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Arrivals, Departures, Celebrations, Concerns
§ Essexville Baptist Community Church has called the Rev. Richard Kinnamon as pastor. A graduate of Judson College, Elgin, IL, he has mostly recently served the First Baptist Church, Murphysboro, IL, as associate pastor. He was ordained at the Murphysboro church in July 2002. He and his wife Jane have three active boys and a more active little girl: Benjamin (8), Andrew (7),Timothy (5) and Rachel (3). The Kinnamons are looking for a home in the Essexville/Bay City area and hope to move to Michigan in April. The Rev. Hays Wiltshire has been serving as interim pastor at Essexville.
§ Arleen Lloyd has announced her plans to retire from Camp Lael where she has been the program director for fifteen years. She has also provided leadership for Youth Leader Core and Senior High Youth Convention for the ABC of Michigan. "Although we are sad to see her leave, we wish the best for her as she plans to travel with her husband Gary and become more involved in her church," says camp director Jim Davis. Arleen is very active at the First Baptist Church of Davison. Arleen will be honored for her work in Region youth ministry at the Youth Leader Core graduation ceremony on Sunday, April 22, 2007 at Camp Lael. The service begins at 2:30pm.
§ First Baptist Church, Manistique, will celebrate 125 years of ministry in the Upper Peninsula on Sunday, April 15. A special worship service is being planned for Sunday morning with a celebration banquet to follow the service. Several other events will be held throughout the coming year, including a community open house on June 17 and a church picnic in August. Dr. Jay Martin has served as pastor of the church for the past 28 years.
§ The Rev. Ron Cary is back to work. He writes, "I am well and have come through heart bypass surgery with a clean bill of health. I have returned to my job on the Region staff, effective April 1, and I am glad to be back to work! Again, I am thankful for the many prayers on my behalf during the time of hospitalization and recuperation. God is good!"
§ Pastor Chris Smith of the University Baptist Church, East Lansing is a consulting editor for The Books of The Bible, an edition of the Scriptures in a new format that the International Bible Society (IBS) will be releasing this summer. Each biblical book is presented according to its own natural literary divisions, without chapters and verses. The books are also in a slightly different order (Paul's letters, for example, are no longer presented in order of length, but in the order in which he likely wrote them). Longer works that were divided over time, such as Samuel-Kings, have been put back together. The goal is to help readers, especially new readers, engage the Scriptures with greater understanding and enjoyment. For more information about this edition, visit www.thebooksofthebible.info.
§ Southwest Airlines featured Dr. Patrick Pang, senior vice president for Advancement and Church Relations at Rainbow Acres, in the latest edition of the airline's Spirit magazine. See the full story at http://tinyurl.com/yqlujj.
National Ministries Celebrates Ministry of Chuck Armstrong
Chuck and Cathy Armstrong
On March 29, 2007 the staff at the World Mission Center in Valley Forge gathered to celebrate the life and ministry of Reverend Charles "Chuck" Armstrong. About 150 people attended the service and luncheon. It was my honor to represent the American Baptist Churches of Michigan at this event and present Chuck with a plaque commemorating his ministry with Michigan Baptists.
Chuck was the Minister of Camping and Youth for the ABC of Michigan from 1981 to 1994. He was the resident director at Lael and also provided area ministry for the North area. After leaving Michigan, Chuck moved to Ohio to be an area minister for their region. About three years ago Chuck heard Gods call to Valley Forge to work for National Ministries. Because his health is failing, he is no longer able to do that work. It was obvious to me that the folks at NM are very fond of Chuck and the role he played in ministry there.
Chuck and his wife Cathy will be moving back to Ohio in July. They plan to travel to Michigan to visit friends sometime in September. Chuck presently spends most of his time alone while Cathy is at work. I know he would appreciate phone calls from his friends in Michigan. His phone number is 610/354-8996.
Cards can be sent to Chuck at 640 American Ave. Apt. E-514 King of Prussia, PA 19406. Write using large text so he will be able to read it.
My thanks to Dr. Mike Williams and the Region Board for making it possible for me to attend the celebration. I worked for Chuck at Camp Lael for twelve summers. It is because of his influence that I work in camping ministry today.
