Go & Make Issue #15 (Jan. 2015)

LETTER FROM THE LEAD

People ask me, “How do I know God’s plan for me?” My answer, “Fully surrender your life to Jesus, be transformed by reflecting daily on His Word, and learn about God’s plan for the nations.” When you understand God’s global plan, you are in position to understand how He wants to use you to fulfill His plan.

FROM HERE TO THE NATIONS

The grand plan of God involves sending Jesus, the Messiah, as the light to the nations. “I will also make You a light of the nations so that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6

Happy New Year! Let’s begin 2015 by recalling once again our mission: Making passionate, maturing followers of Jesus from here to the nations. In this issue of Go & Make, you’ll have your mind and heart expanded for the nations.

The last recorded words of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew are, “Go…and make disciples of all the nations.”

The nations are on the heart of God and the things that are on God’s heart need to be on our heart.

You might be asking, “Why such a big deal In this issue of Go & Make, you’ll get about the nations?” to know Casely Essamuah, our global missions pastor. Almost 10 years ago The short answer: God has a heart for the Lord led Casely to join our staff. the nations. From Genesis 12:2-3 to We are blessed to have this worldRevelation 22:2, the Bible shows us God’s class missiologist, his wife, Angela, and grand redemptive plan. This plan involves three children at Bay Area. Through every ethnic people group on the planet. Casely’s leadership, we are involved Individuals from every tribe, clan, and around the world with godly and nation will one day worship the Lamb of gifted missionaries. In addition, you’ll God! And to date, there’s plenty of work learn about all the short-term mission to do. Currently there are about 7000 opportunities with “Make the Trade.” unreached people groups totaling almost My life was altered forever when I 3 billion people—an unreached people spent several weeks on mission in group lacks the numbers and resources to Poland many years ago. I wish the evangelize their own people. same for you! Few things are more

spiritually transforming then stepping out in faith on a mission trip. I hope you will make the trade in 2015.

Also, grasping God’s heart for the nations fuels our passion to love, serve, and share with those around us who don’t know Jesus.

Missionary C.T. Studd put it well when he said, “The light that shines farthest shines brightest at home.” Each one of us needs to see ourselves as sent by Jesus on mission 24/7. All of us are missionaries. As a church, we are constantly seeking to partner with local mission agencies to reach the county.

I’m fully convinced that God blesses individuals and churches that are all in for Jesus and living in light of God’s heart for the nations. That’s one of the reasons God is blessing BACC. “God be gracious to us and bless us and cause His face to shine upon us that Your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations…God blesses us that all the ends of the earth may fear Him.” Psalm 67:1-2,7 From here to the nations, Greg St. Cyr Lead Pastor

We appreciate your comments and questions. Please email us at feedback@bayareacc.org and a staff member or elder will respond within 48 hours.

884 Chesterfield Rd. Annapolis, MD 21401

MAGAZINE CREDITS EDITOR IN CHIEF Josh Shirlen MANAGING EDITOR Arianne Teeple ART Josh Burgin Josh Shirlen CONTRIBUTORS Denise Perry Jocelyn Rimbey Sacks Jennifer Good Rachel Perry

On the cover is Ibrahim.

Actual name concealed for his safety.

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

Gathering Times: 8am 9:30am 11:15am

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 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, Financial 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

MICAH’S MIX New year? Check. New Go & Make? Check. So naturally, new music recommendations? Check. Resolve to pick up these two great albums and start your year off right! by: Micah Pringle (BACC Worship Leader)

Citizens and Saints “Join the Triumph” You probably know them best by their former name “Citizens”.

They’re the ones responsible for the fun dance version of Amazing Grace that we sing regularly.

With their new name comes a new sound. They layer in synthesizers with the raw vocal qualities they’ve always been known for to bring a fresh sound. Pick up this new album and enjoy!

BOOK: AUTHOR:

Kari Jobe “Majestic” Kari’s voice has become highly recognizable in worship music over the course of the last several years. Part of that is because of the worshipful passion that you can sense inside each breath that she exhales as she sings. This live album is no exception. With familiar songs that we already sing like Holy Spirit and Forever, it’s the kind of album you can jump right into on the very first listen.

From The Library of C.S. Lewis: Selections from Writers Who Influenced His Spiritual Journey James Stuart Bell with Anthony Palmer Dawson

75 years. My recommended book this month is called, From The Library of C.S. Lewis with a subtitle, Selections from Writers Who Influenced His Spiritual Journey.

It is no secret that my favorite authors are C.S. Lewis and Winston Churchill, in that order.

Mr. Churchill was the greatest leader of the 20th century, in my opinion, being absolutely prophetic by correctly assessing the world situation for nearly two decades. Mr. Churchill wasn’t known for his writing, though that was his profession before politics. C.S. Lewis was the greatest author of the 20th century (if not all time), in my book, and his influence has been seen for the better part of the last

One might wonder, what authors did C.S. Lewis have in his office? What books did he read and re-read? Which writers did he appreciate?

This compilation book presents the pages of various authors and books that C.S. Lewis commented on while at Oxford and Cambridge. Some of those authors include: G. K. Chesterton (if you haven’t read The Man Who Was Thursday... you need to); George MacDonald (if you haven’t read A Fisherman’s Lady...you haven’t lived); J. R. R. Tolkien (who needs no introduction); and Dorothy Sayers (a contemporary of Agatha Christie with her protagonist Lord Peter Wimsey).

who meant something to Mr. Lewis which might inspire obtaining their entire book for further inspiration. Brother Lawrence, Martin Luther, T. S. Eliot, and a host of others have contributions in this book, and by extension, in C.S. Lewis’ life.

This book contains excerpts from his own favorite writers and books that were found at If you get this...warning: You the Kilns (his home) at the time may get hooked on classic of his death. Mr. Lewis was a literature in the future! literary critic and wrote many a marginal note explaining how a book impacted him. In Yours, addition, we have diaries and logs that he kept explaining - Ed Kelley what he wrote, read, and Executive Pastor how he was moved in his spiritual journey from both.

This book has 1-2 pages per chapter where Mr. Lewis had commented, summarized, or underlined material from The great thing about this various books that he liked or book is that it introduces the found intelligent. reader to various authors

O

By Sarah Meehan de Solorzano

n behalf of our Great Commission Church in San Salvador, El Salvador, we thank Bay Area for there continued love, support, and prayers. It has been such a blessing and privilege for Bay Area to serve alongside of us in missions at our Children’s Development Center and with our church in general. It has been the busiest and most fruitful year for our church in regards to missions. We would like to give you a brief update of all God has done in 2014.

Our Children’s Development Center in the Guayabo Community has exponentially developed and grown this past year. We currently have 160 children in our program and hope to have 200 by the early part of 2015. We started church services in the Guayabo Community at our Center facility in November. We hired new staff to help with the addition of new children and expansion of our Center. The children are now split up into three groups: ages 4-6, 7-10, and 11-15. Alba Lidia Velasquez is now part of our Center staff, and she works with the 7-10 year olds. Three youth from our church are Center staff also: Geovanni (“Geo”) Mendez, Josimar Alacron, and Adriana Cruz.

Geo works with the 4-6 year olds. Josimar is serving as Dr. Inri’s assistant and leading worship at our church services in Guayabo. And Adriana is the liaison for our Children Sponsorship Program. We inaugurated our clinic at our Center through our partnership with the Total Health Organization this past February. Our clinic is legalized and certified by the government. It is amazing to see how much God has done in just one year. Dr. Inri is the teaching leader along with Josimar serving by leading worship. We praise Him for it! We are finishing the construction of a water storage cistern so that we will be able to store more especially for dry season.

on a parade, did a baby class and baby shower, taught dental classes and gave fluoride treatments, served at our clinic, helped in kitchen, did a mural, and worked on construction (playground area, retaining walls, slopes-clearing). In addition, some missionaries did a clown and magic show, face painting, crafts, taught songs, and did many more fun activities with the children.

Teams also served by doing outreaches to youth by evangelistic activities on college campus and at high schools. The missionaries served alongside of our young adults ministry at the Evangelica University by doing teaching the SERVE model adopted from the U.S. chain restaurant, Chik-fil-A, did spiritual surveys in order to share the gospel and pizza parties, participated in our monthly gathering called, “Noche de Amigos,” put on a 5K and sports clinic. At Ceren High School, mission teams taught about sexual purity, shared testimonies, did skits, and medical clinic. In addition, they did spiritual surveys in order to share the gospel.

