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YOUR 411 Vacation Bible School
VBS by the Numbers
Reaching Children for Christ
*43% of Americans who profess faith in Jesus Christ do so before the age of 13 *64% of Americans who profess faith in Jesus Christ do so before the age of 18 *VBS began in the 1870s *68% of churches (about 2 out of 3) offered VBS in 2012 *81% of churches offered VBS in 1997
VBS has been a part of most Baptist churches since what feels like the dawn of time. Perhaps you are wondering if VBS is a program whose time has come and gone. Here are three reasons to continue to do VBS:
VBS Paramount 2014 2. VBS offers inroads into the surrounding community. Parents are looking for a fun opportunity for their kids. VBS introduces your church (and Jesus Christ) to people who “don’t do” church.
1. VBS is an opportunity to share the Gospel with children. Statistics show that the best opportunity to impact people with the Gospel in before the age of 18. Our evangelism efforts should reflect that.
3. VBS is an “all-hands-on-deck” event for your church which builds church unity. Teenagers and grandparents have the opportunity to work together for a common goal while having fun.
*Baptist churches lead the nation in offering VBS (9 out of 10 SBC churches offered VBS in 2012) *The most common reason given to not have a VBS is a lack of adult volunteers (cited by 3 out of 10 pastors) *The most common congregation size to host a VBS is 250 --Statistics from the Barna Group
PRAY FOR BRBA CHURCHES DURING THEIR WEEK OF VBS New Hope- backyard clubs one day a Fellowship Baptist 7/11-7/15 week all summer Summit Trace 7/18-7/22 Covenant 6/20-6/24
Faith Baptist 7/24-7/28
Paramount 6/20-6/24
FBC Thurmont 7/27-7/31
South End- 6/20-6/24
FBC Frederick 8/1-8/5
FBC Brunswick 6/20-6/24
Smithsburg Valley 8/1-8/5
Summit Trace 6/28-7/1
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! NEW BEGINNINGS
would come to deliver them. The story of Joseph is about God keeping His promise to Abraham “And he who was seated on the to make him the father of a throne said, ‘Behold, I am making mighty nation. Although after the all things new.’ Also he said, death of Joseph, four hundred ‘Write this down, for these words years later the Israelites become are trustworthy and true.’”slaves in Egypt, God sends a Revelation 21:5 deliverer in the person of Moses. I have come to understand It is a new beginning. over my years as a follower of God has promised a new Christ that our God is a God of covenant and the coming of the New Beginnings. When Adam and Messiah to fulfill the Old and the Eve failed to keep God’s covenant, New Covenant. In that promise, God made reference to a plan of the Lord says, “Behold, I will do a salvation for them and for new thing. Now it shall spring mankind. Even as He pronounces forth; Shall you not know it? I will judgment on Adam and Eve, He even make a road in the wilderness makes reference to One who is to and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah come who "will crush Satan’s head, 43:19) The new beginning is for all even as Satan will bruise His heel". mankind. (Genesis 3:15). The One in God’s The Bible is full of these kinds plan of redemption is Jesus, the Messiah, whom Satan will attempt of stories where God continues to to destroy on the cross, but will in bring about His will and fulfill His fact condemn Satan to the Lake of purposes even as change comes Fire on the Day of Final Judgment. into our lives. Lord knows I have (Revelation 20:10). He speaks of a been through my share of unexpected changes in my own life new beginning. the last few years. They were Even when God was fed up changes that I did not want, that I with man's rebellion, and He have a hard time embracing, and planned to destroy mankind with that I have literally wept in prayer a universal flood, He provided a to God not to bring my way. means of preservation for man and Nevertheless, they are here - and the rest of creation through Noah I know that God is absolutely with whom He instructs to build an ark me and still working His purposes for himself, his family, and the out in my life with new animals. (Genesis 6:13-14, 18-19). beginnings. He provides for a new beginning. I am happy (for a change) to In God’s promise to Abraham, announce yet another new He tells him that he will be the beginning that has come my way father of a mighty nation. But the in ministry. This summer the people will be in bondage some Baptist Convention of MD/DE 400 years, and after that time God has asked me to begin serving as will bring them back to the land the Disaster Relief coordinator that He is promising to Abraham. for our State Baptist Convention. (Genesis 15:13-16) It is a prophecy They feel that my experience in of the coming events of Joseph this area and history in public and a 430 year period when Moses
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JUNE-JULY 2016 service will be helpful to take this all important missions endeavor to a new level in our region. Ellen Udovich will be coaching me in the months ahead in all that she has done with this vital ministry for many years, and I am extremely grateful for her service, example, and leadership in Disaster Relief up to this point. Ellen will now have more time to concentrate on the other ministries in our state that she has been charged with ... a welcomed relief I'm sure for this busy servant of God. I ask for your prayers as I enter into yet another "New Beginning" with my Lord ... and follow his direction for my life. I see this as a excellent way for our Association to better connect with the BCM/D in the days ahead for missions and ministry that has the possibility to reach and transform many people's lives. I hope you all have a blessed summer! Bruce Conley; Director of Missions
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REACH THE BEACH: JULY 23-JULY 30 The Blue Ridge Baptist Association is excited to offer this opportunity for youth in our member churches to be a part of the wonderful things God is doing in Ocean City, MD during our summer mission trip. Matt Gregory, our BRBA youth ministries specialist, will be coordinating the trip; the trip will be led by Keith Martson. Keith is a former youth pastor and a graduate of Washington Bible College.
that is hired to feed the team for a week. We will be doing a Vacation Bible School, outreach on the Boardwalk, as well as outreach to internationals who are at the beach working for the summer. In addition to students, we are also looking for adult chaperones.
