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

Issue 2010.03, February 10, 2010

Celebrations, Concerns, Comings, Goings

§ Barbara Chapin, a great friend and supporter of Camp Lake Louise, died on January 13 after a long battle with heart problems. She had been in hospice and passed peacefully. A memorial service will he held later in the spring. Dr. James Kent of Markey Community Baptist Church, a friend of Barbara's for more than 50 years, will conduct the service and welcomes inspirational stories about her. Contact him at jimkent@umich.edu.

§ Haitian Baptists request $1 Million for rebuilding. See http://www.internationalministries.org/artifacts/18242.

§ Baptists arrested in Haiti are not affiliated with American Baptist Churches USA. See http://bit.ly/ci9o67.

§ Tony Campolo speaks about Haiti situation (video): http://www.internationalministries.org/artifacts/18051

Royal Oak Congregations Merge

The American Baptist Churches of Michigan (ABC-MI) welcomes Genesis—The Church into our fellowship after the congregations of First Baptist Church of Royal Oak and Genesis—The Church joyfully voted to come together as one body. As Pastor Beau McCarthy stated in a letter to the congregations, “This is truly a work of God!” He goes on to state, “this transition will give us all an opportunity to obey the royal law: to love our neighbor as ourselves. And, we are more than neighbor; we are family, co-heirs in Christ. As Genesis—The Church we together are setting a course to magnify the name of God in Royal Oak and beyond.” The merger became effective January 1, 2010. In just the first few Sundays, more than 350 adults have gathered for the 10:30 AM worship with more than 100 preschool through fifth grade children attending “The Garden.” The merged congregation is using the facilities of the former First Baptist Church of Royal Oak (FBCRO). Plans are already underway for significant facility renovations to happen later this year.

The Rev. Dr. David Nichols, while concluding his ministry as pastor of FBCRO, will continue his involvement with Genesis the Church as Pastor Emeritus. As of February 1 he joined the ABC-MI staff as Church Consultant for Stewardship, Discipleship, and Church Health (see next article in this issue of E-Link Online) made possible by special funding provided by Genesis the Church and the FBCRO Mission Fund Committee.

As part of the merger the FBCRO Mission Fund Committee was formed to disburse endowment funds to several ministries traditionally supported by FBCRO including Friendship House; Camp Lael; ABC-MI; ABCUSA National and International Missions; and MDA. The FBCRO congregation, during its final business meeting as FBCRO, determined percentages of support to the above-named ministries. Distributions to these ministries will take place primarily over the next three years or until all funds have been disbursed.

The ABC-MI welcomes Genesis the Church into our midst and looks forward to ways in which together as Jesus’ followers we might not just proclaim the Good News but be the Good News, here and now (Matthew 6:10).

Dr. David Nichols Joins ABC-MI Staff

The ABC-MI Executive Committee, during its January 21 meeting, unanimously approved the appointment of the Rev. Dr. David Nichols to serve on the ABC-MI staff as Consultant for Stewardship, Discipleship and Congregational Health. In this position, Dr. Nichols will serve part-time as the ABC-MI American Baptist Foundation (ABF) representative filling the position previously held by the Rev. Joseph Huse. In this capacity, he will work under the auspices of the ABF with that portion of his job description funded by the ABF.

In addition, he will serve part-time in the areas of stewardship and discipleship working with ABC-MI congregations to identify and address their unique corporate stewardship and personal discipleship issues. This portion of his portfolio is made possible by the generosity of the First Baptist Church of Royal Oak Mission Fund (FBCRO) and Genesis—The Church (Genesis), both of whom offered to provide funding in support of Dr. Nichols, recognizing his unique gifts and qualifications for this position. This is not re-directed funding, but rather new monies to the ABC-MI by these two entities to make this position a reality.

Dr. Nichols is uniquely qualified to serve in this position. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard University. He earned both Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary. His work experience includes serving as local church pastor and in the administration of Northern Baptist Theological Seminary (NBTS). While serving on staff at NBTS (1984-1996), he served in several capacities including: Capital Campaign Associate; Director of Church Relations; Vice-President of Development; Vice-President for Business; and Assistant to the President for Planned Giving. It was during this time he received extensive training from Resource Development, Inc. in Springfield, MO to enhance his capacities in the area of planned giving.

He left NBTS feeling the call of God back into local church pastoral ministry. From 1996 to 2004 he served the ABCUSA-related Moraine Valley Community Church in Palos Hills, IL. He then accepted the call of FBCRO in 2004 where he served until December 31, 2009 when the church merged with another congregation in the Royal Oak area to form Genesis—The Church. He will continue his involvement with Genesis in the position of Pastor Emeritus. This merged congregation has multiple affiliations including the ABC-MI.