We praise God for such a fruitful year! Thank you for your support. Many came to faith as a result of people stepping out in faith and going on mission trips. Bay Area sent five of those 16 that came in 2014. In Romans 10:14-15 , the apostle Paul said, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” To our knowledge, at least 19 people In regards to missions, we received 16 mission teams in 2014. came to faith in the Guayabo Community, 42 at the Evangelica These teams worked at the Center, on college and high school University, 18 at Ceren high school, two people in Soyapango campuses, and at our San Salvador and Soyapango church City, and two people that came on mission trips understood locations. At the Center, the teams along with our local staff the gospel and accepted Christ also! Thank you BACC for your and volunteers, taught classes to children, went on house visits beautiful feet! In the heavens and here on earth, there is much to share the gospel and do Bible studies and house repairs, put rejoicing!

Photo by: Arianne Teeple

SPOTLIGHT

ON MISSIONAL COMMUNITY By: Brian Hopper

UPSTAIRS / DOWNSTAIRS The Plight of Kids’ Discipleship in a Missional Community

It is the evening of your Missional Community (MC).

You and your spouse arrive with your kids in tow. After a quick meal with the other families, the leader declares the adult time is about to begin. The kids are ushered downstairs where there are games, toys, a tv and a movie, all under the loose supervision of a budding teenager. For the next hour or so, the adults read, talk, and learn before the kids have exhausted their “play time” and barge through the basement door, bringing an end to the study. You quickly share your prayer requests and gather your kids as you head out the door.

Your time at MC may have been spiritually beneficial for you, but what about your kids? It is a question that parents and leaders ask regularly, “How is my MC helping my kids grow spiritually?”

One of the newest MCs using Kids in Community has seen tremendous impact on the spiritual lives of their kids. Kelly and James Legarus recently took over the leadership of their MC. For several years their group has met in Crofton and faithfully been living UP, IN, and OUT. Their tight knit MC is unique in that it has more kids than adults—18 kids to be exact! With the ages spanning between 4-16, sending them to the basement to watch a movie just wasn’t going to cut it. Not to mention, the parents wanted their kids to experience what they were experiencing.

So Jen Marshall, who coordinates BACC’s KidCare sent Chelsea Popiel to spearhead the Kids in Community for their MC. “At the beginning,”Jen said, “it was chaotic, but I sat them down and told them ‘mom and dad are learning about God and Smaller mid-week groups like missional communities are praying upstairs, and we want to have that sort of time for us intended to facilitate the spiritual growth of the believer downstairs.’” The kids were initially slow to respond, but each outside of the Sunday gatherings. At Bay Area, MCs are our week that Chelsea came, they not only began to warm up, but primary vehicle for discipleship, the clearest means by which they began to fall in love with her. Now, they can’t wait to see we are becoming passionate, maturing followers of Jesus from her each week in the MC. here to the nations. Yet, ironically, when it comes to discipleship Chelsea said, “At first I couldn’t get the kids to pray or read in the missional communities, we somehow have segregated together. But now, they fight over who gets to write the prayer the adults and the children, elevating and emphasizing the requests down and who gets to read the Bible passages. Even spiritual growth of the adults “upstairs,” while overlooking the older kids help the younger ones read and pronounce or even neglecting the spiritual growth of the children challenging words—they are so supportive of one another.” “downstairs.” As one parent said, “It seems as though we are inadvertently sending a message that the discipleship that It wasn’t long until the parents began to see the fruit of Kids happens upstairs for parents is more important than the (lack in Community as well. Lori Aird says that her daughter was so of) discipleship that happens downstairs for the kids.” affected by the kids’ time that she began asking to pray for the kids’ prayer requests at home before dinner. She added, “They doing something that they actually enjoy which puts worth “With Kids in Community, our kids are are to them and their relationship with God. This is their MC too.”

getting out of missional community what we are getting.” - Tammy Smith

It is these types of stories that continue to emerge from their MC. And it is these ways that we are striving to help MCs not Recognizing this need, we set out to change the tide. Several only disciple adults, but also disciple kids and families. Kids in months ago we partnered with staff of the Deep Blue (Bay Community is our answer to the question of kids’ discipleship Area’s Children’s ministry) to provide discipleship in the MC in an MC. And it seems like the Lord is using it in a profound for children. We call it, Kids in Community. Kids in Community way. What was once play time in the basement has now become takes the spiritual lessons taught on a Sunday morning in the a rich time for the kids of an MC to be in community together Deep Blue and extends those lessons into the midweek MC. and be discipled in similar ways as their parents upstairs.

With Kids in Community, the emphasis on spiritual growth now parallels that of their parents. Participating MCs get a If you would like to find out how to get plugged into an MC, go dedicated, trained KidCare worker, who meets with your to www.bayareacc.org/missionalcommunities children every time your MC meets. These workers come prepared to lead, teach, and supervise your children while you If you are already in an MC with kids and want to find out more grow in community with other adults. With Kids in Community, about Kids in Community, contact brian.hopper@bayareacc. both the parents and the kids are being discipled. org or jen.marshall@bayareacc.org

A new year with Jesus H appy New Year! Bummer, I just got

used to writing 2014 on my checks, and it’s already time to move on. But 2015 is here, bringing with it all the crispy (that is, fresh) promises that come along with being new. New is exciting. We like new: new cars, new relationships, new homes, new clothes, and new opportunities to accomplish our hopes and dreams. New stuff takes longer to break, wear out, or get faded. You’re even more interested in this article because it’s still new and you’re wondering where it’s going.

New things get old. And as a general rule, when things get old, we find less excitement in them. In the business world, this is known as the “law of diminishing marginal utility.” Things become common, less intriguing, and

By: Pat Linnell

we don’t get much out of them over time.

Think about the first time you hear a great song on the radio, and you can’t wait to hear it again. Then you hear it everywhere, all the time, too much, until it becomes overplayed. It’s like that. Even now I’m probably already over 2015, and it’s still January.

One place that this phenomenon does not hold true is in our relationships, primarily in our relationship with Jesus and even extending out to other family and friends that are created in the image of God. Jesus brings us the newness of life because in Him is always a newness of life. We will never reach the bottom of the ocean of His creativity, love, grace, truth, and knowledge. And this is truly exciting.

Every day is new with Jesus. Anything

can happen as we walk with this truly exceptional and holy person.

So here’s an interesting question. Was your 2014 exciting every day, because every day was new with this amazing Jesus? Not so much? Then what is going to make 2015 any different? Maybe your walk with Jesus felt “new” a long time ago, and since then the song has grown familiar and routine. Has the law of diminishing marginal utility infiltrated your relationship with the limitless Jesus?

If you are answering “yes” to this question, what in the world are you supposed to do about it? I posed this question to some of our pastoral staff.

Here is what they said:

Greg St.Cyr: “Take regular faith steps outside of your comfort zone, such as going on a short-term mission trip, increasing your giving, reaching out to a hurting neighbor, sharing your faith with a co-worker, practicing fasting, becoming part of an authentic community.”

Brent Squires: “Remember where you came from – once in darkness, now in light (Eph. 5:8). Recommit to moving toward the light by digging into God’s Word daily, pick a time to pray regularly with your spouse, have a weekly family devotion, get connected in community, start serving somewhere immediately.”

Brian Hopper: “Go on a missions trip, serve the poor or needy locally, risk talking to a nonbeliever about your faith.”

Ed Kelley: “Share your testimony with someone every week.”

I’m picking up on a theme here from the guys. I’m hearing that if you want to experience Jesus in new and exciting ways, you are going to have to get off the disciple-making bench and get in the game. You are going to have to start bringing Jesus to the world around you in word and deed. Maybe they are right, and newness comes from having to rely on Jesus in scary or uncomfortable situations of doing His work. Perhaps this is what Jesus was getting at when He said blessed are those who not only hear His words, but also put them into practice. Why not give this a shot in the new year? Here’s a practical first step for you. Get better at sharing your faith by jumping into Ed Kelley’s Evangelism Training learning community on January 11 and 18 during the 11:15 AM Gathering. Here’s to a scary, uncomfortable, new, and exciting 2015 with Jesus!

