Church Leadership
Our church is comprised of a variety of Boards and Committees which, in cooperation with the Pastor, are responsible for completing the many functions of church.
Boards
Committees
Pastoral Relations Committee
Staff
Administrative Assistant
Treasurer
Board of Deacons
The Board of Deacons is one of the three governing boards of the church. The Board of Deacons work with the Pastor to make decisions that impact worship and support the people of the church.
Deacons may be contacted individually, directly or by contacting the church.
Board of Trustees
The Trustees are the financial leadership of the church. The Board of Trustees also shall hold in its trust, all the properties belonging to the church. It has the responsibility to take all measures for its protection, management and upkeep of these properties.
Currently, the church Sunday School windows are being repaired and refurbished and should be replaced by year end.
Board of Christian Education
The Board of Christian Education guides and oversees the educational ministry for Sunday School, Youth Group, Kids Club and offers support to Adult Bible Study.
The Board selects the Sunday School curriculum, recruits and works directly with teachers, manages the education budget, supports the community summer Vacation Bible School. The Board adheres to an overarching plan for youth safety, educational growth and youth ministry effectiveness, and ensures that the educational activities align with the Sunday School mission statement and Biblical princliples.
Chuch Council
The church council is made up of a representative of each committee and board as well as the Church Clerk, Treasurer, one additional church member and Pastor.
Nominating Committee
The nominating committee prepares a list prior to the annual meeting of those qualified to fill the various offices of the church and ascertain the willingness of the nominees to serve if elected. The committee shall also make recommendations to fill vacancies as they may occur during the year.
If you would like more information about a role in the church or would like to be considered for nomination talk to a member of the Nominating Committee or reach out to the church to be put in contact with them.
Missions Committee
The Mission Committee works to support our three American Baptist ministries:
America for Christ, a national group which funds a wide range of ministries including leaderships empowerment, community healing, justice ministries and discipleship and faith formation.
One Great Hour of Sharing, an international relief fund serves to help people across the world including refugees, those affected by disasters, and missionary work.
And the Retired Ministers & Missionaries fund which supports retired pastors, missionaries, and church leaders who have served.
The committee meets three or four times a year after worship. If you would like more information, contact the church office at 1stbaptistlebanon@gmail.com
Additional Missions We Support
Compassion International
"None of us chooses where we are born. But we get to choose what we do with the ways God has blessed us." First Baptist Church of Lebanon participates in Compassion International, a Christian child development and child advocacy ministry powered by more than one million sponsors. Compassion International works in partnership with local churches in 25 developing countries that are equipped through sponsors to implement programs providing for the child's physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. Our First Baptist Church sponsorship commitment is a monthly gift of $38.00 which supports Allisson Milena, in Equador. In addition to this child sponsored by the church, as of May 2019, 14 of our church members became sponsors of a child. The children supported by Compassion sponsors are ages 1-18, and they receive a caring and safe Christian environment to grow in self-confidence and social skills; the opportunity to hear the gospel and learn about Jesus; educational opportunities and mentoring; health care; hygiene training; supplementary food if necessary; and personal attention and love.
Operation Christmas Child - Samaritan's Purse - aka Shoebox Ministry
During the month of November we support the Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child. The goal is to send as many boxes as we can to children in need around the world. This may be the only gift they receive so all are invited to join in this ministry, so that these children will know the love of God as shared through us.
The Giving Tree
This tree adorns our foyer November through December. Upon it you will find gift tags of desired items for children in need of support through Lebanon Social Services. We typically support around 6 children. Additionally, items such as hats, gloves and socks can be hung from the tree like ornaments. These items are gathered on the 1st of the year and donated to those in need at the local no-freeze shelter.
Community Meals
Participants from the Church gather to serve two meals a month to the hungry out of the First Baptist Church of Willimantic.
Fellowship Committee
The Fellowship Committee continues to support our Sunday Coffee Hour and time of Fellowship each week. It is a wonderful time of socializing for the entire Congregation.
They also hosted the Sunrise Service with breakfast following, Variety Show (also known as Ice Cream Social), Harvest Fair and Holiday Fair, Soup and Bread Sunday for the Annual Meeting.
At times we also host a Luncheon at the Senior Center or host special groups such as the Crew that put on our new roof for 3 days. The Crew, the Committee and all the Volunteers were well fed.
The Pie Pantry continues to be a favorite. We gather to make many pies in one day, and freeze them. These pies remain available for sale throughout the year, as supplies last. Thanks to all our customers who continue to support this endeavor.
Our special thanks to the Committee for always willing to do the work to make all these events happen and there to help, no matter the task. Also for all the people who help out each week by donating food and help with the after hour cleanup and all the behind the scene workers who make it happen.
Thank you Donald for keeping our kitchen sparkling. Thank you Barbara for all the beautiful decorations each week.