Tijuana Springbreak Mission Trip
Paint crew - Drennis Tyler, Virginia Holmstrom (Executive Director ABWM), Kate Geer, Austin Wheeler (Click on image for larger view)
Working on retaining wall with sledge hammer in hand - L to R - Ashley Olson (bkgrnd), Erica Donnell, John DeFour, Tyler Killman (bkgrnd), Brian Waayenberg (Click on image for larger view)
L to R - Dr. Gary Autry (in the barrel on siesta), Chris Wilson, Brian Waayenberg, Paul Thomas, Tyler Killman, Dennis Tyler; background - Dario Menendez, Jake Ebbons, Nathaniel Gipe, Dennis Tyler (Click on image for larger view)
Fourteen participants from The Peoples Church of East Lansing and Open Door Campus Ministry recently returned to the States after working in Tijuana, Mexico, for one week. Our springbreak alternatives offer college students an opportunity to experience cultural diversity while working at a variety of labor-intensive projects.
This year we worked with American Baptist missionaries Ray and Adalia Schellinger from March 3-10. Ray and Adalia work with the women of Dios Con Nosotros (God With Us) Baptist Convention of Northern Baja, Mexico. They have nearly completed a shelter for victims of physical and emotional abuse. The Deborah House currently has room for about twenty people and offers crisis intervention, healthcare, and counseling and education for victims and abusers. Workshops provide local churches with information on domestic violence.
Our work was simple. We dug ditches, painted, poured concrete, erected retaining walls, re-roofed a home for one of their clients and played with children at the shelter. While we were doing the simple projects, Ray and Adalia would often be called to intervene in a crisis or provide assistance to women needing advocacy at the local Family Services facility.
The Schellingers also provided our group a cross cultural learning experience by exposing us to every facet of this burgeoning city of over 3 million inhabitants. From the glitz of the Tijuana tourist section to the mountainous dirt roads of extreme poverty to a conference with attorneys, social workers and psychologists at the Department of Family Services, Ray and Adalia offered our students a conceptual tour of life in Mexico and the rampant problems of domestic violence.
And, our students began realizing how their work on the shelter would help bring sanity and security to those in great need. Every night during our evening devotions, one could witness both our enthusiasm and our angst. We were working and staying with those who have lived life without hope. We would eat with and look into the faces of women and children who have been beaten, sexually abused and emotionally traumatized. We heard reports by professionals that 85% of the women in Tijuana have been physically or emotionally abused at some point in their lives.
We came away with the distinct impression that Ray and Adalia have been called by God to make a difference at their ministry site. We continue praying for them and the many friends we made that week. American Baptists can feel good in knowing that we are supporting a valuable service in Tijuana and bringing hope to people who -- for the first time -- can visibly see the light of Christ in a world of darkness.
Prayer, Discernment, Discussion Mark Anniversary of 1967 Detroit Riots
On Wednesday, March 14, 2007, a group of about 30 persons, including clergy and laity, from churches of the Metro Detroit American Baptist Churches gathered at the Friendship Baptist Church for a time of prayer, discernment, and discussion in recognition of the 40th Anniversary of the event commonly known as the 1967 Detroit Riots.
The gathering was intended to create an opportunity to acknowledge that healing and reconciliation are still needed even after the span of those years. The civil disturbance in July of 1967 was a defining moment for Detroit. That time still bears an impact on the life of the Detroit metropolitan area, the State of Michigan, and urban America.
The group shared in a worshipful atmosphere of prayer and song and in discussion, using the temptations of Jesus in the Wilderness as points of reference in the conversations around the Table. A forthright conversation ensued. There was the clear realization that we have further to travel on the journey to a new day. There, also, were signs of hope identified for renewal in our churches and in the community. A copy of the meditation, prayer, and discussion guide may be viewed-downloaded-printed: http:abc-mi.org/elink/.babian.pdf.
Special appreciation is expressed to Dr. Samuel White, Pastor of the Friendship Baptist Church of Detroit, those who prepared a wonderful breakfast, and to the Metro Detroit Association Board for the support of this endeavor.
The Association Board in the next months will continue to consider this event of 40 years ago. In so doing our hope is that we will make a positive witness to the redeeming and reconciling work of God in Christ.
Camp Lael Annual Work Weekend
The Camp Lael work weekend is scheduled for May 18-19, 2007. Projects for 2007 include painting the Bethel Cabin village, fixing picnic tables, cleaning windows and repairing screens as well as landscaping and yard work.
Over the past few years approximately 20 people attend the annual event. "It is amazing to see how much can collectively be accomplished at the work weekend. It would take the camp staff weeks to do what this group does in one day." says camp director Jim Davis.
