E-Link Online -- News of the American Baptist Churches of Michigan

Meditation for Holy Week

from a Holy Week sermon of Melito, Bishop of Sardis, circa 170 CE

This is the one who patiently endured many things in many people:
This is the one who was murdered in Abel, and bound as a sacrifice in Isaac,
and exiled in Jacob, and sold in Joseph,
and exposed in Moses, and sacrificed in the lamb,
and hunted down in David, and dishonored in the prophets.

This is the one who became human in a virgin,
who was hanged on the tree, who was buried in the earth,
who was resurrected from among the dead,
and who raised mankind up out of the grave below to the heights of heaven.

The one who hung the earth in space, is himself hanged;
the one who fixed the heavens in place, is himself impaled;
the one who firmly fixed all things, is himself firmly fixed to the tree.
The Lord is insulted, God has been murdered,
the King of Israel has been destroyed by the right hand of Israel.

This is the lamb that was slain. This is the lamb that was silent.
This is the one who was taken from the flock, and was dragged to sacrifice,
and was killed in the evening, and was buried at night;
the one who was not broken while on the tree,
who did not see dissolution while in the earth.
who rose up from the dead, and who raised up mankind from the grave below.

Comings, Goings, Celebrations, Concerns

§ Good news. Debbie Hart received this note from David Hardin, former pastor at Bankers Baptist, Hillsdale: "Cora Ann Hardin was born at 12:05 a.m March 27, 2009. She weighed 7 lbs 12.5 oz and was 20.5 inches. Baby and Mother [Jeni] are both doing fine, but tired after 20 hours of Labor. Thanks to all of you for your prayers.... Praise the Lord for this miracle and his strength during birth."

§ Karen Cook, wife of Dr. Richard Cook, former pastor of First Baptist Church, Mt. Morris, died on March 24. At E-Link publication time no further details were known. Condolences may be sent to Richard's address at 95 Fairland Road, Manheim, PA 17545 . -- information provided by Rev. Todd Regster

§ University Baptist Church of East Lansing invites you to attend the service of pastoral installation for the Rev. Alex Pickens, III. Sunday, April 19, 2009 at 3:00 pm. The service will be held at the church, 4608 S. Hagadorn Road, East Lansing, MI 48823. Reception immediately following. RSVP with number attending on or before april 9: email: unibapt@msu.edu or call 517.351.4144.

§ Elaine Cail, wife of the Rev. John Cail (former pastor at Tekonsha), has been undergoing radiation for some spots on her brain. She's been dealing with chemotherapy for another form of cancer for a few years. Elaine is reported doing well after the first week of radiation. Please keep the Cails in your prayers. -- information provided by Mary Beth Sarhath

New Director for Camp Lake Louise

The Camp Lake Louise board is pleased to announce the calling of Ryan Madis as the new Resident Director at Camp Lake Louise. Ryan is a familiar face at Lake Louise where he has served on resident staff for several summers, most recently as Assistant Director. Ryan is a graduate of the University of Michigan and currently is completing a Youth Ministry Internship at Markey Baptist Church in Roscommon.

Ryan said of his long relationship to the camp, “I have attended Camp Lake Louise every summer since I was seven years old, dedicating my life to Christ there many years ago. Camp Lake Louise has always been my favorite place on Earth. I have worked the past eight summers in various roles on the Resident Staff to carry on Lake Louise’s stellar tradition as an asset to the kingdom of God. I started on staff as a 16 year old kid with more hair than ideas, and have learned immeasurable lessons from the hundreds of people I have encountered through Lake Louise. My life has been shaped by experiences and people connected to Camp Lake Louise. I am eager to impact the lives of campers and their families as we work to lead campers to Know God, Love God, and Serve God, through faith in Jesus Christ.”

Camp Lake Louise Online Registration for the 2009 season is now available at CampLakeLouise.com. Registration is safe and secure, handled through PayPal. Information for off line registration is available through the website also. If you are in need of more calendar/brochures, or other information contact Ryan at Ryan.Madis@Lakelouiserocks.com.

