Evergreen Notes. Evergreen Association of American Baptist Churches. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Worship Service

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1 January 2019 Volume 18, Issue 1 Evergreen Notes Evergreen Association of American Baptist Churches Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Worship Service MONDAY, JANUARY 21, 2019, 6 PM New Beginnings Christian Fellowship, th Ave. SE, Kent WA Meet our Preacher! Rev. Dr. Marvin McMickle, President of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, author on church and society, black preaching, black church life, and pastoral care; pastor, and self-described preacher for life! Come, bring your family and invite your neighbors/friends to join us as well! Inside this Issue A Word from Our Executive Minister Events Around the Region 3 Stevenson & Erlacher Speak at 2019 Biennial Mission Summit Evergreen Way Leaders Training Evergreen Way Leaders Training Registration Form Social Media Corner: Protecting Privacy Prayer Needed [In Haiti] Call for Choir Members to the 2019 Evergreen Mass Choir in Preparation for the MLK Day Worship Service Join with other Voices from Around the Region to Form the Evergreen Mass Choir and Participate in Worship on Monday, January 21, 2019 (MLK Day) at New Beginnings Christian Fellowship, 6:00 PM REHEARSAL SCHEDULE: TBD Please send your name, phone number, address and church name to clem@ea-abc.org or call if you are interested in participating. Washington State s Paid Family & Medical Leave Program & Your Church Pray for Churches Seeking Pastors: Fremont Baptist Church, First Baptist Church Mountlake Terrace, Filipino- American Christian Fellowship, Burien Community Church, Mount Zion Baptist Church, Community Church of Issaquah, and Washington Kachin Baptist Church 8

2 A Word from Our Executive Minister Rev. Douglas Avilesbernal NIV But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:15-20 When I was too young to know better, January was a big letdown for me. All the excitement was over and there were no big days to celebrate. In fact, the only thing that happened was going back to school! As I grow older and my vision broadens I am beginning to be thankful for the break we have in this month. There is not a whole lot happening so we re free to recover as we rest. However, I do wonder if I have missed a very important aspect of this season my whole life. I think I have let the celebration of the birth on Christmas be the only and most important aspect of the season. sage we get a look at what can be a wonderful addition to our Christmas season. We can see how they all experienced the excitement of receiving the news of the birth before hand and celebrating it when it happened. What I find interesting is what they do after that. Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart and the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen. The birth of a baby changes the life of everyone around her. But this change was different, they all knew something extraordinary had happened and it changed how they looked at life. The shepherds became evangelists! Mary explored deep within. In this post-christmas glimpse we get through the Gospel of Luke, we see some signs of what happens when one encounters Jesus in a meaningful way. It might be a good idea to add January to our season life. When I was too young to know better, January was a disappointment. As I grow older and have less energy to But, looking at Mary and the Shepherds in the Luke passpare, January is a time of rest. In both of those I may have missed the fact that January can also be a time to meditate on what happened, as well as a time to share with the world the wonder of the gift we have received! I pray you take the freedom of January to meditate on what has occurred and be energized by that wonderful gift. Doug Rev. Douglas Avilesbernal Executive Minister INSERT January 2019 page 2

3 EVENTS AROUND THE REGION EVERGREEN LEADERS TRAINING Members of the Executive Committee, Caucus Leaders, Association Board representatives and clergy leaders are encouraged to register for the Leaders Training scheduled for Laypersons beginning with lunch on Monday, February 18 thru Wednesday the 20th around 3 pm. Clergy persons are asked to arrive early enough to join with laypersons beginning with lunch at noon on Wednesday, February 20th and spend Thursday and Friday until 3 p.m. working with other clergy. Here is the online link, and the online payment through Square is set up. There is also a link for scholarships and information to pay by check: evergreen-way-training.html HAITI SCHOOL DONATION An anonymous donation of soccer balls, pumps and goals for elementary to middle school aged children, will be taken to the children and families of the new school in Haiti. Thank you to our donor for these thoughtful gifts to the newly opened school. And we are still accepting individual and church donations toward the completion of College Matondo de Madeline. Our next mission trip is to the Inaugural celebration which will be held Friday, January 25, Attending the celebration: Rev. Douglas Avilesbernal Mrs. Mary Cline Rev. Brian Henderson Rev. Dr. Keith Madsen There is still time to plan to join the group, though we can no longer guarantee the same rates as published earlier. Seattle Chin Baptist Church (SCBC) Pastor Ram Hei Cin s Wife, Lyly, and Son Arrived from Chin State Reuniting the Family for the First Time in the United States. L-R: Mbr SCBC, Baby Son, Pastor Ram Hei Cin, Pastor Cin s wife, Lyly and three other members of SCBC standing in front of Rev. Dr. Paul Aita, Liaison to Churches and People from Burma. WASHINGTON KACHIN BAPTIST CHURCH HAS CALLED REV. DR. PAUL AITA AS PASTOR FOR THE INTERIM BEGINNING JANUARY, Grace Baptist Church Tacoma Called Rev. Gordon Hutchins as Pastor! Burien Community Church Called Rev. Paul J. Schneider, III as Pastor! Community Church of Issaquah Called Rev. Barbara Reid as Pastor for the Interim! Volume 18, Issue 1 Page 3

