First Baptist Church Temple
Season of Remembrance
March 7, 2010

As we move closer to the demolition of our buildings, our Season of Remembrance plans are coming together. Our hope is that this time will allow each one to grieve the loss of these buildings which have held such deep meaning in our lives. These buildings have not just been brick and mortar, but they have been the place so significant to the spiritual rhythms of our lives. Prayerfully, as we address this loss in a healthy way, God will prepare us to move forward with the new plans God has for us.

On March 7, Martin will address this in his message. We have planned a time on Sunday afternoon, March 7, from 3:00 - 5:00 for anyone to come to The Edge, or sit out in the parking lot, and reflect or reminisce or any other appropriate action that you may need to take before the Sanctuary, the Office Building, and the ConneXion are demolished. Members of the Care Team and Ministerial Staff will be present during this time for anyone who needs someone to whom they can talk or share memories.

We want to encourage you to express your feelings about our buildings that we will miss and to find a way to treasure your memories of significant spiritual and personal events that took place in our buildings. Here is an expanded list of suggestions:

Write out your family's history with First Baptist and especially as it pertains to events in the buildings.

Write a poem expressing your feelings.

Write a song.

Create a piece of artwork - painting, drawing, sculpture.

Write down a chronological time line of events that are special to you.

Describe your feelings about losing the buildings.

Describe your feelings about the joyous events that took place in our buildings.

List your favorite memories of events for both the church and personally.

Write your own book about First Baptist.

List people from First Baptist who have impacted your life and how they did so.

If you would be willing to give a copy of these to the church, especially the written material, we will find an appropriate way to keep them. If you write these at The Edge or if you would like to bring them with you, we will have a copy machine so that we can make a copy for the church and you can keep your original.

Many of you have expressed a desire to have a brick as a memento of the building. Our plan is to preserve as many of the bricks and the limestone as possible. The purpose for this is two fold. One is so that we may be able to use some of them in some manner in the future. The other one is to allow you to have a brick. You will not be able to have a brick immediately, but we will let you know when you can have one.

We have received word that demolition will begin Monday, March 8. They will begin to take steps toward demolishing the building. We do not know the full scope of exactly what they will be doing on Monday. Please know that you are welcome to be present on Monday or any day during the demolition process. Ministerial staff and Care Team members will be available on Monday morning.