By Trevin Hoekzema

B ay Area’s vision, by extension of

the Great Commission, is to make passionate, maturing followers of Jesus from here to the nations. According to Acts 1:8, the mission starts here in our Jerusalem (the greater Annapolis area) and reverberates out to the world. And from here, our capital city, we want hope and expect God’s reign and rule to be evident to all as we make passionate, maturing disciples. We know that our vision can only be accomplished by partnering with organizations and individuals who focus vocationally on expanding the Kingdom locally.

LOCAL OUTREACH AT BAY AREA COMMUNITY CHURCH number of people who want to help these organizations in any way they can.

this place my church home.

SUMMER 2014

Bay Area is committed to housing a group of twenty or so men and women who are a part of the Winter Relief program. This program is organized exclusively through the Light House and House of Hope as a means to get homeless people off the streets in the winter. We have offered our building up as a refuge March 8-16.

We took immediate action on the feedback and opportunities that we heard about.

Two different missional communities got together to provide and serve dinner to 50 individuals who reside at the Light House, a homeless prevention center we support. Their time together was both fun and rewarding, and they got a great perspective into what it looks like to empower homeless families to move into a status of sustainability.

That’s where I come in, as the Local Outreach Coordinator. Since March of 2014, I’ve worked under the leadership and guidance of Brian Hopper here at Bay Area. We’ve been a part of some great initiatives throughout Anne Arundel County this past year! I want to take some time to recap those and give you some insight into what the future holds. I hope you gain a broader understanding of what we really mean at Bay Area when we say “Local Outreach.”

FALL 2014

SPRING 2014

WINTER 2014

Brian and I sent out and procured yearly reports from all 20 organizations and missionaries that our church supports financially. It gave us some great insight into how we can better resource and partner with our friends in the area.

Although we are often limited with our finances, we know that there is a great

Every year there are children who begin the school year at a deficit, because their families do not have the means to provide the necessary supplies. We intentionally set aside resources and provided the opportunity for people at Bay Area to sponsor children’s backpacks. Through Walk the Walk, we were able to provide 120 children in the area with backpacks filled with the supplies they needed to be successful in school this year.

Christmas morning came and went and 475 children in Anne Arundel County, who live in financially difficult situations, got to open Christmas gifts provided by people from Bay Area. Just think, that’s almost 500 kids who got to experience the joy of Christmas morning because of the love that people showed! I feel blessed to call

MARCH 2015

SPRING 2015

Sometime in the spring, we will have a Sunday dedicated to Local Outreach.

It will be an opportunity to hear about some of the organizations we support and how we can better serve them.

SUMMER 2015

We are trying to put together a multiday team serving initiative. A number of different opportunities could come to fruition as we iron them out; anything from serving in Annapolis to helping our church plants in DC to blessing people who live in Appalachia. Stay tuned!

As we aim to grow in our depth of impact and relationship with our local partners, we hope to provide opportunities for you to do the same. Let us know if there is anything you have on your heart and wish to get involved with. Email us at outreach@bayareacc.org

Making Sense of an Ever-changing Youth Culture L

By Austin MacCubbin

atin, as many people know, is a dead language; but why is it dead? Often times people will respond with, “No one speaks Latin,” but that’s only half right. People still speak Latin today. You can still hear a Catholic Mass in Latin, doctors and lawyers still use Latin. My wife took Latin for six years and thought she was going to die, but this is not what makes Latin a dead language.

English is a language that adapts and changes. It is still used in everyday conversations. What makes Latin dead is that no one uses it conversationally any more. No one goes out to coffee with their friends and speaks Latin. The English language is constantly creating new words. Words like the verb “google” did not exist 20 years ago. If you don’t know the answer to a question, you can always google it.

The need for acceptance is huge for a teenager. Slang terms are often a way to bond or connect with others. They pick up language from their friends and groups around them, from the songs they listen to, and the people they follow on social media. They try new language out as they navigate through adolescence. Many students do not know what they’re saying or when asked, give a completely benign definition.

Think back to yesteryear; what words were popular among you and your “posse” when you were younger? If you grew up I do not want you to miss the importance here. My point is not in the 60s, maybe you used words like “groovy” or “far out.” that we would merely add all popular slang words to the long If you grew up in the 70s, maybe you said things like “let’s list of “Thing’s I Don’t Want my Teenager to Say,” or put it up there with the other swear words, but boogie” or “can you dig it?” If you grew would rather create open dialogues up in the 80s, maybe you said “rad” or with teenagers. Ask questions. Have “bogus.” When I was in high school we conversations about why we use the had words like “peeps,” “holla,” and words we do, and what words mean. “bling bling.”

It’s easier to say, “Just don’t say these words” rather than to ask “Why do we Every generation has its own unique set of slang words. Words come and words go. Some are quickly say these things?” Even the latest lingo in youth culture can be forgotten while other stay. What seems to be changing is the used to leverage the gospel. meaning of words that teens are using. Words like “selfie,” “salty,” and “or nah” can be pretty clearly defined, but then Next time you’re at the dinner table, imagine the look on your there are words like “yeet,” “ratchet,” and “turnt up” that can be teenagers face if you call your spouse “bae” or you yell “yeet” a bit harder to nail down. Some slang is used interchangeably when you toss a paper ball into the trash. Use that moment between good and bad meaning. You might be riding in a car when they look at you in shock to initiate conversation on what with a group of students overhearing conversations and think, their lingo means to them. You may already have an idea, but “Well none of them are cursing, but I have no idea what they give them the floor. Let them explain it to you. Create a safe place where they can speak freely. When we understand the are saying.” context of youth culture, especially language, we can better When you sit a teen down and even ask them what a word like contextualize the gospel for them. “yeet” means, they can easily use it in a sentence but have a hard time explaining exactly what the word is. The internet Jesus cared a lot about the heart. In fact, Jesus cared more about is even less helpful as it gives hundreds of definitions, based the heart behind an action than the action itself. Sometimes on hundreds of people’s understanding for just one word. saying something under our breath or even thinking it can There are words like “bae” which could be like a boyfriend have the same effect on our heart as if we had said it out loud. or girlfriend that started out just being a shortened form of At the end of the day, I want to care for students’ hearts. Yes “babe,” but then became an acronym meaning “Before Anyone I want to help them with language and to discern what is appropriate, but the conversation on why has to be there.

Else.” The lingo is constantly changing under our feet.

Slang is this weird form of language that now can mean a multitude of different things to a multitude of different people.

Working with students, I often have to correct language issues, but sometimes it’s difficult when I don’t know what the words they’re saying mean. Often times a new word is merely created because a teen cannot say the alternative when around adults.

Other times, their lingo is completely innocent.

So pay attention to what teenagers are saying. Talk to them about what you hear. Every generation has their voice, and this is theirs. Know that language will change just as it has since you were a teenager. And have faith, because God is faithful to the generations. The church has thrived through multiple cultures, languages, and thousands of years, and it can and is most certainly working through today’s teenagers.

LEADERSHIP

PROFILE

Casely essamuah

By Meredith Thompson

“EVERYWHERE YOU TURN IN THE BIBLE, YOU SEE THAT GOD IS A GOD WHO IS ON A MISSION, REACHING OUT TO HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH ALL OF US HUMAN BEINGS. HE GOES TO GREAT LENGTHS TO DO THAT, MOST SPECIFICALLY IN JESUS CHRIST COMING TO DIE FOR US. WHEN YOU UNDERSTAND THAT, YOU ALSO REALIZE THAT YOU HAVE, AS PART OF YOUR DNA, A NEED TO SPREAD THIS MESSAGE.” - CASELY

G

rowing up in a Christian home, family prayer and Bible study served as Casely Essamuah’s wake up call every day throughout his childhood, though it was when the Ghana native was a young teen that he recognized his need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The words penned on a postcard from his father, a Bishop in The Methodist Church Ghana, convicted young Casely that he did not have access to God through his parents, his church membership, or anything else: “God has no grandchildren. He only has children.”

“I have visited Muslim-majority countries [where I] worshipped with a group of people, maybe 12, all of us sitting on the floor with our knees crossed,” he recalled. “For the two or three hours of worship, it was all in the local language, and I had no idea what they were saying … but then all of a sudden, one of the songs was familiar. It dawned on me then that I am part of a bigger family, and that my presence was an encouragement to them, that they are not forgotten, and that they are part of a bigger family of Jesus followers all over the world.”

