Gathering
My Visit to the White House
by Larry Hovis, CBFNC Executive Coordinator
In late January of this year, I received a phone call from Robert Parham, executive director of the Baptist Center for Ethics, informing me of plans underway for a delegation of “Goodwill Baptist” (Parham’s umbrella term for CBF and other Baptist groups that desire to be known what we are for, rather than what we are against, and who seek to share goodwill with our neighbors) leaders to meet with White House officials in our nation’s capital on March 7, 2012.
The Agenda
Our visit was arranged, coordinated and led by Paul Monteiro, Associate Director of the Office of Public Engagement. Our meeting resulted from the cultivation of a relationship between Monteiro and Ricky Creech, executive director of the District of Columbia Baptist Convention. After opening words from Creech, Parham and Monteiro, the bulk of our three-hour block of time followed a common sequence. First, we were “briefed” by a representative of numerous Administration offices or departments who work on issues Monteiro believed would be of interest to Baptist leaders. After these presentations, our group was given a few minutes to ask questions or make comments. Then another Administration official would come in and the cycle would repeat itself. The ratio of our listening to the officials to our responding to the officials was about 3:1, so only a small minority of our group had a chance to speak.
persons in their respective offices or departments who had responsibilities for relating to faith-based communities. A powerful moment for me came when, after the briefing on immigration, Parham presented Felicia Escobar, Senior Policy Advisor, with a copy of the new Common English Bible, which translates the Hebrew word, “ger,” as immigrant (other versions of the Bible use words like alien, foreigner, sojourner or stranger).
Conclusions
First, not only is a visit to the “White House” not a visit to where the First Family lives, it rarely includes the President of the United States (he was in North Carolina that day).
Second, the Obama administration, building on the groundwork laid by the Bush administration, is taking very seriously their engagement with faith-based communities. The White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships coordinates 12 Federal Centers for Faith-based and Community Initiatives, which forms partnerships between a federal agency and faith-based and neighborhood organizations to advance specific goals, connecting that agency to the community at the most grassroots level.
Third, while it was somewhat disappointing that our exchange focused more on programs rather than policies, and we had little opportunity to address the moral or social aspects of issues important to our Baptist faith communities, the presentations did help us learn about specific ways the federal government is trying to address real human needs that are critical to our communities.
Fourth, our visit to the White House put a human face on our federal government. Before, government “bureaucrats” were nameless, faceless functionaries with whom I had no relationship, and I would never have thought to contact them. Now, I see them as real people who have a real desire to serve others. I would not hesitate to contact the officials we met or others like them, to solicit their help or share my opinions about important issues. We were given contact information for all those we encountered, and upon returning from my trip, I visited the White House website to learn more about the various agencies and those who staff them. Now, I will definitely communicate with the appropriate White House offices if the need arises.
The topics on which we were briefed included human trafficking, the environment, the Hispanic community, consumer financial protection, immigration, emergency disaster response, and the mortgage crisis. Many of those making presentations were the
Finally, as a firm believer in the separation of church and state, I am still somewhat uncomfortable relating to government officials, especially political appointees. However (and my “duplicity radar” was on full power), I never felt as if those who spoke to us were being disingenuous or using us for political advantage. They all seemed to be genuine public servants with a sincere desire to make a positive difference in our nation and world.
If nothing else, after visiting the highest levels of the greatest kingdom on earth, I’m in a much better position to pray not only for these specific leaders, but also to pray as Jesus instructed, “Thy Kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Summary of Individual Contributors January-December 2011
NAME
While churches contribute about 98% of the financial resources required to fund the missions and ministries of CBFNC, individual contributors are a vital component of our financial stewardship. We are grateful to these individual donors for their support of CBFNC during our calendar year ending March 31, 2012.
At the General Assembly in Raleigh, a campaign to increase the number of individual contributors was announced. Called the 20/20 Campaign, its purpose is to celebrate the first twenty years of our history and invest in the next twenty years. For more information, visit our website, www.cbfnc.org.
