Go & Make Issue #19 (May 2015)

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LETTER FROM THE LEAD

“ EVERYONE KEPT FEELING A SENSE OF AWE…” ACTS 2:43

Here is a verse that I yearn to experience. And we stood in awe!

It’s often elusive, but not during this season at BACC. “A sense of awe” is exactly how I Winter relief. Thirty people feel, and I hope you feel it as well. experiencing homelessness found shelter from the cold at the church God is at work and we are being swept up the week of March 16-23. What they in the wave of His grace. Here are a few experienced was more than good examples. food, sleep, and fellowship. They encountered the love of Jesus from Easter Sunday. Over 4,300 people volunteers and Missional Communities. descended on 884! The ball pit metaphor Spiritual conversations abounded and penetrated our hearts as we experienced every person was impacted. And we the resurrection of Jesus afresh. Sixty stood in awe! people got out of their seats and were baptized in their Easter clothes. And we More lives changed. Just over two stood in awe! years ago, we were averaging 1,309 adults and 310 children in attendance.

Chapel and children’s wing. In March, Today, God has brought several we celebrated “making room for people” hundred more adults and over 150 by moving into our beautiful new chapel more children! He is moving in the and children’s wing. God has been faithful. hearts of people. And we stood in awe!

And we stood in awe!

We are riding the wave of God’s grace.

India. Pastor Samuel joined us in March Grace is the unmerited, unearned favor and we learned about the 1.23 billion of God. God’s grace is flowing through souls in India who are in need of Jesus. us as His instruments to love, serve, We were challenged to give $125,000 in and disciple others. Paul expressed this order to advance the work. God moved in in 1 Corinthians 15:10, where he wrote, an astonishing way, raising over $194,000. “But by the grace of God I am what I

am, and His grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.”

As we are caught up in the wave of His grace, God is stretching each of us to work harder for the sake of His kingdom. As Dallas Willard said, “Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning. Earning is an attitude. Effort is an action. … The true saint burns grace like a 747 burns fuel on takeoff.”

That’s exactly what is happening. His grace is pouring over us as we work hard for His glory. Grace in action is flowing through us, making Acts 2:43 our present experience: Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe.

From hear to the nations (by grace),

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 Meredith Thompson ART Josh Burgin Josh Shirlen Meredith Thompson CONTRIBUTORS Ed Kelley V Jocelyn Rimbey Sacks Rachel Perry Trevin Hoekzema

On the cover - Stacey Burkhardt Photograph by Josh Shirlen

ELDERS Bill Smith Brian Mallare David McPeak Dennis Brady Greg St. Cyr J Upton John Battan Keith Riniker Peter Godfrey Rich Heath Roger Ishii Tim Dotson Tom Dalpini Tom Hogan Warwick Fairfax

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 Jerry Shirlen, Financial Administrator – jerry.shirlen@bayareacc.org Jocelyn Rimbey Sacks, Connecting Director – jocelyn.rimbey@bayareacc.org Josh Shirlen, Gathering Team Leader – josh.shirlen@bayareacc.org Leanne Lane, Care Network Director – leanne.lane@bayareacc.org Lynn Dutton, H.R. Administrator – lynn.dutton@bayareacc.org Micah Pringle, Worship Leader – micah.pringle@bayareacc.org Pat Linnell, Teaching Pastor – pat.linnell@bayareacc.org Ron Dutton, Operations Director – ron.dutton@bayareacc.org Tres Cozad, Technical Director – tres.cozad@bayareacc.org

For a comprehensive list of all BACC staff, elders and deacons, please visit bayareacc.org/leadership M AY GO&MAKE 3

CONTENTS 7 9 10 12 16 18 20 22 26 IT CHANGED ME FOREVER

A telling story from Worship Leader Micah Pringle.

RESURRECTION LIFE

Thoughts from Teaching Pastor Pat Linnell.

WINTER RELIEF RECAP

Stories from those who served during winter relief 2015.

SERVE LIKE JESUS

Getting plugged into a serving role has never been easier.

COVER STORY - MY BAY AREA

A tool to help people know and be known...and avoid falling through the cracks.

INDIA

A movement of generosity.

FROM HERE TO THE NATIONS

Preparing for a short term missions trip.

SUMMER FUN

Your child or student’s discipleship shouldn’t stop when summer starts.

HAPPENINGS

Find out what is happening at Bay Area Community Church and how you can get involved.

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BOOK: AUTHOR:

Letters from a Skeptic: A Son Wrestles with His Father’s Questions about Christianity Dr. Gregory A. Boyd

Professor Boyd definitely is open to this explanation of the creation as well. That is, that God used evolution as a means of creation but directed its path supernaturally.

Open theism is unorthodox and nigh unto heresy. The infamous Rob Bell fell for it and Greg Boyd dabbled in it during his tenure at Bethel Seminary. It basically says that God doesn’t know all things but reacts to man perfectly in the mosaic of time. It’s a long story, but it questions God’s total omniscience.

Theistic evolution isn’t quite orthodox, either, though not quite heretical.

I don’t believe in either of these, but Professor Greg Boyd is a smart guy from whom I have learned many things.

Many writers have quirks of theology, yet on some topics they’re brilliant. I read people I disagree with all the time, and by doing so it strengthens what I truly believe. I believe when one reads, one must employ 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 to all books and authors. Though I don’t buy Mr. Boyd’s theology at certain points, I believe his approach to apologetics is extremely helpful, and that’s what this book is about.

Mr. Boyd is an expert in apologetics. He taught it for

years in seminaries. He has an affable style and he writes for the common person. This is a very easy read, yet deep as can be.

in their thinking and anyone who is will be reinforced as to why they are.

I won’t tell you what the outcome is of the letter writing back-and-forth, but this is a great read, and is one of the best apologetic approaches I have ever read. Simple, short, and totally engrossing, “Letters from a Skeptic” is one of my top 20 books of all time. It’s a must-have for anyone who regularly engages skeptics in the principles of faith and belief.

“Letters from a Skeptic” is a collection of letters between him and his elderly dad. Mr. Boyd is convicted that he’d never shared the Lord with his dad, and begins a long three-year correspondence on what he believes and why. The elderly Boyd doesn’t believe any of it, thinks it hokum. Greg Boyd responds to every line of thinking his dad has as to why the God of the Universe exists A guaranteed home run. and why being a Christian is a rational step of faith. The letters are edited to remove the Enjoy, personal chit-chat, and only the germane issues are presented.

- Ed Kelley IV They’re presented in such a Executive Pastor way that anyone who isn’t a believer would be challenged

More information on page 29.

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It changed me forever.

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sat there in a small sanctuary in Jacksonville, Florida, next to a friend who had invited me to attend a worship night at their church. The stage was decorated in pastels and dusty, fake flowers. The carpet was a faded teal color. The aesthetically obsessed artist in me cringed at everything by which I found myself surrounded.

The church’s youth band had just finished playing a couple Chris Tomlin songs, and as they were clearing the stage, a man and his aged mother moved into place. They perched awkwardly on stools, sporting sweat pants and T-shirts, exhaling heavy, difficult breaths that were only made worse by how closely they were holding the microphones to their lips. A track started playing over the speakers, and it hit me: They were about to sing! And It was a popular song

by Mercy Me at that.

Then it started. The first notes out of their mouth were painful, but I stifled my laughter as I ducked my head behind the pew. It was the kind of thing that easily could have been a viral video on YouTube. But what happened next changed me. It changed me forever.

I looked up and watched this man and his mother began to weep as they sang. Their voices cracked, and tears rolled down their cheeks. They were worshipping.

As I sat in that service, focusing on everything other than Jesus, they were focusing solely on Him, leaving t he mselves o pen, expo sed, and vulnerable to all of us as they wept and sang. I began to break down. I saw my hypocrisy, and recognized how far my thoughts were from those of Jesus. It changed me forever.

I’m in no way suggesting that we aren’t to play skillfully like Psalm 33 describes. But what I am suggesting is that, far too often, we are guilty of being a people who are more focused on that skill than on the One we’re to be using it to worship. And I dare say that God was more lifted up through the tears running down the cheeks of those two unlikely worshippers than by my spirit of condemnation that night.

Each week, we have an opportunity to be blessed by so many skillful people who serve in a plethora of roles throughout

our church. We care greatly and work hard to provide distraction-free environments so that Jesus alone can be the focus. But at the end of the day, our individual hearts are what make the difference. That night I had to be reminded of this truth the hard way.

