Living Out Mission and Vision at Mosaic

Transcription

1 July-August 2012 Vol. 17 Issue 4 Bringing Baptists of North Carolina Together for Christ-Centered Ministry In This Edition PAGE 2 Can We Talk? Reflections on the Recent Sexuality and Covenant Conference by Larry Hovis PAGE 3 Living Out Mission and Vision at Mosaic by Linda Jones The Gathering of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina PAGE 4 PAGE 5 PAGE 5 PAGE 6 Summers of Service by Wanda Kidd Get Outside with CBFNC Local Mission Engagement Grants Partner Churches Continue Strong Support of CBFNC by Jim Hylton PAGE 6-8 CBFNC Partner Church Listing PAGE 9 My Life, My Church, My World: Impacting Tomorrow by Ka thy Gore Chappell Living Out Mission and Vision at Mosaic page 3

2 Can We Talk? Reflections on the Recent Sexuality and Covenant Conference by Larry Hovis, CBFNC Executive Coordinator For fifty years, comedienne Joan Rivers has made a living off of the question, Can We Talk? Her comedy routines typically involve injecting this question into her monologues on humorous subjects that are sometimes taboo. Of course, she doesn t really expect an answer to her question. She always talks. National CBF and the Mercer University Center for Theology and Public Life should be commended for initiating a conversation on a subject that is central to our humanity, and therefore to Christian spirituality and discipleship, but unfortunately is rarely discussed in the church. The sexuality and covenant conference planners tried to make clear that the purpose of the conference was not to develop policies or make proclamations. Still, anxiety was on high alert in some quarters of the CBF community prior to the conference out of fear that the conference was simply a smokescreen for launching a particular agenda. Those fears were unfounded. Though one of the most controversial subjects of our day, homosexuality, was not the focus of the conference, it was on the minds of most conference participants. Plenary sessions, however, covered a wide range of sexuality-related topics, including: identity; discernment; historical and theological resources; covenant; contemporary sociological realities; human sex trafficking; sexual behavior and challenges among young adults, single adults and senior adults; and, yes, homosexuality. Plenary presentations were bracketed by worship, including singing and silence, encouraging conferees to open themselves to the voice of the Spirit. The tone was that of respectful listening and seeking understanding, not antagonistic debate. A particularly helpful element of the conference was the establishment of Covenant Community Groups. These groups of around fifteen persons met Be sure to watch video of the speakers from the Baptist Conference on Sexuality and Covenant. for five dialogue sessions where we could process and discuss the presentations we heard in plenary sessions. I was surprised at the depth of sharing and the mature level of Christian community our group was able to develop in a short period of time. The conference design of a rhythm between large plenary presentations and small group discussion should be considered for conferences on other topics as well. My reflections on the conference have led me to draw several conclusions: First, this was a courageous first step in resourcing congregations and the CBF community to engage a critically important topic for our time, one which we have neglected, to our peril, for far too long. Second, my sense (admittedly very subjective) is that those of us who embrace a more traditional sexual ethic (sexual intercourse is only properly expressed within the covenant of marriage) were a minority at the conference. This was not the fault of the conference planners, but because many CBF regulars simply chose not to attend. I hope they will participate in this conversation in the future. Third, I left the conference wanting more in-depth biblical and theological reflection on the topic of sexuality. North Carolina s own Guy Sayles (pastor of FBC Asheville) delivered a thoughtful presentation on discerning God s voice, with a creative treatment of the encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. As a people bound together by the Lordship of Christ and the authority of the Scriptures, our efforts to faithfully explore sexuality, even in our contemporary context, must be rooted in the Bible. During the first dialogue session with my Covenant Community Group, I confessed that as a pastor and a CBF leader (and I think this true for most of us), I have had a Don t ask, don t tell policy with regards to not just one aspect of sexuality, but with all things related to sexuality. This conference was a needed first step to change that reality. Can we talk? As faithful followers of Jesus the word [which] became flesh and lived among us (John 1:14), the high priest who is able to sympathize our weaknesses and invites us to approach God s throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help with all our needs (Hebrews 4:15-16) we can and we must. 2 The Gathering July/August 2012

