Who We Are We are, first and foremost, a church. Historically, this means that (A) we gather around the preaching of the word (1 Tim 4:13), (B) we regularly participate in the pure administration of the ordinances (Baptism [Matt. 28:18-20] and the Lord’s Supper [1 Cor. 11:23-26]), and (C) we exercise church discipline (Matt 18:15-20). A church is certainly more than these things, but it can never be less. Upon becoming a Christian, you are now a part of the body of Christ. This means it is a Scriptural mandate that you commit yourself to a local church (Hebrews 13:17). When you become a church member, you are not only obeying Christ, but you are also gaining a new family. Here is a snapshot of what the church family looks like. FBC Confession We are a community of believers, united in Christ, who are devoted to proclaiming and obeying the word of God. This short statement is an attempt to summarize the ministry and vision of First Baptist Church of Fortuna. We are a community of believers who are united in Christ. We are devoted to proclaiming the word of God. We are also devoted to obeying that word. Implicit in our devotion to proclaiming and obeying is our devotion to word centered ministry. For how could we proclaim or obey what we do not know? FBC Covenant Being a part of a church is not a casual relationship. Being a church member is better understood as having a covenantal relationship with one another. This covenant is reaffirmed each month. Each time, we are reminded of the privileges and obligations of being a part of this church. This covenant is built on major commands found in the New Testament. The first comes from Acts 2:42 where we see that the newly formed church was devoted to the church. The second major feature is based on the abundant one another commands (~59) which are to be carried out within the church body. Having, as we trust, been brought by divine grace to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and to give up ourselves to him, and having been baptized upon our profession of faith, in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, we do now, relying on His gracious aid, solemnly and joyfully renew our covenant with one another. Therefore, We are devoted to the apostle’s teachings’ and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. We are devoted to loving one another. We are devoted to joyfully serving one another. We are devoted to praying for one another. We are devoted to a humility that considers each other better than ourselves. We are devoted to greeting one another warmly and lovingly. We are devoted to encouraging one another. We are devoted to killing sin, in all forms, by embracing confession, repentance, and forgiveness. We are devoted to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching, and to singing. We are devoted to supporting those who are devoted to the ministry of word and prayer, and [we are devoted to supporting] the spread of the gospel. We are devoted to supporting those who are poor. We are devoted to discipling one another. Above all we are devoted to obeying the commands of Jesus Christ. If we are ever moved from this place, we are also devoted to uniting with some other church where we can continue in the spirit of this covenant. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen. Corporate Worship Our times of corporate worship are centered on the exaltation of the Living God, through the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. This includes preaching and teaching the word of God, singing, prayer, giving, baptism, communion (Lord’s Supper), and times of confession. Regular attendance to the Sunday worship gathering is integral to being a Christian. All ages join together to worship. Small noises are a part of raising godly children. Find peace knowing we are pleased to have children with us to worship the living God. And pray diligently for those who are teaching their children to still their bottoms and their souls to hear the word of God. Elder-led Congregationalism The New Testament teaches that Christ is the Head of the Church (the Chief Shepherd) and that every church is comprised of Believers who are to be equipped for the work of the ministry by Elders and the church is to be assisted by Deacons in various ministries. Our church government could be described as Elder-led congregationalism. Believers are all included in the priesthood of the saints. Although Elders and Deacons are called out for particular service in our body, no one in our body is of lesser value. All believers are called to obey the teachings and commands of Christ. It is not the Elders or Deacons who are primarily responsible for the work of the ministry. Instead, it is all believers who have a shared responsibility in ministry. Further, it is the church who affirms and calls Elders and Deacons. Elders are also referred to as Overseers and Pastors (Shepherds). Those who serve in the office of Elder are to be devoted to the ministry (serving) of the