Go & Make Issue #7 (May 2014)

LETTER FROM Life THE LEAD Change.

Last Sunday, Dave showed me the exact spot. “Here is where I was standing, right here. My life hasn’t been the same since!”

The “spot” Dave referred to was where he stood in the back during last year’s Easter gathering. It was the spot Dave’s heart was reawakened to follow Jesus as Lord.

Dave’s life is forever changed.

On that same Easter morning a year ago, Ariel sat overwhelmed by what she was experiencing. The message of Jesus, the baptism testimonies, and the worship music impacted her deeply. A person without faith, her heart was opening to Jesus.

Stories of life change through the transforming power of the Gospel, like Dave and Ariel’s, energize me.

There is nothing more powerful than a changed life.

Sundays and produces our video for the gatherings. Learning and serving in community is bringing about rapid life change for Dave.

By God’s grace, just like last year, many Life change happens when we trust lives were changed this Easter. Perhaps in the Gospel of Jesus. the Gospel has recently changed your life. The question is: Are you continuing Life change continues as we connect to grow in the Gospel? in community with others.

For that to happen, you need community.

Before coming to know Jesus, Ariel connected with Charlotte.

After Our heart is not to draw a crowd on reading Charlotte’s blog, they got Sundays but rather to make disciples of together to talk about her struggles. Jesus. Life change happens best as we Charlotte invited her to the Easter live and serve in relationship with others gathering.

Shortly thereafter who are following Jesus.

Ariel found herself in a missional community with other young single Are you experiencing life change like Dave women. There she found acceptance, and Ariel? I’m praying that by this time love, and biblical answers to her next year their story will be replicated many questions. Within a few weeks in hundreds of lives throughout Bay Ariel placed her faith in Jesus as Area. Stories of people who not only Savior and Lord. Her community has came to faith, but stories of people whose helped bring healing and guidance to lives were changed through being in her life. Ariel loves Jesus and this community with others. past Easter morning was baptized!

We are here to help. We love you and Dave was invited to last year’s Easter want God to radically change your life for gathering by Matt and Suzanne who His glory. attend Bay Area. Eager to grow, Dave and his wife, Jami, joined a learning From here to the nations, community to learn God’s Word with others. Today he serves in the Tech ministry on 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 Deb Shipley Jocelyn Rimbey Ron Dutton

Cover photos

by Josh Shirlen.

ELDERS John Battan Dennis Brady Tom Dalpini Tim Dotson Peter Godfrey Tim Grossman Rich Heath Roger Ishii Brian Mallare David McPeak Bill Smith Greg St. Cyr John Taylor J Upton

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, 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

1

Since it is spring, I’m recommending some albums that have an equally “springy,” colorful, and happy mood to them. If you love Jesus and good, upbeat music, all three of these albums should do just the trick!

2

by: Micah Pringle (BACC Worship Leader)

THE GREAT DIVORCE C.S. Lewis

3

GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JESUS John MacArthur

Awake is a beautifully arranged album that breathes of themes like grace and mercy in refreshing lyrics that seem to fit this spring season we’re in right now. It carries just enough pop sensibilities to make it enjoyable to a broad audience while being unique enough to satisfy those with a more refined musical palette.

4

THE RAGAMUFFIN GOSPEL

Will Retherford “Awake”

D-DAY

Brennan Manning

Stephen Ambrose

Matthew Reed “Come and Drink”

5

6

JOHN ADAMS

David McCullough

7

SIX HOURS ONE FRIDAY Max Lucado

Explosions in the Sky and David Wingo “Prince Avalanche: An Original Motion Picture Soundtrack”

8

LIVING ABOVE THE LEVEL OF MEDIOCRITY Charles Swindoll

9

THE LAST LION

William Manchester & Paul Reid

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POLITICS ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE Wayne Grudem

This album is a few years old, but it’s worth mentioning. From the opening line of track one, Matthew spits out great phrases like, “Have you not heard, he’s coming for a pure bride.” This album pairs truth with catchy melodies and lush guitar hooks. Pick it up and prepare your ears and heart for some great stuff to pour in.

CARPE DIEM Tony Campolo

As I write this, it’s one day after the deadline for submitting my article, and I’m replacing another recommendation I had already made with this one. Why? Well, I had all but forgotten how incredible this album was until I went for a drive today and decided to give it a spin. By the end, I had a giant smile on my face and a few tears in each eye. This album is an instrumental work of art. It’s perfectly understated, it breathes and moves naturally, and it carries a consistent mood from start to finish. When you reach the half point in the final track, “Send Off,” the song bursts into a soaring and hopeful melody driven by horns. This spring/summer, when you drive to your favorite weekend hideaway, give this album a whirl. I hope it will move you the same way it moves me.

SPOTLIGHT

ON MISSIONAL COMMUNITY Justin and Ashley Butters By: Charlotte Cole

Mixed Family as Extended Family

“When we enter the Butters’ house on Tuesday nights it feels like home. There are children everywhere, and ours join right in. It’s full of love, laughter, and sometimes tears. We have the best time with the best group of people, I love it,” shared Christine Woda.

Shortly after they began attending BACC, Christine Woda, her husband, and two of their three children have been coming to the Butters’ missional community since December of 2013. “When we got to Bay Area we reached out for help connecting with people and it was suggested we join a missional community. We looked for a group with kids and Ashley and Justin invited us to their group.