3 Living Out Mission and Vision at Mosaic by Linda Jones, CBFNC Missions Coordinator MOSAIC. Are you looking to connect with a community? We d love for you to be a part of Mosaic. Are you not quite sure where you are in your spiritual journey? We d love to walk with you as you discover God s love for you through Jesus Christ. Mosaic, a new church start in Clayton, NC, is on mission for God! Andy Hale, with the blessing and support from First Baptist Church in Clayton where he previously served as associate pastor, along with a dedicated core group of leaders started worship services this past October. Through Mosaic, people are finding a place of belonging and a place to live out God s kingdom vision. Mosaic has created a community garden in the heart of Clayton with the purpose of providing healthy food to low income families as well as providing spiritual care to individuals through a prayer bench and labryrinth. Small groups for couples, students, women and men are meeting in homes, Bojangles, and Starbucks each week. They have sponsored a BBQ lunch, a cornhole tournament, a Fish Fry, a Super Bowl Party and Ultimate Frisbee outings trying to connect with those in their community. Providing meals to hurting individuals in the community has shown that they are a church who loves and cares. Only seven months old and Mosaic is heading to Eastern Kentucky on a mission trip this summer! Mosaic is living out its mission and vision. People are connecting to each other and to their community in meaningful ways, interweaving their lives together, honoring God through worship as a community and in their daily living and serving the broken and the harassed with God s love. CBF and CBFNC have created a new collaborative effort to plant more churches. Three new church planters are being commissioned along with CBF missions field personnel at the General Assembly To me, Mosaic is about community. After many years at the same church in a neighboring town, my wife and I wanted to make an impact in our community. Through God s plan we were introduced to Mosaic. Even though we are small in number... the members of Mosaic have instituted numerous ministry opportunities for us to plug in and make a difference in the lives of those in need spiritually and physically. This is the path that I believe Jesus Christ has paved for us. Love thy neighbor as thyself is for me one of his foundational teachings and one of the cornerstones of Mosaic Community Church. Alan Pope, member of Mosaic in Texas, which includes Andy Hale and Brickson Sam from Charlotte. In addition, CBFNC has partnered with Campbell University Divinity School and Plantersville, Inc., to train potential new church planters. We need more church planters to be called out and trained to start new churches. More established churches are needed to bless and support their efforts. Would you pray for Mosaic and all our new church starts in North Carolina and pray that more new churches would be planted? We need more new churches like Mosaic, A Kingdom-centered community of disciples who make disciples. The Gathering July/August

4 North Carolina Students Serving with Passport Camps Heather Babb First, Burnsville PASSPORTchoices, Bible Study Leader Mark Baker Southside, Mooresville PASSPORTkids!, Bible Study Leader Carter Benge Snyder Memorial, Fayetteville PASSPORTchoices, Bible Study Leader David Brooks First, North Wilkesboro PASSPORTchoices, Bible Study Leader Amy Brown First, Shelby PASSPORTchoices, Director Sara Bumgarner First, West Jefferson PASSPORTkids!, Bible Study Leader Vanessa Clark First, Sanford PASSPORTchoices, Choices Coordinator Maggie Corn Ridge Road, Raleigh PASSPORTkids!, Videographer Elizabeth Maye Wingate, Wingate PASSPORTmissions2, Hospitality Coordinator Justin McDowell First, Shelby PASSPORTkids!, Summer Staff Intern Abby McAlister Ardmore, Winston-Salem PASSPORTmissions, Bible Study Leader John O Neil First Anderson Street, Fayetteville PASSPORTmissions, Bible Study Leader Daniel Potter Mount Carmel, Chapel Hill PASSPORTkids!, Worship Coordinator Tiffany Ray Wingate, Wingate PASSPORTkids!, Summer Staff Intern Zeke Stephenson First, Rutherfordton PASSPORTmissions, Bible Study Leader NC Students serving with CBF s Student.GO Jorie Bedenbaugh, Serving at Hyaets- Charlotte, NC Lauren Hovis