Congratulations to Our
2009 Faith In Action Honorees

Each year the Greater Rochester Community of Churches celebrates with the greater faith communities those people who give of themselves in daily tasks to the needs of others, and put their "faith into action" as an expression of God's love and work in the world. This year's Faith In Action Honorees for the First Baptist Church of Rochester are:

Marilyn and Bion “Mac” McClellan have faithfully taken on very large tasks for First Baptist Church of Rochester. The church has prospered, in health and mission, because of their efforts. Marilyn has headed a comprehensive community outreach campaign that has helped the congregation grow. Working with the Ad Council of Rochester, Marilyn has used all of her skill in marketing and much of her time and energy to raise the profile of the church in the community. Moreover, as people joined the church, she took those persons under her wing as membership chairperson. Lynn also has coordinated the Adult Forum program and has initiated a Nurses group. Her spirit of hospitality and desire for people to find each other in community has deepened the welcoming spirit of FBCR. At the same time, Mac has worked as a leading Trustee of the church, chairing the Building Preservation Campaign and managing a variety of facility improvement projects. To Mac our building is essential to our Christian mission. We house numerous recovery, mutual support, and community interest groups along with our partner congregation in the building, the Slavic Bible Baptist Church. Thanks to Mac’s efforts our facilities will serve the cause of our mission for many years to come.

Barbara Dinse’s quiet dedication, easy smile, and deft skill model commitment to Christ and community. Barbara serves as Church Clerk of First Baptist Church. Not only has Barbara organized our records and taken the minutes of meetings, she has personally interviewed every new member and written introductory comments about them for congregational publication. Barbara sees to it that our Church Directory is not just a list of names but a statement of community. Barbara is regularly seen in the office, supporting our staff as a volunteer. She also has worked in the Vacation Bible School effort of the church. Our congregation’s health and effectiveness is tied directly to members who see their activity in the church as ministry. Barbara Dinse certainly does.

Visit Our Photo Gallery