The Baptist Observer Magazine

Transcription

1 The Baptist Observer Magazine BECKY SEPTOSKI, EDITOR VOL. 10 NO. 3 MAY/JUNE, 2011 HIGHLIGHTING THE MINISTRIES OF AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN INDIANA & KENTUCKY 2011 Region Mission Offering Promotion Period: May,, June, July & August This year the Region Mission Offering theme is Elevate! Like the theme scripture, Elevate carries with it the notion of movement and growth toward something...in this case, toward greater discipleship and mission in the name of Jesus. While the Region certainly hopes that the theme will inspire each congregation to take a step up in terms of financial giving in support of the Region, it is also the hope of the Region it might be a catalyst toward more intentional evangelism, deeper faith commitment, discovery and use of spiritual gifts, consistent in-depth Bible study and more. Resources are available for download at the region website: Coming Soon to a Computer Near You! The ABC-IN/KY E-Newsletter titled Observations will be coming to your inbox in the very near future. We hope to keep you updated on all of the events that will be occuring in our Region. The newsletter will make it simple to link to more information as well as registrations for upcoming events. Observations will also include current region news. For complete information regarding news and events visit our website at Spring Prom for Senior Kings and Queens There were 185 who gathered for Senior Adult Day on April 7 at Calvary Baptist Church in Kokomo. Pastor Jeff Sexton and Calvary members greeted everyone in formal attire. The theme for the day was remembering prom days of the past, so most attendees took the opportunity to dress with the Senior Prom theme in mind. A wide assortment of formals, hats, tuxedoes, suits, and King Ollie Shufflebotham, 94 sings a song with his daughter ties ranging from the 20 s to the 60 s could be seen. All were treated like a Queen or a King with a day of food, entertainment, and inspiration provided by the host church leadership team, chaired by Georgia Simmons. However, there were several who wore unique attire who were crowned King or Queen for the day. Queen Gertrude Gerty Burton, 92, and King Oliver Ollie Shufflebotham, 94, were given special recognition. Gerty, accompanied by her escort, and Ollie, accompanied by his daughter, ABC-IN/K -IN/KY Vision Statement Parade Queen, Edith Ford with Pastor Jeff Sexton By: Bob Welling Shirley Pittenger shown here with Jack Klingensmith & Georgia Simmons demonstrated they still can dance. Everyone is already looking forward to the next Senior Adult Day event scheduled for October 13, 2011 at Seymour First Baptist Church. As the hands and feet of Christ, compelled by his love, we will do whatever it takes to reach the lost and serve our communities and churches. Georgia Simmons crowns Queen Gerty Burton, 92

2 PAGE 2 Dr. Don Scott Interim Executive Minister donscott@abc-indiana.org The Church Empowered! On June 12, Pentecost Sunday, Christians will once again have the opportunity to celebrate the empowering of the Church. Acts 2 tells us that the disciples were all together when, in a very dramatic way, they were filled with the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1, the resurrected Jesus told his disciples that this would happen and that the purpose was to empower the disciples (the Church) to be witnesses of Jesus throughout the world. Those marching orders given long ago still apply to the church today. In the midst of our going, preaching, teaching and baptizing, we are charged to make disciples in our own communities and throughout the world. When I was a child in the 1950s-1960s, it appeared that this was a relatively easy task. In many places when the church doors were opened, it could be expected that the pews would soon be filled as well as the offering plates. Many congregations across our country built new sanctuaries and expanded educational facilities to accommodate the crowds. While those were good days for the Church in America, I believe that period of time was a blip on the spectrum of church history. The biblical norm is for congregations to move out of their buildings and go into their communities and the wider world giving bold witness to their experience with Jesus. Given the myriad of cultural changes in our society, the days of waiting for people to come to