American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware

ABCOPAD Life! Blog

Gospel Fest '24

 

Gospel Fest 2024, at Lower Providence Baptist Church, was an awesome afternoon of praise, testimony and gospel music. To say that the church was rockin’ is putting it mildly!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 2/26/2024
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Strike

 

Have some time to spare? Trying to get yourself out of the gutter? Then this might be right up your alley!  The folk at Lighthouse of Faith, Canton, had a great time during a recent Family Fun Day. It was a lively afternoon at the bowling alley, as many pinned their hopes on a perfect game. Aim... release... pray... and strike! Hey, that's how they roll!

Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 2/26/2024
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A Word from our
New Executive Pastor

 

 

 

ABCOPAD
celebrates the appointment of our new
Regional Executive Pastor
Rev. Mark Mahserjian-Smith

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 2/24/2024
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MLK Day of Service '24

 

Kudos to the team from FBC Norristown who participated in a local clean-up project during this year's Martin Luther King, Jr, Day of Service. The neighborhood looks so much better thanks to the crew of serving volunteers

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 1/29/2024
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Let it Snow

 

Members at FBC Factoryville got creativce on a wintery day. It was a wonderful time of fellowship as a number of women made goodie-bags for residents at the nearby Senior Apartments in Factoryville

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 1/18/2024
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Meals-To-Go

 

Each month the folk at Hatboro Baptist Church reach out to their community through a "Meals-To-Go" ministry. The drive-thu service has provided over 18,000 meals to needy families. "All Are Welcome --- No Questions Asked."

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 1/18/2024
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Gillett Serves

 

The ministry at Gillett Baptist Church includes a Food Pantry that serves many in their community. The generous donations of members sustains a significant outreach to their neighbors in need
Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 1/18/2024
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Out'a The Rut

 

A team of men arrived at Camp Ichthus for a work project. Recent rains had created deep ruts on some of the pathways through Camp. The team moved gravel to wheelbarrows and a utility vehicle to fill in the ruts. It was fun serving as the hands and feet of Jesus to support Camp Ichthus in its ongoing ministry. This camp is a great resource to churches in Southeast ABCOPAD.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 12/6/2023
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Holloway Terrace Centennial

 

ABCOPAD President (and Eastern Ambassador) Bryon Luke represented our Region at the 100-year Anniversary Celebration of FBC Holloway Terrace, DE. Bryon attended the morning worship service and presented Pastor Edward Emmell with a Certificate of Appreciation. Grateful for these partners in ministry celebrating 100 years of being the hands and feet of Jesus in the community.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 12/6/2023
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OCC WOW!

 

The folk at FBC Greenville responded to the Operation Christmas Child opportunity and packed 299 boxes. Wowzer!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 12/6/2023
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ABMen @ Ichthus

 

Over 30 men met at Camp Ichthus for our second Men’s Retreat of 2023. GPS Dan McDowell and GPS David Hardin organized the event at FBC Bethlehem’s campground. The Friday night speaker was Rev. Melvin Thomas (lead pastor at Calvary Allentown) with Rev. CG Coats (lead pastor at FBC Norristown) guiding the men in Praise and Worship. A great weekend!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 12/6/2023
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Feasting Together

 

Great Bethel Baptist Church [Uniontown] welcomed a large gathering to their Thanksgiving Community Dinner. It was amazing! They planned for 90 and they had double that! Seven different churches were represented and participated in the service that followed. It was a God moment to witness the entire community represented and eating together.
Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 12/6/2023
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The CLM Process

 

In the process for granting Certified Lay Minister recognition, a council recently met to examine ACTS graduate Pastor Dennis Horne [Wayne Park, Erie]. 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 12/6/2023
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Waynesburg Christmas Parade

 

The Ten Mile Association was well represented during the Waynesburg Christmas Parade! Pastor Jim and Pastor Cathie Carpenter of WWJD had a float in the parade also passing out candy and sharing Jesus. FBC Waynesburg with Pastor David Bess also had a float sharing candy and Jesus to the community. The Way an upcoming community center was in the parade as well! The truck was being driven by Pastor Bob and Helen Mooney of Pursley BC! So many others from our churches were representing civic organizations through out the community.
Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 12/6/2023
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ABCOPAD Author

 

Kudos to Pastor Kevin Zufall (FBC Troy and East Troy Baptist Church). He has authored several devotional books including "Every Day Devotion: Romans", "Sermon On The Mount", and "Every Day Devotion: James". Books are available for review and purchase on Amazon.

[Note: The information about providers and services contained on this website does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by ABCOPAD]

Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 11/22/2023
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Galveston Urban Ministries

 

A mission team from West Shore Baptist Church travelled to Galveston, TX to partner with Galveston Urban Ministries. GUM is making a significant impact in alleviating poverty in their neighborhood as they engage in the slow work of seeking the Kingdom in one person, one family, one block at a time.

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 10/14/2023
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Ramp Up

 

 

Liberty Baptist Church in Blanchard recently constructed a ramp for a member of the community. What's special about this ramp is that it was paid for in part by an ABCOPAD grant that the church received this spring. Through this grant, and gifts from their congregation, the church has been able to fund a number of projects like this one to reach out to their community and be the hands and feet of Jesus.

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 10/11/2023
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Trunk or Treat

Twix... Snickers... M&Ms... KitKat... What’s in your TRUNK?

Greenfield Baptist Church has the goodies. Their Trunk or Treat event is a great community outreach. You can be sure the neighborhood kids had a great time!
Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 10/1/2023
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A Place In The Conversation

 

“A Place in the Conversation” hosted the first of an ongoing series of seminars under the Title “A Community at Worship”. These seminars are based on a book by the same title authored by Rev Dan Nicewonger and Chris Wells. These seminars are designed to help congregations to explore their unique worship cultures, the theology behind that culture and the best way to practice worship in that culture.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 9/28/2023
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Red Letter Day

 

ABCOPAD Southeast GPS Dan McDowell writes, "It was a red letter day at GraceCrossing! By a unanimous congregational vote we decided to partner with a Brazilian 7th Day Adventist congregation that is forming in Phoenixville. Our mission is to “Follow Jesus, love others and build community. There is a growing Brazilian community immigrating to Phoenixville and this gives us a small part in helping to reach them for Christ (even though none of us speaks Portuguese). After we signed the lease, giving this congregation full use of the facilities on Saturdays from 8 am - 2 pm, we prayed together that our partnership would soon lead to Baptisms."

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 9/28/2023
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Come and Get It!

 

Calvary Baptist Church of Allentown (Rev. Melvin Thomas) held a community Food Truck event in their parking lot. There was a great turn out and connections were made with a lot of folk in the community. Members brought their friends, families and neighbors. This was such a great idea for outreach in their neighborhood and plans are already underway to do this event next year with even more vendors.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 9/3/2023
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Play Ball 2023

 

It’s an annual tradition for one of our ABCOPAD LLC groups to make time in the summer to head to a MLB Ballpark. This year, they headed to Detroit to see the Tigers play at Comerica Park. More than the game, it was a joy spending quality time with these partners in ministry who have been supporting and encouraging one another for over a decade.

 

Categories: Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 8/29/2023
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Montana ACTS Grad

 

Congratulations Corey Skeers! A job well done. Corey graduated from the Academy of Christian Training and Service ... completing his studies in ------- MONTANA!
Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 6/7/2023
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ABCOPAD Grant Recipients

 

Check out all the ministries supported by the most recent ABCOPAD Grant distributions!

 

ABCOPAD Vice President Lori Jennings represented the Regional Board as she delivered an ABCOPAD Grant check to Rev. Dan McDowell, lead pastor at GraceCrossings in Phoenixville. The congregation has been working in Cooperation with Fresh Expressions doing community outreach.

 

ABCOPAD President Bryon Luke and the Mission Team at Hatboro Baptist received an ABCOPAD Grant to provide assistance for an upcoming mission trip to Los Planos, Mexico.

 

Pastor Andy Reich at FBC Milton received an ABCOPAD Grant for the youth camp he is helping to plan and organize this summer.

 

Pastor Kelly Legg received an ABCOPAD Grant to help finance mission initiatives at West Shore Baptist, Camp Hill.

 

Pastor Jonathan Matthew received an ABCOPAD Grant for the Exton Community Baptist Church to provide partnership and support as the congregation develops a ministry to the Tamil immigrants living in Exton and the surrounding neighborhoods.

 

Representatives of FBC Lancaster received an ABCOPAD Grant to make it possible for students of the church to travel to Parchment Valley's "Brother's Keeper" mission trip in West Virginia.

 

At FBC Bethlehem, Associate Pastor John Spatig and Moderator Karl Parker were happy to receive the ABCOPAD Grant funds in anticipation of a busy summer filled with campers and camp staff at Camp Ichthus.

 

The Disaster Relief Mission Teams at Greenfield Baptist Church were supported with ABCOPAD Grant funds as they served with hearts and hands in Western Kentucky.

 

Thanks to an ABCOPAD grant, a group of youth workers from across PA attended the Youth Leader Summit hosted by Youth Leader Oasis!

 

An ABCOPAD grant check was presented to Heidi Clark, Director of Worship and Arts at North Hills Community Baptist Church. Heidi is working on her doctorate and will be partnering with the Region on upcoming Worship Seminars.

 

Pastor David Ford (First Regular Baptist of Huntingdon) is connecting with the neighborhood by partnering with a ministry engaging in backyard Bible clubs. Huntingdon is a recipient of an ABCOPAD Grant and will use the money to better serve the kids who take part in the clubs in both showing & telling them the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 6/7/2023
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Central Union 2023

 

The Central Union Spring Association meeting was held at New Hope Christian Church in Broomall. Rev Jeff Evans, lead pastor at the church and a member of the Riverside Association, hosted the meeting. Rev. Eric Kraihanzel (Moderator of the Association) led the meeting which included presentations from recent mission trips to Mexico, Uganda, an upcoming trip to Israel, a pastor’s retreat, a continuing education event for clergy and congregational leaders, and more. It was an outstanding event that highlighted the many activities taking place in the energized ABCOPAD Association. So very grateful for the leaders who organized the day and for all the partners in ministry who attended.

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 5/10/2023
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Egg Drop Extravaganza

 

Several ABCOPAD congregations participated in the HUGE community egg drop at the Waynesburg airport where 12 churches participated. Our own WWJD and FBC Waynesburg were a part if the event. 2000-2500 people attended and 50,000 eggs dropped for all ages. Christian music was playing  as churches had booths set up along with food available. Great opportunity for the community! May God be glorified as these churches continue to work together for the Kingdom!
Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 4/9/2023
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Day of Love

Working on a Women’s Mission Project, ladies of the Olive Branch Baptist Church created on Valentines cards for the “Day of Love” for an orphanage/school in Brazil. Each of the 125 students will receive a personalized card. It was an enjoyable time full of laughter and friendship. Being the hands & feet of Jesus!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 4/4/2023
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Planning For The Future

 

The search committee and leadership of Colonial Park Community Baptist Church gathered for an afternoon of dreaming. As CPCBC is preparing to call their next pastor, they wanted to drill deeply into WHO they are (what gifts & passions has God uniquely gifted them with) and WHERE they are (what opportunities for making disciples exist right within their neighborhood). A conversation that began by naming limitations quickly became one focused on opportunities & possibilities. By the end they had created a list of exciting, concrete ideas for blessing and building relationship with their neighbors!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 4/3/2023
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Prepping at Parchment Valley

 

Parchment Valley Conference Center fully embodies its mission statement: “Where Lives Are Changed.” A team of ABCOPAD volunteers travelled to the camp in West Virginia to help the camp get ready for up to 3000 campers who will be there this summer! Servant Hands at Work!

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 4/3/2023
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Kentucky Bound

 

Meet Dan Cass, lead pastor at Greenfield Baptist Church near Erie. Pastor Dan has recently reported on many of the good things happening at Greenfield including plans for a HUGE Vacation Bible School this June and a Disaster Relief Team heading to Kentucky over Memorial Day weekend.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 4/3/2023
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Another ABCOPAD Grant

Thanks to a generous grant from ABCOPAD, Lower Providence Baptist Church was able to purchase an AED. On Sunday 3/26, 13 members of the congregation took part in a training/certification class. Lord willing, what we learned will never be needed.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 3/27/2023
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Feeding The Multitudes

 

SW GPS Rev. Cristy Wise volunteered with Pastor Jim Carpenter of WWJD at the community food bank for Waynesburg. Over 100 cars drive through for boxes of food each month. Pastor Cristy reports: "Always a privilege to serve with people from other churches and companies of the Waynesburg community. Either Pastor Jim or I open in prayer. To us it’s more than just feeding Gods people physically with food. It’s all about each car represents people God needs us to show love being Jesus with skin on. May God be praised."
Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 3/3/2023
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A Key Interval

 

Interim Pastor Roy Keys (and his wife Marilyn) is nearing the completion of his ministry at Jefferson Baptist Church. The congregation has recently called its next pastor.
Clearly, God's hand has been at work during this "in-between" time. ABCOPAD has been blessed with the ministry of many interim pastors who have guided and supported congregations through these critical periods of transition. Thank you, Pastor Roy!
Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 3/1/2023
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Victorious!

 

Four sister ABCOPAD churches have recently gathered for a weekend retreat at Camp Ichthus.: FBC Lansdale, FBC Bethlehem, Royersford Baptist Church, and Calvary Baptist Newark have been getting together for regional youth events for several years. This weekend we are studying the Book of Colossians and focusing on the theme “Victorious”- How Jesus’ victory over sin empowers us to live victoriously! Pray for the students to continue to connect with Jesus and with one another. It’s always great to worship and join together with friends within the region!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 3/1/2023
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Karen Koinonia

 

A small group -- including Rev. Alan Berg (South Hills BC), Rev. Mark Schollaert (FBC Monongahela) Attorney Matthew Polka and Mark Steranka (assisting the Karen Congregation) -- joined Pastor Minn (Lead Pastor of the Pittsburgh Karen Baptist Church) to discuss the congregation becoming members of the Pittsburgh Baptist Association and ABCOPAD. There was a great discussion about the incredible historic connection the Karen people have with American Baptist through the mission work of Adoniram Judson in Burma. Pastor Minn outlined the ministry of the church while Pastor Alan and Pastor Mark explained how partnership with the PBA and ABCOPAD could be mutually beneficial. It was both an exciting meeting.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 2/28/2023
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Proclaiming Christ

Exton Community Baptist Pastor Jonathan Matthew Yohannan (recently emigrated from India) has been empowered by his congregation to focus his mission primarily on reaching the Asian community in the greater Exton area. He has begun a monthly worship opportunity for Asians (especially those who speak Tamil) on Saturday afternoons.

 

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 2/28/2023
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Revived, Renewed, Restored

 

First Baptist Church of Gillett was the scene for a regathering of the Bradford Association. Pastor Mickey Cavanaugh pulled the group together for a time for renewed partnership in the Gospel Ministry. The group had a different agenda which focused on worship and fellowship. At the same time, they elected new officers and are looking forward to future gatherings and ministries.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 2/28/2023
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Where's Waldo?

 

Recording for the Old Testament course with the Rev. David Waldo.

The Academy of Christian Training & Service is an online school of ministry dedicated to equipping the saints for the work of ministry through practical mentorship and excellent teaching. 

Whether you are newly discerning a call to pastoral ministry or simply longing to better serve your local church, we invite you to consider how an ACTS education may be the next step the Lord is inviting you to take.

Check out https://www.actsministryschool.com

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 1/21/2023
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Launch Lunch

 

1st PBA-LLC gathering! Super great time!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 1/21/2023
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Feliz cumpleaños, Marco

 

Mark Mahserjian-Smith writes:

As Pastor Eric Kraihanzel, ABCOPAD President Bryon Luke, and I prepared to head home  from the mission reconnaissance trip to Mexico, Lupita Anzaldo, her husband Ino and their family treated us to a delicious home-cooked meal to celebrate my birthday. Amazing enchiladas and a fabulous birthday cake were served. Just being with this family who have adopted us into their family was such a blessing. Grateful and thankful for these partners in ministry who faithfully serve Jesus in this corner of God’s Kingdom.

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 1/21/2023
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ACTS Grad

 

Kudos to Raguel Belony’s upon his graduation from ACTS and his new status as a Certified Lay Minister. Reguel attends FBC Greenville.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 12/8/2022
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OCC @ CMBC

 

After a year of collecting supplies, volunteers at Christ Memorial Baptist Church, Dover, gathered to assemble dozens and dozens of shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 12/8/2022
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Ready... Set... Go!

 

Rev. Mark Schollaert, our region's RMA for our LLC (Leadership Learning Community) met with local pastors at Al’s Cafe (yummy) to jumpstart a new LLC group in the Pittsburgh area. If you weren’t able to make that gathering no problem!! Pastor Mark would love to connect and get you plugged in!!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 12/8/2022
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Getting a FaceLift

 

Rev. Jonathan Matthew and members of the Central Union Association for their work day at the Exton Community Baptist Church parsonage. Having been vacant for many years, the Central Union Association partnered with Exton to renovate the house where Pastor Jonathan now resides. Pastor Eric Kraihanzel (FBC Lansdale) and Kevin from his congregation joined 3 ladies from Parkesburg to do repairs and painting. Much was accomplished.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 12/8/2022
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Samaritan Smiles

 

Several of our Ten Mile Association churches participate and drop off their Operation Christmas Child boxes at the First Church of the Nazarene in Waynesburg. Grand total from this community event that so many churches of all denominations participated in.…drumroll please….3145 boxes will go to children around the world! To God be the glory. Pray as all these boxes from all across our country represent children that will hear the Gospel of Jesus!
Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 12/8/2022
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Sharing The Story

 

ABCOPAD Vice President Elect Lori Jennings and Pastor Sam Geiger attended Saint Peters Baptist Church in Central Union Association to do a mission presentation. Both Lori and Pastor Sam served in Uganda this past July.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 12/8/2022
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Kids Under Konstruction

 

At First Baptist Church, Ford City, the Children and Student Ministry Team is doing tremendous work as they  connect with youth in their neighborhood. With many of our congregations struggling with ministry to students, it is an absolute joy to see this thriving youth ministry. Looks like a great night of fun and fellowship, as young lives are being discipled in faith.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 12/7/2022
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Serv'n Soup

 

At First Baptist Punxsutawnee Pastor Mike Wilbur and a team of ladies were preparing for their Fall Soup Sale. The kitchen and fellowship hall with filled with the delicious aroma of homemade ham and bean soup. Yummy!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 12/7/2022
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One Way Youth Retreat

The One Way Student Ministry Retreat took place at the Liberty Baptist Church, Blanchard. Students from across the Region gathered for the weekend with lots of laughter and the joy of simply being together.

 

The event started with a several fun games that providing an opportunity for people who’ve never been together before to get to know one another. From the Impossible Shot to a bunch of trivia games, everyone had a great time meeting new people and connecting.

 

Todd Pearage delivering the message. Todd did a deep dive into Jesus’ parable about the sower, seed, and soil. Todd explained each type of soil Jesus describes in the parable could not change itself. Only God can change the nature of the soil and God wants to change the hearts of everyone present at the retreat this weekend, making us receptive to the Gospel and to Jesus. It was a great message.

 

Some of the great student ministry leaders from across our region.

 

A few of the people that make things happen: RMA Josh Trojak (Christ American, Spring Grove), RMA Mandi Restanio (FBC Waynesburg), and Sound Man Rob McQue (FBC Lansdale)

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 10/31/2022
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It's In The Book

 

The Adult Sunday School Class at Christ Memorial Baptist Church of Dover, DE, is studying the Song of Moses and the warning it holds. Within the lyrics of the song, God warns Israel not to forget the Lord in the midst of the blessings of the promised land. It was a very good discussion looking at how prosperity can cause us to lose sight of God, a lesson all of us in this country need to hear.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 10/31/2022
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Planning to Thrive

 

Recently the ABCOPAD ABWM Leadership team met at Camp Hebron. Along with some serious discussion and a great Bible Study, there was lots of fun. On Saturday, the team “got busy” dreaming about the 2023 Calendar and next year’s Thrive Conference. Let's just say the group’s creativity was off the chart as ideas exploded during the meeting. You will just have to wait in anticipation of the “big reveal” regarding what's coming in 2023.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 10/31/2022
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Certified: Petroula Zoll

 

Representatives of the Pittsburgh Association gathered for the credentialing of Petroula Zoll. Pastor Cristy Wise had the privilege of being her mentor in the ACTS school. Pastor Alan Berg of South Hills Community Church, moderated the meeting doing an excellent job setting up zoom for those online and still many in attendance in person. Petroula did a great job answering questions for 2 1/2 hours. The church provided some punch and cookies to celebrate her becoming a certified lay minister.
Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 10/31/2022
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ABCOPAD Serves:
Breathitt County, Kentucky

 

A number of volunteers from Oil Creek Association participated in a recent disaster relief trip to Breathitt County, Kentucky. Lost Creek Free Church flooded up to one foot below the peak of the roof when the water level rose nearly 50’. The team served with Samaritan’s Purse to clean debris and spray for mold. Originally there was little hope for the restoration of this church due to the lack of money. The basement was completely mudded out and cleaned and the sanctuary can be renovated. Others will come after to complete interior work. Volunteers included Susan & Mike Bartlett [Delaware Baptist Church], Dennis Horne, and Karen Miller [Wayne Park Baptist].

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 10/31/2022
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Now Serving

 

Members of Hatboro Baptist Church regularly serve take-out meals to those in need in their community. VP of ABCOPAD Bryon Luke along with many church members serve around 300 meals in just a couple of hours. Bottled water and a hand-knit prayer patch with an attached prayer card were given to each vehicle. Over and over again people expressed their gratitude for both the meals and the prayers. Over the past two years, Hatboro has provided over 10,000 meals to its community, serving as the hands and feet of Jesus.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 9/28/2022
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Down At The River

Pastor Kevin Walden (Interim, First Baptist, Lancaster), he shared the following photos from a baptism that he recently conducted in the Susquehanna River. He was assisted by Daryl Thomas, an ACTS student. This baptism included a grandmother and a grandson. There were more than a dozen people in attendance for this wonderful Baptism and Baptist experience.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 9/27/2022
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Journey to Jumonville

Pastor Cristy Wise, SW GPS, had the privilege to be the guest speaker for the North Hills Community Baptist Church. The weather was great, the spirit amazing, and Jumonville Christian Camp and Retreat Center is a terrific location! Focusing on being persistent in our faith, participants were reminded: "We are SPECIAL, UNIQUE, and WONDERFULLY MADE... and WE ARE MORE than CONQUERORS!!" And what a great group of teens and leaders!
Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 9/27/2022
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Olive Branch Revival

 
It was a busy weekend at Olive Branch Baptist Church where Ken Sommerfelt serves as the pastor. They hosted a multi-day revival with DJ Dangerfield [FBC Chanute, Kansas] providing some powerful and passionate preaching for the Kingdom!

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 9/27/2022
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Baptisms at Mt Zion

 

So great seeing recent baptisms at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Altoona. Pastors Keith and Ruth Moore provide leadership at the church. Hallelujah!

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 7/7/2022
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Catching Up with the Clemmers

 

IM Missionaries Bill and Ann Clemmer were recently in Dover to share updates on their ministry. Both FBC and Christ Memorial BC, Dover, are strong supporters of the Clemmers and the amazing work they are doing in Africa. It was both inspiring and heartwarming to hear the stories Bill and Ann shared as they care for the people of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Categories: Ministries, General ~ Date: 7/7/2022
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Smoky Mountain Outreach

 

The Student Ministries Mission team of FBC, Milton, was working hard and having a lot of fun in Tennessee at Smoky Mountain Outreach! One day they did some demo of a a large porch and prepared the house for the rest of the work they'd be doing later in the week.

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 7/7/2022
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Rocky Railway

 

Hatboro Baptist Church held its 2022 Vacation Bible School with the theme "Rocky Railway". It was an opportunity to remind young and growing disciples that Jesus' Power Pulls Us Through.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 7/7/2022
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Uganda Mission Trip

 

Pastors Mark Mahserjian-Smith, Dan McDowell and Sam Geiger will be leading a team from GraceCrossing Community Church (Phoenixville) on a mission trip to Uganda this July. Originally, this trip was to take place in 2020, but it was delayed due to COVID. The three of them will be preaching in many small communities and providing pastoral training. Sadly, the prosperity gospel has become a major challenge for pastoral leaders. In the midst of so much poverty it is easy to understand its appeal. It's an exciting opportunity to be with Ugandan pastors who have asked us to come and help address this along with working on a construction project.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 6/1/2022
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Touch A Truck - Franklin Park

 

Army National Guard Humvees ... Fire Trucks ... Police Cars ... SWAT vehicles ... Construction trucks ... NA School Bus ... Farm Tractors ... Ambulances ... and more! FBC, Franklin Park, held its first TOUCH A TRUCK event. Open to the community, it provided the congregation a great opportunity to meet neighbors and share its witness. Quite frankly, the event blew them away --- never anticipating 750ish people to show up! They are excited to think about next year but also all of the contacts they made for VBS and beyond.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 5/27/2022
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Men at Moreland

 

The Northumberland Baptist Men’s Dinner was held at Moreland Baptist Church. Ladies from the church prepared a delicious pulled pork dinner, complete with apple pie and ice cream for dessert. The group heard about a local camp, Camp Victory that works with a variety of kids with special needs to offer them a camping experience. In the fall, a work day will be scheduled at Camp Victory to help close up the camp and complete some maintenance before winter.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 4/26/2022
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Stuffed

 

The children’s ministry at FBC, Lansdale, donated stuffed animals to Montgomery County Health Department. They give stuffed animals to children experiencing hardships and home transitions throughout the county. What a great way to teach children and practice what it means to love your neighbor as yourself!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 2/28/2022
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One Meal

 

First Baptist Church, Milton, is partnering with Kids Around the World and seizing the opportunity to bless hundreds of children with food for an entire year. FBC has committed to purchasing and packing 40,000 meals, which would provide a meal for 109 children every day for a year!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 2/28/2022
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I was hungry...

 

Nebo Baptist Church holds a monthly food and produce distribution program to serve its community. Preregistration is not necessary, but food is provided on a first come, first served basis. Don't you know --- It's always a blessing when we serve even "the least of these"!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 2/28/2022
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Medical Missions DR 2022

 

Rev. Kevin Zufall (lead pastor at FBC Troy and East Troy Baptist Church), who served on the Medical Mission Team in the Dominican Republic, shares a video he made following the trip.

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 2/6/2022
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Serving Time

 

Volunteers from the Parkesburg Baptist Church went to the nearby Tel Hai Camp and Conference Center in Honeybrook with serving hearts and hands. Painting, cleaning, and hanging drywall were just a few of the projects of the day. While some team members worked on construction and carpentry projects, others assisted in the dining hall making lunch. What a great way to share/serve/support/smile!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 2/3/2022
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In Stitches

 

Volunteers at Olive Branch Baptist Church, Vernon, have been soooo busy making no-sew blankets to give out to residents at a nearby nursing home. A total of 60 kits were purchased, with work days scheduled to complete the project. What a blessing to be a blessing! (Needle-ss to say, it's great therapy for anyone who seam-stressed!)

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 2/1/2022
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GPS Orientation

Say hello to our new Geographic Pastoral Servants! These newly appointed staff gathered in Camp Hill, PA, for several days of orientation. During our region's period of transition and in partnership with our Co-Executive Pastors (acting), these GPSers are commissioned to come alongside of local pastors and congregations to encourage, support, and assist in local ministries. [L-R: Dan McDowell, Rob Rice, Bob Keiderling, Randy Powell, Cristy Wise, Kelly Legg ... plus Jeffrey Johnson and Mark Mahserjian-Smith]

Bob Keiderling

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 2/1/2022
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Head Stand

 

All across Pennsylvania and Delaware, the ministry of Leadership Learning Communities [LLC] has been a lifeline for many pastors in ABCOPAD who have struggled during the pandemic. While many of our region pastors already participate, Rev. Tim Munson [FBC, York] will (yes!) literally stand on his head to encourage other pastors to come! For more info click HERE!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 2/1/2022
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Small Church - Big Hearts

 

John McCarty, pastor at White Hall Baptist Church, Danville,  recently shared his excitement for some projects that the church is involved in. For example, the American Baptist Women group collected a whole assortment of outdoor winter wear for the Women’s Center in Bloomsburg. What a blessing to those in need, as these faithful servants reach out and into their community!

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 2/1/2022
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Encouraging Pastors

 

Leadership Learning Communities (LLC) are small groups of pastors who gather together to cultivate healthy vital relationships, both personally and professionally. This is a crucial part of fulfilling the region's vision to build healthy partnerships with Churches, Pastoral Leaders and the wider ABC Family. For more information, click HERE.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 1/4/2022
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DR Witness 2022 Week 1

 

A great week as an ABCOPAD team of volunteers traveled to the Dominican Republic to share in service, fellowship, and worship with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 1/3/2022
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Tabernacle Tech

 

The Baptist Tabernacle Church in Wilkes-Barre PA has vastly improved its technology platform to provide Live Streaming of its services.

The equipment was purchased using ABCOPAD Tech grants. Installed by their resident IT person over the summer, the congregation is now able to provide high quality recordings to its membership that are unable to attend church in person due to COVID19.

Pastor Valerie Black reports: "We are hopeful that this enhanced capability will be seen by our members, neighborhood, and on-line communities as a huge positive and that on-line attendance will increase significantly. We have updated outreach efforts, using signage, flyers, newsletters, and social media posts – including our own Facebook Group, to inform folks of the Live Streamed services."

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 11/19/2021
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Christmas is a-comin'

 

Operation Christmas Child at FBC Greenville. Check out how amazing it is when people come together where children are involved. Recently, the congregation packed 160 boxes, but the final count was actually 212 boxes!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 11/16/2021
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Let There Be Light!

New Lighting was installed in the gym at First Baptist, Bethlehem... all in preparation for Upward Basketball. Looking forward to a great season... and (wow!) what a great opportunity for meeting new families!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 11/15/2021
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Forest Fall Festivities

 

Forest Baptist Church held a fantastic fall festival. Over the course of three hours, more than 300 people visited  the festivities and open house.
 

The day included much laughter, food, games, pumpkins, face painting...
 

and a hayride.
 

And it was an opportunity to distribute so many free things --- school supplies, fruits & vegetables, masks, backpacks, socks.

 

Wow! What a day! Pastor Sue Wilson Radel said, "It turned out to be one of the MOST AMAZING ministry experiences of my life."

