Give First Baptist Church of Gardiner (also known as Gardiner First Baptist Church) is a generous community. Please give as much as you are able to help us with our mission of transforming lives in Gardiner and beyond. Currently we also have a fund-raising project (now in Phase 2) to restore First Baptist's aging stained glass windows. You can easily donate online or contribute during each of our services. Thank you for your faithful support. Give Today

Connect Opportunities include Worship and Worship Media Team Bible study, discipleship, and small groups Celebrations and meals together Community and family events Community- and world-service projects Outdoor activities including bicycling Crafts, arts, and music Classes and educational events Missions trips Please scroll for photos & more Food Trailer (Jesus Trailer) Gardiner Waterfront Thursday Cruise Night & other events Bicycling Group Weekly morning rides and special events (seasonal) Weekly Men's Breakfast at Dave's Diner (Thursdays) Women's Bible Groups Serving Community Suppers 5pm on 4th Sunday, Christ Church Food for Thought Volunteer work to help food-insecure school children in the Gardiner area school district His Hands in Your World service projects Worship led by guest worship teams (photo: Friends of the King) Worship Team and Worship Media Team Outings, walks, and hikes Occasional Classes Learning new skills, fun, and time with family and friends Fun family & community events Concerts (photo: Castlebay) Operation Christmas Child Gifts for annual project that helps children around the world Why not subscribe to make sure you don’t miss out on any future opportunities?

Meet Pastor Ken Rev. Kenneth W. Smith is passionate about helping people to know God's great grace and love through knowing and following Jesus Christ. Ken first gave his life to Jesus and sensed God's call to be a pastor as a young person growing up in the Boston area. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical and Theological Studies at Gordon College, where he minored in English and also focused on philosophy and history, and earned a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry in Preaching at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Ken's doctoral thesis was "Preaching the Psalms with Respect for Their Inspired Design." Ken has family roots in Maine, and he and his wife Elisabeth are delighted to live in Gardiner and to serve with the people of the First Baptist Church of Gardiner. The American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts ordained Ken, and he previously served with American Baptist churches in Massachusetts and Connecticut. He also has training and service as a hospital chaplain and financed his earlier studies by working in a variety of occupations. A favorite pastime of Ken's is listening to people's questions about faith in God and Jesus and discussing Christian theology. If he does not know the answer, he will look into it. Ken is also an avid reader and has been participating in and leading Bible studies and book discussions for much of his adult life. Currently he leads a monthly public book discussion at the Gardiner Public Library on books related to Maine and by Maine authors. Publications by Rev. Kenneth W. Smith: Please scroll down Publications Pastor Ken (Rev. Kenneth W. Smith) also wrote a paper for pastors "Preaching the Psalms," which received the Willhite Award in 2003 from The Evangelical Homiletics Society and appeared in an edited version in an online article "Soul Sermons from Psalms" on preachingtoday.com. The paper was also published in the book Interpretation and Application, from The Preacher's Toolbox Series, Vol. 3, from Hendrickson Publishers.