My prayer is that we will individually, as well as collectively, search the motivations of our hearts every time we come together to worship Jesus. The next time we walk into an environment of worship, let’s do our best to approach it Spirit-filled, humble, and open to however God wants to speak to us – even if it’s through a couple of unlikely worshippers in sweats. If we can do that, I have a feeling it just might change us forever.

by: Micah Pringle (BACC Worship Leader) M AY GO&MAKE 7

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Resurrection Life By: Pat Linnell

F resh off the high of a great Easter

weekend watching many profess faith and devotion to Jesus, the depth of my joy was immediately challenged by my kids being kids. The Monday after Easter, Kristen and I shipped off three of our four kids to have some parental recovery. It was restful and reminded us of earlier days of just having one child. We call those the good old days.

We were able to catch up on sleep and housework, which might sound boring to you, but at this stage of life it was like a Caribbean vacation. Kristen spent a couple of hours organizing and cleaning the kids’ rooms, and things were quite peaceful. Then the kids came home.

On Tuesday morning, in the time it takes to pack a lunch, the older kids thought it would be a good idea to empty the contents of their freshly organized rooms into our toddler Max’s crib. It was kind of like seeing how many people you can fit into a phone booth – also something that happened in the good old days. Needless to say, the work and rest from Monday and the inspiration and power from Sunday were quickly undone. Simply put, the resurrection was no longer on the top of my mind.

With school starting shortly after this, we didn’t have time to use the “kidnado”

as a training moment. Frustrated, I had to take my oldest son to preschool. He could not get the door to the car open, so he tried to pull a “Dukes of Hazzard” by getting in through the window, which broke the window in the down position, with the forecast calling for rain all day.

If walking with Jesus only took place at church on Sundays we would all live killer lives of joy and victory. But real life is lived on Tuesday mornings when houses get messed up and car windows get broken, and people, even precious little people, frustrate you.

So what does it look like to live in the light and power of the resurrection in real life?

And how can we really live it? Well by no means have I “arrived,” but I will offer an answer as a person in process.

One of the primary marks of a person living the “Resurrection Life” is love. When we are free in Jesus, we are free to love God back and love others unselfishly. So the goal on the depressing Tuesday mornings of life is love. We don’t have to guess about the nature of Biblical love. This kind of love wants the other person to flourish.

This kind of love is patient when your last nerve is plucked. This kind of love is kind when your body is reacting in anger. This kind of love requires much of us, which leads us then to ask, “How can we do it?”

We do it by continually availing ourselves to Jesus, asking Him for help and to empower us to live out His will to love. Reflect for a moment on your true identity – that of a once spiritually dead person who has been made alive in Jesus by the power of God. We are people who have encountered the resurrection power and eternal life of Jesus. It is this same Jesus, and this same power, that works in His children when we need it the most.

In John’s gospel we read about a man named Lazarus. We don’t know much about him, but we were all where he once was – dead. Jesus finds each of us spiritually dead, and instead of leaving us in the tomb, He calls us out and makes us alive. He gives us new life, and that same power is available to us, encouraging and empowering us to love. Let’s be sure to constantly bring our minds and hearts back to this throne of unending grace and supply of power to bring God glory in our Tuesday mornings, when it is most challenging to love. May your hearts and minds be filled and strengthened with the resurrection life of Jesus, so you can go unpack the crib, fix your windows, and love your kids.

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LOCAL OUTREACH

WINTER RELIEF

By Ed Kelley V

Nobody quite knows what Winter Relief is until it is explained. During the coldest months of the year, people in need of a warm place to sleep outnumber available beds at local shelters. To combat this, Arundel House of Hope partners with the Light House Shelter in Annapolis to run a program called Winter Relief. If one’s application is accepted, a person experiencing homelessness is permitted to be part of the program.

Their next several months consist of sleeping on portable cots, similar to those of a mobile military unit, at a new church every week or two. BACC hosted Winter Relief

March 16-23, providing the opportunity for numerous Missional Communities and staff and church members to serve guests through providing meals, activities, and most importantly, companionship. For folks who are part of the Winter Relief program, these weeks can be exceedingly exhausting, as they have to follow strict policies surrounding alcohol and drug use, job searching, being up at early hours, and others. However, from the difficult situations the 30 or so people are experiencing, real relationships often are born, and many stories told.

Looking up and into the light, a smile started across my face as I recognized someone standing in the back. Easter morning, I was on stage playing music, where I commonly find myself on a Sunday. Most often looking into a crowded room, all I see is a huge mass, not individual people.

But I smiled at the familiar man standing in the back, as my heart leaped, “He came back! I’m pretty certain that’s him...” My inner monologue was so excited.

owned his mistakes. From his choice to use drugs to thefts that led to divorce and legal issues, he took ownership and responsibility.

I had met a gentleman – let’s call him Tom – a few weeks prior during Winter Relief. My role, overnight security, left me with an interesting perspective. I’m not sure what it is about sharing a conversation over an energy drink at 2 AM, but Tom really took to me, and decided to share his life story.

He told me about struggles he’d encountered in his life, from pornography to heroin addiction, divorce, even run-ins with the law. There was something strikingly different about Tom though; he didn’t fit my preconceived notion about what a homeless man should look or act like. Tom was well dressed and spoken, about 6 feet tall, and maybe 180 pounds. He told me about the job he used to do as an engineer. Tom was… normal. The other major thing I noticed about Tom was that he didn’t blame others for his current state; in fact, he

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Over the course of the week, Tom and I spent each night chatting about current events, or life, or my fiancé and wedding plans, or his girlfriend; it was as if we had been good buddies for many years. On the last day of Winter Relief, Tom asked for my phone number, and of course I gave it to him.

Although I didn’t really expect to hear from him, I was glad to at least know how to get ahold of him.

The next few weeks I was busy getting ready for Easter gatherings, and Tom had all but slipped my mind, until Easter morning when I looked up. That’s the moment it hit me: The overnight exhaustion was worth it, because someone who hadn’t previously heard the love of Jesus shared came to church, all because he realized the same thing I did – church people are just… normal.

Winter Relief was a success, not just because 30 men and women had shelter and meals, but because the name of Jesus was made known, and relationships were started and fostered. Is that not the point of the church, to be “normal” people who love Jesus in our everyday lives? I realized that week that people recognize when they’re loved, simply because Jesus taught us how to love.

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Kaycee Rump

t was a great experience serving alongside my Missional Community at Winter Relief. I saw the Lord stretch me in ways I wasn’t expecting. I’m always the first say, “I don’t do evangelism.” I viewed it as something intimidating, something you can only do after knowing the entire Bible by heart. After serving sandwiches to the group one day, I made my plate and picked a table with some of the Winter Relief folks. What I thought would be a 10-minute awkward meetand-greet turned into a two-hour conversation with two of the guests. One of them had a church background, and a lot of Bible knowledge. With a kind heart, he engaged in a deep atheist vs. truth conversation with my husband and I. He didn’t change his beliefs, but we made a connection with him and made sure he knew he was welcome at BACC anytime. He then said, “I haven’t told anyone this yet, and I don’t normally say this kind of thing – because I don’t believe in God – but I felt God’s love through you (BACC) guys this week.” What a remarkable statement for our church body! The Lord taught me, via this man, that evangelism is not intimidating; it’s having a willing heart to sharing the Truth.

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Rebecca Cooper

uring this year’s Winter Relief, I had the privilege of serving on the planning team helping coordinate hospitality and activities. Having been involved in Winter Relief-type ministries for many years, I can say that the week at Bay Area was extraordinary. I believe this is because our team went in having a clear missional focus, with servant hearts and learner attitudes. This was reflected back to us in the guests, so that by the end of the week we were one group – not the “homeless” or the “church people.” As the week went on the two groups merged, and we became friends hanging out together. Conversations developed, so that by Sunday I had more than I can count – some significant and spiritual and others just casual and friendly. Attitudes also changed – patience grew, everyone jumped in to serve one another, gratitude was at the center, and real community developed.

Watching this happen in the space of a week was remarkable, and I am grateful to have been a part of such a wonderful ministry.