If you are interested in attending the trip or just want more information, please plan to attend an informational night on July 7 at 7 pm at Battlefield We are hoping to take 15-30 young people on this Bible Church, 7708 Sharpsburg Pike, Fairplay, MD, service adventure to the Eastern Shore of Maryland. 21773. This is a fantastic opportunity for teenagers and If you have additional questions, please email college-age kids whose churches may not have a matt@blueridgebaptist.org summer mission trip opportunity to make use of their God-given talents for the Kingdom. The cost of the trip will be $250, which will include ALL housing and meals for 1 week. Current plans are to have dormitory style housing in a local school and make use of the Disaster Relief Training Shower Facilities. Meals will be prepared by a chef
IT’S TIME FOR BOYS CAMP 2016 “GOD IS FAITHFUL” Thursday, concluding at 2:30 on Sunday) Cost: $175.00 per person Location: Camp WO-ME-TO in Jarrettsville, MD Join us in a time of FUN! Hiking, Canoeing, Swimming, Games, and MUCH MUCH MORE!!!' Boys Camp is a Biblecentered, church-based,
mission camp for boys who have completed 1st through 6th grades. (Men...we also need counselors!) Date: August 4-1 (Beginning at 5:00 on
Camp Registration Deadline: July 22, 2016 For more information and registration forms, please go to: http://bcmd.org/ boys-camp-2016
ARE YOU USING YOUR NETWORK RESOURCES? Did you know that BRBA has a BLOCK PARTY trailer that includes concessions-popcorn, snow cone, and cotton candy machines-- a moonbounce, a sound system, an easyup canopy, folding tables and chairs, and a few games? Did you know our member churches can use it for $25? Additionally we have a large charcoal grill for summer cookouts. Simply reserve online at http://blueridgebaptist.org/reservations/
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29:11 CONFERENCE FOR YOUNG WOMEN Did you know that a young girl’s self-esteem hits its highest point at the age of nine? This is why the 29:11 Group, a new nonprofit organization, was created. 29:11 is a faith-based conference for young women ages 13-21 to come together as a community and to give hope and support to young women in their journey to maximize their potential and to build and deepen relationships. The 29:11 experience is about connecting and reflecting through activities, music and speakers. The first 29:11 conference for young women will take place on June 25, 2016 at the Faith Baptist Church in Frederick County,
Maryland from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Check out the website, http://www.2911group.com/ , for more details about the event and to learn more about the speakers and breakout options. The first fifty tickets are $20 and the remaining tickets are $25. Tickets can be purchased and donations can be made on the website. Questions may be directed to groups2911@aol.com. 29:11 is making a difference in the lives of young women and you can too! “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”
DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES? be born again followers of the Lord Jesus Christ
be active in their home churches have transportation over the summer (a reliable vehicle)
be willing to work in a variety of churches and settings
be open to working with children, neighborhood outreach projects, canvassing, etc.
WANTED: SUMMER MISSIONARIES The Blue Ridge Baptist Association is looking for a few High School or College aged students who have a heart for missions work to serve as summer missionaries to our churches during the summer of 2016. These are part time paid positions that are based on actual need within our churches. Schedules can be somewhat flexible if we have more than one person serving. If you have what it takes, or you know of someone who might be interested - please contact the Director of Missions, Bruce Conley at (301) 821-0370, or by emailing bruce@blueridgebaptist.org
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One of our member churches, Northstar Community Church, will be providing volunteers to minister to the community at this event on June 4, 2016 at the Frederick Fairgrounds. Planting Hope is a compassion outreach that offers a day of respite to their guests. All services and opportunities are completely free of charge and include: free groceries, haircuts, family portraits, a kid-zone fun area, hot lunch, dental services, and so much more.
The Blue Ridge Baptist Association together with Guidestone Financial Resources is looking for retired Southern Baptist ministers, workers, and their widows whose income is insufficient to meet their daily needs to see if they might be eligible for financial assistance through Mission: Dignity. Do you know of someone who is retired and might benefit from some extra financial hep? If so-we’re asking that you check with
Sharing God’s Love Being Hands And Feet
them about their financial situation, and then contact the Director of Missions, Bruce Conley, so they can be considered for assistance.
have met the first two qualifications
Recipients of Mission: Dignity funds should meet these eligibility guidelines:
* Less than $30,000 in assets (excluding their home)
* 65 or older and retired * Minimum of 10 years of fulltime, salaried Southern Baptist service * Minimum of 10 years of marriage (during the time of service) to someone who would
* Income cannot exceed $1980 a month for a single person or $2670 a month for a couple
* Participants will need to requalify every two years Please contact Bruce ConleyDOM at (301) 821-0370 or bruce@blueridgebaptist.org if you think of anyone who needs this kind of financial assistance.