4 Dr. Howard Stevenson & Dr. Jolene Erlacher to Speak at 2019 Biennial Mission Summit VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 12/4/18) The American Baptist Churches USA 2019 Biennial Mission Summit Planning Team is excited to announce two speakers for the event. Dr. Howard Stevenson, nationally recognized Dr. Howard Stevenson clinical psychologist and researcher, will speak during the Friday evening worship service. He is a nationally recognized clinical psychologist and researcher on negotiating racial conflicts using racial literacy for independent and public K-12 schooling, community mental health centers, teachers, police and parents. Two mental health research projects funded by National Institutes of Health examine the benefits of racial literacy. The PLAAY (Preventing Long-term Anger and Aggression in Youth) Project uses basketball and racial socialization to help youth and parents cope with stress from violence and social rejection. Dr. Stevenson also co-leads the SHAPE-UP: Barbers Building Better Brothers Project which trains Black barbers as health educators to teach Black year old males to reduce their risk of HIV/STDS and retaliation violence while they are cutting hair. Dr. Jolene Erlacher who founded Leading Tomorrow in 2013 with the aim of equipping churches, businesses, schools, missions agencies and other organizations for effective intergenerational leadership in an evolving culture, will provide Sunday morning Word and Witness. Erlacher worked for eight years at North Central University, specializing in leadership training, student development and personnel management. During that time, she identified the need for building awareness of generational differences as young leaders entered the workplace, especially in ministry contexts. This began an extended journey of researching the experiences and needs of Millennials in ministry positions. Her book, Millennials in Ministry (Judson Press) documents her findings. Her new book, Daniel Generation: Godly Leadership in an Ungodly Culture, was released in August Dr. Jolene Erlacher They join Elijah Brown, general secretary of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA), who will speak during the Saturday evening worship service and Ngwedla Paul Msiza, BWA president, who will bring the message during Sunday morning worship. More Information In addition to hearing from significant speakers, American Baptists and friends will have an opportunity to take part in an allnew Biennial Academy, with tracks offering continuing education and spiritual growth opportunities for both clergy and lay leaders alike. Academy Tracks will include Social Media, Technology and Ministry; 21st Century Options for Church Planting and Renewal; Transition Ministries Training; Bible Studies; and more. The 2019 event will also offer opportunities for all ages featuring new events for youth and children, with a new 3-day youth conference for middle and high school students, and separate VBS-style classes available for elementary ages. Day care will also be offered. For more information about the event, visit Page 4 Evergreen Notes

