b'First Baptist is a welcoming community who values authentic relationships. We foster a sense of belonging, as we extend gracious hospitality to newcomers andstrivetoincorporateeveryoneinadynamiccommunityofauthentic relationships. Our church is attentive to the needs of one another and generous to help in every way that we can. Our congregation is open to diversity of people in ethnicity and background and to diversity of theological perspectives. We fully affirm Gods calling of women in ministry and ordain them to the diaconate and to diverse roles of service as clergy.Our church is a missional community who values outwardly-focused service. We actively respond to a wide range of needs in our community through a variety of creative ministries. As a result, we offer diverse opportunities for everyone in our congregation to personally engage in service to others. We also have direct involvement in ministry around the world, and as a congregation we sacrificially support the missional efforts of our church.We are a spiritual community who values intergenerational, lifelong formation.Asachurch wefostergrowthinChristlikeness through thepracticesofBible study and prayer, worship and fellowship, service and stewardship. We offer rich opportunities in age-specific discipleship for lifelong spiritual formation, and we intentionally foster intergenerational relationships.We are a worshiping community who values depth and reverence in music and worship.Eachweekweworshipthroughmusicthatiswell-balancedanddynamic, through the reverent reading of scripture, and through prayer and preaching that are thoughtful and spiritually deep. We foster congregational participation in worship and explore creative ways of celebrating our faith together. We are a traditional community who values heritage, innovation and progress. Our congregation is rooted in traditional biblical principles and practices, while at the same time creating innovative ministries to meet community needs. We have also been creative in developing our own distinctive traditions, some of which we have rediscovered from ancient Christian practices and others are celebrations unique to our context.'