Larry Hovis
CBFNC Executive Coordinator
CITY/STATE
C. Wallace and Barbara Aman Roanoke Rapids
Janet and William Anderson Arden
Marvel Baker Raleigh
J D. and Margaret Baldree Shelby
Laura Barclay and Ryan Eller Winston Salem
Emory Bass Huntersville
Deborah and Dean Baughn Rutherfordton
Alma and Javier Benitez Pittsboro
David and Mavis Bissette Winston Salem
Donna and Steve Bissette Clemmons
Erskine Blankenship Beaufort
Ken and Gail Boaz Winston Salem
Tom and Betty Bodkin Raleigh
Dorothy Bowers Eden
Laura and Tommy Bratton Fairview
Melba Bridges Rutherfordton
Martha and Tom Bryson Charlotte
Charles and Grace Bullard Asheboro
Warner and Roberta Bumgardner Wadesboro
Linden and Alice Burch Lake Junaluska
Don and Mary Byrd Mount Airy
Tommie and James Calhoun Durham
Jack and Mary Lib Causey Statesville
James and Elizabeth Clark Hendersonville
Susan Clark Apex
Marie and Homer Clontz Horse Shoe
Austin and Betty Connors Raleigh
Richard Cook Raleigh
Corbin and Joann Cooper Ocean Isle Beach
Lynne Cullins Apex
Elizabeth and Mark Edwards Nashville
Jane and Richard Eskew Winston Salem
Johnnie Evans Morrisville
Steve and Barbara Everhart Wilmington
Sue Fitzgerald Winston Salem
Marie and Steve Fox Four Oaks
Scott Freese Pfafftown
James and Ruth Garrison Arden
Jack and Ruby Gentry Clemmons
Norman Gimpel Lake Worth, FL
Shannon and David Hall Mebane
Pat and Tommy Hardin Spindale
John and Kathryn Harris Rose Hill
Cathy and Bill Hartsell Charlotte
Fletcher and Doris Hartsell Concord
David and Vanessa Hawes Fair Bluff
James and Linda Henson Albemarle
Herman Hicks Morganton
Kay and Earl Hill Greenville
Brenda Hipp Thomasville
Don and Jo Ann Horton Zebulon
Larry and Kim Hovis Pfafftown
Jesse and Lindsay Hunt Ft. Drum, NY
John Hunt Boiling Springs
Rebecca J. Husband-Maynard and Mark Maynard Elkin
Craig and Jennifer Janney Murfreesboro
Bob and Elaine Jeffcoat Durham
Julia Johnson Durham
Linda and Joseph Jones Clemmons
Rick and Susan Jordan Lewisville
Larry and Ann Keeter Boone
Luther and Carolyn Kimrey Laurinburg
Elissa Kincaid Hickory
Bob and Rhea Lamb Shelby
Mable Laney Burlington
Bill and Crystal Leathers Winston Salem
Dianne and Van Lewis Farmville
Steve and Alice Little Marion
Steve Loftis Asheville
Bill and Marie Mason Wingate
Patrick Mauney Shelby
Marcia McQueen Eden
Jean and Gene Millsaps Mooresville
Catherine Moore Pendleton
Tim Moore and Magay Shepherd Charlotte
Wendell Murphy Rose Hill
Bill and Mary Myers West End
Russell and Nancy Myers Albemarle
Dee Dee Oakey Gates
Lynn and Dave Odom Durham
Esther and Tim Parker Raleigh
Betty and Carson Pittman State Road
Julia Pittman Dade City, FL
Mary Lou Ragan Fuquay Varina
Mark Reece Elkin
Cal and Cathy Robertson Shelby
Joanne Sanders Burlington
Carmen and Carroll Sasser Raleigh
Milton and Joan Sewell Mount Airy
Shirley Shelburne Lillington
Martha and Wilbert Simmons Chapel Hill
Bobbye Smith Yadkinville
Sylvia Smith Gates
Susan Stanley Greensboro
Bertie and Richard Starr Mount Airy
Doris Stocks High Point
Erica Stratton Wilmington
Terri and Dave Stratton Fuquay Varina
Jim and Marion Summerville Chapel Hill
Charles and Ellen Tabor Winston Salem
Susan and Michael Taylor Chapel Hill
Angela and David Vess Cary
Tonya and Jeffrey Vickery Cullowhee
Bob and Betty Wainwright Oxford
Johnnie Wallace Charlotte
Candace and Dick Wilson Raleigh
Linda Winslow Jamestown
Robert and Edith Wood Lillington
Doris Yates Winston Salem
Wagner Agape Ministries Mc Leansville, VA
Western NC Baptist Network Asheville
NC Baptist Foundation Endowment Fund:
Blanche Wall and William A. Brown
Hannah and Frank D. Hills
Mary W. Brown
Lynn Camp Odom
H.Manly Hocutt
Take Action to Bring about Christian Unity
by Steve DeVane
Fellowship Baptists in North Carolina were challenged to pray for and take action to bring about Christian unity March 23-24, 2012.
