First Corinthians Baptist Church

Scriptures
ACTS 8:35-39 KJV
35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and
preached unto him Jesus.
36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and
the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be
baptized?
37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.
And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of
God.
38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down
both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord
caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on
his way rejoicing.

Announcements
FCBC Family and Friends Day Crab Feast tickets are for sale:
Sunday, September 15, 2024, 2:00pm – 6:00pm, Donation $70.00
See flyer for more information. C

I’m Just The Driver
Today’s Scripture & Insight:
Matthew 8:5-13
“Dad, can I spend the night with my friend?” my daughter asked,
getting into the car after practice. “Honey, you know the answer,” I
said. “I’m just the driver. I don’t know what’s happening. Let’s talk
with Mom.”
“I’m just the driver” has become a joke in our home. Daily, I ask my
organized wife where I need to be, when, and whom I’m taking where.
With three teens, my “moonlighting” as a “taxi driver” sometimes
feels like a second job. Often, I don’t know what I don’t know. So, I
have to check in with the master calendar keeper.
In Matthew 8, Jesus encountered a man who also knew something
about taking and giving instruction. A Roman centurion, this man
understood that Jesus had the authority to heal, just as the centurion
had authority to issue commands to those under him. “Just say the
word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under
authority, with soldiers under me” (vv. 8-9). Christ commended the
man’s faith (vv. 10, 13), amazed that he understood what His authority
looked like in action.
So what about us? What does it look like to trust Jesus with our daily
assignments from Him? Because even if we think we’re “just the
driver,” each assignment has kingdom meaning and purpose.
By: Adam R. Holz
Source: https://odb.org/2024/08/04/im-just-the-driver

August is National Black Business Month
Black entrepreneurs play a valuable role in our nation’s economy. According
to the U.S. Census Bureau’s most recent estimates, the United States has over
161,000 Black-owned businesses, bringing in over $183 billion annually.
However, Black Americans remain underrepresented among U.S.
entrepreneurs and are often less likely to receive funding from lenders than
their white counterparts.
In an effort to help close this opportunity gap, here is an extensive list of
resources geared toward supporting Black entrepreneurs.
Black Business Accelerator
Black-owned retailers can sign up for Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator
program, which offers various resources for those looking to sell their goods
on the e-commerce platform. Participating businesses can access financial
support, mentorship opportunities, and education to build their brands and
customer reach.
Black Business Accelerator is open to U.S.-based entities that are at least 51%
Black-owned, managed, and controlled. Participating companies must also
have a Professional selling plan on Amazon, a physical product that is ready
to sell, and a Black-owned business certificate.
The Black Business Alliance
The Connecticut-based Black Business Alliance (BBA) works with Black
business owners both in the state and nationwide to promote and grow small
and medium-sized Black- and minority-owned businesses. Since 2014, the
BBA has worked with over 600 business owners and professionals to provide
economic development, business workshops, networking opportunities, and
access to capital.
Additionally, minority small business owners in Connecticut can apply for the
Minority Business Revolving Loan Fund (MBRLF), facilitated by BBA in
partnership with the state and the Department of Economic and Community
Development (DECD). The MBRLF program offers loans up to $100,000 to
eligible applicants. Those interested in applying must first complete an intake
form and meet with a representative from BBA.
Black Business Association
The Los Angeles–based Black Business Association advocates for policies to
increase access to contract and procurement opportunities in both the public
and private sectors. Members can access networking events, training and
resources, and funding opportunities designed for Black business owners and
professionals.
Black-owned business directories and marketplaces
Several websites and organizations have started Black-owned business
directories, including well-sourced sites such as Official Black Wall
Street, Support Black Owned, and We Buy Black. These sites make it easy for
consumers to find Black-owned companies to support and for Black-owned
businesses to increase their visibility. Black business owners can also seek out
marketplaces specifically for Black-owned businesses, where customers can
buy directly from Black brands.
Black-Owned Business Resource Center
In partnership with NAACP, Hello Alice has launched the Black-Owned
Business Resource Center to empower Black entrepreneurs. One resource
within the center is the Black Business Corner, an online community for Black
business owners to share ideas and support. Black entrepreneurs can also
explore the site’s interactive how-to guides and on-platform grants.
Black Connect
The national nonprofit Black Connect provides an entrepreneurial ecosystem
for current and aspiring Black business owners. Membership offers a range of
support and services, including funding, mentorship, pro-bono legal services,
and financial planning. Black Connect also hosts several business-oriented
events, including an annual national pitch competition, and spotlights Blackowned businesses and their offerings. Those interested can join one of Black
Connect’s chapters (which are available in Atlanta, New York City, Tampa,
and Tulsa), or apply to form a local chapter in your community.
Black Enterprise
Black Enterprise is a digital media outlet that covers business, investing, and
wealth-building topics for Black entrepreneurs and professionals. The media
outlet also hosts in-person and virtual networking events, as well as podcasts
like Your Money, Your Life and SistersInc. Black Enterprise also hosts a
campaign in partnership with Nationwide to feature Black-owned businesses
during Black Business Month (August).
Black Founders
Black entrepreneurs have historically been underrepresented in the venture
capital–backed tech startup landscape. To help reverse this trend, Black
Founders aims to support Black entrepreneurs in tech by providing access to
mentorship and funding. The organization also prioritizes community building
by hosting networking events, conferences, and hackathons.
Source: https://www.uschamber.com/co/start/strategy/resources-for-blackowned-businesses