ALWAYS AN OPEN DOOR Bay Area families sponsor Midshipmen, giving them a home away from home.
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IN THIS ISSUE
18 COVER STORY: ALWAYS AN OPEN DOOR Through the Naval Academy’s sponsor program, Bay Area families provide friendship, encouragement and a home away from home for Midshipmen.
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28 CELEBRATING GOD’S PROVISION Lead Pastor Greg St. Cyr reflects on God’s faithfulness revealed in each milestone reached along the Beyond884 journey thus far.
11 ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL Worship Leader Micah Pringle reveals how a recent trip to Ghana unshackled his expectations and allowed him to appreciate the beauty and diversity of worship across the global Church.
26 DELIVERING HOPE & HEALING IN A LITTLE HOUSE ON WEST STREET Following God’s call to serve at the Annapolis Pregnancy Clinic, Kayleigh Vaughn volunteers as one of many who offer support to expecting moms.
24 RELYING ON THE HOLY SPIRIT IN EL SALVADOR The third of six short term mission teams travelling to El Salvador this year shares their account of a trip that could have ended on a sour note were it not for their dependence on the Spirit.
We appreciate your comments and questions. Please email us at feedback@bayareacc.org and a staff member or elder will respond within 48 hours.
Gathering Times: 8am 9:30am 11:15am
MAGAZINE CREDITS EDITOR IN CHIEF Josh Shirlen MANAGING EDITOR Meredith Thompson ART Arianne Teeple Jake Williams Josh Burgin Josh Shirlen Meredith Thompson CONTRIBUTORS Ashleigh Bicevskis Jocelyn Rimbey Sacks Justin Loureiro Lydia MacBride
On the cover: Brett Gentile, Kathy Holian, Tate Turner Photograph by Josh Shirlen
ELDERS Bill Smith Brian Mallare David McPeak Dennis Brady Greg St. Cyr J Upton John Battan Keith Riniker Peter Godfrey Rich Heath Roger Ishii Tim Dotson Tom Dalpini Tom Hogan Warwick Fairfax
884 Chesterfield Rd. Annapolis, MD 21401
410.544.2222
BAY AREA LEADERSHIP Brent Squires, Student Ministry Pastor – brent.squires@bayareacc.org Brian Hopper, Missional Community Pastor – brian.hopper@bayareacc.org Casely Essamuah, Global Missions Pastor – casely.essamuah@bayareacc.org Ed Kelley, Executive Pastor – ed.kelley@bayareacc.org Gail Wiles, Children’s Ministry Director – gail.wiles@bayareacc.org Greg St. Cyr, Lead Pastor – greg.stcyr@bayareacc.org Janet Graves, Women’s Ministry Director – janet.graves@bayareacc.org Jerry Shirlen, Financial Administrator – jerry.shirlen@bayareacc.org Jocelyn Rimbey Sacks, Connecting Director – jocelyn.rimbey@bayareacc.org Josh Shirlen, Gathering Team Leader – josh.shirlen@bayareacc.org Leanne Lane, Care Network Director – leanne.lane@bayareacc.org Lynn Dutton, H.R. Administrator – lynn.dutton@bayareacc.org Micah Pringle, Worship Leader – micah.pringle@bayareacc.org Pat Linnell, Teaching Pastor – pat.linnell@bayareacc.org Ron Dutton, Operations Director – ron.dutton@bayareacc.org Tres Cozad, Technical Director – tres.cozad@bayareacc.org
For a comprehensive list of all BACC staff, elders and deacons, please visit bayareacc.org/leadership SE P T E M B E R GO&MAKE 3
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LETTER FROM THE LEAD
I n July, I had the pleasure of officiating
Brianna and Christopher’s wedding, and it was great! One of the highlights, surprisingly, came at the rehearsal dinner. Two of Chris’ best friends had flown in from Michigan. Strangely, they were both named Nathan. Walking into the Chart House to enjoy the rehearsal dinner, my wife Mary Kaye and I wondered with whom we would sit. Scanning the newly renovated room, one of the Nathans invited us to sit with them. As my crab cake was being served (life is good in Maryland!), the conversation shifted from hometowns, occupations, children and love of sports to spiritual things. I asked them one of my favorite questions: “Are you interested in spiritual things?” Both replied they were, and immediately began talking about the need to find a church.
EVERYONE A MISSIONARY
I, on the other hand, wasn’t so interested in talking “church.” Since they both were clearly passionate about their young children, I redirected by asking, “How has your faith informed how you are raising your children?” Blank stares followed. I tried again, “What are you doing to intentionally lead your family spiritually?” They looked at each other with raised eyebrows, quite bewildered but at the same time quite engaged. I sensed that no one had ever engaged them in spiritual conversation like this before. So I took a deep breath and followed with what I consider to be the question of all questions: “Who in your opinion is Jesus Christ?” After a moment of awkward silence and a few ums and ahs, they sort of both mumbled out, “the Son of God.” I wanted to ask them how they arrived at that opinion, but instead Mary Kaye and I used the opportunity to share our testimonies and explain the significance of the cross. The following day at the reception, both Nathans expressed to us how meaningful our conversation was to them. Promising to send them a few recommendations of churches in their area, I’m looking forward to hearing back from them. I share this story because Mary Kaye and I
are asking God to open for us many more doors for conversation about Jesus with people. As you know, we have a saying at Bay Area: Everyone a missionary. We are all sent ones. Part of what that means is that we are sent to serve and share with others the life-changing message of Jesus. What is on my heart these days is to up our evangelistic zeal as a church. Evangelism is not: • simply living a good, moral life • inviting someone to church • a personal testimony • serving someone or doing a good deed • social action or political involvement Evangelism IS the verbal communication of the Gospel to people who have not placed their faith in Jesus. One of my heroes, John Stott, said, “To evangelize is to spread the good news that Jesus Christ died for our sins and was raised from the dead according to the Scriptures, and that as the reigning Lord He now offers the forgiveness of sins and the liberating gift of the Spirit to all who repent and believe.” I have a growing burden that if we as a church are to fulfill our calling as God’s missionary people, we’ve got to do a better job of evangelizing. That means we must be Spirit-led, fervent in prayer for those far from Christ, and trained in how to share the Gospel. I’m excited about the days ahead as all of us step out in faith to be His witnesses… after all, that’s what missionaries do! “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” – Acts 1:8 From here to the nations,
Greg St. Cyr Lead Pastor
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SEPTEMBER BOOK: FAITHFUL FEELINGS AUTHOR: MATTHEW A. ELLIOT More recently, however, it does seem that the modernist view has overtaken theology and ministry. That is, the relationship between emotion and reason is confused or murky. In our current postmodernist world, emotion has been elevated to the level of logic. In other words, emotion is trumping all reason, and regardless of results, analysis or obviousness of certain courses of action, emotion (how one feels) still wins.
The subtitle of this book is “Rethinking Emotion in the New Testament.” This book is about the intersection of reason and emotion. Author Matthew Elliott argues that a wide range of emotional displays were depicted in the lives of Paul and Jesus. Famous theologians such as Thomas Aquinas, John Calvin and Jonathan Edwards wrote extensively about the vital importance of emotion in Christian experience.
A perfect example of that is Rob Bell’s provocative “Love Wins,” which was an outrageous treatise on how all people (most all) are going to heaven and that hell doesn’t really exist but is metaphorical. I read the book from cover to cover and the illogic found in its pages was simply stunning! Mr. Bell allows his emotion to trump Scripture. His desire is admirable (a love for people), but the emotional love he describes (it wins ostensibly) discards common sense and clear argumentation of the Word. “Faithful Feelings” takes a fresh look at the causes, nature, and role of felt experience in Christian living. It is
all at once an academic look at the vocabulary of emotion (love, joy, hope, jealousy, fear, sorrow, anger, etc.) and a dialectic that analyzes how the New Testament writers engage emotion in their contexts. He argues that our feelings play an essential role in Christian faith, theology, and ethics. This book is truly a groundbreaking volume whose subject just isn’t covered anywhere else. It’s also written in a way that is very readable but will satisfy the most ardent academic student of the Scripture. Emotion is defined extensively and studied in the New Testament exhaustively, and life applications are in every chapter. I wish this book was required reading for all families, married couples, and friends so we could engage God and each other in a balanced, passionate way. Enjoy! Ed Kelley Executive Pastor
More information on page 33.
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AN UPENDED LIFE By Pat Linnell
I
recently had the opportunity to speak to and lead a group in a dialogue about things that we can make idols, things we prioritize over living for Jesus. Afterward, I received this email and thought it was spot on. Here it is, edited only to keep it anonymous:
Good morning Pastor Pat, I continued to think about the questions you asked yesterday: “Was there an idol that gripped your heart in the past? What tempts you the most today to wander off the path toward godliness?”
amazing baseball player, and before he was 10 years old I was buying him the best equipment. If his best friend got a new Mizuno mitt, I had to make sure my boy got one too. It all owned me and my heart. Argh!
It finally came clear to me what my answer is. Pride. I sought the American Dream with gusto – a nice house, cars, clothes, etc. I can remember being so into my clothes that as a man I felt like some kind of freak because I liked to shop. I graduated to designer shirts, and I only wore Johnston & Murphy (my favs) dress shoes. I went from smaller houses to bigger. I went from Chevy and Ford to BMW, Lexus and Infiniti. I watched the neighbors and wanted to keep up with the Joneses. I wanted the big screen TVs and surround sound. I loved listening to music on nice speakers (Polk, maybe Bose). I groomed my lawn like giving it a haircut, and I spent a lot of time landscaping, even had a koi pond.
What keeps me from wandering down that path again? Well, lack of income for sure. Ha! More seriously, I have been freed from this by God. It’s all gone. What was important once has been replaced by the love, grace, power and precious spirit of God. The Holy Spirit fills my heart with all that I crave and all that I need. The physical things have been replaced by the spiritual, and that is true freedom and peace.
