E-Link Online -- News of the American Baptist Churches of Michigan

November Events

November 8 -- 6th Annual Metropolitan Detroit Association Fall Dinner, November 8, 2008, at First Baptist Church of Detroit. See the letter and flyer.

November 8-10 -- Morikawa Conference on Religion and Peacemaking in Ann Arbor. See article below.

A Psalm for Election Day

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he chose for his inheritance.
From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind;
from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth --
he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.
No king is saved by the size of his army;
no warrior escapes by his great strength.
A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
despite all its great strength it cannot save.
But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.
We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
even as we put our hope in you. -- Psalm 33:12-22

Arrivals, Departures, Celebrations, Concerns

§ On Sunday, October 26, the First Baptist Church of Alpena gathered in worship to install their new pastor, the Rev. Daniel Mead. Dan and Becky Mead recently began their ministry in Alpena, moving from the Grand Rapids area where Dan was in secular employment. Prior to their time in the Grand Rapids area, Dan had served in Native American ministry in Arizona and as pastor of the Day-Bethel Baptist Church in Stanton., MI. Rev. Ron Cary of the Region staff brought the morning message and presided over the service of installation. Special guests of the day included Dan and Becky's daughter, Hanna (they are the parents of three grown daughters), and Becky's parents, the Rev. Mac and Lucile Robertson, retired missionaries of 36 years in Peru. [Click on picture for larger view.]

§ American Baptist International Ministries has learned from missionary Debbie Mulneix that a bomb blast went off about 30 feet outside the gate of the Convention of Baptist Churches of North East India (CBCNEI) compound in Guwahati, Assam. Guwahati is the capital of the Assam state in Northeast India. Debbie had just returned to the compound when the blast went off and was about 30 feet inside the gate at the time. She says she is fine and was not hurt by the blast. >>> Read more at http://www.internationalministries.org/read/7925.

§ Dr. Roy Greer, senior pastor of the Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Flint, is hospitalized at Memorial Hospital in Owosso. Please be in prayer for Dr. Greer, his family and his church family at this time.

§ If you have not already done so, please fill out a 2008 Annual Equipping Event and Annual Meeting evaluation form to help us with planning future events. You may fax it to 517.332.3186 or mail it to

American Baptist Churches of Michigan
4578 S. Hagadorn Rd.
East Lansing, MI 48823

Thank you for helping us better serve the ABC-MI family.

§ Patty Babian, wife of the Rev. Wes Babian, pastor of First Baptist Church, Birmingham, is now recovering at home after a long hospitalization. Wes writes,

"We are exceedingly grateful for the many prayers and good wishes that have been offered for Patty and our family in what has been very long month.... Our sons and daughters-in-law and our family have been incredibly supportive and loving. We are blessed beyond measure by those gifts of caring, understanding, encouragement, and wisdom. The church here in Birmingham and dear ones in Springfield have surrounded us in prayer and love as have so many others including colleagues, ABC MI friends, and friends from over the years from many places. We still face issues but this crisis seems to have been weathered, and we have gained some new perspectives. Patty and I are thankful to God and to you all."

§ Dave Johnson has retired as director at Camp Lake Louise. >>> Read the news release.

§ Trina Knox of the Region office recently received an update from Ryszard Gutkowski, director of Christian Education Center "Diamond" in Poland. >>> Read his letter.

Delegates Gathered at South Haven for Annual Event

Local church delegates from across Michigan gathered at First Baptist Church, South Haven, for the annual two-day Gathering and Equipping Event. Speakers Dr. DeeDee Coleman and Dr. Ron Sider challenged Baptists of Michigan to translate Good News to Good Deeds. See the summaries below.

Thanks to the Rev. Dr. Galen Lowery for providing the photos for a slide show of the meetings. Click on the image at left to view the pictures in large format.

Report of Annual Business Meeting

Delegates gathered on Saturday, October 18 at the First Baptist Church of South Haven for the joint Annual Business Meeting of the American Baptist Churches of Michigan (ABC-MI) and Michigan Baptist Convention (MBC). Highlights of the meeting included:

Report of the Executive Minister: Reverend Dr. Michael A. Williams highlighted the ongoing efforts of the ABC-MI to address the "Growing Healthy Churches" initiative. He referenced The American Church Research Project and the learnings from the project as delineated by David T. Olson in his book, The American Church In Crisis. The learnings from this project support the importance of maintaining the Ministry Leadership Groups (MLGs); the congregational health assessment efforts; the focused work with churches in transition; and continued training events for professional church leaders and lay leaders.