5 Evergreen Way Training Lay Leaders (Feb Feb. 20, 2019) Clergy Leaders (Feb. 20 Feb. 22, 2019) What: Evergreen Way Leadership Training Where: Camp Burton Retreat Center, Vashon Island, WA When: February 18 22, 2019 Monday & Tuesday Laypersons meet Wednesday Noon: Clergy & Laypersons meet Thursday & Friday: Clergy only meet Registration Fee: $250 We will gather to learn about the tools each of us and our communities have as we respond, yes we will! The Lay Leadership will gather beginning Monday at noon thru Wednesday. Clergy Leaders will join Lay Leaders on Wednesday at noon and Clergy Leaders Only on Thursday through Friday. Executive Committee Members, Caucus Leaders and Association Board Representatives are expected to participate. After training, we will all join Jesus in proclaiming good news to the poor, release to prisoners, recovery of sight to the blind, freedom to the oppressed, and proclaiming the Year of the Lord s favor. Applying for a Scholarship to Cover the $250 Registration Fee? American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) Scholarships Ministry administers the American Baptist Financial Aid Program that supports American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) clergy and lay leaders serving in church vocations with grants to enhance their skills for ministry. Request an application for continuing education grants from: ABHMS Scholarships Ministry American Baptist Home Mission Societies P.O. Box 851 Valley Forge, PA Cultivating NEW LIFE The Cultivating NEW LIFE program provides grants of up to $300 to ministerial leaders to attend conferences, workshops and seminars focused on personal and congregation renewal. Ministerial leaders who are listed in the current ABCUSA Professional Registry may apply for this grant each year. Cultivating NEW LIFE grants may not be combined with other continuing education funding provided by ABHMS. Applications must be submitted at least 30 days in advance of your participation. Download Phone: 800.ABC.3USA, x2067 Fax: financial-aid@abhms.org Vol. 18, Issue 1 Page 5

6 EVERGREEN ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES 409 Third Avenue South Suite A, Kent WA EVERGREEN WAY TRAINING REGISTRATION Lay Leaders: February 18 20, 2019 Clergy Leaders: February 20 22, 2019 CAMP BURTON RETREAT CENTER VASHON ISLAND, WASHINGTON Lay Leaders begin Monday at noon and end approximately 3:00 pm on Wednesday afternoon. Clergy will begin Wednesday morning Feb. 20th at noon and end Friday, Feb. 22nd about 3 PM. Overnight double occupancy accommodations at the Retreat Center will be provided. Sailing schedule from Fauntleroy to Vashon (Winter Schedule) weekdays: 9:05 am 9:30 am There is an approximately 20 minute crossing time and a 20 +/- minute 10:20 am drive to Camp Burton. 10:40 am 11:15 am Please complete this form and send with the registration fee early enough to arrive at 409 Third Avenue South, Suite A, Kent WA by January 18, NAME: CHURCH: ADDRESS: CELL PHONE NUMBER: I plan to arrive at Camp Burton Retreat Center Monday Wednesday, Feb , 2019 Approximate time: Please mark all that apply: I will be driving and can accommodate passengers Wednesday Friday, Feb , 2019 I will be driving and can pick up passengers that arrive by plane at SeaTac Airport and then transport them to Camp Burton I would like a ride from Evergreen Offices or other designated location to Camp Burton Other location I will be arriving by airplane and need a ride to Camp Burton Airline and Flight #: Date and time of arrival: If you need Sunday night or Tuesday night accommodations, please let us know and we will make those arrangements for you. REGISTRATION FEE: $250 Clergy and lay persons may request a scholarship through ABHMS (See page 3) Evergreen Notes Page 6

7 Social Media Corner: Protecting Privacy You may have heard of GDPR: General Data Protection Regulation. This is a regulation in the European Union that regards how personal information is collected online for citizens of the EU. This regulation most likely doesn t apply to your congregation, unless you have members who are from the EU either people who still claim their citizenship in the EU or who were part of your church and moved to the EU. What this means is that you need their permission to be on your list, your newsletter list, or even to receive your boosted Facebook advertisements. The GDPR is to protect people from having their information sold to another party or shared without their permission. Even without the GDPR, it is a good idea to make sure you have people s permission to send them your church newsletter or to print their information in a church directory. A simple permission form for members or regular attendees is easy to create, something that says, I give my permission for this church s name to reprint my contact information in the church directory, or newsletter, etc. It is also a good idea to have some sort of permission form for people to use or share their photos online and especially, always, with children s photos. You can do this either as a permission form, or an opt-out. A simple note at events where photos may be taken that photos taken at this event may be posted online; if you do not wish to have your photo or your child s photo posted, please fill out this form or please let name of person in charge of event know. There are reasons that people may not want to share their personal Mindi Welton-Mitchell Pastor, Queen Anne Baptist Church and Evergreen Social Media Specialist information, or they may be willing for the pastor to have it, but not for the rest of the congregation. It is always a good idea to ask first. Blessings, Rev. Mindi Welton-Mitchell media@ea-abc.org Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: EvergreenABCUSA Hashtags: #ebaabc #IamEBAABC ABSW Says Thank You We are in receipt of a letter dated November 28, 2018, signed by American Baptist Seminary of the West (ABSW), President, James E. Brenneman which states in part:...on behalf of everyone at the American Baptist Seminary of the West I want to offer my sincere gratitude for your generous gift of $491.36, which will be applied to the Seminary Fund. That fund provides an enduring level of support for the ongoing needs of the seminary and our students. We are pleased to have Evergreen Association of American Baptist Churches as a sustaining partner in this sacred enterprise NOTE: ABSW receives a monthly tithe of our mission receipts. Thank you for your gifts! Page 7 Evergreen Notes