When he came to faith, Casely was in high school where he and seven other boys met three times a week to study the Bible, pray for one another, and provide a network of accountability.

Still in touch with those brothers today, Casely explained that community has served as the foundation of his Christian pilgrimage ever since.

Casely added that as his awareness of this worldwide family of Christ followers has grown, he has realized that his Christian brothers and sisters all over the world hold an equal claim on his life as his family and friends in Ghana and America.

Likewise, he today works to develop that global mindset in the body of Bay Area Community Church through his charge as global missions pastor.

“Coming to faith for me meant I had to understand the good news, then the bad news, then the good news: The good news is that I am created in the image of God … so I am worthy and have potential. The bad news is I’ve messed it up – my life is out of sync with what God’s purpose is for my life and I’m not pursuing a life of holiness. The good news is in Jesus Christ you can be restored, forgiven, given a new lease on life and a new purpose for life,” Casely illustrated. “A bonus for me was that I also understood that God was calling me to give my life to vocational ministry.”

Paired with a scholarship offering, that calling led the husband and father of three to the United States over 20 years ago to pursue a master’s degree at Harvard Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Across the Charles River, Casely later earned his Doctorate of Theology at Boston University School of Theology.

While living in Boston, Casely became affiliated with international missions-focused Park Street Church, which he noted had 50 nations represented in the congregation on any given Sunday. It was there that he met his beautiful bride, Ugandan native Angela, and was ultimately asked to serve as minister of missions.

“A book had come out that highlighted the top 10 churches in missions involvement in the United States. Park Street Church was one of those illustrated in the book, because we had a very unique policy of providing 100 percent [financial support] for all of our global missionaries,” Casely recalled. “Pastor Greg was looking for a missions pastor, and called all the people in the book. The rest, as they say, is history.”

After prayerful consideration, Casely accepted the job at Bay Area Community Church and moved with his wife and children to Maryland.

It was many years earlier in Western Europe that Casely first was exposed to the global missions field. Though he did not view it as a missions trip at the time, Casely spent a year in Belgium during the early 1980s learning about European culture and sharing the gospel in a place where the people were more reserved about their faith than his compatriots 4,000 miles south in Ghana.

Since then, God has called Casely to spread His message of salvation in India, Turkey, Greece, Uganda, El Salvador, and other countries. When asked how many times he has been sent into the mission field in total, Casely laughed, “Oh boy!

I’ve stopped counting.” Yet each trip holds a very special place in his heart and memory.

In that role, Casely serves as a resource to the church’s leadership and members by seeking to discern God’s will for Bay Area’s global impact each year. He oversees the church’s ongoing outreach to South Sudan and India, prepares scores of short-term missionaries to enter the field every year, and leads at least one mission trip annually.

In 2014, hundreds of Bay Area members felt a tugging on their heart to consider short-term missions with the launch of Make the Trade, a campaign that encouraged participants to exchange a week of vacation for a week in the missions field.

One hundred and fifty of them said “Yes,” and this year, Casely and the leadership team are working toward the same goal: that 10 percent of the church body will answer the call again.

“When you sign up to go on a mission trip at Bay Area, you are signing up for more than just a trip. You are signing up to be on mission with Jesus,” Casely differentiated. “My prayer is that those who sign up will be taken to the next level of their walk with Jesus, no matter what their experience is in terms of serving – that there will be people who gain more confidence in their faith, grow more intimate with Jesus Christ, and become ever more confident about sharing their faith.”

Casely, his wife Angela, and his children relocated from Crofton to Upper Marlboro in fall 2014, where his sons Zikomo and Zachary attend high school. His daughter Zinhle, who sometimes sings on Bay Area’s worship team, is a junior studying at George Washington University.

Though a pastor, Casely admits he battles a serious addiction during his spare time: books. “It’s so sad!” he laughed, “But I love to read and I love the world of books. One of the joys of my life is sending books to seminaries in Africa.” He also enjoys serving in a volunteer capacity as a pastor at Ghana Methodist Church in Baltimore, where he preaches about once a month.

For members of Bay Area who are considering going on a shortterm mission trip in 2015, Casely offered encouragement. “Pray about it, share it with someone in your Missional Community or someone you’re close with, and ask them to pray about it with you. It really is not a question of, ‘Should I go?’ but of where and when,” he said. “Take the plunge – it will be a growing experience. You will come back different, not because of what you have done, but because of what God has done in your life and through you to bless others.”

h

By Jos

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Shirle

T

hey’re out there, all over the globe. Men and women of God who have devoted their entire lives to making disciples of Jesus. You wouldn’t recognize by any distinguishable trait, but they’re there, in most cases undercover. And as we sleep at night in the comfort of our civil liberties, they are awake on the other side of the world, behind “enemy” lines taking huge risks for the Gospel.

At Bay Area, our mission is disciple-making. We’re committed to it locally and abroad. And while we often think of our missions work being conducted in the sphere of missional communities and short-term missions, there is an entire branch of missions work being done 24/7 by long-term missionaries that Bay Area is deeply invested in.

We’re backing (spiritually and financially) several of these superheroes of the faith. One of them, Ibrahim (actual name concealed for his safety), is currently working as a businessman in Southeast Asia with his family. Recently, he visited Bay Area to share stories of his ministry adventure.

Ibrahim’s life in global missions began at the age of 19. He went on short-term trips to Mexico, Dominican Republic, and India. It was on these trips that God called him to vocational ministry as a long-term missionary. He received his missionary training from The University of the Nations (a YWAM institution) where he also met his wife and partner in ministry. Together, they moved to Southeast Asia, where for 10 years they immersed themselves and their growing family in the culture to share the good news of Jesus with people, particularly with people of the Muslim faith. Ibrahim worked primarily with churches and pastors helping to equip and send Asians back into their culture with message of Jesus. He found that this was the most effective way to reach Muslims.

After a decade in Asia, Ibrahim and his wife felt the Lord leading them in a new direction, that of “business and mission” (BAM). Essentially, they would establish a legitimate business as the platform for their ministry. They also sensed it was time to minister in a different part of the world: the Middle East.

With counsel and support from BACC, Ibrahim moved his family to the Middle East. They quickly fell in love with the Arab people and their culture. Their BAM plan was to set up a school for Arabs. Through education, they would build relationships and share the Gospel with students and their families. It was a risky endeavor because Christian missionary work is not allowed in that region of the world.

Had their motives been discovered or their true identity as Bay Area Community Church missionaries been revealed, they most certainly would have been deported.

“It’s not our dream God, It’s your dream.”

After three difficult years establishing the school, the government shut the school down to make way for a more politically connected group. Ibrahim and his family were devastated. They had a huge love for the Arab people and mourned the loss of their vision. Ibrahim described a place of “wrestling with God.” In time, they released the dream to God saying, “It’s not our dream God, it’s your dream.”

Through that act of spiritual maturity in the face of distress, God revealed the next step in His plan for them.

Ibrahim and his family moved to a confidential location in the world where his experience in the Middle East would show great value to a BAM opportunity the Lord would open up. Many from the Arab world are traveling to Asia for education now that the West has largely closed to Easterners. They are looking for Western education and Ibrahim is happy to provide. His job allows him to be in close relationship with many Arabs. Ibrahim explains that many of his students are coming from “hot spots” in the world where there is war and terror. He has the opportunity to comfort them and pray for them. As an American, he is allowed to be a Christian in this area of the world, but he cannot be found trying to convert Muslims to Christianity or speaking poorly of Muhammad. Since Jesus is revered in the Koran, his main attempt at evangelism comes by finding common ground with people around the person of Jesus.

When talking about the real threat of I.S.I.S. attacks, his safety and that of his family, Ibrahim describes the search for the “radical middle.” In essence, there is a tension for him between being bold for Christ and wise with the stewardship of his family. He makes strategic efforts to keep his ultimate agenda hidden in an effort to be most effective for the Kingdom, while at the same time never being seen as ashamed of the Gospel. To do this, Ibrahim and his wife have legitimate jobs that they are devoted to and perform with excellence. They also never refer to themselves as missionaries and refrain from using their names and identities in public church print and digital media.

Ultimately, if their identity and mission were revealed they could face physical persecution.

Ibrahim reports that currently, God is blessing their efforts.

They have seen conversions to Christ, discipleship, and a lot of seeds being planted through classroom discussion.