News Trunk or Treat Free Family Event for the Community Thursday, October 31st, 2024 5pm – 7pm We were excited to be able once again to provide a safe and fun event for Halloween. The emphasis was on non-scary trunks and activities. Most activities were outdoors in our parking lot, but some games and activities for children were also indoors. Our food trailer served some super yummy food, with event-goers paying as they were able to help support our Stained Glass Window Restoration. There were lots of creative trunks and costumes! Trunk owners passed out sugary sweets, and of course there was music to keep the celebration going. Families and children from the greater Gardiner area participated. We are thankful for the many volunteers who helped make this beautiful fall evening so enjoyable and fun! Please see our photos section for any event photos. We try to protect the privacy of families and do not show children's photos without permission. Natalie Bailey was event planner. She can be reached by phone at 207-446-6169. Thank you! Photo: First Baptist Church of Gardiner, 47 Church Street Rosie Gerry and Friends Saturday, November 16th, 2024 As we promised, this was an exciting, foot-tapping, bluegrass-style musical concert. Rosie is an accomplished guitar player and singer, and has an easy and friendly rapport with his audiences. He was accompanied by Lise Becu on fiddle, who provided just the right touch to a variety of numbers, including thoughtful and faith-oriented bl uegrass songs and some surprising lesser-known songs. Regrettably, some musician friends could not be present due to illness. A group of children said they enjoyed the tunes Rosie and Lise performed for them, including one song that provided several children an opportunity to ring the church bell! Following the concert was a buffet of home-made and catered desserts, including strawberry shortcake, cookies and dessert bars, and a make-your-own S'mores station for kids and families. Donations were accepted to help with First Baptist's Stained Glass Window Restoration Project. We thank God to be able announce that we have entered final stages of fundraising for this project! Photo: Rosie Gerry on guitar and Lise Becu on fiddle. First Baptist's Food Trailer Served at Gardiner Waterfront Thursday Cruise Nights ! May through September, 2024 We're so thankful for both our familiar customers and new customers at the Gardiner Waterfront Thursday Cruise Nights! It was an excellent season this year, with some beautiful Thursday nights and a few that were rained out. Our food trailer team works hard to serve the public at these and other events. We believe God has provided the energy, the food trailer (a donation through a good friend of the church), the beautiful evenings, and all the wonderful car owners and other people who go to these weekly events. We also want to express our sincere gratitude to all the Gardiner Waterfront Thursday Cruise Night team members. For more information and up-to-date event listings, search for that name on Facebook. First Baptist's Food Trailer Served at The Great Race in Gardiner! Sunday, June 30 When The Great Race came to Gardiner, our friendly Food Trailer Team served delicious food at the Gardiner Waterfront along with many other Maine and local food trailers. For information about the Great Race event please see "Gardiner Main Street" on Facebook. Profits from our trailer currently go towards First Baptist's Stained Glass Window Restoration Project. We thank God to be able announce that we have entered final stages of fundraising for this large but necessary project! Stained Glass Window Restoration April 2024 First Baptist Church of Gardiner is excited to announce that we arrived at a major milestone this month! Work began on our Stained Glass Window Restoration Project. Team members from a Minnesota firm, Associated Crafts & Willet Hauser, came to Gardiner to get the project underway. The congregation wants to thank members of our Fundraising Committee, all those who have contributed to the project so far, and those who have worked on or supported our many individual fundraising efforts. We thank the Lord for your prayers, work, and generous support! Adult Bible Study/Discussion Group April – May, 2024 "Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus" Pastor Ken Smith recently led a short-term class in which we viewed and discussed segments of Timothy Mahoney's film "Patterns of Evidence: Exodus." The film presents both evidence for the exodus of the ancient Hebrew slaves from Egypt and various interpretations of this evidence. We also read from related passages in the books of Genesis and Exodus. The group participated in excellent discussions, which included questions and issues of faith and biblical interpretation. Use of the film and related study questions was through First Baptist Church's subscription to Right Now Media, and also by courtesy of Thinking Man Films.

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Visit Us - What to Expect First Baptist Church of Gardiner welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds. Coming together as a community strengthens our faith and enriches our daily lives, and we enjoy helping newcomers to feel welcomed and at home. More information is below. Please also see buttons below for our "Connect " & "News & Events" pages. Connect News Sunday Worship September to May - 11am Summer - 10am Services include beautiful live praise and worship music, hymns, organ, and keyboard; prayers and scripture; and a message based on God's Word. Volunteers lead parts of the worship service. Communion is 1x a month. Many of us go forward, but it is also possible to take Communion seated. It's not necessary to be a believer or to have made a faith commitment to visit or attend services here - everyone is invited and welcome! Bible Studies/Discovery Groups Adult Bible Study/Group (teens are also welcome) is in progress. Teachers experienced in teaching God's Word facilitate. Discussion includes the topic of practical application. Questions and lively discussion are welcome but not required. Recent Topics The Parables of Jesus Moving Towards Goals in Life Forgiveness Suffering and Grief The Old Testament and Jesus Christ Evidence for Exodus and Its Faith Implications Spiritual Warfare in the Believer's Life

FBC Gardiner – Servant Leadership Here to Grow and Serve in Jesus' Name Rev. Dr. Ken Smith Pastor David Stetson Organist Mary Bailey Worship Team Leader Deacons of FBC Gardiner Kit Langmeyer, Chair Bud Langmeyer Connie LaFlamme Brian LaFlamme Mary Bailey Laurie Leavitt Rita Reutershan Nancy Stevens, Emeritus

Contact Us First Baptist Church of Gardiner 47 Church Street Gardiner, ME 04345 https://fbcofgardiner@gmail.com 207-582-4747 Name Email Phone Address Subject Message Submit Thanks for submitting!

