The November 2025 issue (Vol. 87, No. 11) of The Messenger, the monthly newsletter of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Daylight Saving Time is this Sunday, November 2nd. Make sure you set your clocks back an hour on Saturday night.
Hospitality
Vicki Krupala, Chair
Consecration Sunday was joyously celebrated on Oct. 19th during a ‘pizza buffet’ fellowship meal, featuring new and delicious varieties from Pizza Artista. With at least 95 ‘pizza lovers’ in attendance, it was an absolute success!
A heartfelt ‘thank you’ goes out to those who worked so diligently behind the scenes to set-up & decorate the fellowship hall, prepare & assist with our buffet service, and clean-up afterwards: Nancy Fatta, Charles Riddle, Ashley Bourgeois, Beverly Weselak, Presley Hutchinson, Ray Acardo, and Kendall Theunissen. It’s wonderful to have so many amazing helpers! — Vicki Krupala
Upcoming Events
- Sat, Nov. 1 · 10:00 AM–2:00 PM — Men’s Jambalaya Fundraiser
- Sun, Nov. 2 — All Saints Day
- Sun, Nov. 2 · 11:00 AM — Prayer Circle (Library)
- Sun, Nov. 9 — Veteran’s Day
- Sun, Nov. 9 · 11:15 AM — Church Growth Committee Meeting (FH)
- Sat, Nov. 15 · 9:00 AM — Christmas Craft Class (Youth Building)
- Sun, Nov. 16 · 11:00 AM — Thanksgiving Luncheon (Fellowship Hall)
- Tue, Nov. 18 · 6:30 PM — Board Meeting (Youth Building)
- Thu, Nov. 20 · 6:00 PM — Sisters in Christ (Fellowship Hall)
- Sun, Nov. 23 — Thanksgiving Sunday
- Sat, Nov. 29 · 10:00 AM — Hanging of the Greens
- Sun, Nov. 30 — First Sunday in Advent
Amazing Bible Facts
- Over 100 million copies of the Bible are sold each year.
- The full Bible has been translated into 532 languages. The Bible has been partially translated into 2,883 languages.
- The King James Bible contains 788,258 words, 31,102 verses, 1,189 chapters, and 66 books.
- While it took over 1,000 years to write the Old Testament, the New Testament was written within a period of 50–75 years.
This Hebrew Bible, more than 1,000 years old, is described as “one of the most important and singular texts in human history.” The Codex Sassoon, dating from the late 9th or early 10th century, sold for $38.1 million at Sotheby’s in New York — the most valuable manuscript ever sold at auction.
Outreach
Judy Lester, Chair
Southeast Ministries — our “pantry focus items” for November will include items to prepare a holiday meal: money or gift cards for meat, potatoes (boxed, canned, or fresh), cranberry sauce, macaroni and cheese, pie filling and boxed pie crust mix, powdered milk, and cornbread mix. Donation collection is being extended until November 16th (3rd Sunday). As always, please place items in the shopping cart.
Hoodie Drive for Veterans — Large or X-Large hoodies (any color) are being collected through November 9th. They will be blessed during our Veterans recognition worship service and donated that day, then delivered to the VET Center thereafter. We received 20 hoodies on the first day of collection and thank the congregation for their generosity.
Advent Shut-In Cookie Drive — We will again be delivering gift bags to FCCBR shut-ins in December. Sign-up sheets and instructions will be in the Narthex beginning Sunday, November 30th. Bakers needed: cookies needed by Dec. 11th. Delivery drivers needed: deliveries to be made on Dec. 14th or no later than Dec. 19th.
Church Growth
Dr. Carol Madere, Chair
Book Club — will meet on Sunday, December 7th right after church at Jason’s Deli. The book is Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, the story of a female chemist in the 1960s who challenged societal norms. Any questions, contact Carol Madere at 225-931-4413.
