First Baptist Church, Sacramento

All you want to know!

There are three bits of news before I get into the heart of my article.  First after two very disturbingly low months of giving in February ($17000) and March ($19000), the giving has experienced very nice improvement in both April and May. Thanks be to God. Second I will be starting a Wednesday evening Bible study beginning June 30 and going through the summer. We will be studying Nehemiah in order to learn some fascinating and time tested principles regarding leadership. Hope to see you at 6:30PM. Let Bonnie or Caroline or me know if you plan to attend so I know how much material should be printed. Third sometime toward the end of July we will be having a 3 day "Art Camp" for our children grades 1-3 led by a very talented artist and educator. I will give you more information in the future as the details are worked out. As the summer progresses we may also sponsor other classes for different grades.

Now for news out of the Pastoral Search Committee. When we met for the first time on Wednesday we agreed to what would be our working principles. Think T.R.U.S.T. - Truthful, Respectful, Unanimous, Spiritual and Thorough. Our goal is to begin interviewing by the end of July and to have a candidate to the Board for approval by the end of August - of 2010!!!!

We agreed upon a process for screening and vetting potential candidates. We promise to this congregation we will be courteous but thorough. Every candidate who wishes to be interviewed will supply us a resume and a filled out questionnaire. The questionnaire looks into 5 major areas - Character, Calling, Credentials, Competency and Creed.

We then set up a scorecard with these 5 constituting the major areas. Scoring will be on a 1-10 scale and there are a total of 20 different points of scoring. This means a candidate can have a maximum of 200 points (10 x 20). We are of the opinion that this scoring approach is more objective and fair.  Just because of a low score, low in one area, should not mean the candidate is doomed who scores well in most every other area.

Our plan is to create a short list of 6 and another one of 3 before finally settling on a candidate.

As to what kind of vetting practices we will follow here are just a few, in principle relative to education, professional credentials and experience.

1. First, all degrees and schools attended are verified for year of degree and subject studied.  This is done by calling the Registrar's Office at each school.
2. Second, the accreditation of the school is verified and the quality of the school is ranked on a 1-10 basis based upon the prestige of the accrediting body.  In our case the most reputable accreditation organization for religious schools is Association of Theological Schools ('ATS'). 
   
3. Special attention is paid to the accreditation of the actual GRADUATE program that the candidate received his/her degree from. 
4. All relevant professional licenses are verified via the licensing body.  In the case of a pastor, this would be his ordination and the body or organization granting this ordination.  Any unexplained discrepancies between the resume and the above due diligence should be noted so that the Board can choose to verify the above reference checks.  Verified discrepancies are brought to the candidate's attention for written explanation.  Depending upon the person's explanations, some of the above may have to be revisited in greater detail.  If candidates cannot pass the above scrutiny, the search process ends at this point.
5. Does the candidate have a work history of many different positions within relatively short periods of time, i.e. no history of long term tenures of more than 2-3 years?  If not, we will be very suspicious and assume that there is a negative reason until proven otherwise.  Any candidate not providing names of board members AND staff members from current or previous churches is highly suspicious.  That is a ginormous red flag.
6.  Assuming that (1)-(5) check out, it's time to make contact with several different individuals at the candidate's last several positions.  

• Talk to people that worked with the candidate, managed the candidate, knew the candidate.  Sometimes "cold calling" is the only way to find these contacts. 

• If a more recent graduate, contact the candidate's seminary school for professors that know him/her.  The goal is to have these contacts tell you about the candidate. 

• Listen for clues as to the ethics, leadership style, people skills, and above all else, whether the candidate got along with everyone.  If not, why not? 

• Last, contact the candidate's stated references, but preferably after checking out these other sources.  Ideally, this part of due diligence should be done by more than one search committee member.  The list of contacts can be split up and contacted.  Particularly interesting contacts might be interviewed by more than one search committee member.

7.  Subscribe to a background check agency/service.  Inform all applicants of this requirement right up front but only submit the final  candidates for actual background checks.  Obtain the written consent of the candidate to submit to this check.  Background checks look for criminal records, documented infractions of minor laws/regulations, the state and local sexual predator databases, and sometimes financial credit history.  The background check agency should be bonded or insured for liability and that its search will cover all states, not just California.

Last, make absolutely sure that there is a workflow of the recruitment process.  As the Search Committee we are not wanting to find a way to work around the Board - we want to work with the Board. They will be asked to do their own independent investigation.

                        - Doug Muraki, Interim Senior Pastor

June 2010 Board Meeting

            As I passed through the building to head for the Parlor for the Board meeting, I saw signs directing people to various classes in various rooms.  Center of Praise is renting classroom space four days a week.  Last month the Board approved this form of partnership with our sister church.

