Ownership of this magnificent 325-acre Christian camp is split evenly among the Cleveland, Akron, and Ashtabula Baptist Associations. Therefore, as a member of CBA First Baptist is a part-owner. In years past First Baptist held an annual Saturday-Sunday weekend retreat attended by as many as 50 members, families, and friends. The Camp is a wonderful asset for young and old alike. Weeklong camps for Elementary, Junior High and Senior High kids, and for Special Persons, includes Horseback Riding camps for all ages. Check out the website christiancampohio.org or go the Camp’s Facebook page at facebook.com/Koinoniacamp1, today!
SUMMER CAMP OPTIONS 2020
Special Person’s Camp June 4th-7th 5:30pm — 1:00pm $290.00
Senior High Camp June 7th-12th 5:30pm — 5:30pm $355.00
Primary Camp June 14th-17th 5:30pm — 5:30pm $255.00
Youth Special Person’s Horse Camp August 9th-12th 5:30pm — 1:30pm $390.00
Adult Special Person’s Horse Camp August 12th-15th 5:30pm — 1:30pm $390.00
New For Summer 2020!
Days of Wonder Day Camp! July 12th -17th 9:00am — 3:00pm Daily $150.00
A day camp for 6th- 8th graders, based around the beautiful creation Christ has given us! You will experience beekeeping, pumpkin, hay, and other crop growing, maple syrup distilling and more! You will study and talk about environmental issues, birds, mammals, and environmental technology! Come and join an amazing group of people who want to learn and grow God’s beautiful handiwork!
ALL DISCOUNTS END MARCH 1, 2020! NO DISCOUNTS AFTER MARCH 1, 2020!
Early Bird Discount $50.00 — Registration must be completed and submitted with the deposit to the office of Koinonia Camp.
Sibling Discount $20.00 — First registered child at normal price, all following children registered receive $20.00 off applied by the office of Koinonia Camp.
For more information contact Rev. Jeff Gordon through the form below.
Start feeling better and get back to doing the things you love!
Chronic pain—pain lasting six months or more from a variety of causes—can cause you to feel irritable, tired, isolated, or helpless, and keep you from doing the things you enjoy. Researchers at Stanford University have developed Chronic Pain Self-Management (CPSM) to teach proven techniques for safely and effectively managing pain through:
• Exercise, strengthening, endurance, and flexibility • Nutrition
• Managing medications • Decision-making
• Communicating with family, friends, and doctors • Evaluating new treatments
Participants learn and practice a safe, no-impact exercise program and receive an exercise CD and a book, Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain. If chronic pain is holding you back and affecting your quality of life, join us for this NO-CHARGE workshop and start feeling better today!
God calls us as believers to discover and use our spiritual gifts in order to grow the Church in Spirit and in numbers. FBC needs your gifts. Join us in the Judson Room for an in-depth study this Spring during our “Lenten Celebration of Spiritual Gifts.” We offer two sessions of eight-week classes for your convenience — Sundays during the 10:10 a.m. Discipleship Hour and Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. Examine the Holy Spirit’s part in spiritual gifts and discover or uncover your gifts. Also, experience an internship to test out your gifts. To that end, please plan on an approximate 30-minute interview and a maximum two-hour internship prior to commissioning.
Relish in joy and ease of service when you implement God’s power within you. Our main resources include The Holy Spirit as Teacher, Scripture, and SpiritGifts, by Patricia D. Brown. Classes run 60-90 minutes.
All participants, including the 16 people who signed up at Cluster Fair, please use the Sign-up Button to pick your schedule. Signup deadline: Wednesday, January 15, 2020 for the Pre-Lent Breakfast. Signup deadline: Friday, February 14, 2020 for the eight-week classes.
Lenten Celebration of Spiritual Gifts Schedule
Spiritual Gifts Kickoff Breakfast
SATURDAY
January 25: Breakfast at 9:00 a.m. $10 donation includes the book.
March 1: Holy Spirit 1 March 8: Holy Spirit 2 March 15: Spiritual Gifts 1 March 22: Spiritual Gifts 2 March 29: Spiritual Gifts 3 April 5 Break: Palm Sunday April 12 Break: Easter Sunday April 19: Spiritual Gifts 4 May 3: Internship Preparation 1 May 10 Break: Mother’s Day May 17: Internship Preparation 2 May 24 Break: Memorial Day Weekend May 31:Day Of Pentecost Commissioning*
WEDNESDAY DATES & TOPICS (Dinner @ 6:00 p.m. – Wednesdays in the Word 7:00 p.m.)