word and prayer. Consistent with the teachings of the Bible, the office of Elder is reserved only for men who meet the qualifications of Elder/Overseer. Elders are to lead the church but are not above the church. Deacons are those who serve the tangible needs of the church so that the Elders can remain focused on the ministry of the word and prayer. Deacons have a particular role of facilitating ministry to ensure the unity of the church. Covenant Community The Church is not a building but a gathering of God's people. This is why we regularly carve out time to gather together. If you come on a Sunday morning you will get to know the living God. But it is during the small unplanned moments that we are best able to get to know one another. It is in the context of community that church plants will be birthed, mercy ministries will be done, and the gospel will be obeyed in concrete ways. We embrace the many different textures that the kingdom of heaven will have. But it is obedience, and not demographics, that drives our decisions. Men, Women, and The Image of God It is our belief that both male and female are created in the image of God (Gen 1:27). Therefore, both men and women reflect this image. However, it was Adam who was created first and woman who was created from Adam to be his helpmate. Therefore, we also believe in male headship. Meaning, men are inherently created and designed to lead from creation, not as a result of sin. This informs us that even though both men and women bear the image of God they are still inherently different (roles and forms). These differences should never be seen as deficiencies of being male or female. Rather, these differences should always be seen as complementing each other in life, singleness, marriage, family, and especially within the church. A man is most manly when he reflects the character of Christ (godliness). And a woman is most womanly when she reflects the church (godliness). Families, Children, and Singles (Unmarried) It is our conviction that parents are the ones primarily responsible for evangelizing and discipling their children. That is why we encourage family members of all ages to join us to worship together on Sunday mornings. Worship and other classes are places where children being present are not a problem but are encouraged to attend. This means we expect an appropriate level of distractions as Dad and Mom are discipl ing their children to participate in community life. Any age-specific activities are always a supplement to what Dad and Mom are called to do at home. Although we believe marriage is God’s normal order, we also believe that being single is not a second-class status in the body of Christ. This means that a single person (never married, widowed, or divorced) is just as valuable to the FBC Fortuna community as a married couple is. Further, we strive to lift up and support those households that may have experienced great loss or brokenness (divorce, single parent, guardianship, death). Young and Old, Jew and Gentile We love the young and the old. The Kingdom of God is represented by both youthful zeal and aged-tested wisdom. The older are called to teach the younger. While the younger are called to care for the older. We raise our young to respect and honor the aged and we expect our more seasoned saints to rejoice in the presence of the young. We love both Jew and Gentile. The Kingdom of Heaven will be represented by all tribes, tongues, nations, and peoples. The Jews were chosen. The Gentiles were welcomed. We treat all people as created in the image of God and we prioritize the culture of the Kingdom over any culture of this world. We do not cater to any age or other demographic. Instead, we care for all in obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ. A Giving Church Sacrificial giving is part of being obedient to Jesus Christ. Being faithful stewards is not optional. Our church has an obligation (A) to provide materially for those who labor in preaching and teaching, (B) to support the needs of the poor among us, (C) to care for those in need around us, (D) and to give for the spread of the gospel. In our context, we have also found that having a building assists us in our ministry endeavors. Therefore, we have the further responsibility (E) to steward our building. For us, sacrificial giving and faithful stewardship includes regular giving for the support of our Elder(s), the support of church ministries, and the responsibilities of owning a building. It also includes spontaneous giving as God leads each of us to give sacrificially in our daily lives. An Introduction to and Defense of Church Membership What is Church Membership? In Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 2:19; 3:6; 4:25; and 5:30 the Apostle Paul writes to local churches about how each believer is a "member" of the body of Christ. These important passages show that each Christian is part of something bigger than himself. And yet, the part is played out in a local