Paul Dean Webb Ordained at First Baptist Ypsilanti

Left to right: Galen Lowery, Michael Williams, Paul Dean Webb, Randy Johnson

Paul Dean Webb was ordained by the First Baptist Church of Ypsilanti on Sunday, March 22, 2009, the third ordination in that church within the past five years. [Click on photo to see larger image.]

The Rev. Randy Johnson, pastor of the Ypsilanti church, explained that the term ordination comes from the Latin language and means “to set in order.” Although neither the term nor our modern practice of ordination are found in the Bible, Johnson said, throughout history God has called upon specific people to carry out His will. Among the better known are Noah, Abraham, Moses, the prophets and the twelve apostles. In the early church individuals who were called of God were set apart through prayer and the laying on of hands.

What on earth could someone my age (71 going on 100) possibly bring to a congregation? The answer is experience and joy. -- Paul Dean Webb

By granting ordination the local church publicly acknowledges their belief that the candidate for ordination is called of God, is equipped to serve, and is spiritually ready for some higher calling of Christian ministry. In granting Paul Dean Webb ordination the American Baptist Churches of Michigan and the members of the First Baptist Church of Ypsilanti have conveyed their support and blessing upon him and his call.

The Rev. Galen Lowery, who served as an interim pastor at the church, delivered the ordination message. His remarks were entitled “Tools In The Hands Of God.” The focus of his message centered on the fact that all of us are tools to be used for the honor and glory of the Lord. As a “tool” we need to be available and abandoned unto Himself that His perfect will and way can flow through us.

Pastor Lowery touched base with twelve pastors for collective input as to some of the characteristics, traits, and attitudes they had found essential for effective ministry. These qualities were shared with Paul Dean Webb and the congregation during the ordination service. >>> Read rest of article.

Points to Ponder

While we remain a nation decisively shaped by religious faith, our politics and our culture are, in the main, less influenced by movements and arguments of an explicitly Christian character than they were even five years ago. I think this is a good thing—good for our political culture, which, as the American Founders saw, is complex and charged enough without attempting to compel or coerce religious belief or observance.

It is good for Christianity, too, in that many Christians are rediscovering the virtues of a separation of church and state that protects what Roger Williams, who founded Rhode Island as a haven for religious dissenters, called "the garden of the church" from "the wilderness of the world."

As crucial as religion has been and is to the life of the nation, America's unifying force has never been a specific faith, but a commitment to freedom—not least freedom of conscience

At our best, we single religion out for neither particular help nor particular harm; we have historically treated faith-based arguments as one element among many in the republican sphere of debate and decision. The decline and fall of the modern religious right's notion of a Christian America creates a calmer political environment and, for many believers, may help open the way for a more theologically serious religious life.-- Jon Meacham, editor of Newsweek, issue dated April 13, 2009

From Church Law & Tax Update

Featured Resource: Reducing the Risk: Keeping Your Ministry Safe from Child Sexual Abuse

Recently, we commissioned NationalChristianPoll.com to do a national survey on child sexual abuse prevention. More than 700 churches from across the country participated, and here are some of our findings:

Of the churches surveyed:

• 51 percent have a written child protection policy
• 44 percent have a policy for responding to an allegation of abuse
• 41 percent of churches don't know if their liability insurance covers an allegation of abuse

What is your church doing to prevent child sexual abuse from occurring?

In 1983, Congress designated April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. We're working hard to raise awareness and educate churches on how to keep kids safe in our faith communities. You can view the complete survey executive summary and read the article, "It Can't Happen Here." Also, please sign up for our free e-newsletter, Reducing the Risk Quick Tip and pass it on to all of your staff. This is one of the easiest, quickest ways to make sure safety stays top-of-mind on all of your staff and volunteers' minds not only in April, but throughout the entire year!

The ABC-MI Region office has some child abuse prevention resources available for loan to churches. If you are interested in these, please contact Trina Knox at tknox@abc-mi.org.

Davison Church Fills "Baskets for Missions"

For several years the First Baptist Church of Davison has promoted “Baskets for Missions” as a way to celebrate and support America for Christ and related ministries. The last event was held on March 29, 2009. People make up and bring “baskets” or items which are sold and the proceeds are forwarded to missions.

