The theme of GENERATIONS for our building and renovation campaign is especially significant for our family. My parents, Pat and Gordon Perry (who are still members today), brought me to church as a baby and I started my life in the children’s ministry at First Baptist Church. FBC has been an integral part of so many milestones in our lives. This church is where my husband John and I met, married, and dedicated our three sons. I have been a member for 41 years and John has been a member for 35 years.
Our children were nurtured in their faith in the children’s ministry and we are grateful for the spiritual foundation that they received and the friendships that were formed through the years. Although they have all moved from Huntsville, we’re thankful for the experiences that shaped and prepared them for being a part of a community of believers. GENERATIONS is important to us because we know that the future of our church is found in the children of today. We want to provide them with the best resources for discovering and growing in their faith in Jesus Christ.
John teaches Sunday school in the children’s ministry and I teach young adults. Our interactions with these young families are encouraging as we see parents and their children worshipping and doing Bible study in a place that is inviting and relevant for their generation.
We have seen so many changes in our building through the years, but to us it has always been a place where people of all ages feel welcomed, loved, and part of a family. We get excited when we see the new spaces being utilized and we are passionate about FBC reaching more people of all generations in the years to come!
Elaine Dickson as a child in the First Baptist nursery.