The 2000

membership at the Fayetteville First Baptist Church are

able to participate in any number of opportunities

offered by the church.

Though the

congregation dates back to 1828, it has grown and

prospered along with the county and offers such varied

programs as choirs, missions and mission trips, Bible

studies for all age groups and a drama team, to name a

few.

The Rev.

Glenn Stringham is the church's pastor for seniors. Among

the various senior activities offered, one can

participate in Wednesday morning Bible studies (they are

currently studying I and II Thessalonians), there is an

exercise group three days a week and a group that visits

local nursing homes.

One seniors

group just meets for lunch and to discuss any special

needs of home-bound seniors; another group just meets for

lunch, period, and there is one very special group,

"The Nifty Nineties," and yes, you have to be

at least 90 years old to belong. There are 14 over-90

members in the church and six of those are still very

active.

The church

also sponsors a singles mission, which plans programs for

those who have never married, are single parents or are

divorced. One program in particular is for single parents

in which a car care service is provided, consisting of

oil and filter changes, and checking the car's fluids,

hoses, belts, tires and brakes.

An

extensive music program, led by the Rev. Steve Hester, is

provided for all ages, ranging from the toddlers through

the seniors. There are hand bell choirs and a small

orchestra.

Drama teams

- one for youths and one for adults - provide

not only entertainment at various programs but also are

called upon by the senior minister, the Rev. Frank Ellis,

to help him make a point.

One of the

mission programs the church is proud of is the venture to

New York City each spring. At least 70 to 80 members go,

each paying their own expenses, and the group will

include youths and seniors. They will participate in such

activities as teaching Vacation Bible School, conducting

a basketball seminar, various construction work, putting

on a dinner theater or holding block parties in a park,

at which they feed as many as 700 people.

The church

pays for the supplies/materials needed.

Completing

the staff are the Rev. Jim Battles, who leads the youth

ministry, and the Rev. Chris Perkins, who leads the

families with children ministry. Between these five

pastors, the church offers ministries for the whole

family.

Sunday

morning services are at 8:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m. and 11 a.m.

The church can be reached at 770-461-8378. Its Web

address is www.fayettevillefbc.org .