 

 

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 10/31/2021
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Retreat To The Mountains 2021

 

It was a wonderful time to "Retreat to the Mountains," and the weather was beautiful. "Rest" was the theme. It was a great opportunity to met some new women who are leaders in their church.

 

With all of the stress in our world and challenges to everyone’s mental health, you might think the Women In Ministry retreat was “heavy” and “serious,” but you would be mistaken. There was joy and laughter and a spirit of “fun” that permeated the lodge.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 10/10/2021
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Blossburg Baggage

 

At FBC, Blossburg, the AB Ladies gave another suitcase headed for Brazil. Our AB Women have been absolutely amazing responding to the request for Thrift Shop items to help IM Missionary Corenne Smith and Hope Unlimited ministering in Brazil. There are so many great partners in ministry throughout ABCOPAD!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 10/10/2021
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Another ACTS Graduate

 

It was wonderful joining Apryl Glunt’s family and friends for her ACTS graduation at the Mill Creek Baptist Church. Completing the ACTS program is NO small accomplishment. It is, at a minimum a two-year process that requires classes, study, reading, reports, mentoring, and internship, and more. This cannot be completed without the support of family, church leadership, and a local congregation.

It was a joy being with Apryl, surrounded by family friends and her congregation to mark this special milestone in her life. ABCOPAD is so grateful for the many ACTS Grads who remain strong partners in ministry here in our Region often pastoring local congregations.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 9/20/2021
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Watsontown Rally Day

 

The smell of popcorn, cotton candy, and hot dogs filled the air on Rally Day at the Watsontown Baptist Church. Guest preacher Mark Mahserjian-Smith faced a challenge delivering the morning message as excitement mounted in anticipation of the food and games that would follow the morning worship service. A bounce house, dunk tank, and other fun games awaited church and community members as church leaders created this fun and exciting way to engage their neighbors on Sunday.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 9/20/2021
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New Calvary, Wilmington - DelawareToday

Kudos to New Calvary Baptist Church, Wilmington, featured in a recent issue of DelawareToday magazine.  The Rev. Vincent Oliver and the congregation have been working with the city, the University of Delaware, and the church’s original members to uncover its unique history and architectural significance. Read the full article HERE.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 8/2/2021
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ABMen at Medard's House

 

ABMen gathered at Medard’s House in Harrisburg for a local Mission Project. Fellows from across ABCOPAD gathered to assist this ministry to students in community. Grabbing their tools and equipment, they jumped into the work including power washing, staining, removing broken tree limbs and landscaping. These great partners in ministry served as the hands and feet of Jesus.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 7/25/2021
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Brazil or Bust!

 

Now that the Thrive Conference is a wonderful memory, we now begin the work of suitcase retrieval across the Region. Many suitcases have already made their way to Lancaster for Hope Unlimited’s Thrift Shop ministry, but there are lots more to move! Our AB Women are amazing partners in ministry and mission when they take on a project.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 6/26/2021
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A Week in Waynesburg

 

Dan Butcher (Student Ministry Leader) at FBC Norristown collaborated with Pastors Jim and Cathie Carpenter (WWJD) to create a Mission Project Week in Waynesburg. Dan and his team of students took on a number of significant work projects organized by Pastors Cathie and Jim.

 

The projects included replacing a fence...

 

rebuilding a deck, painting a deck,

 

putting on a new roof and more.

 

It was a joy seeing the students working on these projects as well as meeting a few of the homeowners who were VERY grateful for the work being done. It was awesome seeing these two ABCOPAD partnering congregations work together on this mission trip.

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 6/26/2021
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Under The Big Top

 

Vacation Bible School at FBC Waynesburg used the theme of a carnival for this year's program.

 

 Mandi Restanio, Director of Youth and Technology at FBC, shows off the new cotton candy machine the church purchased. (You know the kids love that!)

 

Dawn Mankey, VBS Decorator and Craft Person, turned the fellowship hall into a big top tent for the event! The leadership team prepared for an evening with lots of kids being together after struggling through the pandemic and experiencing the love of Jesus live and in person.

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 6/26/2021
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La Paz 2021

 

It was great seeing these pictures shared by Rev. Eric Kraihanzel following the return of the mission team from La Paz, Mexico. Pastor Eric is the Senior Pastor at the First Baptist Church of Lansdale. Wonderful seeing a mission team in action as it becomes safer to travel following the pandemic!

 

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 6/4/2021
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Fill a Suitcase for Brazil

 

Paula Sommerfeldt at the Olive Branch Baptist Church in Bell Vernon shows the suitcase the church is preparing for the 2021 Mission Project ---  sending Thrift Shop items to Brazil. Many ladies throughout ABCOPAD are preparing their suitcase. All the info you need for this exciting and fun mission project including what to donate, contact info and suitcase drop off sites is posted on the ABCOPAD website. Here is the link. https://www.abcopad.org/Minis.../ABWM/2021-Regional-Project/

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 5/20/2021
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Pathway to Success

 

The NEW L.I.F.E. Ministry at Baptist Temple Church, Pittsburgh, presents the 4th event in the PATHWAY TO SUCCESS series on Saturday, May 15. The Trade Construction Career Seminar consists of a panel of experts and guests who will discuss their experience in the trade industry and provide insight to getting those jobs. The virtual event is free and open to the public. For info, call: 412-254-3461

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 4/26/2021
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Friday Food Giveaway

 

Nebo Baptist Church, Nanticoke, continues to hold its monthly Produce and Food Giveaway in the church fellowship hall. Food is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Masks are required as the line forms outside the church. What a blessing to the community!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 4/26/2021
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Healthy Steps Diaper Bank

 

The Mission Board at West Shore Baptist Church, Camp Hill, organized an effort to bridge the Gospel to their wider community by serving at the Healthy Steps Diaper Bank. The Diaper Bank provides thousands of diapers to at-risk families throughout the central PA region. They distribute around 30,000 diapers a month to Central PA babies so they can be clean, dry and healthy. But first, the diapers must be wrapped into sets of 25! In order to do so, volunteers helped to count and wrap diaper packets. It was a hands-on experience for babies in need.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 4/26/2021
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Covered By The Cross

 

The church family at West Shore Baptist shared in a Maundy Thursday Service that was filled with music, art and passionate remembrance of the sacrifice of the Savior. Focusing on the Cross, Pastor Kelly reminded the congregation that Jesus carried the sign of our sins to Calvary, giving everyone in the sanctuary an opportunity to nail those 'signs' to the cross.

 

Then, through pieces of canvas that were painted by members of the congregation during the service, the image of Christ appeared on the Cross as He 'covered' our sins, bearing them on our behalf. It was a powerful image to depict a powerful reality in each of our lives.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 4/7/2021
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Prayers for Myanmar

 

As news broadcasts continue to report violence in Myanmar, a prayer vigil was held at Crossroads Baptist Church in Erie.

 

The congregation has had a long history of ministry to immigrants.

 

Our prayers continue for these partners in ministry who are seeing so much violence in their homeland.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 4/6/2021
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Upper Merion Egg Hunt

 

Upper Merion Baptist Church shared some photos from an outreach the church had on Holy Saturday -- an Easter Egg Hunt kit giveaway.

 

Since many groups were not holding large Egg Hunts this year, the church created kits for individual families to have their own egg hunts.

 

They also shared extra kits with a number of families through the local Salvation Army.

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 4/6/2021
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Love Unlimited Food Pantry

 

Love Unlimited recently launched its new food pantry ministry. The church became a Crisis Food Distributor for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. Its location across the street from the senior housing tower and low income apartments made us the perfect choice.

The pantry gave 50 boxes to the Lycoming College food pantry for International students who are unable to return home on breaks. When the college is on break the cafeteria is closed.

An additional 62 boxes were distributed to families and seniors. Charles used a shopping cart to deliver food to the seniors and families without any way to get them home. It was very exciting to be able to help so many families struggling with food insecurities.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 4/6/2021
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Basketball Banquets

 

FBC Bethlehem shared the great news regarding its recent Upward Basketball Banquets. The church actually did several banquet sessions to allow the 85 plus participants and their families to maintain social distancing and be safe. A Christian Illusionist shared a powerful Gospel Message while performing a fun and engaging show. Yes, it was challenging to pull off the Upward Program during the pandemic, but students and family appreciated the ministry.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 3/16/2021
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Vaccinations & Volunteers

 

 

Central Baptist Church of Wilmington, DE, recently served their community as a vaccination site. It was a successful event thanks to Christiana Care. Over 200 people were vaccinated! These partners in ministry are transforming their community as they serve as the hands and feet of Jesus.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 3/16/2021
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Leaders in Training

 

 

Congrats to the many students participating in the Leader In Training program for North Country Baptist Youth Ministries. The students will assist both at summer camp and ministries at their home church. Some of our ABCOPAD pastors experienced their call to pastoral ministry right here. Kudos to Eric and Judy Husted along with the team who continue this discipling program.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 3/16/2021
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GraceCrossing Ministry on Valentines Day

 

GraceCrossing Community Church Community Outreach

Our Valentine’s outreach into the Phoenixville Community was a huge success in my book! We were able to reach 14 residents, 12 of which have never been reached by GraceCrossing Community Church before. Our mission was to spread love into the Phoenixville Community, knowing so many people have had such a hard year, with no strings attached. We put out Facebook posts on community pages asking people to let us know someone who could use some love on Valentine's day. They would receive homemade, but super beautiful, Valentine’s Day cards and homemade decorated Valentine’s cookies in a heart shape.
  All drop-offs were contactless and safe! I included a business card in the envelope so they would know where it came from if they had any questions. Could freak people out to find an unexpected gift on their doorstep. I did have one person text thanking me with big thanks for doing this, it meant so much to her. One person also contacted to ask who nominated her, she was so touched by the thought and thanked us.
  Here are some of the people nominated by the community:

  • A single mom and 3 kids, the oldest 4 the youngest is an infant. Valentine’s day was also one of the kid's birthday’s and the father of the kids just walked out on the family. So, this was a particularly difficult time for mom and kids. We made a special Valentine’s Birthday card for the child whose birthday it was and included a little something special. Mom and the other 2 children also received a card and cookies.
  •  An elderly lady who’s husband had just passed away from COVID a week earlier. She came out as the drop-off was being made to say thank you and waved and smiled!
  • Two other elderly ladies who have been isolated for almost a year and really needed some love and to know someone cares. They live alone and it has been particularly difficult.
  • All 3 of these ladies are neighbors and friends. All are alone and only one has a living spouse who is in a memory care facility that she cannot visit.
  • An elementary teacher who, as you can imagine, has had quite a year and really needed a selfless gift of love and appreciation.
  • A woman who lives near our church who is living alone recently had to put her dog down and that was her only company.
  • A lady with cancer and on oxygen and her daughter who is caring for her and is a single working mom.

Several were submitted without any background info, just an address, and name. But, I’m sure those people were blessed also by getting a little bit of love without expectation of anything!
  We even had a lady from the community volunteer to help deliver these bags in the community. That was a blessing for sure!

GraceCrossing Community Church Member Outreach

  We also prepared, packaged, and delivered 90 valentines to-go meals, cookies, and cards to those shut-in or sheltering in place due to covid. Those who attended in-person worship on Sunday, February 14 took their to-go meals as they left after the service, along with a bag of cookies and a card!

  We received many texts, emails, and in-person thanks from members for this special valentines day meal and treats. It was appreciated and delicious!
  What we’ve decided is that for every special event we do, it will include a community outreach in some way. We must always be thinking about those out there who do not know what God’s love really is and there is no better way to show them than to be that love. Many GCCC hands and feet made this all possible and everyone felt good who participated or received a blessing. That is what the church is!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 2/27/2021
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A Weary World Rejoices

 

 

From Tom Parkins:

Calvary Baptist Church, Newark, has been all virtual since March, but as we say, "the building is closed, the church is open". OPEN INDEED!

We have a rich tradition of serving the homeless and poor of Newark. We normally open up to the homeless, lonely and hungry on Christmas Eve, with a BIG feast,safe warm overnight, breakfast, gifts from Santa and Christmas Day lunch. Not possible in 2020. Newark homeless are sheltered by the state and county in area hotels. We had to go to them and that provided new opportunities.

Since we are meeting virtually, Pastor Corey made a mobile Advent Wreath to video. He asked me to do the wreath on Peace Sunday. I took the wreath to the Red Roof Inn where a number of homeless are sheltered.

These are the players:

  • Tim-- his Mom had died the week before, covid related. We originally planned it with just me and Tim. But they asked him to stay late at work. So I got Betty and Mike. Betty invited Melissa and Euvie to join us.
  • Mike. Never homeless until pandemic. (April) Lost his job and apartment. Worked a while last summer until he hurt his shoulder. Very depressed. Pray for peace and that he can move forward.
  • Betty. An 60 year old woman. She was Pops long time partner. He died a month ago, and she is still grieving his loss. Pops would panhandle to provide for her. Does not see a future without him.
  • Euvie. Just met him that night. He just got an apartment and we furnished it in one week. Going back to school to improve job skills.
  • Melissa. Mother of 6 kids age 1-14. homeless because of domestic violence. Living at RR since early Aug. She got a chance for subsidized housing in Dover but needed $800 by Friday or go to bottom of list. Dover is safer for her.

Our homeless-needy fund is in good shape. Friendship House could not help since not in New Castle County. I coordinated with First Baptist, Dover. They will take the lead in furnishing. They also have a food pantry. So Calvary will bond with FBC, Dover which is good. 

Thursday night I took the "pocket pastor" to Red Roof parking lot. Corey does zoom prayer sessions and as Corey led the Thursday prayer zoom, Melissa opened up. Corey prayed the Chaos Blessing. "How did you know that I needed that now?" It was the final virtual prayer session of 2020 but it was the best. 

We talked about peace before lighting the candle.. I spoke of peace as from in John. Jesus says, "Peace I leave you."  I explained that type of peace. They listened so attentively. When we were done and prayed, Melissa sayid "I want that peace." I will never forget lighting the candle.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 1/5/2021
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Drive-In Worship

 

Westgate Baptist Church in Lancaster, PA, has been meeting out in the parking lot due to covid restrictions. They have had up to 50 cars in their parking lot with multiple people in one vehicle; attendees include folks from their own congregation as well as visitors from the area. Just a couple weeks ago, the congregation welcomed ten people into church membership.

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 12/28/2020
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Gifts Galore!

 

Pastor Dan McDowell, GraceCrossing Community Church, received a message from his daughter, who lives in New York City, that the homeless shelter near her home was planning a Christmas celebration for the residents. Though they could provide a holiday meal, Pastor Dan's daughter was wondering if his congregation, Grace Crossing Community Church in Phoenixville, PA, could help with providing presents to the many resident children.

 

The church's leadership gave a generous gift from their own monies towards the effort but it still wasn't enough with the number of kids needing help. Pastor Dan sent out an emergency e-message sharing with his church what some would see as a problem, but Pastor Dan presented as a possibility, asking for his congregants to assist.

 

The response was overwhelming. The items donated in such a short window of time filled numerous tables in the church's fellowship hall. Pastor Dan and his wife Terri drove the items Christmas Eve to the shelter following the church's evening service. ALL OF THIS with less than a 24 hour turnaround!

 

Suffice to say, Grace Crossing's building may be closed at times during this covid crisis, but THE CHURCH is clearly always open, active, alive and well, being the hands and feet AND heart of Jesus!

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 12/28/2020
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PCC Kids Club

 

The Pleasant Community Church, Warren, recently started a pair of new, weekly youth programs aimed at providing a “healthy outlet” for kids. The programs serve children in Kindergarten through 12th grade and run every Wednesday at PCC. The Kids Club is for K-5th graders, while Youth Group serves 6th-12th grades. “The program was launched to provide a safe and supportive space for kids and youth to gather and grow in faith and maturity,” Pastor James A. Swanson. “It’s serving as a wonderful and healthy outlet for the challenges and stresses we’re all under, including our young people.”

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 11/5/2020
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Central Union Ordination Council

 

Kudos to Chris Hamilton, Student Ministries Regional Ministry Associate [Northeast]. Pastor Brad Lacey moderated the Ordination Council with the delegates from Central Union Association gathering in person and through Zoom to ask questions of Chris about his call and theology. Chris did an outstanding job fielding the questions and the delegates unanimously supported FBC, Lansdale, in ordaining Chris. Congratulations brother!

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 9/30/2020
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Operation Christmas Child 2020

 

It's that time of the year. Like many churches across the region, Greenville FBC has prepared shoeboxes ready for Operation Christmas Child. There is no greater feeling than filling a box for a child who probably will not receive anything for Christmas. But the greatest feeling is spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 9/24/2020
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The Blessing Box

 

Greenville First Baptist Church recently partnered with the Reynolds Class of '76 in a great mission. The Blessing Box was painted, mounted, and filled with food for needy folk in the community. With contributions made by members of the church and neighborhood, nonperishable food is made available to anyone in need. Great idea Pastor Jeff Landfried! Awesome way to connect with your community.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 9/24/2020
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FBC Berwick Clothing Closet

 

Each Monday night FBC Berwick opens its Community Clothing Closet, offering gently used and new clothes along with household items and hygiene products to those in need.  Volunteers fill shopping bags with clothes for both kids and adults in preparation for the fall season.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 8/26/2020
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Delaware Disaster Relief

 

The air was full of the sounds of chainsaws buzzing as Delaware Disaster Relief Volunteers wasted no time to clear fallen trees and debris following the tornado that touched down right near the Christ Memorial Baptist Church in Dover, DE.

 

This tornado left the longest trail of destruction in Delaware history, stretching for about 29 miles and first touching down very close to the church. Grateful for Pastor Jeff Collins who quickly assembled a Disaster Relief Team to address needs in the community.

 

The group cleared a significant road by the church and helped a number of neighbors begin clearing their property of fallen trees. Just a great team of workers all pitching in to help. An OUTSTANDING group of partners in ministry.

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 8/9/2020
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Happenings at Hughesville

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 7/28/2020
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COVID: Forest Baptist Church

 

Pastor Sue Wilson-Radel at Forest Baptist Church reports how someone from the congregation inquired about doing something nice for the local hospital ER staff. They decided on 10 pizzas from a business who offered a great price and wrote a note on behalf of our church telling them that we are praying for them and we appreciate all of their hard work. Nice!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 4/8/2020
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COVID: Logan's Valley Baptist Church

 

In the midst of the current health crisis, the congregation at Logan's Valley Baptist Church has figured out how to reach out to needy families in the community. A "Porch Ministry" where food supplies can be picked up -- there were fresh carrots and sweet potatoes as well as dinner in a bag. Also spaghetti sauce and spaghetti bagged together ready for pick up. 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 4/8/2020
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COVID: Milton Youth Night

 

What a great time of ministry at FBC, Milton! Although they could not physically meet, the youth group gathered online to connect with God and each other. Pastor of Youth and Young Adults Andrew Teish planned a great time connecting with our FBC students online for some fun, games, and prayer. They enjoyed a scavenger hunt! ...running through the house to find items and bring them back, including a parent!  What fun to see the students laugh and enjoy some time with one another!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 3/22/2020
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COVID - Woodlawn and Facebook Live

 

Woodlawn American Baptist Church is taking full advantage of their Facebook site in the midst of the COVID-19 restrictions. It's not just Sunday morning worship! Throughout the week, they have prepared multiple opportunities for interacting with the congregation. There's even a special focus on the kids: "Kindness Counts" presented a quick "real talk" session for the kiddos ... all about what is happening in the world and a fun story about germs.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 3/21/2020
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COVID - Scranton Churches

 

Several pastors in the Scranton Area have partnered with Pastor Gary Joe Eaches and the United Baptist Church of Scranton to live stream throughout an entire day bringing messages of hope and spending time in prayer. Visit the church's Facebook Page to watch the stream. Pastor Elliott Cook from Jackson Street Baptist Church and Minister Valerie June Black from the United Baptist Church of Taylor were are all on the schedule.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 3/21/2020
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COVID - Walkchalk Salem
Drive-in Worship

 

Walkchalk Salem Baptist Church, Kittanning, is meeting the challenges of COVID-19 by providing members and friends an opportunity to worship Drive-In style! They built a platform near the parking lot for the service and ordered an FM transmitter that will send the signal directly to the cars FM radios. That way folk could still come together without ever leaving their cars (and follow the social distancing requirements!).

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 3/21/2020
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COVID - BCWC Breakfast Ministry

 

The Saturday morning Breakfast/Brunch Ministry at the Baptist Church of West Chester continues with appropriate adjustments for increased vigilance on health and safety procedures for those serving and those being served. 40+ years and still going strong!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 3/21/2020
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COVID - New Britain Food Pantry

 

At the New Britain Baptist Church volunteers prepared grocery bags for distribution as neighbors met the challenging precautions of COVID-19. Bags were packed and ready for a "drive-thru delivery," as people were handed a bag of groceries without leaving their cars!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 3/21/2020
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Thanks, Fred!

 

Meet Fred Ewald, our ABCOPAD Regional Ministry Associate for Search Committees. (Fred is also a congregational leader at the Hatboro Baptist Church). Fred and Mark Mahserjian-Smith are working on a new project: building a database of pastoral leaders from the MinistrElife system open to serving a church in ABCOPAD. Currently the system includes many professional leaders who are not pastors as well as retired clergy and denominational staff not interested in full time or part time pastoral service. One recent search pulled 175 potential pastoral matches but it was easy to see a significant percentage of the list were not actual pastoral leaders ready to serve. So grateful for Fred and his willingness to assist with this new concept meant to make life a little easy for Search Committees already working hard to discern their next pastoral leader.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 3/2/2020
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One In A Million

Have you met Caryl Casey? She is phenomenal! Caryl is our ABCOPAD Regional Treasurer, and does an outstanding job handling all things financial... not only managing the ledgers and records, but offering insight, ideas, and support that under-gird our regional and global witness. Living in Hatboro, PA, she and her husband KC are vital partner in ministry. She really is one in a million!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 3/2/2020
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This Week at Tarentum

 

This Sunday at FBC, Tarentum, Rev Dr. Felicia Brock brought a stirring message from the familiar story of Abraham and God’s call to sacrifice his son Isaac, before leading us in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Pastor Brock began her ministry at FBC in September.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 3/2/2020
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Go Into All The World!

 

Comparing notes ---- Pastor Dan McDowell (GraceCrossings Phoenixville) and Pastor Dan Nicewonger along with Elder Chris Wells (FBC Kennett Square) are each doing mission work in Africa. Pastor Dan McDowell has been focusing in Uganda while Pastor Dan Nicewonger and Elder Chris Wells have aimed their attention in Togo. Each church family has sent mission teams to these countries. Exciting work!!!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 3/2/2020
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Welcome Pastor Zufall

 

An ABCOPAD welcome to Kevin Zufall as he begins serving the congregations of FBC, Troy and East Troy. Pastor Zufall and his family are so excited to see how God is going to move in this new chapter in ministry for them and the congregations they have been called to serve!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 2/4/2020
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DR Mission Team 2020

 

D.R. Team 2020 at the construction site - building a wall for a future medical clinic. Construction team members from FBC, Wellsboro, worked with the Haitian men to build a wall around what will eventually be the F. Ardell Thomas Medical Clinic!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 1/10/2020
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Servant Volunteers in La Paz 2020

 

FBC Lansdale with folks also from Parkerford and Bethlehem are in LaPaz, Mexico, for a week of service.

 

Several groups spread out and worked around LaPaz. Several folk went to the seminary and installed a projector...

 

while others helped with the landscaping.

 

There were those who helped pour concrete floors in the new dorms for Rancho El Camio.

 

A crew of volunteers went to the Kids Up stable and worked all day to finish two walls with stucco.

 

Hard work, yes... But there's also time for great fellowship and food.

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 1/10/2020
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Widow's Mite Award

 

On behalf of American Baptist Churches USA, MMBB Financial Services honors Parkesburg Baptist Church in Parkesburg, Pennsylvania with the 2018 Widow’s Mite Award. MMBB recognizes Parkesburg Baptist Church for the congregation’s dedication and giving to the Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering (RMMO). The RMMO, one of four national ABCUSA offerings, provides financial support to retired ministers, missionaries and their widowed spouses who have served ABCUSA for 15 or more years.

This year’s RMMO theme centers around, Honoring the Service of God’s Servants, a sentiment that celebrates the more than 40-year legacy of the offering. Senior Pastor of Parkesburg Baptist Church, Rev. Mary C. Lewis understands the importance of honoring the RMMO tradition. She remarks, “We are eternally grateful to serve a God who is eternally faithful. Giving to RMMO provides an opportunity to model that example of His faithfulness to show our love and support to those who have served.”

The annual Widow’s Mite award acknowledges churches that demonstrate outstanding leadership and a continued commitment to supporting RMMO. As a mission focused congregation, Parkesburg impacts the lives of so many with their community outreach programs that include food pantry donations, annual mission trips, and volunteering offsite to help local youth and service projects.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 12/9/2019
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Recognized Pulpit Speakers

 

ABCOPAD staff, in conjunction with our Academy for Christian Training and Service (ACTS), recently offered a 6-week Recognized Pulpit Speaker Training Program. The on-line course provided basic pulpit supply training for those interested in preaching at churches in ABCOPAD. Meet a few of the students --- Dennis Horne, Ed Zinser, and Brett Fallon.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 11/28/2019
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1695 ... and Counting

 

The youth group and folks from Troy and East Troy Baptist recently donated and packed items for 56 Operation Christmas Child boxes. This makes 1,695 boxes they've have done over 23 years of sending boxes! Thanks to everyone!!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 11/28/2019
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A Crossroads Community Thanksgiving

 

At Crossroads Community Baptist Church in Erie, Pastor David White and his wife Rev. Katie White led the congregation in a service of thanksgiving.

 

Also serving at the church is Pastor Mann See Son from Burma.

 

The congregation was celebrating Thanksgiving with everyone bringing their first fruits to the communion table to share with one another along with sharing with those in need. Church leader Mo explained that Burmans do not celebrate Thanksgiving in their homeland, but during the harvest season they celebrated First Fruits. Everyone would bring from their gardens a portion of their harvest to share with others. Today, while there may not be gardens, everyone brings food to share with one another and anyone in need.

 

After morning worship the church family enjoyed a delicious fellowship meal including a celebration of November birthdays and anniversaries.

 

Pastor Dave interacts with these young adults who were laughing and giggling in the midst of the conversation. It was clear Pastor Dave loves these students and they love him.

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 11/27/2019
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Circle Activity
at Vision Fellowship

 

From Vision Fellowship, Malvern ---

At this time of year, the Doris Dickerson Circle participates in Operation Christmas Child by filling shoeboxes with gifts for needy children. Pictured are a few of the early contributions as the project began. By the November 17th collection date, approximately thirty shoeboxes were ready to donate for distribution to girls and boys, ages 2 to 14. Concurrently, the Circle collects items for a local food pantry; donates new toys for the Salvation Army’s community appeal, and fills Christmas gift requests for residents of a nearby nursing home.

 

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 11/19/2019
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Active Shooter Training

 

The congregation at FBC Pittsburgh hosted an Active Shooter Training gathering. The Pittsburgh Baptist Association along with sister churches from other associations and even a sister church from another denomination attended the workshop with Sergeant Eric Kroll from the Pittsburgh Police presenting.

Sergeant Kroll did a masterful job sharing valuable information on this challenging topic in a non-threatening and interactive format. The class was especially significant, as everyone remembers the Tree of Life Synagogue shoot that took place just one year ago.

Our own ABCOPAD Regional Ministry Associate for Protect My Ministry Minister Valerie Black was in attendance as she helped coordinate the event. It was great seeing so many ABCOPAD Churches represented at the training.

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 11/5/2019
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Hope Beyond Disappointment

 

Hope Beyond Disappointment retreat with Marie Monville held today at Parkesburg Baptist Church. There were 110 women present representing 4 Associations (Central Union, Delaware, Reading and Harrisburg) with 16 churches represented.

Marie reminded us that God can bring beauty into our lives beyond the disappointments of this life. (Marie Monville was the wife of Amish Schoolhouse Shooter and author of One Light Still Shines.)

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 11/5/2019
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Hughesville Baptist Church Installation

 

Hughesville Baptist Church conducted an installation service as they officially welcomed Pastor Debbie Marker. Many clergy and guests from the Northumberland Baptist Association and ABCOPAD joined in the celebration as Pastor Debbie ( a graduate of our ACTS program and a Certified Lay Minister) begins her first call as a lead pastor. Numerous pastoral leaders from the NBA including the pastor of her home church, Pastor Ron Wagner (Montandon BC) participated in the service.

Following the installation service for Pastor Debbie Marker at the Hughesvillle Baptist Church, the congregation held a reception in the Berger Fellowship Hall, providing an opportunity for everyone to greet Pastor Debbie and congratulate her on her call.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 11/5/2019
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Retreat To The Mountains

Women in Ministry gathered for the first retreat of its kind since ABCOPAD was formed. They traveled to Madisonburg Mountain and enjoyed a getaway to Fellowship Lodge at Camp Krislund. It was a time of sharing faith, stories, life and hearts. Most of all, there was laughter, bonding, praying, feasting... and even the shedding of a few tears.

 

You can be sure another retreat will be planned for the future. Hope that next time you will consider joining us!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 10/27/2019
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Anna Young Receives Ministry Award

 

American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) Executive Director Dr. Jeffrey Haggray has presented the 2019 national-recognition Jitsuo Morikawa ABHMS Healing and Transforming Communities Award to Anna Young, aged 88, the organization’s longest-serving volunteer. He presented her with a plaque and cash award in early September at Lackawanna County Prison, Scranton, Pa., where she has been ministering since 1971. Full story HERE.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 10/18/2019
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New Hope Fall Festival

 

The Fall Festival at the New Hope Christian Church in Broomall offered lots of fun. It was a great way to bring the community together on a beautiful autumn day.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 10/8/2019
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The Great Message

 

Recently Jeff Johnson was a guest on "The Great Message" radio program hosted by Rev. Brad Lacey, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Conshohocken and President of the Philadelphia Bible Society. They spent more than a half hour talking about their faith in Christ, the state of the American Church, and the premise of his book, Got Style? (in its tenth year of publication and its third printing!). 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 10/8/2019
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Chili Cook-Off

 

West Shore Baptist Church in Camp Hill honored the First Responders of their community this evening by hosting a Chili Cook-Off. Twelve competitors vied for the title of “best” Chili and it came down to a taste-off with the Mayor of Camp Hill deciding the winner....congratulations to Eric Born!

 

It was such a wonderful evening for the church family to say “Thank You” to all those who put their lives on the line to care for us.

