The January 2026 issue of The Messenger, the newsletter of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Baton Rouge. Highlights below; the complete newsletter is available to read and download on this page.
Hospitality
Vicki Krupala, Chair. Thank you to everyone who helped with our Christmas Fellowship Meal on December 14th. The fellowship hall was beautifully decorated as the congregation gathered after the Cantata to celebrate the season together.
Outreach — A Banner Year in 2025
Judy Lester, Chair. Thanks to the congregation’s generosity in 2025, FCCBR supported Southeast Ministries with over 1,000 food items, donated blood, gave 388 school supplies, provided 37 hoodies to homeless veterans, gave over $1,000 to global relief, and reached 30 seniors and shut-ins at Christmas.
January pantry focus items: macaroni and cheese, canned tuna, and jelly (small containers, no glass). Donations can be placed in the shopping cart in the Narthex or Chancel.
Church Growth — 180th Anniversary in 2027
Dr. Carol Madere, Chair. First Christian Church Baton Rouge will celebrate its 180th anniversary in 2027, with a major celebration planned for October 2027. Throughout 2026 we’re preparing — and we need help:
- Planners to help organize the event and build a historical exhibit
- Historical photos and memorabilia (old Bibles, hymnals, baptism certificates, board notes, Sunday School and youth materials)
- Seniors willing to share memories on video for an “FCC Documentary”
Book Club: Meets January 11th at Jason’s Deli, reading A Well-Trained Wife by Tia Levings. Questions? Contact Carol Madere, 225-931-4413.
Worship
Nancy Fatta, Chair. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped with the Hanging of the Greens, making the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall beautiful for the Christmas season.
Upcoming Events
- Jan 4 — Prayer Circle (11:00 AM) · Deacon’s Organizational Meeting (11:15 AM)
- Jan 11 — Elder’s Organizational Meeting (11:00 AM) · FCC Book Club (Jason’s Deli)
- Jan 18 — Sacraments Organizational Meeting (11:00 AM)
- Jan 20 — Board Meeting (6:30 PM, Youth Building)
- Jan 22 — Disciples Women (9:30 AM) · Sisters in Christ (6:00 PM)
- Jan 31 — Youth Group (12:00 noon, Fellowship Hall)
Chancel Choir meets Wednesdays at 6:30 PM; Silver Angels meet Thursdays at 9:30 AM.
Sunday Worship Assignments
January liturgists: Michael Wilson (Jan 4), Dr. Trey Earle (Jan 11), Pam Comeaux (Jan 18), and Nancy Fatta (Jan 25). The complete weekly rotation — greeters, deacons, livestream, video, and sound — is included in the full newsletter on this page.
Member birthdays, the prayer list, and the “In Memoriam” remembrance are included in the printable newsletter (PDF) and are kept off this web page for privacy.