit Union
The First Baptist Federal Credit Union serves as a savings and loan institution. Such services include car loans, vacation and Christmas accounts. Office hours are on Thursday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and every Sunday after the 7:30 a.m. worship service.
The Floral Ministry aids in the beautification of the church with flowers. Their regular scheduled meeting is every 2nd Friday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
The purpose of the choir is to facilitate the harmony and spirituality through the expression of religious music. They sing the third Sunday of every month at the 11:00 a.m. worship service and the fourth Sunday of every month at the 7:30 a.m. worship service. Rehearsals are every Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
Health Care Awareness Ministry
The Health Care Awareness Ministry serves the disciples of First Baptist Church by providing health education, blood pressure screening and health fairs. The ministry welcomes new disciples both professional and non-professional who are available and interested in education our disciples. Meetings are held the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m.
The Historical Ministry gathers and maintains records pertaining to the history of the church.
The Inspirational Choir sings on the second Sunday of every month at the 11:00 a.m. worship service and the third Sunday of every month at the 7:30 a.m. service, and the fifth Sunday at the 7:30 a.m. worship. Rehearsals are every Monday at 6:30 p.m.
Senior and Junior Missionaries visit the sick and shut-in disciples of the church, and provide their service for assistance wherever they are needed. The Junior Missionaries meet every first Saturday of the month at 12:00 noon, while the Senior Missionaries meet the same Saturday at 3:00 p.m.
The Junior Usher Ministry is comprised of Junior boys and girls (until high school graduation). They usher at regular church worships and programs. The Junior Ushers are assigned to usher on the second, third, and fifth Sundays. The Junior Ushers meet every 3rd Saturday of the month at 1:00 p.m.
Youthful boys and girls worship God in praise in the form of dance to holy music. The Liturgical Dancers meet every Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The Loyal Workers perpetuate Christianity, fellowshipping with the other ministries and to raise funds for the Church.
The Melodez of FBC sing on the third Sunday of every month at 7:30 a.m. worship service and the fifth Sunday at the 7:30 and 11:00 a.m. worship services. Rehearsals are on Wednesday’s from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
The Men’s Choir sings the first Sunday of every month at the 7:30 a.m. service.
All males who join First Baptist Church after receiving the Right Hand of Fellowships automatically become a member of this Ministry.
The Music Ministry shall cooperate with the Pastor in the selection of an organist and any person connected with the music for the church. It shall concern itself with arranging for the musical part of the church services.
The Nominating Ministry shall prepare a list of names from the discipleship of the church of those believed qualified to fill vacancies. The Advisory Meeting shall determine the fitness of the nominees before the church shall vote upon the nominee for the office. The ministry shall prepare ballots for the election of all officers to be elected and in all cases (when possible) the ministry shall nominate more than one person to fill each vacancy.
Parent’s Group Children’s Choir
Members include the parents of the children that belong to the Children’s Choir. The Parent’s Group oversees the children of the choir and conducts Christian workshops.
Pastor’s Aid
The Pastor’s Aid assists the Pastor through miscellaneous duties (e.g.
Host and Hostesses to out-of-town guest preachers). Meetings are held the 4th
Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m.
Progressive Ministry
The Progressive Ministry raises funds for the church. They also sponsor an annual
Golden Ages Dinner for senior citizens and sponsor an annual New Disciples Program
for every new disciple of the church. Meetings are held every 2nd Tuesday of
each month.
Publicity Ministry
The Publicity Ministry shall keep the events of the church before the community
through such media as deemed advisable by the church such as the monthly church
newsletter. E-mail fbcgoodnews@sbcglobal.net
The Purchasing Ministry provides an organized and efficient procurement for the First Baptist Church. Purchasing products and services as required. Manage inventory and obtain high quality products at competitive prices. Also, maintaining high ethical relationships with vendors.
The Scholarship Ministry provides assistance to students in college and graduate school. They also provide information to students and parents on colleges, universities and other programs. Meetings are held the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
The Senior Choir sings the first Sunday of every month at the 11:00 a.m. service and the second Sunday of every month at the 7:30 a.m. service. Rehearsals are every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
Senior Missionary Ministry and Junior Missionaries
Senior and Junior Missionaries visit the sick and shut-in disciples of the church, and provide their service for assistance wherever they are needed. The Junior Missionaries meet every first Saturday of the month at 12:00 noon, while the Senior Missionaries meet the same Saturday at 3:00 p.m.
The Senior Ushers Ministry is comprised of men and women 21 years of age and older. They usher at regular church worships and some special worships and programs. The Senior Ushers are assigned to usher on the first and fourth Sundays of every month. Their meetings are scheduled the 3rd Tuesday of every month.
Sunday Church School Ministry
The Sunday Church School has classes for all ages to study the Bible in depth
every Sunday morning at 9:15 a.m.
Sympathy Ministry
The Sympathy Ministry provides support to church disciples at funerals by assisting
with the distribution of food, unless otherwise requested. Their regular scheduled
meeting is every fourth Friday of each month at 3:00 p.m.
Trustees Ministry
Under the general direction of the Church discipleship, this Ministry conducts
all business transactions on behalf of the Church. The Ministry holds in trust
all property and takes measures to ensure its protection, management and upkeep.
Other responsibilities are assigned from time to time. They meet the 1st Friday
at 7:30 p.m. and the 3rd Saturday at 2:00 p.m.
Ushering Ministry
The Ushering Ministry of three persons shall work with the improvement of ushering
in the church. In doing this it shall oversee any ministry concerned with ushering
and report to the church.
Women’s Fellowship
All females who join First Baptist Church after receiving the Right Hand of
Fellowships automatically become a member of this Ministry.
Youth Fellowship
Youth Fellowship allows the youth of the church to gather in Christian fellowship
and allow the opportunity to talk about God and how he affects our daily lives.
Youth Fellowship meets on Thursdays from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.