First Baptist News | August 2026

Changing Seasons...

It seems impossible to believe, but one year ago we were receiving bids from construction firms to help us fulfill a decades-long dream of a permanent worship space, modern preschool classrooms, a new playground, and updated fellowship space. On August 24, 2025, the First Baptist family voted overwhelmingly (over 97%) to begin the journey to where we are right now. Those days seem like yesterday and so long ago all at the same time. Now we are beginning to enjoy the blessings of years of faithfulness and hard work. Over the next few weeks, finishing touches will be completed, and our friends at Noacon will be cleaning up and moving on to their next project.

Over the past year, construction has been a major factor in everything, but that season is changing. It would be easy for us to sit back and choose to take a break, but that would leave this project incomplete. You see, this construction project was never about building buildings. This project was about creating spaces that facilitate rather than hinder ministry. This project wasn't really about buildings at all; it was about reaching people with the love of Jesus Christ. It was about creating spaces for people to learn more about Jesus and to experience the community that is only possible by the work of the Holy Spirit. It was about opening our spaces to the people of this community because hospitality is a profoundly biblical value.

Thankfully, the construction is debt-free and complete, but a new season of ministry is now beginning. You are invited to join us in this season by investing your time, talents, experience, and financial resources to further the ministry God has entrusted to the First Baptist family in this new season. There are opportunities for volunteers in the preschool, children, and student ministries. There are opportunities for those interested in our coming hospitality ministry. Some opportunities are listed in this newsletter, while others can be discovered by simply contacting a staff member. If you would like to contribute financially, simply click here to give online! Seasons may change, but our calling to make disciples of all people never does. We are so excited to pursue this calling together with you in this new season!

Fall Kick Off and Awana Registration!

Summer may be wrapping up, but that doesn't mean the fun has to come to an end! In fact, the fun is just beginning at First Baptist as we kick off our fall schedule - including Awana - with a celebration! There will be hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, popsicles, cotton candy, and games! Best of all, everything is completely free! We are going to have lots of fun, but it won't be the same without your family!

While we are going to have a lot of fun at our Fall Kick Off, parents can enjoy all the fun with a little less paperwork by taking a few minutes to register your child for Awana online. Simply click here to connect to our online registration (Google form). This fall will be so exciting at First Baptist, and we can't wait to kick it off with you on Wednesday, August 19!

Blue Barrel Project

Each month, First Baptist works with our local food pantry to provide specific items they need to restock their shelves. In August, our Blue Barrel Project food of the month is peanut butter. Simply pick up some peanut butter and drop it off in the blue barrel during the month of August. Thank you for helping address food insecurity in our community!

End of Summer Party on August 5

Students and children, join us on Wednesday, August 5 at 6:00 pm as we celebrate the end of summer with a fun-filled evening! We'll have exciting water games, delicious snacks, and lots of fun! Be sure to wear clothes you don't mind getting wet and invite friends to come enjoy the fun with us. We can't wait to see everyone there!

Back to School Prayer Guides

There are so many things that teachers and students need to start a new school year, but as important as those things are, more than anything else, they need our prayers. On Sunday, August 9, be sure to pick up a Back to School Prayer Guide from the Welcome Center in the Commons as a reminder to pray for our schools, teachers, and students during this upcoming school year.

Awana Basics Coming on August 9

Another exciting year of Awana is just around the corner at First Baptist! If you are part of the Awana ministry or maybe you are thinking about joining the team, we invite you to a very important Awana Basics volunteer meeting and training session on Sunday, August 9 at 3:00 pm. There will be several minor changes to our Awana ministry, plus several logistical changes due to our new facilities. If you are new to Awana, this is the perfect place to start! If you have been involved in Awana for years, there will still be new and important information for you too! Contact Leah Leonard for more information or simply click here to register!

School Begins August 11

We know! It is crazy that school is about to begin! The First Baptist family is always looking for ways to help our schools. Sometimes that help includes serving in the "drop off" line on cold mornings, sending "thank you" notes to teachers in November, feeding the junior high (October 1) and high school (September 11) football teams, and dozens of other opportunities that come up during the year. We invite you to contribute financially to these opportunities! You can give online to "School Outreach" or simply write "School Outreach" on the memo line of your check or offering envelope!