I look back now and it just exhausts me to think about life as it was. The stress was immense. I suffered migraine headaches. I was constantly apprehensive about my job and whether I was excelling or if one failure would have me sent off packing. What would I do then? Even though I realized the “things” I owned really owned me, I just kept on going, lost in it all. Two dogs – vet bills, grooming, medicines – they owned me too! Two cars… a BMW that cost me $2,000 every time I took it in for servicing. It owned me. I passed my pride for “things” to my son. He wanted only the coolest fashions and I got them for him. He was an
Perhaps you can identify with this email. Maybe you are just beginning your pursuit of happiness and think you’ll find it in a well-manicured yard some day. Or you might be in the thick of managing all the things you’ve accumulated and feel like you are sinking instead of swimming. Perhaps
Proverbs 26:12 - Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? [there is] more hope of a fool than of him. Galatians 6:3 - For if a man thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. Proverbs 11:2 - [When] pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly [is] wisdom. I appreciate the questions, Pat. They allowed me to really think about this and appreciate where I am in my life now. I walked out of my house today and noticed all the brown spots in my lawn. I didn’t care a bit. Neighbors’ opinion? Doesn’t really matter. Smiled. Joy. Peace. A little Chris Tomlin on the radio… nice and enough. Thank you Jesus!
you’re consumed with what your neighbors think of you. Wherever you find yourself today, I pray for you and for myself that our hearts would only be owned by the One who owns it all – Jesus. May you allow Him to upend your life today.
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One Size Does Not Fit All By Micah Pringle
“Let us rise to worship!” The loud cry was followed by singing. And when I say singing, I mean SINGING. Loud, cacophonous, and I didn’t understand a word of it. Just a singular massive voice as the leader poured out Ghanaian lyrics. A piano player tried to identify what key the vocalist was singing in by banging random notes on a keyboard. And then there were the drums… starting off with random thumps here or there… a quick roll on the snare as though they were in a marching band, followed by an equally unpredictable flutter on a cymbal. I stood there utterly distracted! What was happening?! And the congregation… these people were clapping, but in no distinct rhythm! As a musician, and one who craves minimalist “post-rock” music, I was going mental. I was losing my mind. It was just pure chaos to me. But after about 60 seconds of this unfolding, the music congealed. The drummer found a tight African groove, the keys player landed in the same spot as the
vocalist, and this chaos instantaneously locked into a high-energy expression of passionate worship that not only made sense – it was good. Really good. Those people who were once clapping almost at random locked into a tight pattern, and clapped, sang and danced in the aisles until they had to dab the sweat from their faces with the handkerchiefs they had been holding and spinning in the air just moments before as they danced. The churches in Ghana looked nothing like how I personally worship. Sometimes I find myself forgetting the richness and interesting nature of the global church. I find myself assuming that she is one-dimensional and must fit the mold in which I’ve placed her. That she must look a certain way, say things a certain way, and behave a certain way… which is an incredibly arrogant thing if I’m honest! If we all stop and think about it for a moment, we walk through the doors of church each week and carry our own set of expectations in with us, just as I did in Ghana. And when my expectations weren’t met, I was let down! The reality is, I was focused more on my expectations than on why I was there.
I had subtly allowed something other than God to be my focus. Equally true is the reality that every day we’re making judgment calls about things and people all around us. “I don’t like that person because…” or “that thing annoys me so much because…” and – real talk – who even cares what our personal opinion is? Relax! Our personal expectation is not the final authority, whether in a church service or on a street corner. As the week went on in Ghana, I was able to release my expectations. And the more I did so, the more free I felt to engage and to worship. The freedom I began to feel had been there all along, but it took me taking off my own shackles of expectation to experience it. The music became beautiful and interesting rather than unsettling. The dancing became full of life rather than distracting. Simply put – the more we focus on Jesus, the more those things that once felt cacophonous will turn into something beautiful.
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Assessing The Supreme Court Decision By Ed Kelley
T
he Supreme Court and homosexual marriage. Talk about a hot topic! Last June, the creative team asked me to begin providing editorials for Go&Make, and this topic seems to be on everyone’s mind, pro or con, so here are my thoughts and theological conclusions (not Bay Area’s official position, as that will come later when we teach on this topic. This article is just my random personal thoughts). Be forewarned: This article is direct. Only the even-keeled should continue reading. OK, if you’re ready to grapple a bit with some tough things, here we go, rapid fire, Romans 16 style: First, let’s be clear – God loves all sinners equally: rightwingers, socialists, all races, all sexual orientations, i.e. straights and homosexuals (see Romans 5:8). Again, He loves ALL sinners. Even Pepsi-drinkers! (Gasp… hard for me to write that!) God doesn’t like – even hates – sin, and calls it all out repeatedly in the Bible, including but not limited to the sins of adultery, pride, disobedience and yes, homosexuality. God clearly wants all people to repent of whatever our sin is and come to Him with contrition for restoration, healing and forgiveness.
Folks, this is the 14th iteration of this article. Literally. I so want to be careful to articulate the Bible correctly but not to be harsh, so people don’t hear the impact of the Word. Plus, this topic is so tough to write about because of the hypersensitivity of many. We live in an extremely politically correct world, inside the Church and out. We literally can’t say anything critical about almost anything without blame, labels or some “-ist” word being thrown around, and people winding up mad, protesting, pontificating or something of that ilk. Some worry that if one speaks without a heavy dose of loving prose and pre-qualifications, one will offend the very people one is trying to reach and communicate with. All my life I have been direct, firm and fair in my assessment and statements. It has served me well. So, might as well continue in that vein: Do I agree with the Supreme Court’s recent decision on gay marriage? Not even a little. In fact, I thought it was actually lousy legal reasoning all the way around, similar to what I thought of the Warren court’s Roe v. Wade opinion – let alone what I believe the Bible to say. If you think differently, I have a cup of coffee waiting for us to dialogue about your thoughts. I’d love to hear them.
God calls people to repent of things about which they’re convicted. Repentance means changed behavior. Porn addiction, alcoholism, unfaithfulness, gossiping, etc. The Bible names it and God wants it changed, replaced by godly behavior that includes love, humility, mercy and justice.
Do I fear what this decision will do to the nuclear family, which has already been battered by other social ills?
God says the Bible is useful for rebuking and correcting (2 Timothy 3:16). It is the standard by which we live (to quote Francis Schaeffer). The Bible clearly says that sexual sin (i.e. adultery, living together and the homosexual lifestyle) is wrong and should be stopped – that is, if you’re a believer. A person who hasn’t put their lives into Christ’s submission isn’t going to act like a Christ follower normally, but the Moral Law of God is the same as His physical law. If it’s broken, there will be consequences, and philosophically, one has to understand that God made a physical world AND a moral world, each with their own laws and consequences.
Do I worry about people compromising their beliefs in order to just “get along”?
Now, for the umpteenth time: God loves all sinners. ALL. Did I say that already? Just want you to hear it again. However, just because He loves you doesn’t mean He approves your behavior (see Parenting 101) and doesn’t demand change. 12 GO&MAKE S EP TEM B ER
Am I concerned about how the Church universal will respond to all of this? That the Church will fold its standards up just to be “relevant” to the society we live in?
Answer to all the above: Yes. However, consider.... Do I love my gay uncle who is legally married in Oregon and constantly posts pictures of him and his partner on Facebook? Yes. Did I have breakfast with him and his husband recently? Yes. Did I, when asked, tell him what I thought the Bible says about gay issues? Unequivocally yes. Does he call himself a Christian and go to a gay Church (the Metropolitan Church of God)? Yes. Are we friends and do we love each other deeply? Yes. When I lived in Seattle, did we get together for Thanksgiving dinner both at his place and our?. Yes. Yes. Yes.
Am I sure of my biblical position, biblical response and biblical theology regarding gay marriage? Yes. By the way, my experience can’t change my theology. My society can’t change it. My feelings or sympathies can’t change it. If the Bible says something, then I have to follow it and it must “transform” me (Romans 12:1-2), and I can’t allow this world’s thinking to toy with mine. The battle for the mind is in full swing, especially on this topic. Does God love all sinners, including gay folks? Yes. Is homosexual activity a sin? Yes. Why? Because the Bible clearly says so. By the way, does God love all sinners? Yes. I hope I’ve made that clear. Just because you want to follow the Scriptures doesn’t mean you think God is a cosmic killjoy that is just waiting to zap mankind for everything he doesn’t get right! Does He call me to reach out, engage, be nice, be a light, be salt and be kind to all types of people? Yes. That’s why I treat my gay uncle as I do. One can be against the concept of homosexual marriage (and the agenda that follows that topic) and still believe in Galatians 5:22-23 – kindness, gentleness, self-control and the like toward all people.
Go & Make is looking for experienced writers. contact: meredith.thompson@bayareacc.org
I personally am very fatigued with the oversensitivity to issues in that we can’t seem to ever have a good, intellectual debate on anything without someone being upset. I engage my liberal, nonconforming, left-wing friends on Facebook (and in person) all the time (and I have a ton of them!) about a variety of tough topics. We respect each other’s opinions and really dialogue about tough issues, and by the way, I’ve learned some really good lessons through these exchanges. But what I see today is a phenomenon that is the epitome of anti-intellectualism. We seem to live in a “dumbed-down” world where no one wants to tackle tough issues and everything is emotionally charged to the point of ignorance. We seem to live in a world that has lost discernment. Lost its moral anchors. Maybe it’s just… lost? I fear for my kids and what their kids are going to face in 30-40 years as moral decay continues in a world that can’t even discuss the salient issues that face all of us. Ugh. Sorry for the rant. It’s late. I’ve written and re-written this thing so much that I don’t even know what I am communicating or if it’s making any sense. But, I keep coming back to the truth that God loves all of us sinners. He doesn’t always like all of our behavior – or in some cases, who we’ve allowed the world to make us. Fortunately, my hope isn’t built on the shifting sand of our society but on a Rock who died for me even when I, a sinner, didn’t deserve it. Sometimes this Christian life is so very tiring, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
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LEADERSHIP PROFILE
rich heath
ELDER BOARD CHAIRMAN
BY MEREDITH THOMPSON
6
years in Germany rendered them a devoted soccer family. Their three kids played, and now their grandkids don cleats and pinnies, carrying on the tradition. Grandpa and grandma are almost always on the sidelines, cheering them on; they share a commitment to serve and encourage their children and grandchildren in whatever activities they’re involved.
attended community college before God led them on a series of moves: to Texas to finish college, to New York, to Columbia International University (CIU) in South Carolina for graduate school. “We really felt God at that point was leading us into missions,” Rich shared.
