E-Link Online
biweekly electronic news of the American Baptist Churches of Michigan

4578 S. Hagadorn Rd.
East Lansing, MI 48823
800.632.2953



Dr. Michael A. Williams
Executive Minister

Joseph I. Mortensen
E-Link Online Editor
989.835.6923

Issue 2008.21
October 6, 2008

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"Come let us worship and bow down before the Lord Most Holy, before the King of Glory!"

So begins the hymn that will mark the beginning of an evening of worship you will not want to miss.

Rest assured, if you have not yet registered for the Annual Equipping Event, October 17, 18 at the First Baptist Church of South Haven, you may do so by contacting the Region office immediately.

However, whether you plan to attend the whole Annual Equipping Event or whether you register for any part of it, you are invited to attend Friday night worship at no cost. You do not need to be registered for the Annual Equipping Event to attend worship. Everyone is welcome! Come one, come all. Bring family; bring friends, but Come! Come, as we bow down before the Lord and as we worship God with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength.

Evening worship will begin at 6:45pm on Friday, October 17, with a time of praise, prayer and song led by the First Baptist Church of South Haven Praise Team. At 7:00pm we will move into our evening worship service featuring the Russell Street Missionary Baptist Mass Choir and the Rev. Dr. DeeDee Coleman who will be bringing the evening message.

Dr. Coleman was the 2007 recipient of the Edwin T. Dahlberg Peace award, the highest award granted by ABC-USA, the first recipient of which was the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Upon receiving this prestigious award, Dr. Coleman commented, "Unless we face how a community is affected by those who are incarcerated and released in the community with no housing, identification, family unification or job, we can continue to kiss peace goodbye. We, the community of faith, must restore peace in our communities, and peace in our state, and we can start with how the least of these are treated."

Director of "Wings of Faith," Dr. Coleman is well-known for her work with ex-offenders, substance abusers and high risk youth as well as her deep and abiding faith. As apostle and advocate, she will bring a message that will relate to the Annual Equipping Event theme of "Reaching Our Communities with Good News and Good Works."

This is one service you will not want to miss.

"Come let us worship and bow down before the Lord Most Holy, before the King of Glory!"

Offering for "sowing seeds of ministry"

At the Friday evening service of the Annual Equipping Event (Oct. 17), you will have the opportunity to contribute to the Region Offering, sowing seeds of ministry.

This offering will enable ABC-MI to:

† Revitalize historic churches for a new day of ministry
† Support church planters and the birth of new congregations
† Carry the hope of Jesus Christ into every part of this magnificent state

Your contribution will make a difference as we sow seeds of the Gospel all across Michigan.

Arrivals, Departures, Celebrations, Concerns

§  The Rev. Dr. Louis Johnson, pastor emeritus of Friendship Baptist Church, Detroit, died on September 20. His funeral was held on September 27, 2008, at Friendship Baptist Church, 3900 Beaubien, Detroit, MI. He is survived by his wife Janet Edwards-Johnson and children Quintin, Eric, Roderic, Joncker and Fisdel. In lieu of flowers, please make all donations to the Herman Jackson, Sr. Scholarship Fund. The Rev. William E. Nelson paid the following tribute to his friend and colleague:

I first met Louis Johnson in 1960. That interview blossomed into a life-long friendship between us and our wives. Louis was first and foremost a pastor who loved his people and was loved mightily by them in return. His vision for justice and ministry unto the "least of these" served as a model for many others. Louis fit no stereotype, no label applied. He was and remained unique, and paid the price for that in many ways. He cared about his denominational family enough to challenge their policies, changing them for the better. His ministry transcended racial and socio-economic boundaries; and while not all of his visionary projects survived as he intended, he made an indelible mark on the city of Detroit, our Michigan Baptist family, and on my heart and life. He will be missed.

§  Pastor Douglas Paul Walters, 46, of Flint, died September 25, 2008 at University of Michigan Medical Center. He had been awaiting a lung transplant for some time. Funeral services were held September 28, 2008, at Richfield Road Baptist Church, Flint. Pastor Gerald Hodgeson officiated. Following the service Pastor Walters' remains were taken to Dixon, Illinois, for services and burial. Douglas was born on June 20, 1962 in Dixon, Illinois to Paul and Doris (Dunbar) Walters, and grew up in Woosung, Illinois. He was the Pastor of Richfield Road Baptist Church and a teacher at Saginaw Charter School. In addition to his parents he is survived by a brother John (Joyce) Walters, sisters Kim (Craig) McClure and Dawn (Eric) Butcher, and five nieces and nephews.