Ardmore, Winston-Salem Serving in Kenya Kassi Justus Mars Hill, Mars Hill Serving at Stewart center-atlanta, GA Veronique Macrae Serving with National Memorial, Washington DC Tori Justus Mars Hill Baptist, Mars Hill Serving with National, Washington DC Chip Rotolo First, Henderson Serving in Kampala, Uganda Melissa Sinclair Aversboro, Garner Hyaets - Charlotte, NC Taylor Swing Metanoia- North Charleston, SC 4 The Gathering July/August 2012 Summers of Service Never underestimate the calling of our young adults to hear and join Christ in areas of ministry all over the world. That is evidenced in all of the places that our CBF family has college and graduate students serving this summer. We have listed the students that are serving through CBF sponsored and partnered ministries, but we know that there are hundreds more who are serving in camps and in churches much wider than this list. There are also many churches that will be putting feet and hands to ministry through mission experiences this summer. We hope that you will lift these young people up in prayer as they live and grow this summer. While these experiences are often watershed times in a college student s life, it would be helpful to them if they knew people were praying for them. Like all challenges, there are times that it would be encouraging and even defining if they knew that they were part of something bigger than themselves. Pray that they will see opportunities to serve beyond their limited vision. Pray that they will respond to God s calling in their life. Find ways to encourage those you know who are away from home this summer. Include those students who are in your churches by inviting them to share a meal. Take the time to ask a young person what is going on in their life. Open your heart to encourage and love the people who are the future of the church. They would love to hear your story. Serving with CBF s Collegiate Congregational Internship Emily Bailey Morganton, NC Hillsong, Chapel Hill Daniel Carr Asheboro, NC The Summit, Sylva, NC Tom Cox Rockingham, NC FBC Rockingham Lacey Davis Buies Creek, NC Baptist Fellowship, Angier Ryan Dyer Colorado Greystone, Raleigh Caroline Gaskin Charlotte, NC Providence, Charlotte Dallas Godbold Mooresville, NC First, Mooresville J D Granade North Wilkesboro, NC First, Asheville Scott Hale Asheville, NC First, Weaverville Reid Hix Greensboro, NC First, Greensboro Ku Khnag Statesville, NC First, Mooresville Melani Lippard Salisbury, NC First, Marion Lucero Lopez San Antonio, TX Primera Iglesia Bautista Ebenezer, Marion Claret Lopez San Antonio, TX Primera Iglesia Bautista Ebenezer, Marion Benito Lopez San Antonio, TX Iglesia Bautista Misionera Roca, Pittsboro Karla Lopez San Antonio, TX Iglesia Bautista Misionera Roca, Pittsboro Lauren McCollister Buies Creek, NC Memorial, Buies Creek Kim Miller Buies Creek, NC Snyder Memorial, Fayetteville Clayton Neill Charlotte, NC First, Liberty, NC Brittany Phipps Columbus, NC First, Richmond, VA Josh Pittman Buies Creek, NC Baptist Fellowship, Angier David Priddy Buies Creek, NC Baptist Fellowship, Angier Melissa Reynolds North Wilkesboro, NC First, North Wilkesboro Leah Riggan Mt Airy, NC Piney Grove, Mt Airy Megan Schaub Hillsborough, NC First, Hillsborogh Heather Shirey Boiling Springs, NC Hominy, Candler Evan Weinzierl Boiling Springs, NC First, Rutherforton Seth Wilson Greensboro, NC First, Greensboro Ben Wines Goldsboro, NC Community Church, Milledgeville, GA

5 Get outside with CBFNC! Youth Emerald Pointe WaterPark July 26, 2012 Greensboro, NC 10am-7pm for youth in grades 6-12 only. Visit for water park features. Cost is $36 for youth/ adult and $27 for junior under 48. Price includes all-day admission, a picnic lunch and unlimited drink refills. Great deal! Register by July 19. Best and Brightest: Youth Leadership Weekend Aug , 2012 Asheville, NC A unique retreat for youth ministers and a select group of youth (rising sophomores, juniors and seniors), particularly those with leadership and/or service giftedness. There is a limit of six persons (adults and youth) per church. All of this for only... $50 per person. Cost includes lodging, food, training sessions, rafting and a trip to Fun Depot. To learn more about each event or to register, visit Youth White Water Rafting Sept. 1-3, 2012 Asheville, NC Guided rafting, worship with band, and five meals provided. Lodging at Lutheridge Conference Center in south Asheville. French Broad Rafting Early-bird cost for the weekend is $149 per person, all included (August 3 deadline). Regular registration is $159 per person, all included (August 17 deadline). Nolichucky Rafting Early-bird cost for the weekend is $164 per person, all included (August 3 deadline). Regular registration is $174 per person, all included (August 17 deadline). Youth Fall Beach Retreat Sept , 2012 Myrtle Beach, SC Worship, sand sculpture contest, organized beach games, Bible study, puttputt tournament, and lots of free time to play on the beach! Early-bird cost for lodging, t-shirt and meals is $97 per person (August 21 deadline). Regular registration is $117 per person (September 7 deadline). More and more churches are sponsoring unique ministries that are meeting needs in their community. Working in our own communities and neighborhoods is a key ingredient of the missional church as we partner with God. Through the Local Mission Engagement Grants, CBF of North Carolina is helping to support and encourage these new ministries. An application for the CBFNC local mission engagement grant can be found on our website under the missions heading. Local Mission Engagement Grant Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina Church: Request Date: Project Coordinator: Phone : Street Address: City: Zip: Project Location: Start Date: The Local Mission Engagement Grant seeks to network congregations, organizations and communities to build long-term relationships and combine assets to further the kingdom of God. Partnership is required with community organizations and other churches of any denomination. Grant period is April 1-July 31. Funding of up to $2,000 may be provided for each project based on the fulfillment of this purpose and the availability of funds at the time of request. Please answer the following as completely as possible on a separate sheet of paper and return by mail, fax or to: Linda Jones, CBFNC Missions Coordinator 8025 North Point Blvd, Suite 205 Winston-Salem, NC Ljones@cbfnc.org Phone: (336) Fax: (336) Provide a short description of the project. Whom do you intend to serve? What is your goal? Who from your congregation will be involved in the project? With whom or what entities are you partnering beyond your local congregation? 2. What are the total estimated expenses for this project? Please provide an itemized list of anticipated expenses. 3. How much funding are you receiving from known sources? Please list all partnering groups with the amount and type support they will contribute. 4. What amount are you requesting from CBFNC? The Gathering July/August

6 Partner Churches Continue Strong Support of CBFNC by Jim Hylton, CBFNC Business Administration Coordinator Giving Trends: 2008 through 2012 For the budget year, undesignated gifts exceeded $1.4 million and designated gifts exceeded $2.6 million. Total gifts again exceeded $4 million. CBFNC continues to be gratified by the trust congregations are placing in us as evidenced by giving of all types. We are taking great care to be good stewards of these resources through the ministries we coordinate and the cultivation of positive relationships with our cherished ministry partners. To view the budget, visit Partner Churches (Churches making contributions October March 2012) Churches contributing to CBFNC are listed in bold type. Churches that contribute to CBF National only are listed in regular type. Designated in blue are churches that participate in the CBFNC Mission Resource Plan, providing financial support for other Baptist ministries through CBFNC. For additional information about the Mission Resource Plan or for more information on partnering with CBFNC, visit This list does not include churches who partner with CBFNC or CBF in other, non-financial ways. Earlys... Ahoskie First... Ahoskie First... Albemarle Mount Zion... Alexis Angier... Angier Baptist Fellowship... Angier Neill s Creek... Angier Olive Chapel... Apex Woodhaven... Apex First... Arden First... Asheboro Oakhurst... Asheboro Oakwood Park... Asheboro Calvary... Asheville First... Asheville Grace... Asheville Morningside... Asheville Connaritsa... Aulander First of Smithton... Belhaven Benson... Benson First... Biscoe First... Black Mountain First... Bladenboro Lennons Cross Roads... Bladenboro First... Blowing Rock Boiling Springs... Boiling Springs First... Boone Boonville... Boonville Mount Moriah Calvert... Brevard First... Bryson City First... Buies Creek Memorial... Buies Creek Bullock... Bullock First... Burlington Northside... Burlington First... Burnsville First... Butner Calypso... Calypso Sawyer s Creek... Camden Hominy... Candler First... Canton First... Carolina Beach Greenwood Forest... Cary Westwood... Cary Castalia... Castalia Chadbourn... Chadbourn Piney Forest... Chadbourn Ephesus... Chapel Hill HillSong... Chapel Hill Lystra... Chapel Hill Mount Carmel... Chapel Hill North Chapel Hill... Chapel Hill University... Chapel Hill Grace Crossing... Charlotte Great Commission... Charlotte Park Road... Charlotte Peace Covenant... Charlotte Pritchard Memorial... Charlotte Providence... Charlotte St. John s... Charlotte Sardis... Charlotte First... Clayton White Oak... Clayton Mosaic... Clayton Clemmons First... Clemmons First... Clinton Grove Park... Clinton Mars Hill... Colerain McGill... Concord 6 The Gathering July/August 2012

