Capital Baptist Newsletter - June/July 2022

JUNE/JULY 2022

Juneteenth

TABLE OF CONTENTS District of Columbia

FEATURE

Baptist Convention

Connecting Care to the Local Church Juneteenth: Observing a Modern-Day Jubilee Judson Bible College: Equipping Saints as Ministers and Lay Leaders Another Racist Mass Shooting and Our Failure to Tend Jesus’ Sheep POINT/COUNTER POINT *Should the U.S. Flag be in the Santuary?  Yes to the U.S. Flag in the Sanctuary  No to the U.S. Flag in the Sanctuary Second Cohort of ABHMS Chaplaincy Certificate Program Celebrates Graduation

6

1628 16th Street NW Washington, DC 20009 202.265.1526 (office)

www.dcbaptist.org info@dcbaptist.org

8 12 16 18 19 20

Office of Executive Director/Minister Executive Director/Minister Trisha Miller Manarin, Ext. 214 Ministry Assistant Loretta Polite-Shipman, Ext. 213 Campus Ministries LeeAnn Carrera

24

Mental Health Coordinator

Jevon Billups

DCBC SPOTLIGHT DCBC Foundation The Way Forward Pivoting to Provide a Taste of Home ‘Living in the Exhale’: An Unexpected, Timely Treat Mental Health First Aid: Be the Difference DCBC Notables

27 28 30

32 33 36

IN EVERY ISSUE From the Desk of the DCBC President A Message from the Executive Director/Minister Church Mission Giving Calendar Capital Baptist Submission Guidelines

Capital Baptist Editor Sonia Myrick Office of Administration and Stewardship Chief Operations Officer Lashanor Doolittle, Ext. 203 Building Maintenance Saul Garcia, Ext. 212 Accounting and Administrative Specialist Fam SaeChao Chock, Ext. 206

3

JBCC Building Coordinator Robin Foulk, Ext. 215

4 39 40 42

Office of Public Relations and Outreach Minister of Public Relations and Outreach Kimberly A. Palmore-Ferguson, Ext. 208

FOLLOW US

ERT Coordinator James Barbour

June/July 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter

2

From the Desk of the DCBC President

The Gift of Time I pray the light and love of God is enveloping each of you.

It is hard to believe how quickly time is passing.

When I was younger, there was a poem about time by Henry Van Dyke that simply stated: Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity.

Our perception of time can be altered by our emotional state, but the reality of time cannot. It is constant. There are only 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour and only 24 hours in a day. Many of us would like to turn back the hand of time to something more familiar: a time when our churches were packed, our ministries thrived, and we weren’t exhausted, uncertain, or worried. However, our God insists that we move forward, pressing toward the mark of the high call.

Our responsibility is to use our time for the uplift of the Kingdom and the betterment of humanity. Dr. Benjamin Mays, a pioneering civil rights leader who was the president of Morehouse College during Martin Luther King Jr.’s education there and who delivered the eulogy at King’s funeral, said: I have only just a minute, only sixty seconds in it. Forced upon me, can’t refuse it. Didn’t seek it, didn’t choose it. But it’s up to me to use it. I must suffer if I lose it. Give account if I abuse it. Just a tiny little minute, but eternity is in it.

We are here for such a time as this and each minute counts. So, let us move in the direction of God together. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not promised, but the present is a gift.

Be Blessed. Be God’s.

Rev. Patricia H. Fears President of the DCBC Board of Directors

June/July 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter

3

A Message from the Executive Director/Minister

Light and Salt

DCBC, we have been called by God for such a time as this to be the light and salt Jesus said we are.

Light shines in the dark, illuminates the good, points out the bad and preserves life. Salt flavors the bland, heals the wound and preserves life — both can sting but also bring relief.

At a time like this, when we all remain heartbroken and stunned by the hatred taking lives in places like Uvalde, Texas; Alexandria, Virginia; Crofton, Maryland; Washington, D.C.; and Buffalo, New York, when, daily, we receive reports of violence near and far, when even Christians remain divided over issues of life, inclusion and rights, how can we fully be light and salt? DCBC offers prayers and action for victims of abuse and those suffering with mental health conditions.

The call is not easy, but it is one we must heed.

I’ve been re-reading Howard Thurman’s Jesus and the Disinherited alongside Cole Arthur Riley’s This Here Flesh, and I find myself enveloped with hope even in the struggle, reflective of salt and light. We have an opportunity as a Convention of covenanted congregations and individuals to truly work at knowing each other and ushering in the kin-dom of God here on Earth as it is in Heaven, but it will take getting to know each other — engaging in true fellowship.

Thurman writes in the Hate chapter of Jesus and the Disinherited: …it is clear that much of modern life is so impersonal that there is always opportunity for the seeds of hatred to grow unmolested. Where there are contacts devoid of genuine fellowship, such contacts stand in immediate candidacy for hatred.

These prophetic words ring loud in my ears, and I pray that we, DCBC, will pursue genuine fellowship and lean into Riley’s words, “…to bear the image of God in its fullness, we need each other.”

Joy and Grace,

Rev. Dr. Trisha Miller Manarin Executive Director/Minister

June/July 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter

4

women’s

2022

in-person at eagle eyrie in lynchburg, virginia Pick your dates:

November 4-5 or 5-6, 2022

CONNECTING CARE TO THE LOCAL CHURCH

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

T

— Philippians 3:14

he Church is called to be a therapeutic community, whose members are coming to terms with the brokenness and the goodness of life and where people may find acceptance, support and Christ’s word of healing.

In the context of political, economic, racial, gender and, most recently, global health disruptions, trauma has clearly emerged as a significant social justice issue.

In response to these realities and understandings, the 2022 Annual Gathering, the Convention’s 146th such gathering, will

present strategies for developing, implementing and evaluating effective mental health outcomes within the local church.

Throughout the Bible, we learn that God is a God of justice, and through the power of the Gospel, Christians are called to live in ways that reflect this justice. Despite a fractured society, the Church must embody the Gospel through the love and unity it demonstrates by providing healing across these divides. This year’s Annual Gathering will feature The Mental Health Social Justice

June/July 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter

6

Colloquium, spread over three days, to address various forms of trauma and healing, from the individual to the cultural and the collective, by providing tools to address the following: • Combining teaching and scholarship in support of specific curricula on mental health as a social justice issue.

• Providing opportunities for clergy to engage in scholarly conversation with recognized experts.

Inviting congregations to explore critically current issues of social justice in their historical, local and global contexts.

• Focusing on topics and issues uniquely significant to the diverse community of DCBC and to our constituent communities.

Following are a few of the sessions that will be available during this year’s AG: •

Pastors’ Convocation Master Class: Where Does the Preacher Go for Help Rev. Dr. C. Guy Robinson, Bishop of Mental Health Awareness Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International Rev. Dr. C. Guy Robinson is a bishop, pastor, educator, musician and mental health theologian with decades of experience in serving the Kingdom of God. He is Maryland State Bishop for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International and Pastor of the Tabernacle of the Lord Church in Baltimore, Maryland. He also serves as an adjunct professor/lecturer in the School of Social Work at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, specializing in critical analysis of the impact of spirituality and religious disciplines in the helping professions.