§  New Hope Baptist Church, Bay City, will hold a service of installation for Pastor Lee Austin, on Sunday, October 19, 2008, 3:20pm. A light luncheon will be provided. So that we may adequately plan enough for for our guests, RSPV by October 5 to: Wilma Anderson (989 832-2685), Prudy Bannick (989 892-9014 or kpbannick@att.net) or Lois Didier (989 686-3512 or loisdidier@aol.com). The church is located at 3360 East Midland Road, Bay City, MI 48706.

§  Dr. Mark E. Sommers will become senior pastor of the 1,800 member DeWitt (NY) Community Church, effective November 1, 2008. For the past 25 years he has served ABC-MI churches in Mt. Morris (1979-82), Redford (1985-92), North Farmington (1993-2003), and Christ Community (formerly First Baptist) in Lansing (2003-08). The DeWitt church is a 197-year-old non-denominational congregation located in suburban Syracuse, NY. Mark has served on various Region boards and committees during his ministry within ABC-MI, including the Region Executive Board, New Church Development, Minister's Council, Youth Leader Core, and Camping and Christian Education.

§  2008 is the centennial year of the Hungarian Baptist Church in Lincoln Park. It also marks the 100th anniversary of the Hungarian Baptist Convention of North America. Hungarian Baptists from across the country met at the Billy Graham Center in Wheaton, IL in July to worship and to praise God for many years of faithful ministry in the United States. The Lincoln Park congregation has been celebrating throughout this year. Recently Rev. Ron Cary of the Region staff worshipped with the congregation and presented a plaque recognizing and honoring them on this historic occasion. [Click on images at left to view large pictures.]

The church, as well as the Hungarian Baptist Convention of North America, was established to meet the needs of the swell of immigrants coming to America in the early 1900's. They came seeking opportunity, religious freedom and jobs as the United States needed workers in a growing industrial economy. Many who came from Eastern Europe were Baptists.

According to the church's pastor, the Rev. Dr. Geza Herjeczki, the American Baptists, especially the Detroit Association, provided funding and other resources to help establish several Hungarian Baptist churches in Michigan. Today the only Hungarian Baptist church still active in ministry in Michigan is the Lincoln Park congregation. As Rev. Cary discovered on his visit, they are a friendly, spiritually vital congregation, moving forward into the next 100 years!

A Request from the Editor

Since I will not be able to attend the Equipping Event/Annual Meeting next month, I am looking for a few people who plan to attend who are willing to write brief reports of the sessions for publication in E-Link. Please email me ASAP if you are interested. I will give specific assignments to those who volunteer.

I also welcome photos of the various activities. Send them as well to editor@@abc-mi.org.

"God's Garden" Grows in Imlay City

by Janice C. Fritch

Last winter BrianÝPenzien, one of our Deacons at First Baptist Church of Imlay City, said, "Why don't we plant some corn in our vacant lot." Pastor Gary Freel stated, "We can create a mini corn maze for Halloween". Another person spoke up with "We can share the corn with ourÝneighbors".

The ground was tilled, the corn planted, tomatoes, pepper, squash, cucumbers and beans were added. God provided an abundance of sunshine and rain and a next door neighbor who watered when needed. The garden grewÝand the neighbors watched, amazed at theÝplants as they grew bigger and taller, for you see, the seeds were not planted until June 14.

The plan to shareÝthe bounty of the garden continued to grow. Vegetables were shared by our church family, our neighbors, and a local soupÝkitchen ministry.

The culmination of our garden was a Sweet Corn/Hot Dog CookoutÝheld Sunday afternoon, Sept. 7th. on the church lawn. Invitations were delivered to homes in our neighborhood to come and share in the bounty of "God's Garden." As a result we had a wonderful time of reaching outÝand sharingÝ15 bushels of sweet corn with some of our neighbors. Click on images for larger views.

This is how "God's Garden" came about this summer at First Baptist Church, Imlay City.

Be Surprised by God's People...making a difference!

Have you ever thought, "The needs of people are so enormous; how can we possibly make a difference?" It's a common frustration and the early church shared it also in their day. The powerful news is the early church overcame this frustration the same way we can. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to heal people's hurts and show God's love one person at a time.

The World Mission Offering (WMO) is a very powerful way to say to a world in need that Jesus knows their pain and loves them. Christ wants us to increasingly make a difference in people's lives and in the world by reaching them at their point of need. Last year's offering has allowed us to appoint three new missionaries. We hope to appoint at least seven as we did in 2007. When we invest in the work of missionaries we meet an incredible range of human needs while effectively sharing the good news of Jesus.

We support more than 2,500 short-term and long-term missionaries annually in 76 countries around the world helping to meet human needs. This year International Ministries asks us to look at global mission this way:

We have received from the Lord. Let us also give, be surprised by what God can do, and be transformed by God's grace! WMO is normally received in the month of October. We hope you'll give sacrificially. Debbie Hart welcomes your questions at 800.632.2953 ext. 221 or dhart@abc-mi.org.