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Rich Armbruster

’ve occasionally served at the Light House Shelter; however, Winter Relief was the first time I’ve had more than a cursory conversation with a homeless person. I was blessed by the experience. I bonded with a couple of the guests, particularly one I’ll call John. He was very open and genuine during our conversations, which occurred over a couple of days. An articulate college graduate, John told me how addiction had altered his life. A broker for a well-known firm, John was married, living in Manhattan and close with his family. He began using drugs, and ultimately lost not only his job but also every relationship important to him. John told me he could leave Winter Relief, that he has other options, but he stays in the program because he doesn’t trust himself to remain drug-free in an environment where he isn’t tested daily. I tried a couple of times to talk with him about turning over his burden to the Lord and about the difference God has made in my life. I am praying for John, and hope that his eyes will be opened. It’s only by the grace of God that any of us is spared the challenges faced by John.

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When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.

If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. – John 13:12-15

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By Meredith Thompson

n John 13, a towel-wrapped Jesus paints an exemplary portrait of how we are to live as His followers: In the midst of enjoying supper with His disciples in the upper room, He took the posture of a servant and washed their feet. He didn’t then stand up and say, “As I have washed your feet, so also should you wash my feet,” as so many of us might be inclined to say in His place. Instead, He directed them to follow His example by serving one another.

As disciples of Jesus, we’re called to live like He did – to be imitators of Christ.

We’re compelled, therefore, to serve like Jesus by laying down our lives for those around us. This requires us each day to die to ourselves and walk in Spirit-led love and humility. Practically speaking, it can lead us to serve our church family by devoting our time and our talents to the ever-growing needs of the many ministries here at Bay Area Community Church. As we serve, we grow as disciples and become more like Jesus.

Last summer, we talked here at Bay Area about serving like Jesus and encouraged you to take a faith step by signing up to fill a need. Amazingly, over 400 people expressed interest in serving, many of whom are still plugged in and serving in their newfound roles today.

Just as connecting in community is an integral part of being a member of Bay Area, so too is serving an essential component of being a committed member of this church family.

That’s why this May, you again have the opportunity to pray about how the Lord might be leading you to Serve Like Jesus at Bay Area.

Using our gifts for God’s glory here at The 884 not only enables us to mature in love and humility, but, as many who began serving last summer have discovered, also provides an opportunity for the servant

to be blessed, build friendships, and become a more intimately involved member of the Bay Area family.

Christie Wiles wanted to build relationships and take ownership of her new church home. Nate Czebotar desired to put his creative skills as a theater tech to use during the Sunday gatherings. Phyllis Guajardo wanted to be on the giving side of the hugs and hellos she received walking into church each Sunday. Justin Butters was ready to move beyond leading a Missional Community in his home to helping at The 884 each weekend.

When BACC presented scores of opportunities for members to devote their time and talents to the church’s various ministries last summer, Christie, Nate, Phyllis, and Justin each felt the Holy Spirit leading them to do the same thing: Serve Like Jesus.

Indiana native Christie had lived in Annapolis just a few short months when she expressed interest in serving in Women’s Ministry on the back of a “Serve Like Jesus” card distributed during a Sunday gathering. Several days later, she received a phone call from Women’s Ministry Director Janet Graves, and within a week she was meeting with the leaders of the 20-Somethings women’s Missional Community. Today, she co-leads the group by regularly leading discussion times, helping coordinate get-togethers, and hosting the group in her home.

“Being part of the 20-Somethings has introduced me to so many great new friends,” she said, illustrating how serving has been a blessing. “Now when I go to church on Sunday, I see so many familiar faces and new friends. By investing my time in intentional relationships and serving by leading a Missional Community, I truly feel like Bay Area is my church now!”

Self-proclaimed introvert Justin and North Carolina transplant Phyllis both fill the essential role of making people feel welcome and at home at Bay Area as an ambassador and greeter, respectively. Justin explained he always was blown away by how excellently Sunday morning gatherings are held at Bay Area, and he knew that was only possible with a lot of people pitching in. So, when Serve Like Jesus was rolled out, he decided to pitch in, too.

“I saw what the ambassador program was and thought, ‘I could do that,’” he recalled. “It made my decision easier when I realized that I was not committing for the rest of my life. I thought I would try it for a few months and see how it went.

If I didn’t like it, I figured I could stop and try something else.”

Twice a month, Justin dons his “cool T-shirt” to answer people’s questions at the Welcome Kiosk, hold informational signs, direct parents to Children’s Ministry check-in, pass out copies of Go & Make, and help people feel welcome and connected once they pass through the church doors, past the smiling faces of greeters like Phyllis.

Still relatively new to BACC at the time, the retired Navy Senior Chief wasn’t sure she was ready to dive into a serving role, but as Greg and Pat encouraged the church to Serve Like Jesus, she knew God was leading her to be a greeter.

It was the current greeters’ hellos, handshakes, high-fives, and hugs that had made her quickly feel a part of the Bay Area family, so she enlisted to join their ranks.

Two or three times a month, Phyllis covers the early shift, enthusiastically welcoming her fellow morning people to the 8 AM gathering. “I love when people come in, because you don’t know who you might touch, you don’t know who’s … having a bad day,” she said. “When you smile they just light up – they smile back and say, ‘Thank you, I needed that!’”

When he circled “tech ministry” on his Serve Like Jesus card last summer, Nate initially was nervous about what he would be doing in the booth at the back of the auditorium. Several months into setting up and running lights during the Sunday morning gatherings, however, Nate stressed his enjoyment of serving on the tech team. “It was definitely rewarding finding that my skillsets were actually needed and I could use them to serve,” he said, explaining he works at the community college as a theater tech. “I also get to use some creativity and design skills that I really enjoy being able to use.”

If you are interested in using your gifts alongside Christie, Justin, Phyllis and Nate, you can respond during one of the Sunday services this month as we explore what it looks like to Serve Like Jesus, or simply go to www.bayareacc.org/serve to learn more about available opportunities.

“When it comes to how we Serve Like Jesus, we should think in terms of two simple words:

Love

& Humility.

This is how Jesus served, and this is what He calls us to.”

- Lead Pastor Greg St. Cyr

LEADERSHIP

PROFILE

Keith Riniker

By Arianne Teeple

“Now he finished strong,” Elder Keith Riniker said about being like Paul in 2 Timothy 4:78, a motivating scripture for the civil engineer. “I ask myself: Can I finish this race like he did?”

and a variety of other miscellaneous jobs over the years.

Keith took Lead Pastor Greg St. Cyr’s advice to heart to not just serve in areas in which he was interested or felt qualified, but also to serve in some areas that he perhaps was less skilled in or passionate about.

Born in New Jersey, the Annapolis resident grew up in a Christian home, something for which he has always been grateful. He accepted Jesus early, at age 5. He attributes the development of his solid basis of faith to two influencers: the example he saw in his family as they lived out their faith and the Christian teachers he had as a child.

The father of three – 12-year-old Luke, 9-year-old Jack, and 5-year-old Peter – jokes about one day having enough children to have his own basketball team. The family enjoys sports, playing basketball, soccer, and football together as well as taking family ski trips. Keith recognizes his family as his primary ministry responsibility.

By high school, Keith began to see a difference in the lives of those around him: There were individuals whose lives modeled their faith in following Jesus, and those who said they walked with Jesus verbally but whose lifestyles did not reflect it. “I was somewhere in the middle,” Keith admitted. “I knew what I was supposed to do, but did not do it. Instead, I attempted to straddle the fence.” As he transitioned to college alone and without his childhood friends, he began to more deeply investigate his faith.

Likewise, the Intelligent Transportation Systems Engineer sees his faith as an integral part of his career. “A real solid knowledge of the Scriptures and a really hard passion for God will actually make you a better employer, a better boss, and a better worker,” he emphasized.

In 1994, while studying civil engineering at the University of Maryland, Keith recognized he needed something similar to the Christian community he enjoyed growing up, and decided to join Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) because his parents supported Cru staff members. “During college, I came to really know Jesus and learned how to become His lifelong disciple,” Keith recalled of his time in Cru. He thrived on having a community of peers who lived out their faith after whom he could model his own life. He stayed heavily involved in Cru throughout college, leading Bible studies, serving as treasurer, and more. “If you know God, then you can trust Him more … you know how much He loves you,” Keith explained of his spiritual growth during this formative time. “If you know God, then you know yourself.”