“These are challenging days for our churches and the ABC-MI as we all try to align our resources with our mission,” according to Dr. Michael Williams, ABC-MI Executive Minister. “And the truth is, the ABC-MI increasingly struggles with the challenge of focusing on our mission of strengthening congregations and their leaders and what we can afford to do. The generosity of FBCRO and Genesis allows us to add this unbudgeted staff position that addresses a critical need in our churches to challenge congregants in the areas of wholistic stewardship and personal discipleship.”

Dr. Williams went on to say, “We live in a time when far too many church members act more as consumers believing ‘it is all about me’ rather than disciples called to ‘take up our cross and follow Jesus.’ Our churches must once again inspire members to dare to ask ‘what does God expect of us?’ Dr. Nichols will work with church leaders to identify needs and resources in the area of personal discipleship that congregations may be strengthened for mission and ministry in their communities.”

For more information regarding Dr. Nichol’s responsibilities, read the job description.

February Executive Committee Report

The ABC-MI Executive Committee held a regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, January 21. Highlights of the meeting include:

Bylaw Discussion: President Erica Van Brakle led a discussion regarding possible Bylaw changes to recommend to the 2010 Annual Meeting delegates in October. Possible Bylaw revisions are needed as it relates to the Annual Meeting and to Areas. Any proposed changes need to go before the Region Board at their April meeting in order to have proposed changes circulating at least ninety days prior to the Annual Meeting as required in the current Bylaws.
Future Search: President Erica Van Brakle presented an updated report of activities related to the eight key principles identified in the Future Search process. Specifically she highlighted the development of the Outreach/Community Partnership Resources now available on our website. She expressed appreciation to Linnea Berg for her work in compiling this resource over a period of months.
2010 Annual Meeting Update: The First Baptist Church of Charlotte has graciously agreed to host the 2010 ABC-MI Annual Meeting October 22-23. Vice-President Mary Ivey reported the planning committee has met and is working to secure the speaker.

>> Read the rest of the report.

ABC-MI Churches 2009 Mission Giving Reflects Challenging Economic Times

Once again American Baptists across Michigan sacrificially supported American Baptist missions through United Mission, Love Gift, five major offerings, institutional support and specific gifts. Please note the following totals:

United Mission Basic/Designated	$269,591	$361,792	($92,201)
Love Gift	$14,004	$15,875	($1,871)
America for Christ	$52,693	$49,867	$2,826
World Mission Offering	$79,671	$93,362	($13,690)
Retired Min. and Miss. Off.	$43,191	$51,743	($8,553)
One Great Hour of Sharing	$38,007	$49,,006	($10,999)
Region Offering	$42,165	$43,425	($1,261)
Institutional Support	$56,045	$66,199	($10,154)
Specifics	$339,652	$348,966	(9,315)
Targeted Giving	$21,160	$19,915	$1,244
Total ABMS	$956,178	$1,10,0151	($143,973)

There are several items of note regarding the American Baptist Mission Support of ABC-MI churches in 2009:

Total ABMS giving for 2009 is down $143,973 over total ABMS giving in 2008;
In 2009 several of our traditionally strong mission giving congregations made significant cuts due to their own local church budget challenges. The top United Mission giving church in 2008 reduced their 2009 UM giving by $40,335 due to economic challenges (For the mission giving report of the churches, go to www.abc-mi.org and click on “ABC-MI Missions” on the left-side navigation bar. Giving by month for 2009 is listed there);
The decrease in United Mission affects the ABC-MI budget as the ABC-MI receives 65 cents of every United Mission dollar given by our churches. The remaining 35 cents of every United Mission dollar is divided among the national program boards, Representative Process and the ABCUSA Office of the General Secretary. Giving to “Specifics” and the new “Region Offering” in recent years has helped to offset the Region United Mission losses to some degree, but not totally;
The decrease in One Great Hour of Sharing gifts reflects the fact there was not a significant natural disaster in the US or world in 2009 therefore giving was limited, for the most part, to general giving to the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering. The Haiti Earthquake in early 2010 will result in significant gifts being received through One Great Hour of Sharing in 2010;

>> Read the rest of this report.

Camp Task Force Update – February 2010

by Rev. Heidi DeMott Shanes, ABC-MI Immediate Past President

The Camp Task Force held its second meeting on January 19, 2010 at Crosspointe Meadows Church in Novi. The meeting agenda centered on presentations given by leadership from Camp Lael and Camp Lake Louise. Each presentation included a 2009 Report and a preliminary 2010 Business Plan. The production of written business plans was an important milestone in moving Camp Lael and Camp Lake Louise toward independence. The one year business plans are intended to serve as a foundation for the development of comprehensive, multi-year plans. I appreciate the time and effort that Mr. Jim Davis and Mr. Mark Stephenson put into developing each of their respective plans.