7 Partner Churches (Churches making contributions October March 2012) First... Cramerton Open Arms... Creedmoor Cullowhee... Cullowhee The Summit... Cullowhee First... Denton First... Dobson First... Drexel First... Dunn Westfield... Dunn Calvary... Durham Durham Memorial... Durham First... Durham Glenn School Road... Durham Hope Valley... Durham Lakewood... Durham Lowes Grove... Durham Mount Hermon... Durham Temple... Durham Watts Street... Durham Yates... Durham First... Eden Edenton... Edenton Blackwell Memorial... Elizabeth City First... Elizabeth City Elizabethtown... Elizabethtown First... Elkin Elm City... Elm City First... Elon Emerald Isle... Emerald Isle Antioch... Enfield Enfield... Enfield Enka... Enka Fair Bluff... Fair Bluff First... Fairmont First... Farmville Cedar Falls... Fayetteville First... Fayetteville Lafayette... Fayetteville Lake Lynn... Fayetteville Mount Pisgah... Fayetteville Snyder Memorial... Fayetteville Unity Christian Center... Fayetteville First... Forest City Florence... Forest City Mount Vernon... Forest City First... Four Oaks Pauline... Four Oaks Burningtown... Franklin Centerpoint... Franklin Franklinton... Franklinton Fremont Missionary... Fremont Garland... Garland Aversboro Road... Garner Covenant... Gastonia First... Gastonia Loray... Gastonia New Hope... Gastonia Ranlo... Gastonia Reynoldson... Gates First... Goldsboro Rosewood First... Goldsboro First... Graham Brandt Oaks... Greensboro College Park... Greensboro First... Greensboro Guilford... Greensboro Lindley Park... Greensboro Southeast... Greensboro Arlington Boulevard... Greenville Immanuel... Greenville The Memorial... Greenville La Mision Bautista... Greenville Oakmont... Greenville Hallsboro... Hallsboro First... Hamlet Flat Rock... Hamptonville First... Henderson Providence... Hendersonville First... Hickory New Hope... Hickory Viewmont... Hickory Hiddenite... Hiddenite Emerywood... High Point First... High Point Parkwood... High Point Cane Creek... Hillsborough First... Hillsborough Hobbsville... Hobbsville First... Huntersville Jackson... Jackson First... Jamestown First... Jonesville First... Kannapolis First... Kernersville Iglesia Nueva Vision... Kernersville Main Street... Kernersville Union Cross... Kernersville Iglesia Cristiana Sin Fronteras... King Quaker Gap... King Spilman Memorial... Kinston Oak Ridge... Kittrell Knightdale... Knightdale First Reformed... Landis First... Laurinburg Mount Moriah... Laurinburg Goshen... Leland North Brunswick Fellowship.... Leland College Avenue... Lenoir First... Lenoir Lower Creek... Lenoir Churchland... Lexington First... Lexington Jersey... Lexington First... Liberty Mount Pleasant... Liberty First... Lincolnton Bear Swamp... Littleton Littleton... Littleton Mission... Locust Hickory Rock... Louisburg Louisburg... Louisburg First... Lumberton Rozier... Lumberton First... Madison Antioch... Mamers First... Marion Calvary... Mars Hill Mars Hill... Mars Hill First... Marshall First... Marshville First... Mayodan New Bessemer... McLeansville First... Mebane Mount Adar... Mebane Eatons... Mocksville First... Mocksville First... Monroe Mill Creek... Monroe First... Mooresville First... Morehead City First... Morganton Calvary... Mount Airy First... Mount Airy Flat Rock... Mount Airy Piney Grove... Mount Airy First... Mount Gilead First... Mount Holly First... Mount Olive Murfreesboro... Murfreesboro Rock Creek... Nashville First... New Bern Kendalls... New London First... Newland Trinity... Newton First... N. Wilkesboro First... Oriental Enon... Oxford The Gathering July/August

8 Partner Churches (Churches making contributions October March 2012) continued on next page Hester... Oxford Oxford... Oxford Pfafftown... Pfafftown Iglesia Bautista Misionera Roca Fuerte... Pittsboro Mount Gilead... Pittsboro Pittsboro... Pittsboro Athens Drive... Raleigh Crabtree Valley... Raleigh First... Raleigh Forest Hills... Raleigh The Fountain... Raleigh Greystone... Raleigh Hayes Barton... Raleigh HomeStar Fellowship... Raleigh Hope Cafe... Raleigh Iglesia Bautista La Roca.... Raleigh Longview... Raleigh Macedonia... Raleigh Millbrook... Raleigh New Hope... Raleigh Ridge Road... Raleigh St. John s... Raleigh Swift Creek... Raleigh Tabernacle... Raleigh Temple... Raleigh Triangle... Raleigh Trinity... Raleigh