Convocation for a New Baptist Covenant
Cooperative Giving Options Still Available Through CBFNC
Mission Resource Plan
Paradigm Shift by Larry Hovis
The Fellowship on the Move by Larry Hovis
Duke Divinity Baptist House of Studies by Callie Davis
CBFNC General Assembly
2009 Mission Opportunities
Wealth and Poverty: Business as Mission - the Delta Jewels Story by Ben and Leonora Newell
CBFNC Events
Ministers on the Move
“We thank our God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world” (Romans 1:8). During this Advent season, we are reminded that “the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace in truth” (John 1:14). As we look to 2009, we pray we would “go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).
~ Grace and Peace from Your CBFNC staff: Larry Hovis, Rick Jordan, Linda Jones, Jack Causey, Wanda Kidd, Jim Hylton, Gail McAlister, Nancy Parks, Natalie Aho, Laura Barclay
of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina
phone: 336.759.3456 • phone: 888.822.1944 • fax: 336.759.3459 • cbfnc@cbfnc.org • www.cbfnc.org
Larry Hovis ..........Executive Coordinator LHovis@cbfnc.org
Rick Jordan .........Church Resources Coordinator RJordan@cbfnc.org
Linda Jones .........Missions Coordinator LJones@cbfnc.org
Coordinating Council
Greg Rogers, Greenville, Moderator
Gail Coulter, Hendersonville, Past-Moderator
Steve Little, Marion, Moderator-Elect
Glenda Currin, Wilmington, Recorder
Donna Bissette, Winston-Salem, Treasurer
Ray Ammons, Gastonia
Mack Dennis, Mount Gilead
Carolyn Dickens, Raleigh
Don Gordon, Durham
Gary Knight, Winston-Salem
Glenn Phillips, Goldsboro
Bert Young, Bladenboro
Janice Young, Whiteville
Endowment Management Board
Tom Smith, Greensboro, Chair
A. G. Bullard, Raleigh
Joe Harris, Mocksville
Scott Hudgins, Winston-Salem
Drag Kimrey, Laurinburg
Jack Causey ...Ministerial Resources Coordinator JCausey@cbfnc.org
Jim Hylton .... Business Administration Coordinator JHylton@cbfnc.org
Wanda Kidd ...College Ministry Consultant asyougo5@aol.com
Nancy Parks ....Programs Manager NParks@cbfnc.org
Faith Development Ministry Council
Blythe Taylor, Charlotte, Chair
Elizabeth Edwards, Nashville, Chair-Elect
Jennifer Baxley, Henderson
Garin Hill, Burlington
Cindy Joy, Oxford
Rebecca Husband Maynard, Elkin
Kathy Naish, Hickory
Tony Spencer, Forest City
John Vestal, Wake Forest
Allen Winters, Hillsborough
Leadership Development Ministry Council
Steve Zimmerman, Mebane, Chair
Burke Holland, Belhaven, Chair-Elect
Mark Ashworth, Kernersville
Larry Glover-Wetherington, Richlands
Rendell Hipps, Charlotte
Terry Honeycutt, Rutherfordton
Scott Hovey, Durham
Jerry Richards, Apex
Sheila Russ, Winston-Salem
Mari Wiles, Murfreesboro
Natalie Aho ....Communications Manager NAho@cbfnc.org
Gail McAlister .....Financial Assistant GMcalister@cbfnc.org
Laura Barclay ......Administrative Assistant LBarclay@cbfnc.org
Missions Ministry Council
Shirley Kool, Sylva, Chair
Kenny Davis, Wise, Chair-Elect
Kent Cranford, Gastonia
Jim Everette, Wilmington
Christopher Ingram, Smithfield
Judy LeCroy, Lexington
Alicia Porterfield, Wilmington
Susie Reeder, Fayetteville
Jose Villasenor, Durham
CBF National Council Members from NC
Lee Canipe, Murfreesboro
Scott Hagaman, Marion
Betsy Newton Herman, Raleigh
Don Horton, Zebulon
Crystal Leathers, Hickory
Jim McCoy, Weaverville
Mickie Norman, Leland
Financial Report: October 2008 Contributions Undesignated - $106,145; Designated - $145,206 2008-2009 Monthly Budget Goal: $90,746
February 16-19, 2009 Beach Cove Resort, North Myrtle Beach, SC
Workshops for children’s ministers, Christian educators, family ministers, youth ministers and more!
Register by January 23, 2009.
View schedule, more details and register at www.cbfnc.org.