            Pastor Doug told the Board that he is more upbeat about the future of FBC than he was the first time around (2005-2007).  He believes that we will find a good pastor in a short time.  Meanwhile, the staff continues to take the initiative on ministry.  Stay tuned for announcements about classes, etc.

            Here are the highlights of May financials:  giving, $23,070, the second highest for 2010; transfer from Foundation, $6,700,  for insurance payments, which both happened to fall on the same month; transfer from property management, $6,750; expenses $33,742, the second smallest this year.

            The four Directors ratified all the motions passed by the Board during the meetings when it lacked a quorum.  For the most part, the motions dealt with approving minutes, accepting reports, and other routine Board stuff.  The only non-routine decision was to recommend amendments to the Foundation Bylaws, which the congregation subsequently adopted.

            One of the highlights of the meeting came about when the Board appointed me Church Clerk.  I am pleased to take on this role again.

            Derrick Holman reminded us of his commitment to serve on the Board through June.  The rest of us commended him for faithfully keeping that commitment during a tumultuous time in the life of our church.  He was there when we needed him.  Now that the church is sailing through somewhat calmer waters, it is time for Derrick to move on with his life in a new direction.  The rest of us thank him for his service and accept his resignation with regret.  The Board is determined to replace him as soon as possible, to have his successor in place by the next Board meeting.  -Bill Dean, Church Clerk 

Good-bye until Fall for ABWM

            The American Baptist Women's Ministries at FBC wrapped up things for 2009-2010 with a festive picnic luncheon on June 10. Vivian Oliver has agreed to serve as President for another year, so we will start up again in the fall on Thursday, Sept. 9. 

            This past year, we have had some great programs: Rachele Burton of St. John's Shelter, Dr. Tim Thompson of Sierra Law Enforcement Chaplaincy, Principal Marilyn Collins of Washington Elementary School, Rev. Tim Lane of Union Gospel Mission, and our own Jonette Kiesow and Grace Jenkins.  Peggy Duncan, with the help of Virginia Wristen, prepared the lunches for us ranging from this month's foot-long hot dogs, salad, watermelon, and ice cream to a traditional St. Patrick's Day feast of corned beef and cabbage. 

            Staff members Bonnie Anderson, Caroline Sosa, and Jeanne Hoyme (our bookkeeper), decorated the tables and helped with cleanup each month; we often had beautiful, fresh flowers from Jeanne's garden.  The whole staff, including Pastor O'Brien, Mark Tootle, and Sean Herle, served the meals.  God blessed our times of praying for one another and for FBC, singing with Marge Balkin on the piano, and sharing over good food and coffee.  We contributed financially to the Samaritan Neighborhood Center in Oakland, Love Gift, and the Penny Project for children at Washington Elementary.   

For June's program, Jerline Smedley told us about the retreat at Mission Springs (see article) that she and Caro Lou Rodda attended.  Jerline has completed another term with the ABWM of the West as Special Project Coordinator.  After serving for 20 years in various roles, like White Cross Chair and Personal Development Coordinator, and on all kinds of committees, like the Nominating Committee and the Retreat Committee, she is taking a break in leadership with our Region for at least a year, she says!     Finally, in honor of Flag Day, Claudia Hatton shared the meaning of the 13 folds of the flag and the origin of Taps.  Our tables were adorned with red and white checked cloths, flags, and red gladioli. 

                                                            -- Marguerite Dean

"Have a Great Summer"

            "Have a Great Summer" not only crowned the frosting of a scrumptious strawberry ice cream cake but was the theme of our choral worship team celebration. Music & Worship Director Mark Tootle brought about twenty of us together Thursday night, June 17, for an appreciation dessert and a time of inspiration, growth ideas, and worship.

            Usual voice warm-ups were substituted by gentle chatter, and then David Hemphill shared a psalm of David in 1 Chronicles 16:21-36, encouraging us with the Lord's safety and with joy for His love that "endures forever."

            Nadia Krutikova spontaneously expressed the ever-present importance of praise music in the lives of her whole family, and demonstrated by singing in Russian and playing Gospode ("Lord Jesus, Help Me").

            Mark amused us with his reversal of fortune last Sunday.  After delivering campers to Alliance Redwoods, he was returning alone, somewhere near Santa Rosa, when he got a flat.  After mounting the spare, he found himself locked-out, without a cell phone, with the engine still running! For  the rest of the story--public phones, the Hyatt and Chevy's, mochas and  tea, road service, bladders, a slim-jim, and late-night anxiousness with the Church's alarm system--ask Mark.