First... Red Springs Calvary... Reidsville First... Reidsville Richfield... Richfield First... Richlands All Saints Episcopal... Roanoke Rapids Rosemary... Roanoke Rapids Bethel... Robbinsville First... Rockingham Dortches... Rocky Mount Lakeside... Rocky Mount Sunset Avenue... Rocky Mount Rileys Creek... Rocky Point Rolesville... Rolesville Evergreen... Rose Hill Rose Hill... Rose Hill First... Roseboro First... Rowland Lamberth Memorial... Roxboro Roxboro... Roxboro First... Rural Hall First... Rutherfordton Enon... Salisbury First... Salisbury Ephesus... Sanford First... Sanford Flat Springs... Sanford Iglesia Bautista Nueva Comienzo.... Sanford Jonesboro Heights... Sanford Primera Iglesia Bautista.... Sanford Double Shoals... Shelby Dover... Shelby First... Shelby Poplar Springs... Shelby Ross Grove... Shelby Sandy Plains... Shelby Zion... Shelby Centro Familiar Cristiano.... Siler City Iglesia Bautista La Roca.... Siler City Rocky River... Siler City Nobles Chapel... Sims First... Smithfield Sharon... Smithfield First... Southern Pines Spencer... Spindale Ephesus... Spring Hope First... Spring Hope Central... Spruce Pine First... Spruce Pine First... Stanfield First... Statesville First... Stoneville Brunswick Islands... Supply First... Swannanoa East Sylva... Sylva First... Sylva Olyphic... Tabor City Tabor City... Tabor City First... Tarboro Antioch... Taylorsville First... Taylorsville First... Tryon Round Hill... Union Mills Cornerstone... Valdese First... Valdese First... Wadesboro Falls... Wake Forest Heritage... Wake Forest Wake Forest... Wake Forest Woodland... Wake Forest First... Wallace Warrenton... Warrenton First... Washington First... Waynesville First... Weaverville Crossroads Fellowship... Weldon Baptist Tabernacle... Wendell Wendell... Wendell First... West Jefferson Fishing Creek... Whitakers First... Whiteville Mount Zion... Whiteville New Hope... Whiteville Wilkesboro... Wilkesboro First... Wilmington Masonboro... Wilmington Ogden... Wilmington Temple... Wilmington Winter Park... Wilmington First... Wilson Cashie... Windsor Wingate... Wingate Ardmore... Winston-Salem College Park... Winston-Salem Covenant... Winston-Salem Fellowship... Winston-Salem First... Winston-Salem Knollwood... Winston-Salem Mineral Springs... Winston-Salem Northwest... Winston-Salem Peace Haven... Winston-Salem United... Winston-Salem Via Faith Community... Winston-Salem Wake Forest... Winston-Salem West Side... Winston-Salem Winterville... Winterville Wise... Wise First... Yadkinville Maplewood... Yadkinville First... Yanceyville Bethlehem... Youngsville Grace Haven... Youngsville Youngsville... Youngsville Zebulon... Zebulon Visit for more information on partnering with CBFNC. 8 The Gathering July/August 2012

9 My Life, My Church, My World: Impacting Tomorrow by Ka thy Gore Chappell, CBFNC Leadership Development Coordinator Characterized as a missional event for churches, Impacting Tomorrow was hosted by Providence Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC, May 18-19, Co-sponsors for the 24-hour event were the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina, the National Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, the Columbia Partnership, and the Center for Congregational Health. Conference participants, who included individuals and church teams, were challenged to follow Jesus example of love and personal relationship as well as expand the Kingdom of God all in their own setting. Conference leaders told their meaningful stories about following the leadership of the Holy Spirit in order to discover new opportunities for strengthening churches and relating missionally in our world. Conference components of music, plenary sessions, workshops, networking, panel discussions, shared learning (via DREAM WALL), community engagement ideas and team meetings combined to challenge conference attendees to intentional follow-up beyond the conference. Next steps include praying for discernment, reading missional books, connecting with a coach, voicing learnings, building relationships, affirming leadership and serving the community. As you consider traditional churches finding their future in God s story, please ask yourself the question: What is God doing in my life, my church, my world? Please read the learnings written by two conference participants. As a small church pastor, the Impacting Tomorrow conference was more relevant than expected. I realized that churches with more and bigger programs were using the power of story to equip and empower individuals and small groups in order to build stronger relationships with the least of these. Building relationships with those who really need to experience God s love is