Leaders - Mike Queen, Pastor of FBC Wilmington; Rick Bennett and Devita Parnell of CBF; Jill Jenkins, Children’s Minister, St. John’s, Alpharetta, GA
The year 2009 marks the 400th anniversary of the founding of the very first Baptist congregation in the world. That church was formed in Holland in 1609 by John Smyth and Thomas Helwys. Now we stand at the end of the fourth Baptist century and look to the dawn of the fifth century of Baptist witness and work in the world.
The latter years of the fourth Baptist century, particularly in the American South, were filled with division, controversy and separation. Realignment has been the order of the day. Even within recent weeks, there has been dramatic change in Baptist life in North Carolina, as institutions move into new relationships with churches and denominations, and as a growing number of Baptist congregations are seeking new relationships and ways of carrying out their sense of the mission of Christ in the world.
Do you recognize that this is a
critical moment for Baptists in this state and beyond? Do you desire to join with other Baptists who share a common commitment to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission? Are you weary of a Baptist life marked too long by self-serving debates and a relentless battle over control? Are you ready to begin praying fervently about the new kind of Baptist community the Spirit of God seeks to form among us and within us? Do you want to see CBFNC serve as a catalyst for that kind of new community? Do you agree that the best way to begin that century is with a service of worship and a time of fervent prayer? All that will be among us will not be clear in a single day, but this day will mark a historic beginning to a new era in Baptist life.
We hope you will mark your calendars and join us! Visit www. cbfnc.org for bulletin inserts to print for your congregation.
First Baptist Church, Greensboro, NC 12 Noon Cooperative Giving in a New Baptist Century Luncheon for church leaders interested in learning about the Mission Resource Plan (see pg 4).
(No charge for lunch, but reservations are required.)
2:00 pm Opening Gathering
2:30 pm The New Baptist Century in Historical Context
Keynote Address by Dr. Bill J. Leonard, Dean and Professor of Church History, Wake Forest University Divinity School
3:45 pm Break
4:15 pm Baptist Christian Higher Education in a New Baptist Century Panel Discussion with Presidents of NC Baptist Colleges and Universities
5:30 pm Dinner (Cost is $10. Registration required.)
7:00 pm Evening Plenary Session and Worship Address - Larry Hovis, CBFNC Executive Coordinator Sermon - Mike Queen, Pastor, FBC, Wilmington Music - NC Baptist college choral groups
Celebration and Affirmation of Ministry Partnerships Time of prayer for the new Baptist century that is dawning among us
Visit www.cbfnc.org for registration or more information.
On November 12, messengers to the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina voted 431-354 to eliminate any possibility of contributions to the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship through the convention’s new single giving plan. The recommendation before the convention would have allowed congregations to continue a 10% contribution to CBF in Atlanta, but now that option will cease permanently beginning January 2010.
Because of this action, churches that have given through the former Plan C of the Baptist State Convention must now make significant decisions about future cooperative giving. The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina stands ready to assist churches in working through the changes ahead through its cooperative giving tool known as the Mission Resource Plan. Congregations who participate in the plan are able to:
*Continue funding of the ministries of historic North
Carolina Baptist ministry partners, including Baptist Colleges, Baptist Children’s Homes, Baptist Retirement Homes, the Baptist Foundation, WMU of NC, and NC Baptist Men. Some of these causes are already eliminated from the Convention’s Plan, and others will not be present after the next several years as funding for the colleges is phased out.
*Invest more significantly in the training of ministers at four CBF related theological schools in North Carolina, including Campbell Divinity School, Gardner-Webb Divinity School, Wake Forest Divinity School and the Baptist House of Studies at Duke Divinity School.
*Provide stronger support for Global Missions through the national Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.
*Engage more deeply in the life and ministry of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina, as our ministries are growing dramatically and demand for further expansion is constant.
Complete information about the Mission Resource Plan is on page 4 and is also available on our website at www.cbfnc.org.
We invite you to consider the Mission Resource Plan (MRP), a creative financial covenant through which your church may freely support cherished partnerships and institutions. The MRP not only strengthens the ties that have bound Baptists in North Carolina together for nearly two centuries, it enables a more faithful approach to missions giving for each participating church.
Churches do not give to the MRP, they give through it. Your money is sent in your church’s name from our offices in WinstonSalem to the places you choose. We believe this way of giving will continue to strengthen relationships between Baptists who value cooperation and mutual trust.