From day one, it has been a natural fit to be a part of this group.”

Justin and Ashley Butters’ group initially birthed from Brian and Kathy Holian’s larger missional community when they set out to establish a new community in Crofton.

The group started out simple and small. There were even times when very few people showed up and the Butters faced doubts like, “Should we keep going with this?” But it has morphed into a vibrant community that no doubt has a passion for God, one another, and missions. A year later, they boast 17 adults and 27 kids from all around. Their commitment to follow Bay Area’s model of UP, IN and OUT, coupled with their flexibility and creativity, has been key to their growth.

The “flavor” of this group is blended families and children. Christine says it has been nice to share the unique qualities of having a blended family with others

who are going through similar circumstances. “The group is full of kids from a lot of blended families...from a variety of past relationships who are coming together in community. When you have a mom and dad coming together with children from different families, there can be a lot of disruption for everyone, especially the children. There are issues that arise around discipline and parenting stepchildren that those who haven’t had similar experiences would be challenged to understand.”

What is special about this group, Christine says, is the grace needed to accommodate the high demands of mixed families today. As Extended Family (one of the ways we define our missional communities), it appears this group has shown them that grace.

Every other Tuesday night has a theme. “UP” weeks provide a Bible study or prayer-focused event. “IN” weeks are aimed at fellowship and relationship building. In addition to times of meeting as a whole group, they also take opportunities for the women and men to split up at the house. Occasionally “IN” events consist of the men taking the kids while the ladies go out for a girl’s night.

Other times, there is a switch so the men can get some time to bond, too.

“When I think of community, I usually think of something like a neighborhood, but I definitely don’t know what is going on in the lives of my neighbors. I do know what’s going on in the lives of those in my missional community

“The group has led me to a deeper level in my faith.”

- Christine Woda

and the sense of community that I get from everyone is great. Just knowing that if I need something, I can send out an email or a phone call and say I need some extra prayers… and it’s done,” says Christine Woda “OUT” weeks are focused on service. As a group, they cared for the homeless who stayed under Bay Area’s roof for a week with Winter Relief. They have raked leaves for someone at church. Some of the kids even made bracelets as encouragement for Pastor Stephen to give to the kids in South Sudan. The group humbly recognizes that not everyone has the same spiritual gifts, which results in a variety of activities and leadership.

Growing in faith. Sharing in the joys and struggles of life. Serving their community. That’s what missional community is all about. And the Butter’s are seeing how it can transform hearts and lives.

To find out more about Missional Communities or how you can join one near you, contact jocelyn.rimbey@bayareacc. org or brian.hopper@bayareacc.org

By: Emily Holian

To me, Beyond884 is about much more than providing financial resources in order to further expand Christ’s kingdom by planting churches, expanding Bay Area, and investing in nations across the globe. It’s about our hearts behind the giving. Just like the Lord says in Hosea 6:6, “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” More than anything, the Lord desires for our hearts to be open to all the ways He desires to use our life, our time, and our resources. Finances are merely just a part of it. Psalm 67:2 says, “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face shine upon us, so that Your ways may be known on earth, and Your salvation among all nations.” We have been blessed so that we may be a blessing to others. It’s not the notion of “I lose and they gain” but rather “I go and give what He has entrusted me with and we both gain.”

W

hen I first heard about Bay Area’s “Beyond884” movement, the question wasn’t “if” I should give, but “how much” I should give. That sounds so simple, but that’s because it is. Just as Jesus Christ seeks after me, I desire to seek after those who don’t know Him. I can’t deny the fact that the vision behind Beyond884 reflects the same exact vision and purpose I see reflected in the Lord’s heart as I read His word.

As I have grown closer to the Lord, He has graciously molded and formed my heart to look more like His own. I’ve learned that I simply cannot feel compassionate for those who are enslaved in slavery, impoverished, and for those who do not know Jesus personally if I do not do something about it. He has shown me that compassion is synonymous with action.

When I look at John 3:16, I read about a God who so loved the world that He gave. God doesn’t just look down on us and feel sorry for us as we choose to live in sin. The Lord’s love moved Him into action, and as a result, He sent His one and only Son, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. For God so loved the world that He what? HE GAVE.

I once had the honor of meeting a little girl in Uganda who had been rescued from child prostitution. Her name is Aloyo, and she taught me what it truly means to hold everything in my life in “open hands.” When it was time for me to return to the USA, she offered me, with open hands, the only thing she had to call her own: a little worn and tattered stuffed animal.

She insisted that I take it. As I looked at her outstretched arms it hit me that that is exactly how I want to live: with open hands reflecting an open heart. Just like the widow in Luke 21 who put in the offering “all she had to live on,” she held nothing back, because she trusted the One who gave it to her in the first place and who was asking her to give it up.

I fear that we, as Christians in America, are prone to missing out on experiencing the fullness of joy that comes with letting go because we grasp so tightly to everything “we own, worked for, or earned” with clenched fists.

David Platt once said, “Surely this God warrants more than our raising a hand and praying a prayer. Surely this God warrants more than nominal adherence, church attendance, or casual acceptance. This God warrants complete abandonment of our plans, our possessions, our hopes, our dreams, and our lives. We lay everything we have on the table before this God, and we say, ‘use me- my life, my family, my church, everything I have and everything I am for the spread of your glory and this gospel to the ends of the earth.’ Indeed, the only logical response to this glorious God of grace is ‘Here I am. Send me.’”