Lay Leaders’ Convocation Master Class: Connecting the Pew to the Power of Prayer Rev. Dr. Alice B Greene The Revolutionary Power of The Lord’s Prayer Judson Press Reverend Dr. Alice Greene is the former Interim Pastor of two DC Baptist Convention Congregations – Covenant Baptist UCC and Twinbrook Baptist Church. She also has served as Pastor of Irving Park Baptist Church in Chicago and Executive Minister at Shiloh Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. She is the immediate past president of the ABC-USA Ministers Council and is on the Board of Directors of ABC-USA Women in Ministry.

Mental Health First Aid Certificate Training Pastor Jevon Billups Certified Instructor Mental Health First Aid, USA Six-hour, instructor-led session (How to respond with the MHFA Action Plan in non-crisis and crisis situations, skills application and developing a self-care action plan for first aiders) Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis. In this Mental Health First Aid course, you learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help.

June/July 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter

7

JUNETEENTH: OBSERVING A MODERN-DAY JUBILEE

By Rev. Dr. Kip Banks, Sr.

Opal Lee, the “Grandmother of Juneteenth” (center),.her granddaughter Dionne Simms and Rev. Kip Banks at the White House Juneteenth bill signing ceremony, which was held on June 17, 2021. Photos courtesy of Kip Banks.

June/July 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter 8

I

was blessed to attend last year’s White foremost in their minds — a day when they House signing ceremony making would be free. A day when they could rejoice.

Juneteenth a national holiday. I was A day when they could return to their blessed to attend with my cousin Opal Lee the families.

“Grandmother of Juneteenth” who, at the age So, when General Granger Gordon rode of 93, walked all the way from Fort Worth, into Galveston and on June 19, 1865, Texas, to Washington, D.C., to make summoned the slaves together and made the Juneteenth a national holiday. announcement that they were free, it was a I was especially blessed to attend the day of Jubilee! It was a day of great rejoicing. ceremony because my ancestors were They shouted and screamed and danced and enslaved to Michael sang. On that day, many Menard, the founder of made their way to Galveston, Texas. They Galveston’s Reedy Chapel were religious folks, AME Church, and there, members of the First they gave thanks and praise African Baptist Church to God for giving them their (now Avenue L) founded in own personal day of jubilee.

1848. They were familiar Therefore, as we with and loved the biblical continue to reflect on narrative of Moses going Juneteenth becoming a down to Egypt to tell ol’ national holiday 157 years Pharaoh to let his people later, let us make it a time of go. They sang spirituals great rejoicing. Let us make like “Steal Away, Steal it a time to give thanks and Away to Jesus” and they Opal Lee, her granddaughter Dionne praise to God for setting were also acquainted with Simms, Vice President Kamala Harris African Americans and all the biblical concept of and others look on as President Biden people free! signs the bill making Juneteenth a Jubilee.

But not only should this federal holiday.

This concept, found in be an annual day of great Leviticus 25:10 says: “And ye shall hallow rejoicing, it should also be a day of the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty reimagining. On that day, my ancestors had throughout all the land unto all the to reimagine their lives. They had to shape a inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubilee unto new destiny, including as they did, changing you, and ye shall return every man unto his their name. In spite of the “happy slave” possession, and ye shall return every man narratives that we’re told, they hated slavery unto his family.” As you can imagine, this — a sentiment expressed in spirituals like biblical concept of Jubilee — a season of Oh Freedom, Oh freedom over me, freedom, joy, peace and justice — resonated before I’d be a slave, I’d lay buried in greatly with the African American slaves. It my grave and go home to my Lord and be has been said that this concept was always free.

June/July 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter

9

And so, as we begin a new week following the first Juneteenth observed as a federal holiday, let us also reimagine.

Let us advocate and urge federal lawmakers to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Restoration Act. Let us advocate at the federal, state and local level for a nation where resources are distributed equitably, and all people are treated fairly.

Finally, sadly, in too many places, we see vestiges of slavery. We saw it in last month’s massacre of 10 people in Buffalo, New York.

We see it in incessant racist microaggressions — daily acts of hatred and intolerance. We see it in the Confederate monuments and statues that still stand, and so Juneteenth should also be an annual day of repentance.

Can you imagine what it took for slavery to proliferate? It took the death of millions in

the middle passage. It took greed and racial hatred and spiritual wickedness in high places. Therefore, each year on Juneteenth, let us and our entire nation repent of all these things, and may we especially confront and seek to eradicate racism in all of its forms.

Juneteenth is a day of Jubilee. A day for us to repent, reimagine and most importantly rejoice, because great is the Lord and greatly to be praised!

Kip Banks Sr. is Pastor of the East Washington Heights Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., and a Juneteenth descendant.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC

June/July 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter 10

June/July 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter 11

JUDSON BIBLE COLLEGE: EQUIPPING SAINTS AS MINISTERS AND LAY LEADERS

By Thuam Cin Khai

Attendees of the Judson Bible College Mission Summit 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photos courtesy of Thuam Khai.

A

group of Burmese-speaking ministers and lay leaders met in 2008 for fellowship in different locations and organized a “Mission for Christ” taskforce. The aim of this taskforce was to start Bible-centered training to equip the saints as ministers and lay leaders among newly arriving refugees and asylum seekers from the Thailand border, Malaysia, and India. The Judson Education Center, aka Judson Bible College or JBC (formerly Burmese Bible School), which began in July 2008 in Syracuse, New York, was born out of those meetings.

Five years later, on July 14, 2013, the center was renamed in honor of the first American missionary couple — Adoniram and Anne Judson. They were sent to Burma to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, translate the Old and New Testament Holy Bible from Hebrew and Greek manuscripts to Burmese, and complete the English–Burmese–English Dictionary for the people of Myanmar. After July 2013, Judson Bible College was relocated from New York State to the State of Maryland, where it was registered as a not-for-profit with the Office of the Secretary.

June/July 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter

12

Judson Bible College exists to advance theological and cultural education among the diaspora from Myanmar here in the United States and those seeking refugee and asylum status in Thailand, Malaysia, and India.

Somehow, I was called to this taskforce from where I was in Thanlyin, Myanmar, and received an invitation by BILD International in August 2008, arriving in the United States on September 29, 2008. Two months later, I was asked by “Mission for Christ” to lead the taskforce. I accepted the offer and began as executive dean of the center on March 1, 2009, in partnership with the Wesleyan Church in Syracuse, New York. “Mission for Christ” disbanded about three months later; however, God sustained Judson Bible College to celebrate 10 years in advancing theological and cultural education among the diaspora from Myanmar in the United States.

On July 14, 2019, the Lord led us to create an extension campus, called Judson Bible College Malaysia, to help those seeking refugee and asylum status there. Securing either status allows individuals to freely worship the true living God and offers freedom from injustice, persecution, and discrimination and the opportunity to pursue happiness in developed countries in North America, Europe and Australia.