The MRP is the best cooperative giving plan in North Carolina for supporting the missions and ministries of both CBF and CBFNC. The plan is also unique in that it enables churches to include Baptist Colleges, WMU of NC and NC Baptist Men in their annual budget in addition to the annual missions offering. Your church may freely give to the Baptist Retirement Homes and other ministry partners as well.
You will find a suggested version of the MRP below. We encourage your church to tailor this version around your congregation’s specific missional vocation. It is our hope that every church’s MRP will be one that uniquely reflects its God-given mission.
In its short history, seventy-one churches have already given over $2.3 million dollars to support missions and ministries through the Mission Resource Plan (with a projected eighty-five churches in 2009). Will your church join us for the New Day?
If you have questions about the Mission Resource Plan, please call CBFNC Executive Coordinator, Larry Hovis (888) 822-1944 or the New Day Task Force Chair, Paul Baxley (252) 438-3172. Also, visit www.cbfnc.org for more on the MRP and other CBFNC information. See page 3 for an informational luncheon regarding the MRP on February 9.
by Larry Hovis, Executive Coordinator
When I speak at churches with the purpose of introducing them to the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship movement, I often tell them that CBF can best be understood by looking at four “P’s.” These are People, Principles, Programs and Paradigm.
The first 3 “P’s” are pretty easy for most folks to understand. CBF people, I explain, are wonderful Christians who love the Lord and want to serve Christ in their communities and around the world. Most of the people who make up CBF have been around Baptist life for a very long time. In fact, they make up, I believe, the best of our broader Baptist experience in the South.
The second “P,” Principles, refers, of course, to Baptist principles I explain that as important as our wonderful people are, our movement is built, not around particular personalities, but around those essential principles that have undergirded the Baptist experience for four hundred years.
The third “P” refers to Programs (Actually, we prefer the term “ministry,” but then the alliteration breaks down!) The programs, or ministries, of CBF include the same ministries that Baptist groups have always been known for: missions; leadership development and theological education; church resources; and that less tangible but vitally important ministry of fellowship, support and encouragement.
So far, so good. Most people can identify with the first 3 “P’s.” But the final “P” is a little more difficult to grasp. Most lifelong Baptist adults were nurtured in a “convention culture” in which congregations, regional associations, state conventions and the national convention were closely connected through money (which flowed from congregations to associations and state conventions to the national convention) and programs (which flowed from the national convention to state conventions and associations to congregations). Theoretically, we exercised autonomy at every level, but in practice, we functioned as an organizational pyramid with congregations forming the base and the national convention sitting at the apex.
(hopefully a significant one) of a congregation’s many missional partners.
Beyond congregations, the organizations that make up the CBF movement also function according to this partnership paradigm. In addition to CBF, which has its offices in Atlanta, there are eighteen autonomous state and regional CBF-related bodies. These bodies work very closely with CBF but are not franchises or field offices. CBF Coordinator Daniel Vestal calls this unique relationship between national and state CBF bodies “a seamless movement.”
CBF of North Carolina extends this partnership paradigm to other ministries in our state. We partner with lay ministry organizations (WMU of NC and NC Baptist Men), Baptist Colleges and Universities, Divinity Schools, and Social Service agencies (Retirement Homes, Children’s Homes, Baptist Hospital School of Pastoral Care) as well as others. We share values and goals with each other and seek to extend our mission through one another. We relate to these partners in mutually beneficial and affirming ways. Neither entity controls the other. Rather than relating as a parent to children, we relate to each other as mature brothers and sisters who share a common Heavenly Father.
Congregations are encouraged to determine their unique, God-given mission and then choose partners to assist them in accomplishing that mission.
This year, in upcoming issues of The Gathering, we will highlight some of these ministry partnerships. We believe this is a paradigm that is consistent with the best of our Baptist heritage, yet fits perfectly into our 21st century context. Above all, when it comes to this way of doing ministry, we join with the apostle Paul, who said, “I thank my God every time I remember you…because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:3-5).
Alternatively, CBF promotes a “Partnership Paradigm” in which congregations are at the center of Baptist life. Congregations are encouraged to determine their unique, God-given mission and then choose partners to assist them in accomplishing that mission. CBF does not demand exclusive loyalty but humbly asks for the opportunity to be one
To learn more about the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, visit www.thefellowship.info. To learn more about the CBF of North Carolina, visit www.cbfnc. org. Also located on our website is a three-minute video about CBFNC. You can order a copy to share by emailing Natalie Aho at naho@cbfnc.org.