That’s why it wasn’t hard for me to decide to give to Beyond884. The answer was clear, but what is hard is the daily (mostly moment by moment) conscious decision to keep my hands and heart open to all His desires instead of my natural, sinful tendency to keep them closed. The Lord has shown me the idol behind keeping my hands clenched tightly; it’s that ultimately I don’t trust the Lord. How can I trust in Jesus’ sacrifice for me on the cross to cover my sin and provide eternal life, but I can’t trust that same God to satisfy me here on this earth as I choose to hold it all in open hands?

So here I am, desiring to let go, trust, and experience the fullness of joy that comes with completely abandoning my heart to Him. This story is part of an ongoing series about Beyond884.

Visit www.beyond884.com for more information about the cause.

LEADERSHIP PROFILE

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michael & kim

abramo

By Meredith Thompson

“It’s nice to hear our son, who’s seven, saying, ‘Is there anything I can do to help?’ He’s got that mentality now as well,” Kim Abramo noted. “In our serving, we want our first impact to be on our kids’ walks of faith, their service to others, and learning to serve God.” For Kim and husband Mike, 7-year-old Logan, and 11-year-old daughter Alex, serving at Bay Area Community Church is a family affair. The quartet arrives at church at 7 a.m. each week to help set up. Mike often pitches in with the chair crew, and the kids assist their mom in getting communion ready and tidying the gathering space between services. Once the gatherings are underway, Mike leads as a deacon and head usher, and Kim serves behind the children’s ministry check-in desk. Following in her parents’ footsteps, Alex volunteers in the preschool ministry before attending her own class in the Deep Blue.

The Abramos met in college in North Carolina and dated for six years before vowing 16 years ago to let nothing but death do them part. They began attending Bay Area over a decade ago when they hit a rough patch in their relationship and decided it was time to get re-grounded in their walks with Christ. Soon after, Mike noted there was a need within the church for ushers, and having served as one in the past, he decided to step up. Simultaneously, after dropping her daughter off at the children’s ministry week after week, Kim felt led to get involved with Bay Area’s youngest members.

“My first experience serving was in the 2-year-olds classroom, and it was me and 20 2-year-olds,” Kim recalled with a laugh. “At that point, I knew that I liked kids, but I wasn’t really sure I wanted to be in the classroom.” Yet her desire to contribute to one of the ministries that most blessed her family prevailed, and Kim took on a more administrative role in assisting with sign-ins, rosters, ID tags and other items at the children’s welcome counter.

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In addition to helping Bay Area’s 400+ youngsters find their way each Sunday, Kim noted she most enjoys the opportunity her role furnishes to be a blessing to the parents. “I’m able to take a moment and talk to the families, parents, and ask, ‘What are your questions about the church?’ Or point them in the right direction so they can get involved,” she illustrated, smiling.

Likewise, Mike relishes making everyone who enters the gathering space feel welcome, whether it’s their first or 2,000th Sunday there. “[As ushers, we are] a smiling face as they come in, we’re that second layer – you have the greeters at the door and the [ambassadors] standing out at the connect – and we’re another one as they enter the sanctuary,” he highlighted. “We just bombard them with love and say, ‘We’re glad you’re here; can I help you find a seat?’”

Both noted their respective positions have afforded unexpected opportunities to pray with people, provide meals to new moms or families in need, assist other ministries and volunteers, and form new relationships and friendships with people throughout the church. The Abramos’ passion for serving is reflected in their commitment: the couple noted they rarely sit through an entire service, and feel weird watching other people collect offering and distribute communion. “Both of us would much rather be busy helping out than standing aside and watching someone else do it,” Kim explained.

do,” Mike observed, adding with a laugh, “But once you get involved, it almost sucks you in.”

But while they, alongside their kids, volunteer for nearly every service, Mike and Kim encouraged others to get involved with just one service a month to start. “It’s always hard to take that first step – you don’t know who to talk to, what you want to

“To make this your church – if you call this your home – do something. Get involved!” Mike echoed.

Kim noted that while the first ministry in which someone serves might not be a perfect fit – like supervising 20 2-year-olds – there’s always an opportunity that matches someone’s interests and gifts, and the return on investment can’t be beat. “I get more out of the church the more I put into it. Where you make your investment and where you put your heart is where you’re going to be touched,” she emphasized.

a short-term missions experience

WE ASKED STEVE ONKEN, LEADER OF A BACC SHORT-TERM MISSION TO EL SALVADOR, A FEW QUESTIONS ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE. THIS IS WHAT HE HAD TO SAY. DESCRIBE THE EL SALVADOR MINISTRY.

Our ministry in El Salvador revolves around the ministry of Bay Area’s full time missionary Sarah Meehan de Solorzano and her husband, Jorge Solorzano. They both serve in the Great Commission Church in the capital of San Salvador. Their local ministries include the university ministry and the ministry in the children’s center in the mountain village of Guayabo, which is where we are primarily engaged. The local church in San Salvador has planted a church in the area of the city called Soyopango and is actively seeking to plant another, in Guayabo.

