March Evergreen Notes. Evergreen Association of American Baptist Churches. position announcement, and Jerome worked on a draft regional profile.

Transcription

1 March 2017 Evergreen Notes Evergreen Association of American Baptist Churches Volume 16, Issue 3 Executive Minister Search Committee Update Inside this Issue The Members of the Evergreen Association Executive Minister Search Committee are: Asian Caucus; Jon Peterson & Sandra Lee. Black Caucus; Jerome Polite & Walter Heyman. Euro Caucus; Gail Aita & Jim Hopkins. Hispanic Caucus; Horacio Da Valle. The co-chairs are Sandra Lee and Walter Heyman. The information officer is Jon Peterson Our worshipful work in the first and second meetings has gone well. We were able to get farther along in the first meeting, as we had the help of the previous day s leadership training to spring board us along. Thanks all! Horacio worked on a draft job position announcement, and Jerome worked on a draft regional profile. Our second meeting was February 27th, where we amended both documents and will soon finalize them for use. Providing all goes well, the open position will be announced in early March and applications will be accepted into early May. A face to face meeting will take place on May 22nd at JBC where we will do the initial narrowing of the list of candidates and provide the short list of possible candidates with follow up questions. Respectfully submitted, Jon Peterson Note: Please keep the search committee and Jeff Woods, their facilitator, in prayer as they work. Marcia s Musings- Consensus, Caucus & Power Part 2 A Message From the Chair 3 Save the Dates 3 Evergreen Churches Gifts to All AB Missions in 2016 Thank You to Churches for Gifts to United Mission in 2016 SFBC Marches to JBC in Solidarity Remembering Executive Order 9066 Never Again! UBC Gives $650,000 to Missions and Ministries Community Easter Sunrise Service April 16, 2017 Social Media Corner: Hospitality Seattle Area Church Offers Furniture First Come, First Served Basis Pray for Churches Seeking Pastors: Filipino-American Christian Fellowship, Japanese Baptist Church, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Baptist Church, New Community of Faith, Burton Community Church, and Community Church of Issaquah

2 Marcia s Musings CONSENSUS, CAUCUS AND POWER PART 2 Recently, I was in a meeting where there was very brief discussion of consensus. A person made the observation that their organization used consensus because they believed the one voice of dissent was potentially a voice from God. I thought, but how do you set the stage so that the one voice will be comfortable speaking? We weren t in a situation that I could ask that question. There are many ways that a single voice of dissent can be silenced. Part of consensus building must be giving everyone the option to say something different from the perceived direction of the group and giving them the framework, climate and structure in which to say it. Evergreen adopted the idea of doing our work by consensus after we organized by Ethnic Caucuses. That order was important, because the caucus structure helps us to achieve consensus. By first meeting in caucuses to discuss a concern, it is more likely the shyest voice has opportunity to be heard. There have been times when a caucus slowed down the decision-making process, allowing the lone voice opportunity to really be heard. The Euro caucus in particular was concerned about consensus because of the tyranny of the one. Yosh told us that was not the way it worked. In reality it can if the one only stands against coming to decision. If a climate is created in which someone can voice a concern and feel that the concern is heard because Rev. Dr. Marcia J. Patton Executive Minister every voice is honored as we work together to find God s way, that s consensus. Creating climates in which true consensus can be achieved is different than thinking if I speak up I am understood as standing against everyone else. There is power for everyone in consensus - more than there is power for the one. Church Registrations Open Until March 15, 2017 for the Biennial/ Mission Summit in Portland OR. Go to ATTENTION, EVERGREEN MEMBER CHURCHES Evergreen Association will offer a MASS CHOIR during the 2017 Biennial/Mission Summit. Watch this newsletter for rehearsal times, music selections, attire, etc., so that no matter where you are geographically, you may prepare and join with Seattle-area singers to form at least 100 multicultural and intergenerational voices at the Saturday evening worship service, July 1, 2017, Portland Oregon! Page 2 Evergreen Notes