“We really see our role, as we’ve grown in our faith and age-wise, is that we’re here to encourage those whom God put around us, especially our family,” explained grandpa, better known to most at Bay Area Community Church as Elder Rich Heath.
They moved back to New York for a few years, and reconnected with their home church, where Rich served as an elder. Still, God tugged them toward the mission field. In 1983, their church sent them out, and they landed at Black Forest Academy, an international Christian school in Germany. There, Rich and Judy served as host parents for two years before Rich became the residence administrator for four years.
Rich and his wife Judy, who celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary in August, have come a long way in their near half-century of marriage. Forty-seven years earlier, the relationship almost failed.
In 1989 they returned to CIU for Rich to finish what he’d started the first time around. In the fall of ’90, he became the school’s financial aid director, a position he has held at Anne Arundel Community College since 1999.
They had known each other since fifth grade, and graduated together in the same high school class. When they exchanged vows, Rich was 20. Judy was 19. But it wasn’t a marriage based on Biblical principle, Rich noted, admitting he had wandered a bit in his teenage years since accepting Jesus as his Savior at the age of 12.
“When we made the decision to move up here, we had no place to live – it really was a blindfaith move. We had friends from our first church in central New York who were going to Bay Area who said I could stay with them for a few days while I looked for housing, so I did,” Rich said. “We went to Bay Area that Sunday morning in October 1998, and never went anywhere else.
“After a year and a half, our marriage began to fall apart. We separated, and Judy came back to the States – we were in Germany, and I got orders to go to Vietnam,” Rich recalled. “When I came home on furlough, we went to a lawyer, we got a legal separation, and we were going to be divorced. But God intervened in her life that week.” While Rich was stateside, Judy’s uncle – a newly born-again believer – began talking to her about faith, and she and Rich agreed to stay together for the next 10 days. Rich went on to Vietnam, and the following week his parents invited Judy to a Sunday night service at a new church that had launched in their central New York hometown. “Her parents ended up taking her over there on that Sunday night – February 1969 – and they never looked back,” Rich reflected, smiling. “It was a church very much like Bay Area doctrinally, theologically. … Judy became a believer a couple weeks later. When I came home in 1970, I came home to an entirely different wife. That renewed my faith.” The young couple got plugged in with Cru, then called Campus Crusade for Christ, while Rich
“The things that attracted us to Bay Area were the worship, the teaching, and the focus on missions … We never were even tempted to visit any other church in the area.” Rich and Judy immediately became involved in their new home church, which at the time gathered at Annapolis High School, as leaders of a home group. Six years ago, Rich began praying about serving as an elder; he was nominated, and installed in the fall of ’09. Today, he is stepping into a yearlong term in the office of elder board chairman. In this role, he will partner with Lead Pastor Greg St. Cyr in upholding the church’s mission and recruiting and training new board members, among other responsibilities. Over the next year, Rich hopes to focus on helping people who are new to Bay Area get connected in community. “We’re growing at a very rapid pace … so I’m looking forward to helping give direction regarding assimilating people into the body,” he said. “Big churches are great … [but] part of the key is having smaller groups – we call them Missional Communities – where people can have really close bonding experiences.” SE P T E M B E R GO&MAKE 15
church
redemption city
Bay Area commissioned its first church-planting team in 2008, and in 2012 launched the SENT Network to equip leaders and plant gospel-centered churches throughout the mid-Atlantic and beyond. Early this year, pastor Bliss Spillar launched Redemption City Church in Frederick, Maryland. Go&Make managing editor Meredith Thompson recently had the opportunity to sit down with Bliss over coffee to learn about what God has been doing in RCC.
Tell me about your calling to become a church planter. I sensed the call in undergrad to full-time ministry. I thought youth ministry was going to be the route I’d go, but felt very convicted after my first Bible class that the Lord was actually calling me to preach and be a lead pastor. Around that time, I was approached about the possibility of church planting, which I had watched my dad do; the church plant had gone under after three years, so I was like, “There’s no way I’m going to drag my family through church planting.” Some pastors pulled me under their wing and said, “Hey, we think God has designed you for church planting – we look at your gifts and your talents, and we think this is a good fit.” So they made me start hanging out with church planters. The Lord used those relationships to bring about [the realization that] I did think I was supposed to plant a church. [My wife and I wanted to be] part of a church that plants churches – when we read the New Testament, that’s the way we saw it happen: The elders were putting their hands on pastors and elders and sending them out. So we looked for Acts 29 churches, and that brought us to Portico Church in Charlottesville. I was on staff there three years … and became director of church planting and training, which allowed me to hone my gifts as a pastor, teacher and leader.
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So you’ve launched a church in Western Maryland… Why Frederick? It was honestly just a move of the Holy Spirit. We were originally thinking downtown Baltimore or somewhere in the D.C. area – we have a deep affection and love for both of those cities – but the more we grew in self-awareness, the more we realized that God had not wired us to be urban church planters. I had a pastor very wisely tell me you can plant a church anywhere, but your church will stink for the first little bit if your home stinks too. So I gave my wife the trump card. We drove into Baltimore; she said “No.” We looked into D.C.; she said “No.” We drove into Frederick, and she was like, “Absolutely. I could do 50, 60 years here.” The more we’ve gotten to know Frederick, the more we’ve fallen in love with it. We’ve realized it’s the absolute perfect fit for our family, the type of pastor I am, the type of church we have. It was an absolute God move.
What are the meaning and vision behind the name “Redemption City Church”? God’s purpose since before the creation of the world was to redeem people for Himself, so we want to be heralds of that redemption in our city. … It serves as a constant reminder that our primary goal here is to proclaim Jesus, to see people redeemed, and to be a welcoming place for that.
How has Redemption City grown since then? Substantially! We’ve had visitors almost every single week, and most of them have stuck around. In the early group, most Sundays we’d have between 12 and 20, and now we are consistently between 45 and 53 in just nine months.
In what ways do the people of RCC connect together in community? We’ve tried to find the balance between creating spaces where people can connect and build community, then also encouraging people to be doing that outside of church. At the beginning, every Sunday we sat around the table and we shared a meal together; now it’s through our community groups, which meet throughout the week for the purposes of discipleship, care and mission.
How is RCC invested in the greater Frederick community? [We decided early on that] instead of trying to create our own things, we’d rather find several community partners who are already doing what we want to do and partner with them. Right now we only have one – the Frederick Rescue Mission – and they do everything: They serve 300400 meals a day, and they have an inhouse addiction recovery program, transition houses, a food bank, and a place to get clothes, toys.
When was your first official gathering? How did it go? January 11 was our very first gathering. It was in my home – we have an apartment where the living room and dining room are all one big space. We had a packed house, people standing. It went a lot better than I expected. We had like 13, 14 kids all shoved in my daughter’s bedroom, and that got old real quick. But it was good!
We’re seeing a good number of people who are not Christians who long to be a part of our community ... We’re able to show them, “What you actually want to be part of is what Christ is doing.”
How have you seen God working in the lives of the folks He has brought to RCC? We had one couple who grew up in a church where communion was presented as “you’d better make sure you’re clean before you come to this table or God’s going to strike you down.” So for them to come in – we celebrate communion every week – for them to hear it as, “this is an invitation that God has given you through Christ to come to this table as a way that you remember and receive what Christ has done for you” … With tears in his
eyes, he looked at me and said he’d never heard it presented as that. We’ve seen a lot of gospel awakenings where people have realized, “Jesus didn’t just save me for eternal life, He saved me for life now.”
As a church plant, is RCC involved in church planting too?
We’re seeing a good number of people who are not Christians who long to be a part of our community and who have begun to walk with us. We’re able to show them, “What you actually want to be part of is what Christ is doing.” We prayed for that … and the Lord’s really blessed us.
Even as a small church, we give 10 percent of our budget to church planting – some goes to SENT, some goes to Acts 29, some of it goes to other church plants. Our vision is to be a church where people can encounter Jesus and be transformed by His gospel, but our mission of how we’re going to accomplish that is by making disciples and planting churches who know, live and advance the gospel.
What are you most looking forward to seeing God do at RCC in the coming year?
How can the people of BACC be praying for the people of RCC?
We have a ridiculous amount of leaders at our church – so many that I don’t know what to do with them. It’s a great problem. [I want us to be] figuring out where we can plug them in … making sure people’s gifts are being used and they’re being equipped for the work of the ministry.
We are praying we continue to be welcoming to seekers, doubters and followers. We’re praying for people to be saved. We’re optimistic about it – if you are a seeker or a doubter and you show up and you’re not a Christian, we assume you’re going to be. Frederick hasn’t had a gospel-centered church planted in nine years, but it’s projected to grow in the next 10 years by almost 50 percent, and it’s already a city of close to 80,000. So we’re only going to get bigger. We realize RCC is not the white horse that Jesus is going to roll in on to Frederick, so what’s going to be needed is more church plants. So [pray] that we would be a church that’s multiplying both disciples and church plants. Pray that the Lord would raise up planters and leaders to help lead those future churches, and that the Lord would grant us the grace to be able to do that sooner than later, because there’s a lot of people who need to hear about Jesus and the gospel in Frederick.