HOW DO YOU BELIEVE YOUR TEAM WAS USED BY GOD?

We’ve been to El Salvador four times now, and it’s been awesome to see what God is doing there in building His church. Our team has been used by God to draw many to Himself, both children and adults. We have also been able to provide spiritual, educational, and nutritional support for dozens of children through the children’s center.

WHAT DID GOD TEACH YOUR TEAM?

Our team and each individual has learned far more than I can share here, but the first thing that comes to mind is that we in our culture, have so much, and we are so easily stressed and anxious. The people in El Salvador have so little, yet are content and exude the joy of the Lord. We are also learning to see each child and adult as an individual with individual needs, desires, and hopes. We always come away awed at how much the local church there serves year-round. They give of their time so selflessly, cooking and cleaning, teaching and tutoring, and providing transportation and medical assistance.

HOW IS THE TEAM RESPONDING TO THIS EXPERIENCE?

We are committed to support the ministry both in prayer and financially.

This includes the children, Sarah and Jorge’s family, and the overall ministry of the San Salvador church.

Our missional community is focused around the needs in El Salvador, praying for their ministry, providing

encouragement and support, and meeting tangible needs whenever we can. For example, we recently shared in the purchase of a guitar for the worship team at the San Salvador church.

HAVING DONE THIS SEVERAL TIMES, WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT EACH OPPORTUNITY?

Each year we get to see the ongoing work, how it’s growing, and how we can serve the people of Guayabo better. This last year, one of the locals talked about how the entire mountain is being reached for Christ through the efforts of the children’s center. We have made lifelong friends with the local believers who serve alongside us each time we visit, so we always look forward to seeing them.

Even more than that, we look forward to seeing the amazing work that God is continuing to do in Guayabo and having the privilege of joining Him in that work.

The One-Fifty Bay Area’s trade makers

Early in 2014 during a planning meeting for Global Missions, the leadership began to pray that ten percent of the adult population at Bay Area would hear the call to join a short-term mission this year. It would be a group of roughly one-hundred and fifty people, nearly double the number of missionaries we have traditionally sent. In addition to praying, a strong challenge called “Make The Trade” was presented to the church, asking people to trade a summer vacation for a short-term mission if time was a deterrent from going. Our prayers were answered and one-hundred and fifty people did join. We’re calling them “The One-Fifty” and we’ve asked a few of them to share what has inspired them to go, and what their hope for their trip. Here is what they had to say:

Donna Leadmon As a mom I’ve spent most of my adulthood finding purpose in raising and serving my immediate family. It’s been the most fulfilling and rewarding endeavor I could ever ask for, but I found myself ready to take a leap of faith one step farther. When the “Make the Trade” series challenged us to trade our typical summer vacation for STM, I opened my heart to the possibility of serving. I knew it was God’s plan when I looked at my normally jam-packed summer calendar and saw that there was a 10-day stretch completely open, perfectly timed to align with the trip to El Salvador! I truly believe it was the Spirit’s gentle nudge telling me to go!

Tom Hogan

Meghan Taschenberger

Janet and I were ready to return to Poland even before we left Poland from last year’s STM trip. It was impossible to watch how God worked there last year and not want to return again this year to see what He would do. I believe that’s the main reason the majority of our team is returning again this year.

I really have no idea what this physical and spiritual journey has in store for me. Personally, my ultimate hope is to draw closer to Him. I’m not quite sure how I’ll best be utilized on this trip but I know God does, so I’ll follow His lead and serve with a servant’s heart. I so look forward to showing God’s love by being a blessing to the people of El Salvador.

My hope is to see a new group of Polish people discover for themselves that God is a personal God who loves them and wants to be a part of their daily lives. It was a pure joy to watch the radical transformation in their lives last year as they discovered this, and to see how God could use the lessons from the trials of my life to help people in another country.

I’ve always wanted to go on a mission trip. I thought it was the coolest thing when I was younger because it allows regular people to go out into the world and make disciples.

I also heard about dozens of mission trips from family and friends, and I have been wanting to step out on a leap of faith like this for a long time!

My hope for this trip is to experience anything and everything God has planned. I want to let go of all of the luxuries we take for granted and embrace another culture and get the chance to love on a group of kids

James Lagaras

Michelle Testa I was on vacation in Cabo last year for a friend’s 50th that I didn’t want to go to but felt obligated to. I was laying at the pool watching a lot of drinking, as well as other things that aren’t a part of my life anymore.

I saw how people use money for selfish and self-centered things and I realized that wasn’t me anymore. I remember thinking “I shouldn’t be here!” I want to be a blessing...doing what really matters. So the rest of the trip I spent a lot of alone time with God. When I got back I saw that there were mission trips, I couldn’t wait to go.

My hope it to be a blessing and to grow more in my faith. In addition, I want to learn to “die to self” more so as to look more like Jesus.

The inspiration for me going on a short term mission trip this year was the fact that I am so blessed to live where I do and to have the opportunities that I have and yet 90% of the world is without proper health and living provisions. Proverbs 19:17--”when you give to the poor, you are lending to the Lord.”

My hope for the trip would be that the “holy discontent” for providing people’s basic necessities through the love of Jesus will grow in me...that the burden I have will never fade. In addition I want my son, who is also going, to gain his own “holy discontent” and a new perspective for the world.