During college, he met his wife of over 17 years, Shea, at church and through his involvement in UMD’s campus ministries. “I am such the engineer type,” Keith said. “There is a lot of stuff that is lacking in me, but Shea completes what’s lacking.”

In 1999, after searching for a church home in the D.C. metro area, the couple found Bay Area Community Church and purposed to get involved through serving in ministry. Keith loves to teach, and has since served in a variety of capacities including middle school leader, elementary community group leader, Missional Community leader, chair team volunteer, 14 GO&MAKE M AY

With his love for God and theology, it was a natural transition for Keith to begin serving as an elder, but it was one that took great consideration. After a lot of dialogue with his wife, he declined his first nomination. “I wasn’t sure I could do the job of an elder justice and it might detract from some of my family responsibilities,” he explained.

“It’s a job, and there are certain responsibilities with every job.”. He questioned whether he had adequate time to invest in serving as an elder in order to meet the expectations of the position. He wanted to succeed. When the opportunity came again in 2013, he said, “‘Now can I do the job justice?’ and I thought that I could.” He was installed on November 9, 2014.

The elders at Bay Area Community Church by definition act as a whole. With the combination of many skills and passions, they act in unanimity, under Christ, for the direction, doctrine, discipleship, and discipline of the church body. Yet naturally within a group, each individual brings a passion and particular skill set to the table. “I really like doctrine, that gets me excited,” Keith said. On top of that, he loves discipling others, helping them grow in their faith, know God better, love God more, and learn how to get a deeper understanding of the Scriptures.

“So, why will I enjoy it?” he posed about his service as an elder. “I suppose it is because, as John Piper says, ‘God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.’ I expect that this will be a very satisfying job.”

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STACEY BURKHARDT

MISSIONAL COMMUNITY MEMBER

CURRENTLY SERVING AS: AMBASSADOR CURRENTLY PARTICIPATING IN: EXPERIENCING GOD LEARNING COMMUNITY PREVIOUS INVOLVEMENT: WINTER RELIEF SUMMER JAM POLAND SHORT-TERM MISSION THE WELL - WOMEN’S MINISTRY MIDDLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY GROUP LEADER RECEIVES: WEEKLY UPDATE STUDENT MINISTRY UPDATE

IN TROD U C I N G MY B AY AREA, A TOO L TO HE LP PE OPLE KNOW AN D BE KN OWN ... A N D AVOID FALLING T HROUGH T HE C RAC KS. by Jocelyn Sacks

T

here is no getting around it. More and more, people are coming to Bay Area Community Church, and our family continues to grow. Our Missional Communities are flourishing. Children’s Ministry continues to disciple an incredible number of kids each Sunday. The Well, our Women’s Ministry Bible studies, are adding more and more participants to their roster each season. However, with growth comes a very real challenge: staying connected with one another.

We all dream of connection. We each have a desire to be

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understood, to be loved, to be accepted, to grow, and to find our place. We want to know and be known.

That’s the very crux of a new initiative here at BACC. Coming late this spring, we will make it easier than ever to stay connected by launching My Bay Area, an online gateway, as well as a revamped mobile app, undergirded by a robust internal database.

THE REVELATION

Two years ago, a startling revelation was made. Each ministry at Bay Area was utilizing a different system for gathering and maintaining information, tracking volunteers, communicating with their teams or ministry participants, registering for events, and more. We had a back-end database, but hardly anyone used it and the information within was antiquated. The underlying reality of this was that we weren’t doing a very good job of sharing information internally. That meant we probably weren’t doing the best job of anticipating the needs of the church, keeping you – our members – connected, and helping you grow in your faith.

Imagine a family sitting down for their evening supper.

Each parent takes their seat and fills their plate. Each kid takes their place as well, grabbing a piece of this or a scoop of that. Yet there is hardly any conversation. The bigger points are hit: “School was good,” someone mentions, or, “Work was productive today.” Yet the details – that favorite teacher’s name, the new friend made on the playground, or the co-worker struggling with his marriage – are lost.

This is not the family we envision for ourselves. We want to know and be known. It was a paramount problem, and the need for a holistic, churchwide solution was born.

THE SEARCH

“Our ministry’s information used to be separate from everyone else’s,” said Chyloe Cheetham of Children’s Ministry. “Now we are all on the same page. The database also helps us more easily communicate with families in The Deep Blue.”

There are other benefits, as well. The Care Network is looking forward to better knowing and utilizing your spiritual gifts. Our office coordinators celebrate the new calendar, which smoothly tracks activities and events, and eliminates scheduling conflict. Women’s Ministry can now better track Bible study participants and inform them of upcoming studies.

It helps in the area of connecting, too. Gaining a holistic picture of a family or individual’s journey at Bay Area helps our staff better serve the needs of Bay Area attendees, whether it’s a first-time hello, an encouragement to take a faith step, an invitation to join a serving team, or a followup regarding a Missional Community.

MY BAY AREA

After months of internal consulting, coaching, data conversion, problem solving, and training, we’re finally ready to share the fun part of this with you. In late May, you’ll have full access to My Bay Area, our brand new online gateway and revamped mobile app.

Yet God even proves His goodness in the search for a new database. His timing was everything. After a two-year search, a roller coaster of near-decision making, and a welltimed call from a small company in Pennsylvania, we finally made our choice: Elexio Church Software.

The online gateway allows you to control your own contact information, sign up for ministry updates, give safely and securely, track your contributions, communicate with your Missional Community or volunteer team, and register and pay for events online. It’s quick and easy to set up an account, and helps keep us connected while we aren’t in the actual church building.

Elexio is a company on mission to provide software for churches to help people know Jesus. Their team consists of former pastors, children’s ministers, elders, youth workers, and church volunteers. Ultimately, they get what we’re about and how to practically meet the needs of a church like ours. It helped that their software looks great and is easy to use.

The mobile app also keeps you connected on-the-go. It displays our gathering times and gives you directions to the church. You can also connect with us, find a community, register and pay for events (everything from Women’s Ministry Bible studies to Bay Area Student Ministry’s retreats), give safely and securely (even in your seat on Sunday morning), and watch sermons in the media center.

Once this revelation occurred, a small staff team began hunting for the right solution. A new system would not only have to work well to meet the needs of multiple ministries, but also align with our philosophy of making passionate, maturing followers of Jesus from here to the nations.

Additionally, it would have to give you access to information and connecting opportunities. Phone call after phone call was made, demo after demo was shown. It was a complex search, and it took some time to find the right solution.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Elexio’s database tool will unite all of our ministries and bring all church activity, organization, and tracking under one roof. All staff will use the same system, and ministries can now share information and overlap activity.

Student Ministry Intern Lauren Gibeault noted, “We’re very excited to be working with the new database. Extracting data from our old system was a long and painstaking process. Now we are be able to better care for our students and families.” She quoted Matthew 18:12, a reminder that the good shepherd goes out of his way to find the one lost sheep. It is that mentality that the student ministry has in regard to keeping healthy data.

It’s ok if you aren’t naturally tech savvy. We’ll provide you with plenty of support should you need it. After we announce it to you live in May, a team of individuals will be available after the gatherings to show you how to get or update the app or create a new gateway login. We’ll also be available during the week via phone call should you experience any issues. Additionally, you’ll have some “howto” videos to take advantage of on your own.

We believe that Jesus should be a part of your life every day.

Part of that means staying anchored in a faith community of people who will help you grow. My Bay Area helps us do just that. Let’s be the family we envision. Let’s know and be known.

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India

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early 100 percent of Romanians identify as Christian.

In Italy and Brazil, over 91 percent of the countries’ peoples subscribe to Christianity. Here in the United States, more than three-quarters of our population identifies with some denomination of Christianity. In the United Kingdom and Australia, roughly 60 percent of residents share this identity. Yet in the world’s second-most populous country, India, a mere 2.3 percent of its 1.267 billion citizens identify with faith in Christ. The vast majority have never heard the gospel, but God is on the move, and He is using Bay Area Community Church to advance His Kingdom on the opposite side of the globe.

In a spiritually darkened country where political unrest, poverty, and the persecution of Christians are the norms, Pastor Samuel Devraj and his wife, Grace, have established International Cultural Bible Ministries to spread the hope and love of Jesus Christ to the 600 major people groups of India.