March 11: Holy Spirit 1 March 18: Holy Spirit 2 March 25: Spiritual Gifts 1 April 1: Spiritual Gifts 2 April 8, 15 Break April 22: Spiritual Gifts 3 April 29: Spiritual Gifts 4 May 6: Internship Preparation 1 May 13: Internship Preparation 2 May 31:Day Of Pentecost Commissioning*
*Includes those who hold a completion certificate from a previous Spiritual Gifts Class taught at FBC.
Alternatively, you may complete all classes and requirements online. The interview and internship, however, are in-person. Check back periodically for the option to complete the interview online. You may make up sessions online at firstbaptistcleveland.org/spiritual-gifts-classes or switch between Sunday and Wednesday sessions of duplicate material.
We are excited about your gifts and look forward to your contribution.
Blessings, Pastor Kregg
Mari Schroeder-Jenkins
Jennifer Whatley Williams
Hello FBC!!! The Noah’s Ark Encounter is quickly approaching and seats are going fast!! Here’s some information:
The Encounter will be October 26-27 in Williamstown, Kentucky $150 per person (includes a ticket to the Ark, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast, Coach transportation, and 1-night hotel stay). Rooms are quad occupancy. Payment is due soon. Cash or check only, checks made payable to First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland, memo – Noah’s Ark Encounter. For more information about the Ark Encounter visit their website.
If you are interested please contact Rev. Sandra or Ship Collins. Complete the following form for more info-
One Sunday Each Summer We’re Outta Here — our service begins!
This is the 12th year that First Baptist Church has left the building for a day of community service, outreach, and fellowship. Information and sign-up sheets will be available in Swasey Tower May 5. Find a project that you would like to do and sign up. We will begin with a brief communion service then it’s off we go to serve!
Our celebration lunch from 12:30 – 2:00 PM is under the capable leadership of Tony Peebles, Benne Christian, and Debra Hagler.
Rev. Kregg Burris will lead us in a brief communion service then it’s off we go to serve!
Here are some of the Project Leaders.
SERVICE PROJECTS
NEIGHBORHOOD FOOD COLLECTION
This group will walk the neighborhoods near FBC collecting food items for Family Promise and for the Hunger Center at Bethany Baptist Church.The FBC Boy Scout troop will assist by distributing fliers, in advance, to the homes we will be visiting.Please bring your own water bottle, rain gear, stroller, and wagons.
Project Leaders: Laura Leanza Preston, Jen, and Steve Bopple (meet in Wheaton Center).
Project designed for: This is a great project for any age; infants, toddlers, children, youth and adults.There is no limit to the number of participants, the more the better!
JUDSON HYMN SING WITH RESIDENTS
This group will travel to Judson Retirement Center for a hymn sing. We will go to several sections of the nursing care facility to sing familiar hymns with the residents.
Project Leaders: Gwen Dyer & Liz Gockel (meet in the Choir Room/Chapel to carpool)
Project designed for: Anyone who enjoys singing the old familiar hymns and in so doing bring a smile to the faces of these older people. You do not need to be a great singer, the words and music will be provided, just bring along a great spirit. This project is open to children, youth and adults of all ages.
RUST BELT COMMUNITY GARDEN
Come help create a useful green space in our city. As we work together at a Cleveland Community Garden, located at 1407 E. 40th, Cleveland. The team will be weeding and thinning the garden to prepare the ground for planting. Bring a water bottle, rain gear, work gloves, kneeling pads, weed whackers, and small hand shovels.
Project Leaders: Jane Pernicone, Ship Collins & Todd Rogers (meet in the Fairmount Hall by the water fountain to carpool.
Project is designed for: youth and young adults but all are welcomed. 10 – 15 are needed.
FAMILY PROMISE
Come join with families living at nearby Family Promise in a morning of fun crafts, games and stories with the children while the parents have an opportunity to have their own “Ask the Doctor” discussion group.
Project Leaders:Carly Marino with the children and Eddie Wills, M.D. Pediatrician, with the parents ( meet by the Welcome desk to carpool)
Project designed for: 10-15 people; children, youth and adults.
FBC HUNGER GARDEN PLANTING
This year our garden is again being opened to neighbors in our community as well as FBC people who would like to have their own plot. Some of all produce grown goes to the Hts. Hunger Center. Come and help get things started. Gardening experience is not needed. Please bring garden gloves.
