First Baptist Church of LaPlace
Pastor's Letter | July 17, 2026
FBC LaPlace family,
What an incredible week we had at VBS! God did amazing things, and we are so grateful for His faithfulness.
We averaged more than 120 children each day, and nearly 50 volunteers faithfully served throughout the week. It was a joy to see our church family working together to share the love of Jesus with the children in our community.
Our kids also demonstrated incredible generosity by giving over $2,000 through our VBS offering. These gifts will support our mission partners at Open Hearts Ministries and their church feeding centers, Baptist Friendship House, and the Louisiana Baptist Children's Home.
Most importantly, we praise God that several children made professions of faith in Christ. In our 3rd and 4th grade class alone, ten children indicated they had trusted Jesus as their Savior, and we are actively following up with them and their families.
Family Night was another highlight of the week as we had the opportunity to connect with parents and families. We are praying that many of them will continue visiting and become a part of our church family.
I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to Cherakee Epperly for her outstanding leadership in organizing another incredible VBS. Thank you as well to every volunteer who gave your time, energy, and love to help reach the next generation with the gospel. Your service made an eternal difference.
Let's continue praying that God will grow the seeds that were planted this week and draw many children and families to Himself.
Sing Daily Devotions
Last Sunday, Dylan introduced our church family to a new discipleship resource that I am personally very excited about. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He gave His followers one clear mission: "Go and make disciples." As a church staff, we are committed to making that command our priority, and we are always looking for practical tools to help us grow as disciples of Christ.
One of those resources is the Sing Worship Initiative Daily Devotions. If you haven't subscribed yet, I want to encourage you to do so. Throughout the week, you'll receive five short daily devotions that are designed to help you begin your day focused on the Lord.
Each devotion includes:
- A brief introduction from one of our church staff members.
- Scripture that connects with a worship song.
- The opportunity to worship by singing along with Shane & Shane.
For many of us, our morning commute is the perfect opportunity to spend a few minutes in God's Word, pray, and worship before the busyness of the day begins. This resource makes it easy to build that habit and to grow together as a church family.
I encourage you to click the button below and sign up today. My prayer is that these daily devotions will help all of us know Christ more deeply and become faithful disciples who make disciples.
Sing Worship Initiative Devotions Sign-up
Church Business Meeting
Don't forget on Sunday, July 26 is our Quarterly Business Meeting following the Worship Gathering in the Fellowship Hall. Lunch will be provided for everyone. We have some things to discuss so you don't want to miss this family meeting.
ReGroup Sunday School Conference
If you serve as a Sunday School teacher, Sunday School leader, children's ministry volunteer, student ministry leader, or worship team member, you're invited to attend the ReGroup Conference at First Baptist Church Lafayette on Saturday, August 1.
This is an excellent opportunity to be encouraged, equipped, and challenged as you serve in your ministry. Louisiana Baptists has put together an outstanding lineup of speakers and breakout sessions led by experienced ministry leaders from across our state.
Our church will cover the cost of your conference registration, as well as your lunch on the way home. We hope you'll take advantage of this opportunity to grow alongside others who are committed to making disciples.
To register, please see Harold DeGruy.
Be sure to watch the video below to learn more about the ReGroup Conference. We hope you'll make plans to join us!
FBC Kidz Back-to-School Bash
Our FBC Kidz Back-to-School Bash is coming up on Saturday, July 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This fun-filled event is for children entering Kindergarten through 5th grade.
Kids can look forward to Squishy trading, games, food, and snoballs as we celebrate the start of a new school year together!
We also encourage each family to bring a school supply donation. These supplies will help our Missions Team bless and support teachers in our local community as they prepare for another school year.
For more information, please see Stephanie LaCombe. We hope your family will join us for a great morning of fun and fellowship!
School Prayerwalking
As a church family, let's prepare for the new school year by covering our local schools in prayer. Join us on Sunday, August 2, at 4:00 p.m. as we prayerwalk one of the schools in the River Parishes, asking God to bless the students, teachers, administrators, staff, and families for the year ahead.
Following our prayerwalk, we'll gather for our Annual Churchwide Fellowship at the Larayo Pool, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Come enjoy a great evening of food, fellowship, and fun as we celebrate what God is doing in our church family.
We hope you'll make plans to join us for both of these special events!
With Christ's Love,
[Image: Shane Newton]
Shane Newton
Senior Pastor
Also available as Markdown.