Pastors, Spouses Attend Spiritual Emphasis Weekend astors and their husbands or wives recently gathered at the Chesapeake Conference office in
P
Columbia, Md., for a weekend aimed at providing them with an opportunity for personal spiritual growth. While the regular meetings for pastors that occur throughout the year are filled with promoting new programs and caring for routine matters, this gathering was designed to afford pastors and their spouses the rare opportunity to get away on Sabbath for renewal and fellowship. S. Joseph Kidder, associate professor of Christian Ministry at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University (Mich.), was the featured speaker.
Ken Coleman, pastor of the Annapolis/Bell Branch district in Maryland, performs a song for the group.
Kidder focused on the life of a pastor with particular emphasis on prayer, forgiveness and personal worship—how to live in the presence of God. “It was fantastic, inspiring and renewing of my spirit … just right on—so practical, so relevant and so real,” said J. David Newman, senior pastor of the New Hope church in Fulton, Md. Kidder, who found Jesus as a youth in Baghdad, candidly shared his frustrations in ministry and how in his early years he became discouraged when his church did not grow. He told the group that when he shifted his focus to praying for the members, the church became vibrant, growing from 40 to 600 members. Plans are already underway for another spiritual emphasis meeting.
Hagerstown Block Party Draws Crowd ore than 250 local residents came to the block party held at the Hagerstown (Md.) church on a recent Sunday, reports Mary Ellen Kirk, who organized the event with fellow member Kathy Yates. The congregation had their first block party four years ago as a way to acquaint the community with Seventh-day Adventists, and it has
M
turned into an annual affair. This year 85 volunteers contributed to the success of the day. Such events create an atmosphere where people feel free to ask questions about religion in a nonthreatening environment, says Chris Holland, the church’s senior pastor. Tents lined the parking lot where visitors could have their blood pressure and blood sugar levels checked by medical personnel, get dental advice and enjoy free popcorn and hot dogs. Face painting, crafts and a turn in the moon bounce tent entertained the children. And guests had the opportunity to sign up for Bible studies and youth programs.
Hagerstown church member Christopher Steed (right) looks on as Steve Gatz, an experienced teacher and reptile expert, uses an array of live animals to teach kids about God. 32 | VI SI TOR
David Haluska makes balloon animals and hats for young visitors at the recent Hagerstown church block party.
The Challenge is published in the Visitor by the Chesapeake Conference 6600 Martin Road, Columbia, MD 21044 Phone: (410) 995-1910 ■ ccosda.org President, Rob Vandeman ■ Editor, Samantha Young