3 A Message From the Chair Theme: Unity in a Changing World Well, we are here again celebrating Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. On this past fourth Sunday in February I had the good fortune to be at the early service at Mount Zion Baptist Church where Rev. Aaron Williams is the Senior Pastor. For about a year I have been driving my neighbor to Mount Zion twice a month to the 7:30 AM service. Since this is the beginning of Lent, Pastor Williams has written and created a Devotional and Fasting Guide that was passed out after service. As I flipped through the pages of the guide, a 40-day devotional that is easy to read and understand. It is written to help you through your journey of the 40 days of fasting (modified diet) and prayer. I found myself mentally taking note of how I was going to approach Lent this year and what sacrifice am I willing to put on the altar; let go and let God? The biggest challenge for me (and I must be honest with myself) is following through to the end with whatever I decide to do for Lent. In the introduction, Pastor Williams states It is a time of selfexamination and reflection. I can t even begin to count how many times I have started and stopped on many things - always begun with good intentions to see them through to the end. I know that I am not alone in this challenge. But one thing that I do know is that with much prayer comes much power. This power leads me to make necessary changes in my life and helps me to discover not only what I need to do, but also how I can be a motivator for others. Change does not need to be hard, but it is necessary for growth. That is the challenge. Thank you and God bless, Priscilla Priscilla Lowe, Association Chair; Mbr. New Beginnings Christian Fellowship, Kent WA Save the Dates March 18, 2017 Evergreen Association Board Meeting, SFBC, 9 AM March 19, 2017 Fremont Baptist Celebrates 125 years in ministry, 11 AM April 16, 2017 Community Easter Sunrise Service, St. Ignatius Chapel 8 AM July 15, 2017 Evergreen Black Caucus sponsored BBQ Fundraiser, 12 Noon July 24, 2017 Take Your Pastor to the Baseball Game, 7 PM Page 3 Evergreen Notes

4 From Haiti: Updates Following Knee Surgery Kihomi Ngwemi & Nzunga Mabudiga Kihomi and Nzunga serve as a vital link between International Ministries and the Haitian Baptist Convention. They both visit and preach in churches and serve through a variety of ministries. Nzunga teaches theology at the Christian University of Northern Haiti, trains assistant professors in teaching and administers a scholarship program for elementary, high school and university students. He manages two projects: the goat and pig project for children and the clean water project for communities. He also administers the Cap- Haitian Eye Clinic. Kihomi works with families in the areas of counseling, women s health, Community Health Evangelism and economic development. She also coordinates and advises the women s association of the Haitian Baptist Convention, representing women of all the Baptist denominations of Haiti at international conferences. Languages used in ministry: French and Creole Note: Unfortunately, we do not have an update on Nzunga s healing at this time. Continue to pray for complete healing for him and for Kihomi, his wife and caregiver as well as for their ministries in their absence. Pray Especially for These Sister Churches During the Month of March: Filipino-American Christian Fellowship Good Shepherd Baptist Church First Baptist Church Mountlake Terrace United Church Moscow Next Seattle Baptist Union (SBU) Meeting: Thursday. April 20, 2017, JBC, 6 PM If your Seattle Area (geographically specific) American Baptist Church intends to submit a grant request, please be aware of the next scheduled meeting date. For more information contact President David Kile at or david@seattlefirstbaptist.org or Vice President Connie Boyer at or constance@minervas-owl.com Keep in Prayer Nzunga Mabudiga and Kihomi, his wife and caretaker Yosh Nakagawa and Sue, his wife and caretaker Page 4 Evergreen Notes