us are over and will not return in our lifetime. However, often the church acts as if it is still 1955 even as we tolerate and often justify nearly empty pews and as we lament over equally empty offering plates. A number of years ago, Becky Pippert wrote a book called Out of the Salt Shaker. Her point was that Christians need to expand their ministry horizons and consider God s call on their lives to be witnesses for Jesus wherever they are in their everyday lives rather than just on Sunday mornings in the confines of their church building. Pentecost can be a strong reminder that our call as Christians is not to give just lip service to the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives, but to actually live empowered lives of mission and witness in the name of Jesus. May it be so for us. For more information regarding the ABC-USA Biennial Meeting go to: EventRegistration/ Biennial2011/tabid/465/ Default.aspx Let s Do This Together By: Jim Walter, NW Area Resource Minister What can your church do to encourage discipleship within your congregation? First of all, as the pastor or as a leader in the church, there must be a willingness to look at your own journey of discipleship. What are you doing to grow deeper in your relationship with Jesus Christ? Where are you being equipped to move out into new areas of ministry and mission? Discipleship begins with you and me. It is not something we can ask or even can help others do if we don t do it ourselves. Second, as a church, you can be intentional in your focus upon discipleship for everyone. Talk about it in your board and committee meetings. Discuss it with Sunday School teachers. Lift it up as the focus for vacation Bible school. Make it the main point of several worship services. If you don t know how to talk about discipleship, ask for help. Our Region Staff is willing to help you Would you like to see the Bonilla- Giovanetti family soon? You cannot come to Spain yet? We would like to see you soon, too! However, we cannot travel to Indiana/Kentucky yet either (plans are for Spring 2012) But, love will find a way we will be able to visit with those of you attending the ABC-USA/PR Biennial in San Juan, Puerto Rico (June 24-26, 2011). We have become so close to each other through many years of loving, fruitful partnership that it is only natural that we want to be with one focus upon discipleship. The Discipleship Partners Network (information available in this issue) is a group of persons who can come to your church to assist in being intentional about discipleship in all areas of your church ministry. Third, you can share your stories with other churches. Many churches are trying new ideas regarding discipleship. There is no simple or single answer to how we help persons grow as disciples. Share your stories with others. You can share your stories by writing them down and sending them to the Observer editor to be shared. You can also share them on Discipleship Explorations which is a website we have created for this purpose. The address is: discipleshipexplorations.blogspot.com However you do it, the important thing is to do it. We can t make disciples if we don t plan to make disciples. Let s do it together. Love Will Find a Way ay another. The Biennial provides us a special opportunity to do so. Come join us in Puerto Rico to CELEBRATE Together through thick and thin, with love and prayers, Your missionary family in Valencia, the BGsInSpain ABFMS Missionaries and MKs to Spain BoniGiova89@gmail.com and skype: CarMayBoni International Ministries

3 PAGE 3 ABWM Assist Haitian Sisters By: Jo Besser, Treasurer ABWM-IN In November of 2010, the ABWM of IN/KY received a letter from National ABWM President, Barbara Anderson, challenging them to raise $30,000 to assist our Haitian sisters in their Health Education Project. According to abwministries.com, the goal has been reached. However, contributions are still being accepted. Contributions should be made to ABW Ministries of IN and clearly marked Haiti Cholera Project. Haitian missionary Kihomi Ngwemi Nzunga (K e o m e long e s) writes: Over ten years in Haiti, we have gone through a lot of devastating situations alongside our brother and sister Haitians to whom all those calamities are lifetime problems including hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, epidemic disease, political & violent manifestations. In all of