To date, ICBM has ordained 72 pastors, planted nearly 250 churches, and provided training for over 3,600 leaders. BACC Lead Pastor Greg St. Cyr noted that, with just a few more resources, a much larger fire for Jesus could be ignited in India.

That’s why, in February, the BACC family was presented with a faith-stretching opportunity to give generously for the sake of this nation it holds close to its heart. Through the church leadership, a petition was made on behalf of the people of India to raise $125,000 over the course of five weeks. Though a small amount by American standards, in India the funds would be multiplied to construct a children’s home, training facility, and missionary residence.

If you had asked him prior to delivering that challenge how much he believed the church would raise, Greg admits he likely would have estimated $50,000. Yet in the weeks that followed, God once again demonstrated that He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we could ask or imagine: Together, the people of Bay Area gave nearly four times that amount, generously

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A Movement of Generosity By: Meredith Thompson

committing $194,336 to furthering the spread of the gospel in a largely unchurched nation through the ministry of ICBM. Overwhelmed by the extravagant generosity to which God had moved the people of Bay Area, in April Samuel, Grace, and their daughter Deborah expressed their joyful gratitude for the funding God raised from within our church that will enable them to continue “gospeling” – a term they use for reaching the tribal peoples of India with the message of Jesus through acts of kindness. While Samuel thanked Bay Area for loving India, Deborah marveled that, out of all of India, God chose to bless ICBM through BACC. “It’s amazing to see how God is working – I have never seen something like that through any other churches or organizations,” she said enthusiastically of the resources provided. “God just brings everything together and does amazing works.”

Citing Jesus’ example of sacrificial generosity, Greg explained that we, too, experience God’s grace when we step out in faith and give beyond our comfort zone. “Faith is what pleases God, and whenever we respond to what God is doing in faith,

“It’s amazing to see how God is working – I have never seen something like that through any other churches or organizations.”

He takes great delight and He blesses us, and we grow spiritually, we experience more of His presence, and we’re used to advance the Kingdom,” he said. “We talk about riding the wave of God’s grace, and that’s what’s happening, and I’m so thankful for each person who’s a part of it.”

To learn more about or become part of Bay Area’s partnership with ICBM, as well as other local and global ministries including the Annapolis Pregnancy Clinic and the Mission Gardens of Christ in South Sudan, go to beyond884. com.

194,336 Dollars

12,283,979 Rupees generously given

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By Trevin Hoekzema

So you’re one of the 130 who have decided to go on a shortterm mission this year, and your trip is fast approaching.

Perhaps you’ve never been out of the country before, or you don’t know many of the people who will accompany you on your team. The culture you’ll soon experience is completely foreign to you. What will you eat? How should you dress?

What can you do to adequately prepare for your upcoming shortterm mission trip?

I’ve been to 10 different countries, but I am in the same boat as you. God has placed me in the position of leading a small team from Bay Area to an area of the world I have yet to visit: Malaysia. So what should I do?

Well, I could start by clinging to the resources that Global Missions Pastor Casely Essamuah provides for all of the short-term missions leaders – the STM Manual. Through the course of eight chapters, the manual leads us from general missions basics like how to send a support letter to more complex issues like how to deal with reverse culture shock.

By mid April, our team had met twice. We’ll be leaving June 22 for two weeks. Before then, we will have met six more times and covered a several more missiological ideas.

The reality is we could probably blitz through the manual and learn the ideas on our own, so why are we going to spend so much time together in the weeks and months prior to the actual trip? Because no amount of learning and studying can create the trustworthy, intimate relationships that a two-week 20 GO&MAKE M AY

trip to Malaysia requires. Or a trip to El Salvador, or Ghana, or Poland, or Indonesia, or India...

Casely stresses (actually he makes it mandatory) that teams meet a minimum of six to eight times before going overseas.

And he leaves a lot of the specifics of those team meetings up to the team leader.

He trusts us to know the needs of the trip and the team and address them effectively. The manual provides all of us with the base-level necessities and then we have the freedom to focus our time on specific necessities, and have some fun with it.

Each team leader is doing unique things to prepare their team to do God’s will and walk in the Spirit overseas. For my team, this manifests itself in high relationships and a lot of prayer. Since we’re traveling to Malaysia, we need to know each other very well and maintain a posture of persistent prayer. During a recent meeting, we shared a traditional Malay meal together at the home of one of our team members while discussing the results of our spiritual gift assessments. This assessment gives us insight into each others’ Godgiven strengths, as well as some of our weaknesses. During the following meeting, I invited someone to come

and guide us through a Meyers-Briggs personality test. It’s a fast track to getting to know seemingly random strangers quickly!

Casely plans to take his team to a Ghanaian church in Laurel, then to a traditional Ghanaian lunch (probably something to do with fufu). He found that going to a lively Ghanaian church not only gives people an expedited understanding of culture in Ghana, but also breaks down barriers and helps develop team bonding.

Josh Shirlen will take a large team to El Salvador again this June.

A professional baseball pitcher is traveling with them, so naturally they will have a baseball theme to the trip. In preparation, they will spend one (or two or three) of their team meetings hitting, pitching, catching, and learning the game of baseball.

He knows from experience (his team played wiffle ball together last year) that having a fun-based activity quickly builds trust and relationships – something that is essential in large groups.

As you can see (or maybe you’ve even experienced), each team leader takes the time to gauge the team’s needs and address them appropriately and passionately. Despite the fact that I’ve never been to Malaysia, I am excited to be in the preparation and training stage to help get our team to a level of relationship where we can serve the missionaries in Malaysia well.

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SUMMER FU Discipleship shouldn’t stop when summer starts. By late June, the final exams, science projects, and reports have all been turned in and graded, but that does not mean your child or student’s spiritual growth should take a vacation, too.

Not only do Bay Area’s weekly Children’s and Student Ministry gatherings at Bay Area continue throughout the summer months, but the ministries also include additional events for fun and spiritual growth. This summer, preschoolers through graduating high school seniors are invited to jump into some amazing opportunities; from a long-weekend beach trip to a weeklong camp, these exciting adventures present opportunities for students to take their faith to the next level.

By Rachel Perry

THE DETAILS SUMMER JAM June 28 – July 2 at Bay Area Preschool: 6-8:15 PM | Elementary: 6-8:30 PM Three years old through current fifth-grade students Register now through June 14 at bayareacc.org/summerjam

BIG BEACH WEEKEND July 31 – August 3 in Harvey Cedars, NJ Current high school freshman through graduating seniors Register now through June 14 at bayareacc.org/basmevents VICTORY JAM June 22-26 in Harvey Cedars, NJ Current sixth- through eighth-grade students Register now through May 31 at bayareacc.org/basmevents

2015

SUMMER JAM Journey OFF THE MAP at Summer Jam from June 28 through July 2, as Bay Area presents its annual amped-up version of Vacation Bible School. Each evening will be filled with interactive worship, live skits, outdoor adventures, and indoor activities as kids ages 3 through fifth grade follow their tour guides in small groups from 6 to 8:30 PM. Each night will begin with a worship rally to engage the kids in energetic worship.

partner of Bay Area through Sarah and Jorge Solorzano’s church in San Salvador. This becomes a competition between the boys and girls to see who can raise more funds. In 2014, they raised over $1,400! At the conclusion of the week, the winning side will get to douse adult leaders of the losing side with ooey, gooey slime – always a hit among the kids.

Each year, many families ask, “Why is Summer Jam held in the evenings?” Children’s Ministry Director Gail Wiles Throughout the week, kids will learn that Jesus is their explained, “It’s in the evenings to engage the whole family, Ultimate Tour Guide, leading them through the ups and either by serving or participating. It’s a great experience for downs of their spiritual journey as they follow Him. The week all!” will conclude with the presentation of the gospel message of salvation, encouraging children to make the life-changing Adults looking to serve can fill a plethora of roles, including decision to begin the ultimate adventure. that of the tour guide, whose job is to lead their small group throughout the week. Contact Gail at gail.wiles@bayareacc.

Each year during Summer Jam, an offering is collected by the org for more information. kids to support the Children’s Center in El Salvador, a global 22 GO&MAKE A P R IL

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Dizzy bat races, water balloon volleyball, swimming, a talent show, trips to the beach, morning and evening worship, and inspirational speakers. Go to sleep, wake up, and do the same thing over again. Sounds exhausting, right? Well, it’s not for a middle school student experiencing the best week of their life at Victory Jam – coming up this summer from June 22-26. For almost three decades, middle school students have headed to Harvey Cedars Bible Conference on Long Beach Island, New Jersey, to learn about and experience God in new and refreshing ways during this weeklong summer camp.