About 1,150 people attended the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina’s General Assembly at Trinity Baptist Church in Raleigh. The theme, based on John 17:21, was “The Heart of Jesus: That they all may be one.”
Neville Callam, the general secretary of the Baptist World Alliance brought the message during both worship services. The event also featured 76 workshops on various ministry and missions topics. Nine “meet-up gatherings” focused on ministry topics such as life crises, older adults, children, youth, deacons and racial reconciliation.
Those attending the assembly also celebrated CBFNC’s ministry efforts over the past year and adopted a 2012-13 budget of $1.55 million, about 2.84% less than the previous year.
An offering of $9,174.05 was collected to help build a school and community center in Santa Elena, Belize.
During the worship service Friday evening, Callam presented a call for Christians to pray for unity and to live it out in the world. Jesus’ prayer in John 17 shows how the “divine communion” between the Father and Son provides a pattern for believers to imitate and follow.
“Christians are united in one glorious communion of love,” Callam said. Those who follow Christ are called to make that unity visible to the world, he said.
Callam said disunity among Christians is a poor example to the world.
“Have we not scandalized the name of Christ?” he said. “We have brought the name of our Lord into disrepute.” Division among Christians can be found among ethnicity, race, gender, social status and wealth, Callam said. “Have we not enthroned our divisions on thrones we have erected from idols we have made?” he said. “A divided community of believers is out of step with the prayer of the Lord Jesus.”
Callam said that if Christians are to take seriously Jesus’ call to unity, they must repent. “God bless you if you do,” he said. “God help you if you don’t.”
Callam called on Fellowship Baptists to become people who fervently pray for unity during the Saturday morning worship service. “What is prayer?” he said. “Is it not a search for the will and mind of God?”
Christians should pray for the strength to right wrongs by taking corrective action, Callam said.
“We can pray, and because of this, we can find the will to take action,” he said.
Callam said that action will show faith to a waiting but skeptical world. “We need to understand the centrality of prayer,” he said.
Earlier in the service, three pastors presented testimonies of celebration. Terry Henderson, pastor of Unity Christian Church International in Fayetteville, talked about how CBFNC is helping his church reach a diverse community in the military town.
Hector Villaneuva, pastor of Iglesia Bautista la Roca in Siler City,
told how Fellowship Baptists in North Carolina supported him when he was arrested and nearly deported. He said he was terrified.
“We found in North Carolina we were a family of unity,” he said. “When they took me away, CBF showed me what unity is all about.”
Mike Queen, retired pastor of First Baptist Church in Wilmington, talked about how he became friends with a fundamentalist pastor in the city.
“We don’t agree on a whole lot of things, but he’s my brother and I’m his brother,” Queen said. “Wouldn’t it be great if we were all reconciled?”
During the Friday evening worship service, Randy McKinney, pastor of Longview Baptist Church in Raleigh, talked about a fire that burned the church building at The Memorial Baptist Church in Greenville when he was pastor there.
Church members met outside the burned building on Sunday morning, just hours after the flames had been extinguished. Members of a nearby black congregation arrived to cry and pray with the congregation, he said.
McKinney said the pastor of the black church said, “This didn’t just happen to your church, it happened to the body of Christ, and that is why we are here.”
The meeting was joyous, but McKinney said he later felt sorrow.