Recently, Judson Bible College initiated the Diploma in Teaching Project in partnership with American Baptist International Ministries. The Palmer Grant generously provided $50,000 for this project, which will begin in July 2022 and see 40 teachers, selected from primary, middle, and high schools, trained to teach refugee and

diaspora children from Myanmar who now living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

A total of 75 students — 28 certificates in neighborhood transformation, 32 bachelor’s and 14 masters in theology, and organizational leadership students are currently enrolled in their respective programs in the United States. There are also 37 bachelor’s and 11 masters in theology students enrolled at the Malaysia campus for a combined total of 122 students on both campuses. The student body consists of eight nationalities from Myanmar and English is used for official instruction with some explanation in Burmese. The program provides competency-based education.

The Burma Workgroup covets your prayers for the following concerns: • By the end of 2025, Judson Bible College hopes to have 100 students in the United States, 100 in Malaysia and 100 in Myanmar, in addition to a multipurpose building as a mission resource center.

• The center is also working to provide cultural orientation and language training (English as a Second Language, Burmese as a Second Language, etc.), K-12 Judson Education Center of School for Tomorrow in Myanmar and church consulting services in addition to its current offerings.

For more information, please visit www.jecbc.org or contact me at tckhai@jecbc.org or 443-597-6159. May the Lord bless you and touch your heart as you read this article.

June/July 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter

13

JBC 10th Anniversary, September 1, 2018, in Laurel, Maryland.

Students at JBC Malaysia, 2022

JBC Malaysia Faculty and Staff, 2019

Thuam Cin Khai is the Pastor of SiyinChin Baptist Church in Laurel, Maryland.

June/July 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter

14

District of Columbia Baptist Convention

LITIGATION PREVENTION AND PREPAREDNESS with Rev. David T. Ball American Baptist attorney David Ball will offer a presentation on “Litigation Prevention and Preparedness.” This topic is especially timely given the recent upsurge of cases being filed by victims of child sexual abuse, many of whom allege abuse by church employees or volunteers. Mr. Ball offers six important recommendations for churches to help them prevent liability from arising and to help them to be prepared if litigation comes their way.

Drawing on his dual background as an attorney and ordained American Baptist clergy, David T. Ball has been advising and representing churches and related organizations regarding their legal needs since 1991. Dave attended law school at the University of California, Berkeley, and began his legal career in San Francisco. In 1995, Dave returned to Ohio, where he served as a pastor and then college chaplain at Denison University before shifting back to the legal field. He joined the Columbus firm of Schottenstein, Zox and Dunn in 2006, where he launched the Religious and Non-Profit Organizations practice group. Since the summer of 2010, he has practiced for his own firm, Rosenberg & Ball, that offers a wide range of legal services to churches, nonprofits, individuals, and small businesses.

Dave is a member of ABC RGR congregation the United Church of Granville. His wife Kim is also ordained ABC and is the former Senior Pastor of University Baptist Church in Columbus. Their four adult children span the country, from Seattle to Boston to Ashville, North Carolina, with one in the middle in nursing at Ohio State University.

TRAINING FOR CHURCH LEADERS: Thursday, June 9 6:30 p.m.

Another Racist Mass Shooting and Our Failure to Tend Jesus’ Sheep

By Emily Holladay

The Good Shepherd by Sieger Kӧder (1925-2015)

I

015).

n worship on May 1, Village Baptist Church read together the words of Jesus when he asks his disciple, “Peter, do you love me?” When Peter responds to Jesus, “Of course, Lord, you know that I love you,” Jesus gives him a simple directive: “Tend my sheep” (John 21:15-19).

From the beginning of our Scriptures, God states unequivocally that human beings are made in the image of God. All human beings bear God’s image. No exception.

On Sunday morning, we will hear the words of Jesus saying, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (John 14:27).

The same Savior who told his followers that “those who live by the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52) implores them

to accept his peace so they can spread his message in both word and action.

On Saturday, May 14, 13 people were shot at a Buffalo grocery store in a predominantly Black neighborhood. Eleven of those 13 people were Black, and 10 died.

Ten people created in the image of God are being laid to rest because of hate and violence. And this story has become all too common.

According to the Anti-Defamation League, about 450 murders have been committed by political extremists in the United States over the last the decade. More than half of those have been perpetrated by people espousing a message of white supremacy.

One of the earliest Christian baptismal

June/July 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter

16

creeds is quoted by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatians: “There is no longer Jew or Greek; there is no longer slave or free; there is no longer male and female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”

We tend Christ’s sheep by ensuring that wolves cannot harm God’s beloved children.

White supremacy, Replacement Theory or any viewpoint that values one human being above another is antithetical to the Christian witness. And yet, many of the people who commit these atrocious acts and put forth such hateful views do so in the name of Christianity.

As people who follow Christ, we cannot stay silent in the face of such evil. In the words of Wayne A. I. Fredrick, president of Howard University: “While we have become accustomed to these recurring tragedies, we can never tolerate their regularity. No matter how often they occur, racist mass shootings are not inevitable, and we must not allow ourselves to perceive them as such.”

Although this particular tragedy did not take place in our community, we must not stay silent until one like it comes to our doorstep. As people seeking to build a Beloved Community, we must boldly proclaim the love of a Creator who formed each and every one of us in God’s image and left us with one task: Tend my sheep.

We tend Christ’s sheep by ensuring that wolves cannot harm God’s beloved children.

We tend Christ’s sheep by raising young people to value kindness, justice and humility above prejudice and violence.

We tend Christ’s sheep by speaking up — and speaking with — when sheep are hurt.

Certainly, we pray for the lives of those lost senselessly on Saturday. But we do not stop there. We continue on this journey toward becoming a beacon to our community emanating love, drowning out hate and tending Christ’s sheep so that all may know the peace that Christ intended.

Emily Holladay serves as pastor of Village Baptist Church in Bowie, Maryland.

Reprinted with permission from Baptist News Global. © 2022 Baptist News Global. All rights reserved.

June/July 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter

17

W

ith this issue of the Capital Baptist, we focus on the issue of the flag in the sanctuary for Point Counterpoint. Our desire is to offer two perspectives on a topic related to society, leadership, mission, polity, the church and so on. The essays are solely the opinion and perspective of their authors, not declarations stating DCBC’s position on the topics. We do, however, hope this feature will provide opportunities for you to begin having conversations with your congregation around issues that may be divisive or even challenging to discuss.

In some churches the presence of the flag in the sanctuary is an issue of contention. Some churches fly the flag on certain occasions, some feature the flag all the time, while some believe there is no place for the flag in the sanctuary.

The following essays were written by DCBC deacons. As people of faith, we are not asking everyone to agree or disagree with the perspectives in these articles. We do however, invite you to consider beginning a conversation with someone who holds a differing perspective on this or any of the issues raised in this space to try to understand each other.

We offer a few questions for you to consider and/or use with a small group as you explore this topic: 1. Does the Bible give any guidance on what should/should not be included in the sanctuary?

2. How do you understand Mark 12:17?

3. How does your Christian faith impact your patriotism?

If you would like to submit an essay for Point/Counterpoint, send it to cb@dcbaptist.org. We do not guarantee your essay will be published, but it will certainly be read and considered.