Whatdo you get when you combine five host churches, 82 Congregations, 807 participants, then throw in 30 Ministry workshops on a variety of topics, ample food and fellowship, and one outstanding preacher? That’s easy – you’d have the
by Larry Hovis, Executive Coordinator
2008 installment of CBFNC’s “Fellowship on the Move.”
Throughout our history, CBFNC has held tours, or “blitzes” around the state to bring Fellowship people together, to meet our leaders, learn about our ministries, and to experience that all-important Baptist “trinity” of worship, ministry equipping and fellowship. In recent years, these efforts have become more structured and organized, and we’ve adopted the name, “Fellowship on the Move.” This approach is important practically and symbolically.
Practically speaking, we can reach more people and meet more needs when we hold regional events in different places around the state. Symbolically, we really do mean it when we say that CBFNC is headquartered, not in a suite of offices in Winston-Salem, but in the local church.
This year’s Fellowship on the Move (FOM) was held in three western and two eastern locations.
We are grateful to FBC Mt. Airy, FBC Rutherfordton, FBC Weaverville, FBC Bladenboro and Edenton Baptist Church for their gracious hospitality. This year, local planning teams in each region chose the workshop topics, planned the worship services and assisted with outreach to other churches in their regions. A new feature this year was the collection of an offering designated for a local mission cause.
The preacher for this year’s FOM was Jack Glasgow, pastor of Zebulon Baptist Church and the current moderator of CBF National. Jack’s message, “Acts 29” was a challenge for churches today to understand that every new generation of Christians is called to be on mission in our community and the world, in continuity with the early church and all of the generations that have come before us.
FOM is a win-win opportunity. It’s a win for CBF (state and national) because we have the opportunity to meet and minister with many more churches and their members than would be possible through individual visits. It’s a win for local churches, both those who already consider themselves to be part of our movement, and those who are in the process of exploring if they want to become part. If you would like to host FOM in the future, please contact the CBFNC offices. We’d love to come your way.
Learn more at www.cbfnc.org.
by Callie A. Davis, Staff Specialist, Baptist House of Studies, Duke University Divinity School
The Baptist House of Studies at Duke Divinity School celebrated two decades of preparing students for Baptist ministry through theological education and participation in a supportive community with a weekend of activities Nov. 7-8.
A banquet was held at the Millennium Hotel in Durham on Nov. 7. CBFNC Executive Coordinator, Dr. Larry Hovis, extended greetings and offered the invocation. The Baptist House of Directors Chair, Ms. Kathy Driver, and Vice Chair, Dr. Paul Baxley, read and presented a declaration of appreciation to Duke Divinity School and the United Methodist Church for their hospitality and support for Baptist theological education.
A special presentation was given to the first Chair of the Baptist House Board of Directors, Rev. Mel Williams, pastor of Watts Street Baptist Church, Durham, for his efforts of establishing and supporting the Baptist House for two decades. Rev. Prince Rivers, Senior Pastor of United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in Winston Salem, and Duke Divinity School alumnus, gave the keynote address.
Learn more at http://www.divinity.duke.edu/docs/bh/declaration. pdf.
March 20-21, 2009
Snyder Memorial Baptist Church, Fayetteville
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Fred Craddock
The Bandy Distinguished Professor of Preaching and New Testament, Emeritus, in the Candler School of Theology at Emory University; selected by “Newsweek” as one of the twelve most effective preachers in the English speaking world.
How beautiful on the mountain are the feet of those who bring good news. Isaiah 52:7
Friday, March 20
Welcome and Orientation
Ministry Workshop Sessions
Fellowship Dinner *
Evening Worship
Fellowship Reception
Saturday, March 21
Ministry Workshop Session
Business Session
Closing Worship
* Friday Evening Fellowship Dinner requires a paid reservation, $10 for two different meal choices, due by March 9.
Free childcare for the General Assembly is available by advanced registration by February 20.
Discounted hotel options include the Courtyard by Marriott and the Hotel Prince Charles.
Visit www.cbfnc.org for more.
New this year - Mix and Match!