Please remember to pray for Ibrahim and his family as they stand for Jesus daily. If you would like more information on Ibraham’s ministry please contact Casely Essamuah, BACC’s global missions pastor.

For over 20 years, Bay Area has supported us with open hearts and open hands. That adventure has carried us through establishing a long-term work disciplining nationals and numerous trips to share our Greatest Gift. Deep friendships and your prayers have seen us through the birth of four children, three operations for my wife and one each for three children, two and a half years of transition in the US and three international moves. Our faith has grown through seasons of trials and blessings, and you have cheered us on through each. Words seem weak to express our deepest gratitude, but thank you.

Thank you.

- Ibrahim

a

MAKE THE TRADE

By Josh Shirlen

One of the most evident movements of the Holy Spirit at Bay Area in 2014 was in the hearts and minds of “The 150.” The one-hundred and fifty men, women, and children who responded to the challenge to “make the trade” by joining a short-term mission trip. Our vision and prayer was to see 10% of our church family participate in a STM, and that’s exactly what happened. With the overwhelming success of Make the Trade in 2014, we’ve decided to do it again this year. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Make the Trade?

Why should I Make the Trade?

It all started with the vision of our Lead Pastor, Greg St. Cyr, to see 10% of our church family participate in short-term missions. Our church is passionate about “the nations” and making disciples all over the globe. Greg and other church leadersdiscussed this goal and if any roadblocks existed. The main obstacle, we decided, was time. People simply do not have the time to participate in the training and take a week off of work for a trip. It’s an unfortunate reality in this region of America; we are simply strapped for time. However, most of us do have a window of time each year set aside for vacation. So we asked the question, would followers of Jesus be willing to trade a week of vacation, perhaps in Ocean City or Myrtle Beach, to serve God globally? Would they “make the trade?” It was an extremely high challenge, but we knew that if people were willing to take the faith step, they would have no regrets. So we invited the church to Make the Trade and join a team going to El Salvador, Poland, Ghana, or Uganda. This year we’readding India, Malaysia and Brazil to the list. Our goal remains to see 10% of our church participate for God’s glory.

At Bay Area, our mission is to make passionate, maturing followers of Jesus from here (in Annapolis) to the nations.

We’ve found that one of the absolute best ways to become a passionate, maturing disciple, and to help others do that same, is to participate in a STM trip. It is, without a doubt, the fast-track to discipleship. What can take months or years to accomplish in other discipling avenues can be achieved in a week on mission with other believers. You’ll grow in your knowledge of the Bible, the power of prayer, your ability to walk in the Spirit, and you’ll do it all in the God-honoring context of community.

Furthermore, you’ll experience radical opportunities to love God, love your team, and love people you come in contact with abroad.

Regardless of where you are at in your faith journey, STM trips offer the opportunity to make great strides as a follower of Jesus.

What are those who “made the trade” saying?

“The most personally meaningful part was the growth and experience of serving on a missions trip with my husband, Jacob. It was an awesome experience that every couple should take.” - Nicole Gingrich “When initially preparing for my first STM trip, deep down inside I questioned whether I was really missionary ‘material.’ Although I distinctly felt the Holy Spirit’s nudge telling me to go, I wasn’t one to easily quote scripture or evangelize to perfect strangers. I prayed for a way that God would use my gifts to bring the Good News to the people of El Salvador.

Fortunately, I found my purpose as part of the creative team that brainstormed ways to bring the gospel to life for the children of the Guayabo Children’s Center. We worked on huge props and crazy imaginative activities that we hoped would help the children keep Christ in their hearts long after our team left.

“The most meaningful aspect of the trip for me was that I learned that I didn’t need to have all the answers to share the hope of Christ, just a willing spirit and an open heart to serve. So when I found myself nervously hiking up a volcano for my very first home visit, I leaned on Christ to give me His perfect words, and miraculously they came! Maybe they weren’t in perfect Biblical form or translated in Spanish just right, but what mattered most was that I showed them God’s love, genuinely and completely.

It’s as simple as that… I’d gladly Make the Trade”’ again in a heartbeat!” - Donna Leadmon “My most meaningful aspect of our mission trip to Poland was the relationship that I developed with Radek, one of the attendees of the Evangelistic English Training Camp where we taught. Radek was a young, married man who was quite challenged with the gospel. He was in the English class that Stacey and I taught daily. He could barely speak a word of English but we managed to find ways to communicate with him anyway.

“We became good friends, sharing our lives through a translator.

Later that week, we heard from his other class leader that he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior, and we were overjoyed.

Sometimes God allows you to plant the seed, while other times he allows you to harvest it. This time we were the seed planters.”

- Rick Burkhardt “I had a lot of doubt when we were planning to go on this trip about whether or not we should take all three boys. I shouldn’t have doubted. They worked extremely hard for long hours every day and never once complained. Any time there was something that required their assistance, they were there and very anxious to help. Many times this meant that they were helpers in activities and not participants like the rest of us. After camp, our team got together to share our experiences. After all of the adults shared, our team leader asked the boys for their thoughts. Our 10-year-old Max said, ‘When we were first talking about going to Poland, I didn’t really want to go. I didn’t understand why we should go so far away. Why should we go if maybe only one person would become a Christian? But this week I realized that when one person becomes a Christian, it starts a fire in them and that reaches to their family and from generation to generation.’ There were quite a few tears shed after that. I think the boys have been changed forever by our time in Poland.” - Stacey Burkhardt “During a house visit I met a woman named Norma. In the time that I spent with her, she shared with me how doctors told her she would never be able to have children. She knew that God was bigger than her infertility and chose to trust Him for a child. God answered her prayers with a little boy she named Christian. As Norma shared her story with me I broke down in tears.

My husband and I had been struggling with infertility issues over the past two years. Like a wave crashing over me, God gave me a sense of peace and comfort that far surpassed my understanding. Before I left Norma’s house she prayed prophetically that God would bring me back to El Salvador and when I returned, I would bring my child with me. Within two months of returning from the trip I got pregnant and my little miracle is due 5-17-14.” -

Gretchen Funk “The most meaningful aspect of this trip to El Salvador was the time that I spent with the kids there. Spending time with them, I saw how much they make out of what they have. They are so grateful for the little that they have. I realized how blessed I am and how much I take for granted. The way the little kids treated each other was so amazing to me. They showed me what true joyfulness looks like.” - Claire Wiley “One of our core activities for the week was for the women of the team to meet with moms from the village one-on-one to disciple them. Janice and I went as a couple the first day in the hopes that both husband and wife would be at the home we were visiting. In God’s sovereignty, they were indeed both home - the husband’s ONLY day off of work. As Janice and I shared with Vilma and Giovani about growing in their relationship with Christ, it became clear that neither of them had come to a place of receiving Christ as their personal Savior and Lord.

So we shared the “bridge” illustration and both acknowledged

that they could not make it to God’s side by their own effort.

When asked if they would like to receive Jesus’ gift of salvation at that moment, Giovani hesitated.

When I asked him what was keeping him from receiving Christ right then, he went back to his works. We walked through it with him again, using the “ladder” illustration we learned from [missionary] Jorge Solorzano (no matter how high on the rungs we might be, there’s always someone higher, and there’s never anyone at the top - except Jesus! We asked him if he wanted to pray and receive Christ, and he said, ‘Yes” So we prayed out loud, as Vilma and Giovani prayed along with us! What a way to start the week! Janice continued to meet with Vilma throughout the week, helping her understand the importance of studying the Word, praying, and being supported by other believers. She was like a sponge, soaking up everything Janice taught! And each night she would share the study with her husband. Vilma is just one of several moms that God is raising up to support and encourage each other and grow together as believers in Christ there in the mountainside village of Guayabo.” - Steve Onken ‘ “I would say that, for me, it breaks down to ‘seeing God work.’