congregation. Notice how Paul wrote to three different churches, not to one church three times. Membership is not just another word to describe a Christian. It is a word to describe every Christian's relationship to a local body of believers. Here are some other examples of how that plays out in the life of the New Testament believer. "Fellowship" vs. "Membership" First, let's consider the words 'fellowship' and 'membership.' Some churches do not have formal church membership and will instead use language such as "I am part of this fellowship." This would be different from a church that uses language such as, "I am a member of that church." Although there are small and large nuances to each of these words, the basic fact remains that, in either case, a person is distinguishing their regular participation in one local church as opposed to another. That is why all the examples below would equally apply to all Christians, whether they are a church member or part of a fellowship. Lists In Acts 6 and 1 Timothy 5m we have lists of widows that belong to particular churches in need of particular care. Even though these lists were not exhaustive of the entire congregation, they do imply that the concept of having a list distinguishing a group of people was not foreign to the New Testament. Letters & Letters Every New Testament epistle (letter) was written to a local church. It is true that these letters were circular (that is, meant to be shared), but the circular nature of those letters reinforces the idea that Christians were part of specific local congregations. In fact, in the New Testament, the word “church” is rarely used to identify the universal church. It is almost exclusively used to identify local fellowships. This is further emphasized by the use of "Letters of Recommendation" (Romans 16:1-2; 1 Corinthians 16:3; and 2 Corinthians 3:1-3). Although this is a practice that has fallen from use in many churches, letters of recommendation or letters of transfer have been a historic Christian practice, based on the New Testament, to send and receive believers from another church. First Baptist Church of Fortuna still reaches out via phone calls, texts, or emails with other local churches before we receive a believer into fellowship. Leadership God has given the church Elders and Overseers who also serve as pastors. These church leaders are limited to local congregations. So who are these leaders responsible for; all Christians everywhere, or only local congregations? And how does a leader become responsible for a Christian? Is it simply by showing up to a few worship services? And when does that responsibility end? The whole idea of church leadership necessitates some form of identifiable church membership (Ephesians 4:11; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1- 2; Titus 1:5, 7; Hebrews 13:7, 17, 24; and 1 Peter 5:1-4) Ordinances Baptism and the Lord's Supper are two sacred (holy) ordinances given to the church, not individual believers. For baptism and the Lord's Supper to be properly administered, it must be in the context of the local church. The very nature of these ordinances demands some form of regular gathering with local believers who can corporately affirm each other's confession of faith and daily walk with the Lord. Church Discipline Matthew 18:15-20; 1 Corinthians 5:13; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11, 7:10-12, 13:1-3; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15; 1 Timothy 5:19-20; and Titus 3:10-11 all speak of formal church discipline (see also Acts 5:1-11). This is discipline executed by the "church” and not privately by church leadership. This requires us to ask the question, What church? Certainly, if a man was caught in unrepentant adultery, we would not wait to gather all the saints from around the world to deal with the issue. And if an unrepentant sinner is to be purged from our midst, does that not require a regular gathering of believers to be purged from? Church discipline makes no sense, nor would it be possible, unless some form of church membership existed. Spiritual Gifts and Discipleship Lastly, and briefly, spiritual gifts and discipleship require community. Without a church fellowship to which you belong, you are depriving yourself and others of the opportunity to exercise spiritual gifts and participate in discipleship. As you can see, church membership is a comprehensive and important part of the New Testament. Therefore, it is important for Christians to join themselves to a local body of believers according to the biblical practices of that church. End Note: Although churches may disagree on the level of formality of membership, all churches still participate in some form of membership. If a church claims not to, simply ask if a first-time guest can collect the offering, teach the children, or preach. You will quickly discover that even the most communal of churches still practice some form of church membership, identifying who belongs and who is simply visiting.