June/July 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter

18

Should the U.S. Flag Be in the Sanctuary?

T

By Deacon James Barbour

he idea of separation of church and state is a deviation from the teaching that God is everywhere and in everything; if you abide in him he will abide in you.

Mark 12:17 says: Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar, or the State, and to God the things that are God’s. Some people interpret that as separate, but I believe that means God’s laws encompass and include the laws of the state. It’s a matter of inclusiveness in God’s kingdom.

Romans 13:1-7 says: every soul be subject unto the higher powers for there is no higher power but of GOD. The powers that be, ordained by God, let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment....

Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then, do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But, if you do wrong, be afraid. Therefore, one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath, but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this, you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, respect to whom

respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

1 Peter 2:13-17 says: Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.

These verses apply directly to the subject in that when you see the Christian flag in the sanctuary, the message or meaning should be to fear God and obey his laws. Also, when you see the American flag in the sanctuary, the message or the meaning is “Honor the state and obey the laws.”

A humble word about social divisiveness, those who are trying to further separate or redefine God’s position in the state or the state’s position on God, should be aware of John 8:47: He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

Deacon James Barbour is DCBC’s Disaster Response Coordinator.

June/July 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter

19

No to the U.S. Flag in the Sanctuary

By Deacon Marion Shipman, Sr.

T

he sanctuary is a holy place where God is to be glorified and worshiped. The presence of the American flag implies a sense of worshiping the state. As Christians, we worship the God of all nations who created the universe and put the stars in place.

Romans 13:1, 7 also tells us: Let every person be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God. Pay to all what is due them: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.* By my very existence as a citizen, I am subject to the law as implemented by the governing authorities, which I respect, honor and obey. However, in my very existence as a “human” I am a “child of God” and subject to his authority, which, as a Christian, I worship, respect, honor and obey God in all that he is.

1 Peter 2:17 says: Honor everyone. Love the family of believers. Fear God. Honor the emperor. I pledge my allegiance to, but I do not, and never will, “worship” the flag, an icon of authority. Therefore, it has no place in the sanctuary that should be a time set aside for all people to feel a connection between themselves and God. We should all keep in mind that some people use the flag to force their thoughts, ideas and actions on others. That is why I believe in the

separation of church and state. If someone comes into a church and requests sanctuary, would the worship leader be doing God’s work or the state’s work if that person and/or their family is given sanctuary? How would the worship leader separate the two laws (God’s and the state’s law) without there being a clear line of distinction?

The reference to John 8:47 is very narrowly interpreted and, I believe, has no relevance in this discussion. John 8:39-47 speaks to those claiming to be children of Abraham accusing Jesus of being a liar and a demon and Jesus telling them he is from the Father.

This is why I believe Jesus made it clear in Mark 12:17 and Mathew 22:21 when he said: Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s. Although he was talking about taxes, it clearly shows a separation of church and state, and if Jesus said it, who are we to not obey his words?

Remember, Jesus drove the money changers out because he said: My house will be a house of prayer…. *Quoted scriptures are from NRSV Updated edition Deacon Marion Shipman, Sr. is a member of Village Baptist Church in Bowie, Maryland.

April/May 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter

20

The Institute for Justice Formation Proudly Presents

IN SEARCH OF

BIBLICAL JUSTICE 2nd Annual Conference June 15 - 17, 2022 Hosted by Parkwood Baptist Church Annandale, VA Critical engagement with the Bible discloses the mandate for Christians to seek first the Kingdom of God and the eternal beauty of His justice (Matthew 6:33). Unfortunately, controversial political divides and toxic social aversions in society have contaminated the clarity of this eternal mandate, especially in recent decades. Unresolved, controversial social problems involving race, poverty, violence, gender roles, and other tangible injustices have confused many. Into this often-toxic nexus, the Institute for Justice Formation has taken up the challenge to help the Church reach its potential as the salt and light of society regarding the pursuit of biblical justice.

Register Today!

Biblical Justice

https://www.ijfleland.org/ conference/ The Mission of IJF is to establish enduring, robust relationships between religious and cultural institutions through a holistic program of Worship, Education, and Advocacy.

For more information on The Institute for Justice Formation please visit https://www.ijf-leland.org/

ELI BERTO & MOLLY JUAREZ Teaching peace-building in public schools, El Salvador

NEXGEN giving

match

ALL DONATIONS MATCHED STARTING JUNE 1!

WHAT IS THE NEXGEN GIVING MATCH? We are excited to share with you that several generous IM donors have come together this year and provided $150,000 for a matching fund pool to encourage others to give support for our NEXGEN global servants.

Which gifts qualify for the match?

New recurring gifts for NEXGEN Global Servant Support New one-time donations or annual recurring gifts for NEXGEN Global Servant Support If you are currently giving support to one of our NEXGEN Global Servants, and you add an additional recurring donation during the giving match, this is considered a new recurring donation and can be matched.

Your gift will have twice the impact. $1,200 becomes $2,400 when you start a new $100 monthly recurring donation that will be matched for 12 months. $1,000 becomes $2,000 when you make a new one-time or annual recurring donation of $1,000.

HOW CAN I GIVE? Starting June 1, 2022, you can make a new gift for a NEXGEN Global Servant to be matched.

Credit card donations are strongly encouraged on IM’s website.

Just click on the name of the NEXGEN Global Servant you wish to support from the global servant page: https://www.internationalministries.org/international-ministries-global-servants/ Call IM Donor Services Monday through Friday at 610-768-2323 if you prefer to make a credit card gift by phone or need assistance with recurring gifts. For your security do not email credit card information.

If you wish to give by check, please make payable to "International Ministries" with the name of your NEXGEN global servant in the memo line and mail to International Ministries, 1003 W 9th Ave, Ste A, King of Prussia, PA, 19406. A match cannot be guaranteed if mail arrives after the pool has been depleted.

Note: US mail has been severely impacted during the pandemic, and IM has experienced as much as six weeks delivery of gifts by mail. Any donations received before June 1 will not qualify for the match, but your gift must be received before funds run out.

Do you already give support for one of the NEXGEN global servants and wish to make an increase that will be matched? You can set up a new, recurring donation. This can be merged with your existing donation upon request after the match ends.

If your church is committing to annual support, estimate the amount and enter that into our website as a monthly recurring gift. Or contact IM Donor Services to set up a monthly amount.

This June, give a gift with doubled impact that will send a new global servant out to serve!

If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact IM Donor Services, imdonorsevices@internationalministries.org, 610-768-2323.

SECOND COHORT OF ABHMS CHAPLAINCY CERTIFICATE PROGRAM CELEBRATES GRADUATION

O

n Monday night [April 12, 2021], the second cohort of American Baptist Home Mission Societies’ (ABHMS) “Chaplaincy Skills for Community Ministry” certificate program celebrated their graduation during an online event.

Developed by the Rev. Dr. Patricia Murphy, BCC, ABHMS ecclesiastical endorser, Chaplaincy and Specialized Ministries, the course was offered online through ABHMS’ Center for Continuous Learning (CCL).

Among the 41 graduates were pastors, lay leaders, clergy, chaplains and deacons.