In the Army, we train and train and train, and drill and drill and drill. And then, some of us get to actually DO what we were trained and drilled to do — that is what missions work is to me. Church provides some training/education, missional communities provide some more, the classes provided at church provide some more, reading the Bible provides some more, and so on. But it’s not until we apply our training and gained knowledge that we are able to actually DO. We have opportunities here at home, on a daily basis, to see God’s work, but a missions trip is sort of a concentrated ‘dose’ of God’s work, as the entirety of the trip, with all of your fellow Christians, is based on doing just that. The added bonus is that, in the Army, ‘doing’ your job could quite possibly be at the expense of someone else’s life. Whereas in ‘doing’ God’s work, it is to the BENEFIT of someone’s life. It’s the definition of a win-win-win (God-them-us).” - Josh W. “One thing that I would share with others is what a blessing it is to go with family members/children. I took my two sons, Kyle (15) and Nathan (13), and was blessed to see how God worked in them and through them. The other meaningful lesson is the power of the Holy Spirit and prayer. From the time we said ‘yes’ to the time we returned, God was making a way for us to glorify Him! When I stepped out of the way, and let God lead through the power of the Holy Spirit, people who we shared with and served were changed but at the same time I was changed. It was a new experience to rely on the Holy Spirit for protection, guidance, strength, and grace on a daily basis as a team!” - Cheryl Carey “Esmerelda, a 12-year-old girl from the Center in El Salvador, is sick from late stages of cancer. Our team asked if she needed anything. She shared that she would like a bed of her own with lots of pillows. She was sharing one bed with her five other sisters. She is in a lot of pain, so having her own space would bring her great comfort. Our team was able to find a bed to purchase for her (by God’s amazing grace) and lots and lots of pillows.

You should have seen the team carrying it up the mountain!

This young lady touched every single one of our hearts and I

know I will forever hold her dear to my heart.

Looking at her sweet face, I felt Jesus’ presence! She inspired me to be more faithful, show more grace, and love harder!”

• June 4-14th - School Based Ministry • July 2-12th - School Based Ministry • July 16-26th - School Based Ministry • August 6-16th - Camp Ministry

INDIA

- Christine Woda

How do I make the trade in 2015?

If you are at all interested in participating in a short-term mission 2015, please visit the Make the Trade kiosks in the lobby at Bay Area on January 18 and 25. Our Missions Representatives will be happy to answer all of your questions and help you start the process. Outside of those dates, you’re welcome to contact our Global Missions Pastor, Casely Essamuah (Casely.Essamuah@bayareacc.org) or his assistant Ashleigh Bicevskis (Ashleigh.Bicevskis@bayareacc.org).

The requirements for participating in a trip include: • Obtaining a passport • Raising support to cover the cost of the trip (each trip has its own price) • Completing a brief application • Attending a one-day training session • Attending ongoing team meetings to prepare for the trip

Serving in India will consist of assisting our partners, Pastor Samuel and his wife Grace, in their ministry. During our time there, we will be serving children in the children’s home, encouraging local believers, and helping to teach pastors. This is one of the most exciting religious environments. Would you consider going to India?

• May 9-19th

POLAND

When you travel to Poland, you will serve with one of two ministries. With our ministry partners, Tomek and Damaris, you will share the gospel through personal testimony, relationship building, and outreach events. The other opportunity to share the gospel and build relationships in Poland is through English teaching camps for families, organized by a local church.

• July 15-27 - English Camp • July 8-20 - Children’s Ministry • October 12-21 - Cieszyn Ministry

What if I can’t make the trade in 2015 but still want to participate?

BRAZIL We realize that many will desire to participate in Make the Trade 2015, but for a variety of reasons, may not be able to join a team. If this describes you, we recommend you consider sponsoring one or more short-term missionaries by contributing to their support raising and praying for their mission. While our goal is to see 10% of the church go on a STM trip, we hope that 100% of the church will participate in sending those who can Make the Trade.

EL SALVADOR

Serving with our partners, Sarah and Jorge Solorzano, in El Salvador means partnering with their local church and helping them serve children, youth, and families in Guaybo and San Salvador. Each team will serve in different ways including at the Children’s Center, reaching out to college students, or to women in the community. Come be a part of this impactful ministry in El Salvador, on one of the seven trips: • May 30-June 7th • June 13-21st • July 4-12th • July 11-19th • July 18-26th • November 7-15th

GHANA

While serving in Ghana, you will be partnering with our ministry partner Kwame Adu and the Scripture Union team to serve the youth in that country. During your time in Ghana, you will have the opportunity to disciple students from the local high schools, share your testimony, and help to lead a student leadership camp. Come be part of this inspiring movement to reach the youth in all of Ghana, on one of the four trips:

Join our partners, Mickey and Cherie Counter, in the southernmost area of Brazil to encourage the local church, serve local believers, and develop leaders. This trip is specifically for the mature believer who is desiring to encourage, support, and help to grow the local church. We are looking for believers mature in their faith who have had previous missions experience.

• Dates TBD - Working with Global Partners - Encouraging the local church

INDONESIA

Do you have a heart for those not reached with the gospel?

Join the team traveling to Indonesia, a place in great need of the hope of Jesus. The team will work to encourage local believers in their ministry and help to build the local church.

We are looking for believers who are mature in their faith and have had previous missions experience.

• March - Working with Global Partners - Encouraging the local church

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 ?

There are times when every one of us experiences difficulties such as the loss of a loved one, a serious illness, divorce, job loss, addiction, discouragement, spiritual crisis, loneliness, parenting difficulties and many other challenges. God’s intention is that we engage with others and not walk alone through these circumstances! And Jesus wants to see us through the challenges instead of avoiding them or going around them. The Care Network is a free, confidential, Christcentered ministry that assists those seeking help by serving as a bridge to hope and healing through a variety of resources.

We offer appropriate referrals and resources such as a Care Coach, a Missional Community group, financial assistance, Celebrate Recovery, Christian Counselors, or an appropriate agency or program in the community. If you need some help or have questions, email leanne.lane@bayareacc.org for more information.

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 PM for worship, a lesson/testimony, open share groups, and fellowship. We share a meal together every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 6-7 PM. The 3rd Monday is a potluck dinner. Stop by our kiosk in the lobby every 1st 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.

C ON N E CT W ITH B AY 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 blue shirt in the lobby after each Sunday gathering or visit us online at www.bayareacc.org/waystoconnect

CELEBRATION PLACE This is a free, 52-week complementary resource for children, ages 1-12, of parents attending Celebrate Recovery on Monday nights. So while adults explore topics that bring healing and wholeness, children discover the same truths in age appropriate ways. There is limited space, so please be sure to secure a spot for your child/children. Contact Jen Marshall at celebration.place@bayareacc.org for more information.

MARRIAGE MINISTRY Have you been married 10+ years and have a deep desire to see couples start and stay strong in their marriages?

If you have a heart for marriages and want to serve or learn more about the Marriage Ministry at BACC please visit www.bayareacc.org/carenetwork or contact leanne.lane@bayareacc.org for more info.

THE GREAT DATE NIGHT Did you know that February is deemed Marriage Month in the United States? We, here at BACC, have a desire to come along side of marriages and help them flourish, and one way is through a fun night out! So on Saturday, February 14, yes Valentine’s Day, there will be an evening set aside full of laughter, fellowship, and comedy for ALL couples.

You don‘t have to be married to enjoy this evening out.

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information about how to sign up. Contact leanne.lane@bayareacc.org PREMARITAL MENTORING Are you engaged or thinking about getting engaged?

Premarital mentoring is just what you need! Strong marriages are the cornerstone of a healthy, Jesus-centered family. Our marriage 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 BACC Pastor is officiating at 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. Contact Todd & Kim Christner at premarital.ministry@bayareacc.org for more information.

DIVORCE CARE The Care Network is in the midst of developing a team to provide care and resources for those who are divorced or are currently considering divorce. Contact leanne.lane@ bayareacc.org for more information.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

The nursery team is blessed by the entire Bickhart family every week.

Bill, Megan, and their three children Maggie, Will, and Kelly provide consistent love and care to the littlest ones of Bay Area. They recently moved to Maryland from Chicago and are enjoying the scenery and history of Annapolis.

Sylvia Stephens has been a faithful volunteer with preschoolers for many years. She absolutely loves being with the children, teaching them about Jesus, and serving with her partner, Kim Consoli. She believes this has truly been a “God appointment” for them.

Not only is Sylvia a dedicated volunteer but also a dedicated grandmother to her eight grandchildren.

A fourth and fifth grade leader, Andrew Burns says he wasn’t a perfect child by any means, but God had a plan for his life and He has the perfect plan for children too. “Witnessing God work in the lives of children in the Deep Blue is a rewarding experience. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to help raise and disciple our next generation. He also says the kids help keep him young at heart.”