Attend some or all of our ministry workshop session tracks:
Hispanic Ministry Track including workshops for Anglo churches ministering to Hispanics and workshops in Spanish for those who are Hispanic
Evangelism Track including Evangelism as a Spiritual Discipline, How to Start an Alpha Group in Your Church
Understanding Other Faiths Track including Hindu, Hare Krishna, Islam, Mormonism
A multi-session track designed for Chaplains and Pastoral Counselors
Wealth and Poverty Track including Becoming an Advocate for the Poor, Building Friendships Before Building Programs
Age Group Leaders Track for those working with children, youth and adults in the areas of Bible study and missions
Mission Stories Track including Emerging Church, Living Faith Ministries in Lebanon, AssetBased Community Building
Racial Reconciliation Track including ‘Beneath the Skin: Baptists and Racism’ video discussion
In addition to these tracks, dozens of individual workshops will be offered. A complete list with session descriptions and schedule will be provided at the General Assembly and will be available online in February at www.cbfnc.org
The March/April edition of The Gathering will include more workshop options.
More ministry workshop titles, details, discounted hotel options and registration available at www.cbfnc.org.
New this year: The First Annual “Elevating Preaching” Conference
Held Friday afternoon, concurrent with breakout sessions, with breaks scheduled to allow participants to come and go as they choose in order to attend other breakout sessions.
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Featured will be four outstanding preachers from our state: Tony Cartledge, former pastor and editor of the Biblical Recorder, now Associate Professor of Old Testament, Campbell Divinity School, and contributing editor of Baptists Today; Wanda Kidd, former Baptist campus minister, Western Carolina University, now College Ministry Consultant, CBFNC; Ken Massey, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Greensboro; and William C. Turner, Associate Professor of the Practice of Homiletics, Duke Divinity School
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The final session of the afternoon will be an informal dialogue with Fred B. Craddock, renowned preacher and author and keynote speaker for the General Assembly. For more information, visit www.elevatingpreaching.com or www.cbfnc.org.
CBFNC recommends the following ministry opportunities for groups or individuals for 2009. Check our website, www.cbfnc.org, for more opportunities.
Six weeks from June 22 - August 1
(Sundays through Fridays)
Projects: serving the homeless community through leading the Downtown Mission; love on children and their parents through our summer day camp; a community BBQ; an adopt-a-street clean-up; a movie for the homeless community. We are able to utilize groups that vary in sizes from 10 to 60 volunteers.
Contact: Angel Pittman at (305) 416-0435 x 205 or angel@ touchingmiamiwithlove.org or visit www.touchingmiamiwithlove.org
CBF’s Poverty Initiative Ministry has several sites across the United States. Helena, Arkansas with Ben and Leonora Newell
Dates: Two weeks: July 11-24
Projects: All Church Challenge; sports camp; kids’ camp; building projects; community gardening; literacy projects; community evangelism; swim camp
Contact: Ben at bnewell22@gmail.com
Owsley County, Kentucky
September 12, 2009
Project: Kentucky Repair Affair - a one-day 10-home repair blitz
Contact: Paula Settle at paula5005@ bellsouth.net
McCreary County, Kentucky
June 3-13
Project: Extreme Build - Join Kentucky Baptist Fellowship and McCreary County Community Housing Development Corporation as we partner to build our fourth house in the county.
Contact: www.mountainhopeky.org
Visit www.thefellowship.info for more information and other TFH sites.
Slavic Ministry, Asheville, NC
Join Fran and Mike Graham, CBF affiliates working with the Slavic community. They are offering mission opportunities to partner with the Slavic churches in apartment complexes to build intercultural relationships. Youth groups especially welcome!
Contact Fran or Mike at feg116@ charter.net.
Persian World Outreach is a cuttingedge cooperative Christian mission reaching out to meet physical and spiritual needs of Persians worldwide. Projects (all at their headquarters in New Jersey): construction projects; video project; data entry; newsletter; satellite broadcasting; translating the Persian Study Bible; financial support Contact: pwo@worldmail.org or visit www.persianwo.org
Waterbury Baptist Ministry, Connecticut
Waterbury Baptist Ministries is a CBF inner-city ministry made up of African-Americans, Hispanics, Anglos, Jamaicans and others. They conduct a free day camp for four weeks every summer. Whether as a college intern or a summer mission team, WBM has opportunities for you to use your Godgiven gifts.
Contact: Maner Tyson at tyson@snet.net or visit www. waterburybaptistministries.com
Village of Hope, Ukraine
Help support the Village of Hope, Kiev, Ukraine to restore the lives of neglected children and to give them hope for the future.