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 10/1/2019
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Memory Game

 

At a meeting of the ABWM leadership team, Conference Registrar and Secretary Jodie Vasbinder had the ladies perform a team building exercise with each lady getting a glimpse of a building block configuration and the having to go back to their team to duplicate it from memory. The teams found it challenging to remember the complex design and did great working together to accomplish their mission.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 9/21/2019
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Welcome Rev. Sam Geiger

 

Upper Merion Baptist Church celebrated the installation of their new pastor -the Reverend Samuel Geiger. Pastor Brad Lacey (FBC, Conshohocken) brought the charge to the pastor and Frank Frischkorn (ABCOPAD Regional Executive Pastor) had the privilege of bringing the charge to the congregation. Pastor Bob Coats, a mentor for Sam for a number of years, led in the prayer of installation.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 9/16/2019
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Souled Out

 

Cornerstone Fellowship in Coatesville held their annual Souled Out Community Concert / Festival.

 

Despite an overcast sky, people from the church and community came out to listen to a variety of Christian bands, enjoy delicious food, check out local vendors and just enjoy a fun afternoon together.

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 9/16/2019
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The Wizard of Oz - West Shore Style

 

The West Shore Baptist Church put on a musical drama camp at their church last week with performances on Friday and Saturday.

 

The week included games and crafts.

 

Life lessons (Pastor Greg talked with our campers about how we, like Dorothy, are always longing for something or some place else.)

 

Lots of rehearsal.

 

And of course, a great show.

 

Amazing volunteers worked all week (and many weeks prior) to make musical theatre camp a success. 60 kids heard, saw, and experienced the Gospel through this creative ministry.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 7/4/2019
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FBC Milton -- Mission Accomplished

The Student Mission Team from FBC, Milton, offered their hearts and hands at Smoky Mountain Outreach in Tennessee. Check out their work and witness.

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 6/27/2019
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East Mahoning Baptist Church VBS

 

East Mahoning Baptist Church is about to begin its Vacation Bible School.

Don't-cha wish you were young again!

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 6/17/2019
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Believers Baptism

 

Pastor Gary Gilpin baptized nine persons at Aldenville Baptist Church, Prompton, in their new baptismal tank. The tank was dedicated in his honor with a plaque commemorating his 18 years of ministry. Gary is third from left and Deacon Kevin Kromko is on far right (Kevin assisted). The church dug out a baptistery under the platform in 1884 but removed it in 1915 when they dug out a basement under the sanctuary. A baptism held on Easter Sunday was the first baptism in the church building since 1915. Another baptism is planned this summer.

 

Pastor Randy Powell, lead pastor at the First Baptist Church of Franklin had two baptisms: brothers Matthew and Michael Martz. Matthew is a recent graduate of Rocky Grove High School and about to enter into the United States Air Force. Michael has plenty of HS left to go. FBC was proud to add both of these young men to its fellowship through this tradition and ordinance of the church. Pastor Randy is a member of our ABCOPAD board and a great partner in ministry.

 

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 6/17/2019
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Saturday Night Live

 

Rev Mark Schollaert leads the folk at the First Baptist Church Of Monongahela for their Saturday night worship service. After words of welcome, Pastor Mark offered a short passage of scripture from the book of Romans letting everyone know on the Eve of Father’s Day what our Heavenly Father has done for us, removing all condemnation from our lives through Jesus. Pastor Mark reminded all of us just how much our Heavenly Father loves us.

 

The praise team was incredible, with very talented musicians helping us lift our voices in praise and worship. I cannot begin to describe just how rich the singing was as we all lifted our voices, our hearts and our hands to Jesus.

 

Mark Mahserjian-Smith had the great joy of delivering the evening message, talking about mission and serving as the hands and feet of Jesus.

 

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 6/15/2019
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Installation Marisa White /
Calvary Baptist, Newark

 

 

Frank writes:

I had the joy of participating in the Installation service of Pastor Marisa White today at Calvary Baptist Church in Newark, DE. Marisa has been called to serve as the church’s Associate Pastor of Leadership Development alongside Dr. Corey Fields, the church’s Senior Pastor. Following the service we all enjoyed a fellowship luncheon in appreciation of both of the pastors.

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 6/5/2019
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Jefferson Baptist 2019 VBS

They say "a picture is worth a thousand words". There's a big story here, as so many kids attend the Vacation Bible School taking place at Jefferson Baptist Church in southwestern ABCOPAD. Great fun! Lots of learning! And lives changed!

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 6/4/2019
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Regional Ministry Associates for Student Ministries hold first Zoom Meeting

ABCOPAD Regional Ministry Associates For Student Ministries: The ABCOPAD Regional Ministry Associates for Student Ministries: Josh Trojak (Christ American BC Spring Grove), Ben Kraihanzel (FBC Bethlehem) and Mandi Pascarella (FBC Waynesburg) hosted the first Student Ministries Zoom gathering. Student ministries leaders along with people passionate about student ministries from across ABCOPAD participated on the video conference. Participants included full time student ministry leaders, part time student ministries leaders, senior pastors, volunteers and more. It was great seeing this community come together to talk about student ministries and support one another in this partnership. The video conference call was posted on our ABCOPAD Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ABCOPADVideo. ? Very grateful for our 3 ABCOPAD Regional Ministry Associates for Student Ministries who hosted our Zoom Conference Call this evening. Thanks to our newest RMA for Student Ministries (elect), Mandi Pascarella along with Ben Kraihanzel and Pastor Josh Trojak it was great having so many people interested in Student Ministries on the call. Thanks again.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 6/3/2019
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FBC Pittsburgh Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic

First Baptist Church of Pittsburgh:   A team from the First Baptist Church of Pittsburgh, led by Rev. Chuck and Ruth Fox, traveled to the Dominican Republic to serve in La Romana alongside Ketly and Vital Pierre our International Missionaries in the DR. The team planned to tackled two projects ... construction of a home for Pastor Santiago, and teacher training sessions for 3 different Christian schools, affiliated with the Baptists in La Romana.

Ruth Fox wrote: What an amazing week...busy, busy, busy...but wonderfully so! Making friends, building partnerships, encouraging others while they encouraged us, worshiping and working in a language unfamiliar to us but given interpretation and understanding through common purpose and love. Many thanks to those who participated financially in supporting our team to go and those who prayerfully supported us while we were there!

 

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 6/3/2019
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Logans Valley Forms Search Committee

Mark writes. On Wednesday night, May 29th, I joined the Logan’s Valley Baptist Church Pulpit Committee for their first meeting as they begin searching for their next pastoral leader. Some members of the committee were veterans of the search process having served on search committees in the past while for others this is their maiden voyage into the process.
Often, for those unfamiliar with searching for a pastor, the expectation is the Regional Pastor will bring a pile of resumes, the committee will take 4-6 weeks to review them and then a selection will be made, but this is NOT how the search process works.
Congregations spend time in reflection and build a congregational profile helping identify who the church is and what they are looking for in their next pastoral leader. Then every effort is made to identify pastoral leaders open to move who are a “good match” for the church. In most cases the process can take a year to even two years to find a good match. In the meantime the church is served by an interim minister who helps the congregation in the transition.
Please keep the Logan’s Valley Baptist Church in your prayers as they join many congregations in ABCOPAD currently in the process of searching for their next pastoral leader. Happy to help these partners in ministry in the midst of their search.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 6/3/2019
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Anna Young Receives Healing and Transforming Communities Award

Jeff writes ...

As many of you may have heard by now, one of our own, a fellow ABCOPADer, Anna Young, has been named the recipient of one of the five national awards given out biennially by the American Baptist Home Mission Societies. Anna will be receiving the "Healing and Transforming Communities Award" given in memorium of the Rev. Dr. Jistuo Morikawa who believed in the whole Gospel, and its holistic application to redeem the whole of the person God created. Anna (just shy of 90) is receiving this award for her nearly FIFTY YEARS of selfless, servant ministry inside the walls of the Lackawanna County Prison. Just recently, she has been joined by one of our ABMen officer, Ron Stock, and Pastor Don Hasselmen, who are conducting a men's Bible Study at the prison. Anna will not be able to attend our ABC Biennial in June in Virginia Beach, so her award will be presented to her by national and regional staff locally, in the Scranton area where she lives, sometime over the summer. You can check out all the award recipients at: http://abhms.org/…/american-baptist-home-mission-societies…/

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 6/3/2019
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Women's Day at Love Unlimited

Mark writes. On May 19th I joined Love Unlimited in Williamsport for their Women’s Day event. Pastor Dorothy and Pastor Willie Anderson welcomed the ladies of the church who delivered an exciting, action packed program. The sanctuary was full with Love Unlimited members, visitors from other churches along with many community family members and friends. The Love Unlimited Women’s Choir was outstanding along with many other ladies who offered readings, scripture, skits and more. It was a great event including a fellowship meal following the service. It was just fun being present for this day of celebration honoring ladies in Love Unlimited and beyond.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 6/3/2019
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Active Shooter Training in Lackawanna County

Pastor Debbie Loessy (FBC Factoryville) sent these pictures taken during the Active Shooter Training sponsored by Lackawanna County Sheriff's office. A number of our ABCOPAD Churches were present for the training and our ABCOPAD Ministry Associate for Protect My Ministries, Minister Valerie Black was along in attendance. Grateful for these partners in ministry who are learning all they can to keep their congregation's safe in these challenging days.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 6/3/2019
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Aldenville Baptist Forms Search Committee

Mark writes. On May 21st, I joined the Aldenville Baptist Church newly formed Search Committee to begin the process of searching for their next pastoral leader following Pastor Gary Gilpin’s retirement. The group spent time going over the ABPS search process and learning how to build their congregational profile. Pastor Gary has served Aldenville for over 18 years so it has been a while since the congregation had to conduct a pastoral search. Grateful for these partners in ministry who will be taking point as the church family prepares to go through a pastoral transition, celebrating Pastor Gary’s long and fruitful ministry while also looking to the future and their next pastor.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 6/3/2019
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The Baptist Church of West Chester celebrates Youth Sunday

Youth Sunday. May 19, 2019. God has blessed BCWC with amazing youth! It was a joy to see them lead the worship service! Thank you to all who helped!
  Great pictures of Youth Sunday at the Baptist Church Of West Chester, lead pastor Rev. David Braneky and Part Time Pastor Zach Wooten. Looks like it was a wonderful Sunday with lots of kids involved in worship. 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 6/3/2019
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Calvary Allentown Celebrates
Rev Mardy von Harten
40th Ordination Anniversary

Jeff writes ...
Sunday May 20th, was another special day in the life of Calvary Baptist, Allentown, but a VERY special in the life of their pastor, Rev. Manfred von Harten. Three baptisms were conducted and a total of five people were received into membership, including the Rukambe's from Zimbabwe. During and after the service, the congregation celebrated the 40Tth anniversary of Pastor Mardy's ordination, given him back in 1979 by the Community Baptist Church in Chaffee, NY. Nearly half of those forty years have been spent serving at Calvary. Congratulations were read from the various congregations Pastor Mardy served through the years. Actually, literally while our region's letter was being read, the Chaffee Church called in to give their congrats live! Pastor Mardy was then surrounded by the leadership of the church asking a continuing blessing on his continuing ministry. Following the sermon, "Living Your Baptism" and the conclusion of the worship service, a reception was held where gifts were given and cake was enjoyed! It was a wonderful day for everyone, not the least of whom were the Harten's ... Pastor Mardy and Peggy. Truly, this church lives out its mission mantra it developed during their co::lab (vision) work a few years back, "Growing Lives by Embracing Everyone in the Love of Christ."

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 6/3/2019
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Mission and Vision at FBC Emporium

Mark writes. On May 18th, I joined Rev Jim Horton and the church family at FBC Emporium for a fellowship dinner and then a meeting to talk about vision and being missional in their community.

We used the Co::lab process to explain the importance of determining a congregation’s Kingdom Concept to do effective mission and outreach. It was great listening to the ministries currently taking place at the church and dreaming about ways to enhance some of those ministries, possibly bring some ministries to a close along with considering new ministries that connect with the community using the church families gifts and passions.

Very much appreciate Pastor Jim, his wife Grace and the church family for their hard work last night and being such great partners in ministry.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 6/3/2019
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FBC Mansfield Memorial Service for
Rev Ben Nevin

 

Frank writes: Today (May 18th) the family of faith remembered a wonderful servant of the King—the Rev. Benjamin E. Nevin, Jr., who went home to be with his LORD on April 5, 2019. Rev. Cheryl Filson, Pastor is the FBC of Mansfield led a beautiful service of remembrance that featured beautiful music, a number of touching family reminiscences from Ben’s children as well as words or remembrance from myself, former Pastor Rev. Dr. John Whitfield and dear friend, Rev. Grace Shirk. Following the service the congregation shared a wonderful meal prepared by the church family.

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 6/3/2019
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Baptisms And Honoring Veterans at FBC Berwick

May 19th was quite a big day at FBC, Berwick, as 4 were Baptized and 2 were presented with Quilts of Valor for their years of service in the Military.
Julia Troiani, Mia Daddio, Ashlyn Zanoline and Stanley Hayes were baptized. Pastor Vivian Smith-Fountain, Pastor Rob Rice, and Lay-Pastor in training, Deb Copeland, were doing duty in the Baptismal.

Next on our program was the presentation of Quilts of Valor. Reverend Dr. Herman Fountain and Mr. Dale Rev. Herman were in the Air Force, and Mr. Krothe was in the Navy.

The sermon was given by Pastor Rob Rice, a former pastor at FBC. It was a wonderful worship and praise service, and we enjoyed the company of friends and family of the candidates receiving Baptism. It was a beautiful morning.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 6/3/2019
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Region Board Spring Meeting 2019

 

Many thanks to the ABCOPAD Regional Board which met in Breezewood, PA.

 

ABCOPAD Region President Apryl Glunt (Mill Creek BC) welcomed the board members and launched the meeting.

 

Vice-President Rev. Mark McCallion (Wesleyville Baptist Church) offered a morning devotional and prayer.

 

The board received reports, including a report from our Regional Treasurer Caryl Casey. Regional Pastor Jeff Johnson also explained our Salary Support Ministry.

 

It's great having so many boards members and strong partners in ministry together to work on our Regional ministries and missions.

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 5/13/2019
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LLC Southwest

 

The Southwest PA LLC (which includes pastoral leaders from seven different churches across two associations) met for a time of sharing, learning, and encouragement. The day began with a time for catching up on personal and family news as well as in the lives of our congregations and the region. Then David Earnest presented what he had gleaned from the recent Pastors' Retreat themed "Small Church, Big Deal" to complement their ongoing study of the book, "Small Church Essentials".

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 5/13/2019
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New Bern Mission Trip

 

Volunteers from Moreland Baptist Church and Hepburn Baptist Church partnered with Fuller Center Disaster Rebuilders in New Bern, North Carolina. A community of about 30,000 people, it was one of the areas hardest hit by both high winds and torrential flooding caused by Hurricane Florence in September 2018. The team worked hard rebuilding mucked-out homes.

 

 

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 5/8/2019
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National Day of Prayer

 

Trail Life PA 2215 and American Heritage Girls PA 2016 met with the Purchase Line Community to observe the National Day of Prayer at East Mahoning Baptist Church.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 5/4/2019
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RISE 2019

 

The Spring Retreat for Middle/High School Students was held at Camp Ichthus in early April.

The weekend was packed full of activities,worship and great food.

Activities ranged from horseback riding, our 30-foot Challenge Wall and King Swing, and lots of awesome games led by the programming staff!

Tim Fray was the featured speaker. He served as a youth pastor for seven years at Crossroads Church in Pittsburgh, PA. 

A house band lead worship for sessions each day.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 4/19/2019
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Servant Leaders in Parchment Valley

 

A great team of volunteers (about 50 members!) from the ABCOPAD Centre Association made their way to the Parchment Valley Conference Center in West Virginia. Talk about productivity! The team worked for seven busy days!

Completing numerous painting projects...

...as well as caulking and sealing the bunk houses where campers will be staying the season.

A couple members of the team worked on the electrical system at the gym...

...while others readied the restrooms at Hill Hall.

A cleaning crew went to work scrubbing floors, washing the windows, cleaning the carpets, and shoveling out the ashes in the fireplace.

Even more electrical work, painting, cleaning.

Everything is looking and smelling so clean and fresh.

 

The ABCOPAD Mission Team from the Centre Association had a chance to work outside as the sun came out, creating a warm and refreshing breeze. The team did quite a few outdoor projects including repairing fences, painting in the parking lots and general spring cleaning.

It was great opportunity to serve our sister region [WVBC] and help get their conference and camp facility ready for a new year of ministry where kids make decisions for Jesus and lives are changed.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 4/7/2019
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Servant Leaders in Tarboro, NC

 

A great team of ABCOPAD volunteers spent a week in Tarboro, NC, providing disaster relief in response to extensive damage caused by Hurricane Florence in 2018.

Their days were filled with projects ranging from general clean-up...

 

to electrical...

painting...

 

and flooring...

They were also able to shingle a small roof at another job site.

Thanks to all for a job well done!

Categories: Ministries, General ~ Date: 4/7/2019
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La Paz Mexico 2019

 

 

First Baptist Church of Lansdale shared stories and pictures of their recent mission trip to La Paz, Mexico.

 

  

"Had a great day today visiting three different churches. We visited Crossroads Church, FBC La Paz and House of God Baptist Church. Pastor Eric preached twice today with the help of a young lady interpreter Amsi."

 

 

  

"We had a fantastic day today. The Lord blessed us with great company and a long days work. We were blessed to help Casa de Dios clean out an foundation behind their church to provide space for kids to play. An amazing day!"

 

Categories: Ministries, General ~ Date: 2/28/2019
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Winter Retreat

 

 

 

Recently FBC, Bethlehem, and Calvary Baptist Church, Allentown, held a winter retreat at Camp Ichthus. Our ABCOPAD Student Ministries Associate Ben Kraihanzel led the retreat and shared these pictures. Rise (A student ministry retreat) will take place in April. Click HERE to see more!

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 2/22/2019
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Small Church Essentials

 

"Small Church Essentials "
Zoom Video Conference Meetings with Karl Vaters
February 19 / March 19
Mark your calendar!

 

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 2/4/2019
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A Working Lunch

Frank Frischkorn had a chance to stop by the Pittsburgh office and spend some time with the best Administrator in the entire world, Denise Veselicky. Our Region is so blessed to have Denise as a member of our ABCOPAD Team. Denise does so much to make ministry possible in coordinating and doing logistics for our many mission teams.

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 2/4/2019
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North Hills Baptist Grant Awarded

Sue MacDonald and Mark Mahserjian-Smith recently presented Mark Mendicino an ABCOPAD Grant to the North Hills Baptist Church

North Hills applied for a grant to develop a crowd sourcing computer platform to help refugees in the greater Pittsburgh area. The concept is to use crowd sourcing to share needs of immigrants such as food, household items and other resources among those participating in the “crowd” so they can donate whatever is needed. It is an exciting concept linking people with things they want to donate with people new to our country with basic needs.

Mark Mendicino, his wife Amy. and the North Hills Church family are all great partners in ministry!

 

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 2/4/2019
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Northern Haiti Mission Team 5

Mark Mahserjian-Smith writes:

Today our Haiti Mission team did some sight seeing and took a trip to the Citadel and to King Christophe’s Palace. The Citadel is an amazing structure and an important part of Haiti’s history. Constructed at the top of a very steep mountain, it’s purpose was to prevent Napoleon and the French from recapturing Haiti after they won their independence. It is a massive fortress with many canons that could stop ships coming into the harbor as well as repel an attacking army. So much rich history and an architectural wonder.

 

 

 

The initial plan was to hike to the Citadel but that would have taken an entire day. It is a 5mile hike and sections of the road are at nearly a 45 degree angle or steeper. Our partner Fritznel arrange for motorcycles to take us to the base of the mountain and then we took horses to carry us to the top. 

 

 

 

I thought I could skip the horse and hike to the top. A Haitian looked at me and said he would walk with me and bring his horse just in case I changed my mind and wanted horse assistance. About 1/3 of the way up I came to my senses and took him up on his offer. I think the Haitians were taking bets about how far I would go. Hahahahaha. I have never been on a motorcycle or horse on such steep terrain. Very grateful for the help.

 

 

 

Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 2/4/2019
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Northern Haiti Mission Team 4

Mark Mahserjian=Smith writes:
Morning worship was wonderful as we joined a sanctuary filled with Christian brothers and sisters of Haiti, young and old. The entire front of the sanctuary (first 5 or 6 rows) was filled with kids in their school uniforms. One side of the sanctuary was the children’s choir directed by a little girls who looked about 8 years old. She did an outstanding job. 

The pastor was very personable and spoke from his heart encouraging everyone to be faithful as the follow Jesus. The music was both beautiful and inspiring
After worship the pastor invited us back to him home for refreshments and a chance to visit. Such an amazing morning celebrating our faith in Jesus with our Haitian brothers and sisters in Labadee.

 

 

 

 

Categories: General, Ministries ~ Date: 2/4/2019
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Northern Haiti Mission Team 3

Mark Mahserjian-Smith writes;
After our time with the kids, around 11:00 am, we went back to working on the wall that will surround the school. The team moved cement, cinder blocks and stone while the masons laid block. As you can see from the pics, despite the heat and powerful sun we got a lot accomplished. Many of the people of the community came out to help, making the job easier and progress fast. It has been wonderful serving in this community.

  

 

 

 

 

 

Categories: General, Ministries ~ Date: 2/4/2019
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Northern Haiti Mission Team 2

Mark Mahserjian-Smith writes:
While the VBS was taking place at the school, another team members started on the construction project to build a new school for older students on a property Pastor Zek purchased. Following lunch the entire team went to work on setting the reinforcement posts for a wall around the school compound. The crew got to work mixing center and using buckets to transport the cement to the posts. In many ways this project reminded me of the rubble homes we built in Grand Goave. We the formed a long bucket line to move the mixed cement to the posts along the wall. One again buckets were flying as bag after bag of concrete along with Sand and gravel were mixed and transported.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories: General, Ministries ~ Date: 2/4/2019
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Northern Haiti Mission Team 1

Mark Mahserjian-Smith writes:
It was a full day of work at a school just outside of Cap Haitien. A group of us did a modified Vacation Bible School with around 30-40 studen
ts. The children were wonderful to work with as we shared the Creation Story, sang songs and made beaded bracelets. It was a joy sharing Christ’s love with all the kids.

 

 

 

 

Categories: General, Ministries ~ Date: 2/4/2019
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Haiti Mission Team 2019

Pastor John Dorean and Jonathan Johnson are leading the ABCOPAD Mission Team to Grand Goave Haiti. They are working on a building project in the neighborhood where they've built several houses. Along with many volunteers, Pastor Cheryl Filson, minister at the First Baptist Church of Mansfield, and her daughter joined the team and is looking into the possibility to bring medical mission teams to the area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 2/4/2019
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2019 Celebrations

 

Congratulations! Several regional churches will be celebrating significant anniversaries in 2019. Each are to be commended for faithful ministry and witness for a century (or more!). 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 1/19/2019
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A Glimpse of Life at FBC Brookville

 

Recently, Mark Mahserjian-Smith attended morning worship at FBC Brookville, hoping to catch up with their new pastor... but he was away. Worship leader Bob. Radaker led the service and guest Preacher William Henry did a fine job delivering the message entitled “If I Were A Rich Man”. He looked at the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.

 

The church dedicated the Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes. Their goal was 60 boxes but they collect 85 shoe boxes. Great Job.

 

It was good being with the church family. In 1999 at team from ABCOPAD met at FBC Brookville to explore the possibility of launch a web site. Back then FBC Brookville had a 8 station computer lab in their loft and made it available to a tech team working on creating the first ABCOPAD web page. Later, a Nehemiah Leadership Network group made up of Andrew Shields, Scott Warren, Cory Hartman and I would meet in that loft. I will always value our partnership with this congregation who has been a great partner in ministry for many years.
Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 11/23/2018
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Serving In Puerto Rico

Sally Perry, a member of our ABCOPAD Disaster Relief Team currently serving in Puerto Rico sent a couple of pictures of the church the team is working on in San Juan. The team will be celebrating Thanksgiving together with our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico over the holiday. Please continue to keep the team in your prayers as well as the people of Puerto Rico as they recover from Hurricane Maria. Thank you team for being the hands and feet of Jesus, leaving your families back in ABCOPAD to bring encouragement and support to those in need.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 11/23/2018
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A Place of Welcome

 

Pastor David White and the congregation have made Crossroads Community Baptist Church in Erie is a place of welcome.

 

Crossroads is one of our American Baptist Congregations that welcomes many refugees from Burma who now call Erie home. The older Euro members of the church have done an outstanding job welcoming the many brothers and sisters of Christ from other cultures, offering incredible hospitality and Christian love.

 

This truly is a church family bond together not by being culturally similar but being one body in Jesus.

 

At a recent service, Rev. Mann See Son explained how missionary Adoniram Judson shared the gospel in Burma and now many in the church have found a home here in the US as a result of that ministry. 

 

It was such a joy share our lives and ministry with awesome partners in ministry.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 11/10/2018
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Community Reach in Washington PA

 

Rev Steve Dunlap is the pastor at the First Baptist Church Of Washington, PA. Pastor Steve has been serving the church since 2006 and has witnessed many changes in the ministry in Washington.  

Currently one of the growing edges of ministry is to people in the NA (Narcotics Anonymous). A NA group meets at the church with as many as 200 people attending. To help those in recovery, the church holds its student ministry event on the same night, offering a safe place for kids while their parents attend the meeting. Also a meal is served prior to the meeting so NA members have a place where they feel supported and loved. Just about all the NA members are unchurched or dechurched but have found a safe and welcoming environment at FBC Washington.

In the midst of the opioid crisis, FBC Washington is making a difference!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 11/10/2018
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One Body

 

Mark Mahserjian-Smith writes: 

Some of you know, I am reluctant and resistant to have my picture posted on Facebook. My job and calling is to share what others are doing in ministry. Last Sunday while at Crossroads Community Baptist Church in Erie, near the close of the service, Pastor David White asked me to come forward. He had placed a chair at the front of the sanctuary and asked me to sit down. Then he asked Pastor See Son from Burma, Pastor Samuel and his wife from Pakistan, Esther from Sri Lanka, members of the original First Baptist Church of Erie, along with other congregational leaders from other countries a cultures to come forward and pray for me. Tears came to me eyes as these brothers and sisters in Christ prayed for me in their native language. Their prayers and support melted my heart. Thank you Crossroads family for this amazing gift. As a region we are blessed to have congregations filled with cultural diversity, all disciples of Jesus, reflecting what the Kingdom Of God looks like when all his children are united together. 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 11/10/2018
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OCC and BBC

 

Members of Bethlehem Baptist Church Of Ruff Creek in Oil Creek Association got together for  Kids night and Bible study. It was pizza night and the kids were all super excited to be together.

 

Rev. David Earnest directed the evening meeting that included filling shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child.

 

 

 

It 's great to see this church family, with kids laughing and playing, adults sharing in fellowship and study, and all enjoying being together in God’s house.

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 11/10/2018
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Ministry in the Midst of Tragedy

 

Pastor Mark Schollaert is the lead minister at the First Baptist Church Of Monongahela in the Pittsburgh Association.

Pastor Mark shared some recent opportunities and challenges in pastoral ministry. The mother of the Tree Of Life Synagogue shooter is a member of FBC Monongahela. She is wheelchair bound and struggles with disabilities. Her husband is blind and also disabled. Barb is heartbroken over what happened. Pastor Mark has been present to help this couple as they try to assist law enforcement with the investigation, deal with ferocious reporters and the grief and sadness of this tragedy. Pastor Mark and the church family have been able to use a network of resources to help Barb in the midst of this horrible situation.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 11/10/2018
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Meet Michael McCamey

 

Meet Michael McCamey! Pastor Mike started ministry at First Baptist Crafton in May and has already been hard at work getting to know the congregation as well as doing ministry both in the church and in the community. He shared one of his major priorities is to empower the church family so they will do ministry in the neighborhood. He has been connecting with the local ministerium and will be participating in the ecumenical Thanksgiving service. It's great to have this new partner in ministry.

Categories: Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 11/10/2018
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Eric, David, and AMOS

 

Eric Kraihanzel, Lead Pastor at the First Baptist Church of Lansdale, sent these pictures as Dr. David Parajon (International Ministries Missionary to Nicaragua) shared his ministry at AMOS. AMOS stands for A Ministry Of Sharing and providing medical training and care in both Managua and many rural villages throughout Nicaragua.

 

ABCOPAD has a strong partnership with AMOS having had many of our congregations go on mission trips to Nicaragua including the recent Waters Of Blessing project and the Cyberbox / Library project this year.

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 11/4/2018
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Christmas Shoeboxes Packed And Shipped

 

It was a crazy night at East Mahoning Baptist Church. Trail Life and American Heritage Girls had a shoebox packing party. What a blessing with all the energy from both groups! We were able to put the love of Jesus in 115 boxes this evening. To God be the glory! 

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 11/4/2018
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Oil Creek ABWM

 

Recently, the Oil Creek Association ABWM gathered for a retreat at Camp Judson. Pastor Jeff Johnson was the guest speaker presenting “Women Restored. To be anything. To do anything. To go anywhere”.

 

 

 

 

Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 11/4/2018
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IM Commissioning: Brian and Lynette Smith

 

It was a wonderful day as family and friends gathered for the Commissioning Service for Brian and Lynette Smith. It was great seeing pastoral leaders from churches in the Oil Creek and French Creek Associations, staff members from International Ministries, a staff member from the office of the General Secretary and more. The celebration took place at the First Baptist Church of Cambridge Springs where so many members of our American Baptist Church Family gathered for this dedication of a missionary family going to Haiti.

 

 

Following their Commissioning as IM Missionaries, Brian and Lynette Smith were given gifts to recognize this important day including a certificate by Rev Paul Vick, Treasurer of the Board of Directors of BIM...  

 

and two Haitian Bibles, presented by Herb and Bernice Rogers, retired IM Global Servants of Haiti.

 

Additionally, Brian and Lynette’s Missionary Partnership Team was commissioned to their ministry of encouragement and support

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 11/4/2018
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Matthew 25 Grant Award to BCWC

 

For more than 40 years The Baptist Church of West Chester, PA, has provided a Saturday morning breakfast each week for the community’s homeless in its college town located near Philadelphia. Between 20 and 50 folks attend each week, according to Dena Colson, the congregation’s treasurer.

