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# First Baptist Church of East Aurora

Where Family Comes First

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.fboea.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Pastor's Blog](https://www.fboea.org/pastors-blog/) - The page to look for what's new at First Baptist Church of East Aurora
- [Pastor’s Thoughts for August, 2026](https://www.fboea.org/2026/08/pastors-thoughts-for-august-2026/) - August is an interesting month. Summer is still with us, yet there are subtle reminders that a new season is approaching. The days grow just a little shorter. Gardens are producing their harvest. Families begin thinking about school, routines; we are beginning the transition to fall. Life often feels the same way. We celebrate seasons
- [Pastor's Thoughts for July, 2026](https://www.fboea.org/2026/07/pastors-thoughts-for-july-2026/) - Summer often brings with it the expectation of memorable moments. We look forward to vacations, celebrations, family gatherings, and special events. We take pictures, make plans, and create memories that we hope will last for years. But most of life is not made up of extraordinary moments. Most of life happens in the ordinary. We
- [Pastor’s Thoughts June, 2026](https://www.fboea.org/2026/06/pastors-thoughts-june-2026/) - As we move into June, the pace of life seems to change. School years come to an end, vaca tions begin to appear on the calendar, gardens grow, and summer activities start to fill our schedules. There is something about this season that reminds us to step outside, breathe deeply, and enjoy the beauty of
- [Pastor's Thoughts May, 2026](https://www.fboea.org/2026/05/pastors-thoughts-may-2026/) - May is a month that feels like a deep breath. After the gray stillness of winter and the unpredictable stretch of early spring, May arrives with a quiet confidence. Trees that once looked lifeless are suddenly full. Flowers push their way up through the soil. The world feels awake again. It’s as if creation itself
- [Pastor’s Thoughts for March, 2026](https://www.fboea.org/2026/03/pastors-thoughts-for-march-2026/) - The signs of spring are here! One morning heading to my car I heard it! It is a familiar but welcome chorus coming from overhead. A scattered “V” moved across the pale sky as Canada’s ambassadors journey back from the south, announcing their presence with calls cutting through the cold. They had been gone for
- [Pastor's Thoughts for February, 2026](https://www.fboea.org/2026/02/pastors-thoughts-for-february-2026/) - February often feels like a quiet month. Winter still lingers, the days are cold, and spring can seem far away. Yet even in this in-between season, God gives us reminders of hope if we’re paying attention. At the heart of the month is Valentine’s Day, a time that draws our attention to love. Scripture reminds
- [Pastor's Thoughts for January, 2026](https://www.fboea.org/2026/01/pastors-thoughts-for-january-2026/) - Can you believe that it is 2026?!?! It is. The calendar has turned, and once again we find ourselves standing at the threshold of a new year. There’s something powerful, perhaps frightening, about this time of year. The days ahead are still unwritten. The routines haven’t settled in yet. For just a brief pause, we
- [Pastor's Thoughts Thanksgiving, 2025](https://www.fboea.org/2025/11/pastors-thoughts-thanksgiving-2025/) - Thanksgiving arrives each year like a familiar friend. I comes quietly, steadily, faithfully. Long after the last leaf has fallen and just before the rush of December begins, this day invites us to pause, breathe, and remember. It reminds us that gratitude is more than a holiday on the calendar; it is a way of
- [Pastor's Thoughts October 3rd, 2025](https://www.fboea.org/2025/10/pastors-thoughts-october-3rd-2025/) - Back to Church: A Season of Renewal Fall is in the air! The crisp mornings, colorful leaves, and return of routines remind us that this season is one of change and new beginnings. Just as the trees release their leaves to make way for fresh growth in the spring, fall invites us to let go