My inspiration came from God telling me about Poland earlier in life, telling me that my purpose in this world is to go through the mountains to the ends of the earth. To bring His bride to the light. To be the vessel He created me to be.

Patrick Finn

Billie Meisnere One of our Pastors was talking about “Making the Trade,” which means instead of vacation this summer, go on a mission trip. My husband and I have never felt the call to go, and anytime our pastors have talked about it, we would say “Good for you! We will pray for you while you go!” Well, we sat there and looked at each other both Sundays after that sermon and said we are called to go and bring our 14-year-old with us.

We prayed and asked God if it was His will and the answer was absolutely!

There has been no doubt... some fear, but no doubt.

My hope for the trip for myself is to change my attitude about material things.

I am all about clothes, shoes, earrings, etc. I am hoping to acquire another level of humility. I am also hoping this trip will show my 14-year-old what it’s like to not have... Last, but not least, I want to help those in need!

My hope is that this trip will not only allow me to teach and give back to new brothers and sisters, but that I too will learn from them. To love, give, and learn.

God really spoke to my heart the first Sunday of the “Make the Trade” campaign. I was 16 years old the last time I went on a short term mission trip and I always said I wanted to go again. I now have the opportunity to experience the mission field as an adult but this time my wife and I could experience it together.

Kris Funk

Mostly I want to see what God is doing outside my local sphere of influence and be changed by the people I come in contact with. From my previous experience I know that even though I am going to serve others I will be forever changed by the experience.

A

ccording to the dictionary, volunteerism is defined as “the principle of donating time and energy for the benefit of other people in the community as a social responsibility rather than for any financial reward.”

At the heart of the gospel is an “othersfocused” orientation. We see in Jesus that His life, death, and resurrection were all for the sake of others - namely us in our unredeemed condition. Jesus knew that His purpose was to fulfill the Father’s will and offer His life as a sacrifice for the atonement of our sins. Everything we read and know about Jesus reflects this truth. Jesus makes this point explicitly clear in Mark 10:45 where He says, “I did not come to be served, but to serve and give my life as a ransom for many.” The disposition that Jesus held and lived was that His life was for others. It is the root of the Gospel. We also find Jesus demonstrating this to His disciples in John 13 when he washes their feet. He tells them in verse 14 (paraphrase) that He has given them an example to follow - that by washing their feet they should wash one another’s’ feet. If Jesus, being the Son of God, takes the towel and basin, kneels and willingly performs the lowliest of jobs as an act of love and service, what should that tell us about our own lives and willingness to serve? The point seems clear: Jesus’ life was characterized by sacrifice and service, and His expectation is that his disciples would follow in His footsteps… an expectation that applies to us as well.

also make s u r e that is reflective a n d r e l i a n t upon His

By Brian Hopper character to do so. In recent years, a lot has been made about spiritual gifts. At times they are perceived as a spiritual form of manipulation to coerce people to serve. But the truth is, Jesus wants our service to be rooted in His ways, which are always flowing from Him. Not only should our motivations for serving be rooted in His life and truth, but also in ways that are rooted in His character and power. 1 Peter 4:10 reminds us of this truth, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

The motivation for serving then is not rooted in a moral obligation, as in volunteerism. But rather, in response to the overwhelming love and grace that Jesus gave to each of us which He demonstrated by giving His one and only life for us (1 Jn 4:19). And rather than serve out of our own strength or talents, Jesus also took it one step further. See, I think He knew that if we were to do good works for Him and serve one another similar to the way He served us, we would be tempted to do it in our own strength which would give cause for boasting and pride. He loved us enough to prevent that from happening. When He sent the Holy Spirit, He sent Him to bring us the gifts - spiritual endowments - that would enable us to do His work His way. That means that the gifts not only enable us to serve, but

Serving is the sacrificial giving of oneself for the blessing of others that is in response to the Gospel, reflective of the life of Jesus, and reliant on our spiritual gifts.

Simply put, we are called to serve, not because we have utilitarian needs in the church, but because Jesus has instructed us to serve in a way that is reflective of His life and reliant upon His power. If we were to write our own definition of what it means to serve, perhaps it could sound something like this:

We believe serving is a large piece of what it means to be a passionate, maturing follower of Christ, and it is our desire that we would continue to grow through following Jesus’ example. This will be an area of focus for us as a church as we move forward, so you can count on hearing more about our call to serve later. But in the meantime, I would encourage you to consider how the Lord is leading you to live a life of sacrifice that is reliant upon His power through your gifts to serve one another.

FINANCIALS Operating Budget Financial Update March 31, 2014 New Fiscal Year began September 1, 2013

HAPPENINGS

Fiscal Year Giving Goal $ 3,503,500 YTD Giving Goal $ 2,148,013 YTD Received $ 2,116,680 YTD Actual vs. Goal 1.5 % Behind $(31,333) MAR Giving Goal $ 333,848 MAR Received $ 356,358 Building Debt Status as of March 31, 2014 Balance Due Fiscal YTD Donations

$ 2,004,452 $ 27,800

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.

BAPTISM Wo u l d y o u l i ke t o b e b a p t i z e d ?

