Opportunities to Serve

Circle of Welcome Refugee Ministry Team
We have partnered with Lutheran Services and established a Circle of Welcome Refugee Ministry Team to provide hospitality, transportation, education, local support, and friendship to newly relocated refugees in Asheville. 

FirstShine Summer Camp
FirstShine is a traditional summer day camp for young adults in our greater community with special needs. The camp is held at First Baptist Church of Asheville and day activities are geared to the age and interests of each individual, including outings such as horseback riding, bowling, swimming, and more!  This camp is staffed entirely by church volunteers.  Adult and youth volunteers counselors are needed.  (2025 summer dates TBA).

Free Market
We are working to gather and utilize essential resources including food pantry items, fresh produce, clothes, and essentials. All of these resources will be free and open to our congregation and the community. Available items will be accessible this week from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. from the Charlotte Street entrance on Thursdays. All are welcome to come and get what they need. As we prepare to welcome our neighbors, we also welcome new volunteers of all ages to serve at the Free Market both in assisting guests, unpacking food items, sorting clothing, and picking up food items on Saturday from Trader Joes. Upcoming dates: Jan 9, 16, 23. 30. Feb 6, 13, 20, 27.

Lunch at the Crossroads
Join us on Thursdays of the month beginning at 12:00 p.m., for a free, hot meal that is served around common tables. As we prepare to welcome our neighbors to our Lunch at the Crossroads meal, we also welcome new volunteers of all ages to serve the meal, volunteer with the clothes closet or food pantry, or come and eat with our guests around common tables. The meal is served at noon and will be followed by an optional Communion Service in the Chapel at 1:00 p.m. Post-Helene the hot meal is from Mercy Chefs (mercychefs.com). We are so grateful to them for making this meal possible. Upcoming Dates: Jan 9, 16, 23. 30. Feb 6, 13, 20, 27.

Puerto Rico Mission Trip
Kristen has led several adult mission trips to Puerto Rico focused on hurricane rebuilding projects.  Each trip is focused on supporting those recovering from damage under Hurricane Ian.  No expertise construction knowledge is required – simple open hearts and willing hands. To participate please contact Kristen Kirby listed in the church directory. (2025 date: March 23-29. Contact Kristen for additional information or to sign up.)

Adult Manna Team
A team of senior adults volunteers meet the 4th Thursday of each month at Manna Foodbank from 1:00-3:00 p.m. to help pack and sort food. 

The Peacemakers Team
The Peacemakers Team is a new opportunity for FBCA members to engage in peacemaking. As we build a community of Beautiful Belonging, we will seek to be attentive to challenges that may include, but not be limited to, homelessness, voting rights, refugee settlement, economic and racial inequalities, gender issues, hunger, and the environment. As issues are identified, we will encourage creative involvement in finding solutions through connections with other peacemakers. Upcoming date: Pilgrimage to Montgomery, Alabama planned October 1-4 (2024). Please see details below in Opportunities to Serve.