these situations, women are the ones to pay the heavy price as everybody cries and turns to them for every service. They take care of their family members whether at home or in the hospital. When the disease strikes, the women are the ones doing the patient cleaning, bathing, and lifting. They are also responsible for cooking the food, feeding, and washing the dishes and the dirty clothes at the hospital. The monies raised for our Haitian sisters will be used to organize cholera trainings, health education and prevention campaigns in churches of the Haitian Baptist Convention. How is God leading you in this very worthy project? Love Gift By: Barbara Mills ABWM NEWS and NOTES The ABWM Love Gift Challenge for 2010 was $65,000. As of December 31, 2010 the ABWM had received $54,698. While the challenge wasn t met, my hope is that you recognized many blessings in your own life and rejoiced with each of them. In October 2010, a Love Gift Challenge of $60,000 was accepted for In Hebrews 12:28, Jesus tells us to be thankful. I encourage each of you to Be Thankful and drop a coin or 2 in your Love Gift Box and remember that no gift is too small. Betty Holmes - New National Love Gift Coordinator On September 1, 2010, Betty Holmes officially became the new National Love Gift Coordinator. Her goal is to strengthen the bridge between the National, Regional, Area, and Local Coordinators. She has held 2 teleconference calls with all available Region Coordinators. As the ABW work to strengthen ties, each person has a part to play. In your daily walk with God, look for the miracles that God has performed. Daylight is lasting longer, the snow is gone (we hope), and the miracle of new life can be seen. Spring is here and flowers are breaking the ground. Remember to say Thank You Lord for bringing us through the winter and being able to start anew! 2010 Love Gift = New Vehicle for the Bolicks! During 2010 over $45,000 was given to the State Project Fund of the ABWM of IN/KY for the purchase of a new 4 wheel drive vehicle for the Bolicks, missionaries in Chile. While visiting the Bolicks in Chile, the 2011 Mission Encounter team saw first hand the need for a well built, specialized vehicle and the ministries it will enable the Bolicks to continue and expand. The new vehicle arrived just weeks after the 2011 Mission Encounter team visited the Bolicks! ABW White Cross What an exciting time to be the White Cross Chairman. Every time I go to the mailbox, there is something for me and it s not a bill! Thank you for getting your request sent and reports filled out. Our missionaries and partners appreciate the contributions they receive each year and this year is no different. White Cross is a very important mission. We reach out to many people and provide resources to help them meet their daily needs. Together, we make a difference. The By: Libby Wilcox, Chairman request for 2011 is even bigger than the request for The ABWM Summer Conference Committee has asked if the women who attend the conference this year can roll bandages during free time, and the answer is yes! So ladies, if you have any extra cotton sheets - white, colored or print, please bring them to the Summer Conference where we will continue to provide for those in need! Summer Conference - In the Potter s Hands In the Potter s Hands is the theme of the ABWM 75th Summer Conference. The committee has allowed the Master Potter to shape a weekend of spiritual renewal, worship, fellowship and just plain old-fashioned fun. Come to Franklin College on June 3-5 and help us honor our heritage as a mission minded group with Barbara Bolick and our Chile team. Valli Howard, Katy Longkumer, and Tysha Sellers will also be present. Sing with Hornrette Washington. Study the Bible with Ella Toole and Rev. Shelly Zook will be our pastor. So much more is planned! Bring fabric to roll bandages & By: Nancy Bond, Conference Chair money for postage. Remember to bring a book for our book exchange, supplies to decorate your dorm door, and items to donate to the EMCC Bazaar. If you would like to participate in our talent show, contact Robin at ronolin@indiana.edu. Don t forget, we will be glittering all weekend at our Diamond Jubilee. The program is almost in place. We need YOU and your friends! Registrations are in the hands of your state officers and also available on our website at Register by May 15 to obtain the best price!