Projects: construction teams are needed to build the second cottage on the property; a few team members are needed to work with Mina Podgaisky on special projects such as ESL, sewing, art, crafts, computer skills or working with children
Contact: Bill Mason at wmason@ carolina.rr.com or visit www.cbfnc.org
Belize
Belize is a developing nation located in Central America with warm and friendly people. Projects: construction teams; conducting VBS or Backyard Bible Clubs; also needed: a videographer; possible project with Marla’s House of Hope orphanage with Eric and Julie Maas, CBF affiliates
Contact: Brenda Hipp at BelizeBaptistPT@cs.com or visit www.cbfnc.org
Liberia, The Balama Project
Jessy and Calandra Togba-Doya began work with the Kpelle tribes of Liberia. They concentrate their work among four main villages in the District of Suacoko in Bong County. They welcome mission teams to help with their work.
Contact: togbadoya@yahoo.com or visit www.balamaproject.org.
Operation Antioch, Lebanon
For several years, Chaouki Boulos, CBF field personnel, has helped coordinate celebration rallies in Lebanon and neighboring countries where thousands of people have heard about Jesus Christ, some for
the first time. Also, construction teams are needed for the White Stone Conference and Training Center in Lebanon.
Contact: Chaouki Boulos at Antioch@hotmail.com for possible ministry opportunities or visit www. operationantioch.com
A non-profit organization dedicated to helping the poorest of the poor in the colonias of Reynosa and Miguel Aleman in Mexico with their housing, medical, spiritual, educational, and other immediate needs.
Projects: sponsor a child’s education; work in the medical clinic; spend a week building a house
Contact: Linda Jones at Ljones@cbfnc. org or visit www.faithministry.org
Marc and Kim Wyatt, CBF field personnel, are developing opportunities for short-term service in Toronto, Montreal, south toward Buffalo, NY, west toward Detroit, MI and now northeast into Quebec. They are busy seeking to strengthen the work of local congregations and those ministering among internationals (refugees, immigrants, university settings and trafficked persons).
Contact: Mark or Kim at wyatt@ thefellowship.info for possible ministry opportunities Refugee Resettlement Ministries
A network of churches who welcome newly arrived refugees. At this time assistance is offered in the areas of furniture, clothing, community and jobs. Volunteer teams and individuals are needed to assist the ongoing efforts of local churches.
Contact: Marc and Kim Wyatt.
The Timothy Project
Intergenerational Missions
Asheville, NC and the surrounding mountain region
Weeks negotiable
Projects: home repair ministry for a variety of skill levels; Vacation Bible Schools for kids, including work with internationals; environmental stewardship emphasis
Madison County, NC
June 28-July 3 and July 5-10
Projects: home repair and construction in a rural mountain setting
Perry County, Alabama
June 14-20
Projects: in addition to home repairs and construction, groups will have the option of assisting in a sports camp or VBS
Charleston, SC
July 25-31
Projects: in conjunction with Metanoia, an affiliate of CBFSC, construction and repairs, work with children and education in community building
For any of these opportunities, contact: Cliff Christian at cliff@ thetimothyprojects.com or visit www. thetimothyprojects.com.
WMU of NC
April 10 - 21, Lebanon
In the Bedouin culture, only women are allowed to minister to the women. Project will be working with Bedouin women and CBF field personnel Chaouki and Maha Boulos. Visit www.wmunc.org.
NC Baptist Men
Cuba, Canada, Sri Lanka, Ukraine, Honduras, Lebanon: teams all summer doing construction, sports camps, VBS, backyard bible clubs and evangelism. Go to www.ncmissions.org for more info.
MissionsConnect
MissionsConnect is a prepackaged mission trip with lodging, meals, staff on site, and in the evening, a more emerging worship experience.
Ministry projects and mission sites include Construction projects, Sports/ Recreation Camps, Children’s Clubs, Community Ministries, and Creative Arts.
Belize
Spring Break or Summer with cave tubing and snorkeling College project - May 23-30
Birmingham, AL
Construction
Buffalo, NY
June or July weeks - Niagra Falls
Chicago, IL or East Saint Louis, IL
July - construction, community service, Christian Activity Center
New York, NY
July - Albany Housing VBS
Norfolk, VA
Construction, community service and children’s projects
Puerto Rico
Spring break or summer - construction
Savannah, GA
Construction
West Memphis, AR
Construction
If you have another city your group is called to serve, we can assist you.
Contact: MissionsConnect, 866-4122669 or info@missionsconnect.com or visit www.missionsconnect.com.
Passport Camp - Children/Youth
Passport is a CBF partner organization that combines aspects of youth camp and mission trip, offering teenagers a week of intentional Bible study and hands-on mission projects in locations across the United States.