• K-5th contact: gail.wiles@bayareacc.org • 6-12th contact: brent.squires@bayareacc.org • Adults: Join us for a group baptism class on May 18th @ 9:30 a.m. in the front office. Contact arianne. teeple@bayareacc.org for more information.

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

Preferred Methods (no fees charged) 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.

PRAYER MINISTRY

C O N N ECT 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 bayareacc.org/waystoconnect

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. For more information about prayer or the teams, go online to www.bayareacc.org/prayer or contact Penny Flora at sweetpflora@aol.com or 410.766.0445

2014

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT NURSERY SPOTLIGHT Sara Mateer has been a volunteer in the Deep Blue for the last 6 years. Her heart for BACC’s wee little ones is a blessing to many families. When Sara is not serving in Children’s Ministry she enjoys getting away and spending time at the beach. To unwind, you’ll find her with a book in her hand sitting by the ocean. She enjoys spending time with her family especially her twin sister Amy. Sara is a key volunteer in our nursery area and we are so grateful for her.

PRESCHOOL VOLUNTEER Lauren Shirlen serves as one of our large-group leaders in preschool and works as Event Coordinator here at Bay Area.

She has been married to her husband, Josh, for almost 9 years and has 2 boys, 5-yearold Judah and 3-year-old Asher. They love spending time together playing and watching baseball. Lauren’s favorite part of serving in preschool is watching the kids learn new things about the Bible and she loves when they remember what they’ve been taught. She also loves to research to find the best deals on things for her boys and her home. She loves couponing! Thank you Lauren for teaching preschoolers God’s word in a way that captures their hearts.

ELEMENTARY VOLUNTEER J and Holly Upton are some of the most energetic people you will ever meet! Their enthusiasm to greet, worship, pray and disciple their group of 2nd graders on Sunday morning is contagious. They love serving in the Deep Blue because they are so encouraged by watching the kids grow in faith each week and seeing how God is impacting the lives of the kids they are discipling. They find that the prayer time is one of the most special times they get to share with the 2nd graders. Through their serving in the Submarine Canyon they see their family coming closer to Jesus!

When they aren’t hanging out with us on Sunday they are playing with their 3 boys. Their favorite game is family dodgeball where J and Holly are pros (for now) at being the family winners. They also LOVE to embarrass their boys by singing and dancing together, but for now they only do it in the privacy of their own home. Maybe as the boys get older they will need to take the show on the road.

SUMMER JAM SUMMER JAM Are you willing to accept this mission? We’re looking for kids to investigate God’s Word. Follow the clues and join us June 22-26 from 6-8:30 p.m. Registration is now open online.

Do you have a preschooler who wants to be a part of the fun? Three and four year olds are invited to explore God’s incredible creation from 6-8:15 p.m. on June 22-26.

Are you a kid at heart and want to join the adventure? We need volunteers (6th grade to adults) to help crack the case.

Visit bayareacc.org/deepblueevents to learn more!

SUMMER SERVE TESTING THE WATERS Have you ever been to the Ocean? One of the first things you do when at the water’s edge is “test the water”. This summer in children’s ministry consider partnering with us. Our goal in the Deep Blue is to partner with parents by helping disciple their children. We do this by being another spiritual voice in their life. Serving in anyone of our Nursery, Preschool, or Elementary areas is a simple way to help a child dive deeper into their relationship with Jesus.

Our summer is from June-August. Sign up to test the waters in the Deep Blue at the kiosk in the lobby or at the children’s welcome counter today.

WAVE RIDERS Are you a parent of a child of nursery or preschool age? Come to our Wave Riders play date events where you and your child can be in community with others. Join us May 6th @ BACC from 10-11:30 a.m. and May 21st at Kinder Farm Park from 10-11:30 a.m. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch. Contact April Suhar at aasuhar@yahoo.com for more information.

LEARNING COMMUNITIES THE BIG 5 FOR GUYS Fellas, it’s time for the “Big 5,” a men’s learning community that will delve into the 5 characteristics of being a Christcentered man. How does being a guy, living in a fallen world, and loving Jesus all fit together? Join other men to find out in a real and practical way in “The Docks” at 9:30 a.m. April 27-May 25th. Go to www.bayareacc.org/learningcommunities to reserve your spot.

THRIVE IN MARRIAGE You can still join us at 11:15 a.m. in The Docks as we explore God’s design for marriage. Though it began April 6th, the subjects discussed stand alone. There are still 3 sessions remaining May 4th, 11th and 18th. All couples welcome.

Contact leanne.lane@bayareacc.org for more information.

CARE NETWORK

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! This is why the Care Network was developed here at BACC. 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. 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.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY Celebrate Recovery is for all seeking a richer life through worshipping God and being in community with others! Don’t let your hurts, struggles and habits 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, open share groups and fellowship.

We share a meal together every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 6-7 p.m. 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 leanne.lane@bayareacc.org for more information.

CELEBRATION STATION This is a free, 52-week complementary children’s resource to Celebrate Recovery that meets every Monday night. So while adults explore topics that bring healing and wholeness, kids discover the same truths in age-appropriate ways!

Celebration Station is for children from age 1-12. There is limited space, so please be sure to secure a spot for your child/ children. Contact Michelle at celebration.station.group@ gmail.com for more information.

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 443-837-3718.

PREMARITAL MINISTRY The Premarital Ministry 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.

