Passion Week Begins

Today is Palm Sunday which marks the beginning of Passion Week. Today we commemorate Jesus’ triumphal, yet humble, entry into Jerusalem. Today we join the ancient multitudes by waving our palm branches and raising our voices with shouts of, “Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord’ Hosanna in the highest!” Today is a day of celebration!

But how quickly celebration shifts to crucifixion. Before the reverb of “Hosanna” had gone silent, our Lord was betrayed, arrested, denied, and tried on unfounded charges. Victorious shouts of “Hosanna” became violent cries of “Crucify Him” and Jesus was mocked, severely beaten, and nailed to a wooden cross—a Roman method of capital punishment for the vilest of criminals. The scene brings to mind Billie Holiday’s lyrics, “Southern trees bear strange fruit. Blood on the leaves and blood at the root. Black bodies swinging in the Southern breeze. Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees.

While I know that we see life with a Post-Resurrection view, I would invite all of us to sit in the strangeness of the crucifixion—Jesus’ broken and bruised body. Allow yourself to feel the weight of Friday—the confusion, despair, and hopelessness of the moment—with the recognition that no one took Jesus’ life, but that all He endured, He did for you and for me.

In Christ’s Love,

Pastor Donna Owusu-Ansah

Let Us Pray Together

The Apostle Paul writes to the church at Ephesus, “I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason, I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers… ” Here Paul provides a poignant paradigm for pastoral prayer.

First Baptist Family, from the day I received the pastoral vacancy announcement to now, I have remembered you in my prayers. God placed a burden for you in my heart, so I prayed for you individually, I prayed for this ministry, I prayed for God to keep you through COVID-19, and I prayed for the surrounding community. I took seriously Paul’s witness that pastoral leaders pray for their church

When we survey the book of Acts, we learn that Paul prayed for the church and with the church. Prayer is a foundational spiritual discipline for God’s people. In prayer, we connect and commune with God. Through prayer, we are guided, inspired, and strengthened by God; Incredible things happen when God’s people pray together.

Since we are looking for God to do incredible things, we need your presence in prayer every Wednesday from 6:30pm to 7:15pm. We are excited to resume in-person prayer starting on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. For those unable to attend in-person, we will continue to use the dial-in service. Whether you join in person or by phone, we trust that God will hear our prayers and grant us grace.

In Christ’s Love,

Pastor Donna Owusu-Ansah

To Our Youth Leaders…

My first meaningful introduction to church was as a fourteen-year-old girl; My best friend at the time, Courtney, invited me to attend youth group at her church— the Bethesda Baptist Church of New Rochelle, NY—where Rev. Dr. Allen Paul Weaver, Jr was (and is still) the Senior Pastor. I loved going to youth group. Yes, we learned about Jesus and studied the Bible, but what I loved most was the embodiment of God’s love and joy. Our youth leaders were committed saints who loved God and loved young people. They created an atmosphere where we could be ourselves, laugh heartily, play games, and enjoy each other’s company as we grew in our faith. Soon, I was attending and participating in Sunday morning worship, Tuesday choir rehearsal, bus trips to youth workshops at Baptist association meetings, and other special services and programs. Through youth ministry, I was being shaped into a leader. I was young, but my presence was valued, my gifts were developed, and my voice was being heard. 

For this reason, young people, as your Pastor, I am committed to valuing your unique and authentic presence, creating an atmosphere where your gifts are developed and utilized for the advancement of the Kingdom of God, and listening to your voices because there is so much that you can teach me (and us) about the world and how we can share Christ and minister effectively to your generation. Thank you for leading us in worship, and being leaders in your schools, communities, and this world!

In Christ’s Love,

Pastor Donna Owusu-Ansah

Moving Forward Together

Last Sunday was incredible! God showed up and showed out in worship! If that wasn't enough, you all showed up and showed out in your reception of our family! From the sign as we pulled up to the church, to your words of welcome and hugs, to the fellowship meal, and so much more, we felt welcomed. Thank you First Baptist Family!

Today marks the beginning of Daylight Savings time, when we Spring Forward, moving our clocks ahead an hour to take advantage of the daylight. As much as we enjoy the longer days-especially leaving work while the sun is still shining-if we are honest, the transition takes time and a toll on our routines. It is fitting that Daylight Savings time aligns with the beginning of our journey together. Where our clocks are springing forward, I hear God calling us as a body of believers to "Move Forward Together" so we can take full advantage of the daylight because, as John 9:4 recounts, "the night is coming when no one can work." To that end, on Resurrection morning, we will begin a sermon series, "Moving Forward Together" to begin thinking about the transitions in the ways we do ministry. And just like watching a sunset at 8:00pm on a June evening, it will be better than good, because God's divine hand will guide us every step of the way.

In Christ’s Love,

Pastor Donna Owusu-Ansah

Let Us Rejoice and Be Glad In It!

Psalm 118:24 says, "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Today-March 5, 2023-is the day that the Lord ordained for Rev. Donna Owusu-Ansah and the First Baptist Church of Englewood to begin our journey together as Pastor and Congregation. I must confess that I am delighted, glad, and elated so much so that I plan to rejoice, praise, and clap my hands as a response to what God has done and will do in our midst. I pray that you will join me in high praise for what God is doing TODAY!

While gladness is the order of the day, some of you may be nervous about the pronunciation of our last name. The surname Owusu-Ansah is of Ghanaian origin. If you pronounce it like an English word you've never seen before, I guarantee you'll get it. If that doesn't work, you could be like my mom. In the weeks prior to getting married, she walked around rehearsing our name using a flashcard with the phonetic pronunciation written OH-WOO-SUE AHN-SAH, perfecting it before we walked down the aisle. If that doesn't work, feel free to call me "Pastor O" or "Pastor Donna" and know that above all, I appreciate every time you try.

In Christ’s Love,

Pastor Donna Owusu-Ansah

To God be the Glory!

To God be the glory for the great things God has done! First Baptist Church Family, we are over the moon excited that God has joined us together as Pastor and Congregation! I am inspired by the depth and breadth of FBC's ministry through almost 130 years and I am invigorated by the Holy Spirit and expecting God to do great things in and through our church and community as we move forward together in ministry. Special thanks to Sis. Reeves and the Search Committee, Deacon Addison and the Diaconate, Rev. Ponton, Sis. Roland and the Transition Team, and Minister Barbara Backous for all of their efforts in getting us here and settled in the church and community at large. Joseph, Afia, Adjoa and I are looking forward to meeting and getting to know each of you in the coming weeks. Don't be surprised If I ask to take a picture. #Iloveagoodselfie #wearefbc #socialmediaministry

I am grateful to God for the leadership of FB's Interim Pastors Rev. Dorian H. Schenck and Rev. Kevin Jones through pastoral transition and a global pandemic. May God bless them richly for the ministry they provided to FBC.

In Christ's Love,

Pastor Donna Owusu-Ansah