4 PAGE 4 SOUTHEAST AREA Columbus FBC Welcomes New Associate Columbus FBC Youth Keep Busy! David Doles and wife, Amy, serving Communion On Sunday, February 12, 2011, Columbus FBC voted to call David Doles as Associate Pastor. A reception was held after the confirmation vote on Sunday, February 12th. Doles began his ministry with Columbus FBC on Friday, April 1 and he and his wife, Amy, along with their two daughters, Katelyn and Hannah were welcomed by the congregation on Sunday, April 3. Prior to joining the Columbus FBC staff, Doles served on the campus ministry at Indiana State and Rose Hulman Institute. In addition to that ministry, Doles also served as youth pastor at FBC Sullivan, IN. Columbus FBC is excited about Pastor Doles coming to minister with the staff and congregation. The youth at Columbus FBC have been busy since the first of the year with activities that have been planned by the youth ministry team. In January, the youth spent a Saturday at the Gleaners Food Bank in Indianapolis helping unload cartons and stocking shelves along with many other tasks. On Sunday, they attended worship at First Baptist, Indianapolis before returning home. James Seddon Retires from Shiloh BC At a church luncheon held on January 30, 2011, Shiloh Baptist Church in Columbus bid a fond farewell to Pastor Jim Seddon and his wife, Sharon, after more than 35 years in ministry. Seddon and his wife served together with Shiloh for almost eleven years. Prior to serving at Shiloh BC, Pastor Jim served at Cannelton FBC, Spencer FBC, Galveston FBC in Indiana, as well as churches in Ohio and West Virginia. The love and prayers of Shiloh BC go with the Seddons as they begin this new chapter in their lives. They will be greatly missed. Shiloh BC Calls New Minister On February 6, 2011, Pastor Ancel Harden was voted to become the minister at Shiloh Baptist Church, Columbus. He came November 28, 2010, to serve as interim pastor, but it was soon apparent to church members and to Pastor Ancel, his wife Jo, and their daughter Adrian that the call could be more permanent. Ancel said Shiloh s a good fit. Although still working full-time in construction, Pastor Ancel has helped fill the pulpit at a total of fourteen churches. He was ordained on October 19, 2008 at Unity Baptist Church, Morgantown. Shiloh looks forward to serving the Lord with Pastor Ancel and his family. February found the girls of the group going to a local nursing home and spending time with the women giving them beautiful hands. It was a A lock-in was held during the first weekend of April. Associate Pastor David Doles participated in the Riley painting the nails of Becky Schumaker unique experience of service and the residents thoroughly enjoyed having them there. evening session with the group. Much fun and very little sleep was had by all!

5 PAGE 5 NORTHEAST AREA WEST CENTRAL Rushville FBC Youth News Rushville FBC has two youth groups. Kids for Christ (KFC) consists of grades 3-6 and is led by Jane Cumberworth and Heidi Pezdek. The American Baptist Youth (ABY) consists of grades 7-12 and is led by Bill and Lisa Collyer. Four of the KFC youth received recognition for memorizing books of the Bible. They are Tyler Stiers, Christine Noll, Randy Collyer, and Hope Klinger. The KFC youth have also taken small gifts to our shut-ins. Two of their trips have been to the Creation Museum and the Kid Zone. The ABY youth of Rushville FBC have washed and cleaned the church bus; held a fundraiser providing food for the Precepts Ministry weekend; delivered homemade cookies and cards at Christmas; studied the importance of prayer; and attended the community spring praise service. Kyle Collyer and Christine and Thomas Noll attended Acquire the Fire weekend in March Zachary Stiers, Kyle Collyer, Christine and Thomas Noll, and Leah Worley were present for The Storm in April Plans are being made to deliver crosses for Easter to the nursing homes, shut-ins, and other senior church members. Two of the youth are involved in church music: Christine Noll sings in the choir and plays the piano. Zachary Stiers accompanies the Praise Team on the bass guitar. Kyle Collyer assists with the church audio system. Rushville FBC is very thankful for the Christian growth of the youth and the willingness of the youth leaders to volunteer so much time. Article Submission Deadline for the July/August ugust Issue of the Observer is Friday,, June 3 Please remember the following guidelines: A maximum of 2 articles per church due to space Articles should be 180 words or less Please do not send newspaper articles and expect an article to be written from them Digital pictures in JPG format via are preferred. Do not send a print made from a digital picture. Photos from film will be accepted and returned. Please be sure to let us know who to return them to. Karen Smith of Bethel BC in Spencer, IN was the featured speaker during Bethel s February ABW meeting. Karen, a breast cancer survivor, told Her Story of why the Susan G. Komen 3- Day Walk for the Cure 60 miles in 3 days- is so much more than walking. Karen was diagnosed with breast cancer in October of 1983 at the age of 33. She is a survivor. Karen has had many family members who have also been diagnosed with breast cancer including her grandmother, 2 of her grandmother s sisters and her mother. Unfortunately, they did not survive. Karen s daughter, Jennifer, was diagnosed in April 2003 at the age of 33 and again in May Her sister, Linda, was diagnosed in July Both are survivors. Karen was one of 1,800 people who walked 60 miles in 3 days and raised $4.7 million for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research in San Francisco last year. The Susan G. Komen organization has invested nearly $1.5 billion to fight breast cancer during the past 28 years. Together, Karen, her daughter, son-in-law and sisters have walked for the cure 6 times and Crewed 3 times. Her 12 year old grandson, Alex, will Crew in August of this year. The Crew is the backbone of the AREA Karen Smith Tells Her Story at Bethel BC ABW Meeting Karen Smith shown here holding a quilt made of T-shirts from previous Komen walks event bringing it to life and becoming the support system for the walkers. Karen will be Crewing the Chicago 3-day walk in August and the Dallas 3-day walk in November. It is a rewarding experience filled with smiles, kindness, and heartfelt gratitude from the walkers as well as knowing that God is with all who participate every step of the way.