5 EVERGREEN GIFTS TO ALL AMERICAN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN 2016 American Baptist Mission Support reflects the giving of our churches to all American Baptist agencies and institutions in the American Baptist system as long as they made the gift through the American Baptist System. Reflected in this year s giving is University Baptist s generous gift to the American Baptist Home Mission Society, but what isn t reflected is a similar gift directed to Evergreen. Thank you to everyone for your generous gifts to American Baptist Missions! 1 UNIVERSITY BAPTIST CHURCH $65, SEATTLE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH $46, JAPANESE BAPTIST CHURCH $41, NEW BEGINNINGS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP $23, WEDGWOOD COMMUNITY CHURCH $17, LAKESHORE AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH $15, GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH TACOMA $12, QUEEN ANNE BAPTIST CHURCH $10, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH PALO ALTO $9, PANTHER LAKE COMMUNITY CHURCH $8, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH MOUNTLAKE TERRACE $7, GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH SAN JOSE $7, BURIEN COMMUNITY CHURCH $6, COMMUNITY CHURCH OF ISSAQUAH $6, SHELL RIDGE COMMUNITY CHURCH $5, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH SALT LAKE CITY $5, FREMONT BAPTIST CHURCH $5, CAMBRIDGE DRIVE COMMUNITY CHURCH $4, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH CHICO $3, GOOD SHEPHERD BAPTIST CHURCH $3, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH BOUNTIFUL $2, OAK LAKE BAPTIST CHURCH $2, ARLINGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH $1, GREATER NEW BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH $1, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF BERKELEY $1, FAIRVIEW COMMUNITY CHURCH $1, BURTON COMMUNITY CHURCH $1, SEATTLE FALAM BAPTIST CHURCH $1, SEATTLE CHIN BAPTIST CHURCH $1, TO GOD BE THE GLORY! HOUSE OF WORSHIP $1, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH DENVER $ MORGAN VALLEY CHRISTIAN CHURCH $ CONFRATERNIDAD CRISTIANA EBENEZER $ NEW COMMUNITY OF FAITH $ FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OAKLAND $ THE UNITED CHURCH $ WASHINGTON KACHIN BAPTIST CHURCH $ SKY CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING $ FILIPINO-AMERICAN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP $ MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. MEMORIAL BAPTIST $ TOTAL $326, Page 5 Evergreen Notes

6 THANK YOU TO CHURCHES FOR GIFTS TO UNITED MISSION IN 2016 United Mission Giving is Evergreen s life blood in terms of dollars. Evergreen is supported by gifts to United Mission. For every dollar sent to United Mission, Evergreen gets at least fifty cents and the rest of the American Baptist family, including American Baptist Seminary of the West, get something. Check out the total at the bottom and you see this is very important to us as it is for the rest of the American Baptist family. Thank you for your support in Consider raising your gifts in 2017 so we may do even more ministry together! 1 SEATTLE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH $40, NEW BEGINNINGS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP $23, WEDGWOOD COMMUNITY CHURCH $16, GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH TACOMA $10, JAPANESE BAPTIST CHURCH $8, GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH SAN JOSE $4, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH MOUNTLAKE TERRACE $4, LAKESHORE AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH $4, BURIEN COMMUNITY CHURCH $4, COMMUNITY CHURCH OF ISSAQUAH $4, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH PALO ALTO $3, UNIVERSITY BAPTIST CHURCH $3, PANTHER LAKE COMMUNITY CHURCH $3, FREMONT BAPTIST CHURCH $3, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH CHICO $2, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH SALT LAKE CITY $1, BURTON COMMUNITY CHURCH $1, SEATTLE FALAM BAPTIST CHURCH $1, FAIRVIEW COMMUNITY CHURCH $1, CAMBRIDGE DRIVE COMMUNITY CHURCH $1, QUEEN ANNE BAPTIST CHURCH $1, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH BOUNTIFUL $1, OAK LAKE BAPTIST CHURCH $ CONFRATERNIDAD CRISTIANA EBENEZER $ NEW COMMUNITY OF FAITH $ TO GOD BE THE GLORY! HOUSE OF WORSHIP $ MORGAN VALLEY CHRISTIAN CHURCH $ FILIPINO-AMERICAN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP $ SKY CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING $ GOOD SHEPHERD BAPTIST CHURCH $ WASHINGTON KACHIN BAPTIST CHURCH $ FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF BERKELEY $ MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. MEMORIAL BAPTIST $ THE UNITED CHURCH MOSCOW $10.00 TOTAL $150, Volume 16, Issue 3 Page 6

7 Seattle First Baptist Church Marches to Japanese Baptist Church on the Day of Remembrance showing solidarity for Never Again More than 100 members of the Seattle First Baptist community braved the cold, wet weather after service on Sunday, February 19 to march down Broadway to Japanese Baptist Church in commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, which authorized the internment of 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. The marchers were greeted by a sizable contingent at Japanese Baptist Church. People who were children in the internment camps shared stories, and Mark Jensen recalled the work of his father, Dr. Harold Jensen, who was pastor at Seattle First Baptist during the war and an outspoken advocate for the Japanese-American community. Several years ago, Japanese Baptist Church closed its doors on a Sunday and worshipped at Seattle First Baptist to say thank you for the support Japanese Americans received during and after the internment. Volume 16, Issue 3 Page 7