Join us Friday night and stay over or come on Saturday for breakfast. Work projects begin at 9:00am and we plan to finish by 4:00pm. The food is always great and we have a lot of fun! This work event is for adults and youth. Call Camp Lael at 1-800/636.8452 for more information or to register. Jim Davis can also be emailed at jimdavis@camplael.com. Cost for the event is $5.00 per person, to cover meals and insurance.
Dennis Trezona from Bethel Baptist Church in Southgate is our contact in the Metro Detroit area, where he also coordinates events for American Baptist Men. We hope to see you at Camp Lael. We do need your help preparing for summer.
Online registration for summer camp can be found on our website at www.camplael.com.
Interim Ministry Training Event
Training for Interim Ministry will take place Tuesday, April 17, 9am to 3:30pm at the Region office.
As this ministry develops and we learn more about what our churches need to be healthy and become Missional, the content of our Interim Minister Training changes. With this in mind, this year's training will focus on the following:
Sharing Experiences And Ideas
We will spend some time sharing personally and praying for each other and then talking about our Interim Ministry experiences and ideas. If you have something you would like to offer the other interims, please submit it to me in writing by April 9. You can relate your experiences as an interim or present a program, sermon series, or project that helped prepare your church to achieve greater health.
Interims And Search Committees
We will review the boundaries and responsibilities for the Interim
Identifying Marks Of A Healthy Congregation
We will draw on the work done by Ron Cary in his role as Consultant for Congregational Health. I believe you will find this very informative. We will spend some time discussing how these Marks can be applied to churches in transition.
Understanding What It Means To Be A Missional Church
We will discuss the differences between Maintenance and Missional, and build on the tool I introduced last year. I ask that you read The Celtic Way of Evangelism by George G. Hunter III. This brief history tells how St. Patrick reached the people of Ireland and Scotland and applies his approach to the 21st century.
Conflict Transformation
We will focus on understanding conflict in a church, knowing the level, urgency, and context. This will build on what we learned last year, with time for discussing how this can be implemented with churches in transition.
There is no charge for this training, and lunch will be provided by the Region. I encourage those of you who are in an interim position to negotiate with your church leadership to provide this as paid time for professional development.
This is an important event for all who seek to enter or continue in interim ministry in Michigan. Therefore, I encourage you to make every effort to arrange your schedule to attend.
RSVP to our receptionist, Debbie Hart at the Region Office by April 10. You may contact her by phone at 800.632.2953 ext. 221 or you may e-mail her at dhart@abc-mi.org. Thank you!
Church Health Initiative: Resource Review
Winning on Purpose: How to Organize Congregations to Succeed in Their Mission, by John Edmund Kaiser, Abingdon Press (2006)
A congregation has developed effective mission and vision statements. It has clarified key congregational values. What then? The next step is to consider how the church's current structure helps or hinders its God-given mission. Some years ago Kennon Callahan suggested that effective congregations need to streamline their organizational structure. Kaiser's book, Winning on Purpose, is a helpful, up-to-date resource for congregations seeking healthier, more effective ways to organize for mission.
Kaiser has adapted the work of John Carver and Tom Bandy to develop a system of "accountable leadership." His book defines specific roles for the governing board, the pastor and staff, and the congregation that wishes to form an effective, creative organizational structure. The genius of his system centers on some "guiding principles" that help the church deal effectively with issues of trust and accountability. The book gives the reader both analytical and practical help to apply Kaiser's system to a specific setting.
This resource is not meant for congregations that simply want to update the church constitution and by-laws. It is best used in churches willing to risk considering a new way of organizing for mission. Several of our Region congregations -- especially those ready and willing to deal with change -- are discovering that Kaiser's ideas do work, and work well. Of course, change happens whether the congregation is ready or not. This resource is good for providing positive direction in adapting to significant change. I recommend you read it and use it!
Register For Summer Camp Today!
May 1 is the deadline before camp price increase. You can register online at www.camplakelouise.com or call the camp registrar at 989.479.3630. Registrations must be paid in full to receive the discount. Any questions? call 800-440-1238.
It's Annual Report Time Again
If the Region Office has not received your church's 2006 Annual Report, please complete the forms and return them right away. They are due back in the Region Office by April 30, 2007. This information gives us a statistical picture of your church and updated leadership information. If you have misplaced this form, please contact Debbie Hart at 800.632.2953 ext. 221 or dhart@abc-mi.org. Thank you!