- [Pastor’s Thoughts for July – July 3rd, 2025](https://www.fboea.org/2025/07/pastors-thoughts-july-3rd-2025/) - Why Churches Must Adapt, but Doctrine Must Not “The only constant (in life) is change” is a quote widely attributed to Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher who lived six centuries before Christ. Even in the ancient world, it was evident that discernible change happens in every lifetime. It was a valid observation. The world is always
- [Pastor’s Thoughts for Father's Day - June 13th, 2025](https://www.fboea.org/2025/06/pastors-thoughts-for-fathers-day-june-13th-2025/) - On Father’s Day, we honor the men who have shaped our lives through strength, sacrifice, and steadfast love. Most of us, I believe, had a strong figure in our lives, whether biological dads, stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles, or spiritual fathers in the faith. We give thanks for those who reflect the heart of our Heavenly Father.
- [Pastor’s Thoughts for February –  February 12, 2025](https://www.fboea.org/2025/02/pastors-thoughts-for-february-february-12-2025/) - Embracing February: A Month of Growth, Love, and Fresh Energy As we step into February, the second chapter of the year, it’s the perfect time to refresh our mindset, refocus on our goals, and embrace the love and warmth this month brings. While January is all about setting resolutions, February reminds us that progress isn’t
- [Pastor's Thoughts for the New Year - January 3rd, 2025](https://www.fboea.org/2025/01/pastors-thoughts-for-the-new-year-january-3rd-2025/) - Our Christmas Eve service, as always, culminated in the singing of Silent Night with only candlelight to illuminate us. If you were unable to be with us this year please plan on being here next year. It is a truly moving experience. Time marches on. As the glow of Christmas lights fade and we step
- [Pastor's Thoughts November 25th, 2024](https://www.fboea.org/2024/11/pastors-thoughts-november-25th-2024/) - The thrill of the race track is unlike anything else. The roar of the engines, the precision of every turn, and the determination of each driver to cross the finish line first all reflect the intensity and excitement of the race. As you watch the cars zoom by at incredible speeds, it’s easy to get
- [Pastor's Thoughts November 15, 2024](https://www.fboea.org/2024/11/pastors-thoughts-november-15-2024/) - It is not uncommon for me to stop at our local Tim Hortons for coffee on my way to church, as I did this past Sunday. While sitting in the drive-through lane I saw a young man dressed rather casually with a pair of jeans, a polo, white sneakers, nothing terribly unusual. But he was
- [Pastor's Thoughts October 22nd, 2024](https://www.fboea.org/2024/10/pastors-thoughts-october-22nd-2024/) - I had some thoughts while settling in to watch ‘The Game’ this week. It’s amazing how football has a way of bringing people together, and inspiring passion. It also, like every sport, can teach us valuable life lessons that extend far beyond the field. One of the most beautiful aspects of football is the way
- [Pastor’s Thoughts October 17th, 2024](https://www.fboea.org/2024/10/pastors-thoughts-october-17th-2024/) - As the days grow shorter and the crisp air of autumn begins to set in, we are met with one of the most beautiful transitions in nature—the changing of the leaves. The vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges remind us that life is full of seasons, each with its own beauty, purpose, and lessons. Just as
- [Pastor’s Thoughts September 9th, 2024](https://www.fboea.org/2024/09/pastors-thoughts-september-9th-2024/) - …clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit… Jude 1:12 As August fades into September we get ready to send kids and grandkids back to school. We get ready for another “Is this our year?” football season. Autumn is fast approaching. It is the time of preparation for Thanksgiving (although giving
- [Pastor's Thoughts June 21st, 2024](https://www.fboea.org/2024/06/pastors-thoughts-june-21st-2024/) - Summer is here, officially. And well, it’s really been hot so far! Summer is the season that many people that I know wait all year for. The season is noted to include the months of June, July, and August. Three months, essentially (we can still have good weather into October – we just can’t count