The church recently took another step to feed the homeless for which it received a $900 Matthew 25 Grant from American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA). “A few years ago, a member of our congregation brought to our attention that no agencies in the community were providing Sunday morning/lunchtime meals for the homeless,” explains Dena Colson, the congregation’s treasurer. “So, we decided we would also begin to offer a lunch/brunch once a month for the homeless, actually open to anyone in the community once a month. We soon figured out we had enough volunteers to offer the Sunday brunch twice a month.”

Read more HERE

 

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 10/22/2018
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Dr. David Parajon

 


 

Dr. David Parajon, our ABC Medical Missionary to Nicaragua will be speaking twice in the area.

 

Sunday, October 21 at 3:30
James Street Mennonite Church, 323 W. James St. Lancaster, PA

 

Tuesday, October 30
First Baptist Church. A light supper will be available. HOWEVER, you need to call Sally Perry to RSVP to the dinner and exact time and location. (It may not be at the church, if the turnout is low - it may be moved to a home). That's why RSVP is necessary to 717-626-1488.

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 10/18/2018
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Sew Loved Dresses

 

Volunteers from New Hope Christian Church in Broomall are reaching out to young girls in need. The ladies have completed 42 dresses and have another 20/30 in various stages of completion.

 

 

The ladies began creating dresses made from pillowcases!  Fabric is selected which is sturdy and heavy enough that a hand can not be seen through it. They consider the laundering methods, as well, when choosing fabrics.

 

 

A new design is made from purchased T-shirts. Skirts are then stitched onto the shirt. The benefit (besides speed of construction) is that they could be given to Muslim girls who must have their shoulders covered. T shirt dresses are made in the smaller sizes because they do not provide modesty for developing girls.

 

 

Their current concern is getting the dresses to girls in need. Ideally, they would be carried by someone going to the mission field so as to avoid shipping costs.

 

 

Want to help? Along monetary gifts,the group accepts donations of fabric, trim, T shirts, shorts, panties, shoes. AND... If you want to deliver some dresses on a future mission trip, let them know. Contact New Hope Christian Church!

 

 

 

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 10/17/2018
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New Covenant Anniversary

 

New Covenant Baptist Church of Pottstown celebrated their 25th Anniversary. Pastor Melody Walden and the congregation enjoyed an anniversary dinner on Saturday evening with former Pastors Jim Sutton bringing remarks and Tom Brokaw bringing the message. Frank Frischkorn had the opportunity to preach on Sunday morning, with a time of fellowship following the service.

 

  

Another highlight was the church’s receipt of a certificate of recognition from the American Baptist Historical Society. 

 

 

The congregation has a new banner in their sanctuary, reminding members to pray for the ministry of the congregation at 9:15 in the morning and 9:15 on the evening. 

Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 10/7/2018
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Camp Judson News

 

Meet Rev. Kevin Saxton, Managing Director at Camp Judson. He recently met with the Oil Creek Association to report on last summer's activities when hundreds of kids attending camp, many of whom made commitments to follow Jesus. It was great to hear all the good reports regarding Camp Judson.

http://campjudson.com/

 

Categories: General, Ministries ~ Date: 10/4/2018
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Huntingdon Prayer Garden

 

Pastor John Staje sent these pictures taken at the First Regular Baptist Church of Huntingdon. The church dedicated its new prayer garden created in the yard along side the church. The congregation gathered in the prayer garden to commit the space to the Lord, a place where people can find a quiet, peace filled place to pray. The group released butterflies, a very appropriate symbol of transformation and prayers taking wing and heaven bound.

 

 

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 10/4/2018
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Missionary Commissioning Service

  

COMMISSIONING SERVICE 
The Smiths
SERVING WITH INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES

 

SATURDAY, NOV. 3RD, 2018
1:30PM 

 

 

CAMBRIDGE SPRINGS FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
339 SOUTH MAIN STREET
CAMBRIDGE SPRINGS, PA 

 

Details HERE 

 

 

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 10/2/2018
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World Mission Offering 2018 Resources

 

WORLD MISSION OFFERING 2018
Promotional resources are now available.
Click HERE:
/News/World-Mission-Offering-2018.aspx

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 9/19/2018
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Partners in Ministry at FBC Bethlehem

 

Pastors Dale Miller and Rosnibri Lantigua  have formed a great partnership at  FBC, Bethlehem. Pastor Lantigua leads a Hispanic congregation that has now made FBC Bethlehem their church home. It was exciting to hear how, when Pastor Rosnibri’s congregation was “locked out” of their previous place of worship, the congregation found a home and a partnership at FBC Bethlehem. Pictured: Dale Miller, Rosnibri Lantigua, and Associate Pastor David Hardin

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 9/19/2018
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Regional Ministry Associates

As a regional family we have been focusing on Tod Bolsinger’s book, Canoeing the Mountains and the challenge of what it means for us as ministries to go ‘off map’ and engage our current culture in new and creative ways for the furtherance of the Gospel. We are all called to live ‘At the Edge’ (the theme for our upcoming Biennial Leadership Conference) and entrust our life and ministry into the hands of the Faithful One as we seek be the hands and feet of Jesus. Just as that challenge is true for local congregations, so it is also true for us as a regional family of churches here in ABCOPAD.

Following significant work by our regional Long Range Task Force, our ABCOPAD Board approved the deployment of a number of Regional Ministry Associates to help us in our efforts to come alongside of local congregations to assist you in being all that God is calling you to be for the Kingdom. These newly called leaders have broadened our own regional Corps of Discovery and we’re excited about the addition of these ministry partners.

Read the details HERE

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 9/17/2018
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Soles 4 Souls

 

 

ABCOPAD continues to find ways to help the people of Puerto Rico. The summer our AB Women collected shoes for missionary Katherine Niles to go to Africa however the ladies collected so many shoes, it was impossible to send all that were collected. Many boxes of shoes were taken to our ABCOPAD Pittsburgh office as we prayed about what to do with all these shoes. 

 

With our AB Women now turning their mission focus to Puerto Rico, we contacted our partners in PR to see if they were in need of shoes. The answer was "YES, please send as many as you can." Our amazing office administrator, Denise Veselicky went to work boxing up shoes to ship to Puerto Rico. Disaster Relief funds were used to cover the shipping cost. 

 

Recently the shoes arrived in Puerto Rico: ABCOPAD ABWM Mission Coordinator Paula Sommerfeldt wrote:

We have exciting news about some of the shoes that were donated at our 2018 Thrive Conference. These boxes are full of shoes for our brothers, sisters and children in Puerto Rico. Ladies, your gifts are literally traveling around the world.

“Thank You” for being the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 9/10/2018
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Welcome Abington Baptist Church

 

A most warm welcome to the Abington Baptist Church into our regional family. Pastor Mark McDowell and the church family recently joined the fellowship of the Central Union Association.

 

 

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 8/27/2018
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Amazing Time at the 2018 AB Mens Retreat

 

 

 

 

About 130 men from across Delaware and Pennsylvania attended the 2018 AB Men's Event.  The Keynote Speaker this year was Rev. Chuck Stecker, the Executive Director and Founder of A Chosen Generation.   Pastor Chuck delivered a number of powerful messages challenging the men at the retreat to live out their faith.   Rev. CG Coats led the praise band who helped lead the group in times of worship and song.   Throughout the weekend there were powerful testimonies offered along with stirring devotionals and inspirational special music.   
  One high light of the event was Kylie West (Calvary Baptist Church, Newark DE) receiving the Men of the Year award for his outstanding Christian service and witness. 
  It was an amazing weekend.   You can view pictures and videos on the AB Men's Facebook Page  or on the ABCOPAD Facebook Page.

 

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 8/3/2018
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2018 Thrive Conference a great success

 

 

Check out lots of great pictures on our Google Photo Album 

The AB Women of ABCOPAD gathered together the weekend of July 13th for their annual Thrive Conference.  Well over 200 women and girls attended the event that featured primary speaker Kelley Latta.   The event included amazing music, inspirational devotions, workshops, a comedian, mission speakers and so much more.   There are lots of pictures, video and updates on our ABCOPAD Facebook Page.   Here is the link. 

http://www.facebook.com/ABCOPAD 

It was a great conference, inspiring everyone who attended to grow deeper in their faith and their intimacy with God. 

 

 

Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 7/20/2018
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Jeff Johnson Speaker at Holy Spirit Conference

 

Jeff Johnson writes ..
It was one week ago today I wrapped up my presence and participation at the Holy Spirit Renewal Conference at Green Lake. Hard to believe seven days have passed. Time sure flies! The last day of the annual conference saw Dr, Paul Gibson, Executive Minister of Illinois and Missouri and Rev. Pam Wantz, pastor in Dayton, Ohio sharing the morning Bible Study hour. The morning plenary speaker was the keynoter, Francis Anfuso. During the hour before lunch, I attended a Bible StoryTelling workshop. The evening session had a lot of great music, powerful praise, communion, and Francis sharing again for the final time, this time walking us all through I Corinthians 13 but sharing the attributes of love from a divine, God perspective, not a human's attempt at such. It was VERY powerful! After the closing prayer, the praise band played on! It was a truly a renewing experience at the renewal conference! Oh, this week at Green Lake is the annual American Baptist International Missions Conference. I happened to come across a picture of a couple ABCOPADers there, Dan and Sue MacDonald (she is taking the picture) who were having a little down time with friends before calling it a day, a very good day!

 

Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 7/20/2018
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West Shore Baptist Welcomes New Pastor

 

 

Frank writes: West Shore Baptist has a new Pastor! Today Doug Hill, Chairman of the Pastoral Search Committee, had the joy of dismissing the search committee and officially welcoming Pastor Kelly Legg as the new Senior Pastor of the congregation . Pastor Kelly then challenged the church family to seek the name that our Creator God has given to each one of us.

 

Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 7/20/2018
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FBC Waynesburg Celebrates 175 Year Anniversary



 More pictures on our Facebook Page

  Frank writes: I had the privilege is speaking last evening at the 175th Anniversary Banquet at the FBC of Waynesburg. The congregation turned out in full force to enjoy an evening of remembrances in looking to the past and encouragements in moving to the future. Church leader Mark Fox led the gathering, with previous pastors Alan Williams, Bruce Blankenship and Stuart Johnson bringing reflections on their time of ministry with the church family. Current Senior Pastor, Ed Peirce, concluded the event with a challenge to look to the future.

 

Jeff writes ...Sunday morning, Karen and I had the privilege of continuing the 175TH anniversary celebration of the FBC, Waynesburg. Attended a social hour prior to the morning worship during which time I did a first person reenactment of the church's first pastor, Brother James Woods back in 1843. I also later provided the morning message which was followed by an invitation which saw people down front down on their knees seeking the Lord as they have done at this church for 175 years. The church's pastor is Dr. Ed Peirce. He led the morning worship. There was great special music by the children's choir, the adult choir, and a guest soloist. There was a great mixture of both traditional and the contemporary congregational music. The banner by which Karen and I are standing was a quilt rendition of the church's vision that came out of their co::lab work with the region a few years ago and is still being lived out powerfully today ... to God be the glory! I was sorry not to get to see Dr. Dick and Carol Visser, former pastors of the church. Dick was in the hospital over the weekend. I did get to see their one son at the service and sent my own regards and those of our region to the Visser's. Before heading home, Karen and I got to see our son Judson before he headed back into Camp Carmel where he is working throughout the summer. Boy we miss our boy! 1843 was great year for church starts. Five new congregations were begun in Pennsylvania, 37 across the whole country, bringing the total of American Baptist Churches in 1843 to 1006 ... to God be the glory!

 

Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 7/20/2018
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Upward at Liberty Baptist Blanchard Starting Soon

 

Upward Sports Basketball and Cheerleading Recreational League of Liberty Baptist Church will be holding registration/evaluation sessions for the Fall 2018 Basketball and Cheerleading league soon.  The evaluations will be held on Monday, July 30, 2018 between 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. as well as on Saturday, August 11, 2018 between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.at the church gymnasium in Blanchard. Basketball and Cheerleading is open to all students in Kindergarten thru 8th grade.  Early registration discounts end on July 21, 2018.  For more information please call the church at (570) 962-2214 or visit our website www.lbcblanchard.com  

Liberty Baptist Church ~ A Place to Belong

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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Pastor Chris Davis at 570-962-2214 or email at pastorchris@lbc4God.comcastbiz.net

 

Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 7/12/2018
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Liberty Baptist Back to School Backpack School Supply Giveaway

 


 

Free School Supplies, Backpacks, Clothing, and Haircuts for Community Kids

Blanchard, PA, July 10, 2018– Liberty Baptist Church in Blanchard, PA is hosting a Back to School Event on Sunday, July 29, 2018. Community students, pre-school through 12th grade, are invited to attend to receive free backpacks and school supplies to equip them for the upcoming 2018-2019 school year. The Back to School – School Supply Give-Away is sponsored by the Board of Christian Education, The American Baptist Women Circle, and the church Social Committee. The event is first-come, first-serve, while school supplies, clothes, haircut timeslots, and backpacks last. There will be enough backpacks to reach 150 students this year.

“We believe our program is just a little bit different from others in our area. Instead of lining the children up and handing them a pre-packed backpack with supplies, we set up our church gym as a store. The students can come in and select their own supplies. In essence, they have an opportunity to ‘shop’ for their supplies just like other kids at their schools. Last year one of the students remarked that they were at ‘ChurchMart,” stated Tammy Weaver, chair of the Social Committee.

This program began in 2016 with the Church and continues to grow with the church serving over one hundred children last year in the community. This year the Church hopes to serve 150 children. The program expanded last year to add free haircuts for children from local barbers and cosmetologists including Megan Kelley of Supercuts in State College to provide a new look to go with the new school supplies. This year the program will also be offering free clothing because of generous donations from Cindy Whitman - Lularoe and the American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware.

“The children simply need to arrive with clean, dry hair and we will take care of the rest,” said Kelley. “A fun night for the families of Centre and Clinton county as they come “shop” for some school supplies, new clothes, get a haircut, and have a meal!” said Greta Davis, Project Coordinator.

This year refreshments will also be provided to the children and their families by The American Baptist Women Circle from Liberty Baptist Church.

“There are two fundamental ways to change the life of a child,” stated Liberty Baptist Church Pastor, Chris Davis, “Introduce them to the good news of Jesus Christ, and give them an education. It’s really hard for a kid to be excited about going back to school when they don’t have the tools they need and their family cannot afford to provide them. ”

The doors will open at 6:00 pm and begin with a short program. The children and their families will be released by number corresponding with their arrival to the event so that they can begin to select their own school supplies, backpack, clothing, and get a haircut.

“Our church family has pulled together in a phenomenal way to make sure that area children can start school on equal footing this school year with the supplies that they need. We are excited to share Christ’s love with them and their families through this event.” Stated Brenda Corter, Chairperson of the Board of Christian Education.

Liberty Baptist Church ~ A Place to Belong

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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Pastor Chris Davis at 570-962-2214 or email at pastorchris@lbc4God.comcastbiz.net.

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 7/12/2018
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Under The Sea VBS at FBC Woodlawn With Resources Now Available

 

Pastor Howard Irwin, (FBC Woodlawn in Aliquippa, PA) wrote:

Tonight (6/28/2018)  we are wrapping up our week of VBS. We actually write our our own VBS complete with skits etc. Our theme was “under the sea, Jesus and me.”
  However, one of the popular ones out this year is ship wreck. We thought if a church is planning to do that one, we would be glad to share our decorations with them. Most they could keep—there may be a few trees and things we would want back (next year we’re already planning to do a jungle theme). To assemble the whale, you would need a tent to put the decorations around. And To reassemble The ship you’d need to have someone who has some carpentry skills.
  But if any church wants the decorations we will give them for free.  Thanks,  Rev. Howard Irwin
email:  howardirwin21@gmail.com
Office:  ‭(724) 375-6653‬



 

 

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 7/3/2018
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Houston Volunteer Mission Team

The ABCOPAD Mission Team serving in Houston, Texas sent these pictures as they consider to serve in Houston. Looks like everyone is hard at work. Pastor Mark Brady wrote: "Had a great day. Attended a house blessing this afternoon. One part of our team worked on the house today and they have considered it complete. It was beautiful." Please continue to pray for the team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories: Ministries, General ~ Date: 5/21/2018
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Urban Acres

 

Meet a great partner in ministry. Mike Minor is one of the congregational leaders at Central Baptist Church of Wilmington. Mike has served on mission trips to Haiti. In Delaware, however, Mike is super busy as the gardening / produce season is in high gear. Mike leads Urban Acres in Wilmington, a ministry that includes community gardens and nutritional education. It was fun spending a little time with Mike and hearing about all the good things taking place via Urban Acres. http://centralbaptistcdc.com/our-work/urban-acres

 

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 5/21/2018
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Jefferson Baptist Church in Haiti

Jefferson Baptist Church has been leading many recent mission trips to Haiti including the trip this past January. Recently one member of the mission team created a great YouTube video with highlights from the trip.

 

 

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 5/21/2018
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$1,000 MATTHEW 25 GRANT AWARDED


A $1,000 Matthew 25 Grant from American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) helped First Baptist Church in Sharon, PA, purchase food this past year for an after-school program the congregation has run since 1991.

“Kids hit the snack table as soon as they come in the door from school, and we provide lots of hot chocolate for them during cold, snowy afternoons,” explains the Rev. Cindy Swogger, First Baptist Church’s pastor. “They enjoy Bible study, games, music, crafts, computers, homework help and chapel. I cook supper for the kids three days a week. It is so gratifying. When we say they can get seconds, look out because they get pretty excited. It is wonderful to feed children who appreciate a home-cooked meal. I just love our kids!” Pastor Cindy explains the initiative welcomes 45-80 children each day depending on after school sports activities, weather and darkness.

Read the whole story HERE

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 5/9/2018
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2018 Bradford Association

 

The Bradford Association met at FBC, Gillett. Pastor Micky Cavanaugh and the leadership at Gillett made all feel right at home. Moderator Pastor Ed Zinser led the meeting, with Gary Wood giving an update on the ministry of the ABMen disaster relief trailer in Texas and Judy Husted bringing an update on the ministry of North Country Baptist Youth Ministries, blessing us with a few Camp songs on her ukulele. A wonderful lasagna supper was shared following the service in the Fellowship Hall.

 

 

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 4/24/2018
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Strengthening Your Financial Future

 

Recently, the American Baptist Foundation (Kris Lutton) and the ABCOPAD Foundation (Sue MacDonald) hosted a Strengthening Your Financial Future workshop at the Central Baptist Church in Williamsport (Rev. Eleanor Siegrist, Pastor). Several churches from the Northumberland Baptist Churches attended the event.

 

Kris shared the resources the AB Foundation offers both individuals and churches so they can maximize their finances for ministry. One significant fact Kris Lutton shared is the fact that most churches currently hold CD’s that offer very minimal returned. By investing with the AB Foundation their 10 year average for investments is around 5%, a lot better than any CD.

 

If you want to learn more about the work of the Foundation contact our own Sue MacDonald to learn more.

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 3/14/2018
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Global Hymn Sing 2018

 


On February 25, the congregation at New Covenant Baptist Church, Pottstown, participated in a Global Hymn Sing, organized by Keith Getty. How fun to know that 5000+ churches all over the world were singing the same song ["Jesus Shall Reign"] bringing praise to God! 76 countries and over a million people!! Now that's a concert of praise!

 

 

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 3/6/2018
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Volunteer Mission Opportunities

 

Hoping to make the region website more user friendly, we've redesigned the pages listing volunteer mission opportunities. It's a quick click from the ABCOPAD "Home Page" to "Mission Trips" where there is a menu for domestic and international mission trips scheduled for 2018. At this date there are 22 different trips listed. 

Check it out HERE!
Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 2/20/2018
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World Religions and Cults

 

Pastor Randy Powell and Jeff Johnson went online for a test run of the upcoming Leader/Lay Learning Class being offered in March. The course will be totally online, an hour and a half for four consecutive Tuesday evenings. Check out the details HERE

Handouts will be provided. For those ACTS grads needing continuing ed credits for continued certification, this a course where you can get them. For those wanting to better understand this multi-religious world in which we live, this is the class for everyone. Register today!

 

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 2/20/2018
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Kudos to Donna Schneff

 

Kudos to Donna Schneff, our Notes & News designer/editor since its inception in January 1988. That's 30 years! That's 300 issues! THANK YOU!

Mark Mahserjian-Smith (Regional Pastor For Mission & Communications) comments:
"Notes & News has adapted to its environment over the years—having started as a black and white, text driven, hard copy publication—to a color newsletter with graphics and pictures, now available both as a hard copy mailed newsletter, as well as a digital, online publication. Donna has been amazing, helping the Regional Staff keep Notes & News meaningful, relevant and useful all along its storied history."

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 1/18/2018
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Kudos to Donna Schneff

 

Kudos to Donna Schneff, our Notes & News designer/editor since its inception in January 1988. That's 30 years! That's 300 issues! THANK YOU!

Mark Mahserjian-Smith (Regional Pastor For Mission & Communications) comments:
"Notes & News has adapted to its environment over the years—having started as a black and white, text driven, hard copy publication—to a color newsletter with graphics and pictures, now available both as a hard copy mailed newsletter, as well as a digital, online publication. Donna has been amazing, helping the Regional Staff keep Notes & News meaningful, relevant and useful all along its storied history."

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 1/18/2018
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Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief

 

In the wake of Hurricane Maria... Last year, local church pastors in Puerto Rico requested help with one possible strategy to address the depression being experienced by families in their churches. The plan was to collect shoebox gifts during the month of December to give to children in Puerto Rico on Three Kings day on January 6th. (Puerto Ricans celebrate the coming of the Magi [Epiphany] by having children open gifts.

ABHMS sent out a dispatch requesting shoebox gifts for children ages 3 - 12. The gifts were to be delivered to the Mission Center in Valley Forge by December 19th. These gifts would be then shipped to PR in time for them to be delivered to local churches for their Three Kings Day celebrations on January 6th. 

Quite a few churches sent Three Kings Day gifts to Puerto Rico and we are hoping they will be distributed soon. For a complete update. please click HERE

 

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 1/11/2018
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Hurricane Harvey Disaster
Houston Relief Team - 3

 

Our Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief Team is on the job site today in Houston, TX. A great team of workers helped to lay down a new floor in a home that had been destroyed by the hurricane waters. Soon there will be a happy family returning to their home. What a blessing!

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 1/11/2018
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Hurricane Harvey Disaster
Houston Relief Team - 2

 

Our Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief Team is on the job site today in Houston, TX. There were a number of volunteers who were assigned the task of gutting and dry-walling a house that had been ruined by last year's hurricane. They're just being serving others with the heart of Christ!

 

 

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 1/11/2018
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Hurricane Harvey Disaster
Houston Relief Team - 1

 

Our Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief Team is on the job site today in Houston, TX. As you can tell from the pictures, they're working on a roofing project. Please continue to keep the team in your prayers as they serve. Y'all be careful up there!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 1/11/2018
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GraceCrossing Celebrates

 

It may have been really cold outside, but the fellowship was warm at GraceCrossing in Phoenixville! Pastor Dan McDowell and the church family gathered together despite the cold temperatures to give honor to the King and encourage one another in the process. It was also fun to celebrate the receipt of a grant from the region to help support their growing ministry with young adults in the Phoenixville community.

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 1/10/2018
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Rev. David Klock Ordination Service

 

On December 8th, an Ordination Service was held for Rev David Klock. The celebration took place at the Colonial Park Baptist Church in the Harrisburg Association. The relationships represented at Pastor Dave’s service helped to mark the many milestones in Dave’s faith journey. Pastor Dave’s wife Danae opened the service by singing Be Thou My Vision, and it has great having their kids present for the service. Pastor Dave started ministry as a youth pastor at the Moreland Baptist Church and then was called to student ministry at FBC Bethlehem working along side of Rev Eric Kraihanzel. Later, Dave would become the Associate Pastor at FBC Bethlehem working closely with lead pastor Rev Dale Miller.

Pastor Dave then heard Jesus call him to be a new church planter in ABCOPAD working with Rev. Frank Frischkorn and Rev. Jeff Johnson, bringing to life Living Bridge in Harrisburg. Both Pastor Dave’s dad, Rev Jim Klock, and his father-in-law, Rev. Philip Steele, prayed for Dave during a “laying on of hands.” Pastor Dale Miller delivered a message entitled I’ve Got A Story To Tell; he told of both humorous and sacred moments he had shared with Dave. It was a wonderful celebration of Pastor Dave’s call to ministry and witnessing Dave reach this important milestone. Following the service, a reception was held in the fellowship hall marked by loads of laughter and fun as the story telling continued.

 

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 1/10/2018
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2017 Southwest LLC

 

A quick look at the Southwest LLC in southwest PA. Besides their usual time of updating each other about what's going on in their families, they also share about what is happening in their church families. They then spent time together talking about the book of the month, in this case, Why Johnny Can't Preach, which the author says is due to present day preachers lack of good reading and also good composition skills. As they do each month, they all went out to eat, but this time three spouses joined the fellowship.

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 12/3/2017
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Nicaragau Cyberbox / Library Project

 

Mark Mahserjian-Smith joined Pastor Arthur Campbell Reed at the United Baptist Church of Elmira, NY, to promote the 2018 Nicaragau Cyberbox / Library project. 

In 2015 ABCOPAD partnered with ABC New York and AMOS on the 3-year Waters of Blessing project in Nicaragua. Over the last 3 years, there have been 5 mission trips to Nicaragua installing water filters, building and expanding health clinics, doing anemia testing, donating baby layettes and much much more.

This very productive partnership continues with the Cyberbox / Library project.

It was a joy spending time with Pastor Skip (Arthur) and many other Nicaragua Mission Team members. Lindsay Mills is heading up the computer lab portion on the project while our own Sally Perry (FBC Lancaster) is heading up the library. Lindsay was joined by his wish Karen Mills and Eddie Kirkpatrick to promote the project. It was great being with these amazing partners in ministry as we serve as the hands and feet of Jesus in Nicaragua.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 10/31/2017
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Pastors' Retreat Planning Committee

 

Our ABCOPAD chapter of the Ministers Council met at the ABCUSA Mission Center in King of Prussia. They are already planning our Spring 2018 Pastors Retreat - April 9-11. Leila Martin was our guest. Each year our Region Council grants an excellence in ministry award, and it is named for the late Reverend Craig Martin (Leila’s late husband).

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 10/20/2017
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ABW Thrive Mini Conference Lancaster

 

At the Thrive Mini-Conference, nearly 100 ladies gathered at FBC Lancaster from 5 Associations representing 15 churches! During the morning session, they heard Rev. Luminita  Nichols share her testimony. Rev. Mary Lewis shared in the afternoon. A wonderfully blessed gathering to glorify the Lord and encouraging each other to THRIVE in Jesus!

 

 

 

 

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 10/20/2017
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Camp Carmel Fall Festival 2017

 

 

Folks from southwest PA gathered on the Gatten Family Farm outside of Washington for the annual Camp Carmel Fall Festival. The time together started with a potluck dinner followed by visiting and catching up from the summer. Then games like volleyball were played, always a camp favorite. A hayride was taken. The evening capped off with a slide show of this past summer season and a bonfire with a devotion and the singing of camp songs. Those in attendance were from many churches in both the Ten Mile and Monongahela Associations. 

 

 

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 10/20/2017
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Harrisburg Assoc Ordination Council

 

 

The Harrisburg Association recently convened an Ordination Council for David Klock, Pastor of the Living Bridge church plant in Mechanicsburg. It was held at the Colonial Park Community Baptist church for the congregations of the Harrisburg association. Rev. Dr. Dale Miller and a few members of the church family from First Baptist Church of Bethlehem were also present to support and encourage Dave in this important day in his life. The council was unanimous in its support of Dave for ordination by the church ..... Dave's wife, Danae, and Council Moderator, Pastor Tim Munson, share the moment of the announcement.

 

 

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 10/20/2017
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Forest Baptist Church Donation

 


 

Words can not express our gratitude for the Forest Baptist. Not only did Deacon Alan Arnold and the Deacon board express the churches appreciation for all our ABCOPAD Regional Pastors, but then Deacon Alan presented Mark Mahserjian-Smith with a check for $5000 to support ABCOPAD’s Ministry. The church had been given a bequest following the passing of one of the member of the community, and the church tithed their gift for mission in our Region. It was such a blessing being with these awesome partners in ministry. Thank you so much!

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 10/20/2017
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MMS Reporting from Louisiana #9

 

Mark Mahserjian-Smith writes:

There wasn’t a pile there when we started, but as you can see --- there is one now! After moving the truck and trailer, a township crew came by and removed all the debris from the from of the house.

 

We finished the kitchen and one of the bathrooms. Lyle began breaking up the cast iron tub with a sledgehammer. It has been a very productive day, and homeowner Bob is please with our progress. One thing I’ll say --- It is hot and humid here in Lake Charles. Yikes!

 

 

Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 10/2/2017
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MMS Reporting from Louisiana #8

 

Mark Mahserjian-Smith writes:

This morning our AB Men’s team at Lake Charles, Louisiana, is helping out Bob and Margery whose house was flooded by Hurricane Harvey. We are continuing the demolition started by a team from Illinois last week. Ken and Lyle are ripping out a kitchen while I demo the bathroom. Not sure what we would do without the tools and equipment on the Disaster Relief Trailer! It is such a blessing having the equipment we need for the job. Thanks to everyone who has donated to this ministry. Special thanks to Lyle and Kenny for making the long trip down both to deliver the trailer and to work. Such great partners in ministry.

 

 

 

Categories: Ministries, General ~ Date: 10/2/2017
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MMS Reporting from Louisiana #7

 

Following morning worship at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. I drove to Lake Charles, Louisiana, to join the AB Men doing disaster relief. Two of our ABCOPAD AB Men from Bentley Creek drove almost 24 hours straight to bring down our disaster relief trailer. Special thanks to Lyle and Kenny for making the long trip from north central Pennsylvania to Lake Charles, LA. We connected with Jack Cobb, AB Men’s National Disaster Relief Coordinator, and getting ready for busy day tomorrow. Thank you for your prayers as we continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need.


 

Categories: Ministries, General ~ Date: 10/2/2017
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MMS Reporting from Louisiana #6

 

Mark Mahserjiah-Smith writes:

On Saturday, Pastor Tim Schwartz and I went to Wharton, TX, to access the damage done by Hurricane Harvey and see if we could help. Wharton is quite away from Houston and it took quite a while to get there. We found quite a bit of flood damage; however, Wharton is a pretty small community, and most of the neighborhood had been very effective in helping one another. Most of the homes had already been cleared out, and families were starting to re-sheetrock their homes. It was great to see neighbors helping neighbors and restoring home and lives. We probably won’t send teams to Wharton, but it was good to check in on the community.

