For our Claude H. and Mary Virginia Moore Lecture this year, we will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Ordination of Leland Cooper! Leland Cooper was the first woman ordained as a Deacon at Auburn First Baptist Church. We are thankful for her and all of the women who have served as a Deacon, minister, or in leadership roles throughout the history of the church.
On Sunday, September 15, we will welcome the Reverend Suzii Paynter March as our speaker for the Moore Lecture. Suzii is the retired Executive Coordinator of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. She has also been a leader in Baptist life throughout her ministry. We will gather for a Potluck Brunch at 9:00 a.m. to hear her lecture, “Women: Finding God’s Light in Leadership and Faith.”
Later that evening, Wayne Flynt will speak at Round Table at 5:00 p.m., talking about the history of Auburn First Baptist and the Ordination of Leland Cooper. We will honor those who have come before us by remembering the commitment and courage of the congregation to make such a faithful and important decision.
The following Sunday, September 22, we will gather at 5:00 p.m. to watch the documentary, “Midwives of a Movement.” It is the story of the beginning of Baptist Women in Ministry, which our congregation has supported each year through our Mission Trust Funds. Cliff Vaughn, who is the producer of the documentary and whose sister is Ronda West, will join us for the viewing. We will also welcome Nikki Hardeman, Director of Advocating for Women for BWIM. We will present our gift to Nikki for Baptist Women in Ministry in memory of Leland Cooper.
We give thanks for this celebration and fiftieth anniversary, and more importantly, all of the women and their ministry and leadership at Auburn First Baptist!
-Tripp