Victory Jam is led by the Chesapeake Youth Network (CYN), an organization with which Bay Area partners that includes churches from Anne Arundel and Howard counties.

Students have the unique experience of arriving to camp with their church and leaving with an extended network of friends with whom they keep in touch throughout the year.

The week comprises a packed schedule of spiritual teaching opportunities and fun, competitive activities as adult leaders pour into the lives of the middle school students.

At the beginning of the week, the students are divided into teams as they play games and compete for points.

Campgoers anxiously anticipate the annual X Games to close the week and the chance for their team to win and take home the iconic “Tiki George” trophy.

Beyond the excitement of competition and a week at the beach, it’s the spiritual impact that makes a camp like this so important in the lives of middle school students. Even Student Ministry Program Coordinator Lauren Gibeault remembers her week at Victory Jam in sixth grade, and the analogy the camp’s main speaker presented that illustrated the life-changing choice of following Christ: “I went to Victory Jam in sixth grade when the movie The Matrix was really big. The speaker referenced the scene in the film when the character holds the red pill in one hand and blue pill in the other – saying that if you choose the right pill, your life will change forever. He then compared this to following Christ. ‘You might make the choice to keep living your life as you currently are and nothing will change,’ he said. ‘Or you can choose a new life that’s wildly different and your life will never look the same.’ That talk laid some fundamental groundwork in my faith journey.”

Breakfast at 10 AM, surf lessons, and speciality coffee drinks in the coffee house: This definitely isn’t your typical high school summer trip. Big Beach Weekend, this year slated for July 31 – August 3, was launched in 2014 by CYN, the same organization that hosts Victory Jam. The long-weekend retreat is tailored specifically to high school students, and will also take place at Harvey Cedars in New Jersey.

Unlike the fast-paced schedule of Victory Jam, Big Beach Weekend is a relaxing retreat during which students spend leisurely afternoons at the beach and evenings jamming or singing along with the band in the coffee house. Between the scheduled morning and evening messages and times of worship, students can stand-up paddle board in the bay or, new this year, take surf lessons at the beach. A few competitive events are scheduled including a dodgeball tournament, sand sculpture competition, and a color war (sharing a similar element to the popular Color Run™).

Bay Area Worship Leader Micah Pringle, who will lead worship during the retreat for the second year, spoke to the significance of students’ experiences at Big Beach Weekend.

“While students are away, they are able to put aside their usual inhibitions and engage more freely with the message and times of singing. Big Beach Weekend is a safe place for high school students to engage in worship in a new and different way compared to their typical expectations in normal church surroundings,” he highlighted.

Brent Squires, Bay Area’s Student Ministry pastor, saw a need for a high school trip to continue the momentum students feel after attending Victory Jam for three summers in middle school. He brought to the CYN team the idea of Big Beach Weekend three years ago, and this summer is again co-directing the retreat with another local student ministry pastor. With worship led by a Bay Area team, CYN brings in an outside speaker to lead the morning and evening messages. “This year, the speaker will address the idea of ‘followership.’ We hear a lot about leadership, but what does it mean to be a follower of Christ, especially to a high school student?” Brent shared.

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Steve & Janice Onken

SPOTLIGHT

ON MISSIONAL COMMUNITY

O

By Brian Hopper

ne of the characteristics that distinguishes a Missional Community from a traditional small group or Bible study is the emphasis and focus on OUT – loving our neighbors, namely those who are not yet followers of Jesus. Traditionally, most mid-sized groups do well with UP (loving God back) or IN (loving one another), but here at Bay Area Community Church our Missional Communities bear that name because they regularly focus on OUT – loving our neighbors. This outward focus is part of what it means to be an MC. For some groups, this is literally serving their neighbors next door and introducing them to Jesus. For others, their OUT is committing to a local cause or need (like helping the poor or needy). And then there are others who have sensed God calling them to commit to helping their neighbors from around the world. This is Steve and Janice Onken’s MC. For several years, their MC’s OUT has been a commitment to people of El Salvador, both locally and internationally. It was never their intention to start an MC with a missional focus on El Salvador.

But over time, the Lord grew their collective hearts, and now their group is known for their passion for and commitment to the small Central-American country.

Steve and Janice’s love for Hispanics began before they met. Steve lived in Mexico for four years as a child, and Janice visited Mexico on a summer trip as part of her degree. The two met through a friend with the Navigators who knew they were fluent in Spanish. This not only started their relationship, but also marked the beginnings of how the Lord would use Steve and Janice to love Hispanics together.

Years later, this love for the Hispanic people and the language would be called on by the Lord. Though they both taught Spanish at a local school, it wasn’t until Steve and Janice and two other couples from their MC, then called a home group, took a mission trip to El Salvador that their passions changed. BACC had just

A Missional Community on Mission in El Salvador

sent Sarah Meehan de Solorzano to be a full-time missionary in San Salvador, and all three couples from the Onkens’ group decided to go on one of the first shortterm mission trips to El Salvador.

ESL classes were underway. In addition, the MC started offering Spanish classes for Americans as well. This was especially helpful as more and more from BACC went on short-term mission trips to El Salvador.

That trip was life changing for each of them. They served together ministering to people personally, sharing their testimonies and the gospel. It was a powerful experience for all of them. When they returned, they shared with their home group all that they did and how impactful it was for the people in El Salvador. A year later, all three couples went again and added another couple from their group. This time, the Lord would cement their passion and together, they resolved to do something back home to help reach Hispanics.

Steve and Janice’s MC has continued to embrace and support the people from El Salvador. At the moment, almost every person in the group has gone to El Salvador on a trip. And since many of them have gone multiple times, they have formed relationships with the people that have extended beyond the trip itself. One example is with a woman named Albi, who not only provided all the translation for the Onkens’ MC’s trips, but also prepared all the food.

Albi has even come to the U.S. and participated in one of BACC’s Women’s Ministry retreats. So the ministry is happening both here and in El Salvador.

“All three couples from the Onkens’ group decided to go on one of the first short-term mission trips to El Salvador. That trip was life changing for each of them.”

Upon returning they wanted to connect with local Hispanics, yet they had no clear way of connecting relationally with them.

Because Steve and Janice had taught Spanish in high school locally, they decided to learn how to facilitate English as a Second Language (ESL) classes here at BACC. The rest of the group offered to use their gifts of hospitality and teaching to serve with the project too. After some training, the MC began to promote the ESL classes and established a start date. Ironically, on the first night, the first person to walk in was from Africa! Clearly, the Lord has a sense of humor. But many Hispanic students came and the

Currently, the group is considering ways to continue ministering to Hispanics here, while many of them prepare to return to El Salvador in November. In the meantime, they remain connected to Sarah and others, sharing stories from her blog and providing for needs as they arise.

Steve and Janice’s MC is a great example of how one group morphed from a short-term mission trip into an MC with a heart and passion to serve the people they visited. It serves as a perfect illustration of how we can love our neighbors both here and around the world.

To find out more about Missional Communities and how you can become part of one, go to bayareacc.org/missionalcommunities. To learn more about short term mission trips, go to bayareacc.org/stm.

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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, 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 at 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 O NN E C T 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/new

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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.group@gmail.com for more information.

PREMARITAL MENTORING Did you get engaged or are you thinking about getting engaged? Premarital mentoring is just what you need!

Strong marriages are the cornerstone of a healthy, Jesuscentered 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 Bay Area 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.

MARRIAGE MINISTRY TEAM Have you been married 10+ years and have a deep desire to see couples start and stay strong in their marriages? This ministry team seeks to encourage existing marriages through the development and scheduling of enrichment opportunities throughout the ministry year. Some of these opportunities are learning communities, marriage workshops, special events and small group Bible studies. If you have a heart for marriages and want to serve on this team or learn more about the Marriage Ministry at BACC please visit bayareacc. org/marriageministry or contact leanne.lane@bayareacc. org for more information.

