Missions Ministry

"Join Us As We Reach Out To Serve Others"

Missions is the heart of the church as affirmed in the Holy Scriptures; therefore, it is our desire at First Baptist to reach out to others through a wide range of activities local to world wide. A motto of our church has been: "Join us as we reach out to serve others". Serving others can be caring for an elderly neighbor, offering to help a busy mother or an all member canvas to raise money for help in an international crisis.

The congregation is involved in numerous philanthropies, just a few of which are:

Within our church is a small food pantry for those in need and, in addition, a Deacon's fund can help in other emergencies.
Several of our members volunteer in the thrift store at the Community Nurse and Health Association which provides a wide range of health care (pre-natal to geriatric, including dental care) as well as counseling service and the Helping Hand agency which provides job training, counseling and job placement for the handicapped.
Pillars is a multifaceted agency serving a wide range of needs. Among these is the Constance Morris House for battered women and their children. This house provides a caring and safe environment on a temporary basis until the cause of the problem is solved. We are dedicated in helping this organization not only financially, but also in providing clothing (many arrive with only the clothes they are wearing).
A special communion offering is given to help the BEDS program which provides sleeping arrangements, food and a friendly atmosphere for the homeless.
Another project of our outreach that has continued for many years is the Christian ministry and counseling at the Cook County jail.

The world mission is truly worldwide since we join other American Baptist churches (and occasionally other religious groups) to provide help in many ways, including improving sanitation, establishing schools, working to improve farming, working to improve medical care, etc. Our financial contributions and prayers help support 137 missionaries in 30 countries. In addition, we have partners in another 38 countries. We strive to do our part in supporting these missionaries who so often give up what we consider basic necessities in order to serve others.