 

Categories: Ministries, General ~ Date: 10/2/2017
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MMS Reporting from Louisiana #5

Mark Mahserjian-Smith writes:

Late yesterday afternoon Pastor Tim and I stopped by Ross Elementary School in Dickinson. We met with School Principal Kelly Mooney, Assistant Principal, Georgina Benavides and School Counselor Jennifer McCaffrey to explore ways we might be able to help.

 

Pastor Tim is the president of the PTA at John Adams Elementary School in Scranton and the Principal of John Adams Elementary, Mario Emiliani would like to have his School partner with Ross Elementary to help in whatever ways they can.

Principal Kelly shared how Ross Elementary is trying to care for the needs of their students with about half the students impacted by the flood. Many students had their homes destroyed and are now living with relatives and friends far from school. These students need to be driven to school by their parents who are attempting to maintain some stability for these kids whose lives have been turned upside down by Harvey. The school has been accepting donations of gas cards and giving them to parents to offset the cost of transportation even as these parents start the costly process of rebuilding their houses. 

Principal Kelly also told us literacy is a priority at the school and many of these kids lost their reading books in the flood. She hopes people will donate reading books to give to students so they can continue to learn to read.

Finally both Kelly and Georgina said the school is planning a Family Fun Fest at the end of October where kids and their families could come to school for a fun night could. Kids could come in costume, play games and receive treats. It is currently not safe for kids to be trick or treating with so much debris piles up on the street. The hope is the school will receive donations of gift cards so they can purchase the supplies they need. Principal Mario is excited about the partnership but he recognizes his own School is struggling financially.

We will be looking for ways to partner with Pastor Tim and both schools to assist. Kelly , Georgina and Jennifer kept saying how much they appreciated our presence. After a very challenging four weeks and what has been a challenging year, she said just knowing there are people offering to help makes a huge difference. The encouragement and support touched their hearts.

Please keep Ross Elementary, its staff and students in your prayers. Many children are struggling with depression and sadness having lost so much following Hurricane Harvey.

 

Categories: Ministries, General ~ Date: 10/2/2017
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MMS Reporting from Louisiana #4

 

Mark Mahserjian-Smith writes:

Yesterday, Pastor Tim Schwartz and I visited Greg living in Dickinson. Tim and Greg became friends while Tim was serving in Galveston. Greg’s wife, Lauren, and Pastor Tim’s wife, Jennifer, were both expecting while in Galveston, and the families have remained friends following Pastor Tim’s move to Scranton. Greg moved his family following the devastation of Hurricane Ike only to have his new home flooded by Harvey. While Greg and Lauren rebuild, their children are with Lauren’s parents in Chicago. It was good to encourage Greg and talk about recovery efforts in Dickinson.

 

Categories: Ministries, General ~ Date: 10/2/2017
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MMS Reporting from Louisiana #3

 

Mark Mahserjiah-Smith writes:

This afternoon Pastor Tim and I traveled to Galveston to check on possible disaster relief work in this community. We stopped by Primer Inglesia Bautista where teams stayed while doing Hurricane Ike Disaster Relief in 2009. We also had lunch with Joe Enriquez, who’s home was flooded following Hurricane Ike. Joe and his family were spared from damage with Hurricane Harvey but Joe reflected on how important Disaster Relief teams are in the midst of putting your life together after the storm.

 

Categories: Ministries, General ~ Date: 10/2/2017
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MMS Reporting from Louisiana #2

 

Mark Mahserjian-Smith writes:

As Pastor Tim Schwartz and I drove through Dickinson, TX, we encountered street after street of houses in the process of mudding-out. Many houses already had their flood ravaged belongings removed and now drywall, insulation, carpeting, flooring and more were exiting the home. One thing I noticed: While some houses had started the process of recovery there were many other homes that had not. This recovery is going to be long and challenging. The longer a family waits the harder it becomes, however having said that, many people didn’t carry flood insurance and with little support, just don’t have the capacity to begin this very difficult process. Hopefully we can help.

 

 

Categories: Ministries, General ~ Date: 10/2/2017
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MMS Reporting from Louisiana #1

Mark Mahserjian-Smith writes:

Yesterday I arrived in Houston Texas around 6:00 pm. Waiting for me at the airport was Pastor Tim Schwartz. Pastor Tim and his wife Pastor Jennifer Schwartz served as Disaster Relief Coordinators in the greater Houston / Galveston area following Hurricane Ike in 2009. Both Pastor Tim and Pastor Jenn are ABCOPAD natives who returned to Pennsylvania a few years ago. Not only is Pastor Jenn a Certified Lay Minister, but she is also a gifted Physical Therapist and was called to head the Physical Therapy program at the University of Scranton. Pastor Tim is a gifted leader who recently concluded interim ministry at FBC Abington in Waverly, PA.

Pastor Tim knows this area well and is praying about once again becoming a Disaster Relief Coordinator for ABHMS as well as assisting ABCOPAD in Disaster Relief Efforts.

After arriving in Houston, Pastor Tim took me to Dickinson, a community just outside of Houston hit hard by Hurricane Harvey. The first picture is of a McDonalds, now closed and beginning the mud-out process.

 

The next couple of pictures are photos of a shopping center parking lot now being used as a dump site for the neighborhood as everyone removed destroyed appliances, mattresses, furniture, sheet rock, installation and so much of their personal belongings destroyed by Harvey from their homes. Just unbelievable and heartbreaking.

 

 

 

Categories: Ministries, General ~ Date: 10/2/2017
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ABCOPAD Grant
Helps Make Summer Lunch Ministry Possible
At Upland Baptist Church


Link to a picture video of this event

During the school year, thousands of low income students eat free or reduced priced meals at school. But when school closes for the summer, and kids don’t receive these meals, they face higher risk of hunger and malnutrition. The Summer Lunch is a federally funded program that provides nourishing meals for children under the age of 18. Upland Baptist Church has been a qualified feeding site for five years.

In 2014, we changed the name of our program to “Summer Lunch and Fun” --- adding a special activity for each day. This summer we ran out program from Monday through Thursday for seven weeks.

Every morning began with an activity period from 11:00 to 11:45. Each Monday the kids gathered on the church lawn to play games like water balloon catch, water relay races, and pool noodle hockey. Tuesday was craft day…paints, glitter, beads, and feathers. Each child got the same ingredients, but every creation ended up being as unique as each child! Kids and adult volunteers got together on Wednesday to play board games. On Thursday, kids were encouraged to choose a book from our library and borrow it for a week. Thursdays also featured a special guest...

  • Volunteers from the Upland Fire Company arrived to tell us about their jobs and show us the equipment they use.
  • Upland’s Mayor Bill Dennon came to explain his job to the kids and make a personal connection with them.
  • Pastor Kevin Walden skillfully led the kids across the Jordan River when he presented a fun Gospel lesson.
  • We were happy to meet the two 8-week-old puppies from the Providence Animal Center in Media. The Providence volunteers also gave the kids a good lesson about pet care and safety.
  • Leon Jordan, a professional percussionist, was sent to us by Musicopia to conduct a “bucket drum” assembly. Drumsticks in hand, each child got to participate in this wonderful program.

We served the kids their boxed lunch from 11:45 to 12:15. Popcorn chicken was the top favorite with barbecue chicken wrap coming in second. Jicama sticks received a big thumbs down.

We started a “Memory Verse Challenge” this summer. The kids put together a book with a page for each Bible verse and illustrated what it meant to them.

We served an average of 20 children each day. Most kids were between 6 and 12 years old. Several teenage girls brought their little preschool siblings every day, too.

Everyone who volunteered this summer agrees that each day was a blessing. By God’s grace, we supplied our neighborhood children with a good meal. We introduced them to new experiences and caring people. Our church was a happy and safe place for them to learn that Jesus loves them --- and so do we!

 

 

 

 

Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 9/19/2017
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Mission Discovery In Honduras

Pastor David Braneky (Baptist Church of West Chester) shared,

I wanted to share these reflections with you from a member of our church who went on a mission trip to Honduras this summer as part of an IM Discovery Team in partnership with a church from Cooperstown, New York. The journal should read that Cynthia Falk is a member of that church in New York, not BCWC, although she is Jim and Betty Layton's daughter and was raised at BCWC so I guess she could be considered our own. 

International Ministries Journal: Go, Be Love in Honduras by Carson Cramer:

 




Twelve of God's servants from DC, NY and PA were part of a special Discovery Trip earlier this summer, to support the ministry Dilia Zelaya is co-facilitating in Honduras. There were six teenagers and six adults being led by Dr. Cynthia Falk from the Baptist Church of West Chester(PA) to be the hands and feet of Christ in Azacualpa for nine days.  A local house had been identified to be the main construction project for the group. They dug trenches, carried rocks, poured cement to make the small house more accessible for its owner, Hilda. The group delivered groceries to local families, served children at the lunch program, co-facilitated VBS sessions and led impromptu games of soccer. The team was housed at the Children's Home where they experienced the challenges of interrupted electricity and flat tire. The many interruptions did not distract them from fulfilling God's purpose. During a day trip into the mountains to see more of the countryside, stand at the border with Guatemala, the group was able to witness some of the problems that plague today's world, including what to do with all the waste being produced. This side trip took them by the dump, a hillside strewn with trash. 

Youtube Clip with pictures from the trip:


    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 9/19/2017
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    Indian Creek Baptist Church
    Campground Ministry

     


     

    For thirty five summers Indian Creek Baptist Church has been holding Sunday “Campground Services” at the local “Mill Run Campground”.  It began in 1983 with several of the Deacons and the Choir Director taking turns as speakers from Memorial Day through Labor Day.  The Pastor was also recruited as speaker.  The service consisted of singing a song, then an opening prayer, several more songs chosen by the attendees, followed by a 15-20 minute devotional by the speaker.  A closing song and closing prayer. 

    This was all taking place at the end of the water slide with rushing water and a pool gurgling at the bottom. There was a little shelter there where shoes, towels and clothing could be stored and provided some protection from the weather if it was raining. Not the best location, but we all enjoyed being able to have a worship service at the campground. Eight years later, (1991) the camp ground built us a “chapel.” Actually it is a picnic pavilion with a cement floor and folding picnic tables, lights and is more centrally located in the camp ground. Compared to the water slide location it represented a huge step up and we had our “chapel”.

    As the campground has grown (now Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park) so has our ministry. We have had people from all over the world including England, Central America, South America, Europe, and Japan. We have had visitors from a large number of states which include the two hard ones of Alaska, and Hawaii. Our ministry now includes giving out Bibles, various literature, “The Ultimate Question” booklet and “Our Daily Bread” booklet. For the children we give out small toy gifts. The campground provides coffee and hot water for tea or hot chocolate.

    For the past four years, we have also been blessed to have different volunteer speakers from Indian Creek Baptist Church for our campground services. We are blessed to have so many who are willing to tell others of the Good News of Jesus. We have both men and women speakers. The age range for our speakers has been from 11 years of age to 95 years of age. Truly a tribute to our church and community. With God’s help and blessing Indian Creek Baptist will continue this unique service to further His Kingdom for many more years or until Jesus returns.

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 9/4/2017
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    IM Discovery Team - Honduras

     

     

    Caron Cramers , a member of the Baptist Church of West Chester, shares these reflections on a recent mission trip.

    Twelve of God's servants from DC, NY and PA were part of a special Discovery Trip earlier this summer, to support the ministry which Dilia Zelaya is co-facilitating in Honduras. There were six teenagers and six adults being led by Dr. Cynthia Falk (she is the daughter of Jim and Betty Layton). They went to be the hands and feet of Christ for nine days.  

    Here are Caron Cramer's reflections about the summer trip:

    "Go, Be, Love" summarizes what God put on my heart to carry back to "my world" in the United States. I have to say that God was preparing me to hear this message before I went to Honduras. Our pastor preached on the subject and I read, Interrupted: When Jesus Wrecks Your Comfortable Christianity by Jen Hatmaker which speaks to this very subject. While spending 9 days in Honduras, I had the privilege of witnessing and participating in that way of living. Dilia is an amazing mentor, friend, and servant of our Lord. She lives the gospel of Jesus at the mission site, in the community, and spreads it with love worldwide. I was one of many who were touched and hope to continue to spread Jesus' message to our community in Pennsylvania and beyond. My family and I helped rebuild a woman's home. We worked with kids at schools and with their feeding program, shared God's word, prayed, and delivered food and supplies to the community in the mountain. We loved all whom we met. I opened my arms. and heart to LOVE. I grew up in the church and have been a born again Christian since age 9. Things around me changed, and I wasn't changing the way I should. I was willing to sit in the pews and let people come to worship; come to Jesus. Since my trip to Honduras, I realize that I need to show the Jesus in me. It's time for me to get out of my comfortable pew and be Jesus' helper. To Go, Be, and Love. 

     
    Categories: Ministries, General ~ Date: 8/31/2017
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    Upland Baptist Church Summer Ministry

     

    Kevin Walden was asked by Pastor Brenda Shaw to give the Bible lesson at Upland Baptist's summer ministry program. The kids walk to the church for the program and are also given a free meal. It's a part of a larger community program. The church received an ABCOPAD grant to help with the funding. We talked about Jesus feeding the 5000 (men) and their families today. The blue sparkle table cloth was our "pretend" Sea of Galilee. And yes, we had 5 loaves and 2 (dori) fish. I also pointed out to the kids that this is the only miracle in all four Gospels.

     

     

     

     

     

    Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 8/21/2017
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    2017 Coming Together for New Jersey

     


    Hurricane Sandy devastated New Jersey when it hit the East Coast in October 2012. A joint effort of ABHMS and American Baptist Churches of New Jersey, “Coming Together for New Jersey…Rebuild, Renew and Restore” provides another mission opportunity to serve, July 8-15, 2017. Here's a great shot of our volunteer team.

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 7/9/2017
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    Logan's Valley Baptist Church
    Community Garden

    Rev Funteller Jackson sent pictures of the Logan's Valley Baptist Church in Bellwood, PA working on the community garden at their church. The team was putting down plastic to prevent weeds from springing up. It was great to see this community mission project moving forward. By the church family offering space in the community for a garden the congregation maintains a connect to the neighborhood. Thanks Pastor Funteller for sharing these photos of the church doing missional outreach!

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 7/5/2017
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    La Paz Mexico
    Multi-Generational Mission Trip

     

     

    This mission trip was designed to create serving opportunities for all ages. Volunteers partnered with two ministries in La Paz, Mexico, to help them as they try to reach the neighboring communities with God's love and a hope for a brighter future.

    Church Plant - One of the churches is Primera Iglesia Bautista de La Paz (FBC La Paz). It is one of the Baptist congregations in the city of La Paz. They are active in many kinds of ministry and have thriving discipleship ministries. We helped FBC, La Paz, with a church plant in the town of Los Planes. The church in Los Planes has outgrown its current structure, which it is renting, and has begun construction on a new structure, on property that it owns. Pastor Juan Carlos is pastor of this church and is eager to complete the new structure so that they can stop paying rent on the first property. 

     

     

     

      

    Ranch El Camino - Volunteers helped to get the 40-acre camp ready for their summer camp programs. There was construction work, gardening, painting and more! They also spent some time each day in the local community serving families and children with Pastor Juan Jose Murua.... playing sports like baseball, softball, soccer or volleyball.

     

     

     

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries ~ Date: 7/2/2017
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    June 2017 Notes & News


    Notes and News
    June 2017

    Growth Points June 2017

    The June edition of Notes & News, Thoughts & Views is now available

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 6/16/2017
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    FBC Factoryville ABW

     

    AB Women of First Baptist Church of Factoryville (Abington Association) assembled 170 health kits for Mennonite Community Central to be distributed overseas and overland. Items collected were hand towels, soap, toothbrushes and nailclippers.

     

     

     

     

     

    Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 5/29/2017
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    2017 Clergy Ethics Course

    Our clergy ethics course was recently held at West Shore Baptist Church in Camp Hill, PA. Pastors Tim Munson and Kevin Walden are teaching the annual course this year. The conversation has been lively and deep! How would you describe the relationship between morals and ethics?

     

    Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 5/22/2017
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    ABCOPAD and Volunteers in Mission

     

    A team from ABCOPAD met with Rev. Dr. Adalia Gutierrez Lee, International Ministries Area Director of Iberoamerica and Caribbean ministries. Along with Rev. Adalia, Rev. Sandra Dorsainvil and Emily Ferrin, who watch over volunteer mission trips, introduced themselves. Pastor John Dorean from Jefferson Baptist Church and Jonathan Johnson from FBC Waynesburg, seeking to do missionary work in Grand Goave, Haiti, met with this team to share their vision. Our own Frank Frischkorn pulled together the group. It was a great meeting dreaming about future ministry in Haiti. 

     

    Categories: Ministries, General ~ Date: 5/9/2017
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    Grilled Cheeses and Jesus

     

    [written by Tom Parkins]

    Calvary, Newark, successfully launched a new mission outreach this past Friday.  "Grilled Cheeses and Jesus".   

    St. Patrick's Day is a huge party day on the University of Delware campus. This year, on a Friday, it was even bigger. Literally on the pathway to and from party time, we hoped to offer a bit of sanity and a touch of God's love. We decided to set up next to the sidewalk and offer free grilled cheese sandwiches, BBQ, hot dogs, snacks, sodas, coffee, and hot hot chocolate from 11PM - 2AM. (Bars close at 1 AM). We would also offer free prayers. As it turned out, one of our members actually had a grilled cheese sandwich maker that imprints the face of Jesus! How cool was that!

    We had about 75 students and friends stop by. Only one was terribly tipsy. The students were very appreciative, and many stayed to chat and a few asked for a prayer. We did not preach or push any tracts. We did have church brochures available and made up a little "fun facts" of St. Patrick. One student, after eating a few hot dogs, said, "This is the most awesome thing that ever happened to me." His life must have been somewhat depressing, but I think that this was probably the first time that anybody had randomly done something nice for him.

    A small add-on. A young couple came by "early" in the evening (like midnight is early). It turns out that they were not students, but homeless. They had been evicted from the apartment that day and were on the street that night. They were hoping to connect with friends to find a place to stay. We said a prayer, and they departed. About "closing time," after 2 AM, they returned. No luck. What would they do? To shorten the story, I invited them to stay in the church, gave them some blankets to sleep on the narthex floor. I stayed with them. The next morning, I found a few backpacks, gave them a few bucks, took them to McDonalds, and showed them where the bus stop was. They were most appreciative. When you say that prayer, "Dear God help these people," it is a dangerous prayer. God will use you to help them. I had to lead a bunch of elementary school students in science projects all day Saturday. God gave me the best student helpers ever. I cruised through the day.

    A few pictures. The forecast called for mixed rain and snow, but it never did anything. The wind was very light which made it much more pleasant.

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 3/20/2017
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    Prayers Welcome!

     

    Last fall, Calvary, Newark, installed a prayer box on the main side walk in front of the church. Calvary is unique in that they have perhaps a couple thousand passes daily on that sidewalk, mostly University students. The church created a simple card and placed them in a weather resistant box. There's not a high volume of prayer request, but much of what they receive are very serious needs.

     

    The specific prayer concerns are shared directly with a prayer warriors team. General concerns are shared with the congregation. It is a test of faith to pray for somebody you do not know, and knowing that they will likely never learn the answer to the prayer. Nevertheless... The fervent prayers of the righteous avail much!

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 2/24/2017
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    LLC Southwestern PA

    Jeffrey Johnson met with some of the members of his LLC in southwestern Pennsylvania. They gathered at the home of Pastor Darrell and Joyce Edgar who right before Christmas welcomed a new baby into their lives and into their home, Taleah; their second child. Some of the members of the LLC weren't able to make it to their monthly meeting due to illness, or the need to be with a family in their church. Present were Pastor David Earnest, Pastor Cristy Wise. Pastor Darrell Edgar, and Pastor Chris McClaughlin (not pictured).

     

     

     

     

    Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 1/12/2017
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    West Virginia Toy Drive

     

    Days after the devastating flooding in West Virginia, where 8 to 10 inches of rain fell back in early summer, it was sad for Jeff to see the piles of gray rubble with brightly colored toys mixed throughout. The toys that weren’t washed away were unsalvageable — either broken or contaminated by polluted water. Most of the parents are without funds. And those who do have money can’t afford to spend it on toys this Christmas.

    To address this reality, this past Saturday morning, Jeff arrived at the historic Great Bethel Baptist Church in Uniontown, southwestern PA. He was there to pick up the donations from a two month long toy drive spearheaded by Angie Lawson, the church’s youth director. 

      

    Several hundred toys ranging from items for babies up through teenagers were collected from both members of the congregation and kids and their parents of the church sponsored preschool. It took Jeff an hour to do the impossible and pack all these wonderful donations into his rented SUV. Every single one of the donations somehow, some way, somewhere, made it into the four-wheeled sleigh. 

     


     

     

    Jeff then drove three hours south to First Baptist Church of Rainelle, West Virginia where David Bush is the pastor. Rainelle was one of the three hardest hit areas in that state. The church had more than three and a half feet of water in their fellowship hall. The congregation quickly cleaned out and cleaned up this space to then serve as a relief center for their community and surrounding area. Our own ABMen sponsored a two week mission trip here back in August. A number of our churches went down to help.

       

    Volunteers from the church unloaded the vehicle and put the items out on tables designated for various age groups. Parents came throughout the afternoon to “shop for free” for their children.

     

    Our region, through funds acquired through a church closure, gave our neighboring West Virginia Baptist Convention a $10,000 gift to continue their flood relief efforts. Mark Mahserjian-Smith is working with Vickie Goff from ABC Home Mission Societies to coordinate mission trips back down to WV for two weeks next June. The Home Mission Societies partnered in this effort with national staff donating over one hundred toys themselves.

     

    Mr. Rogers said that play is the work of childhood. Jeff added to that quote by saying “… and toys are the tools to get that work done!” Over three hundred toys in total were donated. “This act of love will serve two purposes. One, it will put actual toys under family Christmas trees—if they have them—and into children’s hands. Secondly, it will convey to this sister American Baptist Church and region with whom ABCOPAD has a relationship that they and their community are neither forgotten nor forsaken.” Not only do we ABCOPADers get to be Santa’s Sack for Christmas. We also get to be the hands and heart of Jesus.

    Special thanks goes out to David Thomas, the Budget rental car agent, who provided the SUV at a very special reduced rate to ABCOPAD/ABHMS to make the transport of all the toys possible.

     

    Complete photo album HERE 

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 12/21/2016
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    VUU Leadership Summit

    Jeffrey Johnson participated in a Leadership Summit on the campus of Virginia Union University, Samuel Proctor Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. Jeff spent the evening, talking with seminarians and pastors about various opportunities for ministerial leadership, primarily focused on chaplaincy. A handful of national executives from the Home Mission Societies were on site to do the same. Karen came along and staffed the Judson Press booktable while editor Rebecca Irwin-Deihl did a workshop on putting your ministry materials into a book. Rev. (Colonel US Army - retired) Kristy Moehler, our ABC endorsing officer, and Dr Jeff Haggray, executive director of ABHMS organized the event.


     

     

     

     

     

    Virginia Union University and Seminary is the name given in 1899 to the merger of two older schools, Richmond Theological Institute and Wayland Seminary, each founded by the American Baptist Home Mission Societies in 1865 shortly after the Union Troops took control of Richmond. The schools were founded for the education of now freed slaves.

    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 12/10/2016
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    Disaster Relief -- Connellsville, PA

    An incredible effort by volunteers in Connellsville, PA. The American Baptist Women's Ministries of Pennsylvania and Delaware is partnering with the United Methodist Committee on Relief to help home owners restore their homes and get back on their feet. The Monongahela Baptist Association is providing food and housing for the volunteers. What a witness!

    A few shots here. For a complete photo album, click HERE.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 11/12/2016
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    Discover ABCOPAD

     

    The first Discover ABCOPAD event took place in Dover, Delaware, at the home of Gene and Thelma Schaller. The event was led by ABCOPAD Foundation Director of Development Sue MacDonald and ABCOPAD Regional Executive Pastor Frank Frischkorn. 

     

      

    The was our first Discover ABCOPAD event under Sue's leadership, designed to share the ABCOPAD ministry with partners in the Region. It was a very successful event with plenty of time for sharing and encouragement. Watch for a Discover ABCOPAD event coming to your area. [More photo HERE.]

     


     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 11/9/2016
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    Broad Street Baptist Church

     

    On Sunday, Jeffrey Johnson and his family spent the morning with the folks at the Broad Street Baptist Church where Pastor Jay Freudenberg is the pastor. He is an early 2000's CLI graduate and has served this church for nearly eight years. Jeff met with key and core leaders of the church during the Sunday School hour to talk about its vision, its future, and its desire as a smaller church to have a bigger impact for Christ in their community. Jeff preached the morning message. The church has a beautiful three-dimensional baptistery.

     

     

    Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 10/25/2016
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    Camp Carmel Fall Festival

     

    The Camp Carmel Baptist Camp Fall Gathering was held at the farm of Ralph and Rhonda Gatten south of Pittsburgh. Board members, summer staff, counselors, campers, supporters, and friends gathered for a time of great food, good fun, and wonderful fellowship which included a hayride, corn hole, lots of conversation and catching up, and of course a campfire to wrap up the day with a message by Pastor Gary Schneider of the North Ten Mile Baptist Church. More than a dozen churches were represented at the gathering from both the Ten Mile and Monongahela Baptist Associations. More photos HERE.

     

     

    Don't forget that the camps in our region are the year long fundraising emphasis and effort of our American Baptist Women. Check out the video concerning camping ministry in ABCOPAD at /Ministries/ABWM/Our-2016-2017-Region-Mission-Project.aspx. Rev. Eric Kraihanzel has made a video to talk about the project. Check it out: https://youtu.be/9pFQ06YIYGM 

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 10/25/2016
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    Tioga Baptist Association Fall Meeting

     

    The Tioga Baptist Association gathered together at the Middlebury Baptist Church (Pastor Stan Gill) this Sunday. Pastor Stan opened the meeting with an inspirational devotion followed by a time of praise and worship led by Pastor Stan and his wife Susan. Almost every congregation in the association was represented at the meeting. Congregational leaders shared some of the good things taking place in their churches. Judy Husted and Ben Nevin, with North Country Baptist Youth Ministries shared the important work taking place in this camping ministry.

    Here are just a few photos from the day. A complete picture album is HERE

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 10/13/2016
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    FBC York Mission Trip

    Team members from FBC York recently returned from a mission trip to Rainelle, WV. They worked hard for five days and were able to get much work done and build good relationships with our sister region to the south.

    The team worked in partnership with the West Virginia Baptist Convention on the clean-up and recovery effort for the recent flooding.

     

     

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 10/5/2016
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    WV Flood Relief

    ABCOPAD Churches were part of the hands-on WV Flood Relief efforts out of the Ranielle Baptist Church, including individuals from Hatboro Baptist, WWJD - Waynesburg, Moreland Baptist - Muncy, Wayland Baptist - Meadville, Redeeming Grace - Uniontown, and North Ten Mile Baptist - Amity. MANY other ABCOPAD churches all across the region, across our two states, sent in-kind donations as well as made monetary contributions.

    Workers stayed in the church's Christian Life, Christian Education Center. Homes were gutted. Repairs made. Rebuilding begun.

    Thanks to one and all for being the hands and feet of Jesus there in the devastated area.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 8/26/2016
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    Camp Carmel Board

     

     

    Monday evening, Jeff Johns, ABCOPAD Regional Pastor with Congregations, attended the monthly meeting of the Camp Carmel Board. The leaders, representing seven different ABCOPAD churches, gathered to review their summer season. It had been a great one! A few literal bumps and bruises as is to be expected with any outdoor ministry, but the spiritual growth of both the staff and campers was tremendous. God provided in every way for the camp's needs in both staffing and resources. Jeff was asked to attend to provide some guidance concerning how to help staff and counselors have a greater impact and be even more equipped spiritually to minister to the campers. A extensive counselor training is now being planned for next spring before the start of their 2017 season. They are already counting the days ... 46 weeks until their opening next year.

     

    Jeff also shared that the camp is strategically poised to be a network of churches working together in ways our associations used to be, like the two that founded Camp Carmel more than 60 years ago. This would be true of all our camps in the region. You will remember, just one week ago, Jeff was at the one and same camp, baptizing his son, Judson, who stayed for the week as a Junior Counselor and had the unexpected opportunity on their last night there to share a Biblical message at campfire. 

     

     

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 8/3/2016
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    GraceCrossing Community Church in Phoenixville

     

    On Sunday, Jeff Johnson, ABCOPAD Regional Pastor with Congregations, spent the morning and early afternoon with the congregation at GraceCrossing Community Church in Phoenixville. Pastor Steve Crane is doing a great job as their interim. Jeff provided the morning message and at the end of the service the entire front of the church was filled with the folks praying for their own needs and those and those of the church as well. A time of light refreshments followed the worship service and then Jeff conducted a requested Q&A with the church as they move forward in their search process but at the same time also wanting to live out their vision and all the implications of doing so. 


     

     

     

     

    Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 8/3/2016
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    2016 ABMen Conference

    It was a great weekend, as men from across the region gathered for the 2016 ABMen's Conference at Shippensburg University. Focused on the theme, “God, Our Ever-Present Help!” Rev. Dr. Larron Jackson was the featured Minister, Teacher, and Motivational Speaker. The weekend included times for Worship, Bible Study, Learning Workshops, and Fellowship. American Baptist Men of Pennsylvania & Delaware has been Forging Relationships for 62 Years! A few highlight photos below. The complete album is available HERE.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 8/2/2016
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    Upland Baptist Church Summer Outreach

    Recently, Jeff Johnson participated in the summer outreach program to kids held at the Upland Baptist Church where Rev. Brenda Shaw is the pastor. The program is a partnership of the church, the Catholic Diocese of Philadelphia, and funding by the government's faith based initiatives. The kids come for a book reading, to recite memory verses, do activities, play games, hear a lesson, have a meal, and take advantage of a lending library set up by a former school teacher, Linda Cook, who is also a member of the church's co::lab vision team. Jeff did a book reading, shared with the kids an object lesson, and taught the kids a lesson in origami, a favorite pastime of Jeff's. He even provided each child a Frisbee from ABHMS to take home and enjoy.

    This outreach helps the church realize what they believe God has called them to do that they discerned through their vision work; Loving Others through service. John Kofroth, President of our ABMen is a member of this church and participated in the outreach. 