The most recent effort produced about 100 baskets offered for sale to the highest bidder, raising has raised $2,907.67 (including some additional giving through envelopes). We have found this to be a fun, exciting, and effective way to support missions. [Click on photos to see larger pictures.] -- submitted by the Rev. James Unger

Give to the America for Christ Offering

We are called by God to a life of holistic stewardship—to fully serve, sacrifice, and surrender to the One who has given our lives new and eternal meaning. And yet that relationship becomes profoundly multifaceted in its real-world application as we live for Christ in order to make a difference in our communities and respond to many needs “with willing hands.”

You can help make a difference! Service in Christ’s name is both an opportunity and a challenge. For 176 years National Ministries, ABCUSA has assisted American Baptist congregations as they have confronted and responded to the spiritual and physical needs resident in many communities like ours.

The church’s contribution to the America for Christ Offering goes to support Christ-centered ministries that are transforming lives across the United States and Puerto Rico.

Our giving directly impacts local activities, projects and ministries such as:

• Evangelism and Church Planting
• Camps and Leadership Development Conferences
• Community Development and Refugee Resettlement
• Scholarships for education and Volunteers In Mission

I believe God is calling us to support local missions in America and Puerto Rico and to join with our sisters and brothers as together we serve, sacrifice, and surrender.

Together we can reach our goal: $2,010,000 to continue providing vital local ministries.

For the love of Christ urges us on…..

Please contact Debbie Hart at the Region Office with your questions at 800.632.2953 ext. 221 or dhart@abc-mi.org. Thank you!

First Baptist, Ann Arbor, Hosts Volf Lectures

Noted theologian Miroslav Volf will present two lectures on "The God of Jesus and the God of Muhammed" at First Baptist Church of Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 25, at 10 am and 3 pm. (See announcement at right.)

American Baptist pastors are offered an exclusive invitation to attend a luncheon with Miroslav. There is no registration needed for the lectures themselves, but be sure to RSVP to Mary Davis (madrad@umich.edu, 734.747.8131) to reserve your place at the lunch table.

This event is sponsored by American Baptist Churches of Michigan, ABC-MI Ministers Council, and First Baptist Church of Ann Arbor.

Children in Poverty Future Search Conference

Children are often the unseen and unheard recipients of conditions created by chronic poverty. Detroit has more than its share of both poverty and children affected by it. The Metropolitan Detroit Association of American Baptist Churches seeks to address these issues. It has supported a planning team that has worked for almost two years to create a future search conference called “Collaborating for Children in the 48238 Community.”

The conference, to be held April 17-19 at Loyola High School, will bring together a diverse group of community leaders and residents, helping them work toward creating a healthy future for families and kids in a small section of Detroit. The planning team solicits your prayers as they engage in the final planning for this event.

For more information about the conference, contact Rev. Ron Burks, pastor of Palestine Missionary Baptist Church and chair of the MDA at palestinembc@sbcglobal.net.

Materials for the 2009 Sowing Seed of Ministry Region Offering will soon be arriving at your church. Participation in this offering will allow ABC-MI to continue sowing seeds of ministry by

•providing congregational enrichment and assessment resources
• supporting Ministry Leadership Groups for pastors
• working with search committees in times of transition
• equipping young people to be future leaders
• resettling Burmese refugees
• enabling the work of our ABC-USA missionaries

ABC-MI President Rev. Heidi DeMott Shanes recently sent a letter to pastors in the Region inviting their participation in this important offering. Read the letter by clicking on its image at left.

Church Planting Event

The purpose of this event is to answer questions, generate interest and build passion for church planting.

The Church Planting Task Force, formed by the Congregational Missions and Ministry Team of ABC-MI is planning a Church Planting Event for Saturday, May 9, at Judson Memorial Baptist Church. This event is open to anyone interested in learning more about how God is leading ABC-MI to begin a church planting movement. This includes churches who may be interested in starting another church to increase their opportunities to reach their community, or a specific cultural or target group.

The event is also open to individuals who may be sensing a call to lead a church plant and how they can discern if they have the gifts to be a lead a church planter. During our time together we will explore the different types of church planting, how to know if your church is ready to start another church, and what type of church you would be best suited to start. In addition we will explore how the Region can come alongside a church or planting pastor to provide support and resources to ensure a successful experience. We have also invited two church planters to tell their stories about how God has changed lives through their church plant.

