Your Dec. 14/Jan. 15
Your gifts at work through Lottie Moon Christmas Offering For Mitch Englehart,* training church-planters in South Asia means travel—lots of it. On average, the 47-year-old South Carolina native spends 10 to 12 nights a month away from his wife, Nellie,* and their two children as he disciples national believers. But he says the sacrifice is worth it; it’s part of the commitment the Engleharts made nine years ago when God called them to the region as Christian workers. “When you look back at Paul and Jesus, you can almost spell ‘disciple’ T-I-M-E,” Englehart says. “If we want to see God move in an area, then we need to invest between 60 and 90 days a year into these guys.” “These guys” are Englehart’s two main churchplanting partners, Rakesh and Manoj. Between them, they’ve seen more than 1,200 new churches and 3,000-plus baptisms in the last five years. Trouble is, they work more than 500 miles apart. Connecting with them means Englehart has to be mobile. Rakesh is 6 hours away by train; the ticket costs about $20. Manoj is much farther (14hours by train), which is why Englehart opts to fly. The $140 ticket shaves travel time down to an hour. Both of the partners’ ministries center
around rural villages, which means that after Englehart gets off a plane or train, he still has hours of driving to get to the final destination. “One hundred dollars gets us a taxi or jeep to travel around for three days so we can go from village to village,” Englehart says. The same amount buys about 35 Bibles, “so we can put the Word in people’s hands.”
All of these expenses—from trains to taxis to Bibles—represent just a few of the Englehart’s needs that are provided for by Southern Baptists’ giving through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. “We can do so much more together than we can by ourselves and that’s the genius of Lottie Moon,” Englehart says. “When we go home [to America], they call us heroes. But all of us are heroes because we couldn’t do it without those folks who are praying and giving. They’re our heroes.” The National goal is $175 Million. What is your church’s goal? *Name changed for the missionary’s safety.
Where’s the Father? From Bruce Conley Your Director of Missions On a cold Christmas Eve in 1952, when Korea was in the throes of civil war, one young woman struggled along a village street, having contractions, obviously soon to deliver a child. She pleaded for help from those passing by but no one paid her any attention. Some were even cruel to her, with one woman sneering: "Where's the father? Where's your American man now?" She laughed and went on. The young woman heard of a missionary living nearby who might help her. Hurriedly, she began walking to that village. Shivering and in pain, she struggled over the frozen countryside. Snow began to fall, and with the contractions increasing - she took shelter under a bridge. There, alone, her baby was born on Christmas Eve. Worried about her newborn son, she took off her own clothes, wrapped them around the baby and held him close in her arms. The next day, the missionary she sought braved the new snow to deliver Christmas packages. As he walked along, he heard the cry of a baby under the bridge. There he found the young mother - literally frozen to death, still clutching her crying new born son. The missionary tenderly lifted the baby out of her arms. That baby was later adopted by that missionary and his wife, and when he was 10 years old, his now adoptive father told him the story of his mother's death on Christmas Eve. The young boy cried, realizing the sacrifice his mother had made for him. The next morning, the missionary rose early to find the boy's bed empty. Seeing a fresh set of small footprints in the snow outside, he bundled up warmly in a winter coat and followed the trail. It led back to the bridge where the boy's mother had died. As the missionary approached the bridge, he found his son, naked and shivering uncontrollably. His clothes lay beside him in a small pile. Moving closer, he heard the boy say through chattering teeth: "Mother, were you this cold for me?" When the Son of God appeared on this earth - there was another mother and Son who sacrificed themselves for us - for all of mankind. One winter night, Jesus left his home, His glory and the warmth of heaven to be born in a stable to an unwelcome world. Just before His birth, Mary, His mother, was not welcome in any of the cozy inns in Bethlehem. Instead, she delivered her baby in the darkness of a cold stable. The God of the universe - who could have easily and rightfully judged and condemned us ALL .... showed us unconditional love that would be carried on the sacrifices of mother Mary, and the blessed Christ-child ... the lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world. As we celebrate the incredible love of God this Christmas season, let us not forget OUR responsibility to show sacrificial love to others as a representation of God's loving care and compassion to everyone in the human race. Ephesians 3:17,18 reminds us: "May your roots go down deep in to the soil of God's marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love really is" (NLT). There is no power on earth stronger than God's supernatural love, and every one of us is called to spread that love to others who need it too. May God richly bless you and your family this Christmas!