Bliss Spillar Photo by Arianne Teeple SE PT E M B E R GO&MAKE 17
Always An Open Door BAY AREA FAMILIES PROVIDE A HOME AWAY FROM HOME FOR USNA MIDSHIPMEN
By Meredith Thompson
Sometimes, when Kathy Holian stumbles downstairs in her pajamas on a Saturday or Sunday morning, she stops dead in her tracks, halted by the discovery of a young man sleeping on her sofa who she didn’t know was there the night before. Unfazed, she slips back upstairs and into more guest-appropriate clothing. She’s not bothered by it. In fact, she’s used to it, and enjoys having them spontaneously crash at her house. For the last seven years, she and her husband Brian have served as official sponsors of Midshipmen attending the Naval Academy. Unofficially, they’ve housed Mids since their son, Jesse, a USNA Class of 2015 graduate, was a baby. From the beginning, she and Brian have seen God’s hand in their sponsorship of roughly two dozen Mids over the last two decades. It’s funny how it started, Kathy noted. “Jesse was about a year old and 18 GO&MAKE S EP TEM B ER
Brian – he’s just kind of happy-golucky – walked up to a kid in uniform [at church one Sunday] and handed Jesse to him, and was like, ‘Here, hold him for a minute. I’ll be right back,’” she recalled. “I had Emily, who was 2, and I said, ‘Where’s Jesse?’”
at our house, and he brought a friend, so we were unofficial sponsors of those two.
The response? Oh, he’s just over there with that Midshipman.
The Holians are just one of many Bay Area families who sponsor Midshipmen. Established to provide Mids a home away from home while attending the Academy, the USNA’s sponsor program allows families living in the greater Annapolis area to befriend and encourage plebes as they adjust to life on the Yard. Typically, sponsors – including BACC’s Tom and Tary Dalpini – continue their relationships with their Mids through graduation and beyond.
“So I walk over to this scared looking guy holding Jesse, and that was Nate Bailey,” Mamma Holian, as she’s today called by her mids, continued. “He was a plebe at the time, and that was our introduction to being around a lot of the guys – we first saw them at church. Nate started hanging out
“Down the line, Nate graduated, got married, and all three of our kids were in his wedding. Now he’s back living here, and our kids babysit his kids.”
Tom, USNA ’83, met Tary when he was a Mid. Over the last decade, he’s been asked by several of his classmates to sponsor their kids as they follow in their parents’ footsteps at the Academy. The Dalpinis have served as sponsors since 2006, and this year are sponsoring four Mids – five, counting the unofficial one. “They weren’t actually my assigned sponsor,” Erin Thamm, Class of 2017, said, explaining that they were her best friend and roommate Michelle’s sponsors. “They took me under their wings plebe year … They’re like my second parents.”
and Tate Turner – spent this past Thanksgiving, as they do many weekends, with Kathy, Brian, Jesse and his sisters, Emily and Karie. It’s a bit of a hike for Colorado native Brett to head home for the holidays; the Holians’ residence in Edgewater is his second home. “This family treats us as their own, as their extra kids, their adopted sons and daughters,” he said with a smile. “Momma Holian has told me multiple times that I’m pretty much a son,” Tate echoed. “They’re actually one of the reasons I decided to come to the Navy. I had the choice to go to the Air Force or Navy, and I chose Navy because I felt like God was calling me there, but also the Holians – they’ve been instrumental in my growth and my faith. I’m just completely blessed to have them.”
Erin, whose first parents live in her home state of Wyoming, spends most weekends and even some holidays with the Dalpinis. She attends Bay Area with them, and is grateful for the role they have played in her For the Holians, the Dalpinis and spiritual development during her undoubtedly many other Bay Area time at the Academy. “Mrs. Dalpini families who sponsor midshipmen, was discipling Michelle and I during weekends during the academic year the school year. [Every week], we signal the same thing: a full house. In would spend an hour studying a place of a formal table, the Holians chapter of a book of the Bible. She have a ping pong table set up in their would mentor us, basically, and ask dining room, a favorite among the how the week was going and talk to Mids. The Dalpinis’ Mids have free us about everything – boys, school, life,” Erin highlighted. “The reign of a bedroom, rec room and kitchenette in the basement Dalpinis have been such an encouragement in my walk with of their Gambrills home. Christ, and it’s truly a blessing to have them take the time to invest in Michelle and me.” Their doors are always open, even during the summer. Last year, four Mids stayed with the Holians; Tom noted they’re in Her secondary parents would contend the blessing is mutual. and out of his house, too, when school is out. “[The Mids] are just fun to be with, and they’ve got a lot Both families emphasized that of really cool things they’re their relationships with their doing,” Tom said. “I enjoy many Mids don’t end when building relationships with they’re commissioned. While them and feeling that I’m able driving her daughter home to speak into their lives, to from college this summer, Tary mentor and disciple them.” stopped in South Carolina to visit with one of their former Noting the girls frequently Mids. Similarly, some of the like to come over to bake, Holians’ recent grads came back Tary added, “They are a lot of to see them at Christmastime fun – especially the girls. They last year. The Dalpinis and just want to come over and be Holians are committed to being mothered. At a time when we lifelong mentors and secondary would be transitioning toward families. an empty nest, [sponsorship] has allowed me to stay engaged “Jesse has graduated and is in some young adults’ lives.” moving on, but [the Holians] have build a community of This past spring, the Dalpinis prepared to set an extra five places Midshipmen in that household that’s not going away because he’s at their table for Easter dinner. Then, the headcount of Mids out of the Academy,” Brett said. “We have all bonded so much joining their family for the holiday jumped to eight. Then 11. Tary that we’re now a community of faith, both at the house and on has learned it’s better err on the side of having too much food. the Yard. We keep each other accountable, and it’s just awesome to see that that was built in that house through this family.” The Holians know how that goes. “We hang out, people take naps, we destroy the fridge. Mom makes a lot of food for us,” said Jesse, who has not only befriended but also discipled his For years, many Bay Area families have recognized the USNA’s fellow Mids. “It’s nice having some other dudes in the house – sponsor program as a ministry opportunity to invest in the lives to have brothers, not just two sisters.” of the young men and women attending the Naval Academy. To learn more about the program, or for information on how to Two of those dudes – Midshipmen Second Class Brett Gentile become an official sponsor, go to www.usna.edu/sponsor. SE PT E M B E R GO&MAKE 19
A VISION FOR DISCIPLESHIP By Justin Loureiro
“ There are leaders in our ranks who are being discipled and trained up to take over the reigns of a new group when the need arises.”
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O
ften the most successful and influential institutions in the world have a few key characteristics in common. From Apple to Chick-fil-A to the UCLA Bears basketball team, there exists a diehard devotion to – and an unwavering pursuit of – a very specific, and very intentional, vision. The iPhone, the chicken sandwich, and a record 10 national championships are each a product of a long-term commitment to their vision. For Steve Jobs, it was redefining what the computer could be; for Truett Cathy, it was remarkable customer service; and for John Wooden, it was planning and practice. For Taylor Kulp and Mary Settle, leaders of a Missional Community at Bay Area Community Church, their vision is discipleship. Their group of 20-somethings has been meeting each week for the past five months. For about a year and a half, they were part of a much larger Missional Community made up of about 50 members of Bay Area. This larger group would meet all together every few weeks, but devoted much of their week-to-week time to meeting in more intimate settings called small groups. Each small group focused on a specific topic or teaching for about six weeks before reconvening
as a larger group, only to do the same thing with different topics and different leaders for the following six weeks. It was this format, this commitment to smaller groups, that truly resonated with Taylor and Mary. Through leading their own small groups, they began to realize not only their propensity to lead others, but also their heart for inspiring transformational life change through the practice and presence of a life lived in Jesus. When the time came to multiply out of their parent MC, Taylor and Mary had a very specific and intentional vision that they were going to pursue. Though it might be easy to view their decision to branch off as a move toward fulfilling a desire for deeper relationships and more meaningful friendships, you’d be missing the bigger picture. Those are the products of their vision, but not the target. Taylor and Mary decided to branch off and create their own MC because of their desire to see people experience radical life change. They are passionate about seeing the potential in people – seeing what God is calling people to be – seeing the specific gifts and talents each person has and
harnessing those gifts and talents for the betterment of the entire Church body. In short, they are incredibly passionate about discipleship. And this vision of what it takes to truly disciple someone was the reason they decided to start their own MC – but more importantly, it continues to be the lens through which they filter every decision. Discipleship, in the way that Taylor and Mary describe it, requires hard work, a commitment to people, and more than anything, time spent in community. “There are leaders in our ranks who are being discipled and trained up to take over the reigns of a new group when the need arises,” they highlighted. Additionally, smaller groups allow for people to feel comfortable being vulnerable, a requirement of true and lasting transformational change. Small groups allow for each member of the group to experience one another in a way that larger groups can’t – they know one another intimately. They know what they each struggle with. They know what each person’s gifts and talents are, and they begin to understand on a fundamental level what is required for each individual to become the person Christ is calling them to be.
It’s not easy, it’s not always comfortable, and it’s not always fun. But Taylor and Mary, through their passion and love for Jesus, have shown each of the members of their group that it’s worth it. “We desire for our culture to be radically changed,” they agreed, “for the Church to really understand the fullness and robustness of the gospel … and to know how to speak the gospel in all circumstances … to understand what real, genuine community is … to see and know God more clearly every day.” That’s a pretty fantastic vision. After all, the model they emulate is one that Jesus revealed through His leadership of His 12 – one that lends itself to the accomplishment of BACC’s mission to make passionate, maturing followers of Jesus from here to the nations. Taylor and Mary lead others UP in their individual relationships with God, pour IN to one another, and are equipping the next generation of leaders to go OUT into the world.
MISSIONAL COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Oh, and the name they’ve given their Missional Community? “Gospel Fluency.” Seems fitting, no?
“ We desire for our culture to be radically changed, for the Church to really understand the fullness and robustness of the gospel … and to know how to speak the gospel in all circumstances.”