Our Doctrine | Reformed Baptist We love God and we love His word. Therefore, our preaching and teaching is firmly rooted in the Bible. We are also confessional because of the confusion that many people have about interpreting the Bible. Therefore, we subscribe to The 1689 Second London Baptist Confession as our confession of faith. Even though there may be some disagreement among members about certain doctrines, the 2LBCF is the extent of disagreement that we can maintain while holding onto unity and fellowship. Level of Subscription to the Confession As a church we have adopted a “subscription of unity” for all church members. Our Church Officers (Elders and Deacons) are expected to have a “full subscription.” Subscription of Unity The goal of membership subscription is for all church members to agree wholeheartedly with the entire confession of faith. All church members should agree not to teach against the confession of faith, distribute literature against it, or campaign against it on social media, etc. They must agree not to cause divisions or strife in the church about anything in the confession of faith. And they must not be hardened in their opposition to anything in the confession of faith, but have a teachable spirit, willing to sit under and learn from those who teach everything in the confession of faith. Full Subscription: Affirm every doctrine in our church’s confession of faith. Consistent with our confession and practice, we allow into membership those who are still working out their own understanding of our confession. At the same time, those who are in clear disagreement do not receive an Elder’s recommendation for membership. It should be noted that while incoming members may be still working on their understanding of the confession, the Elders and Deacons (office holders) are to be in full subscription with the 2LBCF. Our aim is to protect the unity of the church. Although reading the 2LBCF will provide a detailed explanation of our theology, here are five doctrines (teachings) that are fundamental to our theology. While we have clear boundaries of doctrinal agreement, we still find ways to be charitable in areas of disagreement. These five areas of doctrine give a clear understanding of the beliefs that influence the preaching, teaching, and ministries of our church. Read the Original 1689 Second London Baptist Confession here. Read the Modern v ersion here. The Gospel of Jesus Christ We believe that in the beginning, God created everything. Not only did God create everything, but because he is good, he also gave us the law (explicitly and on the heart). The demand of the law was perfection. Failure to obey the law perfectly came with the penalty of death. But the reward of obedience was life. Instead of obedience we (through the first man Adam) chose to disobey the law. We chose to sin, and because of sin, the world was broken. Sin is any thought, deed, or action that opposes the will or law of God and is consequently worthy of death. Therefore sinners, who are condemned to death are in need of forgiveness of sin and salvation from death (the wrath of God). The good news (gospel) is that sinners can be forgiven of their sins and saved from death, sin, and God’s wrath through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ Jesus alone (see below). Those who have been saved from the consequences of their sin (death) must now obey the gospel in this way: Repent (turn from your sins to Jesus) Confess (make publicly known) your sins. Believe that Jesus Christ is God. Be Baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Commit yourself to a local body of believers (a church). Make Disciples of all nations as a part of the local church. Regenerate Church Membership The most significant mark of being Baptist is holding to believer’s baptism: the belief that only those who personally confess Christ should be recognized as saved and therefore baptized. Therefore, we also hold to the historic Baptist teaching that church membership is for the regenerate (new life). That means we affirm that every Christian must be a member of a local church to be obedient to Christ. Membership is not just a name on a list; it includes a confession, participation in the ordinances (baptism and the Lord's Supper), and evidences of grace (sanctification). Here are explanations of these three marks of a regenerate church member. A Confession of Faith Both a confession of sin and a confession (declaration) of who Christ is (See We Believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ). Acts 2:41, 47b. Participation in Baptism & Communion (Lord’s Supper) Baptism is the first act of obedience and the mark of entrance into the church. The Lord’s Supper is the mark of continued belonging to the church. The 1689 Baptist Confession reads as follows: Baptism is an ordinance of the New Testament, ordained by Jesus Christ. To those baptized it is a sign of their fellowship with him in his death and resurrection, of their being grafted into him, of remission of sins, and of submitting themselves to God through Jesus Christ to live and walk in newness of life (2LBCF 29.1). The supper of the Lord Jesus was instituted by him the same night he was betrayed. It is to be observed in his churches to the end of the age as a perpetual remembrance and display of the sacrifice of himself in his death. It is given for the confirmation of the faith of believers in all the benefits of Christ’s death, their spiritual nourishment and growth in him, and their further engagement in and to all the duties they owe him. The supper is to be a bond and pledge of their communion with Christ and each other (2LBCF 30.1). Evidences of Grace (Sanctification) A Christian will bear good fruit. This does not mean that a Christian is presently perfect. But the call is to lead a life that is in step with the commands of Christ and his call for godliness. A Christian who bears no fruit is no Christian at all. But praise be to God, he promises to produce in us the fruit of sanctification through the work of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthains 6:9-11). The Five Sola's of the Reformation The Reformation of the 1500’s brought a renewed vision to what the Church is. Every ‘protestant’ church today is a result of this great reformation. Although there are many different events that happened within the Reformation era, five beliefs could be summarized from those changes that still influences churches around the world today. We