“Does it take a tragedy in order for the body of Christ to be one?” he said. “Had the shoe been on the other foot, would we have done the same?”
Photos by Steve DeVane and Gene Millsaps.
2012 Divinity Student Experience — We’ve Got a Hope and a Future!
by Nathan Rice, CBFNC Intern
Ministers on the Move
Compiled by Jack Causey, Ministerial Resources Coordinator
Our encouragement and support go to the following ministers who have recently moved:
Daniel Pittman has been called as Pastor of Parkwood Baptist Church in High Point.
Brunswick Island Baptist Church in Supply has called Rudra Ramphal as Pastor.
Sharon Baptist Church in Smithfield has called Charity Roberson as Pastor.
Jeremy Pachard has been called as Minister of Students for the Temple Baptist Church in Raleigh.
First Baptist Church of Mocksville has called Doug Biggerstaff as Associate Pastor.
Nathan Pruett has been called as Pastor at Grace Baptist Church of Asheville.
First Baptist Church of Maiden has called Edward “Eddie” Andrews as pastor.
Kyle Bauman has been called as Minister of Discipleship for Durham Memorial Baptist Church in Durham.
Heather Hovey is now serving the Temple Baptist Church of Durham as minister to children and families.
First Baptist Church of Sylva has called Jeff Mathis as pastor.
Calvary Baptist Church of Asheville has called Jeff Harris as pastor.
Cody Brinkley has been called as pastor of Reynoldson Baptist Church in Gates.
Connaritsa Baptist Church in Aulander has called Jimmy Smith to serve as pastor.
Just past the red balloons, down the stairs, and through the doors of the “Underground” at Trinity Baptist Church in Raleigh, hearty conversations were brewing. For the second straight year, CBFNC funded the “Divinity Student Experience,” an activity inviting students from the four partner schools, to attend the annual General Assembly with complimentary lodging, transportation (via gas cards), food, and of course fellowship. This year nearly 70 divinity students attended, sharing two intentional and informa tive meals together. Friday and Saturday lunches provided experiential bookends for the students, with the Assembly filling the space between.
Friday’s lunch was coupled with conversations about meeting new colleagues and opportunities for participation in the greater network of the Fellowship. Students were introduced to CBFNC’s Larry Hovis, Ka’thy Gore Chappell, and Rick Jordan, as well as members of the newlyformed Divinity Student Fellowship Task Force. Excitement from the lunch spilled over into the afternoon’s workshop sessions, during which the rich voices of divinity students colored the vibrant conversations happening all over Trinity’s campus. On Friday evening, several divinity students assisted in worship as ushers, collecting the offering and participating in the service’s closing ritual.
When you make a move or know of someone who has changed places of ministry, let us know at jcausey@cbfnc.org. For assistance to search committees and ministers seeking vocational discernment, visit our reference and referral page on our website at www.cbfnc.org or call 336-759-3456.
Divinity School Experience
Friday night’s college basketball games were no match for the students, who were back at it early on Saturday morning. Moderator Donna Bissette acknowledged the students’ presence during her welcoming comments for the worship service. Following the service, the students met with Ka’thy Gore Chappell, who made the announcement that next year’s General Assembly will include a workshop led by divinity students and offered to the entire CBFNC body. Wake Forest University School of Divinity student and Task Force member Laura Foley then led the students through a conversation of possible topics for next year ’s workshop, to be organized by the Task Force. Be on the lookout for more news about this exciting session.
Thematically, The Heart of Jesus: That They All May Be One permeated Divinity Student Experience. A diverse body of students from multiple schools came together once again to participate in intentional and constructive fellowship. Concerning the presence of these unique student voices in the greater CBFNC conversation, Rick Jordan best summarized the power of unity and diversity, embodied in the 2012 Divinity Student Experience, in his post-Assembly Facebook status update: “One of the best ever CBFNC General Assemblies! ... So many divinity school students, young adults and babies (and babies coming soon).
We’ve got a hope and a future!” The culmination of CBFNC’s dedication to leadership development and the empowerment of divinity students continue to make these possibilities realities. “We’ve got a hope and a future,” indeed!