SE PT E M B E R GO&MAKE 21
“I found out it is more than just dropping off doughnuts on a Sunday morning,” Tina Knight said about serving in Bay Area Student Ministry (BASM). Tina has served as a community group leader for the past year with 12th-grade girls. “I am learning from Jesus that it’s about loving these girls.”
By Lydia MacBride
About a year ago, Tina marked that she was interested in serving in student ministry and the parking ministry on a Fish and Loaves serving card during a Sunday gathering. It was her first Sunday at Bay Area Community Church. “I thought everyone had to fill out a card,” she recalled. What Tina originally thought was a normal Sunday occurrence turned out to be a life changer for her and the girls she has walked through life with this past year. Big Beach Weekend magnified this impact, not only in Tina’s life, but also in the life of Taylor Morris, one of her community group students.
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“Serving as a community group leader is not about being the best at leading a Bible study or knowing the most about the Bible,” Tina said. “It’s about loving them. The more time I spend with these girls on trips like Big Beach Weekend, the more I love them.” Helping lead trips such as Big Beach Weekend gives community group leaders a unique opportunity to speak into students’ lives. Tina explained that she is able to give honest advice when students come to her with their struggles because a trusting relationship has been built through quality time spent together. “When you share a room with six girls, you will learn the good, the bad, and the ugly about each,” said Tina, “but you will find love.” The retreat’s theme this year was “relax and focus.” Big Beach Weekend “relax” time included sandcastle building, surf lessons, paddle boarding, campfires, and a coffeehouse with live music. “Focus”
time included Biblical teachings, small group discussions, and worship. The weekend was designed to allow students and leaders to grow closer to God and each other, Tina highlighted. Some students would get up early, just as the leaders did, to spend quiet time with God outside on the waterfront grounds of Harvey Cedars Bible Conference.
level because God was working in our relationships.” She added they were able to relate about the same struggles and encourage one another. Taylor described feeling at home in BASM. She always felt accepted, never alone. Being a part of a community group has been a huge stress reliever. “When I first heard Tina’s loud voice and experienced her fun personality, I knew this place was for me,” she said. Growing up not around many Christians and in different church environments, BASM was something new for her. Taylor got involved with BASM after being invited by Morgan Mahaffey, who was her camp counselor at Camp Wabanna and a community group leader for BASM.
Taylor Morris, a recent graduate of Archbishop Spalding High School, said that Big Beach Weekend was a relationship builder with her community group leader and fellow students, especially the younger ones. Taylor noted she hopes she can be a role model for younger girls. “My heart goes out to girls who are just wanting to belong somewhere,” she explained. “My friendships with some of these girls were taken to the next
Coming back from Big Beach Weekend, Taylor said she felt different about herself. Her spirit felt renewed. “I have been catching things about myself that I want to change so I can grow closer to Jesus,” she said. “I am ready to let go of things that held me back before.” Taylor described how she felt God impact her life and the lives of those around her during what she labeled authentic worship. “People seemed comfortable out of the normal church
environment to let loose, sing and worship God. No one felt obligated to act a certain way or feel judged. We were all there for the same reason, to draw closer to God.” The retreat was not only a great celebration of her time in BASM, but also a great stepping stone into her new adventure of college this fall. Taylor will attend and play lacrosse at Lynchburg University. She is ready to meet new people and share with them about her relationship with Jesus. Before Big Beach Weekend, she was unsure about how she would live out her faith at college, but now she feels encouraged and ready. “I am ready to be tested and truly own my faith,” Taylor emphasized. Big Beach Weekend is an annual summer retreat for high school students hosted at the Harvey Cedars Bible Conference in New Jersey. About 270 students from the Chesapeake Youth Network attended the retreat this year, including 47 from Bay Area Community Church. To learn more about becoming a community group leader with BASM, contact brent.squires@bayareacc. org for high school ministry or lydia. macbride@bayareacc.org for middle school ministry. SE PTE M B E R GO&MAKE 23
SHORT TERM MISSIONS UPDATE:
By Ashleigh Bicevskis
F
rom the six short term mission teams traveling to El Salvador this year, there are sure to be many stories of adventure, lessons learned, and God’s faithfulness through it all. El Salvador Team III can definitely attest to that. Below is the story of how the Holy Spirit redeemed them from what could have been a disastrous trip, as told by their nine team members: Chere and Breanna Titchener, Sarah and Jenn Bevins, Angelica and Jim David, Jessica Kluth, Peter Kuyatt, and Josh Winkler. This team, like most teams that serve in El Salvador, helped with a variety of building projects, worked in the Children’s Center, and went into the surrounding community on home visits. And this team, like most teams, was an eclectic group – moms, dads, students, singles, marrieds. And again, this team, like most teams, found significant opportunities to rely on the Holy Spirit for comfort, clarity and courage. Chere and her daughter Breanna, a middle-schooler, were two of the nine to seek comfort in the Holy Spirit. One night, Chere woke up at 3 a.m. gripped by overwhelming fear, anxious that her daughter was going on a home visit without her.
Her heart raced as the fear walked her through all that could possibly go wrong. That night (or morning, rather), after much prayer and thought, she surrendered her fears and decided to let her daughter go on the home visit as planned. But the next night she woke up with the same paralyzing fear and immediately started to pray. This time her prayer felt different. She felt like the Lord was speaking right to her. She heard the name “Jeremiah.” Not able to get it out of her head, she turned to the Bible and began to read Jeremiah, starting at the first chapter. She came across verses 4-10: The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “ Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms
to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” The words washed the fear right off her in that moment. She went to back to sleep comforted, thankful and full of joy. And the Lord used Breanna just like He said He would. Breanna went on the home visit and made a great connection with a young girl with whom she has continued to communicate since returning home. A second opportunity to depend on the Holy Spirit affected the whole team. While they were meeting in of one of the pastors’ homes, their driver Roberto took the van, which contained all of their bags, to a hardware store. While he was inside the store, the bags were stolen from the van in addition to a large sum of money that belonged to him. Roberto had big plans for that money: It was going to pay for his last semester of college. When the team members found out about their bags and the money being stolen, they all communicated that their concern was not for their bags and the items that filled them. Their concern was for Roberto and the major loss this was to him and his future education. After hearing the news, each one of the team members had an immediate weight on their hearts. The Holy Spirit impressed upon them the idea to bless Roberto by giving him the money that
was stolen. So, that’s just what they did. The team collectively came up with the money to cover Roberto’s schooling cost and blessed him with selflessness and genuine care for him. Team member Jenn Bevins explained their unanimous decision. “This was the way it was supposed to work out. Everyone had their ideas of how things were going to go, but I would not want it any other way,” she said. Listening to them recount the story, you can almost feel the love they had for Roberto and their selflessness in that moment. Their redemptive narrative – what man intended as evil, God used for good – is just another testament to how, without the Holy Spirit, things could have been a disaster. There were many situations over the week’s time the team was in El Salvador that could have left a bad taste in their mouth or made them grumble with frustration. However, the Holy Spirit provided comfort, clarity and courage so they could use their circumstances to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Their account begs the questions: Are we living in a way where we are actually relying on the Holy Spirit? Are we taking risks in His name to the degree that our lives would be disastrous without Him?
The Unlikely Missionary
he went willingly into Kris’ waiting arms, something he never did. An immediate connection was made.
By Jerry Shirlen
“For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets.” Amos 3:7
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As the Word of God was being shared among the two families, Gretchen mentioned that she and Kris had been trying unsuccessfully for well over a year to have a baby. It was then that Norma surprised the Funks with a prophetic word: She told them that they would, in fact, conceive a child upon their return from the mission trip. These words reached deep into their hearts as Kris and Gretchen returned home. From the moment Norma gave them this prophecy, they never doubted that it was from God.
or some time, Kris and Gretchen Funk had been wanting badly to start a family. As a school teacher of special needs children, Gretchen truly has a unique love for kids, and having one of her own was the biggest desire of her heart. Despite what they wanted, nothing had helped them be successful in seeing this dream come true. Then they went to El Salvador on a short-term mission trip. In early 2014, the Holy Spirit spoke to Kris and Gretchen during the Make the Trade campaign, calling them to go to El Salvador. But they were conflicted because they knew that a commitment to go on a mid-year short-term mission trip meant that their plans to start a family would have to be put on hold. In the end, they knew they had to follow God’s will for them. Gretchen spent most of the mission trip working at the Guayabo Development Center, helping teach children about the creation story, the fall of man, redemption and restoration. The team had planned a week of helping the children make costumes for an end-of-week parade, and Gretchen played a big role in pulling it all together. Meanwhile, Kris worked with a team as they blessed a woman and her family by renovating her makeshift kitchen. On the morning of the last day, home visiting assignments were doled out. It was announced that Norma, a woman who had a son with special needs, was on the list, and both Kris and Gretchen felt strongly they should visit them. When Norma introduced her son Christian to the Funks,
The fulfillment came In a very short time, pregnant, and just 10 from El Salvador, on Funk was born.
as suddenly as the prophecy. Gretchen announced she was months after returning home May 16, 2015, Kash Christian
My wife Janice and I delivered a letter from the Funks to Norma in early June this year. Tears flowed from her eyes, and ours, as Norma looked at the photos and listened as the letter was translated to her. She was moved to hear that the baby had been named after her son. Kris and Gretchen feel hugely blessed to have met Norma and to have received God’s prophecy for their lives from her. They continue to be astonished that they went to El Salvador as missionaries, just to meet Norma, who turned out to be an unlikely missionary to them! They are planning to add to their family as soon as possible, and they hope to return to El Salvador in the future to introduce Kash to Norma and Christian. “For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:21
Gretchen & Kash Funk
A few years ago Jerry Shirlen said he would NEVER go on a mission trip. It was unlikely he would ever see himself as a “missionary.” But in 2014 Jerry heard the call of the Holy Spirit to participate on a short-term mission trip to El Salvador. Since then, Jerry’s faith has been radically altered. He and his wife Janice have started a Missional Community, he returned to El Salvador a second time, and he now sees himself as a missionary. Relating to Jerry’s expereince, people often share with him their stories of faith. We’ve invited him to share those accounts here in this recurring article, The Unlikely Missionary. SE PTE M B E R GO&MAKE 25
delivering hope & healing in a little house on west street By Jocelyn Rimbey Sacks
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ne year ago, 27-yearold Kayleigh Vaughn sat quietly crying in Bay Area’s dark auditorium as a video about the Annapolis Pregnancy Clinic played. The words “In a little house on West Street, a battle for life is fought” worked their way into her heart. The stories of women and the reality of their messy, complicated lives screamed at her like an answer to what she had been asking God: “Where should I serve?”