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 7/29/2016
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    Building Healthy Partnerships

    Amidst regional responsibilities, during parts of the last two days, Jeff has been participating in strategy planning sessions for our American Baptist Home Mission Societies. This was a gathering of national and regional staff, as well as select individuals like millennials,. They were doing together what our region has provided under the auspices of co::lab to assist ABCOPAD churches and organizations in wanting to know what they should be doing and how they should be doing it to have the greatest impact for God's Kingdom. The gathering was convened by Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, the new Executive Director of ABHMS. Besides Jeff, there are a couple different ABCOPADers in the room. 

     

     

    Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 7/29/2016
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    La Paz Mexico Mission Trip 2

    Eric Kraihanzel reports on the second group of volunteers serving in  LaPaz. They had a full day of visiting two different churches. The group first went to Primera Iglesia Bautista for worship and then headed 45 minutes out of LaPaz to Los Planes for worship. This is where they will be helping to build a new church this week. PIB is planting the church and church members along with our group will be helping to put on a roof and run a VBS program. A few feature photos are posted below. The complete album is available HERE.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 7/29/2016
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    La Paz Mexico Mission Trip 1

    Eric Kraihanzel reports: The mission trip has been fantastic. The ministry opportunities have been outstanding. We have spent a good amount of time with children from the nearby communities. We have had 5 opportunities to share God's word/spend time with children from local schools and the communities near the ranch. Every day we have been working on the ranch/camp to help them get ready for their summer program. The team has had the joy of getting to know the camp staff (Mexicans) and sharing with them in ministry. Here are several highlight photos. The complete album is available HERE.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 7/29/2016
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    2016 ABWM Conference

    It was an outstanding time of fellowship, worship, and celebration as women across the region gathered for the annual ABWM Conference. Featuring outstanding speakers, Bible study leaders, musicians, and missionaries, the program emphasized the theme "Thrive!". During the conference, the ABWM leadership presented the ABCOPAD Foundation and ABCOPAD Partners In Ministry with gifts totaling $40,000! Here are just a few photos highlighting the events. A complete album is available HERE.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 7/29/2016
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    Joseph ... now in person!

     

    David Earnest, pastor of the Bethlehem Baptist Church in Greene County, is taking his role as Joseph VERY seriously going so far as to shave his head to portray the part. Each session Pastor David teaches on Joseph -- as Joseph -- as part of their Egypt based Vacation Bible School.

    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 6/7/2016
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    ABWM Spring Board Meeting

    What a great day with the ABWM team of PA/DE. As Pastor Jeff Johnson said "everyone on the regional team is giving praise reports!" Great stuff is happening in ABWM so 'stay tuned.' Pastor Jeff gave each of us a "million dollar bill". He said it's because we are each worth a million dollars to him and the ministry in ABCOPAD. We were THRIVING today. God was good to us in many ways!

     


     

     

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 5/22/2016
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    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 5/11/2016
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    Travels With Jeff

     

     

    Last week, Jeff preached twice at the annual session of the ABC churches of the South in Charlotte NC. Jeff was there for the installation of their new executive minister, Dr Harrison, representing both the Home Mission Societies and ABCOPAD.

     

    Jeff presented Dr Harrison a set of cuff links Jeff made for him from lapel pins on which is their region logo.

     

    At the ABCOTS annual session, Jeff crossed paths with Dr Pat Hernandez who is the national director of both women in ministry and transitional ministries. Dr Pat was there to conduct a seminar on interim ministry; a training she just did in our region last week for both present and future interim ministers.

     

    While at ABCOTS' annual session, Jeff also crossed paths with Susan Gillies, Interim General Secretary (middle) and Kristina Moeller (Colonel - Retired), our national endorsing agent for ABC military and institutional chaplains (right).

    Categories: Ministries, General ~ Date: 5/5/2016
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    ABCOPAD Interim Ministry Training

    The Interim Ministry training being offered by ABCOPAD, ABC Transitional Ministries and the Center for Congregational Health was launched in April. This level one training is the basic training for all interim pastors.

     

     

    Leading the interim ministries training is Les Robinson from the Center for Congregational Health and Larry Swain, former Executive Minister for ABC Ohio and now a consultant for the program are leading the gathering.

     

    Pat Hernandez, Director of Transition Ministries ABCUSA and Kevin Walden, ABCOPAD Refirement are also among the leaders here to at the event.

     

    Our own Regional Executive Pastor, Frank Frischkorn is also here at FBC Milton for this unique collaboration bring multiple ministries together for this important training.

     

    Additional photos of the event can be viewed HERE

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 4/28/2016
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    2016 Nicaragua Mission Trip III

    Last night the team went out to dinner at a local Nicaragua/Mexican restaurant. The mission team and the AMOS staff enjoyed a wonderful feast and time to reflect on our time at Banco de Sikia. Today we will have our last full day in Nicaragua. We are heading to a park to swim, rest, and begin psychologically for re-entry into the US and our lives back home.

     

     

    Early this morning the team left Banco de Sikia to return to Managua. It was hard leaving so many great new friends behind. The trip was a huge success.

    Not only were all the water filters installed, medical training accomplished, and Vacation Bible School completed, life-long friendships were forged with people in the community who will remain in our hearts forever.

    The 9-hour trip back to Managua was, once again grueling, with everyone receiving a thick layer of dust over clothes and skin, as well as sore muscles from constant jarring on bumpy roads. Now that we are back at the AMOS compound, everyone is showered and getting ready to head out for dinner at a local restaurant. 

    You can view lots more pictures HERE!  

     

     

     

    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 4/28/2016
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    2016 Nicaragua Mission Trip II

    What an amazing day. Five groups went out right after breakfast to install water filters. So many amazing testimonies. I was present to witness one especially tender moment.

    Mike, Jenny, and I delivered a water filter to a family pretty far from the clinic. When we arrived at the house we found several bamboo-like containers with small bees flying in and out. We learned that the dad of the family is a bee keeper. Mike keeps bees at his farm in New York. We installed the filter and had a great time visiting with the family. Mike (via translation) talked about bee keeping with the dad. We learned it takes the bees about a year to create one liter of honey. As we were leaving, the father of the family (Leonel) gave Mike a gift of 1 liter of honey. We were told we could eat it because the honey is boiled making it safe. It was an amazing gift and the honey is truly delicious!


    While delivering water filters, we invited everyone to a movie night at the church. Almost every family who received a water filter came out. We watched Kung Fu Panda. What a great night to be the family of God in His house.

    Once the movie concluded, our team returned to our dining area to meet. One of our nurses, Rachel, turned 25 today. The AMOS team drove all the way to the nearest town to buy a birthday cake and soda. We celebrated Rachel's birthday together.

    There is a tradition in Nicaragua to crush an egg on the head of anyone celebrating a birthday. Rachel has been embraced as a member of the family here in Banco de Sikia. Two AMOS staff members snuck up on Rachel and broke eggs on her head as a wish for long life. The eggs were donated from homes where water filters had been installed. A fantastic way to end the evening.

    Tonight many members of our team are choosing to sleep under the stars on a ridge not far from the clinic. It is a beautiful night.

     

     

    Today we finished installing the last of our water filters. The community was overjoyed with the results of our project. We had a short break in the afternoon. Some members of our team took time to rest while others met with community leaders to help them with additional water issues the village has been struggling with.

    At 4:00pm, everyone from the village gathered at the church for a closing ceremony. It was a great celebration as everyone expressed gratitude to God and to one another for an amazing week. Not only were all the water filters installed, but incredible friendships were forged. 15 village leaders received first-aid training certificates, and kids shared a song they learned in VBS The closing was bittersweet, with hugs and even tears, knowing it will be some time before everyone is together again.

    Tomorrow morning we will start the 9-hour road trip home. We will leave the village bright and early. Thank you for your continued prayers!

     

    You can view lots more pictures HERE!  


    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 4/28/2016
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    2016 Nicaragua Mission Trip I

    Our team of volunteers departed from Atlanta on their way to Nicaragua. Everyone arrived and got to know one another.

     

    The team attended morning worship at a little church outside of Managua. It was wonderful. The congregation demonstrated amazing hospitality. The music included some familiar hymns and others that were new. The team brought a greeting from the States. Pastor Daniel focused his message on the Holy Spirit and our AMOS partner John translated. It was incredible being with our brothers and sisters in Christ here in Nicaragua.

     

     

     

    On Monday, we had orientations the morning followed by a tour of the compound. In the afternoon we learned out the water filters we would be installing and did some preparations on the actual filters. We also enjoyed a short tour of Managua.

     

     

     

    The team made it safely to Banco de Sikia. It was a very difficult trip ... 9 hours over many horrible dirt roads. The bumps and shakes were grueling, but we made it. Everyone had a thick coating of dust covering our skin and clothing, but without a doubt the trip was worth it.

     

    Tuesday was a full day of ministry. In the morning, the team installed a water filter for Hosea, one of the Health Committee members who lives at the heart of the village. This was great practice.

    By 9:30am, five teams were dispatched to install water filters throughout the community. Some teams only needed to travel 30-60 minutes to their families, while others had almost a 2-hour walk to their first home receiving a water filter. Everyone was pretty exhausted when they got back for lunch.

    After lunch, half the team did medical training with community members while the other half of the team did VBS with the children.

    The medical team taught basic first aid for wounds and had lots of interaction with the students. The VBS team had about 35 kids. We sang songs, did games, and had arts and crafts. We also cleaned litter from the school yard.

    By dinnertime, everyone was very tired, but so happy with our accomplishments.

    The hospitality of the people of Banco de Sikia is incredible. SO much joy! It remains very hot (102) and dusty.

    You can view lots more pictures HERE

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 4/20/2016
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    REUNION 2016 REVIEW

    Reunion 2016 is more than a memory! Held at Liberty Baptist Church, students from all over ABCOPAD gathered for a weekend of fellowship, inspiration, and fun. There were wild games, music from Museum, challenging messages from Dave Klock, not to mention lots of pizza! There were great times of laughter and shenanigans. And there were exceptional times of worship, discovery, and commitment. You can check out ALL the photos HERE

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 2/29/2016
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    2016 Haiti Mission Volunteers

    Rev. John Dorean, Pastor, Jefferson Baptist Church leads a mission team to Grande Goave February 24 - March 2, 2016. The team will help to build a concrete block home, work and play with the children at the Heart to Heart Children's Home, and lead prayer walks within the community. 

     

     

     

     

    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 2/25/2016
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    Disaster Relief at Roaring Branch, PA

     

    Tim Robson (Interim Pastor at the East Smithfield Federated Church) reported a team from the Bradford Baptist Association provided disaster relief at the Mt. Zion New Life Center in Roaring Branch, PA. The Retreat Center was severely damaged by frozen pipes. The Bradford Baptist Association sent a team to assist in the restoration effort. The group utilized the Disaster Relief Trailer, making available valuable tools for this project.

    See the complete photo album HERE

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 2/2/2016
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    Calvary, Newark, Storm Response

    A report from Code Purple Blizzard at Calvary Baptist Church, Newark, DE 


    All is fine, as 28 folks spent the night warm and safe. Saturday morning finds us watching James Bond Skyfall. Lots of full bellies. There is enough food for an army. Thank you to so many who stepped up to provide so much.

     

    The guests spent Friday night keeping the sidewalks and driveway open. We have sufficient volunteers. Special thanks to Mindy from Newark Empowerment Center (NEC) for hanging out till about 8 while balancing her own family. It was great having her to assist with check in. About 9:00, Marc Marcus, from NEC, came in after making rounds checking for stragglers. He was here till midnight helping with getting the guys settled down.

     

     

    We will be here until Sunday morning. Our guests have cleaned bathrooms and vacuumed this morning. These guys are awesome at helping out. Today we watch more movies and play cards and games. Our volunteers go and grab some shut eye on a rotating basis.

     

    Volunteers camped here for the weekend.
    Thanks so much for your prayers!
    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 1/29/2016
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    Eric And Mark in Mexico - III

    Complete Photo Album available HERE.  

    January 21 

    Our team enjoyed a delicious breakfast with Nany, Lupita, and their family. It was great continuing to build a strong relationship with these partners in ministry in La Paz.

     

    Following breakfast, we traveled to Los Planos to visit with Pastor Juan Carlos who is building a new church. This is a church plant of First Baptist of La Paz. So exciting to see what the Lord is doing as so many are coming to Jesus through these ministries.

     

     

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries ~ Date: 1/22/2016
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    Dominican Republic Team Report

     

    Thank you for praying for our FBC Wellsboro mission work trips to Las Colinas in the Dominican Republic. Team I, mostly construction/painting folk or teens from PA, left Dec. 28 to paint buildings on the compound, build a church on Batey Molinito and provide clean water (where there had been no water at all) to the village center; teens performed puppet shows and had a Gospel presentation for children of Batey Molinito, Batey Esperanza, and Colegio Evangelico Moriah (school was not in session, but children came for the show and Gospel presentation). They returned home changed forever on Jan. 8, the day Team II left for Las Colinas.

     

      

    Team II was mostly a medical team from all around the East, North, South, and mid-West. God sent a large medical team because He knew they’d see more patients than our medical teams have ever seen since holding the first medical clinics in 1985: 380 on Sat., 280 on Wed., etc. Young people from Maine and PA. taught art in the school, helped the construction crew complete a roof on the large cistern at Batey Molinito, and joined the crew shoveling rocks onto the parking lot and driveway in the compound. They returned to their various homes in the early morning hours of Jan. 19, also changed in mind and spirit.

     

     

    FBC Wellsboro invites everyone to the teams’ presentation on Feb. 14 at 10:15 A.M.

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 1/22/2016
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    Eric And Mark in Mexico - II

    Complete Photo Album available HERE.  

    January 19

    This morning we are working on finishing the ramp for the therapeutic riding program at the stable. We have finished excavation and are now driving rebar anchors to secure the wall. Hope to have this project finished before lunch. The guys are fired up.

     

     

     

    We finished the retaining wall that will allow wheelchair bound and special needs kids participate in therapeutic horseback riding. It was a bigger than we expected, but the job is complete.

     

     

    After completing the retaining wall we visited Pastor Jaun and his wife at their home. Pastor Juan has plans for planting a church in a rural area outside of La Paz. It was great hearing his vision.

     

     

     

    Pastor Juan took us to the site of the new church plant. The ground has been cleared and plans are underway for construction. The congregation already brings yard chairs to the site for worship.


     After visiting the site of the new church plant, we went to Rancho Camino, the summer camping program our young adults visited this summer. The vista is breath taking.

     

     

     

    We went to the home of our friends from Primera Iglesia Bautsia to discuss summer mission trips. It was awesome spending the evening with these great brothers and sisters in Christ. So much laughing and sharing. Just an amazing night.

     

    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 1/20/2016
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    Eric And Mark in Mexico - I

    Complete Photo Album available HERE

    January 16

    Our small mission team departed from JFK Airport for La Paz, Mexico. The team included our own Eric Kraihanzel, Mark Mahserjian-Smith, Bryon Luke from Hatboro Baptist, and Josh Carson from FBC Bethlehem. We were up at 3am to make our early Saturday morning flight and arrived in Mexico mid-afternoon...

     

    The landscape is breathtaking....

     

    We enjoyed a delicious meal at a local restaurant and, following a busy travel day, enjoyed some late night ice cream. Tomorrow worship and jump into some work.

     

     

     

    January 17

    This morning we attended the Crossroad Fellowship in La Paz. This is an English speaking congregation where our ABC Missionaries, David and Joyce Reed, attended. A great way to start our Sunday.

     

    Later, our team attended Primera Iglesia Bautista of La Pas. It was all in Spanish and an amazing worship service. Such a wonderful time worshiping with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

     

     

    Following worship this afternoon our team took the pastor and his family, along with the worship leader, our friend Nany and her mom, out for dinner. It was great getting to know this church family as well as making plans for summer mission trips.

     

     

    January 18

    Today we are working on building a ramp for the therapeutic riding program. We are digging out the old ramp and putting in a new ramp that will help handicapped kids, some in wheelchairs, board the horses for their rides. Bright sun and hot, but all is going well. The team is hard at work.

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 1/18/2016
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    Following Frank in the Philippines

    A few notes and photos from recent Facebook posts:

     

    10,000 miles and 30 hours later, we just arrived at the hotel in Manila. Tomorrow morning after breakfast we get on another plane to fly to Iloilo City for a 4-day Roundtable with leaders of the Philippine Baptist Convention, where each of us will be presenting papers on topics that are common to our work for the Gospel on both sides of the globe. Ok...I'm going to bed! 

     

     

    This morning at breakfast, Ben Chan from International Ministries gave us some history of the American Baptist relationship with the churches in the Philippines. Now it's off to get on a plane for our trip south to Iloilo, where the Roundtable Gathering will take place over the next four days. A fun fact on the Philippines: did you know there are over 7100 islands that make up the nation?

     

    We received a warm greeting from our partners in the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches after our plane landed in Iloilo City. ( the fact that it was about 85 degrees when we landed also added to the warmth of the greeting!). This evening we will start our Roundtable discussions with the Kasapulanan ( their equivalent of regions) leadership.

     

     

    At tonight's opening session, we shared a time of table fellowship with the other leaders from CPBC, as well as being blessed by a troup of dancers from Central Philippine University. We were expecting the group from CPBC to be the same size as ours, but interest in the conversation was so high that the Convention felt obliged to open the participation to approximately 50 leaders, both pastor and lay.

     

     

    I had the chance to spend some time with a young Filipino pastor named Joshua, today. It was great to have the chance to talk about leadership with him and to hear his call and passion for ministry in the new church he is attempting to plant. Honestly he reminded me of our new church planting pastor, Dave Klock. What a blessing it is to see how God calls people to life-changing ministry all over the globe!

     

     

    Vicki Goff and Denise Gratzel are sharing with our Philippine brothers and sisters about the response to Superstorm Sandy....I can't help but be filled with joy at the selfless response of so many from our region to the needs of our friends to the east.

     

     

    Lee Spitzer, the Executive Minister from ABCNJ, also shared about the response of other regions to the destruction of Sandy. As you see from the picture, he made a special notice of our region being the first to respond within the first week after the disaster....nice picture of Regional Pastor Kevin Walden, don't you think?

     

     

    Vicki Goff and the staff from ABCNJ are responding to questions about their presentation on Superstorm Sandy....

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries ~ Date: 1/7/2016
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    Dominican Republic Volunteer Mission Team

    Remember to pray for the Dominican Republic Mission Team (Wellsboro, FBC). TEAM #1 is serving December 28, 2015- Jan. 7, 2016.

    Volunteers have included a construction team building a small church on a batey (village of Haitian sugar cane workers) under the direction of Mark Page...

     

    a painting team with Duane Yeagel as leader...

     

    and a puppet team - 6 teens and their youth leader, Drew Simcox, who are presenting the Gospel through puppet shows every day.

     

     

    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 1/5/2016
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    Reaching Out in Pittsburgh

    Saturday evening, Jeff Johnson and his wife, Karen, and their children, Jonae and Judson, with extended family members participated in an outreach in the downtown streets of Pittsburgh to feed and clothe the homeless. The ministry is sponsored each weekend by Ken Howard Ministries. Two of our ABCOPAD churches participate monthly: Olive Branch Church in Belle Vernon, and First Baptist Church, Vandergrift.

      

    Jeff's kids helped serve the wonderful and abundant hot food prepared by Marcia Bauer from Olive Branch.

     

    Jeff and Judson distributed personal hygiene kits put together by Judson.

     

    Karen, her mother, her niece, and the choir director of Olive Branch sang carols in the background.

     

    After weeks of temps way above normal, the night of the outreach, the temps dipped to well below freezing. The Olive Branch ministry team is headed up by Paula Sommerfeldt, wife of the church's pastor Ken. The Vandergrift ministry is headed up by Pat Rupert, providing lot of clothes as well as bag meals for the homeless to take and eat later.

     

     

    Before the evening was over, a man prayed to commit his life to Christ. Now this is the greatest present one can receive this Christmas season: His presence in this man's heart. 

     

    Categories: Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 12/20/2015
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    FBC, Pottstown & ABHMS Partnership

     

     

    The American Baptist Home Mission Society staff, including our own Jeff Johnson, partnered with the First Baptist Church of Pottstown, an ABCOPAD congregation, to provide much needed baby items, toiletries, laundry supplies, and groceries for families.

     

     

    Laura Alden 

    Laura Alden, publisher of Judson Press, a member of FBC, Pottstown, and the chair of their pastoral search committee is coordinating the delivery of the items to the Pottstown Cluster of Churches. Several ABHMS staff are members of other ABCOPAD churches in the Valley Forge area including Royersford, Upper Merion, and Exton.

     

     

    Fela Barreuto (L), Director of the ABHMS Prisoner Re-Entry Program
    Laura Miraz (R) HR Director of ABHMS
     

    The ABHMS staff also donated new socks, underwear, ties, shirts, shoes, and sportcoats to give to the Essex County (NJ) Correctional Center to provide released inmates with proper attire for job interviews as they reenter society.
     

     

     

    Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 12/15/2015
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    2015 ABWM Leadership Team

    The AB Women's Ministry Leadership Team gathered for a fall meeting in Carlisle, PA. Mark Mahserjian-Smith had a great honor of dedicating the new officers and association presidents, as well as telling the ladies about recent mission trips. This is an incredible group who remain a powerful force for mission in our Region.

    Additional pictures are available HERE

     

     

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 9/27/2015
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    TOUCH A TRUCK at FBC Waynesburg

    The Touch a Truck event at FBC, Waynesburg is HUGE! You really had to be there to appreciate everything that was happening. Air horns were blasting as kids climb into the cabs of the trucks. And every truck that drove by sounded their greeting. Kids were running from truck to truck pulling their parents along. The church was prepared to distribute more than 600 bibles to children attending. Rev Ed Pierce is lead pastor at FBC. What an awesome community event! 

    More photos are available HERE

     

     

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 9/27/2015
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    ABHMS Welcomes New Executive Director

     

    Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Johnson, ABCOPAD Regional Pastor With Congregations, spent the day at our ABC Mission Center in Valley Forge. He was there to welcome the incoming executive director of the American Baptist Home Mission Societies, Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Haggray. He will begin his ministry at ABHMS on November 1 following the 24 year tenure of the Rev. Dr. Aidsand Wright-Riggins, III, who will be retiring.

     

     

     

    Pictured above are the Rev. Dr. Aidsand Wright-Riggins, III, present Executive Director of ABHMS, Jeff Johnson, and the Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, Executive Director-elect.

     

     


    Pictured above are Jeff Johnson with the Rev. Dr. Clifford Johnson, Senior Pastor of the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Wilmington, Delaware and also President of the ABHMS Board of Directors, and the Rev. Dr. Alonzo Patterson who is Senior Pastor of the Shiloh Baptist Church in Anchorage, Alaska and Director of our ABC work in that state.

     

    You will remember, when Jeff came on board to ABCOPAD five years ago, he retained his executive position with the American Baptist Churches USA as the National Director of Evangelism and New Church Planting under the auspices of ABHMS, a position in total he has now held for fifteen years.

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 9/25/2015
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    Leadership Learning Communities

    Leadership Learning Communities (LLC) are small groups of pastors gathering together locally to empower each other to have healthy vital relationships personally and professionally. This is a crucial part of fulfilling the region's vision to build healthy partnerships with Churches, Pastoral Leaders and the wider ABC Family.

    Here are some recent photos of recent LLC meetings across the region. To learn more, click HERE

     

    The Delaware Association LLC with Jeff Collins, Mark Mahserjian-Smith, CG Coats, Dan Taylor, Louise Barger, and Kevin Walden.

     

     

    The Northumberland Association LLC held its September meeting at PNC field, taking in a Pirates game! Included in the group are Pete Wilson, and Rob Rice

     

    The Pastor's Spouse LLC met for fellowship in State College. A few of the group: Kevin Walden, Kelly Hartman, and Jen Rice.

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 9/21/2015
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    Watsontown Baptist 175th Anniversary

    Congratulations to the members of Watsontown Baptist Church who celebrated their 175th anniversary. The sanctuary was filled with great music and preaching, the pews were filled with faithful members and former pastors, and there was plenty to eat at a family picnic. The weather was glorious, but no match for the spirit of God among those gathered in worship and fellowship. Rev. Jim Ritter serves as pastor.

    Additional pictures are available at Photobucket 

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 9/20/2015
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    FBC Woodlawn - Habitat Project

     

     

     

     

     

    Pastor Howard Irwin and a great group of young adults from FBC Woodlawn did outstanding work today hanging drywall and cleaning the backyard. It was a great day at a Habitat build in Ambridge.

    You can check out additional pictures at the ABCOPAD Photobucket site

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 8/27/2015
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    Camp Carmel Golf Scramble

     

     

    Throughout this past beautiful Sunday afternoon in southwestern Pennsylvania, Jeff Johnson participated in a golf scramble fundraiser for Camp Carmel. Some eighteen teams took to the course. There were about a dozen ABCOPAD pastors and laypastors participating in the event. After eighteen holes of golf, a feast of barbecue pork loin with all the fixings was served while awards for individual and team play were given out.

    Though Jeff's foursome did not come in with the lowest score for the day, they did, like many other teams, beat the team that touts itself as the course experts.

    Over $3000 was raised for the camp.

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 8/26/2015
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    Jefferson Classic 2015


     

     


     

    The thirteenth annual Jefferson Classic was held on July 31 and August 1 with 213 registered for a a variety of sporting events and games.

    The event is sponsored each year by the Jefferson Baptist Church. Any profits from the event go to fund the digging of wells in Burkina Faso, Africa, perhaps the poorest nation on earth, where Jefferson missionaries Roy and Marilyn Keys are serving. 

    This year’s Classic began on Friday, July 31 at 7:00 P.M. at the Jefferson-Morgan Elementary gym with a corn hole tournament. The event also included a kid’s one mile fun run, a 5K walk/run, and a three-on-three basketball tournament. Younger children were entertained throughout the morning’s events with games of water balloon toss, three legged races, cake walks, and football toss. Great food was served from the beginning to the end of both days’ events.

    Event organizer John Dorean commented, “For us it is all about giving our community a sense of pride and togetherness. We couldn’t do the event without a huge number of people sacrificially giving of their time and resources to make it happen. From our referees to the folks donating and cooking the food, folks contribute with generous hearts and joyful spirits. It has never been about making money. From the beginning, we wanted folks to know that, as a church, we were not going to profit from the event in any way so we committed every dollar beyond our expenses to a local or foreign mission.”

    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 8/24/2015
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    Ordination Service for Rev David Jacobs


    Mark writes. On Sunday July 26 an Ordination Service was held at the Clinton Baptist Church of Montgomery, PA for Rev David Jacobs. Members of the Congregation along with members of the association gathered together for the celebration.

    During the Ordination service for Rev. David Jacobs, clergy from the Northumberland Baptist Association came forward to pray for Pastor Dave and his wife Lisa along with their daughters. The tradition of Laying On Of Hands was conducted as everyone prayed God would bless this pastor, his family and the ministry at Clinton. 


    Following the Ordination Celebration for Pastor Dave Jacobs a reception was held in the fellowship hall. It was a wonderful evening of rejoicing for the church family and the association. 

    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 8/5/2015
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    Rev John and Linda Shypulefski Celebrate 50th Wedding Anniversary

     



    Frank writes: John and Linda Shypulefski are celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary today at their home outside of Shickshinny today. Friends and family are gathering to celebrate with them on this beautiful Sunday afternoon.

     

    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 8/5/2015
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    ABCOPAD Millennial Mission Team in La Paz Mexico

    La Paz Mexico team has made it and getting settled in. Pray for us as we serve running sports camps and serving in the community.



    Eric writes - Mexico Mission trip continues. We have been blessed to serve at Ranch el Camino in La Paz, MX. Working around the camp and running a camp program.





    More Updates and Pics on Our Facebook Page

    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 8/5/2015
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    July Haiti Mission Volunteer


     

    Rev. Kelly Legg, Pastor at First Baptist Church of Norristown, leads a great team of volunteers in Haiti. Hard work and Hot weather! But servant hands are blessing so many men and women, boys and girls.  Building homes... Building friendships... Building hope... Building faith... Building a future...

     

    You can check out more photos HERE

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 7/6/2015
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    2015 ABCUSA Mission Summit


    It's over.... but what a gathering!!! American Baptists from across the country and around the world came together in Overland Park, KS, for the biennial gathering of our denominational family.  

    Two albums of pictures are available for viewing. Take a moment, and see what happened for three days in June.

    Photo Album #1 (taken by ABCUSA Staff) 

    Photo Album #2 (taken by ABCOPAD Staff)

     

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 7/3/2015
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    New Covenant Installation Service

     

      

     

    Many members of the ABCOPAD Family participated in the Installation service for Pastor Melody Walden at New Covenant Baptist Church, Pottstown (Central Union Association).

    Participants included: Dan MacDonald, charge to the congregation; Kevin Walden, charge to the pastor; Brenda Shaw honoring of the Pastor's spouse; Blake Edwards, installation vows; Brad Lacey, prayer of dedication; Doug Stratton, greeting from Central Union Association; Rev. Mary Etta Mest, greeting from Clergy Association of Pottstown. 

    You can see additional pictures at Photobucket

    Categories: Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 6/9/2015
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    Clergy Ethics Course - 2015 Spring

      

      

     

    We had an outstanding group who gathered at the First Regular Baptist Church of Huntingdon for the ABCOPAD Clergy Ethics course. Kevin Walden, Regional Pastor for Pastoral Leaders, was our lead instructor. Pastor Eric Kraihanzel also joined us [via Go To Meeting] to talk about ethics in the midst of Student Ministries.

    A complete album of pictures can be seen on Photobucket

    Categories: Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 6/6/2015
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    ACTS 2015 Spring Graduation

     

    The Academy of Christian Training and Service

    Our 2015 Spring ACTS Graduation celebration was held at the West Shore Baptist Church in Camp Hill. What an awesome group of graduates along with their families. It was an honor to be present along with so many of our ACTS team .

    You can check out all the photos HERE at PHOTOBUCKET.

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 6/1/2015
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    Restoration and Resurrection

     

    Mark writes: This afternoon I had a chance to visit Pastor Brad and Peggy Lacey at FBC Conshohocken. It was great hearing their life story as well as to see how God has been restoring the church follow a devastating fire a number of years ago. These are such great partners in ministry and wonderful friends.

    Check out these remarkable pictures...

    AFTER the fire ---

     

     

    During the rebuild --- 

     

     

    AFTER completion ---

     

     

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 5/13/2015
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    Where's Jeff??