- [Pastor's Thoughts May 24th, 2024](https://www.fboea.org/2024/05/pastors-thoughts-may-24th-2024/) - Have you ever set out to complete a simple chore…like, maybe, change the spark plug in your lawnmower, only to break the spark plug wire as you detach it? Now you have to spend most of the day finding where that attaches at the other end… Or, maybe, decided to do some grocery shopping, but
- [Pastor's Thoughts April 25th, 2024](https://www.fboea.org/2024/04/pastors-thoughts-april-25th-2024/) - The Preacher, as King Solomon refers to himself, wrote, in the Book of Ecclesiastes, The wind blows to the south and goes around to the north; around and around goes the wind, and on its circuits the wind returns. (Ecclesiastes 1:6) In that verse, he is making reference to the changing seasons. Here in western
- [Pastor's Thoughts March 27th, 2024](https://www.fboea.org/2024/03/pastors-thoughts-march-27th-2024/) - The Resurrection: A Triumph of Hope and Faith At the core of the Christian faith lies a pivotal event that defines its essence: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter is not merely a historical event but a profound testament to the power of God's love and the triumph of hope over despair. The resurrection narrative
- [Pastor's Thoughts February 8th, 2024](https://www.fboea.org/2024/02/pastors-thoughts-february-8th-2024/) - I just finished reading my morning newsletters and, as has been the trend lately, there were reports that the US and its allies, primarily the UK, as part of a multi-day campaign, bombed targets connected to the group that has been attacking US installations in the Middle East. How does the Christian in our culture
- [Pastor's Thoughts January 30th, 2024](https://www.fboea.org/2024/01/pastors-thoughts-january-30th-2024/) - Many who are reading this have a favorite novel, a book that they have read and can re-read and still enjoy. For those folks, the written word can conjure up imagery that helps tell the story that the author is trying to tell. For others though, the written word can fall flat, be two dimensional.
- [Pastor's Thoughts January 23rd, 2024](https://www.fboea.org/2024/01/pastors-thoughts-january-23rd-2024/) - 2024 is well underway by the time you read this and I hope it has been good to you so far. As we look to the New Year about to unfold I would encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the faithfulness God has shown you throughout the past year. We have experienced
- [Pastor's Thoughts December 1st 2023](https://www.fboea.org/2023/12/pastors-thoughts-december-1st-2023/) - The first week of December is here. We have gotten past Thanksgiving and we are now firmly focused on the coming of Christmas. For so many people in our culture, and around the world, this is, as the song says, “the most wonderful time of the year.” Why do we anticipate Christmas with such relish?
- [Pastor's Thoughts October 30th, 2023](https://www.fboea.org/2023/10/pastors-thoughts-october-30th-2023/) - As the leaves change their colors and fall to the ground, let us remember that God's love for us remains unwavering. Just as the seasons transition, our lives also go through various stages, but through it all, we are held in the loving and unchanging embrace of our Heavenly Father. In the season of harvest
- [Pastor's Thoughts September 28th, 2023](https://www.fboea.org/2023/09/pastors-thoughts-september-28th-2023/) - This past Saturday we said goodbye to summer and welcomed my favorite season, autumn. Fall is here, and its vibrant foliage and cooler breezes serve as a powerful reminder of the beauty of change in God's grand design. Autumn is a time when nature undergoes a profound transformation. Trees shed their leaves, displaying an array
- [Pastor's Thoughts September 20th, 2023](https://www.fboea.org/2023/09/pastors-thoughts-september-20th-2023/) - After a summer full of beach vacations, outdoor festivals, cookouts, baseball games, fireworks, and all of the other activities we fill our short summers with, we find ourselves on the cusp of my favorite season: autumn. The fall. Time for football, pumpkin spice latte (actually, pumpkin spice everything!), cold crisp mornings (maybe even a frost),