too believe and hold to these Five Solas. Sola Scriptura Scripture Alone 2 Timothy 3:16–17 - All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (ESV) We Affirm: that the Scriptures have the full final authority on all church’s doctrines and practices. We Deny: that our confession or any church member (including the elders) stands in authority over the Scriptures. Sola Gratia Saved by Grace Alone Ephesians 2:8–9 - For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (ESV) We Affirm: that God on his own free will offers salvation. We Deny: that man can save himself without this grace. Sola Fide Saved through Faith Alone Galatians 2:16 - yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. (ESV) We Affirm: that man is saved by having faith (trusting belief) in the work and person of Jesus Christ. We Deny: that faith is alone; that faith does not produce good works. Solus Christus Saved in Christ Alone Acts 4:11–12 - This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (ESV) We Affirm: that Jesus (truly God and truly man) is the only worthy mediator between God and man. We Deny: that anyone can be saved without a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Soli Deo Gloria For the Glory of God Alone Ephesians 3:20–21 - Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (ESV) We Affirm: that God alone is worthy of all glory, honor and praise, and is working all things to the praise of his glorious grace. We Deny: that God needs man or any created thing to be worthy of praise, glory and honor. The Doctrines of Grace (Reformed Theology) Salvation is clearly taught in the Scriptures. However, there are certain doctrines that have caused theological division over the 2000 years of Church History. Although there is a certain amount of acceptable disagreement, we have come to believe that the Doctrines of Grace are the true and consistent teaching of the Scriptures. It is not necessary to completely understand the Doctrines of Grace when becoming a church member. However, it is necessary that you are not strongly opposed to these teachings. We are patient with those who are taking time to fully comprehend and internalize these distinctives. The Doctrines of Grace are also known as Calvinism (so called after John Calvin). The doctrines of Grace have often been explained with the acronym of T.U.L.I.P. Total Depravity John 3:3; 6:3 Ephesians 2:1–3 - And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. (ESV) We Affirm: that, even though broken through sin, man still reflects the image of God (imago dei). We Deny: that man is either able or willing to save himself. Unconditional Election John 6:65; 15:16 Matthew 22:14 - For many are called, but few are chosen.” (ESV) Romans 8:29–30 - For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (ESV) We Affirm: that God freely chooses to save some. We Deny: that God’s election limits man’s responsibility or is based on some attribute of those elected. Limited Atonement (Particular/Definite Redemption) Leviticus 16; John 3:16; Matthew 1:21; John 10:11; Acts 13:48 John 3:16 - “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (ESV) John 10:11 - I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (ESV) Leviticus 16 (Day of Atonement) We Affirm: that Jesus’ substitutionary atonement on the cross is sufficient to save all but is only applied to the elect. We Deny: that blood is applied to all before they are born again, or any form of universal salvation (universalism). Irresistible Grace John 6:37, 39, 44; Romans 8:30; Galatians 1:15; Philippians 2:12-13 John 6:37–40 - All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” (ESV) John 6:44 - No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. (ESV) We Affirm: that those who God effectually calls will be saved, while his general call demonstrates the weakness of man to save himself. We Deny: that the gospel call to the whole world is insincere. Perseverance of the Saints John 6:66-71; 17:12; 10:28; Romans 8:38-39; Philippians 1:6; 1 Peter 1:5; 5:10; 1 John 2:19 John 10:27–29 - My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. (ESV) We Affirm: that those whom God has saved can have assurance of their salvation which cannot be lost. We Deny: that man who did not earn his salvation can lose his salvation. We also deny cheap grace which is a license to sin (antinomianism). The Great Commission Evangelistic Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:6; Romans 10:13-17; 2 Timothy 4:1-5 In light of these first four (4) doctrines, we can now go with greater boldness and confidence in proclaiming the gospel. This confidence does not come from man-centered evangelism, but with an assurance that the gospel call will be heard and responded to. In fact, there is no salvation without the preaching of the Gospel (special revelation). This makes God’s commands to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20) and to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:6) a freedom and not a weight. We are called to be faithful, not to produce “results.” Nevertheless, we still proclaim the gospel with boldness, conviction, and sincerity. We believe both of these commands (to proclaim and disciple) are still applicable for the church today. Any teaching that affirms God’s sovereignty and election can never be applied in contradiction to man’s responsibility to proclaim and respond to the gospel message. Any theology that divorces election from evangelistic fervor is corrupt. Any teaching that opposes God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility is anti-Christ. Therefore, we unashamedly and wholeheartedly participate in evangelism at home, in the community, and through evangelistic missionary work abroad (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:6; Romans 10:13-17; and 2 Timothy 4:1-5). Bylaws 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation First Baptist Church of Fortuna, California First Baptist Church of Fortuna, California is a California nonprofit religious corporation, recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code (Matthew 22:21; Romans 13:1). Article I Section 2 As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation we are obligated to have bylaws. These bylaws clarify the legal and certain theological responsibilities that we as a church have towards each other and those outside the church. However, the Bible supersedes any item contained within these bylaws. A copy of our bylaws will be made available upon request.