Project Leaders: Toboli SamYellowe & Aaron Oliver (meet at the Garden).
Project designed for: 6-10 people; older children, youth, and adults.
PRODUCE GIVE AWAY FROM THE CLEVELAND FOOD BANK
This is a new project this year. We will be distributing one whole truckload of fresh produce to the hungry. This will be set up in our parking lot and we will need lots of willing hands to be at various stations to pass out the fresh fruits and vegetables.
Project Leader: Jae Williams (meet by the playground)
Project designed for: 20-25 people, older children, youth and adults.
WHITE CROSS BANDAGES
Currently, bandages are being sent to the Congo. The Fireside Room will quickly be transformed into what looks like a small factory: some ripping sheets, some running sewing machines, some rolling strips into bandages and everyone talking and having fun. Three portable sewing machines are needed as well as three people to operate them.
Project Leaders: Mari Shroder-Jenkins and Barbara Walker (meet in the Fireside Room).
Project designed for: Older children, youth and adults, there is no limit to the number of participants to help with this project, the more the merrier.
SORTING DONATIONS FOR THE MEN’S SHELTER AT 2100 LAKESIDE AND RECOVERY FOR LIFE
The participants will be busy sorting and packing the times for delivery later in the week.
Project Leader: Joan Mihelich (meet in Spahr Center).
Project designed for: 7-8 people; men, women, and teens.
PREPARING A NO-COOK DESSERT FOR A CALVARY MEAL AND EMERGENCY FOOD SNACK BAGS FOR FRONTLINE SERVICE
This is an easy sit-down task of putting together a dessert of trail mix for our next guests we serve at the hot meal at Calvary church. This group will also prepare emergency food snack bags for the homeless mentally ill who receive services from a local mental health agency. It is difficult to help clients when hunger is their most immediate need.
Project Leaders: Tina DeBlaey and Iris Goins (meet in the Livingston Room).
Project designed for: 8-10 people; children, teens, and adults.
LUNCH BUNCH
If you enjoy being in the kitchen this project is for you. Help set up the tables, fire up the grills and help cook a delicious lunch. Report for duty to Head Chef, Faith Arnold in the main kitchen by Fellowship Hall. This also includes staying to help with clean-up and washing dishes.
Project Leaders: Faith Arnold & Benne Christian(meet downstairs in the main kitchen)
Project designed for: 10-12 people; youth and adults
NURSERY IS OPEN
If there is a need, our nursery will be open for babies and toddlers with care being provided by the regular Sunday staff. Parents need to register in advance at the sign-up table for this service.
Questions?Ask Fran Leanza or Karen Gill or email them through the form at the bottom of this page
THE FOLLOWING DONATIONS ARE NEEDED IN ADVANCE TO MAKE OUR DAY A SUCCESS
FRONTLINE SERVICES FOR HOMELESS FOR EMERGENCY FOOD SNACK BAGS
Juice boxes
Individual fruit cups or applesauce
Packages of peanut butter or cheese crackers
Granola or protein bars
RECOVERY FOR LIFE (WOMEN)
Back to work clothes for women
Shoes
Handbags
Coats
Jackets
Raincoats
Umbrellas
Robes
PJ’s
Slippers
Single bed sheets
Bath towels
FAMILY PROMISE
The following items are needed for families as they make a fresh start in their own apartments.
Soaps
Cleaning supplies
Foil & Wax paper
Lunch bags
Toilet paper
Sponges
New kitchen towels
Personal hygiene products for teen girls and women
FOR THE SHELTER AT 2100 LAKESIDE (MEN)
For Men moving out to an apartment
Pots & pans
Dishes
Cooking utensils
coffee pot
For use at the shelter
Books, recent magazines, devotional booklets,
Guideposts, small Bibles, New Testaments, puzzle books and reading glasses from the dollar store
Several times a year the Cleveland Life Institute sponsors leaders to come and speak to the community about their experiences and training.
This free presentation by Dr. Otis Moss, Jr. was sponsored by the Cleveland Life Institute in the First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland, Spahr Center
His talk about “Social Responsibility in the 21st Century-a Call to a New Generation” was very informative and the large crowd appreciated his wisdom.