     

     

    Jeff Johnson, our ABCOPAD Regional Pastor with Congregations as well as our ABCUSA National Director of Evangelism and New Church Planting, spent the end of last week and this weekend with one of our sister regions, the ABC Churches of Nebraska, at their annual convention hosted by the First Baptist Church of Kearney, Nebraska.

    The gathering began with a day-long pastor training event sponsored by their Ministers' Council. The information shared was based on an article Jeff wrote for the Spring 2014 issue of Christian Citizen, discipleSHIFT: 1st century practices applicable to our 21st century reality. You can download a copy from the ABHMS website, under Publications in the archive section.

    The focus of the two day convention was Acts 1:8, being a witness to the whole world. Jeff spoke at both the opening and closing plenaries, as well as at the ABMen luncheon. 

    On Sunday, Jeff spoke at the host church at both their morning services which are streamed live over the internet and broadcast over local radio. There was a tremendous outpouring of the Holy Spirit during an invitation at both services. The front of the church packed praying for their own needs or the needs of others.

    You can find more on the Nebraska region's facebook page HERE 

     

       

     

    Categories: General, Ministries ~ Date: 5/3/2015
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    Against The Flow in Williamsport

     

     

      

     

     

    At Calvary Baptist Church in Williamsport, Rev. Eric Kraihanzel, our Regional Pastor for Student Ministries, was leading another "Against The Flow" event for teens through the north central part of the region. Six congregations participated. Their time together included worship, testimonies, break-out sessions, service projects in the community, games, and lots and lots of food! These two-day gatherings are to help teens go against the flow of worldly values and strive to put Christ at the center of their lives.

     

    Here are the youth and their leaders making clay pots as part of their learning experience based on Isaiah 64:8 and Jeremiah 18

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 4/25/2015
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    Medical Emergency!!!

     

     

     

    Relax!!!! 

    The ABCOPAD Nicaragua Mission Team had some fun after lunch. The guys did a First Aid Clinic, teaching the men of El Socorro some basic medical info for common emergency issue. Eddy, the fireman of our group as well as ER worker, taught the class along with Our team leader, Roberto. The men did great and clearly already know a lot. We laughed and learned together.

    The ladies led the VBS this afternoon and had a blast singing, playing games, teaching Bible Stories and coloring with the kids. When both groups were done, we spent time with Isaac, the resident health promoter. Isaac works during the day growing coffee as well as providing medical care for the people of El Socorro. He is a very giving and caring man who often walks for hours to make a house call for those that are ill. It has been an honor serving this great community.

    Categories: Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 4/17/2015
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    2015 ABCOPAD Nicaragua Volunteers

      

    Our ABCOPAD Nicaragua Mission Team --- being the hand and heart of Christ among the people of El Soccoro, Nicaragua. Keeping them in our prayers, you might enjoy seeing some of the sights that have passed before their eyes.

    Check out the pictures here at Photobucket

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 4/16/2015
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    ABCOPAD Mission Team Travels To Nicaragua

    Water of Blessing

    Mission Trip To Nicaragua
    April 10 - 19, 2015

    American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware
    and
    American Baptist Churches of New York State
    are Partnering Together on

    Downloadable Flier

     Follow The Team On Facebook


    Watch videos explaining this mission trip



     

    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 4/8/2015
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    New Praise Band at FBC Woodlawn

     

     

    Above are a couple of pictures of our praise band that played for the first time on Easter Sunday morning. It went really well! The congregation was very enthusiastic. I've been wanting something like that for a long time--however, God's time is always best. We really didn't have the talent available before, and the congregation probably wasn't ready for it. We had a nice blend of the traditional Easter hymns on the organ and the praise music with the band.  Rev. Howard Irwin

     

    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 4/8/2015
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    Easter Baptisms at Riverview Baptist Church

     

     

    We had a wonderful Easter morning service, with a full church and a wonderful Spirit. With the baptisms and the Lord's Supper it was a special day. I believe that this is the first time I have done both in the same service. In Christ, Pastor Bruce.

     More Pictures on Photobucket

     

     

     


    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 4/8/2015
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    Baptism at FBC Mansfield

     

     

    On Palm Sunday, March 29, 2015, First Baptist Church of Mansfield had a baptism. Our Interim Pastor, Rev. Allen H. Goss performed the ordinance of Baptism for Megan Marie Smith. It was a great celebration to welcome her into the "Family of God."

     

     

    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 4/8/2015
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    ReFit and Redeeming Grace


     

    It happened over this past weekend, during the Camp Carmel Winter Retreat in western ABCOPAD. Pastor Darrell Edgar, senior pastor of the Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Smithfield, PA, presented a $750 check to Pastor Dana Wiles, lead pastor of Redeeming Grace Church in Uniontown, PA.

    The check was made possible through the generous giving of American Baptist Women under a program they call ReFit Funds. The check is facilitated by our own Dr. Jeffrey Johnson, national and regional director of new church planting.

    Redeeming Grace Church was birthed out of Mount Moriah in 2013. They moved out of a local hotel's conference room and into this new space on their one year anniversary, back in the fall of 2014. Their vision as a new church is to reach 20-somethings for Christ.

     

     

     

    Categories: Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 3/31/2015
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    Building Healthy Partnerships with Churches

     

    This past Sunday, Jeff Johnson spent the morning and early afternoon with Pastor Marty von Harten and the folks of Calvary Baptist, Allentown. Jeff attended one of their adult classes which uses "The Wired Word" online Sunday School curriculum. Each lesson takes an item from the news the week before and examines it in light of the Bible and our faith. He preached the morning message, giving an invitation for people to come forward for a need in their own life or one in the life of someone they care about. The front of the church was filled.

    A light lunch was served, and then Jeff did a co::lab presentation so as to educate the whole congregation in what the church had committed to. At the end of the session, several people came to the pastor and offered to be on the larger, church-based team. It was exciting!

    Jeff went to the church, as well, to thank them for their generous giving to missions across the board, here at home and abroad, not the least of which is the America For Christ offering and Partners In Ministry, both which support ministry right here in our ABCOPAD region.

    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 3/18/2015
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    March Haiti Mission Team... heart-2-heart

     

    Our ABCOPAD Volunteer Haiti Mission Team continues to serve in Jesus' name! During the closing days of their labors, the team worked at the Heart-2-Heart orphanage, touching many lives with the love of Christ. Blessings were shared, both given and received!

    You can see a new album of updated pictures at Photobucket.

     

    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 3/17/2015
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    March Haiti Mission Team... at work!

     

    Our ABCOPAD Volunteer Haiti Mission Team arrived safely in Grand Goave! The first hours were spent getting acquainted with one another, the community, and the work. And then, there are the essential "rules" every volunteer learns. You can check out the album with a lot more pictures at Photobucket.

    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 3/13/2015
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    Jeffrey Johnson's Jersey Jaunt

     

    This past Saturday, Jeff Johnson, our ABCOPAD Regional Pastor with Congregations, visited with our sisters and brothers to the east, in ABC New Jersey. He served as the keynote speaker for the plenary sessions of the annual COAL (Church Officers and Leaders) training event. Every year the event is held, one weekend in the southern part of the Garden State and a second weekend in the northern part of the state.

    There were learning tracks for diacontate, trustees, Christian educators, and missions committee members. After speaking at the plenary, Jeff led the Pastors' Academy, focused on the four elements of 21st century discipleship — based on 1st century principles — as articulated in his article in a 2014 issue of The Christian Citizen.

    In spite of two days of bad winter weather, hundreds turned out for the event. So many came that the venue had to be moved from a chapel at the host church, Shiloh Baptist in Trenton, to their main auditorium. And guess what..... Jeff will do it all over again next weekend!

    ABCOPAD has a great relationship with ABCNJ, partnering together in many ways with shared mission trips, pastors' conferences, and joint ministry such as this. Be sure to pray for their staff under the leadership of their Executive Minister, Dr. Lee Spitzer, as you continue to pray for our staff.

    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 3/10/2015
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    Ordination Service for Rev Cristy Wise




    More Photos On Photobucket

    On February 12th the Bates Forks Baptist Church held an ordination service for Pastor Cristy Wise.  The service of celebration brought together the churches of the Ten Mile Association along with Regional Pastors Frank Frischkorn, Jeff Johnson and Kevin Walden who participated in the service for Rev. Cristy. It was a very joyous occasion for all!  One highlight of the service was Pastor Cristy receiving her purple stoll from Jeff Johnson who had been wearing it during the service.  It was a meaning moment as Jeff received his license to preach from Bates Forks as a young pastoral leader.

    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 2/19/2015
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    United Baptist Scranton Celebrates New Association Pastor

     

    On Sunday, February 8th the United Baptist Church of Scranton welcomed their new Associate Pastor Ginger Daubenhauser. Rev. Earl Cassel not only welcomed Pastor Ginger to the church staff but also welcomed the many members of the Trinity Baptist Church of Scranton now attending United. It was a great day of celebration.  Pastor Ginger did a wonderful job with the children's message using 1 Corinthians 13 as her primary text.  Just like you can't make a chocolate chip cookie without chocolate chips, you can't be a Christian without love.  Later, Rev. Cassel expanded on the love chapter during his morning message.  Pastor Earl and Linda Cassel along with the churches hospitality committee hosted a wonderful reception following morning worship.

     More pictures on Photobucket.

     

     

    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 2/8/2015
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    Ten Mile Association Mens Prayer Breakfast

     

    Men from the Ten Mile Baptist Association, in the very southwest corner of ABCOPAD gathered for breakfast at Calvary Baptist Church in Lipponcott where Rev. Nick Bardo is the pastor and has been for more than thirty years. Rev. David Earnest, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in nearby Ruff Creek provided the devotions. Randy Riggle of the North Ten Mile Baptist Church plans the monthly gathering.


     

    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 2/7/2015
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    Recent Baptisms At Grace Crossing Community Church

    Mark, I know you love baptism pictures.  We had one on Sunday, February 1st.  Day was super as a result and it had nothing to do with the superbowl!  Blessings! Pastor Brent Miller

     

     

     

    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 2/5/2015
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    East End Baptist Celebrates A Special Birthday

     



    More Pictures Of The Birthday Celebration

    Mark,  these were taken this past Sunday at East End Baptist Church.  The church hosted a very special 1st birthday party.  Johan is an amazing young man.  When his mother was pregnant the doctors told them that their son would not live to term and that they should end the pregnancy.  This young couple chose to go through the pregnancy knowing that their son most likely would not survive birth.  When he was born alive the doctors told them that he would only live moments as he had a severe heart defect and only one side of his brain showed activity.  Then when he lived those moments they were told hours, then days and after two weeks on life support the doctors told them they should discontinue that support because there was no way he would improve.  I became involved while I myself was being treated in Geisinger after my accident.  The adoptive grandfather is a brother in the motorcycle club that I am a part of asked if I would pray.  I suggested that he take me to them and we all prayed.  The ladies of the church sprung into action, taking food to the young couple while they stayed at the Ronald McDonald house and they covered the donation to stay there as well as their stay at other hospitals.  That was needed because despite significant pressure they chose to continue they battle.  Two weeks became four and then six but Johan fought his way back.  He came off of life support, breathing on his own, started eating and after being told that he would never see, started to follow people with his one eye. The baby that was to be aborted turned one on January 6, 2015!  He will always face incredible challenges but for those who know him he has changed our lives.  I love holding him because I can still see God's fingerprints on him.  If you want to make a room of tough old bikers cry mention Johan, if you want to make them pray say he needs it and if you want to make them mad say he "can't"!  He is our daily "God sighting"

    Pastor Calvin Phillips
    East End Baptist Church
    Williamsport, PA 

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 2/4/2015
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    2015 FBC Norristown Prom Dress Giveaway


    Link to FBC Norristown Web Site

    Facebook Post 

    Clean out your closets and donate your new and gently-used prom gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and other formal gowns for the 6th annual Prom Dress Giveaway! Each year hundreds of young ladies from the region find and take home their favorite dresses from our 1,000+ selection for FREE. The event will be held Friday, March 20 (6-9 PM) and Saturday, March 21 (1-4 PM).

    We are collecting dresses and accessories until March 16. They can be dropped off to the church office any day. If no one is present, simply leave them in a bag under the covered front porch.

    First Baptist Church is located at 445 Burnside Avenue, Norristown, PA 19403 (directly behind Norristown Area High School).

    Questions? Call 610-539-7075 or email fbcnorr@verizon.net

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 1/26/2015
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    Springfield Baptist Work Of Grace Ministry

     
    Work of Grace Poster

    ‘Work of Grace’ is a ministry that directly affects the well-being and spiritual condition of impoverished children. Many children originate from minority and bi-racial biological parents. Nearly all of the children in the social work system come from addicted-adjudicated-dysfunctional-impoverished family systems. In Delaware County, PA the Social Work system does an adequate job of training and vetting potential foster parents. However, there is a dearth of support group ministries specifically designed to help parents with the on-going, stressful emotional and spiritual challenges that foster parenting engenders. Parents often feel inadequate for the life they’ve chosen, and are in deep need of emotional and spiritual support. When parents feel they are fully equipped and supported the home life they are able to provide for their foster children is greatly enhanced. This grant request underwrites the vision we have for a start-up ministry at Springfield Baptist Church.

    Deacon Jim & Amie Cannon are the hosts for this wonderfully supportive and spiritual ministry. We request the larger ABC family to undergird this ministry in prayer.

    Rev. Wylie W. Johnson, D.Min.

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 1/17/2015
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    IM Consultant Walter White at Springfield BC

    On Sunday Jan. 19th,

    Rev. Walter White, International Ministries Global consultant, who ministers by teaching and training teams who work with historically underserved religious groups. He also teaches and trains international partners, including development workers, pastors and local leaders to be more effective in communicating the Good News of Jesus Christ. From his many years of experience, Walt has been developing and teaching new material to help workers identify their own world views and their limitations and to break out of those limits to make disciples of Jesus Christ.  [ http://www.internationalministries.org/teams/112-white ]

    Rev. Wylie W. Johnson, D.Min.
    Pastor, the Springfield Baptist Church

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 1/14/2015
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    ABWM Ministry and Bell Choir at FBC Mansfield

    American Baptist Women
    Are helping
    Head Start Families, the Homeless Shelter,
    And our shut-in’s and Caregivers
     
      The American Baptist Women of the First Baptist Church of Mansfield have been busy collecting things for 2 small Head Start families in the Mansfield area. We were given these two families and a list of possible items for the families. Most of the items on the lists were purchased and Donna Cummings, from Head Start, picked them up at the church on December 20th and delivered them to the families. She later wrote saying: ”Many thanks to you and the members of the Baptist church for the Christmas gifts for my Head Start families. There were lots of smiles from the parents as I delivered the goodies.” First Baptist also provided bags of non-perishable food items for these families for the Christmas holidays.
      First Baptist Church has also helped out at the Homeless Shelter several times providing the evening meal. Just before Christmas three frozen main dishes were provided by the church family for the shelter to use over the Christmas and New Year’s holiday weeks. We will be providing another complete meal at the end of January.


      Each Year the American Baptist Women take goody baskets to our shut-in’s, nursing home members, and also to the Caregivers at the Green Home, Broad Acres and to Soldiers and Sailors Hospital. It is our way of making their Christmas brighter.

     
    --------------------

    Mansfield Community Bell Choir



      The Mansfield Community Bell Choir used their bell ringing skills to perform twice during the Christmas holiday Season. They first performed at the Women’s and Men’s Chorus concert on December 11th at the First Baptist Church in Mansfield and then again on December 14th at the “Lessons and Carols” service at St. James Episcopal Church in Mansfield. The group is made up of members from the communities of Mansfield, Wellsboro, Covington, and the surrounding area. They have been practicing with Mitchell Sensenig at the First Baptist Church in Mansfield for several months. Mitchell is a Mansfield University Student in Music. Bell Choir will resume sometime in February. For further information on future opportunities to join this group, please call First Baptist Church after February 1st at 570-662-7862.
      The Hand bells were originally donated to the First Baptist Church by Bertram and Maurine Frances. Bertram was a retired Mansfield University professor in the Music department and he and Maurine loved music. First Baptist Church is honored to have these bells and that they are being used “for the Glory of God.”
    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 1/14/2015
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    Springfield Baptist AWANA Christmas Tree

    Mark,  The Springfield Baptist AWANA children generously gave hats, gloves and scarves for children who don’t have warm weather clothing.  They collected them and decorated this Christmas Tree with this love offering.

    W.

    Rev. Wylie W. Johnson, D.Min.
    Pastor, the Springfield Baptist Church

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 12/19/2014
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    Best Holiday Gift Article By Jeff Johnson

    By Rev. Dr. Jeffrey A. Johnson

     Those who do the Lord’s work are always “on duty,” as exemplified by the recent 25th wedding anniversary getaway of Dr. Jeffrey A. Johnson, American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) national coordinator of Evangelism and New Church Planting, and his wife, Karen. After sightseeing at a national historic site, the couple ate at a franchise restaurant, where they received perhaps the best Christmas gift of all—connection with a stranger that yielded the promise of a life transformed in Christ.

    Our server didn't have a name on her apron. It simply read “Rising Star.” Affirming my guess that she hadn’t worked at the restaurant long enough to earn a personalized apron, she confided that she is limited to serving at the restaurant only a few days weekly because of another full-time job. When my wife, Karen, asked if we could pray for her as part of our mealtime prayer, she broke into tears, explaining that she and her husband were separated and that she and her young son were struggling to make it on their own. Required to work Thanksgiving week, she was apart from her son during his vacation from school. Although sad, she was grateful for our listening to and praying for her. She came by our table several times to thank us.

    End of story? NOT!


    The next morning, Karen and I paused to shop on our way to a tourist destination. While wandering through the aisles, I bumped into our server. Amazed, I flagged Karen to join us. Our server told us that she felt great after our encounter the night before and that she had shared with her family about our praying for her. She went as far as to call her ex-husband to tell him that a couple “from out of nowhere” was praying for the family. Karen and our server cried before exchanging contact information. After Karen and I made our purchases, our server caught us on the way out of the store to again share how much the connection meant to her. Another round of tears followed. Our server hugged both of us several times.


    End of story? NOT!


     As Karen and I drove to the tourist attraction, Karen received this text: “You have changed my thoughts of late. I am going to save your number. What a wonderful blessing God has given me in meeting both of you. It is clear that God cares about my circumstances. He is not a distant, hands-off type. He cares about what I face. God’s silence has not meant that He has abandoned us. God is raising up solutions to my pain, although it may take some time. I found Him this morning in both of you. I want so much to have a closer relationship with God. I pray that I will, and that today is the beginning of a life change.” We replied by asking her to text us each Sunday about specific issues in her life for which we can pray.


    End of story? NOT!


    Running into our server at the store was more for Karen and me than for our server. The evening before, Karen and I did not immediately act on a prompting from the Lord to do something extra for our server. God provided us with a second chance to obey, and we did so without hesitation. Karen and I are the ones who were blessed.


    End of story? NOT!


    It is clear that this experience will be ongoing for all involved!

    In addition to his role as ABHMS national coordinator of Evangelismand New Church Planting, Dr.Jeffrey A. Johnson is author of “Got Style? Personality-based Evangelism” (Judson Press, 2009).

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 12/18/2014
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    Central Baptist Williamsport 2014 Christmas Pageant

     


    Pastor Jean Johnson shared:  

      Dear Mark,  
    I thought perhaps you would like to see these pictures from the Christmas pageant at Central Baptist, Williamsport. We have been having some great successes.

     

      My favorite picture is the one of the children in costume kneeling and standing around the manger. Some of their expressions are precious. After church, pizza and gifts, we took the children Christmas caroling. Chuck Siegrist accompanied us as we sang. He also accompanied the music for the pageant.

    All in all a great weekend.  Blessings,  Jean Johnson

     

    More Pictures on the Central Baptist Facebook Page 

     

    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 12/17/2014
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    FBC Franklin and Mustard Seed Ministry

     

      Pastor Randy Powell (FBC Franklin) send this update and pictures of Mustard Seed Ministry.

    Pastor Randy reported:  On November 13th we had a meeting in Crawford County with their Human Services Dept. and a bunch of pastors/lay leaders that they've invited to hear about what has been going on here in Venango County, hopefully it'll inspire some of them to start down the path toward a cooperative outreach effort.  

    We calculated our total man-hours of volunteer time for the first 300 Mustard Seed Missions client referrals, the number exceed 6,000 hours, the county was pretty excited to have data like that for their commissioners to hear about. They've also decided to fund us with a 20k per year grant to help with overhead expenses (that should cover 2/3 or more of them, big help) because they can justify that those dollars are being multiplied at least four-fold to help people locally.

    Some of the pictures are of the Elk st. project, the others I just gleaned from past work sites including our group of teens from the Episcopal Churches of Ohio (near Cleveland) that have come here the past two summers for a work week.  If you ever need any more pictures, we take new ones all the time.  



    Pastor Randy Powell
    First Baptist Church of Franklin
    1041 Liberty St. Franklin, PA 16323

     

    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 12/14/2014
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    Clinton Center Baptist Church Christmas Tea

     

    Debbie Loessy (Director of Development for the ABCOPAD Foundation) wrote

      I had the honor of speaking at the ladies Christmas tea at Clinton Center Baptist Church (Pastor Don Hickey) Here are a few pictures taken during the event.  It was a great fellowship. We talked about the season of advent and blessings from above. Hope all is well.

    Debbie

    More Pictures on Photobucket

     

    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 12/14/2014
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    New Albany Baptist Honors Rev Terry Van Horn



    Mark, Thank you so much for the Certificate and Letter honoring our Pastor at New Albany Baptist Church, Rev. Terry Van Horn.  We held a "surprise" celebration on November 9, 2014. (It was only a surprise for Terry).  We recognized and honored for five years at New Albany Baptist and for 35 years as an ordained minister of Jesus Christ. About 75 people attended the special service and catered luncheon that followed. Several members of Terry's family were in attendance.  Our youth choir presented special music for the service. Everyone had a wonderful time. Gary  (more pictures on our ABCOPAD Facebook Page )


     

     

     

    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 12/14/2014
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    Crossroads Community Erie Celebrate Sweet December

     

    Crossroads Community Baptist Church of Erie held its annual Sweet December Christmas celebration  Pastors David and Katie White minister at the church that has become home to many Burmese refugees now living in Erie.  Pastor David in his initial invitation wrote:

    Please join us for our Christmas Celebration and Dinner next Wednesday, December 10th, starting at 6:00 p.m. or there abouts.  Bring a dish to share and enjoy a meal of a wonderful variety of food followed by the distribution of gifts to our friends from Burma which is made possible by your partnership in ministry.   Please bring along others from your church that have special interest in this ministry.

    You can check out pictures and a recap of the event on their Facebook Page.  Crossroads Community Baptist Church Facebook

     

     

     

    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 12/12/2014
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    West Hills Ministries Busy in December

     

     West Hills Ministries has been busy in December with numerous connections in the Sharon Community.  This after school program included.

    Dec. 2:  Sharon's Night of Lights
    Dec. 9:  Children's Christmas Closet
    Dec. 9:  Christmas Sr. Citizen Luncheon
    Dec. 10 & 11:  West Hills Ministry Children's Musical

    The West Hills After School Program is a Sharon, PA cooperative ministry.  Our own FBC Sharon provides significant leadership.  Pastors Cindy Swogger, Josh Trojak, John Trojak and the church family at FBC Sharon play a major role in making this exciting ministry possible.  Learn more via the West Hills Ministry Facebook Page.




     

     

    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 12/12/2014
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    Abington Baptist Association New Officers

     

      Above is a picture of the new officers of the Abington Baptist Association: from Left to Right, Pastor Ken Knapp, First Baptist Church of the Abington, Vice Moderator; Betty Jane Richards, Trinity Baptist Church, Treasurer; Valerie Black, Shiloh, Secretary; and Ron Stock, First Baptist Church of Factoryville, Moderator. Photo compliments of Pastor Tim Schwartz.

    The officers were voted into office at our annual meeting on November 9, 2014.

    During the Association meeting, I shared some information on Ministers Council and the ABCOPAD Foundation and Pastor Tim Schwartz shared about his ministry and how he can be a resource person for the pastors and the churches in the Abington Baptist Association.

    We planned our calendar for the upcoming year.

    Pastor Debbie Loessy
    Clifford Baptist Church 
    Director of Development for the ABCOPAD Foundation

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 12/1/2014
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    Springfield Baptist Says Farewell To Rev Bob Davalt

      The congregation of Springfield Baptist bid farewell to Youth Pastor Rev. Robert E. Davalt, II, whose last Sunday was November 16th.  
      The church recognized Bob & his wife Dena during worship, giving them farewell gifts and then inviting the congregation to a luncheon in their honor.
      The Youth Group also held a wonderful farewell that evening attended by 45 teens and leaders. The Davalts have ministered at Springfield Baptist for the past 6 ½ years.
     Pastor Bob officially becomes the new Pastor of Parkerford Baptist Church on December 1st.

     

    Rev. Wylie W. Johnson, D.Min.
    Pastor, the Springfield Baptist Church

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 12/1/2014
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    2014 Fall Abington Association Gathering

     




    On November 9th the Abington Association held its annual fall meeting at the Trinity Baptist Church of Scranton, Rev. Ginger Daubenhauser pastor.  Almost all congregations in the association were represented for this evening of worship and thanksgiving.  LaMarr Coe (Shiloh Baptist Church) concluded her term as Moderator with Ronald Stock (FBC Factoryville) being elected as the new moderator and Pastor Ken Knapp (FBC Waverly) elected as vice-moderator.  

     

     More Pictures On Photobucket

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 11/13/2014
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    Retirement Celebration at FBC Crafton

     

     

     

    The First Baptist Church of Crafton (Pastor Pat Stetz interim) held a special service on November 2nd. Following morning worship, a retirement celebration was held for Rev Marie Brown. It was an honor being present and hearing so many testimonies sharing how Pastor Marie's ministry touched lives both within the church and the wider community.

     More Pictures on Photobucket

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 11/13/2014
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    Recap of ABCOPAD Biennial Leadership Conference

     See detailed snapshots of this
    event on our Facebook Page:

    The ABCOPAD Biennial / Leadership Conference took place October 23 - 24 at the Blair County Convention Center.  Prior to the Leadership Conference (Oct 22) , a pre-Biennial Prayer Summit took place at the First Baptist Church of Hollidaysburg.  Numerous people gathered at the church to pray, not only for the event but also for their local congregation, their families and issues of concern around the world.

     
    More Pictures On Photobucket

    Also on October 22, the Ministers Council held a Clergy Appreciation Banquet.  During the Banquet two pastors received the Craig Martin Excellence In Ministry award. Pastor Scott Fairman from FBC Apollo and Rev. Dr. Tim Spring from North Hills Baptist Church of Pittsburgh.  ABCOPAD Regional Executive Pastor, Rev. Dr. Frank Frischkorn delivered a challenging message entitled Get to Yet from Habakkak.

     

     
    More Pictures on Photobucket 

    The Leadership Conference officially started on Thursday morning with Rev. Dr. Dwight Stinnett leading the plenary session on "Just The Right Size."  Dr. Stinnett's presentation is available to watch on YouTube.  While the plenary session was underway, Auxano Navigators Will Mancini and Bryan Rose conducted the 5th and final Co::Lab session for the 2014 cohort.  

     

    Throughout the rest of the Biennial, Will Mancini (primary presenter) and numerous other speakers focused on our theme, Unique Discipleship As Lifestyle, Thriving, Growing, Rooted.  Time was spent in worship as well as teaching.

     

     

    The Biennial closed with Pastor Frank leading communion.  Many pictures were taken capturing various facets of the event.  See lots of photos on our ABCOPAD Photobucket web page.  It was a great event, providing an opportunity for the ABCOPAD family to gather together for a couple of days of fellowship, learning and worship.

     

     More Photos of the Biennial on Photobucket

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 10/28/2014
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    Springfield Baptist Celebrates Mission Month

     

    October is Missions month at Springfield Baptist. Pastor Johnson preached four Sundays on the first missionary journey of Barnabas & Paul.  IM missionaries Peter & Sarah McCurdy ministered at SBC throughout the weekend of Oct. 24-26th.  They spoke with the AWANA children on Friday evening, and had a long breakfast with the Mission Board on Saturday morning.  Sunday they spoke in both Sunday School and Worship, then had lunch with the Mission Board at Olive Garden.  The church was decorated with photos, maps and things directing attention to missions in the Caribbean.  Our Mission Board is modeling the concepts found in the book Tender Care by Wilson and Kronbach.

    Submitted by
    Rev. Wylie W. Johnson, D.Min

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 10/27/2014
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    Kids Klub at FBC Meadville

     

    From Deborah Fronce , Kids Klub Director.  The First Baptist Church of Meadville appreciates the Grant money it received this spring.  These are pictures of our Kids Klub that began on September 24th.  Our attendance has grown. The purchase of signs and new Parachute Game and advertising has been most beneficial. Thank you again.  Serving Jesus Christ,  Deborah Fronce

     

     

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 10/25/2014
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    New Hope Broomall Fall Fair

     
    More Pictures on Photobucket

    The New Hope Christian Church of Broomall held its Fall Fair on Sunday.  People from around the community came out to the church for games, food, and a chance to get to know one another.  Rev. Jeff Evans (Minister at the church) provided the picture. 

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 10/20/2014
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    Westgare Baptist Celebrates 50


    More Pictures on Photobucket
     

    Mark writes. On Saturday night (October 18th) the Westgate Baptist Church of Lancaster celebrated their 50th anniversary. Richard Schramm served as MC, throughout the celebration that included a delicious meal, testimonies from pastoral leaders, great music, a slide presentation and more. Rev Robert Zimmerman, the current minister offered a powerful visionary challenge. It was an awesome night.

    It was great seeing so many dear friends at the Westgate Anniversary Celebration. Many clergy couples were present to join in the festivities.

    On Sunday I worshipped at the Westgate Baptist Church as they celebrated their 50th Anniversary. It was a great day with many participating in morning worship include an inspirational anthem and a very good Children's message.  Rev. Dr. Bob Bouder delivered a powerful message encouraging the entire congregation to start kissing frogs.  Jesus touched a leper and healed him, thus kissing a frog and transforming his life.  Pastor Bob told the congregation the mission and ministry of the church is to kiss frogs, introducing them to Jesus who can still transform lives.  

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 10/20/2014
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    Weekend of Celebration at FBC Sharon

     

     More Pics on Photobucket

    Frank writes:  It's a great day of celebration at FBC,Sharon! It's the 210th Anniversary of the church, the 25th Anniversary of Pastor John's ministry at the church, AND this afternoon, Pastor John's son Josh will be ordained! Reasons to praise all through the day.