DO YOU HAVE NEWS TO SHARE? If your church is doing/ has done something that is may be an encouragement to our member churches or you have a prayer request, please contact Carissa Beard by phone 240-575-4495 or email carissa@blueridgebaptist.org to have your information included in YOUR 411 or BRBA e-news (our bi-monthly publications).
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PARTNERSHIP SUMMIT Let’s have a discussion about how to improve the partnership between associations, the Network and their churches so that together we might fulfill our mission in Maryland/Delaware going forward. Who: Directors of Missions, Moderators, and other Associational Leaders, Mid-Atlantic Baptist Network Leadership Team and Officers When: June 8, 10:00 am-3:30 pm Location: Baptist Network Center Please note: Lunch will be provided. Reserve your spot today by visiting http://bcmd.org/ partnership-summit Bruce will be in attendance and would love to have 7-8 of our association pastors to attend as well. If you are interested, please RSVP above, and drop Bruce a note at bruce@blueridgebaptist.org
MOTHER/DAUGHTER OVERNIGHT CAMP Location: Camp Wo-Me-To, 1200 Knopp Road, Jarrettsville, MD 21084 2016 Theme: Run the Race For girls entering grades 1st through 3rd grade and their moms or substitute moms. Date: July 8-9, 2016, check in begins at 3 pm on Friday Cost: $80 per person (includes meals, lodging, backpack, activities and T-shirt)
Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:8: “Training the body has some value. But being godly has value in every way. It promises help for the life you are now living and the life to com.”
For registration visit www.bcmd.org/mother-daughtercamp Registration Dead line: June 30, 2016.
For questions or more information, contact Gail Noda at 800-466-5290 *218 or gnoda@bcmd.org
SAVE THE DATE *Church Planters Wives Retreat will be sponsored by BCMD/MABN on Saturday, September 17, 2016. *FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY classes will be offered by the BRBA in late August. Watch for more information to come in the August/September newsletter.
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In the Churches Covenant Baptist Church- VBS 6/20-6/24 Faith Baptist Church- 29:11 Conference, 6/25; VBS 7/24-7/28 Fellowship Baptist Church- VBS 7.11-7/15 FBC Brunswick- Family Movie Night, 6/11; VBS w/New Hope 6/20-24; AAKP 7/17-7/22 FBC Frederick- VBS 8/1-8/5 FBC Thurmont- Summer Mission Trip to Memphis, TN, 6/25-7/2 Harvest Point Community Church- Ranson Fest, 6/4; Feeding the Homeless 6/23 Lakeview Church- Impact Frederick 6/25-7/2 New Life Community Church- Vespers in the Park 6/12 & 6/19 Northstar Community Church- Planting Hope 6/4 Paramount Baptist Church- VBS 6/20-6/24; Community Block Pary, 7/9 Pleasant Valley Baptist Church- Father’s Day Gala Event, 6/18; Food Bank 7/16 Smithsburg Valley Church- VBS 8/1-8/5 South End Baptist Church- VBS 6/20-6/24; High Power Soccer Camp 7/11-7/15 Summit Trace Church- VBS 6/28-7/1; VBS 7/18-7/22
Prayer Requests *Please be in prayer for our DOM, Bruce Conley as he assumes new responsibilities for the BCMD/MABN in the role of Disaster Relief Coordinator *Please be in prayer for the SBC National Convention *Several BRBA Churches are in search for a new pastor: South End, Faith Baptist, Mt. Moriah, Harvest Pointe, Greenbriar, and Valley Baptist *Ken Stalls (retired from South End)- cancer has returned *Everett Powell (retired from Berkley Baptist)recently taken a full time position as a prison chaplain for the Salem Correctional Facility in Salem, WV *Ken Schmidt (retired)- has had multiple strokes *BRBA Youth on Mission in Ocean City *BCMD/MABN soon to announce new executive director *Election 2016
Upcoming Events *SBC Annual Meeting- 6/12-6/15 *reCharge- Skycroft 6/19-6/24; 6/26-7/1 *Impact Frederick- 6/25-7/2 *reCharge- at Beach 7/4-7/8 *Youth Ministry planning meeting- 7/7 *reCharge- Western MD 7/11-7/15 *Youth Ministry Round Table- 7/16 *Youth Mission Trip to Ocean City7/23-7/30 *Transform Conference- 8/20
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THE NEWS JOURNAL OF THE BLUE RIDGE BAPTIST ASSOCIATION
You can subscribe to the online version of our newsletter at www.blueridgebaptist.org
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