8 Prayer Needed " Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn" Rom 12:15 Dear Loved Ones, Greeting. We are asking you to please be praying for our Haitian Baptist Convention/ denomination. On November 6, 2018 we accompanied Pastor Luc Sylvain to his final resting place. Pastor Luc was the head librarian at our University for over 30 years and pastor of our Peniel Baptist Church of Port- Margot for 23 years. He was 63 years of age. He dropped dead on October 31, On November 20, 2018, Pastor Joseph Saintil of our Jerusalem Baptist Church was found dead early in the morning on the roof of his house where he went to pray. He died in the midst of big unrest in the country where nothing/nobody was moving. The funeral was held Saturday December 1st after a 4.5 hours-long service in the church. He was 62 years old. Pastor Joseph Saintil was also assisting the Missionary Fellowship International Service with their flights in Haiti. He leaves behind his wife of 5 years of marriage with no children. Pastor Jeantel P. Alberus of our Thomassique Baptist Church in Plateau Central is in Cuba after an unsuccessful attempt in the Dominican Republic to get some specialized care. He has been paralyzed from the waist down because of something in his back. Pastor Ronel Mesidor of our Martissant Baptist Nzunga & Kihomi Church in Port-au-Prince who also runs the orphanage in Delmas, is back from Mexico. He went there for treatment but is not totally recovered yet. Situations like these can be overwhelming and at times scary for all of us, but especially for our new and young general secretary of the Haitian Baptist Convention. Thank you for remembering us in your daily prayers. In Haiti, Nzunga & Kihomi Washington State s Paid Family & Medical Leave Program & Your Church Washington s Paid Family and Medical Leave program is a new mandatory insurance program administered by the Employment Security Department. The program will give eligible employees in Washington access to up to 12 weeks of paid leave if they need time off to recover from a serious illness or injury, bond with a new child, or care for an aging parent or ill or injured family member. An employee may receive up to 16 weeks if he/ she have events covered under both family and medical leave in the same qualifying period. It s time for [churches] to get ready: Premium Collection begins January 1, 2019, and benefits become available Jan. 1, Decisions must be made as to how you will proceed. Your church should have received a letter from the Washington State Employment Security Department outlining the steps to take prior to January 1, Volume 18, Issue 1 Page 8

9 Evergreen Association of American Baptist Churches 409 Third Avenue S, Suite A Kent WA Phone: eba@ea-abc.org Like us on Facebook: Hashtags: #ebaabc #IamEBAABC Return Service Requested Non-Profit Organization US PAID Kent WA Permit No. 451 Evergreen Notes, the newsletter for member churches, ecumenical partners, national affiliates, and friends of the Evergreen Association of American Baptist Churches is published monthly. Please submit articles by the 20th of the month prior to expected publication. You are encouraged to copy and/or reprint information and articles. Building Bridges, Resourcing Churches & Translating Our Unity Rev. Douglas Avilesbernal Executive Minister Calendar of Upcoming Events January 21, 2019 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Community Worship Service, New Beginnings Christian Fellowship, hosting; Rev. Dr. Marvin McMickle, Preaching; Evergreen Mass Choir singing, 6 PM February 18-22, 2019 Evergreen Way Training at Camp Burton Retreat Center. More details on pages 3, 5, & 6. June 4, 2019 Take Your Pastor/Church Leader /Family to the Ball Game! Seattle Mariners vs. Houston Astros, Tickets are $14 each. Save the Date! June 21-23, 2019 Biennial Mission Summit, Virginia Beach Convention Center, Virginia Beach, VA Executive Committee meets on the second Thursday each month at 6:30 PM, Japanese Baptist Church. MISSION STATEMENT Being a culturally diverse people who are one in Christ and who value the liberties of our American Baptist Heritage, the Evergreen Baptist Association will Build bridges between communities; Provide resources to equip member churches to share Christ and teach God s word; and Translate our unity to the world.