Youth Group — On November 30th, the Youth Group will meet for lunch in the Fellowship Hall immediately after church and then travel to the downtown Planetarium for the “Hitchhikers Tour Through the Universe” show at 2 p.m. Parents are welcome to join.
Christmas Creations — Calling all crafters and would-be crafters! FCC will offer a morning of learning to make Christmas crafts on November 15th from 9 a.m. to noon in the Youth Building. A fee of $20 per crafter will secure the crafting supplies. Spread the word to friends to come enjoy a morning of coffee, cake, and creativity.
First Christian Church Honors Gladys Runnels
On October 19, FCC honored its First Lady of Music, Gladys Runnels. Gladys, who began playing the organ in services in 1954, worked as our full-time organist for 38 years. When she retired in 1996, she had worked with 11 choir directors.
Gladys was also influential in the process of purchasing our pipe organ, and in 1992 was the first musician to play it. The chimes for the organ were donated in her honor. She also graced the congregation by playing the harp on many occasions and even arranged for the congregation to enjoy harp concerts by friends. Gladys has spent countless hours perfecting her skills to ensure that her worship music was as beautiful as she could make it. She was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation and a gift from the congregation by Lorrinda Dickinson after her encore performance on the piano of “Morning Has Broken.”
Worship
Nancy Fatta, Chair
Sisters in Christ — our next meeting will be Thursday, November 20th at 6:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall lounge. The Sisters in Christ are going to start a meal train for George and Lee Gullett. George is suffering from cancer and Lee has fibromyalgia. Their daughter, Laura, reached out asking for our help. If anyone is able to provide a meal for two that can be frozen, please let us know. You can bring your meal to the church and we will refrigerate and deliver it. Any questions, call Nancy Fatta at 225-405-7097.
Hanging of the Greens — Please come on Saturday, November 29 at 10:00 to help decorate the Church for Christmas. Wreaths, garland, and trees need to be placed in the Sanctuary and Narthex. Refreshments afterwards!
Church Definitions
What is the Narthex? We use the word Narthex in church but realized not everyone is familiar with the term. The entry for a home is a foyer, for an office it’s a lobby, but for the church there is a special term. A Narthex is defined as the gathering area outside of a sacred space. Narthex is Greek for “enclosure.” The Narthex is an entryway or gathering room leading into a Sanctuary. It is known as an area bridging the Sacred from the secular, usually found at the opposite end of the building from the Altar.
Currently in FCC’s Narthex you will find: communion pods, FCC’s monthly newsletter, religious artwork, devotionals, the Welcome Center, information about FCC’s church leaders, brochures and information about FCC’s church and community, and TV screens announcing upcoming events. Take a look around to see what we have to offer.
Additional FCC News
Save the Date: Thanksgiving Feast — Sunday, November 16th, 11:00 am. You’re invited to join us for our Thanksgiving Fellowship Meal following the worship service. Enjoy turkey/ham, bread, and beverages provided by the church. The congregation is asked to bring a favorite Thanksgiving side dish or dessert to share. Looking forward to giving thanks with each of you! — Vicki Krupala