The celebration began with a welcome from Murphy, followed by an invocation by the Rev. Florence Li, ABHMS’ national coordinator of Asian Ministries.

“We gather here from all walks of life,” Li said, “to bring our joyous hearts to this special occasion.”

A litany was led by the Rev. Kathryn Johnson.

“We are one in the Lord,” she said.

“We are connected to the tree of life as transforming agents in hospitals, prisons, pastoral counseling centers, colleges and universities, racetracks, military bases, and churches,” answered the group.

Rev. Rebecca Irwin-Diehl, director of the CCL, brought greetings, saying, “This is a season in life when everyone is worried about the future of the church,” she said, “but when we have 50 in the first cohort and 41 in the second cohort…I know that the gospel ministry that Christ entrusted to us is still healthy and that God is still at work in the world.”

The graduates—from beginners to those who are seasoned chaplains—provided testimonies about their class experiences.

“I appreciate the fact that you’ve taken me to another level,” said Gary Sheets. “I serve as chaplain for seven different

June/July 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter

24

organizations. Now I feel like I know what I’m doing.”

Added Troy Wong: “I knew nothing about chaplaincy coming in. This class was a great exposure to all that a chaplain does and can do. I was encouraged by all the presenters.”

Instructors also lent their voices to the event, expressing good wishes and providing inspiration to the graduates.

“Sisters and brothers, I told you during class, but I’ll tell you again: Not a single one of us here can give you the heart to love people. It’s a God thing,” said Dr. Jan McCormack. “Not a single one of us here can give you the courage to love people. It’s a God thing.”

The Rev. Dr. Anne Dondapati Allen said she seconded what McCormack said, adding, “We’re simply coming along side for the rest of this journey with you.”

“As we talked about in our class, everyone grieves differently,” said Dr. Jose Tate, who taught the class Grief, Loss and Pastoral Approach to BioMedical Ethics.

“Loss impacts people in different ways. It’s so important for us to be there to be empathetic. Our world is going through so much today. People have all types of grief, hurt and pain.”

Murphy reminded the group that it was impossible to have taught them everything they need to know as chaplains. “Tonight,” she said, “I want to charge you, wherever you are, to bear good fruit. No matter what it looks like, hold on and maintain your joy.

Your joy comes from the Lord. Whether you’re in a Zoom room or a building where you worship, people are in need at this time.

“Not all needs are visible,” she continued.

“I have come to realize that the greatest need of humanity is a spiritual need.”

Irwin-Diehl and Murphy took turns reading off the names of graduates.

The event concluded with a benediction

by Dr. Donald Kelly.

“Even though we came as individuals, we leave as a group, as a cohort,” he said. “We can lead, teach and listen better than when we came in.”

Throughout the program, music was provided by the Rev. LaThelma A. YennBatah, senior pastor of Flemington (N.J.) Baptist Church.

While attending the class Grief, Loss and Pastoral Approach to BioMedical Ethics, student Gail Henderson was inspired to begin a nonprofit called the Nana Project, for which she and her daughter appear on the TV news to discuss the death of their mother and grandmother from gynecological cancer.

Benefits for Graduates The program’s graduates [who also include DCBC Past President Donald Kelly and Rev. Dr. Orlando Jermaine Bego, pastor of CenterPoint Baptist Church] will enjoy valuable benefits, including associate endorsement through ABHMS; a six-month membership in the American Baptist National Network for Chaplains, Pastoral Counselors and Specialized Ministers; and participation in the active networking community on ABHMS’ ministrElife online platform.

The newly established associate endorsement designation provides those who complete the ABHMS training with a number

June/July 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter

25

of advantages, including: • Credibility with agencies as volunteer chaplains.

• Enhanced credibility in community practice settings, such as emergency services, protests, airports and campuses.

• Possible employment as hospice chaplains with additional experiences (i.e., clergy years of ministry).

• Recognition and affirmation of respective call within the American Baptist Churches USA family.

• Continuing education credits and, in some cases, independent study.

• Pride in accomplishment and professional/spiritual growth.

About Chaplaincy Skills for Community Ministry Led by board-certified and endorsed chaplains, this practical course in chaplaincy skills was developed for community contexts, where a ministry of nonsectarian spiritual care is needed. It teaches how to offer a ministry of presence that honors ecumenical and interfaith engagement, demonstrates cultural humility, practices

refined listening skills, and responds to trauma with sensitivity and accountability.

The cohort is intended for (1) individuals who are exploring a call to chaplaincy in health care, prisons, military, higher education and (2) those who are already providing community support as chaplains, pastors, deacons or missionaries in other contexts.

For more information about ABHMS’ Chaplaincy and Specialized Ministries, visit abhms.org/ministries/developingleaders/chaplaincy/.

American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christcentered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.

American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.

Reprinted with permission from American Baptist Churches USA.

June/July 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter

26

District of Columbia Baptist Convention Foundation

Melany Tendeyong Pierce, Executive Director DCBC Foundation

Incorporated in January 1940, the District of Columbia Baptist Convention Foundation (DCBC Foundation or the Foundation) is a nonprofit organization established to support Baptist churches that are members in good standing of the District of Columbia Baptist Convention (the Convention).

While they both operate from the Baptist Building at 1628 16th St. NW, in Washington, D.C., the Foundation and the Convention are two separate organizations with separate leadership: Melany Tendeyong Pierce is the Executive Director of the Foundation, and Rev. Dr. Trisha Miller Manarin is the Executive Director of the Convention.

The Foundation provides various avenues of support for DCBC churches: direct church loans, grants for ministry projects, investment opportunities and scholarships for DC Baptist seminary students.

Please visit the Foundation website for details at https://dcbcfoundation.org/ or email Melany.Tendeyong@dcbaptist.org with any questions.

1628 Sixteenth Street, NW • Washington, DC 20009-3099 • Tel: 202-234-7194 • Fax: 202-234-8196

DCBC SPOTLIGHT

Update on the ‘Way Forward Plan’

By Deacon James Barbour and Rev. Jevon Billups

M

embers of the new DCBC Ministry Roundtable began the conversation to flesh out the Way Forward Plan while strengthening the Convention’s call to Empower, Engage, Equip, and Assist. The seven initiatives currently being engaged are: 1. Clergy and Disciple Forming 2. Glocal Mission (Global + Local + Glocal) 3. Justice Engagement 4. Resourcing One Another/Collaboration 5. Building Use to Connect to our Mission 6. Supporting/Developing Ministry Resources 7. Training On Thursday, April 26, 2022, the roundtable engaged in robust dialogue that

began with thoughtful reflection on the programs of DCBC. We listened to and reflected on Revelation 21:1-8. Each member of the roundtable began to share how we could work together through crosspollination, collaboration, intentionality and relationality to fulfill DCBC’s mission through the seven initiatives named in the Way Forward Plan. In attendance were Rev. Dr. Trisha Miller Manarin (DCBC Executive Director/Minister), Rev. Aleisha Langhorne (Christian Ethics Coordinator), Rev. Jevon Billups (Mental Health Coordinator), Rev. Roi Ji Marip (Work Group Chair), Rev. Skye Hallman McQuillan (Spiritual Formation Coordinator), Deacon James Barbour

June/July 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter

28

DCBC SPOTLIGHT

(Disaster Response Coordinator) and Mrs. Fam Sae Chao Chock (Grant Director).