The Annapolis Pregnancy Clinic, located on West Street, is a medical nonprofit that offers help, hope, and healing to women and their families facing unexpected pregnancy, giving them the tools to choose life for their babies and to find the hope of the gospel. This time last year, Bay Area invited its church family to participate in the Pregnancy Clinic's Walk and 5K Run for Life to help support the ministry. One weekend, Sunday gatherings were dedicated to raising awareness about their ministry and sharing God’s heart on the preciousness of life. 26 GO&MAKE S E P T E M B E R
Photo courtesy of Mother Bird Photograpy
“I really felt like God was calling me to do something more,” Kayleigh said. “I had been looking for somewhere to volunteer … but then I saw the video. He was really pulling on my heartstrings.”
Not long after God spoke to her that Sunday, Kayleigh reached out to Angela Murray, the Pregnancy Clinic’s outreach and volunteer manager. Angela showed her around the clinic and described the different volunteer opportunities, which included counselor, office help, and prayer warrior. When Kayleigh decided that she wanted to serve as a counselor, she discovered that the next training class was about to start: another sign to her that God wanted her to serve there. “It was perfect timing,” she said. She learned what the process entailed. The first step was a 10-week training course. Next, she would complete a 16-week internship where she would observe existing counselors and be observed herself. “It’s really intense, which is a good thing,” Kayleigh said. “They do that so you are prepared to counsel these women. It isn’t a light thing; you need to be prepared going in there.” Now fully trained, Kayleigh serves once a week at the clinic. Not only are the counselors prepared, but the house itself is covered in prayer. “We always pray before we go in [to meet with a woman], so we ask God that the Holy Spirit would give us the words that particular woman needs to hear,” Kayleigh said, noting she even prays while talking with the women. “There are times when you don’t feel like you are connecting and I just sit there asking God, ‘Please give me some words here because this isn’t working.’ And He always finds a way to come through.” The volunteers, including Kayleigh, spend some of their free time following
walk & 5k run
for life
rough and just needed an outlet to let off some steam and vent,” Kayleigh said. As she stepped out to check the results of her pregnancy test, the young woman inside was weighing the possibilities.
When I came back in with the results, she looked at me and said, “I came in here initially thinking I would abort if the test was positive, but while you were gone, I decided that if it was positive I was going to carry.”
The test was negative. “When I came back in with the results, she looked at me and said, ‘I came in here initially thinking I would abort if the test was positive, but while you were gone, I decided that if it was positive I was going to carry,’” Kayleigh shared. She hugged the woman and they both teared up. “Seeing that makes it all worth it.”
up with the women they meet. It is a crucial part of the process; the pressures of the outside world – boyfriends, parents, finances – can be negatively persuasive. “We follow up as quickly as we can to remind the women that we are there if they need anything,” Kayleigh said. At first, she was nervous about being able to connect with the women she would meet. “I haven’t gone through what a lot of these women are going through, so it takes some time to connect with them in that way,” she said. “But once you talk to them, you realize you can find a connection with anybody.” She recently found that connection with a woman who already had a young baby. She came in thinking if she was pregnant she would abort because she and her boyfriend couldn’t afford another child. “We talked for a really long time. She was one that I could just tell needed somebody to talk to. She had it really
The impact of these experiences has had a monumental impact on Kayleigh’s life. As she and her 28-year-old husband Rob, a University of Maryland baseball coach, begin to think, dream, and pray about starting their own family, they are reminded of the preciousness of life. They talk about the circumstances these women face and how present God is in the midst of it. “It is really cool to see the way He moves within the clinic,” Kayleigh said. “I notice the mercy He shows to the women, how much He loves them.” It has also impacted her relationship with God. “It has helped me, pushed me, to spend more time with God in general, so when I go in [to meet these women], I feel the Holy Spirit working within me,” she explained. It’s also increased a sense of trust within her. “The thing I try to remember is that it is in His hands and His control, so if I can plant the seed then He is going to do the rest. He has done amazing things.
The Bay Area church family is again invited to participate in the Annapolis Pregnancy Clinic’s Walk and 5K Run For Life, which this year will be held on
Saturday, September 19 in Crownsville. The fun, family-friendly event will include a 5K timed trail run, a one-mile walk, activities for kids, and lots of prizes and giveaways. All proceeds will benefit the Pregnancy Clinic’s mission of providing hope, help, and healing to women facing unplanned pregnancy. For more information, or to register, go to www.walkandrun.org. If you are interested in serving with the Annapolis Pregnancy Clinic, contact Outreach and Volunteer Manager Angela Murray at 443-857-8045. SE PT E M B E R GO&MAKE 27
By Greg St. Cyr
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ne of the privileges of longevity at BACC is seeing firsthand God’s remarkable provision. Week after week, year after year, I stand in awe of His faithfulness. As this phase of Beyond884 winds down, I find myself more than a little nostalgic. I’d like to invite you to walk with me for a few moments of reflection. In October of 2001, just weeks after 9/11, we stepped out in faith to raise money to build at 884 Chesterfield Road. God had miraculously provided the land, but that’s another story. We challenged a much smaller congregation than today to give
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sacrificially. Over three years, while Jesus was adding to our numbers, more than 200 households gave over $2.4 million during an effort we called “Faithful to the Call.” On the coattails of that, in 2004 we launched “One and Only Life,” a second fundraising effort to construct our permanent facility. In a two-year period, over $3.2 million was given. What a celebration it was when we moved into our church home in time for Easter of 2006! As the years went on, God faithfully used BACC to reach and disciple people, growing His church at 884. During this time, many continued to give
sacrificially to pay down our debt. Then in 2011, the winds of something special started to blow. The Lord began to pour out His grace in ways that I had never experienced at BACC. From that time to today, we have been riding the wave of God’s grace. The growth was so significant that in January 2012, for the first time, we saw people coming and leaving, unable to find a seat in the auditorium or room in Children’s Ministry. This “problem” only intensified in the following year. As our elders sought the Lord, we became convinced that God was calling us to make room for people. Thus,
“Beyond884 – Room for People” was launched in June 2013. Here is what I wrote back then: Beyond884 is about reaching those in the greater Annapolis area who are presently beyond the walls of a Godhonoring church. The construction of the children’s wing and chapel will make room for many new families, singles, and children. But Beyond884 is also about investing beyond the walls of 884 locally, regionally, and globally. And it is about paying down our building debt to free up more resources for ministry. We launched with five prayer requests. I’d like to remind you of them and reflect on each. Let’s ask God to… Use each of us to change lives. Every person who participated is being used to change lives! You are having a part in the spiritual growth of every person who worships in the chapel, every child who is discipled in the children’s wing, every pregnant mother ministered to at the Annapolis Pregnancy Clinic, every person who finds Jesus at our D.C. church plant, and every life that is reached for Christ through our ministries in India and South Sudan. Move 884 households to participate in Beyond884. This was a big stretch goal, requiring almost full participation of the body. To date, 690 households are participating, and we celebrate each regardless of the size of the gift. Help the entire family to be extravagantly generous. No question about this, many have taken a giant faith step in the area of generosity. God always blesses Spiritled generosity. I know with certainty that many are experiencing the jetstream of His providing grace. Advance His kingdom locally, regionally, and globally. You can’t step into Bay Area and not be struck by the reality that Jesus is advancing His kingdom. What you might not realize is just how Beyond884 is being used to catapult that impact. People are no longer (at least for now) being turned away! The Pregnancy Clinic, in response to
our generosity, launched their own campaign to purchase their building. A new church (Redeemer City Church) is reaching out in Washington, D.C. The work in India will shortly have a headquarters, new orphanage, and new regional center. God is using Beyond884 mightily! Draw people to fill the room we make for Him. That is indeed happening. Our growth over the last two years is up 20 percent. God is using our sacrifices to make room for people! He is Jehovah Jireh, and to date He has provided $4,856,437 in commitments with $3,622,862 received. We thank God for every financial gift given. In addition to the above amounts, we’ve been able to give almost $10,000 to our D.C. church plant, $76,000 to the Annapolis Pregnancy Clinic, and over $200,000 to India! On October 4, we will wrap up this portion of Beyond884 by hearing about our vision for South Sudan. At that time we will ask you to prayerfully give generously to this nation in need that God has brought to us. I can hardly wait for October 4! If you have not been able to fulfill your pledge, please make every effort to do so by the end of December. Know that I am praying for the Lord’s supernatural provision for those who are behind. Also, included among the pledges is a property valued at $500,000 donated by a generous family. Please pray that God would bring a buyer quickly! If you have any questions or comments about Beyond884, please email us at beyond884@bayareacc.org and we will be back in touch. In closing, I would like to share with you the gratitude expressed by a few BACC leaders and the recipients of Beyond884: “ I’m thankful for the new avenues that we now have to express our praise and worship in fresh, yet timeless ways. I thank God for you!” - Micah Pringle, Worship Leader
partner with parents in helping kids know and love Jesus … Thank you for partnering with Children’s Ministry!” - Gail Wiles, Children’s Ministry Director “ God began working in the hearts of Bay Area’s leadership before we had any permanent plans … for making our Annapolis location on West Street a reality!” - Pamela Palumbo, Founder, Annapolis Pregnancy Clinic “ We are so grateful to God for the capacity for growth that your efforts and Bay Area’s gifts have enabled. Redeemer City Church is growing and it thrills my heart to see it and to know how much a part of that you have played.” - Steven Lee, Lead Pastor, Redeemer City Church “ Our words and joyful tears of thanksgiving are not sufficient to express simple thanks to BACC. We love you.” - Pastor Samuel Devraj, Founder of International Cultural Bible Ministries, India “ Knowing the end from the beginning, God knew that Beyond884 was going to have greater impact in our lives in South Sudan; that is why He enabled BACC to initiate this program. May He bless the church leadership and the entire congregation.” - Pastor Stephen Mathiang, Founder, Mission Gardens of Christ All that we celebrate through Beyond884 is simply another step in the fulfillment of God’s mission for us: making passionate, maturing followers of Jesus from here to the nations. And it’s another step in the faith journey of knowing God as Jehovah Jireh, our Provider. Thank you for being a part of the journey!