Theologian, pastor, and civic leader the Reverend Dr. Otis Moss, Jr. is one of America’s most influential religious leaders and highly sought-after public speakers. A native of Georgia, Dr. Moss was born on February 26, 1935, and was raised in the community of LaGrange. The son of Magnolia Moss and Otis Moss, Sr., and the fourth of their five children, he earned his B.A. degree from Morehouse College in 1956 and his masters of divinity degree from the Morehouse School of Religion/Interdenominational Theological Center in 1959. He also completed special studies at the Inter-Denominational Theological Center from 1960 to 1961 and earned his D.Min. degree from the United Theological Seminary in 1990.
From 1954 to 1959, Dr. Moss served as pastor of the Mount Olive Baptist Church in LaGrange, Georgia. From 1956 to 1961, he also served as pastor of Atlanta’s Providence Baptist Church and therefore, simultaneously led two congregations from 1956 to 1959. From 1961 to 1975, he pastored the Mount Zion Baptist Church in Lockland, Ohio, and in 1971, he served as co-pastor, with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Sr., at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. In 1975, he was called to pastor Olivet Institutional Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio, He led the church for 33 years before retiring in 2008. In 1997 Moss partnered with University Hospitals to create the Otis Moss Jr. Medical Center.
Dr. Moss has been involved in advocating civil and human rights and social justice issues for most of his adult life. Having been a staff member of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., he currently serves as a national board member and trustee for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change. His work in the international community has taken him to Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan as a member of a clergy mission in 1970, and to Israel in 1978. In 1994, he was the special guest of President Bill Clinton at the peace treaty signing between Israel and Jordan, and, in that same year, he led a special mission to South Africa.
Dr. Moss is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including Human Relations Award from Bethune Cookman College in 1976, The Role Model of the Year Award from the National Institute for Responsible Fatherhood and Family Development in 1992, Leadership Award from the Cleveland chapter of the American Jewish Committee in 1996, and an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from LaGrange College in 2004. In 2004, he participated in the Oxford Round Table in Oxford, England, and was a guest presenter for the Lyman Beecher Lecture series at Yale University.
Reverend Otis Moss is the Chairman of Morehouse College. He is the Director of The Cleveland Foundation. Named by Ebony magazine as one of America’s greatest black preachers, he has been involved in the civil rights movement for more than 35 years. A founding board member of the Greater Cleveland Roundtable.
https://www.firstbaptistcleveland.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/otis-moss-300.jpg343300Greg Becknerhttps://www.firstbaptistcleveland.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo21.jpgGreg Beckner2017-10-24 16:31:592017-11-09 19:03:41Social Responsibility in the 21st Century – a Call to a New Generation
Several times a year the Cleveland Life Institute sponsors leaders to come and speak to the community about their experiences and training.
This free presentation by was sponsored by the Cleveland Life Institute. Guest speaker, Jim Rokakis – former Cuyahoga County Treasurer and current Vice President & Director of Thriving Communities of the Western Reserve Land Conservancy spoke about “Abandoned Housing in Cleveland” .
The slides showed the true story of the monster that ate Cleveland and the surrounding suburbs. It clearly showed Cleveland’s vacancy crisis as it expanded to swallow up neighborhood after neighborhood.
With the loss of population, the weakened economy, the housing bust, and foreclosures there are hundreds if not thousands of houses that are in bad shape or sitting empty in the city of Cleveland. Perhaps half of these houses are in bad enough shape that they are beyond saving from demolition. This is a very location driven problem. Some neighborhoods are affected more than others. It is easy to say this is an inner city problem since homes in outer-ring suburbs get purchased, rehabilitated and placed back on the market quickly.
No matter where you live, abandoned homes do affect you. An inner city that looks like a war zone takes a toll on even outer suburbs making them a less desirable place to live. “You might think you’re safe because you live in a suburb like Strongsville, or Chagrin or Brecksville or Bay Village, but the reality is, it’s the loss of value in the city and the inner ring suburbs that has driven property taxes up for people all over the county,” said Jim Rokakis, vice president of the Western Land Reserve Conservancy. “It’s destabilizing these neighborhoods and that destabilization tends to migrate outwards.”
https://www.firstbaptistcleveland.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Abandoned_Home_in_Cleveland_4.jpg400300Greg Becknerhttps://www.firstbaptistcleveland.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo21.jpgGreg Beckner2017-10-04 15:58:532017-11-09 19:56:24Abandoned Housing in Cleveland
6810 Cork Cold Springs Road
Chronic Pain Self-Management 
Fairhill Partners
Here are some of the Project Leaders.