CBFNC 2012 General Assembly
conference highlights
n Mike Queen will interview five churches that implemented and benefitted from lessons learned at Hopeful Imagination.
n Several congregations will lead workshops telling their unique stories of transformation and their missional journeys of renewal and revitalization.
n topical workshops
Will Your Congregation Still Exist 10 Years from Now?
George Bullard
Approaching Worship Change as a Positive and Unifying Force
Al Cadenhead and Cary Cannon
Discerning the Movement of the Holy Spirit in Your Church
Jayne Davis
Curious Conversations for God’s Unique People
Chris Gambill
When Change is Needed But Not Wanted
Eddie Hammett
When the Church is the Church for the Community
David Crocker
From Fuzzy to Clear: The Impact of Clear Identity
Beth Kennett
The Creativity of Leadership Bo Prosser
Congregational Governance and Leadership for Impacting Tomorrow
Larry Hovis
The Wonder Years: Divinity School Student Dialogue
Ka’thy Gore Chappel
Aligning Ministry with People Who Actually Live in Our Context
Chuck Salter
Desired Impact for Participating Churches includes: Rediscovering focus and mission; Celebrating successes in ministry; Networking with like-minded churches and leaders from the southeast and a variety of denominations; Inspiring leaders to press forward; and Discovering next steps and capture learnings from those at various stages of the missional journey. For more information or to register, visit www.cbfnc.org.
Now all glory to God, who is able...to accomplish in nitely more than we might ask or think. Eph. 3:20
General Assembly
June 20-23 // Fort Worth, Texas
Why come to this year’s Assembly?
Witness Daniel Vestal’s nal sermon as CBF’s Executive Coordinator.
Embrace your opportunity to shape CBF’s future as 2012 Task Force report is presented.
Enjoy music of singer/songwriter Carrie Newcomer in a free concert.
Tired of xin’ church? Ready to nd a way to move forward in these challenging times? Leadership Institute is for you.
Got questions about your faith journey? Pray and ask at The Questions God Asks prayer retreat.
One word - fellowship. You can’t get that sitting at home. Come network and mingle. You never know who you might meet.
Need inspiration? There’s nothing like sending new eld personnel to mission elds of our world during the Global Missions Commissioning Service
Plus dynamic worship, innovative workshops and so much more!
Peer Learning Groups — Support and Encouragement in our Journey
by Ka’thy Chappell Gore, CBFNC Leadership Development Coordinator
Throughout my 25 years of vocational ministry, I’ve always sought and participated in some expression of a peer learning group. In the early years, out of necessity and sometimes desperation, I enlisted other ministers in my area for monthly encounters involving sharing of highs and lows, troubleshooting, prayer and support, laughing, crying, physical exercise (there was the volleyball group in Richmond), and just general all-around fellowship. Occasionally, my groups have enlisted an outside coach or facilitator, either to share in their expertise or to facilitate our peer learning. In every case, these groups have been valuable, enriching, life-giving, and sometimes life- and ministry-saving.
Peer learning for pastors provides a support system, encouragement and hope through the shared stories of pastors who are on the front line of ministry. Leading Churches Through Times of Transition is a group of 10 pastors from similar settings who are stretching into new leadership models, new ways of learning and organizing staff and lay leadership for more effective ministry.
We share powerful learnings from experiences, readings, conferences ... always asking “Where is God in all this and what is God teaching?” The coach approach provides the catalysts for group learning and action plans that move the leader and church to the next level. What fun!
Eddie Hammett, CBFNC Church & Clergy Coach
In this article, you have heard from Larry Hovis and Eddie Hammett about the variety of forms that peer learning groups can take. From conversation and relationship building to conflict management and prayer support ... from educational enrichment through guided readings to recreation and physical exercise ... from peer-led groups to coach or retreat leader facilitated, peer learning groups provide ministerial self-care and promote health congregations. If you want to learn more about CBF/CBFNC PLGs (including application for funding), please review the information below.