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Greetings BRBA! My name is Zack Morgan, the Washington County Area Representative for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I would like to take a few moments to share the ministry of FCA with you, along with my personal role within the ministry. FCA, founded in 1954, is a global ministry with a vision to see the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of athletes and coaches. FCA uses four key platforms for furthering the ministry: Coaches, Campuses, Camps and the Community. Each of the areas are ways for FCA to present to athletes and coaches, and all whom they influence, the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church. Within the ministry, we are always seeking new volunteers, coaches and athletes to step out into the arena of sports and train, encourage and influence the local community. My direct role with FCA will be to continue and develop the campus ministry in the local middle and high schools, help organize and administrate the summer Power and Outdoor camps and enable and encourage volunteers to become involved with the local ministry. In order to join FCA full-time, prospective staff must raise their budget to operate the ministry. Currently, I am at 55% of the needed budget! Once I reach 100%, I will be allowed to fully focus on these ministry needs. It would be an honor to share the ministry in more detail with you, your family or your church! If the Lord is directing you to find out more of this ministry, join as a volunteer or partner with me as a financial partner, I would love to share these opportunities. Please feel free to contact me directly at 301-302-3255 or at zmorgan@fca.org. May all that we do be To His Glory,
Zack Morgan
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The Blue Ridge Baptist Association welcomes Pastor Matt Gregory as our new volunteer youth ministries coordinator. Matt is originally from PA but moved to WV in the 70’s. He is one of five children. His parents, Kay and Myron Gregory, taught him to live by God’s Word. His grandmother was a big influence in him coming to know the Lord. Matt and his wife, Donna, started working in youth ministry at Faith Baptist Church - Knoxville, MD in 1996. Matt was ordained to the ministry while serving at Faith in 2009. He served as the part-time Minister of Youth from 2005-2007 and then as Associate Pastor of Children and Youth from 2007-2012. He presently works at Lowe's as a Kitchen Cabinet Specialist. Matt has a big heart for youth. Matt and his wife live in Middletown, MD and Donna currently serves as the church secretary at First Baptist Church of Hagerstown, MD. They have a daughter Kayla Brown, son-in-law Wes, and two happy and adorable grandsons Camden Ryan and Colton Levy. We look forward to Matt serving as a volunteer to assist, resource, and help provide training and other opportunities to our many youth workers and leaders in BRBA. You can contact him via email at youth@blueridgebaptist.org.
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PARAMOUNT BAPTIST PASTOR TO RETIRE‌
Dr. Larry Rickard went to church all his life, but wasn't saved until he was 23 years old. He started his work in the ministry through joining a church bus ministry. He tried to "run" from the call to be a pastor for a year but attended a bus ministry conference and was led to follow God’s calling to be a pastor. He graduated from Washington Bible College and eventually getting his doctorate from Bethany Theological Seminary. He pastored many churches including serving as Associate Pastor at Johnsontown Bible Church for 11 years and ending at Paramount Baptist Church for 26 years; all to complete over 42 years of service. He also retired from 32 years of full-time work at Mack Truck. God has certainly blessed his service at PBC, growing the congregation from 35 attendees when he started, and now running about 300. He has assisted PBC in paying off the original building mortgage, as well as the new building mortgage of over 1 million dollars in under 5 years. He has been a blessing to the church in leadership and discipleship, and will certainly be missed behind the pulpit. His retirement is effective on January 1, 2015.
SEMINARY OPPORTUNITIES Pastors and individuals interested in new educational opportunities will have a unique chance to attend a one-day work session on Wednesday, January 21st, 2015 from 10 AM - 2:30 PM at the Baptist Mission Resource Center in Columbia, MD. The collective associations in our state convention have invited representatives from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC to come and share with us about some very special opportunities that are being made available exclusively to Baptist leaders in our regions. We're expecting a Vice President from the seminary, multiple professors, and a "Mapping for Ministry" facilitator to be with us for this great event. This is a "invitation only" event, and you should contact your Director of Missions (Bruce Conley) to reserve your seat for this fantastic day of information gathering. Four presentations will be made in round robin fashion that day, and each person attending will be able to choose 3 of the four sessions of his/her choice. If you are interested in attending - contact Bruce Conley at (301) 821-0370, or by email at xcopBruce@aol.com
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Dominican Republic Mission Trips for 2015 If you are thinking about going on a mission trip next year, we have 2 teams that will be going to the Dominican Republic. The first meeting will be on December 9 @ 7 PM at Greenbrier Baptist Church. In this meeting we will be discussing the purpose, cost, and information needed for this trip. We will also let the people know the deadline for payments. Anyone interested in possibly going will need to make this meeting. We are planning on taking two teams in the last two weeks of March. The most we can take for each trip is 18 people including Peter and his wife. If you have any other questions, please contact Mae at 240-818- 8760 or via email at mae@blueridgebaptist.org.