A big thank you to all who participated in our annual Trunk or Treat Halloween Party: Heather & Daniel Dickey, Jeff & Shelly Cody, Nancy & Tony Fatta, Presley Hutchinson & Ray Acado, Ashley Bourgeois, Carole Madere, Beverly Weselak, Julie Theunissen, Tom & Lucy Cody, James & Kristin Morgan, and Judy Lester & Dave Hughes. Thanks also to Michael Rankin for the music and to all who stayed to help with cleaning up. Everybody had a great time and we received many visitors thanks to our new sign and Carol’s great FB posts. Thank you! — Nancy Fatta
Lectionary Readings: November 1–30, 2025 (Year C)
- Sat, Nov. 1 — All Saints Day; Psalm 119:137-144; Habakkuk 2:5-11; John 8:39-47
- Sun, Nov. 2 — Proper 26 (31)
- Mon, Nov. 3 — Psalm 142; Habakkuk 2:12-20; 1 Corinthians 5:9-13
- Tue, Nov. 4 — Psalm 142; Habakkuk 3:1-16; Jude 1:5-21
- Wed, Nov. 5 — Psalm 142; Habakkuk 3:17-19; Luke 19:11-27
- Thu, Nov. 6 — Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21; Zechariah 1:1-17; Acts 22:22-23:11
- Fri, Nov. 7 — Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21; Zechariah 6:9-15; Acts 24:10-23
- Sat, Nov. 8 — Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21; Haggai 1:1-15a; Luke 20:1-8
- Sun, Nov. 9 — Proper 27 (32)
- Mon, Nov. 10 — Psalm 98; Haggai 2:10-19; 2 Peter 1:16-21
- Tue, Nov. 11 — Psalm 98; Haggai 2:20-23; 2 John 1
- Wed, Nov. 12 — Psalm 98; Zechariah 8:1-17; John 5:19-29
- Thu, Nov. 13 — Isaiah 12; Isaiah 57:14-21; Romans 1:18-25
- Fri, Nov. 14 — Isaiah 12; Isaiah 59:1-15a; 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12
- Sat, Nov. 15 — Isaiah 12; Isaiah 59:15b-21; Luke 17:20-37
- Sun, Nov. 16 — Proper 28 (33)
- Mon, Nov. 17 — Psalm 76; Isaiah 60:17-22; Ephesians 4:25-5:2
- Tue, Nov. 18 — Psalm 76; Isaiah 66:1-13; 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1
- Wed, Nov. 19 — Psalm 76; Isaiah 66:14-24; Matthew 23:37-24:14
- Thu, Nov. 20 — Luke 1:68-79; Jeremiah 21:1-14; Hebrews 9:23-28
- Fri, Nov. 21 — Luke 1:68-79; Jeremiah 22:1-17; 1 Peter 1:3-9
- Sat, Nov. 22 — Luke 1:68-79; Jeremiah 22:18-30; Luke 18:15-17
- Sun, Nov. 23 — Reign of Christ — Proper 29 (34)
- Mon, Nov. 24 — Psalm 117; Jeremiah 30:1-17; Revelation 21:5-27
- Tue, Nov. 25 — Psalm 117; Jeremiah 30:18-24; Revelation 22:8-21
- Wed, Nov. 26 — Psalm 117; Jeremiah 31:1-6; Luke 1:1-4
- Thu, Nov. 27 — Thanksgiving Day; Psalm 122; Daniel 9:15-19; James 4:1-10
- Fri, Nov. 28 — Psalm 122; Genesis 6:1-10; Hebrews 11:1-7
- Sat, Nov. 29 — Psalm 122; Genesis 6:11-22; Matthew 24:1-22
- Sun, Nov. 30 — First Sunday of Advent
Other Information for FCC
The Study — 8:45–9:45 am, Sunday (Youth Building). Come join us in a lively, Spirit-led study of God’s Word and answers to the question, “Why?” This month: “Why, Lord, Why?” Perhaps Deuteronomy 8:3b may be the answer: that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live.
Recipe — Banana Bread (by Silver Angels, Ruth Riddle): 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 3 bananas, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon soda, 2 tablespoons buttermilk, 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts, 1 teaspoon vanilla. Cream the softened butter and sugar together. Mash the bananas. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Spray 2 large loaf pans. Bake at 325 degrees for 50 minutes.
Interesting Strange Bible Facts — Whose height was six cubits and a span? Goliath (1 Samuel 17:4), which equals nine feet and nine inches tall. What animal did God not let on the ark? Fish and other sea creatures — God’s instructions were to save air-breathing land animals, since fish and sea creatures can survive in the water.
Bible Trivia — Who was the first man? Adam. Who was the first woman? Eve. How many books are in the Old Testament? 39. How many books are in the New Testament? 27. Who conquered Judah and took Daniel to their country? The Babylonians.