Contact: call (800)769-0210 or visit www.passportcamps.org
by Ben and Leonora Newell, CBF Field Personnel, Helena, AR
Business as Mission, or BAM for short, is a relatively new mission strategy within CBF that places spiritual and physical emphasis on telling, teaching, and living the Gospel message in the workplace. BAM practitioners see the workplace as the logical mission field where most employees spend over 50% of their awake time.
Delta Jewels is a BAM ministry based in Helena, AR operating through Together for Hope’s (TFH) rural poverty initiative and Open Hand Enterprises (OHE), TFH’s Christian Economic Development initiative. Through this unique partnership Delta Jewels has become one of the first BAM projects in the OHE initiative. Delta Jewels is a jewelry co-op run and operated by 10 young girls and 5 adult mentors. These young girls range in age from 9-18 years. These girls and adult mentors were trained in jewelry making by Wanda Kidd, CBFNC College Ministry Consultant, in May 2008. Wanda wears several hats in the partnership by buying beads and stones and production supplies for Delta Jewels and two other jewelry co-ops that have been formed in Kentucky (Gorgeous Gals) and Homestead, FL (Tropical Treasures).
After receiving training from Wanda Kidd, Delta Jewels girls were presented with a goal to produce 250 earrings for CBF’s General Assembly in Memphis, TN. With the help of mentors and some volunteers, the quota was met and we sold out! What a boost for our girls. They received their first paycheck as a result from their diligent work. This gave them the face of the verse in Proverbs 4:10 “Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.”
Now, the girls work twice a week in an atmosphere that allows them to experience important work ethic and skills (how to keep a job, quality control, production, money management), develop friendships and work through the tensions generated in a normal work place and teenage life. This teaches them life skills that will equip them to be more successful in the workplace and society. In an atmosphere of grace and functioning on gospel principles and discipleship, Delta Jewels co-op helps our teens to develop a deep relationship with the mentors and experience the gospel and God’s grace. Girls and mentors have shared their shortcomings and experiences within the group and are being transformed spiritually and emotionally. Some now go to church, others have started their relationship with their maker and others are still in discovery mode.
The Delta Jewels girls make earrings, bracelets, and necklaces from
high quality beads and stones with sterling silver and gold findings. The earrings cost $10/set with $5 going directly to the girl who designed and made the earring. Then they tithe 10% or $.50/earring set to a common money pool where the girls determine on a bi-yearly basis what and where their tithe pool will be used. The other $5 per earring set goes to paying all of the other costs of production, sales and start-up costs for new co-ops. The operation is a non-profit endeavor with all revenue going to covering costs. However, in the future, Delta Jewels and the other co-ops within the TFH network hope to make these BAM businesses into legitimate, effective and profitable ministries.
Churches and individuals can help the Delta Jewels and their sister co-ops be successful and sustainable. You can be co-champions with Delta Jewels in your church, school, family, and business. We invite you to see and sell their jewelry as a way to help their ministry grow. We offer consignment options as well as straight sales options. If you are interested in helping with this BAM ministry, please contact Ben and Leonora Newell at 870-995-3518 or bnewell22@gmail.com.
We also invite all of you to become involved in developing other BAM businesses in the 20 poorest counties in the US. We especially need business startup ideas for teenage boys. If you have business skills, experience, and resources, we are eagerly awaiting your call to BAM ministries within TFH. Please contact Ben Newell right away so we can continue to make a difference in God’s Kingdom on earth through BAM businesses.
This article addresses one of the CBFNC Strategic Initiatives of wealth and poverty. CBFNC now has a Task Force on Wealth and Poverty. Its mission statement is “to encourage, develop and facilitate understanding and responses to wealth and poverty.” Be looking for future stories of how local churches are addressing these issues in their communities. Do you have an encouraging story to share? Contact Natalie Aho at naho@cbfnc.org or 888-822-1944.
Also, for churches that collect hunger offerings, CBFNC does have a Hunger Fund. Monies collected in this fund will be given to local churches and regional networks to use to address local community hunger needs. If you would like to contribute, send your check made out to CBFNC and designate ‘NC Hunger Fund.’
Learn more about our wealth and poverty initiative at www.cbfnc.org.
CBFNC collegiate ministry welcomes college students to the first ever Mid-Winter College Retreat at Camp Mundo Vista in Asheboro, NC
February 7-8, 2009
The Retreat begins with lunch on Saturday and concludes with worship Sunday morning.