“ The expansion has blessed us with more room for new families and their children, as our staff and volunteers SE PT E M B E R GO&MAKE 29
YOU CAN BUY A WATERFRONT HOME AND SUPPORT BEYOND884 AT THE SAME TIME!
6 BEDROOMS, 2.5 BATHS 1510 CROCHERON RD, TODDVILLE, MD 21672 $575,000
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT DAN STAEVEN - 410.531.1700
CARE NETWORK
HAPPENINGS
BAPTISM Wo u l d y o u l i ke t o b e b a p t i z e d ?
Are you in the midst of any of these struggles or challenges: the loss of a loved one, a serious illness, divorce, job loss, addiction, discouragement, spiritual crisis, loneliness, parenting difficulties or any other challenge? These types of experiences can happen at any time in our spiritual journey. Perhaps you even know someone who is struggling and could use some help. God’s intention is that we engage with others and not walk alone through these circumstances. Jesus wants to see us through challenges instead of avoiding or going around them. The Care Network is a free, confidential, Christ-centered ministry that assists those seeking help by serving as a bridge to hope and healing through a variety of resources. After an assessment, we offer appropriate referrals within BACC and other outside resources such as Care Coaches, Missional Communities, financial assistance, Celebrate Recovery, Christian counselors, or an appropriate agency or program in the community. If you need help or have questions, email leanne.lane@bayareacc.org.
For more information... • K-5th: contact gail.wiles@bayareacc.org • 6-12th: contact brent.squires@bayareacc.org • Adults: contact arianne.teeple@bayareacc.org CELEBRATE RECOVERY Celebrate Recovery is for anyone seeking a richer life through worshipping God and being in community with others. Don’t let your hurts, habits and hangups keep you isolated. Let Celebrate Recovery be a place of healing, hope and community for you. We meet every Monday night, even on holidays, at 7 p.m. for worship, a lesson/testimony, open share groups and fellowship. We share a meal together every first and third Monday of the month from 6-7 p.m. Third Mondays are potluck dinners. Stop by our kiosk in the lobby every first Sunday of the month to talk with Celebrate Recovery representatives and learn more. Contact Tom at tmuth57@gmail.com or leanne. lane@bayareacc.org for more information.
CONNECT WITH BAY AREA If you’re new or just have a question, we’d love to meet you and help you get plugged in. Look for a member of our connect team in a grey shirt in the lobby after each Sunday gathering or visit us online at www.bayareacc.org/new.
CELEBRATION PLACE This is a free, 52-week resource for children, ages 1-12, of parents attending Celebrate Recovery on Monday nights. While adults explore topics that bring healing and wholeness, children discover the same truths in age-appropriate ways. Space is limited, so please be sure to secure a spot for your child/children. Contact Gail Wiles at gail.wiles@bayareacc.org for more information. SE P T E M B E R GO&MAKE 31
HOSPITAL/HOMEBOUND VISITATION If you or a loved one is in the hospital or homebound we would love to serve you. Contact us so that we can learn more about how to be of assistance. Contact Leanne at leanne.lane@ bayareacc.org or call 443-837-3718. MARRIAGE MINISTRY TEAM Do you as a couple have a deep desire to see couples start and stay strong in their marriages? Have you been married 10+ years? Come join our growing Marriage Ministry team. This ministry team seeks to encourage existing marriages through the development and scheduling of enrichment/ educational opportunities throughout the year. Some of these opportunities are Learning Communities, Marriage workshops, special events and small group Bible studies. To learn more about the Marriage Ministry at BACC go to bayareacc.org/marriageministry or contact Leanne at leanne. lane@bayareacc.org. PREMARITAL MENTORING Are you newly engaged? Or are you thinking about getting engaged? Premarital Mentoring is just what you need! Strong marriages are the cornerstone of a healthy, Jesus-centered family. BACC’s Premarital Ministry equips future and existing marriages with the tools they need to make it in marriage. The premarital mentor program pairs couples with marriage mentors, couples who have been married for 10+ years, to help prepare them for marriage. It doesn’t matter whether a Bay Area pastor is officiating your wedding, being prepared is the key! This is the best gift you can give each other as you start your life together as man and wife. Email premarital. ministry@bayareacc.org for more information. TEMPORARY HOUSING Occasionally couples come to the Premarital Ministry who are living together. We believe strongly in the Marriage Ministry that the best way to honor God is to remain pure and physically separated until marriage. Do you have space in your home that could be used by either a man or a woman on a temporary basis in order to fulfill this desire? To learn more contact Leanne Lane at leanne.lane@bayareacc.org or call 443-837-3718.
parents can always use more friends. Join us at our next two gatherings on September 10 and 21. For more details visit our Facebook page, facebook.com/waveriderplaygroup, or contact Courtney Gregory at courtney. gregory@bayareacc.org. TRUNK OR TREAT Children of all ages are invited to attend this year’s Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 30, from 6:30-8 p.m. The familyfriendly event will include carnival rides, concessions and a best trunk cash prize, and kids will be able to raid tons of festively decorated trunks filled with candy. Be sure to invite your friends and neighbors to enjoy a fall night in community. For more information on how you can participate and/or sponsor a trunk, contact Chyloe at chyloe.cheetham@ bayareacc.org. STUDENT TRAINING Do you have a student serving in the Deep Blue this ministry year? We require all students fifth grade and above to attend one training a year. Our first meeting is coming up. Join us Sunday, September 26, in the Loft from 10:45-11:15 a.m. Contact: chyloe.cheetham@bayareacc.org.
CONNECTING MINISTRY
DISCOVER BAY AREA Discover Bay Area is postponed until October 4. New to Bay Area? Welcome! Join us at 12:45 p.m. in the Bay Cafe for Discover Bay Area on the first Sunday of the month. Grab a free lunch and hear from our pastors and staff about who we are, what we are passionate about, and how you can get plugged in. No RSVP necessary and kids are welcome.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
KIDCARE TEAM MEMBERS Our team consists of individuals who have a heart for kids. CHILDREN’S MINISTRY Our workers are paid and we are consistently looking to add to our team. We provide KidCare to all ministries of Bay Area including The Well, Celebrate Recovery, Missional WAVE RIDERS Communities, and various events throughout the year. If you C.S. Lewis said, “Friendship is or someone you know is interested in joining, contact Gail at born at that moment when one gail.wiles@bayareacc.org or visit the Children’s Welcome Desk person says to another: What! on Sundays for more info. You too? I thought I was the only one.” Those kind of moments can FAMILY MEETING happen anywhere, and they most definitely happen at our Wave Riders play group. Wave Riders is Every fall, Bay Area hosts a Family Meeting to inform our a community of parents and kids church family about all that is happening at 884 Chesterfield ages 5 and under that gathers for Road. At this year’s meeting, to be held October 25 at 4 p.m. playdates and to connect and build relationships. If you’re in the Chapel, you will learn about what’s new at Bay Area, a parent of a preschooler or a parent-to-be, please join us. what our current areas of emphasis are, and where we are Also, if you’re out and about and meet another mom or dad, headed in the future. Following the meeting, there will be time invite them too. We’re passionate about parents and kids, and for refreshments, as well as interaction and fellowship with especially about sharing experiences and encouraging one some of our elders and staff. For more information, email Deb another. Because that’s how friendships are born, and we at deb.shipley@bayareacc.org. 32 GO&MAKE S EP TEM B ER
FINANCIALS
LEARNING COMMUNITIES
Operating Budget Financial Update July 31, 2015
ENGAGING TODAY’S PRODIGAL (Starting September 27 at 11:15 a.m.) Are you the parent of a child that has wandered away from Jesus, or rejects Him all together? Or perhaps you find great resistance when it comes to spiritual instruction for your kids? Come be a part of this new 8 week learning community for clear thinking, new approaches, and reasons for hope when it comes to your child. This will be facilitated by parents, just like you, so we encourage both parents to participate if possible.
New Fiscal Year Began September 1, 2014 Fiscal Year Giving Goal YTD Giving Goal YTD Received YTD Actual vs. Goal JULY Giving Goal JULY Received
$3,832,000 $3,513,594 $3,485,560 ($28,034) -0.8% Behind $250,284 $288,813
For weekly financial updates, please visit us online at www.bayareacc.org/financials. Please be sure to designate all Building Fund donations on the memo line of your check: “One & Only Life” for original building debt or “Beyond884” for the new building expansion. Please note all undesignated checks will go toward the general operating fund. How Do I Support The Cause of Beyond884: Room For People? Preferred Methods eCheck: Go to www.bayareacc.org/give to give online through your checking account through a one-time or recurring donation on My Bay Area. Direct Debit: Go to www.bayareacc.com/give to download the form. Mail completed form to the BACC Finance Department and we will debit your checking account directly each month. Personal Check: Write “Beyond884” on the memo line and drop it in the offering basket on Sunday or mail the check to BACC (884 Chesterfield Road, Annapolis, MD 21401). Bank Check: Process through your bank’s Bill Pay service online for a bank check to be sent to BACC. Be sure to note “Beyond884” on the memo line.