Congratulations to Michaela Fennell Fakes for being accepted into an accelerated Master’s in Nursing program.
Sunday Assignments
Please check your worship assignments in advance and arrange for a sub in case of a scheduling conflict. You can check assignments online or contact the church office at 225-926-4175.
November 2, 2025
- Church Opening — David Fennell
- Sacraments — Valerie Taylor
- Liturgist — Chris Culp
- Children’s Moment — Ashley Bourgeois
- Youth Reader — Brynleigh Comeaux
- Elder — Nancy Fatta
- Greeter — Alicia Levell
- Deacons — Alicia Levell, Carl Cotten, Gene Schilf, Esther Schilf
- Livestream — Daniel Dickey
- Video Tech — Brenda Hilgendorf
- Sound Tech — Jeff Cody
- CW&W Greeter — Kayla Mercil
- CS&W Storyteller — Genesis Bennie
- Church Closing — James Morgan
- Program Builder — Jill Brian
November 9, 2025
- Church Opening — Michael Rankin
- Sacraments — Valerie Taylor
- Liturgist — Lorrinda Dickinson
- Children’s Moment — Chris Culp
- Youth Reader — Brynleigh Comeaux
- Elder — Tony Fatta
- Greeter — Cathi Pourciau
- Deacons — Cathi Pourciau, Jeff Cody, Kim Rankin, Michael Rankin
- Livestream — Michael Rankin
- Video Tech — Frank Dickinson
- Sound Tech — Greg Taliaferro
- CW&W Greeter — Pam Comeaux
- CS&W Storyteller — Dr. Carol Madere
- Church Closing — Jeff Cody
- Program Builder — Michael Rankin
November 16, 2025
- Church Opening — James Morgan
- Sacraments — Valerie Taylor
- Liturgist — Michael Rankin
- Children’s Moment — Pam Comeaux
- Youth Reader — Cora Cody
- Elder — Carmen Jones
- Greeter — Tony Babin
- Deacons — Tony Babin, Ed Atkins, Greg Taliaferro, Steven Gibson
- Livestream — Pam Jones
- Video Tech — Jeff Cody
- Sound Tech — Brenda Hilgendorf
- CW&W Greeter — Leonardo Morgan
- CS&W Storyteller — Kristin Morgan
- Church Closing — Jerry Hilgendorf
- Program Builder — Brenda Hilgendorf
November 23, 2025
- Church Opening — Jerry Hilgendorf
- Sacraments — Valerie Taylor
- Liturgist — Tracy Shaffer
- Children’s Moment — Rev. Stephen Sanders
- Youth Reader — Leonardo Morgan
- Elder — Dak McInnis
- Greeter — Doug Shaffer
- Deacons — Doug Shaffer, Tracy Shaffer, James Morgan, Kristin Morgan
- Livestream — Daniel Dickey
- Video Tech — Brenda Hilgendorf
- Sound Tech — Greg Taliaferro
- CW&W Greeter — Kayla Mercil
- CS&W Storyteller — Genesis Bennie
- Church Closing — Nancy Fatta
- Program Builder — Jeff Cody
Church Contact Information
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 8484 Old Hammond Hwy., Baton Rouge, LA 70809-1317. Phone: 225-926-4175. Website: fccbrla.org. Service at 10:00 AM each Sunday, in person and online. Church office hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 am–3 pm.
- The Rev. Dr. Dedrick Minor — Senior Minister (office hours by appointment)
- Aaron Turnipseed, M.M.P. — Director of Music
- Earl Poole — Music Worship Leader
- Brenda Hilgendorf — Bookkeeper / Human Resources
- Charles Riddle — Facilities
- Kimberly Lax — Administrative Assistant
Member birthdays, anniversaries, and the prayer list are in the printable PDF below and kept off this page for privacy.