Dr. Williams also highlighted the Future Search event conducted in June, 2008 around the theme: Nurturing Healthy Churches That Impact Our World. He reported this gathering represented the broadest and most diverse gathering of individuals from multiple stakeholder groups in our Region. He delineated the eight conference outcomes/ primary areas of ministry on which the Region will base strategic planning over the next few years as the Region seeks to mature the "Growing Healthy Churches" initiative.

Dr. Williams also reported on the continuing challenges facing both camps and the efforts of both camp Board of Directors to address the challenges. He also reported on the denominational restructuring process. >>> Continue Reading the Report

"Touch And Change" -- summary of Dr. DeeDee Coleman's message at Annual Gathering

reported by Rev. Dr. Galen Lowery

In what ways are we helping people, meeting their needs, touching their lives in tangible ways, loving them, and pointing them to Christ? Those were some of the challenges from Rev. Dr. DeeDee Coleman as she shared from the Holy Writ, Friday evening at the ABC-MI Annual Gathering. The foundation for her remarks was built upon the story of the woman with an issue of blood for twelve years found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

In Scripture, a person with a bleeding issue, was considered "unclean." In this case, the woman could not receive a hug from her kids because she was unclean. She could not have a relationship with her husband because she was unclean. People shunned her because she was unclean. She could not be loved nor give love in return, because she was unclean. How often do we shun those around us because of some situation, event, experience, or attitude? Do we love the unlovable? People are hurting. We need to find ways to meet their needs.

For twelve years, the woman had tried everything to find a cure for her ailment, but without success. She did not give up. In her quest for finding a solution, someone probably told her about Jesus. In recent days, have we told anyone about the "Good News" of Jesus Christ?

Just like the woman, we need to come to Christ. When we come to Christ, there will be a change. I am sure she told everyone about the change in her life and the difference that Jesus had made. When we come to Christ, do we share the "Good News" with others or do we keep it to ourselves? Let us reach out and touch someone today. May others be added to the Kingdom because of our witness and testimony.

Dr. Ron Sider: "Good News and Good Works"

summary by Galen Lowery

The theme for the weekend was "GOOD NEWS and GOOD WORKS." Built upon this theme, Dr. Sider challenged us in three areas:

1. Combining Social Action and Evangelism. Dr. Sider asked "Do we say 'yes' to Jesus and not change the way we live?" Upon coming to Christ, change is expected in every area of our lives. GOOD WORKS should be part of the evidence of the transformed life of a Christian. Our discussion groups brainstormed ways to implement "GOOD WORKS" strategies within our churches and communities.
2. Thinking Biblically About Politics. Dr. Sider said, "Just because you are a Christian, does not mean that you have your politics right." Practically speaking, politics has positive and negative potential upon the masses of humanity, depending how it is used. One of the participants asked how we could talk about politics from the pulpit. Dr. Sider indicated that pastors could help the congregations develop a framework of Biblical principles and insights through which to filter and analyze the issues, morals, values, behavior, and attitudes of candidates running for office.
3. A new vision for overcoming poverty in America: A Historic Opportunity. Dr. Sider mentioned that "America is the richest nation in the world, but yet has the highest poverty rate of any country." Throwing more money at programs aimed at reducing poverty will have little impact. His solutions for reducing and eliminating poverty included: FBI (Faith Based Initiatives), Churches working together for transformation, Christian mentoring, Public policies that promote family and family values in all sectors of society, and Quality education to name a few. Dr. Sider feels that there are enough Christians to make an impact. However, materialism and apathy have hardened the hearts to the extent that most do not care enough about their faith to get involved.

Youth Leader Core Has Training Event

Youth Leader Core members met recently at Camp Lael for one of their training weekends. Double-click on window at left or click on arrowhead at lower left to play a brief slide show of the event.