I am pleased to report that both camps ended the year 2009 with revenues exceeding expenses. Furthermore, Camp Lake Louise paid off all debt owed to the Region. Camp Lael made significant efforts toward repaying its remaining debt, which as of December 31, 2009, totaled $58,375.21 (without any 2009 audit adjustments).

Both camps have given thought to the areas of fundraising, operating capital, future endowments, and facility improvement needs. They are carefully reviewing their camp program offerings and are seeking to expand and revise their offerings to meet current trends in camping.

The January Camp Task Force meeting was positive and exciting. We continued to build a cooperative spirit by reaffirming our definition of “independence.” With this common understanding and goal in front of us, additional action steps were identified which are now being worked on.

It was my pleasure to inform the ABC-MI Executive Committee of the notable strides that have been made since November 2009. I look forward to delivering another positive report at the ABC-MI Region Board meeting in April.

Thank you for your continued support of Camp Lael, Camp Lake Louise, ABC-MI, and the work of the Camp Task Force.

America for Christ Offering 2010

Our surveys reveal countless people in need of Jesus’ love and healing touch. It’s a difficult challenge, but we believe that as American Baptists working together, we can make a difference by supporting the 2010 America for Christ Offering (AFC). This special annual offering is normally collected in March, but will be accepted at anytime during the year when it’s convenient for your church.

This year’s theme ~ “With Willing Hands: Connect. Care. Celebrate” ~ is a powerful reminder that Jesus’ public ministry was all about connecting and caring for people in need. Through the work of National Ministries, which is supported by the AFC offering, we can participate with our Lord in connecting, caring and celebrating the power of the Gospel:

As people come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ;
As children in poverty are reached through the Penny Project;
As youth, children and adults grow in discipleship;
As communities are changed through Christian centers;
As we increase church vitality through the Church in Mission trainings; and
As we help to support and relocate refugees into churches and communities.

>> Read more about AFC.

ABC-MI Pastors Encouraged to "Fan the Flame" at Upcoming Conference

ABC-MI pastors are encouraged to take advantage of a life-transforming opportunity as they are ministered to at the Fanning the Flame Pastors' Renewal Conference May 24-27 at Green Lake Conference Center in Green Lake, Wisconsin. Come for a time of spiritual renewal, relaxation and relating to colleagues in ministry from all over the country. Click here for details.

Click on image below for full sized version.

Short Notices

Children’s Director Position -- Do you have creative ideas? Like to work with adults and children? Have leadership skills and love of the Lord? If so, then Covenant Baptist Church, (CBC), in West Bloomfield, Michigan is looking for you! CBC is accepting applications for a Children’s Director. This 20 hour part-time position has an immediate opening. It involves a general oversight of the children’s ministry: preschool through fifth grade. It includes spiritually and emotionally caring for the children, developing and directing programs and maintaining a close relationship with parents and adult leaders/teachers. Applicants should be baptized into the community of faith, able to train and work with adults, and posses a love of Christ and a desire to see the children grow spiritually. Preference will be given to those who have a minimum of three years experience in related ministries and completion of a Bachelor’s Degree. For additional information, refer to the website at http://covenantbaptistchurch.org.
The next B'Jazz Vespers at First Baptist Church of Birmingham is Sunday, February 21, 6 to 8 pm. See the church's website for more information.
How to Avoid Death by Meeting (h/t Trina Knox)
The latest Friendship House Newsletter is available at http://abc-mi.org/elink/fh.pdf (PDF) or http://abc-mi.org/elink/fh.doc (DOC).
The next issue of E-Link Online will be published on Monday, February 22, 2010. Please send news items and notices to the Editor (editor@abc-mi.org) by February 18.

Editor's Trips

Every edition of E-Link Online (this one excepted -- see below) features links to articles the Editor has tripped over while wasting time surfing the Web. Posting of these links does not necessa7rily mean that either he or the American Baptist Churches of Michigan agrees with, endorses, or otherwise promotes the views expressed in them. Their value, if any, consists of whatever further thought, discussion, inquiry, discernment, fury, or occasional laugh they may provoke. Readers are welcome to send their own suggestions to the Editor.

Your Editor and his spouse spent the last couple of weeks on an actual trip to Florida and California to visit family and look for sunshine. They found more of it in San Francisco than they did in Florida.

Come back to the next issue of E-Link Online for more of the Editor's virtual trips.