We will begin at 8:30am, with registration, coffee, and rolls. The first session will begin at 9:00 am, and we will be finished by 3 pm. The cost is $15 per person, which includes materials and lunch

This is event will primarily be an opportunity to explore, ask questions, and discern where God may be leading you or your church to be a part of His Mission to reach new believers in a new way. If you have questions about this event, please contact either Rev. Danny Langley, chair of the Church Planting Task Force at danny.langley@crosspointemeadows.org or Rev. Jon Good, chair of the CMMT at pastorjon@covenantbaptistchurch.org

Watch for registration details in the next issue of Elink.

Short Notices

Dr. Scott Arnold, pastor at Quincy Union Church, has publshed Soul Fruit: Bearing Blessings through Cancer, an account of his family's faith journey through multiple occurrences of cancer. Read about it at http://tinyurl.com/dzwmwc.

First Baptist Birmingham's B'Jazz Vespers series continues on the third Sunday of the month. Next up on Sunday, April 19, 6 to 8 pm, is Ray Kamalay and his Red Hot Peppers. Pastor J. Wesley Babian of First Baptist Church will speak briefly during the interlude of worship. Pastor Babian states, "The B'Jazz Vespers Ministry is a wonderful way to share God's music and God's word with the community. Each month we invite friends and strangers alike into this house of worship to praise the wonders God continues to share with us." First Baptist Church is located on the corner of Willits and Bates in Birmingham. No admission charge. Casual attire. Tel. 248-644-0550.

Keep hand sanitizers out of children's reach. See the story at snopes.com. [Thanks, Charles Slay]

If your church has sound equipment no longer being used, consider donating it to the Battle Creek Chin Baptist Church. Contact the pastor, the Rev. Van Lian, at vtliank@yahoo.com.

Registration for the 2009 Green Lake Holy Spirit Conference is available in the brochure: http://abc-mi.org/elink/09hsconf.pdf. The theme for the June 27-July 3 gathering is "Truth and Power: When the Kingdom Encounters Culture."

A letter regarding the status of Camp Lael and Camp Lake Louise was recently issued by Region President, the Reverend Heidi DeMott Shanes and Mr. Michael Kingsbury, Chair of the Region's Administrative Ministry Team. You may read it here.

Save the date of September 26, 2009, for the Annual Golf Outing for Friendship House at Fox Creek Golf Club in Livonia.

The Friendship House Newsletter is now provided in both PDF and DOC formats. The DOC format is a much smaller file and will take much less time to acquire on slow dialup connections. Read it in PDF at http://abc-mi.org/elink/fh.pdf or in DOC format at http:abc-mi.org/fh.doc.

The next issue of E-Link Online will be published on April 20, 2009. Please send news items and notices to the Editor (editor@abc-mi.org) by April 16.

Editor's Trips

Disclaimer: listing of these references does not imply endorsement of positions or policies advocated in them by either the American Baptist Churches of Michigan or the editor of E-Link Online. They are provided here for further thought, discussion, inquiry, and an occasional laugh. Caveat lector. Suggestions for "Trips" and readers' comments are welcome. Send to editor@abc-mi.org.

The Editor

»»  Does Freedom of Speech Include the Right to Defame Religions? -- http://tinyurl.com/c78luj
»»  Do Our Lives Have a Purpose? Movie Knowing Explores Age-old Baptist Theological Quarrel -- http://tinyurl.com/cngm35
»»
»»  Christians and Politics - End of the Road? -- http://tinyurl.com/d6upmh
»»  The Coming Evangelical Collapse -- http://tinyurl.com/d77z22
»»  ABC Missionary Lauren Bethell to Address Conference on Ending Modern Slavery -- http://tinyurl.com/cnsh8p
»»  Fully Searchable Online Database Catalogs 20,000 Hymn Texts and 15,000 Tunes from 48 Hymnals - A Great Resource -- http://www.hymnary.org/
»»  Baptist 400th Anniversary Special - The Life of William Carey -- http://tinyurl.com/dbmje2