Welcome to First Baptist Church of Gardiner 47 Church Street, Gardiner, Maine 04345 Sunday Worship – 11am Adult & Teen Bible Study – 9:30am Children's Sunday School – During Worship First Baptist Church of Gardiner (Gardiner First Baptist) invites people to give their hearts and lives in faith to Jesus Christ, experiencing transformed lives through the Holy Spirit and the resurrection power of Jesus. Our members actively seek to live out their faith in daily life, praying that they may reflect God's great glory, grace, and love towards all. Everyone is welcome. Visitors are invited to join us as we worship God, pray, and seek to study, understand, and apply God's Word in practical ways and through God's power. We also offer fellowship, activities, and many opportunities to serve others. To visit, please check out our current "Happenings" schedule (scroll down) and menu (scroll up). Contact Donate Here Happenings December December 7th – Craft Fair & More Saturday 10am to 4pm Many craft vendors will be here with homemade gift items; there will also be g ames & crafts for the kids, photos and an opportunity to say hello to Santa, and a gift basket raffle. Questions? Reach out to Natalie Bailey at 207- 446 - 6169 Dec. 13th – Downeast Brass Christmas Concert, Friday 7pm – By popular request! First Baptist Church is thrilled to host this amazing Maine brass quintet, who often packs out their venues. Christmas desserts will be served. Free, with a suggested donation towards First Baptist's Stained Glass Window Restoration Fundraiser. 22nd – Christmas Worship Sunday 11am Joyful worship service with contemporary praise music, traditional hymns and carols, and pipe organ. Visitors, families, and friends are always welcome. 24th – Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Time TBA A family-oriented candlelight service with Christmas carols, scripture readings, and a short message from our pastor about the faith and hope of Jesus Christ. The service is oriented around the story of Jesus' birth and his life and significance to the world. Jesus is born! All are welcome. Contact Weekly Schedule Sunday Worship 11am Worship Communion – first Sunday of the month Children's Sunday School – during worship After Worship – Everyone is invited for informal fellowship. Refreshments or a meal are often served. Bible Study, Prayer, Small Groups Sunday – Bible Study Group Fall Topic – Spiritual Warfare 9:30am, for Adults & Teens. Our text as always is the Bible. We will also use Dr. David Jeremiah's study guide "Spiritual Warfare: The Armor of God" Wednesday – Prayer Meeting 5:30 – 6:30pm, informal and o pen to all Thursday – Men's Breakfast 7:00am – Dave's Diner All men are invited Women's Bible Study – TBA Contact Connect Reviews Nancy “Nice place for a mix of traditional and contemporary church service, and preaches the Word of God." About First Baptist Church of Gardiner is a small church in which people are growing in Jesus Christ. We are open to people of all ages and backgrounds, and we invite people to consider growing in their relationship with God; to read and apply God's Word; and to understand and follow Jesus' teachings. Our desire is to grow toward a vibrant faith and full maturity in Him. We are committed to following Jesus Christ, to sharing God's message of love and grace, and to serving the people of Gardiner, the local area, and beyond. We invite you to contact us today to find out more about visiting or becoming part of the First Baptist Church of Gardiner family. Find Out More Him we proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. Colossians 1:28 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 1 John 4:9 Questions? First Baptist Church of Gardiner is in association with: The Kennebec Baptist Association The American Baptist Churches of Maine The American Baptist Churches USA Our Pastor, Kenneth W. Smith, would be happy to talk with you about First Baptist Church and our people's beliefs and about your questions about life, God, Jesus Christ, and the Bible. See more about Pastor Ken by clicking the button below. We are currently working on our website and invite you to return. For privacy, s ome children's photos on our site are stock photos courtesy of Wix. Pastor Contact Us Church & Office First Baptist Church of Gardiner 47 Church Street Gardiner, ME 04345 https://fbcofgardiner@gmail.com Name Email Phone Address Subject Message Submit Thanks for submitting! How to Navigate Our Website Pages 1. Cell phone - Click on the menu icon (3 tiny white lines, at top right on each page). 2. Desktop computer or laptop - click on the menu at the top of each page. 3. End of some page sections - click on buttons to go to other pages. SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GardinerFirstBaptist/