            And then, what substituted for our testimonies of appreciation for music ministry leadership? Mark trumped the moment by presenting each of us with a gift CD of fourteen songs sung by the Chancel Choir during the 2009/2010 Season. Sacrificial dedication followed by beneficence!

            It was the group's last Thursday night for the season. Mark, with Joyce Ziehn's faithful help, treated us to refreshments. Organist Jim Lang was there to share our appreciation. The Chancel Choir will resume singing in September. Meanwhile, Jim will continue playing hymns at the organ. Special groups of the contemporary singers will accompany worship throughout the summer.  ... er, that means the "classical" performers will rest on their laurels for two months.

            Hmmm... "classics"... "class acts"... Speaking of "acting", Mike Granchukoff, who, with his wife, Nadia, has recently done skits at FBC, announced formation of a DRAMA TEAM to start rehearsing skits for our summer services. Contact Mike to use your acting skills, and have lots of fun - mikelovesnadia@yahoo.com, or 850-5191.

            And/or if summer singing appeals to you or a friend, join us by contacting Mark Tootle - 443-6537 or mtootle@fbcsac.org .           - Stay Tuned~~Dan Schield

Child Evangelism Fellowship Update!

Child Evangelism Fellowship is gearing up for 5-Day Clubs to be held locally and around the world.  We are now training young and old alike at our Christian Youth In Action commuter school held in Cupertino, CA. and at a camp near Redding, CA.  We train young people ages 13 and up to teach Bible lessons, songs, memory verses and Missionary Stories to children in 5-Day Clubs.  The clubs can be held in homes or in a park or neighborhood setting.    I have had the privilege of assisting in the week long training at the commuter school in Cupertino, CA.  We have 39 students with 8 assistant staff and 14 staff leading the training.  We have 3 young students attending the camp in Redding from the Sacramento area.  If you would like to host a 5-Day club this summer, please call our office at 916-334-2126.  We are looking for opportunities to reach children this summer with the Good News of Jesus Christ. 

            We will have another training opportunity for training youth on Saturday, July 10^th, 2010 at First Baptist Church of Elk Grove from 9:30 to 3:30.  Pass the word to any teenagers you might know interested in working with children. --Marilyn Halk, Intern Director

Baby Shower for the Faulkners

            While the youth washed cars after the service on Sunday, May 30, other folks, including 2.5-month-old Preston Hemphill, gathered in the Social Hall to celebrate with Garrett and Kristin Faulkner.  Baby Zachary was due in a few weeks, on June 18.  

            We feasted on salads, Buffalo Wings, Sloppy Joes, and fresh veggies, prepared by Kyle Smith.  Then it was time  to see how well we knew the old wives' tales of determining the sex of the baby.  For example,  if Dad is gaining weight right along with Mom, it's a boy; if  Mom craves orange juice, it's a girl. Next we had to match the word for baby with the correct language--Japanese, Chinese, Dutch, etc.  Chocolate cake followed the games, and finally, the Faulkners opened all the cute gifts.  Our thanks go to Mike and Nadia Granchukoff for hosting the shower.

Kristin and Garrett joined FBC in March 2009 and are part of our Young Married Couples' Class, led by David Hemphill.  The Faulkners claim Hopkinsville, Kentucky, as their hometown.  Kristin teaches music at Granite Bay High School and Oakmont High School, Roseville.  Garrett is a pilot with the U. S. Coast Guard.          Be sure to welcome Baby Zachary, the Faulkners' first child.  He arrived on Father's Day weighing in at 8 lbs. 13 ozs.!  Can't beat that timing.  (Note:  there is an article in the Sacramento Bee's Our Region section about new babies born on Father's Day.  It included the Faulkners! 

Vacation Bible School

            We are off to a great start already! Many of you have already pledged to donate items, by taking one of the "bricks" from the pyramid in the Assembly Room. Some have even signed up to play specific roles during the week. But, there still lots of roles that need to be filled! Even if you don't feel comfortable working directly with the children, there are plenty of things that you can do to help.

            If you simply don't have time, there are plenty of opportunities to help with donations. And even if you're not a good shopper, you can participate by designating funds to "VBS" on your offering envelope. For more information about participating in any of these ways, see Caroline Sosa on Sunday mornings in the Assembly Room during Refreshments; or call or email her at (916) 443-6537 or csosa@fbcsac.org. 

July 26^th is just around the corner, so please take time to see how you can invest in the lives of the children  we will be reaching through VBS.

ABWM Annual Conference:  Mission Springs

            For the first time, American Baptist Women's Ministries of the West met at the Mission Springs Conference Center in Scotts Valley for the Annual Conference, June 4-6. 