Leaders discussed how we need to reasonably and effectively work together to live out the call of the Great Commission and Great Commandment. As the discussions continued throughout the day, a clear picture emerged of how each ministry is intricately tied together and that will require each ministry leader’s openness and commitment to supporting the work of DCBC holistically, as well as the need for timely and thoughtful communication and strategic planning together.

We quickly realized that the ongoing success of our convention will rely on each of us and the board’s ability to share space, listen deeply, find synergy and produce “honey.” Honey is the product of our labor and ministry together as a faith community in the national capital region and beyond.

Honey, both sweet and sticky, is evidence that we are thriving and fulfilling our mission as a convention.

Revisiting the image of the hive, the roundtable leaders separated into small groups and discussed the exciting things happening within the ministry of DCBC and the endless possibilities of the new initiatives.

We closed our meeting by sharing our thoughts and recommendations on how we foresee all of this working together.

Following are a few questions that arose during the meeting: • Christ must be in the center of all that we do with grace, merc, and love.

How do we ensure that Christ remains the focus of our efforts?

• We must market the work and not focus on the committee. The process

may change but people care more about the product. What “product” does DCBC offer to our churches and the community?

• People come to DCBC looking for something. How can we show value in DCBC? • How do we help DCBC become the standard-bearer for Baptists in this region and nationwide?

The Ministry Roundtable plans to meet again on July 19 (once per quarter), to further discern how we will serve together, create a 2023 calendar, formulate a dated Action Plan and assign responsibilities to various committees, teams and groups represented.

If you are interested in serving on a committee or team addressing one or more of the seven initiatives, please reach out to our Executive Director/Minister, Rev. Dr. Manarin, at Trisha.Manarin@dcbaptist.org.

The groups include: • Disaster Response • Mental Health • Grants • Coaching • Spiritual Formation • Justice Engagement • Building Development • Work Group (Glocal Mission) • Christian Ethics Deacon James Barbour is DCBC’s ERT Coordinator and Rev. Jevon Billups is DCBC’s Mental Health Coordinator.

June/July 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter

29

DCBC SPOTLIGHT

Pivoting to Provide a Taste of Home Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. — 1 Peter 4:9-10

By Carmella Jones

Examples of food items provided to African students: above left, basic breakfast items; above right, okra stew; on page 33, portions of swallow sit atop bowls of stew. Photos courtesy of Carmella Jones.

R

efugee ministry is filled with many needs that demand quick responses and flexibility. The ability to shift is essential if you want to remain engaged and relevant. The overnight shelter ministry at my church was no longer needed when the government began providing accommodations. It quickly became evident, however, that the housing created food insecurity challenges for many. So, our shelter ministry has transitioned to a food ministry, offering a food bank and hot African meals to students.

While some have been fortunate enough to be placed in an apartment, there are others, particularly African students, that have been placed in dormitories, many of which lack cooking facilities. We learned of one such

dorm that housed approximately 40-50 students near our church.

On each floor, the students only have a microwave and refrigerator in a communal kitchen. They are not allowed any small cooking appliance, and we also learned they often found themselves without food, especially on the weekends.

After reading about their situation on their dormitory communication thread, it was clear food had become a major source of contention: “I am hungry,” “Where is the food,” “Why can’t we have food like human beings?” Management was expressing frustration that sandwiches and other provided food was going uneaten.

Perhaps most heartbreaking for me was witnessing a hungry student standing looking

June/July 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter

30

DCBC SPOTLIGHT

at “free food” trying to figure out what the food was, tasting it, and finding he couldn’t eat it.

The young man was not being a picky eater. He simply could not eat what was offered without it upsetting his stomach. This was the case expressed by many. I get it! I also have a sensitive stomach. Although I have lived in Hungary for five years, there are still many dishes that cause me stomach problems.

Food is such a cultural thing, and it is often tied to comfort and dignity. Based on our shelter experience and conversations, we had already learned that many Africans don’t eat pork, cold cuts or sandwiches. Hungarian and Ukrainian food is enjoyed by many, but for Africans, these foods are not spicy enough and are frequently prepared with pork and questionable sauces.

In trying to meet this need, it has been exciting to partner with “Kingson Kitchen.” a small African restaurant to provide culturally appropriate meals five days per week. In

addition, we provide breakfast food: milk, cereal, fruit, bread, boiled eggs and yogurt weekly. The comfort of familiar food means a lot, and it provides a taste of home in a foreign land.

Today, as I was walking to the bus stop a man began calling out while walking toward me. My first thought was, is this going to be a safe encounter? Much to my surprise he said, “I know you. You came to the dormitory. I met you there.” “Yes, I did,” I said, and his next words surprised me, “You are the person responsible for us getting hot African meals. Thank you. I really appreciate it, God bless you.”

Thank you, God, for helping us to help others — providing the resources to make our pivot to meet a need and provide comfort beyond a simple meal.

— Carmella Jones is our missionary in Hungary with International Ministries.

June/July 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter

31

DCBC SPOTLIGHT

‘Living in the Exhale’: An Unexpected, Timely Treat

By Emily Holladay

In March, the DC Baptist Convention hosted a virtual Pastor’s Retreat led by Rev. Drs. Leo and Yvonne Thorne. I attended the half-day retreat, titled “Living in the Exhale,” with very few expectations, disappointed that, once again, COVID kept us from meeting in person. The packet we received ahead of time urged all the pastors attending to make this a chance to step away and relax.

Gone were the days, I thought, when I could actually relax in front of a computer screen.

I got up that morning and went to the office in direct defiance of the encouragement to step away. I figured I’d “do” the retreat and then get back to work once the Zoom call ended. I even took out the notebook that DCBC sent me prior to the event and wrote “DCBC Pastor ‘Retreat’” on the top, in acknowledgement of my belief that this was not a “real” retreat.

From the moment the Thornes began speaking, however, I realized that we were in for a treat. Their understanding of how the pandemic affected pastors was clear from the way they began, by mirroring to us our “individual and collective breathlessness,” the ways “we have forgotten how to take a deep breath.”

During the few hours we were together, Rev. Drs. Leo and Yvonne Thorne described so articulately words we had not taken the time to express ourselves, taught us methods for releasing the breath we had been holding, and gave us space to share with one another.

The entire experience was undeniably powerful and offered even this skeptic a chance to let out a deep breath — to exhale.

While I still look forward to the day when we can have an in-person retreat and step away for more than a couple hours, I found this retreat to be exactly what I needed at the time. As a pastor providing care to many others, I realized that I had models for “big” self-care, like multiday retreats, but not for how to exhale daily — how to step away even while in the midst of the hustle. The Thornes and DCBC modeled that daily breath and rest for me in a way I did not know I needed. For that, I am incredibly grateful.

— Emily Holladay, Pastor of Village Baptist Church in Bowie, Maryland.