8 UBC Gives $650,000 to Missions and Ministries IN UBC S WORDS Over our 115 year history as University Baptist Church (UBC), we have come to realize that missions is an important part of our DNA. The history put together at the time of our Centennial Celebration recognizes the many different ways our congregation has been involved in our community. When we sold our former church building on 12th and 47th NE, we said that we wanted the proceeds to be used for ministry and missions. In considering the distribution of UBC s financial resources, we wanted to be faithful to UBC s mission priorities through the years. Therefore we focused on the following areas of ministry: racial justice, income equality, affordable housing, justice and equality for gender and sexual identity, justice for prisoners and for those reentering communities after incarceration, and equality for refugees and immigrants. At our congregational meeting held November 13, 2016, we voted to distribute $650,000 to several organizations and one individual. In thanks for their openness to exploring a possible merger relationship and value for their ministry, we voted to give Keystone Community Church of Christ $25,000. We voted to allocate $57,500 each to these partner organizations: Elizabeth Gregory Home, serving homeless women; Coalition for Refugees from Burma; ROOTS (Rising Out Of The Shadows), a young adult shelter; YouthCare, serving homeless youth in the Seattle area; Cascade Meadows, an ABC camp and conference center East of Seattle; Camp Burton, an ABC camp and conference center on Vashon Island; The Seattle Baptist Union; Evergreen Association of American Baptist Churches; and American Baptist Home Mission Societies. In addition, we voted to have two prison ministries share equally in a gift of $57,500: Women in Transition and Fabian s Fund. EVERGREEN S WORDS OF GRATITUDE Evergreen received their check in December and immediately sent $25,000 to Filipino- American Christian Fellowship for their building fund. We kept $7,500 to help us in yearend spending and deposited the rest. We are so thankful for University Baptist Church s generosity. ADDITIONALLY Evergreen received later in December a letter from University Baptist informing us that they had established a $1.25 million endowment with the American Baptist Foundation and that Evergreen is the beneficiary of this endowment. The Endowment will distribute 5% to Evergreen to support missions and ministries of Evergreen Association churches in the western part of Washington state, in particular those organizations supporting the areas of racial justice, income equality, affordable housing, justice and equality for gender and sexual identity, justice for prisoners and those reentering communities after incarceration, equality for refugees and immigrants, or encouraging and supporting the formation of new missions or mission centers. In conversation with leadership of UBC, the suggestion that this endowment might pay for a part time minister of public witness was received with enthusiasm. This minister will do some public witness including being Evergreen s representative at FAN and CCOGS, be available to local churches for workshops, and connect churches, events and people to help them witness in their communities. BLT Programs Baptists Lunching Together Wednesdays at Noon ($10) Grand Lake Gardens 401 Santa Clara Ave., Oakland Reservations by Monday or March 15 Will McGarvey "Envisioning a World of Interfaith Peace" Executive, Interfaith Council of Costa Contra County Volume 16, Issue 3 Page 8

9 Wedgwood Community Church Installs Rev. Sean Brown as Pastor You are invited to the installation service for Rev. Sean Brown as he begins pastoral ministry at Wedgwood Community Church ( th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115). The service will be at Wedgwood Community Church on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 11 AM with light snacks to follow. If you are interested in coming, please RSVP by leaving a voice mail at or an at wedgwoodcommch@gmail.com You Are Invited to Join Together for a Community Easter Sunrise Service Sunday, April 16, AM St. Ignatius Chapel on Seattle University Campus 12th Avenue & E Marion Street, Seattle WA Former Missionary Celebrates 100th Birthday By Pastor David Kile On April 8, 2017, Beryl Curry will celebrate her 100th Birthday at Judson Park. In 1947 Dr. Frank & Beryl Curry went out as American Baptist missionaries to the Christian Hospital, Jorhat, Assam, India. They were supported by Seattle First Baptist Church and the Women s Mission Society. Traveling by Norwegian Freighter in November, 1947, Dr. Curry wrote to Dr. Harold Jensen, Our whole family is in excellent health and spirits and we thank the good Lord constantly for His goodness toward us. We are trying to build up our spiritual resources on this trip. In addition to financial support, the Women s Mission Society of Seattle First Baptist donated 40 hospital beds for the hospital, which was in a leprosy colony. Notes of appreciation can be sent to Beryl Curry at Judson Park Retirement Home, Marine View Drive S, Des Moines, WA Volume 16, Issue 3 Page 9