- [Pastor's Thoughts August 8th, 2023](https://www.fboea.org/2023/08/pastors-thoughts-august-8th-2023/) - Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:3-5) As the summer sun seems to beat relentlessly
- [Pastor's Thoughts Tuesday July 25th, 2023](https://www.fboea.org/2023/07/pastors-thoughts-tuesday-july-25th-2023/) - As July comes to a close and summer approaches its midpoint I hope you are finding time to enjoy the splendor of God’s creation. In our fast-paced lives, we often overlook the simple blessings God has provided for us. This July, let us take a moment to appreciate the ordinary gifts that bring joy to
- [Pastor's Thoughts July 4th, 2023](https://www.fboea.org/2023/07/pastors-thoughts-july-4th-2023/) - Independence Day, July 4th, is a significant occasion for Americans to commemorate the birth of their nation. It is a day of immense pride, gratitude, and celebration. For patriotic Christians, this holiday holds even greater significance, as it offers an opportunity to reflect on the blessings of freedom and to honor the values rooted in
- [Pastor's Thoughts June 26th, 2023](https://www.fboea.org/2023/06/pastors-thoughts-june-26th-2023/) - I am writing this on the first day of the favorite season of many. As we enter the warmth and beauty of summer, let us take a moment to reflect on the wonders of God's creation and the abundant blessings He has bestowed upon us. Summer reminds us of the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father,
- [Pastor's Thoughts June 1st, 2023](https://www.fboea.org/2023/06/pastors-thoughts-june-1st-2023/) - Pastor’s Thoughts Memorial Day is here. It is typical at this time of year to be thinking about, and acting on, all of the warm weather activities and events that we in this part of the country enjoy for the short span of time we get to enjoy them. We think of planting flowers, maybe
- [Pastor's Thoughts May 11th, 2023](https://www.fboea.org/2023/05/pastors-thoughts-may-11th-2023/) - Spring! It really is here! The mornings are bright and the welcoming chorus of the birds as they sing their songs, make it even brighter. Spring! There are few times here in western New York that are as special as spring mornings. The cool fresh feel in the air makes for a perfect time to
- [Pastor's Thoughts April 12th, 2023](https://www.fboea.org/2023/04/pastors-thoughts-april-12th-2023/) - We are at the time of year when our thoughts begin to turn to the upcoming season of summer. The weather has been steadily improving but we who have lived in the area for any length of time know that we can still expect snow for a while. Much like Memorial Day weekend is the
- [Pastor's Thoughts March 27th, 2023](https://www.fboea.org/2023/03/pastors-thoughts-march-27th-2023/) - We, here in western New York, are certainly weather weary… my crocuses started appearing about a month ago. The geese have been honking around for some time. The robins are back. We look around and see signs and our anticipation of spring heightens. But the warmth, the sunshine, isn’t coming. And we are disappointed. We
- [Pastor's Thoughts March 10th, 2023](https://www.fboea.org/2023/03/pastors-thoughts-march-10th-2023/) - There is a song made popular by the Eagles titled Peaceful Easy Feeling. While the specifics of the lyrics are not the stuff of good sermons, the theme, the attitude, and the desire for peace and ease are universal among people. I experienced that peaceful, easy feeling last night (Thursday, March 9) at our spaghetti
- [Pastor's Thoughts March 4th, 2023](https://www.fboea.org/2023/03/pastors-thoughts-march-4th-2023/) - I was on vacation recently which took me ultimately to the blue sky, sunshine, and 80-degree temperatures…which was a nice break from typical western New York February weather. But I made an intermediate stop to visit my youngest daughter, Megan, and her husband, Juan. Juan works in the IT field but is also an excellent
- [Pastors Thought's February, 2nd 2023](https://www.fboea.org/2023/02/pastors-thoughts-february-2nd-2023/) - What do parents, children, social media, television, coworkers, billboards, and bumper stickers all have in common? They all, at various times, believe that they can tell us what we need to do to be happier, more fulfilled, more productive, and more chill…in short, they attempt to instill us with their own brand of ‘wisdom’. Now, there