To learn more about the Marriage Ministry at Bay Area visit www.bayareacc.org/carenetwork or contact leanne.lane@ bayareacc.org for more information.

GATHERINGS SATURDAY NIGHT SINGALONG Join us for our second Saturday Night Singalong on May 10th at 6 p.m. This is a great opportunity to rest in extended worship as a church body. There will be a special space for children to worship with the adults. Therefore we will not have Kidcare. We hope to see you there.

CONNECTING MINISTRY DISCOVER BAY AREA New to our church? Come Discover Bay Area on May 4th in the Bay Cafe from 12:30-1:30 p.m. to learn more about our history, vision, mission, and how you can get plugged in.

You can even go on a tour of the building! A light lunch is included. No RSVP necessary but encouraged. Email jocelyn. rimbey@bayareacc.org for more information.

FOR MEN MEN’S MORNING BIBLE STUDY Tuesdays from 6-7:30 a.m. in room 236. Email Dennis at dbradylaw@aol.com for more information.

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY FELLOWSHIP Tuesdays from 6:45-8:45 p.m. Men are encouraged to bring their school-aged children to participate. Email Chris at heacock308@yahoo.com for more information.

ISRAEL TRIP Walk in the Footsteps of Jesus 10 Day Biblical Tour of Israel October 20-29, 2014 Join Executive Pastor Ed Kelley on a trip of a lifetime to the Holy Land. From Bethlehem to Jerusalem; from Nazareth to the Dead Sea; from the Wailing Wall to Masada;…this trip will be a fantastic, life changing look into where Jesus walked, places like Capernaum, Philippi, En Gedi, Caesarea. Pastor Ed Kelley will be teaching during the trip at specified sites. In addition, in the fall, we’ll be offering simple Bible studies and preparatory meetings so that your trip will be the best it can be. Get your deposit in ASAP. Contact Deb Shipley at 443-8373708 or deb.shipley@bayareacc.org for more information.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY

WOMEN OF LEGACY (for women 50+) Join us on Monday, May 12th from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in The Warehouse at church. We will discuss inner beauty from our book “Teach Us to Number Our Days” by David Roper.

Contact Coordinator, Cedulie Sanchez at luisandcedulie@ gmail.com for more information.

OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE

MOTHERS BRUNCH Join us Saturday, May 10th from 9 a.m. - noon for a Mothers Brunch. Come enjoy a morning that will encourage you with a fresh perspective on your motherhood with reflections from guest speaker Judy Heath and breakout sessions addressing specific parenting topics. We hope you’ll join us! Cost is $10.

Register online April 13 - May 7th at www.bayareacc.org/ womensevents. Contact janet.graves@bayareacc.org for more info.

SUMMER AT THE WELL Join us this summer for three new bible studies. Registration starts on May 25th at the Women’s Ministry kiosk on Sundays in the lobby. For more information contact Laurie at at.thewell@yahoo.com. KidCare is not available for these summer studies.

“What Happens When Women Say Yes to God”

by Lysa Terkeurst Join Laurie Gregory & Kathy Mallare as they lead this Wednesday morning study June 11-July 30 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at BACC. Cost is $10 for the workbook.

“The Search for Significance”

by Robert S. McGee Join Laurie Gregory & Ann House as they lead this Thursday morning study June 12-July 31 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at BACC. “Women of the Bible” This Thursday evening study runs June 12-July 31 from 7-8:30 p.m. at BACC. The cost is $12 for the workbook.

A very special thanks to Betty Marcian and Cedulie Sanchez for serving as faithful prayer warriors this Spring semester at The Well. We know that “the prayers of a righteous person are powerful and effective” (James 5:16) and lives have been changed. We give God the glory!

Communion team: Interested in preparing the communion elements on Sunday mornings once a month?

Contact arianne.teeple@bayareacc.org Safety Team: Are you passionate about safety? Are you experienced in security, law enforcement, EMS, First Responders or simply willing to serve and learn? Come be part of helping our body stay safe. Contact: safety@bayareacc.org Bay Café: Interested in serving in the bay café? Contact grace.roath@bayareacc.org Greeters: Interested in greeting attenders and newcomers on Sundays?

Contact jocelyn.rimbey@bayareacc.org Celebrate Recovery: Serve in the audio and/or visual aspects of our Monday gatherings from 6-8:30 p.m.

Contact: micah.pringle@bayareacc.org Celebration Station: Serve as a children’s program leader for children of parents attending Celebrate Recovery on Monday evenings. Training is provided.

Contact jen.marshall@bayareacc.org Chair Ministry: Serve on the chair set-up/ tear-down team.

Contact ron.dutton@bayareacc.org Parking Ministry: Serve by directing traffic and greeting those arriving at church.

Contact Steve Johnson at castlelot@msn. com

QUILTS FOR KIDS Join us for our next quilting workshop on Saturday, May 17th from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at BACC in room 223. Contact Janet Hogan at annapolisqfk@gmail.com for more information.

Special thanks to those who made & delivered quilts to the Stanton Center!

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

LOCAL OUTREACH LOCAL SERVING OPPORTUNITIES Are you or your family wanting to get involved with serving locally? Email trevin.hoekzema@bayareacc.org to start the conversation. There are many organizations in the Annapolis area that could use assistance, we’d love to connect you with them.