Youth Worker Training Set for Next March

With great excitement the Family Ministry Team of the Region would like you to Save the Date for an upcoming conference for all those who work with Youth (or who would like to). Youth Worker Connect: Inspiration and Training for Youth Ministry will be held on March 14, 2009 at the Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Flint, 9:00am - 3:30pm. Danette Matty will offer the plenary address and also lead workshops in both workshop sessions. Danette is a member of Group's national training team and author of many articles concerning Youth (and leading Youth). Information and training will benefit pastors, church school teachers and any volunteer or professional who works with Youth or comes into contact with Youth. There will even be tips on how to start a Youth Ministry and how to run a Youth ministry with very limited (or no) funds. Registration materials and information will be sent to all ABC-MI churches in January. Discounts will be available for congregations that send more than one person to the event, so bring your whole team of Youth workers, church school teachers as well as any potential volunteers! >>> Click to see announcement.

Advent Calendars Available

The Region's Family Ministry Team and Commission on Christian Education are once again offering Advent calendars free of charge to local churches. These 8 1/2 X 11" calendars are brightly designed for families with children and are filled with daily Scripture verses, activities and "thought starters", helping families focus on the true meanings of preparing for Christmas. A limited number of Advent calendars for teens will also be available. Calendars can be viewed at http://tinyurl.com/5lmnxs

Each local church may request up to 30 of each kind of calendar. Simply send a request to Sue Ellen Glover (sueellen@fbca2.org ; phone 734-663-9376; fax 734-821-0361) stating the church name and address, person to whom the envelope should be addressed, and the number of calendars requested. Please specify how many teen and/or children calendars you wish. Order early before we run out! Advent begins on November 30 so requests need to be received by November 20.

It is our hope that through these calendars our churches can support families by helping them to set aside a brief time each day during Advent to participate together in activities that focus on the Good News that Jesus brings and on serving others.

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. >>> Read More

Short Notices

A new schedule of Ministerial Leadership Group (MLG) meetings is available at http://abc-mi.org/elink/peerleaderschedule.pdf.

MMBB released The MMBB Guide for Church-Related Employers 2009 in September. The updated version of this popular guide includes suggestions for setting clergy compensation, establishing a pastoral budget, and calculating clergy taxes and benefits. The 2009 edition also incorporates information on the new IRS regulations governing 403(b) retirement plans and how they may affect your church. The Guide is available online at http://tinyurl.com/5h8o7x.

The Baptist Joint Committee has released details of its annual religious liberty essay contest, which is open this year to all high school students in the 2009 and 2010 graduating classes. 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. The topic for the 2009 contest and all of the requirements are available from the BJC Web site http://www.bjconline.org/contest/index.html. All entries must be postmarked by March 2, 2009. Completed essays and required forms should be mailed to: Baptist Joint Committee Essay Contest, 200 Maryland Avenue, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002. Visit the BJC Web site to download registration materials and for more information. If you have questions, contact Jeff Huett at 202-544-4226 or by e-mail at jhuett@bjconline.org.

The Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion will host a New Directions New Connections Conference, November 10 and 11 at the Mariott Pontiac Centerpoint. The conference offers skill development for adult youth workers and includes sessions on justice and reconciliation in the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. Speakers include the Rev. Dr. Kevin Turman of Second Baptist Church in Detroit and the Rev. George Lambrides, an American Baptist minister from Washtenaw County. For more information call 313-963-7172 ext 134. Walk-ins are welcome. Conference cost is $225.00.

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 November 17, 2008. Please send news items and notices to the Editor (editor@abc-mi.org) by November 13.

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. They are provided here for further thought, discussion, inquiry, and an occasional laugh. Caveat lector. Suggestions for "Trips" and readers' comments are welcome. Send to editor@abc-mi.org.

The Editor

»»  Thomas Lynch Has a "Date with the Departed" -- http://tinyurl.com/56y89x
»»  Is It un-Christian for a Girl to Play Football? -- http://tinyurl.com/6cqbpd
»»  3,000 Year Old Hebrew Text Discovered -- http://tinyurl.com/6cdjgr
»»  Miroslav Volf on "An Ultimate Somebody" -- http://tinyurl.com/6kks9a
»»  Ron Sider on "Stingy Christians in an Age of Opulence" -- http://tinyurl.com/5tnbj6