Keynote speaker is Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove: a Christian Activist living in Durham, NC and Associate Pastor, St. John’s Baptist Church.
The focus of the retreat will be on why and how we integrate Christ’s calling with our giftedness and a response to the needs that surround us all.
Cost for the event $35 (includes 3 meals and lodging). Register as a group or individually at www.cbfnc.org.
March 27-29, 2009
The Eastern NC Missions Initiative was postponed due to rain. Join us on this rescheduled date in Halifax, Warren and Vance Counties.
More details and registration available on our website, www.cbfnc.org. Register by February 27.
Several one-day marriage workshops will be held across our state, facilitated by Dr. Joey Faucette Joey was pastor of FBC of Forest City, NC before being called to pastor FBC of Danville, VA. He now heads up Listen to Life (www.listentolife.com).
These workshops will cover conflict styles, personality traits and preferences, marital communication and other relevant issues.
Dates and places confirmed thus far include: January 31, Snyder Memorial BC, Fayetteville
February 7, Oakmont BC, Greenville
February 21, FBC, Wilmington
February 28, Woodhaven BC, Apex May 2, FBC, Hickory
More dates and locations will be added to our website as they are confirmed.
Register at www.cbfnc.org.
Compiled by Jack Causey, Ministerial Resources Coordinator
Our encouragement and support go to the following ministers who have recently moved:
James P. (Jimmy) Brown is the Pastor at First Baptist Church, Carolina Beach.
Mike Clements has been called as the Associate Pastor of the Jonesboro Heights Baptist Church, Sanford.
Jeff Futrell has been called as the Pastor of the Bullock Baptist Church, Bullock.
Jeff Prince has been called as the Minister of Youth and Family Life of the First Baptist Church, Morganton.
Lisa Williams has been called as the Associate Pastor for Faith Development of the First Baptist Church, Marion.
When you make a move or know of someone who has changed places of ministry, let us know at jcausey@cbfnc.org. For vocational placement or search committee requests, visit our vocations page on our website at www.cbfnc. org or call 336-759-3456 or 888-822-1944.
Youth Ski Retreat
Jan. 23-25 or Jan. 30 - Feb. 1, 2009
Winterplace, WV
Details at www.cbfnc.org. Register with CTI at 800-285-7273.
Marriage Enrichment
January 31, Fayetteville
February 7, Greenville
February 21, Wilmington
February 28, Apex
May 2, Hickory
See page 11. Registration and details at www.cbfnc.org.
Mid-Winter College Retreat
February 7-8, 2009
Camp Mundo Vista, Asheboro, NC
See page 11. Registration and details at www.cbfnc.org.
New Baptist Century Convocation
February 9, 2009
First Baptist Church, Greensboro
See page 3. Registration and details at www.cbfnc.org.
Staff Ministers’ Retreat
February 16-19, 2009
Myrtle Beach, SC
Details and registration at www.cbfnc. org. Register by January 23, 2009.
Children’s Choir Festival
February 21, 2009
First Baptist Church, High Point
Details, repertoire, and registration at www.cbfnc.org.
Register by February 3, 2009.
Adult Spiritual Formation Retreat
March 6-8, 2009
Caraway Retreat Center, Asheboro
Details at www.cbfnc.org.
Youth Choir Festival
March 13-14, 2009
First Baptist Church, Greensboro
Details, repertoire, and registration at www.cbfnc.org.
Register by February 20, 2009.
CBFNC General Assembly
March 20-21, 2009
Snyder Memorial Baptist Church, Fayetteville, NC
See page 7. Details and registration at www.cbfnc.org.
Missions Initiative Rain Date
March 27-29, 2009
Halifax, Warren and Vance Counties
Details and registration at www.cbfnc. org.
Youth Spring Mission Weekends
March 27-29, 2009 - Raleigh
April 24-26, 2009 - Asheville
More information coming soon to www. cbfnc.org.
Regional New Baptist Covenant Meeting
April 23-25, 2009
Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem
See page 2. Details at www. newbaptistcovenantse.org.
The Gathering is published six times a year. All questions may be directed to Natalie Aho, 888-822-1944 or naho@cbfnc.org. For story submissions, contact Natalie Aho for requirements and newsletter deadlines.
Bringing Baptists of North Carolina Together for Christ-Centered Ministry
8025 North Point Blvd., Suite 205 Winston-Salem, NC 27106
888-822-1944 www.cbfnc.org Return Service Requested
WINSTON-SALEM PERMIT NO. 162