BACC is hosting their annual golf tournament at Queenstown Harbor Golf Course on August 8th to support the homeless of Annapolis. The tournament committee is looking for volunteers to help make this year’s tournament a smashing success. Contact Art Prack at aprack@gmail.com or 410-3491157 for more information.

BLOOD MOBILE DRIVE Please share the gift of life by donating blood on May 18th to accident victims, babies, cancer patients, and others in need. If you are not able, please encourage someone else to donate blood in your place. Sign up to donate at: www. mysignup.com/bacc or simply walk to the Anne Arundel Medical Center Blood Mobile bus that will be sitting outside the center front doors of BACC on May 18th.

GLOBAL MISSIONS PRAYER Our missionaries around the world need our relentless prayer. Sign up to receive prayer updates by going to www. bayareacc.org/globalmissions and filling out the sign-up form on the bottom of the page. Please also pray for our short term missions teams.

SHORT TERM MISSION TRIPS Over 150 people signed up to participate in short term missions with Bay Area this year. We are excited to continue our partnerships with our friends around the globe in the 2014 short term missions season. Please join us in praying for these trips and teams as they get ready to make passionate maturing followers of Christ from here to the nations.

These 150 are representing Bay Area as a whole. Please consider giving, over and above, to support those going on short term missions this year. You can give by going to www. bayareacc.org/stm and hit GIVE. GHANA: Scripture Union (SU) (FULL) August 2 - 12, led by Casely Essamuah

POLAND: International Messengers (FULL) July 9 - 21, led by Bill Smith and Michelle Sohl (FULL) July 20 - 30, led by Trevin Hoekzema INDIA: ICBM (FULL) August 1-14, led by Doug Lane and Mike Lane

EL SALVADOR: Great Commission Church (FULL) July 5 - 13, led by Joel Torres (FULL) July 12 - 20, led by Josh Shirlen (FULL) July 19 - 27, led by Manuel Baerga (FULL) August 16 - 24, led by Mary Kaye St. Cyr (FULL) November 8 - 16, led by Steve & Janice Onken

STUDENT MINISTRY May Sunday Teaching Series: That Awkward Moment The purpose of this series is to inspire students to get into the Word. As we dig into it, we will discover some genuinely awkward moments. During this four week series, we will explore some of these moments, but along the way we will come to understand that the Bible is truly our source of strength, comfort, encouragement and advice.

SCHEDULE: May 4 - That awkward moment when you kill the king and don’t get your sword back because he is too fat. (Judges 3) May 11 - That awkward moment when the person baptizing you randomly disappears. (Acts 8) May 18 – That awkward moment when a naked man runs up to you and yells at you. (Luke 8) May 25 - That awkward moment when you are hiding in a cave and almost get pooped on. (1 Samuel 24) SUMMER CAMP - REGISTER NOW Bay Area Student Ministry has two amazing camps this year.

One is for middle school and one is for High school. The best part is that both of these camps are just steps away from the beach. For more information visit www.bayareacc.org/basm or stop by our student ministry kiosk in the lobby on Sundays.

“Victory Jam” is our annual middle school summer camp June 23-27th in Harvey Cedars, NJ where students grow in their connection to God and one another. Registration is currently $325 and will increase to $345 on May 11th.

Space is limited so register today. Contact austin.maccubbin@ bayareacc.org for more information.

“Big Beach Weekend” is a new High School retreat-style weekend August 1-4th in Harvey Cedars, NJ. Registration starts May 4. Limited space available.

Contact brent.squires@bayareacc.org for more information.

MIDDLE This month’s middle school Club 678 theme is “Red Carpet Event,” so come dressed in your snazziest duds. There will be prizes for the best dressed. Be there Friday, May 16th from 7-9 p.m.

Questions? Email austin.maccubbin@bayareacc.org for more information.

To keep up with everything going on in Bay Area Student Ministry visit BAYAREACC.ORG/BASM

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT MARCY REISER Marcy Reiser is a long-serving volunteer in the Student Ministry. On Sundays she serves by leading a 6th grade girls group. Though she has her own middle school student, she still makes time to care for and mentor our students.

BRITTANY BALDWIN One of our most dedicated high school assistants, Brittany Baldwin, can be seen more often than not helping students sign in on Sunday mornings at the kiosk and connecting new students and their parents to their designated community group leader. A junior in high school, Brittany loves swimming and the South.

She wants to attend college in South Carolina.

ASHLEIGH BICEVSKIS A Student Ministry intern since the fall semester, Ashleigh Bicevskis has continued to serve our students with her creativity, passion, and love for shopping.

She helps lead the 11th and 12th grade girls’ community group on Wednesday nights, but helps both middle and high school activities run smoothly. Currently, she is also the Global Outreach Coordinator for Bay Area under Casely Essamuah.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT HIGH SCHOOL GATHERING A mid-week high school gathering every Wednesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. through May 21st. Students will grow deeper in their walk with God through group-based discipleship.

Join us for food, games, and grade/gender specific community groups led by trained, caring adult leaders. Students will experience true community and discipleship in the context of their peers, all in a fun environment. Contact brent.squires@ bayareacc.org for more information. * Special Note: 4th Annual Annapolis Scavenger Hunt is May 7 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Meet downtown at the Market House and NOT at BACC.