- [Pastor's Thoughts January 9th, 2023](https://www.fboea.org/2023/01/pastors-thoughts-january-9th-2023/) - Last Monday night (January 2) I joined the overwhelming majority of western New Yorkers by tuning in to watch the Buffalo Bills play the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football. I consider myself a casual fan in that while I enjoy watching the games I really am not passionate about any team. I know, that
- [A New Years Message from our Pastor 2023](https://www.fboea.org/2023/01/a-new-years-message-from-our-pastor-2023/) - Happy New Year! 2022 is now behind us, and 2023 is directly in front of us. This reminds me of a quote from Tolkien’s The Hobbit: “Go back?” he thought. “No good at all! Go sideways? Impossible! Go forward? The only thing to do! On we go!” That is from a conversation that Bilbo Baggins
- [A belated Christmas message](https://www.fboea.org/2022/12/a-belated-christmas-message/) - Merry Christmas! As of the time of this writing, the weather for Christmas weekend is truly looking frightful. So much so that some businesses and schools, and even some churches, are announcing closures already. Our Christmas Eve Candlelight service is a beautiful experience and is my favorite service of the year. Hopefully, we can hold
- [Pastor's Thoughts December, 16th 2022](https://www.fboea.org/2022/12/pastors-thoughts-december-16th-2022/) - We don’t hear the word “merry” used very much from January to November. But, right after Thanksgiving, we will hear that word used a lot. Followed, of course, by “Christmas”. Have you noticed that we say, for example, “Happy Birthday”, or “Happy Mother’s Day”, but we say “Merry Christmas”? Based on some basic research I
- [Pastor's Thoughts November 1st, 2022](https://www.fboea.org/2022/11/pastors-thoughts-november-1st-2022/) - A Message From the Pastor November is the time when we, as Americans, begin to turn our thoughts and our hearts toward the upcoming holidays. Christmas, typically the headliner, and New Year’s Eve and Day are celebrated all over the world. But perhaps the most American of holidays, Thanksgiving Day, starts the holiday season. Thanksgiving
- [Pastor's Thoughts December 7th, 2022](https://www.fboea.org/2022/12/pastors-thoughts-december-7th-2022/) - It is December. While we look forward to Christmas we also look beyond to the New Year. As a year begins another year is coming to an end. What are our memories from 2022? Was it a good year for us personally? For our families? For our country? For our world? As we look out
- [A Thanksgiving message from Pastor Paul](https://www.fboea.org/2022/11/a-thanksgiving-message-from-pastor-paul/) - Deuteronomy 6:10-12 10 “And when the Lord your God brings you into the land that he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give you—with great and good cities that you did not build, 11 and houses full of all good things that you did not fill, and cisterns that you did not dig, and vineyards
- [Pastor's Thoughts for November 7th, 2022](https://www.fboea.org/2022/11/pastors-thoughts-for-november-7th-2022/) - I am writing this on Monday morning, November 7th, on the heels of a rather shocking Buffalo Bills loss at the hands of the New York (or is it New Jersey?) Jets. There always seems to be a loss of energy in the community after a Bills loss. How and why we humans identify and
- [Pastors Thoughts October, 24th 2022](https://www.fboea.org/2022/10/pastors-thoughts-october-24th-2022/) - Where has the time gone? October is already half gone, and the holiday season is nearly upon us. Soon, 2022 will be gone and we will see 2023 unfold before us. But wait: the days are here for us to enjoy, each in its own time. There is an old adage that says, paraphrasing, the
- [Pastor's Thoughts for September 2022](https://www.fboea.org/2022/09/pastors-thoughts-for-september-2022/) - "Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall." - F. Scott Fitzgerald The summer is nearly over and we are approaching my favorite season of the year: autumn. Most conversations heard during this time of year will include the question, “Where did the summer go?” Where indeed. Like most folks, I