Short Notices
A new furniture and household goods resale shop called Recycled Treasures out of the mission work in Friendship House and Acts 29. Former Friendship House staff member Catrina Stackpoole is the director of Recycled Treasures. If your church or people in your church have donations, they even have a truck now where they can make pick-ups. So get the word out! This letter (http://abc-mi.org/elink/Fundraisingletter.pdf), says it all, including a list of what is needed.
Metro ABC Update has news of the Metropolitan Detroit Baptist Association. Read it here >> http://abc-mi.org/elink/metro-update-407.pdf.
First Baptist Church of Midland has a Konica 7145 copier for sale. It is equipped with finisher, 4 drawer base, and power filter. It will staple, collate, scan and can be integrated into a network. Price $4,500. The copier has been well maintained and is in excellent working condition. For information contact Arlie McMahan -- 989.631.1847.
"An Evening with Alvin Waddles and Friends" is a musical journey through jazz, gospel, classical, and Broadway favorites on Friday, April 20, 8 p.m. at Highland Park Baptist Church, 26800 Lahser Rd. Tickets -- $25 for general seating, $50 for preferred seating -- are available at Hope United Methodist Church, Southfield, Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, Detroit, God's World Records, 13533 Seven Mile, or Gloria Saulsberry (gloriablondelle@sbcglobal.net). For information call 313.362.9232.
The Engaging Church is a fast-paced one day seminar presented by Church Growth, Inc., offering the latest practical tools for effective outreach and church growth. Learn how to:
Attract outsiders
Connect with visitors
Integrate new members
April 26 in Birmingham, Michigan and April 27 in Grand Rapids. Cost is $98.00 for one person, $68.00 for each additional attendee. You can request a special denominational discount rate of $50.00 per person. For more information and registration go to: www.churchgrowth.net/seminars/engagingchurch/index.htm.
Making New Connections is the Central Section Black Church Education Conference, scheduled for April 19-21, 2007, in Columbus, OH. It is sponsored by a number of American Baptist regions and by National Ministries, ABC-USA. Information and online registration available at www.makingnewconnections2007.org. Conference brochures available from the Region office. Call Debbie Reetz at 1-800-632-2953 ext.224. A scholarship in the amount of $100.00 is available on a first-come, first-served basis until funds run out. To request a scholarship call Debbie Reetz at the number above. For more information see http://abc-mi.org/?q=node/97.
Conflict Resolution Training is offered at "Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders" at Lombard Mennonite Peace Center, August 6 10. 2007, Glen Ellyn, Illinois (Chicago area). Visit the website or call for more information: www.LMPeaceCenter.org - 630-627-0507.
The Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty has launched its 2nd annual Religious Liberty Essay Contest. Open to all Baptist high school students in the classes of 2007 and 2008, the contest offers a grand prize of $1,000 and airfare and lodging for two to Washington, D.C. Second prize is $500, and third prize is $100. Winners will be announced in the summer of 2007 and will be featured in the BJC's flagship publication, Report from the Capital. The grand prize winner will also be recognized at the BJC board meeting in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 2. Complete details are at http://tinyurl.com/2r4r8k.
Read the latest issue of International Ministries Prayer Call: http://abc-mi.org/elink/prayer-call.pdf.
Read the latest Friendship House newsletter: http://abc-mi.org/elink/fh.pdf
The next issue of E-Link Online will be published on April 23. Please send news items and notices to the Editor (editor@abc-mi.org) by April 19.
Editor's Trips
Disclaimer: listing of these references does not imply endorsement of positions or policies advocated in them by either the American Baptist Churches of Michigan or the editor of E-Link Online. Caveat lector.
The Editor
§ Something About Jesus -- http://tinyurl.com/yreqb5
§ PowerPoint of Questionable Value -- http://tinyurl.com/2tb6fl
§ Human Rights for Chimps? -- http://tinyurl.com/ypvavz
§ New Rules for Old -- http://tinyurl.com/ynpm2b
§ Religion in a Globalizing World -- http://tinyurl.com/28bxgf
§ Is God Real? Rick Warren debates atheist Sam Harris -- http://tinyurl.com/2nqx2v
All Rights Reserved
Dr. Michael A. Williams, Executive Minister
Joseph I. Mortensen, E-Link Online Editor. 989.835.6923
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Last update -- Monday, April 9, 2007