STARTING POINT (Starting September 27 at 9:30 a.m.) Explore the Christian faith, ask questions, and find answers in this 8 week learning community. Do you ever wonder why the Bible is legit? Or why a person needs Jesus? Do you have questions about how faith and science mix? Have you ever heard the whole story of the Bible? It’s time to get to the bottom of all of this and get started on your road to answers. MAN UP (Starting September 20 at 9:30 a.m.) In this 8 week learning community for men, we will engage topics that men need to confront head on to become more like Jesus. The Scriptures will guide our time and challenge our hearts as we become the men that the Lord calls us to be, and the world around us desperately needs. THE 7 MINUTE MARRIAGE SOLUTION (Starting September 20 at 11:15 a.m.) Make a strategic investment in your marriage this fall by being a part of this 6 week learning community. This is great for all couples whether you are engaged, newly married, struggling in your marriage or loving your marriage and want to learn some great tools to pass along to the next generation. All Learning Communities happen on Sunday mornings in “The Docks,” which is the modular building in the east parking lot, either during the 9:30 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. Gatherings. Learning Communities are intended to strengthen your biblical knowledge, character, and/or practical ministry skills. Please RSVP for your next Learning Community online today at bayareacc.org/learningcommunities.
GLOBAL MISSIONS
LOCAL OUTREACH
2015 SHORT TERM MISSIONS New trips are in the process of being planned, so continue to look for updates. Contact Global Missions Pastor Casely Essamuah at casely.essamuah@bayareacc.org for more information.
LOCAL OUTREACH SERVING OPPORTUNITIES Missional Communities often aren’t sure how to get involved with serving locally. We’re here to help. Email outreach@ bayareacc.org to start the conversation. There are many organizations in the Annapolis area that will be blessed by your involvement; we’d love to connect you with them.
POLAND October 12-21 EL SALVADOR November 7-15
ISRAEL TRIP Have you ever been interested in taking a Biblical tour of the Holy Land? In March 2016, Pastor Ed Kelley will lead an 11day trip to Israel that will trace the footsteps of Jesus. If you would like to learn more or sign up, email Ed at ed.kelley@bayareacc.org.
WALK AND RUN FOR LIFE The Pregnancy Clinic’s Walk and Run for Life on September 19 is a fun, family-friendly event with a 5K timed trail run, a one-mile fun walk, great activities for kids (including a moon bounce!) and lots of prizes and giveaways. Proceeds will benefit the Pregnancy Clinic and provide hope, help and healing to women facing unplanned pregnancy. For more information and to register visit walkandrun.org. BACC GOLF TOURNAMENT Sign up now! September 17 you can golf with us for the SE PT E M B E R GO&MAKE 33
homeless and hungry in Annapolis. Registration is $100, and breakfast and lunch are included. The last day to register is September 12. To register, go to www.baccgolf.com, or for questions email Marc at mgacka@mac.com.
MISSIONAL COMMUNITIES
DOWNTOWN HOPE Bay Area church plant Downtown Hope has outgrown its space and purchased a new facility located at 255 West Street in downtown Annapolis. They are currently renovating the empty space, and are in need of a few skilled workers to assist with tasks such as hanging drywall, laying tile, running trim and painting. As the work progresses, more opportunities may become available. To volunteer using their RISE UP + BUILD form, go to www.downtownhope.org/255west and select “give my skills and time.” For more information, contact Tom Ferrera at tom.ferrera@downtownhope.org.
MEN’S BIBLE STUDIES MEN’S MORNING BIBLE STUDY Tuesdays from 6-7:30 a.m. in room 236 at BACC. Contact Dennis at dbradylaw@aol.com for more information.
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE AMBASSADOR TEAM: Passionate about making sure no one falls through the cracks? Consider yourself a people person? Join our ambassador team and help connect new visitors into the Bay Area family. If this sounds like you, join us! Contact: jocelyn.rimbey@bayareacc.org. AUDIO/VIDEO TEAM: We’re looking for a few more passionate, committed people to partner with our Sunday production team. Contact: micah.pringle@bayareacc.org. BAY CAFÉ & ESPRESSO BAR: Do you love coffee and lattés? Enjoy hospitality? We would love for you to serve in the Bay Cafe and/or Espresso Bar. Contact: sherri.raimondo@bayareacc.org. CHAIR MINISTRY: Serve on the chair set-up/tear-down team. Contact: chairs@bayareacc.org. CHILDREN’S MINISTRY: Do you have a heart to serve families with special needs children? Want more info on how you can serve in this unique way? Contact: chyloe. cheetham@bayareacc.org. Do you have theater experience and appreciate energetic environments? Our elementary large group time may be your perfect fit. Contact: aimee.coyle@bayareacc.org. COMMUNION TEAM: Contact arianne.teeple@bayareacc.org. PARKING MINISTRY: Serve by directing traffic and greeting those arriving at church. Contact Steve at parking@bayareacc.org. SAFETY TEAM: If you are passionate about safety or have experience in security, law enforcement, EMS, or First Responders, and want to serve in this area contact Ed at safety@bayareacc.org. HOSPITAL/HOMEBOUND VISITATION: Interested in being part of a team to reach out to those hospitalized or homebound? Contact: leanne.lane@bayareacc.org 34 GO&MAKE S E P T E M B E R
MISSIONAL COMMUNITY TASTER Get a taste of what a Missional Community is through our MC Taster event. Join us on September 13 after the third gathering for a light lunch and some info from Missional Community Pastor Brian Hopper. We’ll spend about an hour in community with each other, in loving God, and thinking about how to engage those around us. RSVP online at bayareacc.org/ mctasterrsvp or email mc@bayareacc.org for questions.
PRAYER MINISTRY Did you know BACC has an entire ministry devoted to prayer? The BACC Prayer Ministry is made up of teams of individuals devoted to gathering in prayer for the church worship gatherings, the pastors, our missional efforts and missionaries, the ministries of the church, those who are sick or saddened by grief, and those who are wrestling with life’s struggles. The Prayer Ministry provides an opportunity for us to gather together and share our hearts with our Father who loves us. Let’s pray together. The prayer room is located on the second floor of BACC. Also, every Sunday immediately following the Gatherings members of our prayer team are up front and to the right of the stage if you would like someone to pray with. For more information about prayer or the teams, go online to bayareacc.org/prayer or contact Pat at pat.linnell@bayareacc.org.
WOMEN’S MINISTRY THE WELL At Bay Area, we invite women to join us on a spiritual journey in community with others. Like the woman at the well in John 4, Jesus meets us where we are and leads us to the next step. The Well at Bay Area is a place where women can come for spiritual growth. It doesn’t matter if you are new to faith or a longtime follower of Jesus, The Well can provide an opportunity for you to grow. Join us for the following studies this fall. “Discerning the Voice of God: How to recognize when God speaks” by Priscilla Shirer This study discusses how God communicates with those willing to obey what He says even in the chaos of our lives. We hear Him by staying in tune with His voice through the
Word of God. Join us Wednesdays, September 2 – December 9 from 9:30–11:30 a.m. Cost $15.
Warehouse at BACC for a time to catch up about our summer highlights. Bring canned goods to share for the Missions Center. We’ll also sign up for our upcoming lunch together on “Bridges on the Journey” September 28. We’ll discuss “Seasons of One’s Life” from the This study will cover the basics of the gospel, the Bible, prayer, book Teach us to Number Our Days with Ellen Hagis leading and other essentials to growing in Christ. We recommend this us that day. Our potluck lunch will follow this gathering group for those who are not yet believers or are new to Bible from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Contact: Cedulie Sanchez at study and faith. Led by Mary Kaye St. Cyr and Jody Yearwood luisandcedulie@gmail.com for more information. on Wednesdays, September 2 – November 18 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. or on Tuesday nights, September 1 – November 17 from QUILTS FOR KIDS 7-9 p.m. led by Janet Graves and Deb Shipley. Cost $15. We use donated fabric to make quilts for kids in shelters and hospitals. Our next sewing workshop is Saturday, September “Experiencing God” by Henry Blackaby 19 from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at BACC in room 235. Come and This modern classic study is based on seven scriptural realities learn to sew or learn a new pattern. Kits will be available. that teach us how to develop a true relationship with the Please bring your sewing machine, sewing supplies, and your Creator. By understanding how God is working through us lunch. If you would like a quilt kit, have a quilt you would even as we try to fathom His ways, we can begin to clearly like to donate, or have questions, contact Janet Hogan at know and do His will and discover our lives greatly and annapolisQFK@quiltsforkids.org. gracefully changed. Tuesdays, September 1 – December 8 from 7-9 p.m. Cost $20. ANNUAL THINK PINK FAMILY FUN RUN/WALK AND BREAKFAST IN THE PARK KidCare is available for ages birth – preschool with pre- Join us Saturday, October 3 at 8:30 a.m. for this annual Run/Walk registration for The Well on Wednesday mornings only for to benefit the ministry of Pinked Perspective. We will meet at the studies running September 2 – December 9 from 9:30-11:30 Broadneck Park, in Annapolis, MD. This non-profit faith-based a.m. Cost is $55/one child and $75 for 2+ more children. Space organization, started by BACC member Kara Hamilton, offers hope is limited. Your registration is not final until enrollment has and provides care packages to women undergoing mastectomies. been confirmed by the KidCare Coordinator. Register online You can drop off your contributions in the main office at BACC. at bayareacc.org/women/spiritualgrowth. Contact: thewell@ Here are some items we’ll be collecting: button down PJs, Jesus bayareacc.org. Calling devotionals, journals and pink pens, bars of clear/white Dove soap, and more. Financial contributions given will cover WOMEN OF LEGACY (55+) the cost of postage, and the rest of the items included in the kits. Join us on September 14 from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. in the Go to www.pinkedperspective.org for more details and to register.
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