- [Pastor's Thoughts Summer 2022](https://www.fboea.org/2022/08/pastors-thoughts-summer-2022/) - The dog days of summer are here! Many people I know spend the rest of the year looking forward to this time of year. Some look forward to spending time at the beach, some in the mountains. Still, others look forward to being home tending a garden or spending relaxing evenings in the backyard. Fishing,
- [Pastor's Thoughts June 2022](https://www.fboea.org/2022/06/pastors-thoughts-june/) - Pastor's Thoughts It is always my desire to make the message from the Pastor uplifting and encouraging. As I’m sitting at my computer, reducing thoughts to writing, we as a nation are still reeling from two horrific, senseless, violent attacks that claimed a total of 29 lives (that total may increase as there are
- [Pastor's Thoughts May 2022](https://www.fboea.org/2022/05/pastors-thoughts-may-2022/) - It is May! That means summer will be here soon…after all, it begins as this month ends. Many of us spend the rest of the year looking forward to this time of year. Some look forward to spending time at the beach, some in the mountains. Still, others look forward to being home tending a
- [Pastors Thoughts January 2022](https://www.fboea.org/2022/01/pastors-thoughts-january/) - Look at this, it is 2022 already…time to put the Christmas decorations away, and look forward to breaking those New Year’s resolutions! Research shows that 88% of the people that make those resolutions fail, usually by March 1. Personally, I made a resolution 15 years ago to never make another New Year’s resolution. So far,
- [Pastor's Thoughts February 2022](https://www.fboea.org/2022/02/pastors-thoughts-february/) - February can be such a peaceful time of year; winter is still fully upon us but we can begin to see that spring is soon coming and we look forward to the longer days, warmer weather, and sunshine. The big football game (that fall sport) is just ahead and that very definite harbinger of spring
- [Pastor's Thoughts March 2022](https://www.fboea.org/2022/04/pastors-thoughts-for-march-2/) - Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth… tell of his salvation from day to day. Psalm 96:1-2 We have been blessed, in my opinion, that the winter this year has not been very hard; not too much snow, not too cold. But even so, it can be
- [Pastor's Thoughts April 2022](https://www.fboea.org/2022/04/pastors-thoughts-for-april-2/) - It can be difficult to stay positive and upbeat through the gray skies, cold air, wind, and depressingly short days of winter. The good news, in terms of the seasons, is that spring is here! The vitality of nature that has been dormant all winter is about to spring back to life. Renewal is about
- [Pastor's Thoughts June 2021](https://www.fboea.org/2021/06/pastors-thoughts-for-june-2021/) - June is a wonderful month. Actually, if we take a good perspective, all months are wonderful for one reason or another. But June is the month that transitions us from spring into summer; the summer solstice occurs marking the end of spring and the beginning of summer and providing us with the longest day of
- [Pastor's Thoughts December](https://www.fboea.org/2021/12/pastors-thoughts-december/) - As we look out into the world, it can be easy to be discouraged, pessimistic, and even cynical. The global pandemic still lingers, there are natural disasters happening in various places, violence and crime are on the rise. On a more personal level, maybe the last year wasn't filled with good memories for you,
- [Pastor's Thoughts November](https://www.fboea.org/2021/12/pastors-thoughts-november/) - It is November! That means that the baseball season is all but wrapped up for the year, that football is well under way, hockey is really just getting started. And auto racing…well, it seems perpetual. Our gardens and lawns are ready for a long winter sleep, and we get ready for the winter we know
- [Pastor's Thoughts September](https://www.fboea.org/2021/11/pastors-thoughts-september/) - The 20th century philosopher John Denver wrote “It seems a shame to see September swallowed by the wind. And more than that it’s oh so sad to see the summer end…” (Season Suite, 1972) As I’m putting thoughts to paper, that is exactly where we are. September is closing, indeed being swallowed by the wind.
