What a week in the life of FBC, especially in the world of children and young family ministry! Sunday we were so pleased to announce that Aimee Hobbs will be joining the FBC ministry team and family as the new Pastor of Children and Young Families. Aimee comes to us from Prichard Memorial Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. At Prichard, Aimee has enjoyed a five-year ministry after serving the storied Broadway Baptist Church in Ft. Worth, Texas for the previous seven. She is a graduate of Dallas Baptist University and holds a Master of Divinity from George W. Truett Seminary at Baylor University.

Aimee & Jason Hobbs

Aimee is highly regarded in Baptist circles for her proven experience, creativity, and deep regard for ministering to children within the total context of the faith community. I both share and am committed to her philosophy of ministry. She will take the lead in our partnering with young families in the spiritual formation of their young ones. And she will help those from birth through fifth grade to experience a meaningful connection with all the church family. She shares our vision and hopes for the future and leaves a church she loves and is loved by to embrace a clear calling to serve and belong here.

Aimee will begin her ministry with us on Sunday, July 16, joined by her husband Jason and three beloved dogs. They already have contracts on a house in St. Pete and to sell their home in Charlotte. Do pray that all goes well in this transition and for the wonderful work ahead of us together. We are seeing God move as we assemble the team to lead us into the next era of ministry. For this, we have prayed and prepared and praise God from whom these blessings are flowing.

And this week’s VBS affirms the timing of our commitment to Aimee’s leading. With over 125 children participating, you can see the wave coming ashore. I caught myself smiling a lot this week. I loved up on some kids, was cheerleader-in-chief for our amazing workers, and marveled at the teamwork that involved literally every member of the FBC ministry and support team. I praise the work and spirit of the whole crew and especially want to give a shout out to Chris Culpepper who grabbed the reins and led the way to a great week. This pastor is proud!

Take care and I’ll see you Sunday as we take a Father’s Day Sunday drive down Highway 316.

Glen