Back to School Break on August 12

Let's be honest. Going back to school is hard - for children, teenagers, parents, and teachers. With school beginning on Tuesday, August 11, we are giving everyone a little back-to-school break. There will be no regularly scheduled activities on Wednesday, August 12, so everyone can have an extra night to adjust to school. Don't worry, though. We will kick off our fall schedule on August 19!

Unwrapping Christmas on August 16

It's hot outside, and school is just beginning. We know Christmas may be the farthest thing from your mind, but we are already working hard to prepare for the Christmas season! We invite you to come in from the heat and get a glimpse of the Christmas season at our annual Unwrapping Christmas event. If you are interested in being a part of the First Baptist Music Ministry and helping lead the Mountain View community in an amazing Christmas experience, then Unwrapping Christmas is the perfect event for you! Contact Matthew Jones for more information, or simply click here to register so we know you're coming!

Fantasy Football League Begins Soon

Football is a wonderful thing! Even when your team isn't very good (yes, we're looking at you, Pastor Jason), you can still have a great time with football and your church family in the third annual First Baptist Fantasy Football League. You don't need any experience, just a desire to have fun and develop some relationships in the church. The draft is scheduled for Sunday, August 23, so be sure to contact Kevin Caldwell today for more information!

Worship Choir Rehearsals Begin

After our music ministry finishes Unwrapping Christmas, the rehearsals begin! Of course, they will be rehearsing for their upcoming Christmas cantata, but they will also be rehearsing to help lead us in worship each week. If you are interested in being a part of the worship choir or music ministry team, reach out to Matthew Jones for more information! Rehearsals are on Sunday afternoons beginning August 23!

Wednesday Family Dinners Return

We know that Wednesday evenings can be pretty crazy at times, so we try to make life a little bit easier. Each regular Wednesday night during the school year, the First Baptist family provides a "kid-friendly" meal for people of all ages from 5:15-5:50 pm. The meals are free, but donations are greatly appreciated to help offset the cost. Donations can be placed in a donation box on Wednesdays, or you can donate online through online giving. Community really is built around a table, and we look forward to sharing meals with you again beginning on August 26!

Fall Fellowship at the Creek on September 13

You're invited to join us as we celebrate the beginning of the fall season at our annual Fall Fellowship event at the Large Pavilion at Blanchard Springs! This is a great time of fun, food, music, games, and simply hanging out together! Bring a couple of your favorite potluck items to share with everyone! This is a great time for the First Baptist family and the Mountain View community to enjoy the beginning of the fall season in a beautiful location. Bring your lawn chairs and get ready for a great time together! All the events will take place at the large pavilion. We can't wait to see you on September 13!

Operation Christmas Child Begins

Changing the world can seem overwhelming, but what if you could change the world by simply packing a shoebox? No, a shoebox cannot change the world, but the gifts the box contains can show a child that someone cares about them. The gospel that is shared as a child receives that shoebox can impact eternity, and the discipleship opportunities that follow that shoebox can change the direction of a generation. Perhaps, changing the whole world begins by simply changing someone's world. Check out the table in the Commons for more information about Operation Christmas Child, or click here to check out their website.

Realm Connect

God made us to connect with one another, but connections don't just happen on Sundays and Wednesdays. Realm Connect allows you to connect with your groups, sign up for events, update family information, find a friend's phone number that got misplaced, receive notifications from the church, and give online. As we jump into a busy fall, it is even more important for you to join the First Baptist community on Realm Connect! Click here for more information about Realm Connect!

Wednesday Family Meals:

August 19 (Fall Kick Off)
Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Chips,

August 26
Chicken Tenders, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Dessert

Events in September:

September 7
Labor Day (Church Office Closed)

September 11
Feeding the High School Football Team

September 13
Communion in Morning Worship
Fall Fellowship at the Creek

September 18
Mountain View High School
Football Homecoming