- [Pastor's Thoughts for May](https://www.fboea.org/2021/05/pastors-thoughts-for-may/) - Summer is almost here! Many of us spend the rest of the year looking forward to this time of year. Some look forward to spending time at the beach, some in the mountains. Still, others look forward to being home tending a garden or spending Saturday nights at a race track somewhere. Fishing, camping, spending
- [Pastor's Thoughts for April](https://www.fboea.org/2021/03/pastors-thoughts-for-april/) - Easter is upon us! This year, unlike last, we will be meeting in person here at church. Hallelujah! The world needs to hear the message of a risen Savior now as much as it has at any time in history. We all know that the world has become a complicated place and that even understanding
- [Pastor's Thoughts for March](https://www.fboea.org/2021/03/pastors-thoughts-for-march/) - Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth… tell of his salvation from day to day. Psalm 96:1-2 We have been blessed, in my opinion, that the winter this year has not been very hard; not too much snow, not too cold. But even so it can be
- [Pastor's Thoughts for February](https://www.fboea.org/2021/02/pastors-thoughts-for-february-2/) - It’s February already! February can be such a peaceful time of year. We are at a mid-way point; winter is still fully upon us but we know that spring is soon coming and we look forward to the longer days, warmer weather, and sunshine. February is the shortest month but still has so much to
- [Be Anxious for Nothing](https://www.fboea.org/2020/03/be-anxious-for-nothing/)
- [Pastor's Thoughts for January 2021](https://www.fboea.org/2021/01/pastors-thoughts-for-january-2021/) - There are certain views that lend themselves to contemplation. Gazing at the stars on a clear summer night comes to mind. Or enjoying the colors of nature as autumn peaks. Beaches, clear mountain lakes, the first snowflakes of winter, and so many other examples of the beauty of creation leave us with a sense, not
- [Pastor's Thoughts for December 2020](https://www.fboea.org/2021/01/pastors-thoughts-for-december-2020/) - As we look out into the world, it can be easy to be discouraged, pessimistic, and even cynical. The memories from this year were not our best. Or maybe they were; maybe they bring to mind opportunities to determine what matters in life but they are mixed with bad ones as well. Whatever this year
- [Pastor's Thoughts for November](https://www.fboea.org/2020/11/pastors-thoughts-for-november/) - Here it is November and after a 7-month break, the world seems like it’s beginning to get back to normal! Except for the masks and having your temperature taken before entering… ok maybe not so normal. Even with all of the craziness that this year has brought, November is still when we, as Americans, begin
- [Pastor's Thoughts for October](https://www.fboea.org/2020/10/pastors-thoughts-for-october/) - As we are all well aware by now summer has moved on into autumn. Many among us lament the passing of the summer. And while I will miss the warm weather and sunshine, I always welcome this particular season; it has always been my favorite time of the year. The cool crisp mornings, the ushering
- [Pastor's Thoughts for September](https://www.fboea.org/2020/09/pastors-thoughts-for-september/) - "The foliage has been losing its freshness through the month of August, and here and there a yellow leaf shows itself like the first gray hair amidst the locks of a beauty who has seen one season too many... September is dressing herself in showy dahlias and splendid marigolds and starry zinnias. October, the extravagant
- [Summer Letter from the Pastor](https://www.fboea.org/2020/08/summer-letter-from-the-pastor/) - Summer is here! Many people I know spend the rest of the year looking forward to this time of year. Some look forward to spending time at the beach, some in the mountains. Still, others look forward to being home tending a garden or spending relaxing evenings in the back yard. Fishing, camping, spending warm