6 PAGE 6 It s Almost Time for Camp! Spring is here with summer approaching quickly. Indian Creek Baptist Camp (ICBC) has been blessed to have groups for retreats as well as work groups. The camp staff is so thankful for everyone s support through prayer, work groups, and continued service to this ministry for the Lord. Through April and May, groups will be coming to clean, work, build, and pray over the camp in preparation for the upcoming camp season. ICBC is looking forward to seeing many of the camp family at the Day of Prayer and Service scheduled A portion of the off season has been spent visiting various churches and talking to many about their experiences at camp. ICBC is very excited about the new dining hall that will be built after the 2011 camp season! The current dining hall has many memories for many who attended camp and we can t wait to hear more about those cherished times at the Dining Hall Going Away Party! If you ve ever been a part of camp over the past 55+ years, Indian Creek Baptist Camp Updates for May 14, The day will start at 9:00 am with several project opportunities for everyone to participate in, from kids making stepping stones and bird houses, to groups cleaning, cooking, gardening, painting and building. Lunch will be served at 12:30, so don t forget to RSVP. During lunch, the summer staff will be introduced. Plans for the new dining hall will also be shared at that time. Throughout the day, ICBC would love to have groups praying over the camp to cover it in blessings. Sharing Old & Making New Memories please plan to come and share stories, pictures, and memories with ICBC on August 20, ICBC is looking forward to a day filled with the incredible camp family having a time of great fellowship and food. A silent auction will be held. Come and enjoy the Dining Hall one last time! Demolition of the dining hall will begin in September after all the groups are gone. Before that happens, ICBC wants to fill the place with past and present camp family! Make plans now to attend! Camp Season is Approaching Quickly! Be sure to register soon! For more information regarding the 2011 camp season go to: or ABY Scholarship Information All applications and references must be complete and delivered to the Region Office by June 1, 2011 for consideration. Scholarships will be announced by July 30, Applications should be sent to: ABY Scholarships 1350 N Delaware Street Indianapolis, IN Questions should be addressed to: Jim Walter or jimwalter@abcindiana.org All materials necessary for completing the application are available on the region website at: Southeastern Baptist Youth Camp 2011 Schedule Location Address: 3127 W Co. Rd. 800 S. Greensburg, IN All campers are required to send a $10 deposit along with a completed registration/health form to the camp at least 2 weeks prior to the session they wish to attend. June 5-8 Primary Camp (entering grades 1-3) June Junior Camp (entering grades 4-6) June Sr. High Camp (entering grades 10-graduate) June 26-July 1 Junior Camp (entering grades 4-6) July 5-8 Primary Camp (entering grades 1-3) July Music/Drama (entering grades 7-12) July Golf Camp (entering grades 7-12) July Camp Butler July Junior-Senior Camp (entering grades 4-12) July 31-Aug 5 Jr. High Camp (entering grades 7-9) Sept Kindergarten Camp (Kindergartners) Oct Operation: Equip (young adult/college age) For more details regarding registration, fees, etc. go to: or call the camp at (812) News from Southeastern Baptist Camp Promotion has begun to raise funds for a swimming pool at Southeastern Baptist Camp. The Board of Trustees and committees have been busy determining the type of pool that will best fit the camp. It is important to see that there is enough financial support for a swimming pool over and above the regular giving. Visit the website at under The Camp to view a promotional video and get more information. Comments are welcome and one may contact the camp through the website, by phone ( ), or by (SBYCamp@gmail.com).