PRODIGAL CHILDREN SUPPORT Luke 15: 11-32 tells us the parable of the lost son. He leaves home, lives his life the way he wants to and thankfully, he eventually returns to his father. This child has become known as the “Prodigal Child.” While this parable is part of Jesus’s messages describing God’s love for all of us, for some families it is reality. The journey/trial of having a prodigal is incredibly challenging. If you are a parent that has a prodigal, you are not alone. Contact leanne.lane@bayareacc. org for more information about how BACC can lend support & encouragement to you.

CHILDREN AND STUDENT BAPTISM CELEBRATION If you have a child or student who is expressing interest and wants to be baptized, we would love to celebrate this mile marker with you. Visit the children’s or student webpage at www.bayareacc.org to read more on how your family can be a part of the February 28 Baptism Celebration.

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.lane@bayareacc.org or phone at 443-837-3718.

DIVE 45 Are your kids up for a challenge? All fourth and fifth graders are invited to this month’s Dive45 Friday, January 30 from 7-9 PM. We’ll spend the evening in community and we’re taking over the entire BACC building for a night of indoor Laser Tag! Invite a friend and bring a few dollars for the snack bar. We look forward to an exciting night with your kiddos! Questions contact tammy.taschenberger@bayareacc.org

FINANCIALS Operating Budget Financial Update November 30, 2014 New Fiscal Year Began September 1, 2014

FAMILY BLESSING EVENT Every child longs for the feeling of acceptance and unconditional love. Join us Saturday, February 7 to hear our Senior Pastor Greg St. Cyr share the importance of leaving a legacy and passing on the blessing to your children.

Continental breakfast and KidCare provided. RSVP is required. Visit bayareacc.org/deepblueevents to reserve your families table at this event. Last day to register your family is February 1st.

CONNECTING MINISTRY

Fiscal Year Giving Goal

$ 3,832,000

YTD Giving Goal YTD Received YTD Actual vs. Goal 2.3 % Behind NOVEMBER Giving Goal

NOVEMBER Received

$ 912,275 $ 891,421 $ (20,854) $ 306,625 $ 326,467

Building Debt Status as of November 30, 2014 Balance Due Fiscal YTD Donations

$ 1,876,753 $ 6,550

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 Existing Debt or “Beyond884” for the Building Expansion & Beyond884 Outreach. Please note all undesignated checks will go toward the Bay Area Operating Fund.

How Do I Support The Cause of Beyond884: Room For People?

Preferred Methods (no fees charged)

DISCOVER BAY AREA New to Bay Area? Welcome! Join us in the Bay Cafe for Discover Bay Area on January 4 from 12:30-1:30 PM to learn more about who we are, what we are about, and how you can get plugged in. It’s a great chance for you to get to know us and for us to get to know you. Free lunch included. No RSVP needed - just bring yourself! We hope to see you there! Our next Discover is February 1.

Direct Debit: Go to www.beyond884.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.

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP Interested in church membership? Here at Bay Area, we call “membership” ministry partnership. This 5 week process LEARNING COMMUNITIES informs and equips you to lock arms with us as followers of Jesus on mission. The next round starts in March. To learn Learning Communities are smaller groups of people that focus more or register, visit bayareacc.org/ministry-partnership on learning, applying, and living out the Bible. On Sunday mornings, the groups meet and have three main emphasis of learning: head, heart, and hands. These different tracks help EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES not only develop theologically, but also in our character, and practical life. Go to www.bayareacc.org/learningcommunities to sign up for any of the following courses.

KIDCARE TEAM MEMBERS Our team consists of individuals who have a heart for kids.

Our workers are paid, and we are consistently looking to EVANGELISM TRAINING WITH ED KELLEY add to our team. We provide KidCare to all ministries of Jump into this 2 week intensive to start your 2015 off with Bay Area from The Well, Celebrate Recovery, Missional training for exciting adventures with Jesus. Come learn how Communities, and different events throughout the year. If to practically share your faith and point people to Jesus in you or someone you know are interested in joining, contact regular conversation on January 11 & 17 in The Docks at 11:15 jen.marshall@bayareacc.org or visit the Children’s Welcome AM. Desk on Sundays for more info.

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MAN UP - Starts 1/18/15 LOCAL OUTREACH This is an 8-week course addressing timely topics for men.

Come meet other guys who are pursuing Jesus, and learn how to practically live out your faith. Topics include: being a man LOCAL SERVING OPPORTUNITIES Missional Communities often don’t know how to get involved like Jesus, humble servanthood, sex, money, and status. with serving locally. We’re here to help. Email outreach@ bayareacc.org to start the conversation. There are many THE NEW TESTAMENT PUZZLE – Starts 1/11/15 What if someone asked you, “Hey, what is the New Testament organizations in the Annapolis area that will be blessed by all about?” How would you respond? Sometimes the Bible can your involvement; we’d love to connect you with them. be very puzzling to us, but within its pages we find a cohesive story that can be understood and applied to our everyday MEN’S BIBLE STUDY lives. This learning community will help you put together the puzzle of the New Testament.

MEN’S MORNING BIBLE STUDY FREED UP FINANCIAL LIVING – Starts 1/11/15 Tuesdays from 6-7:30 AM in room 236. Email Dennis at Are you struggling financially? Could you use some support dbradylaw@aol.com for more information. in getting your finances in order, and even have the ability to become a cheerful giver? Come be a part of this practical MAN UP EVENT learning community that will give you tools to get out of debt, Fellas – it’s time to huddle up here at 884. Come out Saturday, manage your finances, and actually have fun doing it.

January 17 at 4 PM for a BBQ dinner and a frank discussion about the realities of following Jesus in 2015. You will have the APOLOGETICS – Starts 1/25/15 opportunity to connect with other guys and hear from Greg There are many different worldviews out there, and many St. Cyr, Brian Hopper, Ed Kelley, Pat Linnell, and a few others different views about Jesus and the Bible. This learning about manning up for Jesus. Practical and straightforward community will help you understand, and give good reasons discussions will cover topics such as: humble servants, titans for the things Christians believe. Come get equipped in how to of industry, prioritizing your mind, strength in numbers, lady answer hard questions from the world around us. chasing and other distractions. Space is limited for this one time event. Cost is $10 bucks. Sign up online at: bayareacc. org/learningcommunities and click on the MAN UP RSVP form.

GLOBAL MISSIONS

MISSIONAL COMMUNITIES

Short term mission teams will be traveling to 6 different countries during the Summer of 2015. We invite you to prayerfully consider how you might be part of Make The Trade this year. Applications can be found by going to bayareacc.org/stm

MISSIONAL COMMUNITY TASTER Get a taste of what a missional community is through our MC Taster event. Join us on January 11th for a light lunch and some info from our Missional Community Pastor, Brian Hopper. We’ll spend about an hour together in community with each other, in loving God, and thinking about how to engage those around us. RSVP online at bayareacc.org/mctaster-rsvp or email mc@bayareacc.org for questions.

Please consider giving, over and above, to support those going on short term missions this year. You can give by going to bayareacc.org/stm and hit GIVE. EL SALVADOR • May 30-June 7 • June 13-21 • July 4-12 • July 11-19 • July 18-26 • November • May 30 - August 9 Nanny needed in El Salvador

INDIA • May 9-19

POLAND PRAYER MINISTRY • July 22 to Aug 3 • July 8-20 Did you know BACC has an entire ministry devoted to • October 12-21 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 BRAZIL or saddened by grief and those who are wrestling with life’s • July 10-18 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. For more information about prayer or the teams, go online to www.bayareacc.org/prayer INDONESIA or contact pat.linnell@bayareacc.org • May GHANA • June 4-14 • July 2-12 • July 16-26 • August 6-16

WOMEN’S MINISTRY From HERE to THERE. “A disciple who is fully trained will be like his teacher.” Luke 6:40. At The Well, our women’s Bible studies, we grow from HERE to THERE in our relationship with God. No matter your starting point, God desires a closer relationship with you.

OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE 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: Interested in serving in the Bay Café?

Contact deb.shipley@bayareacc.org CHAIR MINISTRY: Serve on the chair set-up/tear-down team. Contact ron.dutton@bayareacc.org CHILDREN’S MINISTRY: Do you have theatre experience and appreciate energetic environments? Our Elementary large group time may be your perfect fit.