## Pages

- [Home](https://www.fboea.org/) - 591 Porterville Rd, East Aurora, NY 14052 Celebrate with us - In-person on Sundays and or anytime virtually! Virtual Worship | available live on Sunday mornings at 11 am via our Facebook, and YouTube Channel (@FBOEA). Additionally, it will be available on this home page just below early the following week. Church News | Look
- [Mission Outreach](https://www.fboea.org/mission-outreach/) - FBOEA supports several local, national, and international mission projects. FISH of East Aurora is a food pantry for families in the south towns that FBOEA supports. We collect non-perishable food monthly for FISH. We have a Souper Bowl Sunday collection in conjunction with Super Bowl Sunday. We provide school supplies and Christmas gifts for clients
- [Previous Newsletters "The Link"](https://www.fboea.org/previous-newsletters-the-link/) - [pdf-embedder url="https://www.fboea.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/7-July.pdf"] [pdf-embedder url="https://www.fboea.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/6-June.pdf"]
- [Newsletter - The Link](https://www.fboea.org/newsletter-the-link/) - [pdf-embedder url="https://www.fboea.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/8-August-1.pdf" title="8-August (1)"]
- [Leadership / Church Staff](https://www.fboea.org/leadership-church-staff/) - Our FBOEA Church Staff Pastor Paul Stolzenberg Erin Popek - Administrative Assistant Carolyn Lansom - Website coordinator This church also operates with a Church Council, which meets once monthly.
- [Special Events](https://www.fboea.org/specialevents/) - Special Events are always happening, stay tuned for what's next. As we approach Easter Sunday, we invite you to join us for two special services de- signed to help us reflect on the depth of Christ’s love and celebrate the power of His resurrection. -Maundy Thursday Service: April 2 at 7:00 PM Maundy Thursday is
- [College Scholarship Application](https://www.fboea.org/college-scholarship/) - Pine Hill Baptist Church Scholarship Administered by: The First Baptist Church of East Aurora | 591 Porterville Road, East Aurora, New York 14052 | (716) 652-2145 [pdf-embedder url="https://www.fboea.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-Pine-Hill-Baptist-Church-Scholarship-January-2026.pdf" title="2026 Pine Hill Baptist Church Scholarship-January 2026"] Scholarship Details Administered by: The First Baptist Church of East Aurora | 591 Porterville Road, East Aurora, New York 14052
- [Trunk or Treat](https://www.fboea.org/trunk-or-treat/) - Unfortunately, due to many Halloween competing events, our Trunk or Treat will not be held in 2024. Below is our info from Trunk or Treat 2023 which was held on October 21st from 4-6 p.m. Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1447172812795896/?ref=newsfeed Please sign up to decorate your car and be a part of this yearly tradition.
- [Photo Gallery](https://www.fboea.org/photo-gallery/) - Photos that tell the stories of God's love over the year. Please enjoy. 2024 2022-2023 2021 2020
- [Community Outreach Programs](https://www.fboea.org/community-outreach-programs/) - thAt First Baptist; sharing the love of Jesus Christ is, along with worship, a key reason for our presence. Along with contributions to local missions we also offer care for those in need of comfort and guidance for various reasons. The three series that we offer are Grief Care, DivorceCare, and Single, and Parenting.
- [](https://www.fboea.org/pastors-thoughts-september-20th-2023/)
- [About Us](https://www.fboea.org/about/) - First Baptist Church of East Aurora celebrated its 210th anniversary in 2020. We continue bringing glory and honor to the name of Jesus Christ. We welcome all who would like to worship with us and join us in mission and fellowship. The worship time is a mixture of casual and traditional styles. The music is a
- [Contact Us](https://www.fboea.org/contact/) - Map and Directions
- [Online Giving](https://www.fboea.org/online-giving/) - ONLINE GIVING is now available! Your gifts help make this ministry possible and we are grateful for your support! https://secure.subsplash.com/pay/zpm0jn
- [What We Believe](https://www.fboea.org/about/what-we-believe/) - Here is a summation of what we at First Baptist believe regarding God, the Bible, and other things: God We believe in one God, Creator of all things, holy, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in a loving unity of three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Having limitless knowledge
- [I'm New](https://www.fboea.org/im-new/) - Welcome to First Baptist's little corner of the internet. We're glad you found us. Whether you are examining our site because you are looking for a new church or for some answers we are here for you. You matter to God and your spiritual journey matters to us. Are You Seeking A New Church Home?

## FM Mail Verification

- [Email Verification](https://www.fboea.org/cfmemailverification/email-verification/) - [email_verification]

## FM Preview

- [Preview](https://www.fboea.org/form-maker_fmc/preview/)

## Galleries

- [2022-2023](https://www.fboea.org/bwg_gallery/2022-2023/)
- [2020 Trunk or Treat](https://www.fboea.org/bwg_gallery/2020-trunk-or-treat/)
- [2023 Trunk or Treat](https://www.fboea.org/bwg_gallery/2023-trunk-or-treat/)
- [2021 Easter and Christmas decorations](https://www.fboea.org/bwg_gallery/2021-easter-and-christmas-decorations/)
- [2021](https://www.fboea.org/bwg_gallery/2021/)
- [2020](https://www.fboea.org/bwg_gallery/2020/)

## Albums

- [2020 and before](https://www.fboea.org/bwg_album/2020-and-before/)

## Gallery Share

- [Image](https://www.fboea.org/bwg_share/image/)

## Categories

- [A word from the Pastor](https://www.fboea.org/category/pastors-thoughts/)
- [Pastor's Blog](https://www.fboea.org/category/pastors_blog/)
- [Featured](https://www.fboea.org/category/featured/)
- [Media](https://www.fboea.org/category/media/)
- [Missions](https://www.fboea.org/category/missions/)