     

    Following worship, a number of us went back to John and Marilyn's home for lunch. Don Girdwood is talking with Marilyn's father, who is a retired minister from Kenya. Sunday afternoon the First Baptist Church of Sharon continued their times of celebration by ordaining Joshua Trojak. Reverend Ken Thompson brought a stirring message during the service.

     

    The Reverend Joshua Trojak shares the Benediction following his Ordination....the congregation then adjourned to the fellowship hall to share a Thanksgiving Feast--certainly seemed appropriate in light of ALL the things that we had to be thankful for coming out of such a wonderful day together!

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 10/20/2014
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    Got Style Training at FBC Wellsboro

     

     

    In the midst of beautiful fall foliage of north central Pennsylvania, Dr. Jeffrey Johnson conducted a Got Style? weekend at the First Baptist Church of Wellsboro, Pennsylvania.  He did an afternoon session, provided a morning message, and taught a combined Sunday School class for youth through adults.

    His message came straight from the appendix of his book, Got Style? comparing us individually and congregationally to whether or not we had a missional modality or maintenance mentality. An invitation was given and a number responded, young and older alike to pray for their own spiritual needs and for the spiritual needs of others.

    Dr. Johnson then used the Sunday School hour to show from the Older Testament that evangelism is really about introducing people to God's family and by faith inviting them to join it.

    The afternoon long seminar focused on the contents of a Spring 2014 article in Christian Citizen magazine entitled discipleSHIFT that presented the components of effective faith sharing in the 21st century in complement to 1st century realities; as the early believers did it then, we should do it today, as our worlds, though two millennia apart, are really not that different.

    Dr. Johnson's book can be found at www.JudsonPress.com<http://www.JudsonPress.com> and the Christian Citizen article can be found at this link: http://www.abhms.org/resources/christian_citizen/index.cfm



     


    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 10/14/2014
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    Pittsburgh Baptist 2014 Fall Event

     

    On Saturday the Pittsburgh Baptist Association held their annual fall meeting at FBC Washington, (Rev. Steve Dunlap Minister) Shepherd's Voice from Riverview Baptist Church provided special music and Pastor Jack Jacobson was the speaker. Pastor Jake focused on Front Porchin' Evangelism. Below is a link to more pictures. 

    Photobucket Pictures 

     

    Categories: Ministries ~ Date: 10/2/2014
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    Testimonies from Summer New Jersey Mission Trips

      Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Disaster Relief Coordinator, Denise Gratzel sent these pictures as our sister Region, ABC New Jersey celebrated the disaster relief work accomplished this summer.  

     

      Special thanks to all the ABCOPAD Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief team members who served over the last two years.  

      The dates for next year's hurricane disaster relief work weeks have been set.

    July 11-18, 2015
    August 8-15, 2015

      Rev. Paul Fields (Interim Minister at the United Baptist Church of Taylor) shared this note he received from a team he worked with during the August 2014 New Jersey Disaster work week.  Great words of testimony from students who served along side Pastor Paul.

    Letter of Testimony 

     


     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 10/2/2014
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    October Is Pastor Appreciation Month

    Dear ABCOPAD Congregational Church Leader,

    Do you know what the month of October is set aside for? If you click on the two links below you’ll see October is set aside to raise awareness or celebrate all sorts of issues, events and people.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_commemorative_months

    http://nationaldaycalendar.com/calendar-at-a-glance/october/

    From American Archives Months to Domestic Violence Awareness Month to Polish American Heritage Month to Vegetarian Month, October is set aside for a plethora of good causes. As a result it’s understandable if you are unaware that October is also Pastor Appreciation Month. But since I just told you October is Pastor Appreciation Month, now you know!

    I am writing to encourage you to appreciate your pastor this month. You might think recognizing your pastor is not necessary. After all, your pastor is a pastor because she’s been called by God. But I am here to tell you it is necessary. It is important and it can make a huge difference in your pastor’s ministry, including increasing his energy for ministry. Pastors are people too and just as your energy for your job is increased when you are recognized and appreciated so it is for your pastor. I know this to be true because it reflects my own experience.

    The first church I served, save for one older woman, did not celebrate Pastor Appreciation Month. But I knew October was Pastor Appreciation Month. I would look forward to the e-card the older woman sent each year. I would also tell myself that not being appreciated by the rest of the members or the congregation as a whole didn’t matter. But truth be told, it did. I know it mattered because the current church I serve celebrates Pastor Appreciation Month. Their celebration of it makes a difference in my ministry. While not my primary motivation for serving as a pastor, when I feel appreciated and loved by my congregation, it provides added motivation to go above and beyond in serving, caring and loving them. In other words, it makes me a better pastor.

    If you are a leader in your congregation and are reading this, I encourage you to gather with other church leaders and plan a way to appreciate your pastor. It doesn’t have to be some grand event. Small gestures throughout the month can add up. A cake and a few members speaking kind words after a worship service is one way you can show appreciation. One year my current church gave me a gift certificate to a local restaurant for a date night with my spouse. Another year, they each wrote down a way I had ministered to them in their lives. I’ve kept them. I read them from time to time when facing a challenge. They help me get through that challenging moment.

    Thank you for taking your time to read this letter. Please e-mail (ABCOPAD Staff person) to let us know how you celebrated Pastor Appreciation Month this October. We’ll compile your unique ideas and send them out to all the churches next September.

    Sincerely,
    Rev. David A. Braneky
    Pastor Baptist Church of West Chester / President of ABCOPAD Ministers Council

    p.s. Here’s a link to an article with ideas on how to appreciate your pastor.
    http://www.lifeway.com/Article/pastor-Ideas-for-Pastor-Appreciation-Month-in-October

     

    Categories: General, Ministries ~ Date: 10/2/2014
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    Missionaries at Cold Spring Chapel

     

    Dear Mark,

      This is a picture I wanted to share. It was taken on the 16th of September in the sanctuary of Cold Spring Chapel. Our missionaries, Carlos Bonilla and Mayra Giovanetti visit their church family here at the chapel whenever they get back into the states. We had a covered dish dinner with Mayra and Carlos and Carolina and Daniella. This is the third time they visited us and we always look forward to hearing about their lives and their work. From Left: Carlos Bonilla, Larry Hopkins, Allyson Hopkins, Savannah Rake, Samuel Hopkins, Robert Abbott, Kyra Hopkins, Jenette Abbott, Arleen Peck, Daniella at the pulpit, Sally Hawley, Carolina, Jeanne Daub, Julia Corter, Donna Corter, Mayra, Patricia Rake, and Walter and Austin Corter. The family stayed the night with the Corter family. It was a marvelous visit. Each time they visit it is old friends and good family. All grace!!! Blessings to you.
    Mary Bryant, Pastor

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 9/20/2014
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    ABCOPAD Churches Respond To ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

    If you spend any time on Facebook or Youtube, you know many people have responded to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.  Numerous pastors throughout ABCOPAD have posted their pictures and video clips on Facebook and Youtube, accepting the challenge and raising awareness and dollars for ALS research.

    Rev. Wylie Johnson (Springfield Baptist Church) sent us these pictures and note.

     

     

    Above are tow photographs of two Riverside Pastors participating in the ALS ice bucket challenge.
    Rev. Wylie W. Johnson, Senior Pastor of the Springfield Baptist Church
    Rev. Marcos O. Almonte, Pastor of the Brandywine Baptist Church

    We encourage other pastors to become involved. Wylie lost a close cousin to an ALS like disease, and is especially happy to see the success of the ice bucket challenge.
    Yes, Marcos is being drowned by the filled bucket of a front end loader! Wylie on the other hand, got a bucket of ice water that had sat for 20 minutes and was ‘very brisk!’

    W.

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 9/20/2014
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    ABCOPAD Pastor Publishes Grace At The Threshold

     

    Pastor Brent Miller of GraceCrossing Community Church (ABC-USA - Phoenixville) recently published a book entitled, Grace at the Threshold: Reflections on Salvation, Hope and the Love of God.  The book explores the means of salvation, the nature of the Christian hope and the pursuit of a God who never gives up on his beloved.  It offers an 'outside the box' take on the possibilities of grace that takes readers into both a deeper understanding of  the love of God and the necessity for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Above all, it is a book of hope that reminds us we can never count anyone out when it comes to God's relentless pursuit of the lost. 

    Grace at the Threshold will be available on Amazon the week of 9/21, but is available now at www.createspace.com/4875966. A kindle version will be available in the coming months. Anyone interested in learning more about the book or talking with Pastor Brent can contact him at pastorbrent@gracecrossingcc.com.

    Pastor Brent Miller

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 9/20/2014
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    Discipleshifts Young Adults And The Church Podcast

     

    Rev. Dr. Jeff Johnson shares insights from his recent article published in the Christian Citizen magazine.  

    Dr. Johnson shares:  What is the problem with the American church today?” This is the question I was asked by a producer for “Nightline.” And I responded: “Churches are full of believers but have few disciples.”

    Read the Article  

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 9/9/2014
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    Many New Members at FBC Port Allegany

     
    Click here to enlarge picture

      I wanted to send this praise to you to share.

      One Sunday Evening the 10th, we accepted into membership a total of 24. With 3 moving to active membership, 4 by transfer of letter, 5 by statement of faith and 12 by baptism. the picture is attached for the reception we had after the baptism service. Three were missing from the picture as they could not be present.

      The glory goes to the Lord.  Blessings,  Pastor Mike Culver

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 8/22/2014
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    Recent Baptisms at GraceCrossing Phoenixville

     

     

      The story of Josh: At an OUTFLOW event this spring, we went to the laundromats in town and gave people quarters to do their laundry.  We also brought our praise band and they played songs in front of the laundromats (secular songs with tinges of faith, like U2's One, Journey's Don't Stop Believin', that kind of stuff).   On that same day, we met a guy named Stephen who joined in our efforts.  He subsequently joined in on another OUTFLOW effort planting flowers at a community park.  Back to the laundromat - on the way home that day, one of our folks, Gary, kept passing out OUTFLOW cards to people on the street as he made his way home. (Just for you, just because, no strings attached - God loves you, call us when your next need arises - same words that were on the cards we used at the Biennial a few years back).  One of these ended up in the hands of a guy named Joshua.  Nothing more happened that day other than that he received the card. 

      But what we didn't know, was that Stephen knew Joshua. And in the ensuing weeks, totally unbeknownst to the rest of us, Stephen started talking with Joshua about the church and, more importantly, about Jesus. Then, several weeks ago, Joshua showed up in church. He came for a couple of weeks and then explained he wanted to talk with me. I met him at a downtown coffee shop, and the next thing you knew, we were praying and planning his baptism!

      Like I said in my previous email, I sent you word of this story because it is just another example of how the ministry approach the region and David Ping spoke about at the 'OUTFLOW Biennial' is bearing fruit at GraceCrossing. We approach mission incarnationally just as that conference taught. That biennial really affirmed some things for me and I was able to bring what I learned back to the church. Subsequently, Jeff Johnson came to our church for a 'Got Style' evangelism event, and we learned that the majority of those present were strongest in the incarnational evengelistic approach. It has been what we have done ever since.

      Just wanted to thank you and the rest of the region staff for helping us form this approach to ministry at GraceCrossing. It is working, and bearing fruit. Joshua is just one more person who has been touched by eternity as a result.

      I just wonder why God keeps sending me such tall people to baptize! :)

    Under Christ's Mercy,  Brent

    Brent Miller
    Lead Pastor
    GraceCrossing Community Church (ABC-USA

    More GraceCrossing Baptism Pictures 

     

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 8/22/2014
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    FBC Bethlehem Says Farewell To David Klock

     

     

    Photobucket Album Of This Event 

    On June 29th the First Baptist Church of Bethlehem held a farewell celebration for their Associate Pastor, David Klock.  Rev. Dr. Dale Miller (Senior Pastor) along with the congregation celebrated Pastor Dave's leadership as he served for almost 10 years at the church.  During the service, leaders from the congregation along with ABCOPAD Executive Pastor, Rev. Dr. Frank Frischkorn and ABCOPAD Regional Pastor for Student Ministries Rev. Eric Kraihanzel expressed their gratitude for Pastor Dave's ministry.  Pastor Dave's wife Danae sang Oceans during the worship service and Pastor Dave preached his final sermon entitled, "Living A Questionable Life."  The sermon challenged everyone to live a life causing people to ask questions about the hope and faith they witness in you.  

    Following the service, a luncheon was held and gifts of appreciation were presented to Pastor Dave, Danae and their daughter Aubrey.  

    Pastor Dave has been called to do a New Church Plant in the Harrisburg Area.  To learn more about this new church plant email questions to ncpministry@abcopad.com 

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 7/11/2014
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    2014 AB Women's Conference

     

     

    The AB Women of ABCOPAD and the Philadelphia Baptist Association gathered together at Shippensburg University for their annual conference.  Over 200 ladies attended the event that included great speakers, praise and worship, workshops, singing and dance performances and more.  Pictures taken during the event are available on our Photobucket Web Page.

     Photobucket ABWM Conference Album

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 7/11/2014
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    Springfield Baptist Youth Support the Under Privileged in Kansas City

     


    16 youth and leaders from Springfield Baptist departed June 28th on summer mission to Kansas City, KS. The Mission Team went to minister to the needy and underprivileged in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Over the past year the youth of Springfield Baptist Church raised well over $7,000 to pay for their 8-day ministry trip. Each teen was responsible to raise their own financial support through fund-raising events, gifts, and hard work. Teens worked to help one another raise all the monies required to participate in this YOUTH WORKS© summer mission event for service and witness. The group applied and received a grant from the American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware which covered about a third of their expense.

    While in Kansas City, the team learned about the challenges facing immigrants coming to the USA. They worked closely with state and local representatives within the Hispanic community. The students visited a local consulate where they were educated on the difficulties and requirements that immigrants face each year. While working with local community leaders, the team had numerous opportunities to serve meals in homeless shelters, design and run a kids club-day-camp, do minor home repairs and personally minister to those needing help in today’s difficult economy.

    Youth Pastor, Rev. Robert Desalt, began groundwork for this trip in October 2013. The Youth had significant choice and design for the week-long mission and helped to create their own personal missions experience. Commuting to KC took the group two days to drive the 1800+ miles. They stayed overnight at a sister ABC church in Indianapolis along the way. In KC, the SBC students joined with other youth groups from all over the country for a week of ministry to others. At the end of their Mission, the team traveled to Chicago for a day of celebration and relaxation along Lake Michigan’s Shore Line Drive. The team returned late on Sunday, July 6th. They know the effort will be remembered with stories of personal growth and memories of strangers now become friends.

    The goal is for students to gain appreciation for others who live radically different from their own cultural norms. Participating teens move from being passive observers to direct participants in the life of disadvantaged communities. Several of the Springfield Baptist youth will use this important personal experience and training to fulfill graduation requirements for their high school’s Senior Class Project.

    Springfield Baptist Church has annually sponsored, supported and created these mission opportunities for students for more than 17 years. Springfield Baptist Church works to build young leaders with deep faith, strong Biblical convictions and humble servants hearts. The key is discipling and mentoring students through the year culminating in a strong Mission trip. The church intentionally desires to challenge today’s teenagers to mature through significant spiritually-motivated mission experiences. Each fall, a youth mission is conceived and planned by Youth Pastor, Rev. Davalt, and approved by Senior Pastor Wylie Johnson and the SBC church leadership boards. Rev. Davalt then recruits adult volunteer-leaders willing to devote a week or more of their summer to mentor students. Students prepare themselves through study, prayer, and yearly service projects leading up to each Mission. The event is supported by the entire congregation by encouragement, finances and in corporate prayer.

    For more information contact Youth Pastor, Rev. Robert “P. Bob” Davalt at youthman@springfieldbaptist.net, 610.543.8879, or on FACEBOOK© at SBC Youth Connections.

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 7/11/2014
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    ABCOPAD 12th Rubble Home Mission Trip

     

     Many More Pictures On Photobucket

    Our 12th ABCOPAD Haiti Mission Team served in Grand Goave, June 7 - 14.  The team accomplished a lot of work including laying a foundation, building a security wall at the back of the compound, collecting sand and rubble for houses and roughing out 2 rubble homes.  Despite team members struggling with Chykungunia (an illness spread by mosquitos causing fever, headache, severe muscle and joint pain and an itchy rush) the team was very successful in care for the people of grand Goave as well as one another. 


    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 6/19/2014
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    Empty Chair at United Baptist Taylor

     

    On this Pentecost Sunday, Pastor Paul Fields and the congregation of The United Baptist Church of Taylor put prayer banners throughout the sanctuary to remind the members to pray for their empty seats ... not so much to get people INTO THE PEWS, but rather get their own people OUT OF THE PEWS and into their community, being Holy Spirit led to keep divine appointments and strike up spiritual conversations in the hope of connecting people with Christ and in turn connecting people with the Taylor congregation and thus filling the empty pews for which they are praying.  This prayer initiative is part of an intentional, church wide study of sharing our personal faith based on the principles in the book, Got Style?, written by Dr. Jeff Johnson, our Regional Pastor for Congregations and our ABC National Director of Evangelism.  Also, these are prayers of expectation in preparation for the Abington Association revival this fall.


    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 6/17/2014
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    Clergy Ethics Class Taught At Central BC Williamsport


     More Pictures On Our Photobucket Web Page

    The Clergy Ethics Course was taught on May 30th and 31st at the Central Baptist Church of Williamsport.  Rev. Eleanor Siegrist was our host, not only serving as the minister at Central but also serving as the A.C.T.S Administrator for the class.  A large group of students from across ABCOPAD participated in the class as well as one student from New Jersey.  The class was led by ABCOPAD Regional Pastor for Pastoral Leaders, Rev. Dr. Kevin Walden.  Assisting in the instruction was ABCOPAD Regional Executive Pastor, Rev. Dr. Frank Frischkorn Regional Pastor For Student Ministries, Rev. Eric Kraihanzel (joining us via Go To Meeting and Regional Pastor for Mission and Communications, Mark Mahserjian-Smith.  

    Students spent time working through case studies, learning through instructional videos and interacting with material provided by presenters.  It was a very productive weekend.   

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 6/5/2014
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    Ramp Completed at Trinity BC Scranton

     

     

    Rev. Ginger Daubenhauser (Trinity, Scranton) reported that the handicap ramp at the church has been completed, allowing better access to the sanctuary.  The congregation worked very hard to both raise the necessary funds for this project and do the construction. An ABCOPAD grant helped underwrite the cost of the ramp
    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 6/5/2014
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    Woodlawn Vespers Launched In Aliquippa

     
    www.facebook.com/WoodlawnVespers 

    Hi Mark,

      I just wanted to give you a little update. We had our first service Sunday night for "Woodlawn Vespers" which is what we are calling the outreach to our college students & 20 something's. The format has changed from my initial proposal. Because of feedback I received from our young adults. We are meeting on Sunday nights from 7-8 in the church basement. We have new praise music (those are our musicians in the picture), I do a little talk, then we do a group bible study/discussion. We have snacks, then at about 8:15 we have a Christian "open mike/jam session".

    It went really well Sunday. We had 13 out (we thought that was pretty good for our first time). The excitement was really high, a few of the young adults invited their friends who came. We had plenty of help setting up & cleaning up. Just about everyone said they would be back.

    The church is supportive, a lot of prayer & interest. Some of The moms decorated the stage, one dad hung the screen so we could project the words. One lady donated some old couches so we could have some comfortable seating, and several have signed up to supply the snacks.

    We are using social media to promote Woodlawn vespers. We are on Facebook & twitter. We can also be found @ meetup.com as Aliquippa area young adult bible & praise.

    Thanks for your prayers, & helping us get the grant from ABCPAD. --That was the impetus I needed to move from thinking I should do something with our young adults to actually doing it!

    Blessings,  Rev. Howard Irwin  Pastor

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 6/5/2014
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    2014 Muncy Baptisms

     

     

    More Pictures On Photobucket 

     On May 18th, during a special service, Muncy Baptist Church welcomed two new members through baptism. Pastor Rob had the privilege of baptizing both his daughter, Alexa Rice, and Cameron Yeagle. During the service of worship and celebration, Pastor Rob gave a message about the importance of continuing to follow our calling as Christians to make disciples and share the love of Jesus with one another. The church is already planning for another baptism service later this summer. 

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 5/29/2014
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    Bradford Association Got Style Event

      On Saturday, May 17, Dr. Jeff Johnson, Regional Pastor with Congregations, as well as national Director of Evangelism and New Church Planting, conducted a morning long Got Style? training event with the leadership of churches of the historic Bradford Baptist Association along the New York border in north central Pennsylvania with attendees coming to the event from both states.  The event was hosted by the Fassett Baptist Church where Rev. Scott Melott is the pastor.

     Jeff shared not only showed how to do evangelism naturally and comfortably, individually and congregationally, in alignment with our personalities as presented in his book by the same name, now in its second printing, but also shared the spiritual disciplines SO critical to the sustaining of such missional ministry that connects us with people and connects people with Christ.


     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 5/28/2014
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    Mt Moriah Installs Darrell Edgar As Senior Pastor

     

    On Sunday afternoon, April 27, the Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Smithfield, Pennsylvania in the very southwest corner of the state, officially installed Darrell Edgar as their next senior pastor. Thirteen different churches were represented at the service from the association and the area, both inside and outside the ABC. Our own Dr Jeff Johnson, regional pastor for congregations, provided the message as well as did the formal act of installation. Jeff has been a mentor to Pastor Darrrell for many years. They are in the same LLC. Other parts of the service included individuals who also have had a significant impact on Pastor Darrell's life, not the least of whom is his mother, Shirley Edgar, who is pastor at FBC, Bentleyville PA and his brother, Brad Edgar, pastor of the Clarksville Christian Church, which just happens to be the church where Dr Jeff began his professional ministry thirty years ago. The picture is of Pastor Darrell giving an emotional response following a laying on of hands by members of the search committee and the diaconate board. The installation prayer was offered by Rev. Don Walls who pastored Mount Moriah in the 1980's and 1990's and is still serving the Lord, now as Interim Pastor at Indian Creek Baptist Church in nearby Mill Run, PA. Darrell has served as Associate Pastor at Mount Moriah for seventeen years. Darrell is married to Joyce Waggett, and they have one son, Tosso, who is two. The second photo is of Pastor Darrell with his congratulatory cake before it was cut for all to enjoy. 

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 5/8/2014
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    Fassett Baptist Honors Don and Jane Rockwell

     

    Today (May 5th), Rev. Don Rockwell became the Pastor Emeritus of the Fassett Baptist Church (Pastor Scott Melott Minister).  Don and Jane were recognized for their faithfulness to the people of the church and serving the Lord they love.  Don and Jane spent 44 years as pastor and wife of the Fassett Baptist Church. Don retired from the church in 2010.  Rev. Don and Jane both received BEAUTIFUL plaques from the church and a nice letter and commendation from Bradford County Representative Matthew Baker.

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries ~ Date: 5/8/2014
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    2014 Spring Ministry at Crossroads Erie

     

    During a recent visit with Pastors David and Katie White, I heard about the many exciting things happening at the Crossroads Community Baptist Church of Erie.  The congregation has a growing and active ministry to Burmese refugees in the city of Erie.  The pictures include the Easter Celebration taking place at the church.

     Many More Pictures On Our Photobucket Web Page

      

    Categories: General, Ministries ~ Date: 5/8/2014
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    Baptism at United Baptist Taylor and More

     

     More Pictures On Our Photobucket Web Page

    Bob Davis (Congregational Leader at United Baptist Church of Taylor) sent is pictures of the recent baptism at the church on April 27th.  Rev. Paul Fields baptized Sebestian during morning worship.


    Bob also sent in pictures of the Abington Association gathering that took place at the Trinity Baptist Church of Scranton.   

    Categories: General, Ministries ~ Date: 5/8/2014
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    Tractor Sunday at FBC Kennett Square

     

     Many more pictures of this event on our
     ABCOPAD Photobucket Web Page

    Recap of this exciting event:  

      As many of you know on Route 82 between Route 1 and Country Club..the tractor's right read axle suddenly snapped..the force knifejacked the tractor into the trailer....severe damage was done to the exit door....in the crash the gas tank was punctured spewing gas all over ....Ivan and his cousin Earl had not way out but to squeeze through a tiny window....through the quick thinking aid of the State trooper Ivan and Earl got out...

    Arden and I , by providence, happened to be driving by , pick up second tractor from church, when we saw the crash...our hearts sunk...but we were relieved that Ivan and Earl were ok...Ivan was in tears...and visibly and understandably shaken....

    NOW the GOOD NEWS!!!!

    The tractor and trailer were hauled on to a huge wrecker provided by Earl Martin and Sons trucking..Ivan's son in law...and taken to the tractor hospital....the tractor is undergoing surgery with the great mechanical surgeons from the Waterloo Boys...and it is strongly believed that Ivan will be keeping his schedule to be in Gettysburg by Friday....but please pray...hip replacement surgery on tractors is timely as it is in us...so pray..but things are looking up..

    SOME MORE GOOD NEWS...

    Saturday the parking lot began to fill with tractors....and by Sunday we had nearly 70l tractors squeezed into the lot!!!!

    Saturday night's concert had over 130 in attendance....with the offering for the Wounded Warrior Project nearly $1,400!!

    Sunday....the lot continued to fill with tractors , motorcycles and people.....and then Ivan made a grand entrance into the lot..horn blaring...

    Sunday Worship..WOW what an event..we had well over 200!!! with the great news that we had to have extra chairs put up...

    Sunday Luncheon,,..was amazing...how Denny and Sharon did it I don't know but they fed nearly 300 people.can you imagine??

    Sunday's Parade....when in cold December early January when ewe began to put this together I was asked how many tractors would be in the parade...I responded "I would like to see 200" at the time I was stretching it...

    but sisters and brothers I was told that we had 200 tractors in the parade..Thank you! Thank You Sweet Jesus!!!!!

    And Now I want to close with a BIG< BIG thank you to all the Wounded Warrior Bring Your tractor to Church Weekend Team...YOU ALL DID A FANTASTIC JOB...thank you!!!!

    EVEN MORE GOOD NEWS...First Baptist and the Wounded Warrior Parade made the front page of today's Daily Local...be sure to run out to the newsstand and get a copy....

    Finally, let us all pause, and give Glory to God for the great weather, safe travel, and the great, blessed weekend...

    Praise God from whom all Blessings Flow

    Praise God with the putt putt sounds of yellow and green tractors, the sounds of grey, and red tractors...

    Praise God for the throaty sounds and roar of the motorcycles...

    Praise God for the hand clapping and top tapping heard Saturday night in the sanctuary
    Praise God for the laughter of children as their Dad's lifted them up on the seat of a big tractor.

    Praise God for the creative gifts of Elva Hurst.....and the beautiful worship sevice

    Praise God for the ushers who greeted me with..."We have run out of bulletins a long time ago...and we need more seats"

    Praise God for the smell and aroma flowing from the beautiful feast that Denny and Sharon had prepared

    Praise God for the safety of all who were in the parade

    Praise God for the support of the Kennett Community and Chief Zunnino..

    Praise God for the State Trooper Evan Terek who was with us yesterday...

    Praise God that when the axle on the tractor snapped and gas flowed down the street Ivan and Earl were safe..

    Praise God for the Waterloo Mechanics that will do some major surgery on the tractor and have Ivan on the road by Friday...

    Praise God for the Great support team and spirit at First Baptist Kennett....there are great days ahead for First Baptist Kennett

    Praise God for the grand weather...blue skies, bright sun, cool breeze...low humidity...

    LET EVERY THING THAT BREATHES PRAISE THE LORD, PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!

    Blessings and with much gratitude and joy

    Pastor Jim Olsen,  Interim Minister at FBC Kennett Square

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries ~ Date: 5/8/2014
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    Baptisms At Clifford Baptist Church

     

      We had 5 baptisms today and on May 4th we will be taking 4 more members in by Affirmation of Faith.  A total of Nine (9) New Members, one who is a Messianic Jew who has accepted Jesus as her savior and wants to be a Christian.

    There are also a few pictures of a model someone built of the church. 

    Praise God for all that is happening at Clifford.
    Pastor Debbie Loessy
    Clifford Baptist Church
    Abington Baptist Association 


     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 4/17/2014
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    ABCOPAD Students Graduate MDiv Program

     

    On Thursday March 20th, Josh Trojak of FBC, Sharon and Susan Bartlett of FBC, Greenfield received their diploma having earned their Master of Divinity degree from Palmer Seminary at the West Virginia campus.


    Here is Josh Trojak and his wife Deborah. Palmer awarded Josh his Master of Divinity degree and his wife received an honorary Master of Spousal Support 


    The Palmer Graduates from the West Virginia campus cut their celebratory cake. MDiv grads in the front (Susan Barlett and Josh Trojak left to right). DMin grads in the back row.

    Josh's parents, Pastor John Trojak, Senior Pastor at FBC, Sharon and his wife Marilyn as well as Josh and Deborah's son Judson were present also to celebrate their son and dad's graduation. (No picture, sorry)


    Josh and Deborah Trojak with Pastor Cindy Swogger, Associate Pastor at FBC, Sharon and Palmer Graduate from about a decade ago. She is also the Director of West Hills Ministries, a community based after school program with four locations around the city of Sharon.

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 3/22/2014
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    Recent Baptisms At FBC Parkerford and New Covenant Pottstown

     


    (Picture attached: Front Row: Kelly & Jackson. Back Row: Pastor Blake Edwards, Brian & Jamie, Dawn & Chris, Pastor Bob Coats)

     

      On Sunday, December 29, 2013, two of our American Baptist sister churches in the Pottstown area held a Joint Believers' Baptism service. Parker Ford Baptist Church, who has a baptistry, opened their doors and arms and welcomed New Covenant Baptist Church of Pottstown as they baptized one youth and five adults, which included two couples.

     

    Interim pastor of Parker Ford, Rev. David Enfield, served as the worship leader. New Covenant's Interim Pastor, Rev. Robert Coats, and Rev. Blake Edwards officiated at the baptism. Pastor Bob gave a brief explanation of Believers' Baptism before the baptism, and then he gave the closing message entitled: "A Time To Be Reborn!"


    What a special celebration for two of our churches who average 40 - 50 each Sunday to have 94 in attendance on this special Sunday to bring in the new year!
     

    On January 12, as New Covenant celebrates New Year's Communion, twelve new people altogether will join as members. A soup luncheon will follow in their honor.

     

    Praise the Lord for the movement of His Holy Spirit!

    Article from Rev. Bob Coats
     

     

     

     

    Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 1/4/2014
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