CORPORATE WORSHIP Our times of corporate worship are centered on the exaltation of the Living God. This includes reading, preaching, and teaching of the word of God as well as prayer, singing, giving, baptism, communion (Lord’s Supper), and time of confession. We encourage family members of all ages to join us to worship together. Small noises are a part of raising godly children. So find peace knowing we are pleased to have children join us to worship the living God. Click here for previous sermons. THE CHURCH IS A GATHERING OF BELIEVERS The word translated as 'church' in the Bible is from the Greek word 'ecclesia' which means gathering . Therefore, we should understand the church fundamentally as a gathering of people. Worship is not what makes a church. Worship is a function of the church. What makes a church is the gathering of believers around the word of God in the name of Jesus Christ. This means that we do not primarily gather to worship, because worship is possible anywhere. Instead, we primarily gather so that we can worship God as a gathered body of believers. This is a activity that we cannot do individually. The minimum essential marks of a gathered body of believers, a church, is the preaching of the word of God, the administration of the ordinances (Communion and Baptism), and church discipline. So, whether we gather in a sanctuary, in a home, in a cave, or in a field, we gather to do together what we cannot do alone. MUSIC AND SINGING Music and sin ging is very significant to the FBC Fortuna family. That is why we love songs with beautiful melodies and rich theology. Concerts are good, but corporate worship is not to be confused with a concert. As we gather together to worship the living God we make it a priority to sing as an act of worship and encouragement for one another. That is why you will see that we leave the lights on and sing very loud. To help our church family sing loud and with thoughtfulness about the words we limit the amount of songs we sing each year. We also provide playlist to those song on YouTube and Spotify. As you join us in singing remember that singing is not the goal. The goal is will always remain to encourage one another and to bring praise and glory to the God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. If you would like a physical copy of the songs we sing, or a Hymnal, please s ee a Music Leader. Songs We Sing (YouTube Playlists) YouTube 2026 YouTube 2025 YouTube 2024 YouTube 2 023 YouTube 2022 YouTube 2021 Songs We Si ng (Spotify Playlists) Spotify 2026 Spotify 2025 Spotify 2024 Spotify 2023 Spotify 2022 Spotify 2021 Spotify 2019 SERMONS The church is a gathering of believers. That is why it is our strong conviction that these sermon recordings must never replace participation in the local church. The purpose of making these sermons available is for the following reasons. For those who were sick or otherwise unable to attend corporate worship. For those looking for a church and desiring to hear samples of the preaching before attending. For those looking to supplement their current Bible Study and private devotions. There may be other meaningful reasons to listen to these sermons, but never let those reasons replace the command to gather regularly with the body under the preaching of the word of God. For more sermons and writings by Pastor John please visit MusicaTheologica.com Also on Spotify: Musica Theologica Youtube: FBC Fortuna Audio Video FBC Fortuna Play Video Play Video 50:56 Romans 12:6-8 - Elements Of Worship: Sacrifice January 25th, 2025 - John Carter More about First Baptist Church of Fortuna: fbcfortuna.com More Teaching by John Carter musicatheologica.com Play Video Play Video 26:45 Luke 14:25-33 - The Costs Of Discipleship January 18th, 2026 - Michael Murphy More about First Baptist Church of Fortuna: fbcfortuna.com More Teaching by John Carter musicatheologica.com Play Video Play Video 53:17 Ecclesiastes 12:1-8 - Sanctity of Human Life: Quality Of Life January 19th, 2026 - John Carter More about First Baptist Church of Fortuna: fbcfortuna.com More Teaching by John Carter musicatheologica.com Play Video Play Video 39:54 Acts 20:28-35 | Pastors Who Care for the Church of God January 11, 2026 - John Carter - Sunday Evening Service More about First Baptist Church of Fortuna: fbcfortuna.com More Teaching by John Carter musicatheologica.com Play Video Play Video 44:08 Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Corinthians 