CBF takes seriously the need and value of peer groups. While we affirm those who have the initiative and opportunity to create groups for themselves, CBF has for several years provided a structure and funding to encourage the creation of new peer groups. CBFNC is ready to take this ministry to the next level by not only encouraging the creation of even more peer groups, but also launching some groups that come together around a topic of interest whose shared learning is facilitated by a trained coach. Regardless of the approach (informal or formal, peer-led or coachfacilitated, CBF-sponsored or not), find a peer group. You’ll be giving a gift to yourself, your church, your family, and the Kingdom.
Larry Hovis CBFNC Executive Coordinator
Peer learning groups meet monthly to provide opportunities for worship, spiritual growth, Bible study, discussion of ministry-related issues, and fellowship. Currently, there are more than 130 peer learning groups of 6-12 members sponsored in some way through the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s Missional Congregations initiative. Special interest is given to ministers in their first seven years of ministry, ministers in rural settings, and ministers in multi-staff congregations.
Each group is led by a trained convener and suggested resources for group work related to promoting pastoral excellence and congregational health are provided through CBF. The convener and group members determine the focus of each month’s gathering. New groups are being formed and additional members are welcome in previously formed groups. Groups are located throughout the United States and organized into three main geographic regions. Layne Smith is the coordinator for ministers in the NC region.
Limited funds are available from national CBF to help support group formation and resourcing. For information on currently meeting group, application content, and deadlines, visit the national CBF PLG website. For additional information regarding joining a current group or forming a new group contact, Steve Graham, Director of Director of Leadership for Missional Congregations (sgraham@thefellowship.info or 770-220-1675). CBFNC offers matching funds to those groups in North Carolina who are funded by the national CBF office.
One of our newly formed (and funded) CBF/CBFNC Peer Learning Groups was initiated by Jayne Davis, Minister of Spiritual Formation at First, Wilmington. She writes “Our peer learning group is having a great time getting to know one another and we look forward to the support and encouragement that these relationships will continue to provide as we journey together.”
Ka’thy Gore Chappell, CBFNC Leadership Development Coordinator
A Bag Full of Gold Each Week
When First, Mooresville, started their Backpack Meals Ministry in 2010, two churches provided six weekend meals to sixty children. When school started this past August, there were five churches feeding more than 100 children in seven schools. This week, the five churches will be providing weekend meals to 150 children, and are now providing more than 3,300 meals to these children each month! This ministry is also providing hygiene kits, school supplies, warm hats scarves and gloves at Christmas and valentines to pass out in February.
“God has been good and people from all over Mooresville are providing financial support for this ministry. We will be conducting two simultaneous food drives in March. So, again, I say thanks to the CBFNC for the Local Mission Engagement grant
New Contributing CBFNC Partner
Churches (As of April 9, 2012)
Centro Familiar Cristiano, Siler City
Emerywood, High Point
First, Waynesville (New MRP Contributor)
First Wilson (New MRP Contributor)
Mosaic of Clayton, Smithfield
Ogden Baptist Church, Wilmington (New MRP contributor)
Woodhaven, Apex (New MRP contributor)
*Mission Resource Plan - visit www.CBFNC.org
CBF Global Missions Field Personnel Off-Field Assignments in Our Area
Lita and Rick Sample
Raleigh from July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012
Lsample@thefellowship.info or Rsample@thefellowship.info
Coordinator Visits February-March 2012
First, Burnsville
First, Drexel
First, Greensboro
First, Mocksville
First, North Wilkesboro
Hominy, Candler
Loray, Gastonia
Millbrook, Raleigh
Olyphic, Tabor City
Trinity, Raleigh
United, Winston-Salem
by Linda Jones, CBFNC Missions Coordinator
supporting this vital ministry,” says John Saunders, Sr. Associate Pastor to Seniors and lead coordinator of the Backpack Meals Ministry.
From the
School Counselors….
The Back Pack Meals Ministry has been extremely helpful to many of the needy families at our school. We currently have fifteen students who receive these backpacks. The students look forward to receiving these backpacks each Friday. The truth of the matter is that these students would most likely go hungry each weekend without their weekly food backpacks.
For many of us, it is easy to take for granted having food to eat for each meal.