7 PAGE 7 D.C.C Spring Break Mission Trip By: Megan Posey Megan Posey is a senior at Purdue and has served in various leadership positions at the Found. She is a member of Tea Creek BC. This March, fourteen students and adults from the Baptist Student Foundation at Purdue traveled to the nation s capital for a week of service. The Found s annual spring break mission trip included many opportunities for students to serve the often unseen populations of Washington DC and learn how faith, social justice, and the government can interact. The group began their week at Christ House, a residential medical facility that provides care for homeless patients in transition from the hospital. Students then volunteered at a nearby community housing program called Kairos House. They also experienced a small taste of homelessness by spending a few hours on the streets selling Street Sense. Street Sense is a newspaper that provides a source of income for homeless vendors by allowing them to sell the papers for a profit. In addition to serving, the group learned about faith and social justice during visits to Sojourners and the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Freedom. Throughout the week, the group stayed in the Chinatown district of DC at Calvary Baptist Church, an inner-city church with a long tradition of urban ministry. Everyone returned to Purdue and the Found with a greater understanding of how they can continue to serve Christ in our world. Day By Day By: Ruth Proctor Day by day, day by day. Oh dear Lord, three things I pray. To see Thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly, follow Thee more nearly, day by day. (CCLI # ) These are the words to a song from the sometimes controversial musical, Godspell. Stephen Schwartz wrote the music and lyrics in the hippie era, as he and John-Michael Tebelak told a story about Jesus and his parables, basing much of their work on the Gospel of Matthew. I enjoy the song Day by Day and think it offers a simple, yet meaningful description of discipleship. The song especially came to mind after hearing Jeff Jones define discipleship at the Traveling Together Event held recently in Terre Haute. To see Thee more clearly. Jeff calls this deepening. Either way, it means learning, growing in knowledge and relationship with Jesus through study, worship, prayer, special events and interaction with other Christians. We see Jesus more clearly when we employ spiritual disciplines individually and with others. To love Thee more dearly. One way that we show God our love is to use the gifts he has given us. Jeff calls this equipping and describes it as discerning, claiming and developing those gifts. This can be done through various assessment and training opportunities as well as hands on experience in which giftedness can be discovered and skills increased. To follow Thee more nearly. To follow Jesus means to serve him by serving others. Jeff chooses ministering to describe how we use our knowledge and gifts to respond to God s call to mission. This is evident in how we live our lives and how we work together as a church. Discipleship: to see, to deepen; to love, to equip; to follow, to minister. If any of these are areas in which your church may need help, please feel free to contact Discipleship Partners. You may do so through Ruth Proctor at or at proctor606@frontier.com. 73rd Annual ABM-IN/KY Y & GI Men s Spring Conference May 20-21, 2011 Camp Tippecanoe 6EMS Lane T52 A North Webster, IN THEME: The Call to be The Uncommmon Man Conference Leader: Rev. Jon Carlstrom WORK PROJECT - Friday at 10:00 am For more information contact: Don Hardesty (812) or don_janie@att.net GOLF OUTING - Friday at 10:00 am For reservations contact Ken Miller (812) or ken55miller@sbcglobal.net The conference begins with registration at 5:00PM on Friday, followed by a wiener roast at 6:30PM and the first session at 7:30PM. Registration forms and more details are available on the website at:

8 DATE TE UPCOMING EVENTS LOCA OCATION June 3-5 ABWM Summer Conference Franklin College June 3-5 AB Girls Gathering Franklin College June ABC-USA Biennial Puerto Rico September 8 Minister/Spouse Retirees Reunion Hoosier Village October 1 Mission Conference Greenwood BC October 13 Senior Adult Day Seymour FBC October 15 Women in Ministry Gathering TBA October ABWM Fall Conferences - Week 1 Various Locations October ABWM Fall Conferences - Week 2 Various Locations November ABY Convention Franklin College PAGE 8