YOUTH MINISTRY There are several events for youth being held at Skycroft Conference Center in Middletown in the month of January: 2-4, and 9-11: reBOOT - a 2-night, 3 day winter retreat focused on growth and outreach through a variety of activities. reBOOT is designed as a shortened version of our summer camp. Students and adults will be challenged by Bible Study, worship, recreation, fellowship and circuits. 30-31: Leadership Lab - Amped Student Ministry will be offering a student leadership retreat focused on building the next generation of student leaders. The retreat will allow students to participate in activities and workshops designed to develop leadership skills by experiencing the concepts first hand and helping them focus on leading like Jesus. For more information or to register, please visit ampedministry.org.
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See What’s Cooking! This large, working grill was donated to BRBA by Terry and Lisa Molnar. It is another bit of equipment on loan for your church’s outdoor activities. Make reservations through mae@blueridgebaptist.org for next year’s picnics and block parties. Thanks to the Molnar’s for their generosity!
December 3 @ 8 AM Pastor’s Breakfast at Bonnie’s at the Red Byrd in Keedysville January 7@ 8 AM Pastor’s Breakfast at Bob Evans on Route 40 in Frederick
THE WONDER OF CHRISTMAS NATIONAL CHRISTIAN CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT Saturday, December 6, 1:00 - 5:00 PM We know that you will be blessed from the opening processional featuring Wilberg’s “Gloria in Excelcis Deo” to the grand finale of “One Child Can Change the World”. Inspired carols such as “Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne” and newer Christmas anthems like the poignant “Be Born in Me” will lead all of us to celebrate the season in an attitude of worship. We will proclaim the JOY of Christmas through exciting carol arrangements such as “Good News Medley”, “The First Noel” and “On Christmas Day”. These concerts feature the piano artistry of NCC accompanist, Michael Faircloth, who will debut a special arrangement of "O Holy Night" created specifically for this concert! Get tickets at nationalchristianchoir.org
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Event Calendar December 1 - 7 - Week of Prayer for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions. (SBC) December 3 at 8:00 am - Pastor/Staff Fellowship Breakfast at Bonnie’s at the Red Bryd in Keedysville. December 9 from 9:00 am to 4:40 pm - Churches Planting Churches Seminar at the Mid-Atlantic Baptist Network. Visit bcmd.org/churches-planting-churches for more information. December 25 - Merry Christmas from the staff and volunteers of the BRBA. January 1 - 31 - Call to Prayer Month (SBC) January 2 - 4 - reBoot Youth Retreat at Skycroft January 4 - 11 - January Bible Study (SBC) January 7 at 8:00 am - Pastor’s Fellowship Breakfast at Bob Evan’s on Route 40 in Frederick. January 9 - Church Planter Orientation January 4 - 11 - January Bible Study (SBC)
December 5 Mae Argilan – Tri-State 8 Jan Musgrove – Faith 12 Betty McHenry – Covenant 15 Everett Powell – New Life 22 Fred Argilan – Tri-State 30 Wendell McClellan –Battlefield January 4 Thom Smith – FBC Hagerstown 13 Sandy Marsico – NorthStar 16 Rina Fox – Mt. Moriah 16 Roger Rich – LakeView 23 Michelle Hamilton – Faith 23 Gail Scheffers – Covenant
Anniversaries December 13 Lyche – Friendship 20 Gerstmyer – Covenant January 4 Dukes – Harvest Pointe 8 Myers – Tri-State
January 17 - Youth Leadership Roundtable at Skycroft at 9:00 am January 18 - Sanctity of Life Sunday (SBC) January 24 at 10:00 am - BRBA Minister’s Brunch at Ceresville Mansion in Frederick January 25 - Day of Prayer (SBC) January 27 - Minister’s Tax Seminar at Mid-Atlantic Baptist Network. !8
In the Churches Summit Trace - Frederick: STC is very excited to announce that they will be hosting a Christmas respite this year! It is scheduled for December 6th from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm at Grace Community Church. Demand for Christmas respite spots is usually very high since it gives parents a chance to shop for presents without having their children along. What a wonderful way to be the hands and feet of Christ during the time of year we celebrate His birth! If you are able to help or would like more information please contact Kim Romanchuk via info@summittracechurch.org The church is also pleased to announce the ordination of Rob Downs to the Gospel Ministry.