ABW Women's Day Centered on Burma

The American Baptist Women of Michigan gathered at First Baptist Church of Battle Creek for Women's Day on September 20. A program focused on the plight of people in Burma was hosted by the ABW of First Baptist Church, assisted by the Burmese women. [If slideshow at right doesn't play automatically, double-click on it.]

A program of song and dance by the Burmese Christian Fellowship and youth from the Chin Baptist Church expressed the rich cultural heritage of the Burmese people. Pastors David Laisum (Associate of FBC Battle Creek, photo at left) and Van Lian (Battle Creek Chin Baptist Church, photo at left) spoke personally and poignantly about the ravages of Cyclone Nargis. The storm came on top of the continuing oppression and persecution of Christians in Burma at the hands of the military regime, which has resulted in hundreds of thousands of people fleeing their homeland.

Edward Thawnghmung reported on his trip to Burma which took place during the time of the cyclone. Edward graphically described the widespread destruction caused by Nargis. It displaced as many as 800,000 people, destroyed homes and healthcare facilities, and caused severe food and water shortages. Edward, his wife Anne (photo below at right), and their seven children fled Burma 25 years ago, resettling in Battle Creek, thanks to the support of First Baptist Battle Creek. Over the course of those years, they and the church have been instrumental in the resettlement of many new refugee families.

Because the number of refugee families is expected to double this year, the American Baptist Women of Michigan has designated this year's Mission project to go to the Burmese community. The goal is $6,000 with funds going to support a retreat for refugee youth at Camp Lael as well as the resettlement needs of refugee families. If you would like to contribute, please contact your local ABW group or Carole Flaton (carole4missions@sbcglobal.net), who is the ABW Mission and Service Coordinator.

2008 Morikawa Conference on Religion and Peacemaking in Ann Arbor

Conference press release submitted by Ron Gregg

The Conference On Religion And Peacemaking brings Muslims, Jews, and Christians together to explore how the application of common religious concepts such as reconciliation and transformation can create a context for peace, justice and security for both Israel and Palestine. Participants will also consider how they can work together here in the United States to further those ends. It will be held in Ann Arbor November 8-10.

Twenty years ago Jitsuo Morikawa, an American Baptist Theologian and pastor of First Baptist Church in Ann Arbor, collaborated with Harold Shapiro, then President of the University of Michigan, to develop a new program entitled "Theologian in Residence". Support money was raised both within the local community and University. During the first 10 years Hans Kung, Gustavo Gutierrez, Harvey Cox and John Cobb, among others, came to Ann Arbor to lecture and meet with students and community members.

Over the years First Baptist Church of Ann Arbor has maintained an endowment fund to explore spiritual or theological topics of national or international importance. The current committee is convinced that the common spirituality of the Abrahamic religions can transform the context of the Palestinian/Israeli struggle so that: (1) each side sees the other as worthy of just and compassionate treatment (2) each side takes responsibility for stopping its own unjust and uncompassionate actions that perpetuate oppression of, and distrust from, the other side, and (3) each side stops making past sins determinative of the future, but commits to participate in the creation of new transformational possibilities for the future that are based in mutual justice and compassion. >>> Read More

Short Notices

Crosspointe Meadows Church of Novi has music, sound, and lighting items to sell. Click here to take a look.

The fall newsletter of Third Avenue Baptist Church of Flint (Malcolm Brown, pastor) is out. Click here to view it.

Please mark your calendars and make plans to attend the 6th Annual Metropolitan Detroit Association Fall Dinner, November 8, 2008, at First Baptist Church of Detroit. See the letter and flyer. -- Dennis Trezona, ABMEN-MDA. 800-457-5054

Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit will offer the course on Baptist History and Polity (4 credits) in winter term 2009. The class will meet 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on four Saturdays (1/24, 2/7, 2/21, 3/7) and will also require some work via Internet. Dr. Joseph I. Mortensen, adjunct professor at ETS, is the instructor. This course meets a requirement for ordination or recognition of prior ordination in ABC-MI. For more information contact the Seminary or the instructor.

This week's Prayer Call for ABC International Ministries calls attention to the needs of the our missionaries. > > > Go to Prayer Call. To subscribe to the Prayer Call Mailing List register at http://tinyurl.com/6sbgs8.

The Friendship House Newsletter is now provided in both PDF and DOC formats. The DOC format is a much smaller file and will take much less time to acquire on slow dialup connections. Read it in PDF at http://abc-mi.org/elink/fh.pdf or in DOC format at http:abc-mi.org/fh.doc.

The next issue of E-Link Online will be published on October 20, 2008. Please send news items and notices to the Editor (editor@abc-mi.org) by October 16.

Editor's Trips

The Editor

Copyright © 2009 American Baptist Churches of Michigan
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 -- Sunday, August 30, 2009

  




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