The reality is that many go hungry each and every day. The Backpack Meals Ministry is truly a wonderful program led by area churches seeking to serve the needy in our community. We are so grateful for the time and effort that the volunteers put into this program. It has truly made a difference in the lives of our children and their families. — Tracey from Rocky River Elementary
Know that our children LOVE getting these backpacks! They always ask me, ‘When do we get our backpacks? Do we get them today?’ They are always so excited to look inside to see what is in the bag, and to see the joy they experience from getting this backpack of food is truly heartwarming. You would think these children were getting a bag full of gold each week. On behalf of the Park View family, I would like to say a huge thank you to all who make these backpacks possible for our children. You are truly making a huge difference in these children’s lives. — Lindsay from Park View Elementary
From the Parents…
My family is so grateful and loves the food backpacks. Wish it would go by number of children in home. Thanks a lot for all you do.
It helps out greatly. It has been a “God” send! I just think more fruits and veggies should be given.
The food has been very helpful. The variety of food is great! My child would like to maybe get some rice as well. Thanks for the generosity.
The backpacks are a wonderful idea. My child loves everything that has been put into it lately. Please continue to send it home.
A new year has started for the Local Mission Engagement Grant, April 1 - July 31, 2012. We can’t wait to see the difference it makes.
The Local Mission Engagement Grant seeks to foster cooperation between local churches and humanitarian organizations for the purpose of missional engagement in a local context. Partnership is required with community organizations and other churches of any denomination. Funding of up to $2,000 may be provided for each project based on the fulfillment of this purpose and the availability of funds at the time of request. Application for the grant can be found at www.cbfnc.org.
The Gathering
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
Ka’thy Gore Chappell Leadership Development Coordinator. KChappell@cbfnc.org
Rick Jordan ............ Church Resources Coordinator ......... RJordan@cbfnc.org
Linda Jones ............ Missions Coordinator ..................... LJones@cbfnc.org
Jim Hylton Business Administration Coordinator JHylton@cbfnc.org
Jack Causey Ministerial Resources Coordinator JCausey@cbfnc.org
Laura Barclay Social Ministries Coordinator LBarclay@cbfnc.org
Regional Coordinators
Region 1 – Western: Gail Coulter 828.698.2385
Region 2 – Foothills: David Smith 828.758.8428
Region 3 – Triad: Bill Leathers ..................... 336.774.3975
Region 4 – South Central: Drag Kimrey .......... 910.276.8865
Coordinating Council
Donna Bissette, Winston-Salem, Moderator
Ray Ammons, Gastonia, Moderator-Elect
Steve Little, Marion, Past Moderator
Lisa Rust, Lumberton, Recorder
Mike Eddinger, Cary, Treasurer
Tommy Bratton, Asheville
David Hailey, Raleigh
Marion Horton, Knightdale
Rick Matthews, Winston-Salem
Martha McDowell, Laurinburg
Doug Murray, Wilson
Mike Queen, Greensboro
Susan Taylor, Chapel Hill
Endowment Management Board
Scott Hudgins, Winston-Salem
Judy LeCroy, Lexington
Bill McCullough, Youngsville
Gene Puckett, Raleigh
Candy Tennant, Chapel Hill
Wanda Kidd College Ministry Coordinator WKidd@cbfnc.org
Eddie Hammett ... Church and Clergy Coach EHammett@cbfnc.org
Javier Benitez ..... Hispanic Ministry Leader Coach .. Rocafuerte90@hotmail.com
Nancy Parks ....... Programs Manager .................. NParks@cbfnc.org
Sarah Mitchell Communications Manager SMitchell@cbfnc.org
