We live in a time when the weight of everyday living can be devastating and destructive of hope. The effect of this already tremendously challenging condition of our living has been compounded over the past few years by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recognizing that the opening sentences above describe the situation being experienced by so many people, First Baptist Church, at 201 Anderson St. in downtown Fayetteville, will host a first-of-its-kind revival for our community and community churches. We are calling it Revive All. It is not a revival like the revivals of old, but something new and needed for the challenges that we face.
Throughout these difficult pandemic years, there are so many things in our lives and in our lives of faith that have become strained or broken and have all but died. And we are in need of reviving. Our church has identified eight aspects of our lives and will be hosting a series of gatherings with each night focusing on asking God to revive one of these broken aspects.
They include worship services, community service projects, a family fun night, a joint service with other local churches and denominations, and a memorial service to give our neighbors the opportunity to grieve all that was lost during the pandemic years — from family members to experiences like not being able to graduate from high school with classmates in person.
Schedule of themes
Featured speakers include the Rev. Sarah Mears, children’s minister at Hayes Barton Baptist Church in Raleigh; writer and speaker Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove; the Rev. Marvin T. Clowney, chaplain for Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and Highsmith-Rainey Hospital; the Rev. Rob James, pastor of First Baptist Church on Anderson Street; Bishop John Godbolt, co-pastor of One Church Covenant Fellowship); the Rev. David Woodhouse, pastor of Hay Street United Methodist Church; and other local ministers.
With the exception of May 17, when the service will be conducted in the sanctuary of First Baptist, all services will be held in a tent at the rear of the First Baptist building at the corner of Anderson Street and Maiden Lane.
Even though the revival is being held at First Baptist, this is intended to be a joint effort among churches across Fayetteville. As of March 30, the following churches had committed to support and join in this effort:
If you are a pastor or member of a church who might be interested in joining this united effort, please call the Rev. Rob James, the First Baptist pastor, at 910-728-6880.
On Saturday morning, May20, a time of service to the Fayetteville community is planned. Projects have been identified that will help some nonprofit organizations be better able to carry out their missions of assisting in the lives of people who struggle for whatever reason.
Volunteers are essential to making this Saturday morning effort successful. Call Allene Horne at the First Baptist Church office at 910-483-0477 to volunteer. When this time of helping others concludes, lunch will be served in the First Baptist gym and there will be a time of reflection on the morning of service.
Beccause of the generosity of Eric Lindstrom, free parking will be available after 5:15 p.m. Monday through Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday in the lot at the corner of Burgess Street and Maiden Lane, next to Avex Aerospace.
From 5 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, parking will be available in two city-owned lots for $1 per hour. Those lots are free after 7m p.m. Monday through Friday and all day on Saturday and Sunday. The lots are at Maiden Lane and Burgess Street (across from the library), and Old and Anderson streets.
For more information, call the First Baptist Church office at 910-483-0477.