11:26 | Elements of Worship: Ordinances of Baptism and Communion January 11, 2026 - John Carter More about First Baptist Church of Fortuna: fbcfortuna.com More Teaching by John Carter musicatheologica.com Play Video Play Video 46:15 Acts 2:42 | Elements of Worship: Prayer January 4, 2026 - John Carter More about First Baptist Church of Fortuna: fbcfortuna.com More Teaching by John Carter musicatheologica.com Play Video Play Video 52:04 Revelation 5 | Worthy is the Lamb December 28, 2025 - John Carter More about First Baptist Church of Fortuna: fbcfortuna.com More Teaching by John Carter musicatheologica.com Play Video Play Video 42:25 Revelation 5:9-10 | A Ransomed People for God December 28, 2025 - John Carter - Sunday Evening Service More about First Baptist Church of Fortuna: fbcfortuna.com More Teaching by John Carter musicatheologica.com

HELLO! If you're visiting for the first time you might fit into one of two groups. The first group is a local who is looking for a local chur ch. The second group is travelers. That is why one of our first questions often ask is, "are you a local or are you passing through?" But, no matter which group you find yourself in please know that we are honored that you are choosing to worship the Living God with us. We will do everything we can to care for you while you are with us. HOW DO I GET TO FBC? Beginning on Rohnerville Road and Newell Drive (across from Ray's Food Place) we have large A-frames with arrows directing you up the hill. There are four a-frames. There is a parking lot once you arrive. We will be on the right at 1976 Scenic Drive, Fortuna CA 95540 . WHAT TIME? We have 9:45 AM Sunday School Classes for all ages (about 60 minutes). (Check-in begins at 9:30 AM). We have 11:00 AM Corporate Worship Services (about 90 minutes). We have 5:30 PM Weekly Prayer Meeting (no meetings the first Sunday of the month). We have 6:00 PM Corporate Worship Services (about 60 minutes - no service the first Sunday of the month). If you are a first-time guest, you are probably visiting at one of these times. We usually start on time, but we still welcome those who might arrive late. WHERE DO I GO? We do our best to have a friendly person who will greet you as you arrive. The first place to go is the Sanctuary (the large brick building with the cross on top ). Here we have a resource area where you can get helpful information and a gift. The Two-Story building is where our classrooms are located. Just in case you can't find help or feel overwhelmed, there are maps located at the entrance of each building. WILL IT BE WEIRD? We hope not. At least not on purpose. We will not pressure you into giving us your information or doing anything that you are not comfortable doing. But that doesn't mean we won't try to make you feel welcome. We recognize that this may be your first time in a church building or that you may be dealing with heavy issues. So we want to care for you and not be a burden. WHAT ABOUT MY KIDS? It is our conviction that parents are the ones who are primarily responsible for evangelizing and discipling their children. Therefore, we endeavor to be a multi-generational and family-integrated church. That is why we encourage family members of all ages to join us to worship on Sunday mornings. Any age-specific class is always a supplement to what Dad and Mom are called to do at home. Worship, Bible Study, and other classes are places where children being present are not a problem but are encouraged to attend. This means we expect an appropriate amount of noise as Dad and Mom are training their children to participate in community life. Be encouraged, small children can learn to sit still and listen quietly (if taught how to do it!). We have a flyer at the resource table with more information about Families, Kids, and Worship . There is a nursery is available for children 0-2 (with a live feed of the service) and a Mother's room for nursing babies. WHERE IS THE RESTROOM? There are two restrooms at the entrance to the S anctuary (the large brick building with the cross on top ) and a restroom on each floor of the Two-Story building. THANK YOU! We have each been in the place you are. Looking to visit a new church for the first time. We understand that you may have a lot of questions and concerns. So we want to say thank you for choosing to trust us and join us. We look forward to meeting you! May God bless you as you seek to know him!