            Our 2010 Theme: Women ... Destined for God's Purpose--Expect His Change. Theme scriptures: Ps. 138:8, Phil. 2:13. Supplemental Scriptures: Esth. 4:14, Prov. 19:21, Jer. 29:11-13, Rom. 8:28, Eph. 2:10.  Our conference change was to meet at the Mission Springs center rather than Mt. Hermon. Both centers are in the Redwood forest, less than ten miles apart. Mission Springs' grounds are level, with colorful red and white buildings. The atmosphere was calming and relaxing.  On the grounds were a gift shop, a hiking trail, the Rock Solid Cafe, and a swimming pool.

            Our guest missionary was Jeannine White, whose husband Walter White serves as a consultant for International Ministries. Our national special interest missionaries are: Rev. Gary Wagner of Rainbow Acres, Camp Verde AZ; Alvin Lewis of United Christian Center, West Sacramento; and Dr. Barbara Hartnett of Friendship House, Peoria IL.

             One conference speaker was Valerie Rae Hanneman. You would need to  hear her share her experiences to appreciate her. She told how she allowed the death of her baby boy to rock her life to the point that she told God she would get so far from Him that he would not want her back.  She tried, but she is back.

            The second speaker was Rev. Dr. Christine Roush, VP of Church Relations and Advancement at Rainbows Acres,  an American Baptist home for developmentally disabled adults. It was easy to be in her company--you felt like she was there to assist you with any need you might have.

            Other group leaders were Rev. Jim Lindgren and Jeannette DeVita from Seafarers, asking for knitted hats and ditty bags, and Rev. Dr. Patrick  Pang standing in for David Bennett, asking for support for Growing Healthy Churches. Rev. Pang noted churches are being established overseas now in areas where we haven`t supported mission before.

                              Dates to Remember

•  Regional Board and Local Presidents' Retreat, Sept. 17-19 at Asilomar.

•  AB Women's Ministries Sunday, Sept. 19.

•  ABWM Regional Picnic at Santa Clara FBC, Oct. 16.

•  Regional Board Meeting at Selma FBC,  Feb. 25, 2011, and the Spring meeting the following day at Selma.

•  Mission Encounter tour to Africa, April 6-May 6, 2011.

• You will experience a visit with our missionaries and ministries and visit the Mitendi Center, which we helped build.

•  National American Baptist Women's Ministries Conference, Green Lake, July 16-22, 2011. 

                                                          --Jerline Smedley 

Helping the Campers

            FBC came through in helping twelve youth get to Alliance Redwoods Camp June 13-18.  The Spare Change jars and the sales of soda and water collected $174.  Friendship Class contributed $300.  Individuals donated $670.  The car wash in the FBC parking lot on May   30 brought in $487.  So, a grand total of $1,631 came in!  Thanks to the generosity of all, the funds not only provided scholarship money for campers but also helped out with expenses for camp counselors Lucy Kondenko and Sean Herle as well as our drivers Derrick and Natalya Holman, Mark Tootle, and Sean Herle.                              -- Marguerite Dean

Friends-CARE Annual Dinner

            The Friends-CARE (Children in At Risk Environments) Annual Dinner was a huge success.  This is the organization's one fundraising event each year to assist the children and families of the incarcerated.

            The dinner was held on Election Day, Tuesday, June 8, 6-9 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel.  There were 210 people in attendance from various law enforcement agencies, judges, CA Dept. of Corrections & Rehabilitation, community leaders and numerous volunteers.  Dorothy Montgomery, a former member of FBC, is the Executive Director and has been for nearly 20 years.  Elizabeth Siggins, Secretary of Programs at the CA Dept. of Corrections was the keynote speaker.

Our Family. . .

            Congratulations to Ken and Barbara McClellan on their 57th anniversary on July 4.

            Congratulations to Rodney and Lois Barnett on their 66th anniversary on July 23.

In Memory of

Gladys Raley

Joined FBC 7-2-1958

At home with the Lord 6-9-2010

Zachary Faulkner

Born:  Father's Day, June 20, 2010

Parents:  Garrett & Kristen Faulkner

Congratulations!

(See 6-21-10 Sacramento Bee article in Our Region section about new dads.)

More Graduates!

            Joel Demianew, Christian Brothers High School, May 28.  He plans to study fire science and get his EMT at American River College; then he will go on to paramedic school to become a fireman.  This summer he is working for a fireworks company.  Joel is the son of Vickie Sherrod.

            Brea Palmer, Rio Linda High School, June 3.  She plans to attend Federico School of Cosmetology.  Brea, daughter of Laureen Palmer, is the granddaughter of Rick & Evelyn Apker.