MARRIAGE LEARNING COMMUNITY Join us as we learn some principles for growing a great marriage God’s way! We will use Stephen Arterburn’s book The 7-Minute Marriage Solution. Based on his research and work with hundreds of couples in New Life Marriage workshops, you will learn new tools he recommends to build strong marriages. This is great for all couples whether you are engaged, newly married, struggling in your marriage or loving your marriage and want to learn some good tools to pass along to the next generation! Join us on Sundays through May 31 at 11:15 AM in The Docks. Sign up at bayareacc.org/learningcommunities 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 at leanne.lane@bayareacc.org for more information about how BACC can lend support & encouragement to you.

HOSPITAL/HOMEBOUND VISITATION If you or a loved one is in the hospital or homebound we would love to serve you. Contact us so that we can learn more about how to be of assistance. Contact Leanne at leanne.lane@bayareacc.org or phone at 443-837-3718.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT CHILDREN’S WELCOME COUNTER The Children’s Welcome volunteers serve in a unique way, their desire is to make new families feel welcomed and loved here at Bay Area every week. From assisting with our electronic check-in system, leading parents to their child’s age appropriate environments, and sharing the process of being a first time visitor in the Deep Blue. Families are blessed by each of you every week and the children’s team is grateful to serve beside each of you.

PRESCHOOL SPOTLIGHT Townley Prang has a huge heart for children and desires to teach them three Basic Truths, God made them, God loves them, and Jesus wants to be their friend forever. She has jumped right in to serving every week in Preschool and her preschoolers just love her!

When Townley is not serving with the kids, she spends her time studying Nursing and loves spending time with friends. Thank you, Townley, for your dedication to Bay Area’s Preschoolers!

WAVE RIDERS “Waver Riders” is a family play and support group for nursery and preschool aged children. Join us for two upcoming play-times: May 11 @ 9:30 AM play date & lunch at Quiet Waters Park and May 28 @ 10:30 AM at the Edgewater Library for our very own Wave Riders story time and lunch at the Edgewater Chick fil-a. Visit the Wave Riders Facebook page to see more exciting happenings: www.facebook.com/ waveriderplaygroup. Want more info on how you can be a part of this growing community contact, Vanessa Hinton at vanessa.hinton@bayareacc.org Save the date for the upcoming Dive 45 event happening Friday, June 5 from 7-9 PM. The kids will be competing in multiple challenges working together as teams and individually throughout the church. It will be a night of obstacles and adventure! All fourth and fifth grade students are invited and encouraged to bring a friend. More info: aimee.coyle@bayareacc.org HIGHLIGHT IN THE DEEP BLUE This month we are celebrating the decision of 12 families to intentionally raise their children for Jesus at the Spring Parent Dedication happening Saturday, May 9. The Deep Blue is looking forward to partnering with these families in discipling their children. We would love to partner with you too. Our next dedication event will be held in the fall, registration opens online one month prior. You can also visit bayareacc.org/deepblueparentresources for more information.

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CONNECTING MINISTRY

FINANCIALS Operating Budget Financial Update March 31, 2015 New Fiscal Year Began September 1, 2014

DISCOVER BAY AREA New to Bay Area? Welcome! Join us in the Bay Cafe for Discover Bay Area on May 3 or June 7 from 12:45-1:30 PM to learn more about who we are, what we are about, and how you can get plugged in. Free lunch included. No RSVP needed and everyone, including kids, are welcome. We hope to see you there!

Fiscal Year Giving Goal

$3,832,000

YTD Giving Goal YTD Received YTD Actual vs. Goal (1.4% Behind) MARCH Giving Goal

MARCH Received

$2,274,792 $2,243,374 $(31,418) $355,525 $324,933

Original Building Debt Status as of March 31, 2015 Balance Due Fiscal YTD Donations

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

Our workers are paid and we are consistently looking to add to our team. We provide KidCare to all ministries of Bay Area from The Well, Celebrate Recovery, Missional Communities, and different events throughout the year. If you or someone you know are interested in joining, contact Jen at jen.marshall@bayareacc.org or visit the Children’s Welcome Desk on Sundays for more info.

LEARNING COMMUNITIES Learning Communities are smaller groups of people that meet in “The Docks” (the building in the east parking lot at BACC) with the focus of learning, applying, and living out the Bible. We offer many different courses not only to help develop theologically, but also in our character development and practical lives following Jesus. Visit bayareacc.org/learningcommunities for more info.

Here’s what’s coming up this month: CURRENTLY IN SESSION: STARTING POINT – ends May 31 EXPERIENCING GOD – ends May 31

$ 1,803,702 $ 23,200

For weekly financial updates, please visit us online at www.bayareacc.org/financials Please be sure to designate all Building Fund donations on the Memo Line of your check: “One & Only Life” for Original Building Debt or “Beyond884” for the new Building Expansion. Please note all undesignated checks will go toward the General Operating Fund.

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

Preferred Methods (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.

A DEEPER LOOK AT EASTER: INVESTIGATING WHY JESUS HAD TO DIE - ends May 17 MARRIAGE LEARNING COMMUNITY - ends May 31

GATHERINGS

For more information on these learning communities, email SATURDAY NIGHT SINGALONG Deb at deb.shipley@bayareacc.org Join us for Saturday Night Singalong on June 6th at 6 PM. COMING SOON: This is a great opportunity to rest ASK ANYTHING: MUSINGS OF THEOLOGY AND LIFE in worship, prayer, and testimony Starting June 7 (15 weeks) Coming this summer, during the 11:15 AM Gathering in the as a church body. KidCare is Docks will be lively interaction, discussion, and musings on a provided on a first come first served wide range of topics related to Theology and Worldviews. Pop basis for children ages 1 through pre-k, in and out of this standing learning community with Pastor Ed and there is also a special space for the Kelley to engage questions relevant to you. You will be able to children to worship right alongside the adults in the main ask anything on your mind, so come join the discussion and space. Our next Saturday Night Singalong is June 6. Contact Micah at micah.pringle@bayareacc.org ask boldly! Sign up at bayareacc.org/learningcommunities 28 GO&MAKE M AY

GLOBAL MISSIONS

LOCAL OUTREACH

SHOP THE SHOPS FOR SHORT TERM MISSIONS Come support Short Term Missions and local businesses on June 7 from 2-4 PM at BACC. You won’t want to miss this awesome event, giving you the chance to shop goods from local businesses and artists, while supporting the cause of Short Term Missions. Want to be a vendor? Contact: ashleigh. bicevskis@bayareacc.org

LOCAL OUTREACH SERVING OPPORTUNITIES Missional Communities often don’t know how to get involved with serving locally. We’re here to help. Email outreach@ bayareacc.org to start the conversation. There are many organizations in the Annapolis area that will be blessed by your involvement; we’d love to connect you with them.

2015 SHORT TERM MISSIONS Short term mission teams will be traveling to 7 different countries during the Summer of 2015. Have you been considering how you might take part in Make The Trade?

The February 28 registration deadline has passed but if you are still interested in Making the Trade, email Casely at casely.essamuah@bayareacc.org to see how you can get involved. *Note: All trips are subject to change based on leadership availability

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY MEN’S MORNING BIBLE STUDY Tuesdays from 6-7:30 AM in room 236 at BACC. Contact Dennis at dbradylaw@aol.com for more information. *NEW* MAN UP LEARNING COMMUNITY Stay tuned for a new learning community starting in June geared directly to men. Email Bob Gregory at bgregory03@ yahoo.com for more information.

MISSIONAL COMMUNITIES

MALAYSIA • June 22 - July 6

POLAND • July 22 - Aug 3 • October 12-21

EL SALVADOR • May 30-June 7 • June 13-21 • July 4-12 • July 11-19 • July 18-26 • November 7-15

BRAZIL • July 10-18

INDONESIA • August 14-24 INDIA • May 9-19 GHANA • June 4-14 • July 16-26

MISSIONAL COMMUNITY TASTER Get a taste of what a missional community is through our MC Taster event. Join us on May 10 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/mctasterrsvp or email mc@bayareacc.org for questions.

OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE LONG TERM MISSIONS If you have been on a short term mission in the past and are interested in doing missions long term, take a look at the Missions Next Forum. It’s a 2 day conference May 8-9 that will help you with the next steps in global missions. Go to finishers.org for more information.

ISRAEL TRIP Informational Meeting on Israel Trip Pastor Ed Kelley is leading a trip to Israel in March 2016.