June/July 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter

32

BE THE DIFFERENCE!!!

Why Mental Health First Aid? • Mental Health challenges are common.

• Suicidal ideation continues to increase among adults in the United States.

• A growing number of youth live with major depression. Sixty percent of youth with major depression do not receive any mental health treatment.

• More than half the adults with mental illness do not receive treatment.

• Rates of substance use are increasing for youth and adults. One in 14 adults and 1 in 25 youth had a substance use disorder in the past year.

What are others saying about Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid? • “This course was helpful, informative and fulfilling.”

• “The course content was practical and easy to understand.”

• “I am able to recognize and correct misconceptions about mental health, substance use and mental illness as I encounter them.”

• “I am confident that I can assist a person who may be dealing with a mental health problem, substance use challenge or crisis to connect with appropriate community, peer and personal supports.”

• My overall response for the course was not just educational it’s also engaging and fun. Wonderful instructor. Looking forward to my recertification .

How to get trained?

• Course may be delivered virtually, in-person or a hybrid format in 6 hours or 8 hours.

• Anyone 18 or older can become a certified Mental Health First Aider or Youth Mental Health First Aider.

• Due to the ongoing partnership and commitment to the health of our churches, the DC Baptist Foundation has provided a generous grant to help reduce registration costs. The cost of members of DCBC churches is $25 per person and the cost for community members is $75 per person. The course is valued at $170 per person.

• DCBC is seeking churches who’d be wiling to host a Mental Health First Aid or Youth Mental Health First Aid course for their members and community. Please contact the Mental Health Coordinator, Pastor Jevon Billups at jevon.billups@dcbaptist.org or jevonbillups@gmail.com or 571-378-3030.

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID On average,

123 people die by suicide each day.

– American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Why Mental Health First Aid? Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. This training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.

From 1999 to 2016,

630,000 people died from drug overdose.

– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Nearly

1 IN 5 U.S. adults lives with a Mental Illness.

– National Institute of Mental Health via the National Survey on Drug Use and Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Three Learning Options

Who Should Take it

• Virtual. First Aiders will complete a 2-hour, self-paced online class, and then participate in a 5.5-hour, Instructor-led videoconference.

• Employers

• Blended Learning. After completing a 2-hour, self-paced class, First Aiders will participate in a 4-hour, in-person, Instructor-led class.

• First responders

• In-person. First Aiders will receive their training as an 8-hour, Instructor-led, inperson course.

• Police officers • Hospital staff

• Faith leaders • Community members • Caring individuals

The course will teach you how to apply the ALGEE action plan: • Assess for risk of suicide or harm.

What it Covers

• Listen nonjudgmentally.

• Common signs and symptoms of mental illness

• Give reassurance and information.

• Common signs and symptoms of substance use

• Encourage appropriate professional help.

• Encourage self-help and other support strategies.

• How to interact with a person in crisis • How to connect the person with help • NEW: Expanded content on trauma, addiction and self-care

This program is a top-notch service to area communities like ours and we are so grateful for the opportunity to have this program.” – Nikki Carber, Speak Out Against Suicide TO FIND A COURSE OR CONTACT AN INSTRUCTOR IN YOUR AREA, VISIT MentalHealthFirstAid.org OR EMAIL jevonbillups@gmail.com

YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID 64.1% of youth with major depression do not receive any mental health treatment.

– Mental Health America

1 in 5 teens and young adults lives with a mental health condition.

– National Alliance for Mental Illness

5.13% of youth report having a substance use or alcohol problem.

Why Youth Mental Health First Aid? Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders in youth. This 6-hour training gives adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to children and adolescents (ages 6-18) who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.

Three Learning Options

Who Should Take it

• Virtual. First Aiders will complete a 2-hour, self-paced online class, then participate in a 4- to 5-hour Instructor-led videoconference.

• Blended Learning. After completing a 2-hour, self-paced online class, First Aiders will participate in a 4-hour, inperson, Instructor-led class.

• In-person. First Aiders will receive their training as an 6.5-hour Instructor-led in-person course.

• Teachers • School staff • Coaches • Camp counselors • Youth group leaders • Parents • People who work with youth

– Mental Health America

What it Covers The course will teach you how to apply the ALGEE action plan: • Assess for risk of suicide or harm.

• Listen nonjudgmentally.

• Common signs and symptoms of mental illness in this age group, including • Anxiety • Depression • Eating disorders • Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD)

• Give reassurance and information.

• Common signs and symptoms of substance use

• Encourage appropriate professional help.

• How to connect the person with help

• Encourage self-help and other support strategies.

• How to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis • NEW: Expanded content on trauma, addiction and self-care and the impact of social media and bullying

As adults, we sometimes forget how hard it was being an adolescent. When we see a kid who is just miserable at school, we might think they choose to be that way — or that it’s just part of adolescence. But in fact, they might be in a mental health crisis, one they certainly did not choose and do not want. When a teacher says, ‘How can I be helpful?’ that is a powerful question.”

— Alyssa Fruchtenicht, school-based mental health counselor

TO FIND A COURSE OR CONTACT AN INSTRUCTOR IN YOUR AREA, VISIT MentalHealthFirstAid.orgOR EMAIL jevonbillups@gmail.com

DCBC NOTABLES

DCBC Notables DCBC shares the following notable events in the life of its members: We congratulate the following individuals celebrating anniversaries, confirmations, retirement and other accomplishments:  Revs. Robin & Marty Anderson who celebrated 10 years as pastors of Commonwealth Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, as well as their 23rd wedding anniversary on May 15.  Jevon Billups who was voted “Number 1 Instructor in the State of Maryland” for Mental Health First Aid Instructors (MHFA) and “Number 1 Instructor in the Country” for our Blended Curriculum. Mr. Billups will be facilitating these upcoming mental health sessions listed below: Rev. Dr. Ella Redfield, past Vice-President and President of DCBC, on her retirement from Zion Baptist Church-North Campus, which she planted in 1994 as New Creation Baptist Church. We give thanks to God for her congregational ministry and look forward to seeing how God continues ministering through her in this new chapter of life! DCBC EDM, Trisha Miller Manarin, was present to celebrate Rev. Dr. Redfield’s last Sunday in the pulpit on May 29.

Heard Around the Convention: I am eager for our congregation to get more involved.

Pastor L.B. and Gwen West of Mount Airy Baptist Church as he celebrated his 20th Pastoral Anniversary on May 1.

June/July 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter

36

DCBC NOTABLES

Dr. Joanne P. Ward and Oscar Ward ( at left) of Greater Spiritual Fellowship Community Church as they celebrated her 5th Pastor’s Anniversary.

Naw Marlene A Po, Director, Foundation’s Judson Community and Vice President, Karen Baptist Theological Center, who was ordained by the Karen Baptist Churches USA on March 26, 2022 at First Baptist Church, St. Paul.

Courtney (Ed.D.) and Marcus (Ph.D.) Jerkins are both hooded (above left and center) by Mikeal Parsons, Ph.D. Professor & Macon Chair of Religion at Baylor University. Rev. Dr. Marcus Jenkins also celebrated his 2nd Pastoral Anniversary and Confirmation on May 22.