NorthStar - Ijamsville: NorthStar will have their Kid’s Christmas Program on Sunday, December 14.
Pleasant Valley - Rhorersville: On Saturday, December 6, the church will be caroling on the step of the Inn Boonsboro for the town's annual event, “Holiday In Boonsboro”. On December 13th the church will host their Christmas Banquet at Golden Corral in Frederick. The church is combining choirs with New Covenant Fellowship Church for a presentation of the cantata "JOY, JOY, JOY". Worship with this music will be on Saturday, December 20 at 7:00 pm at New Covenant Fellowship Church - and Sunday, the 21st at 11:00 am at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church.
Faith - Knoxville: The Upward Basketball program at Faith Baptist Church, Knoxville, MD is gearing up. Registration forms can be picked up at the church or acquired through the church website, www.faithsbc.org. A Remembrance Service will be held on November 30, 2014 at 2:00 pm for all those who have lost loved ones, and struggle with the holidays. Their children are preforming a Children's Drama on Sunday, December 7 at 10:50 am in the Family Life Center. This year's program is titled "We Three Spies". The Adult Christmas Musical will be held on December 17 at 10:50 am. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 6:00 pm on December 24, 2014.
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South End - Frederick: South End Baptist will present "Hope Has Hands" Christmas musical on December 14th at 10:30 am.
First Baptist - Hagerstown: The church will hold their annual CHRISTMAS DINNER on December 20, 2014 at 4:00 pm. It is open to anyone who would like to attend!
Paramount - Hagerstown: Sunday, December 7, 6:00 pm-Community Christmas Carol sing-a-long. Sunday, December 14, 10:30 am-Adult Choir Cantata. Sunday, December 21, 10:30am-children's Choir Program. Wednesday, December 24, 7:00 pm-Christmas Eve Candlelight service.
First Baptist - Brunswick: The church will be participating in the Brunswick area Historic Church tour from 3:00 - 7:00 pm on Saturday, December 13. They will share their Christmas cantata on Sunday, December 21.
Ministers and Church Staff Appreciation Brunch Saturday January 24, 2015 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the historic Ceresville Mansion 8529 Liberty Road in Frederick, MD
Blue Ridge Baptist Association would like to invite all our pastors, and church staff members, and their spouses to our annual Appreciation brunch. Each year the event starts with a time of fellowship over a lovely meal. We then enjoy a Yankee swap gift exchange. This is where you bring a gift that you may have received yourself, but don’t necessarily wish to keep it for yourself. The event ends with a time of entertainment and worship. The menu includes seasonal fruit and berries, assorted pastries, homemade quiche, red potato home fries, crisp bacon, and a variety of coffees and teas. There is no charge to attend this event. Please RSVP for this event by January 17. You may do so by contacting Mae Argilan at (240) 818-8760 or via email at mae@blueridgebaptist.org. This is always a fun event, we would love to see as many of our pastors and church staff as possible.
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CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR: Don Yost .... fighting pancreatic cancer (Don is married to Cindy Yost, secretary for the Arundel Baptist Association). John Faris (former CFO of the Baptist Convention of MD/DE) who continues to fight against cancerous tumors. John is retired and living in SC these days. The national unrest following the events in Ferguson, MO. Many of our pastors and their families who are dealing with some very stressful situations. The many opportunities that exist at Christmas time for outreach and evangelism. People are more open to the gospel at Christmas than any other time of year. Pray that people in all of our churches would take advantage of those opportunities and take the lead in helping someone find Jesus Christ - the reason for the season. David Jackson, of the Mid Atlantic Baptist Network .... as he leaves his position as church planting specialist and goes to the New England Baptist Convention to do a similar work there. The many who will be dealing with depression this holiday season. The many efforts in place and being considered in our region for church planting and church health. The mission teams that will be going from BRBA to the Dominican Republic in March 2015. Pray that God would prepare their hearts for what they will experience and do in reaching out to that nation with the love of Christ. Susan Smith - wife of Pastor Thom Smith - FBC Hagerstown, who is recovering at home from a recent surgery. The many folks who have lost loved ones this year. Pray for comfort from God's Holy Spirit.
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THE NEWS JOURNAL OF THE BLUE RIDGE BAPTIST ASSOCIATION
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