If you would like to learn more about this trip join us for a Q & A at 9:30 AM on June 7 in the Loft above the Chapel. Info: ed.kelley@bayareacc.org

AMBASSADOR TEAM: Our ambassadors are passionate about connecting with new visitors, answering questions, and helping others connect into the Bay Area family. With the chapel open and our family growing, we need extra hands on deck to help get folks plugged in. If this sounds like you, join us!

Contact jocelyn.rimbey@bayareacc.org AUDIO/VIDEO TEAM: We’re looking for a few more passionate, committed people to partner with our Sunday production team.

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BAY CAFÉ & ESPRESSO BAR: Do you love coffee and lattés? Enjoy hospitality? We would love for you to serve in the Bay Cafe and/or Espresso Bar. Contact sherri.raimondo@bayareacc.org CHAIR MINISTRY: Serve on the chair set-up/teardown 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: Contact arianne.teeple@bayareacc.org PARKING MINISTRY: Serve by directing traffic and greeting those arriving at church. Contact Steve at parking@bayareacc.org SAFETY TEAM: If you are passionate about safety or have experience in security, law enforcement, EMS or First Responders, come be part of helping our church stay safe.

Contact Ed at safety@bayareacc.org WOMEN’S MINISTRY: KidCare volunteer opportunity to watch the children of those attending the Single Moms Bible Study on May 9, 23 & June 6, 20 from 9:30 - 11 AM. Contact: janet.graves@bayareacc.org

PRAYER MINISTRY Did you know BACC has an entire ministry devoted to prayer? The BACC Prayer Ministry is made up of teams of individuals devoted to gathering in prayer for the church worship gatherings, the pastors, our missional efforts and missionaries, the ministries of the church, those who are sick or saddened by grief, and those who are wrestling with life’s struggles. The Prayer Ministry provides an opportunity for us to gather together and share our hearts with our Father who loves us. Let’s pray together. The prayer room is located on the second floor of BACC. ALSO! Every Sunday immediately following the Gatherings members of our prayer team will be up front and to the right of the stage if you would like someone to pray with. For more information about prayer or the teams, go online to bayareacc.org/prayer or contact Pat at pat.linnell@bayareacc.org

WOMEN’S MINISTRY 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.

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THE WELL MORNING STUDIES NEW! SINGLE MOMS BIBLE STUDY & DISCUSSION GROUP Join us for the “Cherished by Jesus” Bible study led by Debra Morris from 9:30 - 11 AM on Saturdays, May 9 & 23, and June 6 & 20. Debra is a certified Therapist & Christian Counselor, Bible study leader, facilitator of divorce recovery groups, and a recent speaker at our Single Moms Brunch. Topics will include: Parenting as a single mom, healing old relationships wounds, healthy boundaries, deepening my walk with the Lord, and more.

Register at bayareacc.org/women/spiritualgrowth for the study and KidCare. We hope to offer free KidCare. If you are interested in serving in this capacity please contact Janet at janet.graves@bayareacc.org “A MODERN GIRL’S GUIDE TO BIBLE STUDY”

by Jen Hatmaker Learn user-friendly ways to get the most from our personal Bible study on Wednesdays, June 3 - July 8 from 9:30 - 11:30 AM. Cost: $15. No KidCare available for this study. Register at bayareacc.org/women/spiritualgrowth or at the Women’s Ministry kiosk on Sundays, May 17, 24, and 31. Contact: Laurie Gregory at thewell@bayareacc.org “LOSE IT FOR LIFE”

by Steve Arterburn & Linda S. Mintle, PhD This 11 week study will deal with the emotional, mental, and spiritual factors related to weight loss and give you needed support to take the necessary steps to “lose it for life.” Join us Tuesdays, June 16 - August 18 from 6:30 - 8:30 PM. Register at bayareacc.org/women/spiritualgrowth. Contact: Charlotte Cole at charlottesheart@gmail.com. You will need the “Lose It For Life” Workbook and you can order it online from www. amazon.com “LOVE UNDONE: TAKE TWO” led by Kammi McGinty Join us to see how the love of God changes us on Tuesdays, July 7 - August 4 from 7-9 PM. Bring your Bible and a notebook.

Register at bayareacc.org/women/spiritualgrowth.

Contact: Kammi McGinty at fishclerk@comcast.net OTHER EVENTS AN AFTERNOON WITH ANNA The Bible tells us about Anna, a widow and prophetess who devoted herself to prayer and ministry in the temple. She is an example for all women and especially for those suffering loss.

For many women, Mothers Day brings a reminder of pain.

That day may include memories of miscarriages, infertility, singleness, terminated pregnancies, or estrangement/loss from your children or mother. We want to invite you to join other like-hearted women for lunch on Mothers Day, May 10 at 1 PM at Lebanese Taverna Cafe in the Annapolis Harbour Center, 2478 Solomons Island Road, in Annapolis. Contact: Lori Hopkins at lorirode@gmail.com to R.S.V.P.

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 for our next meeting on May 11 from 10:30 - 11:30 AM, We will share a written story we remember about our siblings when they were young. Since Monday, May 25 is Memorial Day, we will not meet. Contact: Cedulie Sanchez at luisandcedulie@ gmail.com for more information.

QUILTS FOR KIDS We use donated fabric to make quilts for kids in shelters and hospitals. Our next sewing workshop is Saturday, May 16 from 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM at BACC in room 235. Come and learn to sew or learn a new pattern. Janet Hogan will demonstrate how to make the “Plus Sign Quilt.” Kits will be available. Please bring 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 questions, contact Janet Hogan at annapolisqfk@gmail. com

COLLEGE SUMMER CONFERENCE If you are a current college student you should join Bay Area Community Church for an amazing trip to the Jersey Shore from Thursday, May 21 to Sunday, May 24. You will enjoy morning seminars on various topics applying the Christian faith to college students, free-time at the beach in the afternoons and evening worship and teaching. This is a great way to celebrate the end of the semester and connect with your friends new and old at the start of the summer! Sign up today at bayareacc.org/collegesummerconference

MIDDLE

All Middle Schoolers are welcome to come out May 9 from 7-9 PM for our Luau themed Club 678! Invite your friends and wear your best SUMMER BOOK CLUB Hawaiian shirt. Don’t forget to bring a few bucks for the “MARK OF THE LION” Trilogy by Francine Rivers snack bar. Club 678 is our monthly fun outreach for middle Join other women to discuss “A Voice in the Wind” on June 5, school students to invite their friends to church. Club 678 “An Echo in the Darkness” on July 10, and “As Sure as Dawn” happens on the second Friday of every month. on August 14. This group will meet at Jodi Doney’s house at 7 PM. Please read the book before you come. Contact her at jodidoney@hotmail.com for directions.

“ENGAGING TODAY’S PRODIGAL” by Carol Barnier Find hope in community with other Moms and gain some practical thoughts from the author who was once a prodigal.

Join us Wednesday mornings June 3 - July 15 from 9:30 - 11:30 AM at BACC. Please read the book before attending. Contact High school students, join us every Wednesday from leader Kim Mitchell at surface@gmail.com 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, STUDENT MINISTRY games, and gender/grade specific Community Groups led by trained and caring adult leaders. Students will experience LEADER SPOTLIGHT true community and discipleship in the context of their peers; all in a fun environment.

We love having Jim David as a 6th Contact brent.squires@bayareacc.org for more info. grade leader in our ministry! His ever present humor and dedication to our students makes him a valuable member of our team.

Jim was adopted so Romans 8:15 resounds very strongly with him.

He can speak, read and write fluent Spanish. He loves going on mission trips and could see myself living as a missionary one day if it is in God’s will. Thank you Jim David for joining our team!

Melissa McGunigale is an eighth grade girl leader who is passionate about students! When she isn’t mentoring students, she is on stage using her beautiful voice for worship in the Student Ministry band. Melissa enjoys using her voice in other areas of her life as well as she has been in multiple musicals. The Liberty Alumni is an avid cat lover and wishes to one day travel to Europe. We love having Melissa on our team!

FRESHMAN AGAIN LEARNING COMMUNITY This Learning Community is open to all current high school seniors and meets every Sunday through May 17 at 9:30 AM in “The Loft” above the new chapel. There is no cost for this learning community and resources will be provided. The six week sessions will include: Introduction and Overview, What Is Truth?, Spiritual Independence, College Life, Time/Money, and Writing Your Life Story.

Register at bayareacc.org/basm-freshman-again

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