June/July 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter

37

DCBC NOTABLES

DCBC Foundation Scholarships & Grants

Grants deadline is

July 15 CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Montgomery Hills Baptist Church has called the Reverend Emmitt Drumgoole as Senior Pastor.

Pastor Drumgoole and his family will begin worshiping with MHBC on June 5, 2022. His first day as Senior Pastor will be June 6, 2022. Pastor Drumgoole will begin preaching on June 12, 2022.

Rev. Drumgoole earned his MDiv from George W. Truett Theological Seminary and his MS from Stephen F. Austin State University. He was ordained in August 2019. Rev. Drumgoole has served as a Pastoral Resident, Resident Chaplain, Spiritual Director, Covenant Group Leader, Minister of Community Missions, Associate Director of Student Recruitment and Youth Pastor.

Rev. Drugoole is married to Kristen Bulgrien Drugmgoole and they have one son, Langston.

We extend condolences to Carmella Jones, our missionary with International Ministries in Hungary, whose father, Jimmie Lee Jones (shown here surrounded by family) passed on April 10.

June/July 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter

38

Church Mission Giving For the Four Months Ended April 30, 2022

The Convention recognizes that the giving cycles of each church are different. Some give monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually.

DCBC - 65%; Coop - 35% UNIFIED ABC CBF Churches COOP COOP COOP Agape Bible Christian Fellowship Alafia Baptist Church American Baptist Church Broadneck Baptist Church Calvary Burmese Baptist Church Carmody Hills Baptist Church Clifton Park Baptist Church Dayspring Community Church Fellowship Baptist Church First Baptist Church/Silver Spring 142.61 Forest Heights Baptist Church Fort Foote Baptist Church Heritage Baptist Church Luther Rice Memorial Baptist Church 673.75 Maryland Baptist Church (Tedim Chin) Metropolitan Baptist Church Metropolitan Outreach Ministry Montgomery Hills Baptist Church Mt. Airy Baptist Church Nations United Baptist Church Nineteenth Street Baptist Church Norbeck Community Church Paramount Baptist Church Pathways Baptist Church 2,940.00 1,540.00 Pilgrim Baptist Church Power House Baptist Church 50.00 Purity Baptist Church Ravensworth Baptist Church Resurrection Baptist Church Rivers of Joy Bible Fellowship Church Salem Gospel Ministries (Silver Spring) Takoma Park Baptist Church University Baptist Church/College Park Village Baptist Church Walker Memorial Baptist Church Wisconsin Avenue Baptist Church TOTAL 50.00 3,082.61 2,213.75

100% Designated PNBC -

DCBC

CBF

ABC

NCAMO

BWA

300.00 200.00 60.02 2,764.58 1,157.00 4,200.00 400.00 833.32 900.00 300.00 75.00 4,099.54 292.50 273.14 1,200.00 400.00 1,684.00 673.75 500.00 50.00 50.00 2,050.00 150.00 871.00 338.00 150.00 2,712.00 6,328.00 400.00 200.00 50.00 680.00 2,400.00 1,000.00 1,050.00 1,000.00 500.00 100.00 500.00 150.00 300.00 400.00 150.00 2,500.00 2,951.09 2,951.09 2,900.00 1,000.00 2,000.00 610.00 36,300.11 2,475.00 9,212.92 1,438.00 7,378.00

JBCC -

MISC

YTD Total Gifts

176.40 1,967.39 2,143.79

300.00 200.00 3,001.00 1,157.00 4,200.00 400.00 833.32 900.00 375.00 4,534.65 273.14 1,200.00 400.00 3,031.50 600.00 2,050.00 150.00 1,209.00 150.00 9,040.00 400.00 250.00 680.00 9,930.00 500.00 150.00 500.00 150.00 300.00 400.00 150.00 2,500.00 7,869.57 2,900.00 1,000.00 2,610.00 64,294.18

Your financial contributions allow DCBC to minister to and with our member congregations and partners. Please consider making your gift today at https://www.dcbaptist.org/give.

June/July 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter

39

C A L E N DA R

2 5 6 6-8 6-8 7 9 13 14 15 15-18 16 19 20 21

JUN

Prayer Mtg.* | Stewardship Mtg. Pentecost Sunday Program Committee Mtg. Hampton University 108th Ministers’ Conference Coaching Ministry Class (CAM 501, online) Chapel/Staff Mtg. Litigation, Prevention and Preparedness (6:30 p.m.)

DCBC Foundation Conversation (online, 7 p.m.)

Pastors’ Chat (online, 10 a.m.)

Coaching Ministry Mtg. Women in Ministry Celebration, Prayer Mtg. Juneteenth | Father’s Day Juneteenth Observed | DCBC Office Closed DCBC Iced Tea Day | DCBC Board of Directors Mtg.

JUL

4 Independence Day | DCBC Closed

6 10-15 12 19 20 26

Prayer Mtg.* BWA Annual Gathering/Congress Pastors’ Chat (online, 10 a.m.)

Ministry Roundtable Mtg. Coaching Ministry Mtg. Pupusa Luncheon with Missionaries Molly & Eliberto Juarez

June/July 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter

40

AUG

4 8 7-12 13

13-18 17 26 29

Prayer Mtg.* Pastors’ Chat (online, 10 a.m.)

PNBC 61st Annual Session Youth Ministers’ Collaborative Mtg. (10 a.m. – 12 noon) Lott Carey 125th Annual Session Coaching Ministry Mtg. Older Adult Ministries Mtg. HR Committee Mtg.

***October 27-29

DCBC 146th Annual Gathering of Churches

*Prayer Meeting is held on Thursday at 8:25 a.m. each week

Photo credit: luxury-summer-summertime-parasol-wallpaper-preview.jpg (728×410) (wallpaperflare.com).

June/July 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter

41

2022 Publication Schedule & Article Deadlines Issue

August – September 2022 October – November 2022 December - January

Article Submission Deadline

Monday, June 27 Friday, Sept. 1 Monday, Oct. 31

Article Submission Guidelines.

• • •

•

• • •

All submissions should be sent as a Word document with one-inch margins on all sides.

No PDFs, please.

All articles should be typed in 12 pt. font, double-spaced and limited to 400 to 600 words.

All articles should feature original content and be previously unpublished, unless reprint permission is provided. Please also provide a brief author bio in the following format: “[Author name is [job title] at [name of church/org. (email address or social media handle – optional).”

Please provide a photo credit in the following format for any images you provide to help illustrate your article: “Photo courtesy of [name of photographer or owner of image].”

Please provide the names of all persons featured in a picture listed from left to right.

Please also provide background information about the image: the who, what, why, when, where.

All articles are subject to editing and may be held for a future issue.

Article submissions that do not meet the guidelines may not be accepted or will be returned for appropriate editing.

Please email article submissions to cb@dcbaptist.org. Address questions/comments to Sonia Myrick, Capital Baptist Editor at cb@dcbaptist.org.

April/May 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter

42

District of Columbia Baptist Convention 1628 16th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 202.265.1526 info@dcbaptist.org www.dcbaptist.org