10 Social Media Corner Hospitality How does your church social media presence convey hospitality? If you are using Facebook, Twitter, or other platforms simply to tell others what your church is about and when your worship times are, you may be missing a great opportunity to extend hospitality to others. Here are some tips to think about hospitality in social media: Mindi Welton-Mitchell Social Media Specialist -Consider a welcome message on Facebook, welcoming folks to comment or to ask questions. -Have the pastor compose a question that might revolve around this week s Scripture reading or sermon, and invite others to respond. -Encourage current members on Facebook or other social media to engage by asking questions themselves or commenting on posts. Encourage current members to share posts and events. -Use the Event feature to invite others to attend a special event -Share a message of welcome to those who are from other countries and languages. In the climate of today s divisiveness, stating who you welcome is important. -Be sure when posting pictures to show a variety of people. Show single adults as well as couples with children, young and seniors, etc. -Share events from Evergreen churches as well as posts from local community organizations. This shows your commitment to the greater community. -Host a virtual Coffee With The Pastor and invite people to ask their questions or to share thoughts via a Facebook post, or a Facebook Live interview. -Offer prayers and support for the community, especially when tragic events occur, but at all times. Or, ask people to post their prayer requests or to send them via messenger. -If you use Twitter or Instagram, always follow other community partners. Comment and ask questions and show your support as part of the community! These are just a few tips to share hospitality on social media! Blessings, Rev. Mindi Welton-Mitchell mindi@buriencommunitychurch.org Sharing the Evergreen Way! Facebook: Hashtags: #ebaabc #IamEBAABC Day of Remembrance Taiko Fundraiser Feb. 19, 2017 Proceeds from the fundraiser supports scholarships for youth and elders to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage. Volume 16, Issue 3 Page 10

11 Seattle-Area Church Offers Furniture on a First-Come; First-Served Basis Evergreen churches local to the Seattle area: Can your congregation make use of sturdy, adjustable, round *children s tables and chairs? *56 inch round tables (20 available)? *Hanging file cabinet (like those in doctors/dentists offices) great for music files? If so, contact Denise at faithwa.com@gmail.com The congregation receiving the furniture/items will be responsible for pick-up and transportation. There is no other cost to non-profits. *Keep on the lookout for other items as the inventory nears completion. University Baptist Church is Downsizing University Baptist Church is downsizing. The Church has several file cabinets and storage shelving units to give away to another church which might have need. Call UBC at for more information. Interfaith Advocacy Day in Olympia WA February 9, rd Legislative District faith community advocates meet with Representative Tina Orwall (4th from the right) Evergreen Notes Page 11

12 Evergreen Association of American Baptist Churches 409 Third Avenue S, Suite A Kent WA Phone: eba@ea-abc.org Return Service Requested Non-Profit Organization US PAID Kent WA Permit No. 451 Visit us on the web at 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. Calendar of Upcoming Events MARCH March 18, 2017 Association Board Meeting, Seattle First Baptist Church, 9 AM APRIL April 16, 2017 Community Easter Early Morning Worship Service, St. Ignatius Chapel, SU JUNE June 30 July 2 ABCUSA Biennial/Mission Summit, Portland OR JULY July 15, 2017 BBQ Fundraiser to support Evergreen Association July 24, 2017 Take Your Pastor, Church Leader, Family and/or Friends to the Mariners vs Red Sox Game, 7 PM. Tickets $22 each Building Bridges, Resourcing Churches &Translating Our Unity Executive Committee Meets Monthly Every Third Wednesday 6:30 PM, Seattle First Baptist Church Like us on Facebook: Hashtag: #ebaabc #IamEBAABC Rev. Dr. Marcia J. Patton Executive Minister 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.