Gail McAlister Financial Manager GMcalister@cbfnc.org
Allison Gallimore.. Administrative Assistant AGallimore@cbfnc.org
Region 5 – North Central: Virginia Taylor ........ 919.824.7890
Region 6 – Capital: Mack Thompson ............... 919.781.2229
Region 7 – Southeast: Mike Johnson 910.422.3387 Region 8 – Northeast: Jesse Croom 252.482.3908
Faith Formation Ministry Council
Allen Winters, Hillsborough, Chair
Stella Perrin, Taylorsville, Chair-Elect
Beth Cockman-Wood, Sanford
Bryan Harris, Smithfield
Beth Heffner, Rutherfordton
Brian Harrington, Liberty
Sandi Hood, Hickory
Tyler Roach, Morganton
Katie Fam Roscoe, Southern Pines
Sophia Steibel, Boiling Springs
Leadership Development Ministry Council
Scott Hovey, Durham, Chair
Layne Rogerson, Greenville, Chair-Elect
Dennis Atwood, Mount Olive
Ed Beddingfield, Fayetteville
Sarah Boberg, Red Springs
Rendell Hipps, Hickory
Matt Johnson, Belhaven
Shane Nixon, Mocksville
Mark Reece, Mount Airy
Nathan Rice, Greensboro
Missions Ministry Council
Kent Cranford, Gastonia, Chair
Len Keever, Dunn, Chair-Elect
Elba Benitez, Pittsboro
Everette Clark, Enka
Blake Dempsey, Nashville
George Fuller, Raleigh
Brandon Hudson, Winston-Salem
Andrea Dellinger Jones, Raleigh
Nate Leonard, Kannapolis
Linda Winslow, Jamestown
CBF National Council Members from NC
Darryl Aaron, Winston-Salem
Roger Gilbert, Mount Airy
Don Gordon, Durham Christopher Ingram, Elizabeth City
Glenn Phillips, Goldsboro
Alicia Porterfield, Wilmington
Blenda Price Sloniker, Hickory
Financial Report: January 2012 Contributions Undesignated - $182,267 Designated
888-822-1944
www.cbfnc.org
Return Service Requested
Upcoming Events ~ May/June Edition
Racial Reconciliation and the Body of Christ
May 3, 2012
Unity Christian Church International, Fayetteville
Best and Brightest:
A Service Learning Retreat
May 4-6, 2012
Lutheridge Conference Center, Asheville
Companerismo Cristiano Emanuel Hispanic Men’s Retreat
May 11-12, 2012
Camp Mundo Vista, Sophia
Impacting Tomorrow: Traditional Churches Finding Their Future in God’s Story
May 18-19, 2012
Providence, Charlotte
Companerismo Cristiano Emanuel Hispanic Family Retreat
June 1-2, 2012
Primera Iglesia Baptista de Sanford
New Church Start Academy
June 6-9, 2012
Campbell University Divinity School
CBF Fort Worth Sessions
June 18-23, 2012
Fort Worth, TX
CBF General Assembly
June 20-23, 2012
Fort Worth, TX
Companerismo Cristiano Emanuel
Hispanic Youth Retreat
June 22-24, 2012
Camp Caraway, Sophia
OASIS 2012 renew for the journey Church
Music Conference
July 16-18, 2012
Campbell University Divinity School
Youth Day at Emerald Point
July 26, 2012
Greensboro
SELAHvie
August 6-9, 2012
Youth Rafting Retreat
September 1-3, 2012
Youth Beach Retreat
September 21-23 2012
2012 Central NC Deacon/Spouse Conference
September 22, 2012
Mission Baptist Church, Locust
Elevating Preaching Conference
September 24, 2012
Gardner-Webb University School of Divinity
Welcome Lunch for New Ministers
September 25, 2012
CBFNC offices, Winston-Salem
Fellowship on the Move
October 7, 2012
First, Ahoskie
Fellowship on the Move
October 21, 2012
First, Waynesville
Children’s Mission Day
November 3, 2012
November 10, 2012
Fellowship on the Move
November 4, 2012
Peace Haven, Winston-Salem
2013 Youth Ski Retreat
January 25-27, 2013 Winterplace, WV
Collegiate Mid-Winter Retreat
January 26-27, 2013
Camp Mundo Vista, Sophia
Visit www.CBFNC.org to register and for more information. The Gathering is published six times a year. All questions may be directed to Sarah Mitchell, (336) 759-3456 or (888) 822-1944 or smitchell@cbfnc.org.
Campbell University Divinity School presents a Music and Worship Conference
July 16-18, 2012
Visit http://divinity.campbell.edu/Oasis/Home.aspx.