January 2007

Imagine the soaring English gothic sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Birmingham filled with candles, poinsettias and carols on Christmas Eve, or with white lilies, trumpets and the “Hallelujah Chorus” at Easter. Imagine singing your favorite hymn, or listening to the choir’s new anthem.   Think about the role that music has played in your own worship experiences, how music has inspired you, consoled you, warmed your heart.

We have been blessed with a wonderful music ministry at First Baptist.   As a congregation, we have supported and expanded this ministry over many years.   Just as we have focused on a strong tradition of outstanding music in our times of worship, so we have also reached out to the community through musical offerings and experiences.

We have talked as a congregation over the past several years about the need to replace our organ.   After a great deal of study and effort, the Organ Committee has found a way to continue to use the pipes of our current organ by interfacing them with a new Allen Digital organ.   This will incorporate the best of new digital technology while utilizing the best of our current organ.   To do this, about $225,000 will be needed.   Certainly, this represents a significant financial commitment for the congregation.   Advanced gifts of over $100,000 have already been received, so we are well on our way!

The Organ Fund Drive --- “Hearts to God, Hands to Serve, Music to Inspire ” --- wants to involve as many members and friends of the congregation as possible because we know the importance that our music ministry has had in each of our lives.   The Organ Drive committee has established several suggested levels for giving.   If all of the keys were covered at the suggested levels, we will realize more than enough to provide for any contingencies and to allow for further improvements.

Pedal Organ Key -   $2,000 (32 available)
Great Organ Key -   $1,500 (61 available)
Swell Organ Key   -  $1,000 (61 available)
Choir Organ Key -   $500 (61 available)

Gifts to the drive at any level are, of course, welcome and encouraged. All gifts are being held in confidence, so we are not designating gifts by name unless there should be a request to do so as a Memorial or as otherwise specified.   The capital fund pledge card enclosed with this letter includes more details.

  As we give our hearts to God, and raise our hands to serve, we are nourished and inspired by music.   Please consider prayerfully how you might participate in this challenge.