Contact aimee.coyle@bayareacc.org COMMUNION TEAM: Interested in preparing the communion elements on Sunday mornings once a month? 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, First Responders, come be part of helping our church stay safe. Contact Ed at safety@bayareacc.org STUDENT MINISTRY: Interested in serving middle and high school students? Contact michaela.graf-jones@ bayareacc.org

close to the heart of God and teach us to recognize His voice.

Join us Wednesdays from 9:30-11:30 AM, January 14 - February 25. Cost $15. Contact Laurie at thewell@bayareacc.org LORD, TEACH ME TO PRAY This Kay Arthur study, based on the Lord’s Prayer, gives practical lessons helpful for women to learn how to talk to God through prayer. Join us Wednesdays 9:30-11:30 AM, March 4 - April 15. Cost: $15. Contact Laurie at thewell@bayareacc.org KidCare is available for The Well morning studies only. For both classes, cost is $55/1 child, $75/2+ children. For 1st class only, $35/1 child, $45/2+ children. For 2nd class only, $25/1 child, $35/2+ children. Registration isn’t final until confirmed

by Jen Marshall. Contact jen.marshall@bayareacc.org THE WELL EVENING STUDIES CHILDREN OF THE DAY: A study of I & II Thessalonians Enjoy the latest video series taught by Beth Moore and engage in large group & small discussion groups that will bring you closer to God & each other. Join us Tuesdays, from 7-9 PM, January 13 - March 24 in the BACC Warehouse. Contact Darby at darby@dougcate.com CROSSROADS ON THE JOURNEY: Pursuing a Lifetime Commitment and Transformation This small group purposes to disciple women new to the faith journey as they take the next steps in learning to study God’s Word, pray, rely on the Holy Spirit, and discern their spiritual gifts. This small group is taught by Janet Graves and Deb Shipley on Tuesdays from 7-9 PM, January 13 - March 24.

Cost $15. Contact janet.graves@bayareacc.org Register at the Women’s Ministry kiosk in the lobby on Sundays, January 4 & 11 or at www.bayareacc.org/womenspiritualgrowth

WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Interested in serving on an event committee for Women’s Ministry this year? Contact janet.graves@bayareacc.org

QUIET RETREAT FOR WOMEN ”If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink...” John 7:37 Start your new year by setting aside a morning to draw near to God on Saturday, January 24 from 8 AM-12 PM. Learn to call on God, receive His word, and listen to Him in prayer. Cost $10. Register on Sundays, January 4, 11 & 18 or online at www. bayareacc.org/womensevents. Led by Betsy McPeak. Contact: Jocelyn Matthews at jocelyn_matthews@yahoo.com WOMEN OF LEGACY (55+) This group of women meets to encourage each other in their walk with Jesus and to leave a lasting legacy for others. Join us on Mondays, January 12 & 26 from 10:30-11:30 AM. Contact: Cedulie at luisandcedulie@gmail.com THE WELL MORNING STUDIES Just like any other relationship, we need to learn how to communicate well in our relationship with God. Starting this month, we will focus on learning to listen and talk to God to bring us closer to Him. Register January 4 & 11 at Women’s Ministry kiosk in lobby or online at www.bayareacc.org/ womenspiritualgrowth

QUILTS FOR KIDS Join us as we take donated fabric and make quilts for kids in shelters and hospitals. Our next sewing workshop is Saturday, January 17 from 10:30 AM-1:30 PM at BACC in room 223. All skill levels are welcome. Kits are available. All you need to bring is your sewing machine, sewing supplies and your lunch. If you would like a quilt kit, have a quilt you would like to donate, or have a question about this ministry, please HE SPEAKS TO ME: Preparing to Hear from God Learn from Priscilla Shirer how God spoke to a young boy, contact Janet Hogan at annapolisqfk@gmail.com Samuel, how he learned to respond to God, and the ways God speaks to believers today. This 7 week Bible study will take us

STUDENT MINISTRY

LEADER SPOTLIGHT

SUNDAY TEACHING SERIES: OBSESSED What are you obsessed with right now? Is it your favorite television show? A certain fashion trend? A band? A sport you play? We use the word obsessed a lot. Anything we really enjoy can become our obsession-of-the-moment and dating definitely falls into that category. For some of us, we’re obsessed with a certain guy or girl we’d like to go out with. Or, we’re obsessed with the person we are currently dating—wanting to spend every minute with them. Or for a huge number of us, we don’t have a crush, but we are obsessed with the idea of dating— we wish we had someone to text with all day and night. No matter what your current relationship status, chances are you spend a lot of time thinking about, talking about, and dreaming about dating. And believe it or not, the Bible has a lot to say about it as well. In this series, we’re going to look at three key passages from Scripture that give us some clues how to enjoy the crazy world of dating without losing our minds.

Sunday, January 4: Hey There Delilah Sunday, January 11: Honey Bee Sunday, January 18: More Than Enough

PARENT DESSERT Parents of Middle and High School students, join us February 4 for a chance to meet our leaders, fellowship with other parents, and learn about what is going on in the Student Ministry. Hope to see you there!

MIDDLE All Middle School students get your team together today and prepare for a dodgeball tournament of epic proportions at Club 678 on Friday, January 9 from 7-9 PM at BACC. Club 678 is our monthly outreach for middle school students to invite their friends to church on the second Friday of every month from 7-9 PM. Contact Austin at austin.maccubbin@ bayareacc.org for more info.

MIDDLE SCHOOL VERTICAL WEEKEND 2015 Bay Area’s Student Ministry is hosting its fourth annual intown Vertical Weekend retreat for middle school students,

MICHELLE ROLLINS is a new member of our team this year.

We are so grateful to have her mentoring our 7th grade girls and encouraging them in their daily walk with God. When she is not serving in the ministry, she is working on becoming a certified therapeutic horseback-riding instructor, teaching people with physical and cognitive disabilities.

When she initially left high school, she wanted to go to school somewhere warm, but God sent her our way where she graduated from the Naval Academy in 2008. She has a passion for travelling and has been to twelve different countries for both mission trips and the Navy. Her future plans include going to grad school to become a speech language pathologist.

DAVID KELLNER is the Executive Director at the Christian Counseling Center of Annapolis where he serves as both the director and therapist for mostly children and adolescents. We are grateful to have him working with our 6th grade boys whom he mentors and encourages every Sunday. He has been working with students every year since high school, including a five-year stint as a youth pastor. He loves spending time with his wife of fifteen years and his two beautiful girls, cheering on the Redskins (which may be why our youth pastor, Brent, allowed him on the team), and being grossed out by the eating competitions that are done in our Student Ministry. If he could say one lesson that he has learned from working with middle school students, it would be that haystacks are terrible places to experiment with fire.

grades 6-8. This retreat is aimed at focusing middle school students upward(or Vertically) towards a God that desires to be in a relationship with them. During this retreat, students gather at BACC for four sessions from Friday night to Sunday morning. Each session will feature dynamic worship and relevant teaching.

After Friday night’s session, students depart in gender/gradespecific community groups where they will stay in local host homes for group discipleship and discussion. Throughout the weekend, students will also be treated to fun games, snacks, and other activities. Your middle school student will not want to miss this event! February 20-22. Registration opens January 25 at the Student Ministry Kiosk and online. Register

by February 5 for $50. Register after February 5 for $70.

Registration Closes February 8.

High school students, join us every Wednesday from 6:30-8:30 PM for our mid-week gathering where students grow deeper in their walk with God through group-based discipleship.

Each Amplify gathering features free food, games, and gender/grade specific Community Groups led by trained and caring adult leaders. Students will experience true community and discipleship in the context of their peers; all in a fun environment. Contact Brent at brent.squires@ bayareacc.org for more info.

HIGH SCHOOL WINTER MELTDOWN High school students, sign up now for Winter Meltdown 2015 – our annual winter retreat. This year’s date is Friday – Sunday, January 30 – February 1. Make Christian community a priority in your life. Have fun playing paintball, horseback riding, plunging down a 1,700’ triple zipline, dodgeball tournament, games, and much more. Experience challenging times of teaching and discussion, powerful worship, and inspiring dramas. The best part is that you’ll get to do all of this among a fantastic group of BASM adult leaders and students.

Register online or at the Student Info Kiosk today. Deadline is Sunday, January 18. Space is limited. Contact brent.squires@ bayareacc.org with questions.