Weekly Update – April 9th, 2026
This week, I want to share with you a spread of things that are occurring around First Baptist Church. Some reflect the good work that the Lord has and is doing, others provide opportunities to be connected to what we hope the Lord will continue to do. From leadership additions to discipleship and potential opportunities for outreach, here are five highlights that I want to bring to your attention.
First, leadership additions. At our quarterly members meeting on March 29th, we had the privilege to install Daniel Holsten as a new elder and Jonathan McNally as a new deacon. Both men love and serve our church well, meaning that this transition will, Lord willing, be very smooth. Jonathan will continue to serve primarily over our safety and security team, while Daniel will move from pastoral assistant to associate pastor.
Second, family discipleship. The equipping class titled, “Habits of the Household” concluded before Easter. With this study came many discussions on structure and habits that are helpful in encouraging rhythms that will ultimately point a family towards the Lord. With the many growing families at FBC, this class was a necessary point of discipleship that we hope will serve our them for years to come. Also, out of that class came FBC’s family discipleship guide. This guide is full of helpful resources and practices geared towards greater family discipleship. You can access that guide HERE.
Third, missions. On Friday, April 17th, we will host a simulcast with David Platt called Secret Church. It has been a few years since we have hosted this, but it will prove to be a great opportunity to learn about the life of Elijah and pray for the persecuted church in Nepal. We will gather with 50,000 other people via livestream to simulate what Bible study and prayer look like in the underground church. Then, two days later, on Sunday, April 19th, we will have Sam Parkison with us to share about he and his family’s ministry in the United Arab Emirates. For this, we will all be together during our Equipping Hour. He will then preach for us during our worship service.
Fourth, summer outreach. We have multiple opportunities for you to connect to our local community, as well as potentially reach out to people from all over the world. First, Harry’s Hay Days will be from 10:00am-4:00pm on Saturday, May 2nd. Second, we will host a Soccer Camp with Sports Crusaders on Monday, June 29th-Friday, July 3rd. Third, we will host Vacation Bible School on Monday, July 6th-Friday, July 10th. Then lastly, we will be doing street evangelism on select days over the summer. As you continue to pray for your “One” make plans to join us for our summer outreach as well!
From celebrating what the Lord has done, to anticipating what he will do, may we strive to continue in our mission to proclaim and display the gospel of Jesus Christ. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Eph. 3:20)
Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson
Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson
Fighter Verse for the Week
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness"
- James 1:2-3
Announcements:
Annie Armstrong Easter Offering: Every year at this time, we raise funds to support missionaries all over North America who are serving with the North American Mission Board (NAMB). This year, our goal at First Baptist Church is to raise $3000. You can give on Sunday mornings through one of our offering boxes located in the foyer or the welcome center. Just mark your envelop as “missions” or “Annie.” Or you can give online HERE and choose “missions” under the Fund tab. You can find more information about this offering HERE.
Sunday Evening Service: Our next Sunday evening service will be on Sunday, April 12th at 6:00pm. On this evening we will pray together and hear from Scott Neal as he preaches from 1 John 5:13-21
Secret Church: On April 17th, beginning 6:00pm, we will join David Platt via simulcast for an intense evening of Bible study and prayer. The study for this year will be over the life of Elijah. Sign up this Sunday if you would like to be a part of this. You can find out more about Secret Church, HERE.
Youth Dessert Auction: We will hold a Dessert Auction from 6:00-7:30pm on Sunday, April 26th. This auction will be a fundraiser to help send the youth to summer camp. Everyone is invited to bring a dessert to auction and to bid on a dessert. For more details and to sign up, look at the bulletin board in the hallway.
Harry’s Hay Days: On Saturday, May 2nd, from 10:00am-4:00pm, First Baptist Church will be participating in the citywide festival called, “Harry’s Hay Days.” We will be hosting carnival games, face painters, balloon artists, and more, right here in our parking lot. We need lots of volunteers. Put this date on your calendar and look for a sign up sheet in the hall. You can find out more information about Harry’s Hay Days HERE.
Membership Matters Class: Beginning Sunday, May 3rd, there will be a Membership Matters Class for those interested in joining FBC. This will be a 4 week class (5/3, 5/10, 5/17, 5/24), meeting at 9:15am during our Equipping/Sunday School hour. You can find out more about our membership process HERE.
Family Discipleship Guides: These guides are designed to help equip parents further engage with what our children and youth are learning. You can find a guide for AWANA, HERE and for our Youth, HERE.
Prom Dress Giveaway: The prom dress giveaway is in need of volunteers. See Amy Blankenship or sign up on the bulletin board in the hall. Click HERE for more details.
Men’s Study: Our Men’s study meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday nights at 8:00-9:15pm. The book for this study will be The Case for Christ. See Clint Blankenship for more information.
Ladies Bible Study: On Tuesday, February 17th, a ten week Bible study through the book of Joshua began. There are two sessions, one at 9:30am and another at 6:00pm. You can check out more information about this Bible study, HERE.
Building Remodel: We have officially kicked off our fundraiser! There are commitment cards available in the sanctuary as well as in the welcome center. Feel free to pick up one and return it to one an available basket. If you would like to give a one time or a reoccurring gift, you can do so HERE and select “building remodel.” You can also give through one of the offering boxes at church. Be sure to mark your envelop, “building remodel.” Check out a video highlighting the work done so far.
Food Pantry: The food pantry is currently in need of some food items. For a complete list of food pantry needs, click HERE.
Awana Bible Club
Awana Clubs are held on Wednesdays throughout the school year. Dinner is at 6:00pm with Awana Clubs starting at 6:30pm. Children can be registered HERE.
Equipping Hour
We have three classes held at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. “Habits of the Household” meets in the Sanctuary, a study in Hebrews in the Fellowship Hall, and a Ladies’ class studying the Old Testament meets in the classroom next to the nursery. You can find more information HERE.
Giving
To Give Online, Go HERE.
You can also mail your offering to: 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030
Home Groups
Home Groups typically meet on the first and third Sunday of each month. Please contact Pastor Michael if you would like to join a Home Group. You can find more information HERE.
Prayer
An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE.
Prepare for Sunday
Guide for Worship can be found HERE.
Worship Service
Worship Service begins at 10:30am on Sunday mornings. Nursery care for children ages 0-4 years is available during the worship hour.
Livestream
Continue to join us at 10:30am on Sunday mornings.
YouTube: HERE.
Join us and invite a friend or family member to watch with you.
Sunday School
Children and Youth Sunday School take place at 9:15am on Sunday mornings.
Ages 0-2 and 3–k meet in the nursery suite.
Grades 1-2nd meet upstairs in U-5.
Grades 3rd-6th meet upstairs in U-6.
Grades 7th-12th meet downstairs in the youth room.