About Us....

9:00 a.m. Sunday School for Adults
10:00 a.m. Worship
11:30 a.m. Sunday School for Adults,
Teens, and Children

 
Every person is on some sort of journey. When you come to First Baptist Church of Oak Park, you are joining a people taking a particular path. In our walk we seek to follow the Way of light that leads to life. We have not arrived but we are traveling the road.

We welcome anyone to join us in our journey. We are people from different ethnic, economic and religious backgrounds. What ties us together is a shining truth: That God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, that he sent his son, Jesus Christ to set us free from our sin and gave us the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide us.

We come together to live these beliefs in many ways.

Join us on the journey...

Our journey includes fellowship with one another, and we look to the example of Christ's love for us as our model. It takes in the teaching of scripture, that we might learn to live wisely. It involves the praise and prayer of worship. And, it calls us to serve those in material or spiritual need within our church community, as well as those in the human community around us.

We believe Christ is not only walking alongside us in our journey, celebrating the gift of life, but he carries us through the hardest times when we haven't the strength. We are striving to bring this good news to others as we travel. So please walk with us awhile. Please join our journey of light and life.

Text Box: 820 Ontario Street-Oak Park, Illinois 60302-708.848.4070-Dr. Harry L. Parker, Senior Pastor Email address: firstbaptist820@sbcglobal.net

Our Ministries ..... 

Ministry of Teaching and Learning
In today’s world, there are so many paths to take, so many directions to follow that it gets confusing.  Any journey needs a roadmap.  We believe scripture provides this.  It lights the path and points the way to hope and eternal life.  First Baptist offers many places to take up your journey; start where ever it feels most comfortable. Sunday school classes offer teaching to children and adults alike.  Small groups meet for 6 – 12 weeks at a time to focus on a variety of topics. Video and seminars present opportunities to grapple with special issues.  Each of these teaching and study opportunities helps us to know the way.
Ministry of Fellowship
The road can get rocky and difficult, but no one needs to travel alone.  Christ has given us the Holy Spirit and one another to help along the way.  Through Christian fellowship, we can share burdens that weigh us down—and celebrate the blessings along life’s path.  Christ taught that we must not only be in relationship with Him, but in fellowship with one another as well.  At First Baptist, you have a friend on the journey. The Stephen Ministry offers one-on-one support and counseling to those in need.  Our Diaconate Board  regularly visits those shut-in or hospitalized.  Small study groups, Seniors' Fellowship, Sunday school classes , Sarah Circle, Prayer Meeting, Sunday School Classes, and Youth Groups often gather socially to complement needs in the community, and special outings such as camping, Christian music performances, or sporting events.  Our “Cheap Thrills” offers a night on the town for about $5.00.  The joy is not only in arriving, but in journeying together.
Ministry of Worship
 Worship offers a rest stop, an oasis.  The music of our Sanctuary or Handbell choirs brings healing and rejoicing.  The invitation to prayer is a call to look inward at our devotional life.  The Bible lesson and sermon offer a message of grace and an invitation to respond to the good news that is proclaimed.   Jesus said: “Come follow me.”  He will lead us to life more abundant.  Through worship, we come to know our best friend along life’s road:  Jesus Christ.  He is  the Way,  the  Truth and the Life.  Jesus said: “I  no longer call you servants, but I  call you my friend. . .I am with  you always.”  Wednesday evening rehearsals are held for our Children's Handbell Choir at 4:30 p.m., Handbell Choir at 5:45 p.m., and Sanctuary Choir at 7:00 p.m..  
Ministry of Service
Our Lord came, not to be served, but to serve.  He calls on us to follow his example.  “Now that I, your Lord  and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.  I  have set you an example that you should do as I  have done for you.”  (John 13:14-15). Following Jesus’ faithful footsteps includes service to others.  At First Baptist, we strive to take the road less traveled by serving those in need.  God has given each person special gifts, we can better serve others.  Our goal is that every member have his or her gift identified and put to use in some significant ministry.  Our ministries include our Evangelism and Outreach,  Preschool & Kindergarten, Children’s Ministry, Al Anon, Cook County Jail Ministry, Stephen Ministry, and Divorce Care.

Now  you  know a little more about First Baptist Church of Oak Park.  We are on an exciting and enriching walk of faith.  Many people come to visit us once, twice , maybe a few times but aren’t sure who to contact to know more about our church home.  We’d like the opportunity to personally talk with you about our church and its mission, to introduce you to the variety of individuals and families who make this church so vital and discover how we can help you in your life’s travels.  Please call Pastor Harry Parker at (708) 848-4070.  We look forward to meeting you soon.