a mission to which we are all called regardless of size. Kerry Peeler, Pastor Enfield Baptist Church As I head back home, ready to face traffic and work zones on I-85 and I-40, I find the highway a fitting metaphor for this Impacting Tomorrow conference. I met many who are on similar journeys of challenge and frustration; we have been delayed, detoured, at times stopped in our tracks, afraid to look in the rear view mirror for fear of being rear ended. During the conference, I have been encouraged, knowing that I am not alone. I have met others, like Mark, who has traveled similar roads and has navigated well; he is enjoying the drive joyfully. And I have learned from Eddie that there are alternative routes and perhaps it s time to take another road altogether. It has been a good 24 hours, and I am ready to hit the road. Alta Whitt, Associate Pastor, College Forest Hills Baptist Church, Raleigh The Gathering July/August

10 New Contributing CBFNC Partner Churches (As of June 7, 2012) Elizabethtown Baptist Church, Elizabethtown Deacon Ministry Training Recovering Hope for the Church: From Apathy to Engagement Led by Jeremy Hyde, Lead Pastor; Ronny Russell, Mission Pastor; and Eddie Hammett, CBFNC Church and Clergy Coach. They will share the story of their rural traditional congregation that moved from about 150 in worship to now functioning as a multi-campus church with about 80 percent of their adult members engaged in small groups seeking to be a relevant force in a rapidly changing world. Cost: $15 Includes breaks and lunch for those preregistered. Visit for more information Faith and Immigration Statewide Summit October 12, 2012 United Church Chapel Hill Visit for details. September 22, 2012 Mission Baptist Church in Locust 10am-2pm Coordinator Visits April May 2012 Ardmore, Winston-Salem First, Albemarle First, High Point First, Monroe First, Yadkinville Hope Valley, Durham Hayes Barton, Raleigh Reynoldson, Gates Ridge Road, Raleigh Wilkesboro, Wilkesboro Wingate University New Ministers to NC Luncheon September 25, :30am-2:00pm For ministers (pastors and staff) and spouses who moved to a church/ministry position in NC during Join us for a complimentary luncheon at the CBFNC offices in Winston-Salem. There will be fellowship as well as an opportunity to meet CBFNC staff and learn about our organization. Register at or call Ministers on the Move Compiled by Jack Causey, Ministerial Resources Coordinator Our encouragement and support go to the following ministers who have recently moved: Earl Jones is serving Morningside Baptist Church in Asheville as pastor. Knightdale Baptist Church has called Trent Sessoms as pastor. Kyle Caudle has been called as Interim Project Coordinator for First Baptist Church of Winston-Salem. Stephen Stacks has been called to serve as Director of Music Ministries at Greenwood Forest Baptist Church in Cary. Hester Baptist Church of Oxford has called Alex Gallimore as pastor. Greg Robertson has been called as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Reidsville. Pritchard Memorial Baptist Church of Charlotte has called Aimee Hobbs as Children s Minister. Correction: Our last newsletter s Ministers on the Move listing contained an error which has been corrected below. We apologize to Reverend Hayes and to Calvary Baptist Church for the error. Calvary Baptist Church of Asheville has called Jeff Hayes as pastor. When you make a move or know of someone who has changed places of ministry, let us know at jcausey@cbfnc.org. For assistance to search committees and ministers seeking vocational discernment, visit our reference and referral page on our website at or call or CBF Global Missions Field Personnel Off-Field Assignments in Our Area Ralph and Tammy Stocks High Point from May 28-September 28, 2012 rstocks@thefellowship.info 10 The Gathering July/August 2012

11 July-August 2012 The Gathering of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina phone: phone: fax: Larry Hovis... Executive Coordinator... Ka thy Gore Chappell... Leadership Development Coordinator... Rick Jordan... Church Resources Coordinator... Linda Jones... Missions Coordinator... Jim Hylton... Business Administration Coordinator... Jack Causey... Ministerial Resources Coordinator... Laura Barclay... Social Ministries Coordinator... Wanda Kidd... College Ministry Eddie Hammett...Church and Clergy Javier Benitez...Hispanic Ministry Leader Coach.. Nancy Parks... Programs Sarah Mitchell... Communications Manager... Gail McAlister... Financial Allison Gallimore...Administrative Assistant... Regional Coordinators Region 1 Western: Gail Coulter Region 2 Foothills: David Smith Region 3 Triad: Bill Leathers Region 4 South Central: Drag Kimrey Region 5 North Central: Virginia Taylor Region 6 Capital: Mack Thompson Region 7 Southeast: Mike Johnson Region 8 Northeast: Jesse Croom CBFNC College Ministers Ashley Mangrum... UNC Chapel Hill... amangrum@cbfnc.org Aileen Lawrimore... Western Carolina... alawrimore@cbfnc.org Lawrence Powers... East Carolina... lpowers@cbfnc.org Jeanne Cross... Duke University... jcross@cbfnc.org Chris Towles... Wake Forest... towlescj@wfu.edu Coordinating Council Donna Bissette, Winston-Salem, Moderator Ray Ammons, Gastonia, Moderator-Elect Steve Little, Marion, Past Moderator Lisa Rust, Lumberton, Recorder Mike Eddinger, Cary, Treasurer Tommy Bratton, Asheville David Hailey, Raleigh Marion Horton, Knightdale Rick Matthews, Winston-Salem Martha McDowell, Laurinburg Doug Murray, Wilson Mike Queen, Greensboro Susan Taylor, Chapel Hill Endowment Management Board Scott Hudgins, Winston-Salem Judy LeCroy, Lexington Bill McCullough, Youngsville Anissa Nixon, Mocksville Gene Puckett, Raleigh Faith Formation Ministry Council Allen Winters, Hillsborough, Chair Stella Perrin, Taylorsville, Chair-Elect Beth Cockman-Wood, Sanford Bryan Harris, Smithfield Beth Heffner, Rutherfordton Brian Harrington, Liberty Sandi Hood, Hickory Tyler Roach, Morganton Katie Fam Roscoe, Southern Pines Sophia Steibel, Boiling Springs Leadership Development Ministry Council Scott Hovey, Durham, Chair Layne Rogerson, Greenville, Chair-Elect Dennis Atwood, Mount Olive Ed Beddingfield, Fayetteville Sarah Boberg, Red Springs Rendell Hipps, Hickory Matt Johnson, Belhaven Shane Nixon, Mocksville Mark Reece, Mount Airy Nathan Rice, Greensboro Missions Ministry Council Kent Cranford, Gastonia, Chair Len Keever, Dunn, Chair-Elect Elba Benitez, Pittsboro Everette Clark, Enka Blake Dempsey, Nashville George Fuller, Raleigh Brandon Hudson, Winston-Salem Andrea Dellinger Jones, Raleigh Nate Leonard, Kannapolis Linda Winslow, Jamestown CBF National Council Members from NC Darryl Aaron, Winston-Salem Roger Gilbert, Mount Airy Don Gordon, Durham Christopher Ingram, Elizabeth City Glenn Phillips, Goldsboro Alicia Porterfield, Wilmington Blenda Price Sloniker, Hickory Financial Report: April 2012 Contributions Undesignated - $117,228 Designated - $225,224 May 2012 Contributions Undesignated - $107,201 Designated - $224,791 April March 2012 Monthly Undesignated Goal: $128,837 Racial Reconciliation and the Body of Christ Friday, September 21, am-4:30pm Unity Christian Church International in Fayetteville For more information or to register, visit The Gathering July/August

12 Bringing Baptists of North Carolina Together for Christ-Centered Ministry 8025 North Point Blvd., Suite 205 Winston-Salem, NC NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID WINSTON-SALEM PERMIT NO Return Service Requested Upcoming Events ~ July/August Edition OASIS 2012 renew for the journey Church Music Conference July 16-18, 2012 Campbell University Divinity School NC Cooperative Student Fellowship Meet and Greet July 17, 2012, Winston-Salem July 23, 2012, Asheville July 24, 2012, Raleigh July 26, 2012, Greenville Youth Day at Emerald Pointe July 26, 2012 Greensboro Companerismo Cristiano Emanuel - Hispanic Kids Retreat July 28-29, 2012 Camp Caraway, Sofia SELAHvie August 6-9, 2012 Talladega, AL Best and Brightest: Youth Leadership Weekend August 17-19, 2012 Asheville, NC Companerismo Cristiano Emanuel - Hispanic Women s Retreat August 24-25, 2012 Camp Caraway, Sofia Youth Rafting Retreat September 1-3, 2012 Asheville, NC Youth Beach Retreat September Myrtle Beach, SC Racial Reconciliation and the Body of Christ September 21, 2012 Unity Christian Church International, Fayetteville 2012 Central NC Deacon/Spouse Conference September 22, 2012 Mission Baptist Church, Locust Elevating Preaching Conference September 24, 2012 Gardner-Webb Divinity School Welcome Event for New Ministers September 25, 2012 CBFNC offices, Winston-Salem 2012 Faith and Immigration Statewide Summit October 12, 2012 United Church, Chapel Hill Fellowship on the Move October 7, 2012, Ahoskie Fellowship on the Move October 21, 2012, Waynesville Children s Mission Day November 3, 2012, Edenton November 10, 2012, Raleigh November 10, 2012, Winston-Salem Fellowship on the Move November 4, 2012, Winston-Salem 2013 Youth Ski Retreat January 25-27, 2013 Winterplace, WV Collegiate Mid-Winter Retreat January 26-27, 2013 Camp Mundo Vista 2013 CBFNC General Assembly March 15-16, 2013 First, Lumberton Visit to register and for more information. The Gathering is published six times a year. All questions may be directed to Sarah Mitchell, (336) or (888) or smitchell@cbfnc.org. For story submissions, contact Sarah Mitchell for requirements and deadlines.