Short Notices

Editor's Trips

Issue 2010.12, June 14, 2010

Save the Date -- 2010 Annual Equipping Event/Annual Meeting

Annual Event

Save the date for this year's Annual Equipping Event and Annual Meeting: October 22-23 at the First Baptist Church in Charlotte.

Joining us will be the Rev. Brad Powell, Pastor of NorthRidge Church in Plymouth, Michigan. Under his leadership, NorthRidge has emerged from a dying church to an exciting, contemporary church communicating God's Word, and Brad communicates his message of "Change Without Compromise."

Don't miss out on this opportunity to be challenged, encouraged and equipped to go to the next level of ministry. Registration materials will be available soon.

Certain Wireless Microphones Now Banned by FCC

Under a new FCC rule, anyone who uses a wireless microphone (or similar device) that operates in the 700 MHz Band will have to stop operating their wireless microphone (or similar device) no later than June 12, 2010. To see if this law affects your wireless microphone, check our Manufacturers Equipment list. For more information go to: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones/.

Jesus said, “Do you love me? Feed my sheep.”

OGHS

In His final moments with His disciples, Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?” “Yes,” Peter replies. Then, “Feed my lambs,” the Good Shepherd tells him. “Tend my sheep.” Three times, Jesus passionately repeats his instruction, pressing his followers: If you love me, take care of the people I love. Live your love for me by actively tending these for whom I have sacrificed everything. (John 21:15-19)

This offering began more than 60 years ago in response to the devastation of World War II. In March 1949, a national broadcast on a Saturday evening asked Americans to give generously the next morning in their churches. More than 75,000 churches reponsed that day. Today OGHS serves 80 countries around the world.

OGHS

June is the month you will have an opportunity to offer your gift to One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS), empowering our American Baptist ministries of disaster relief and refugee aid. Challenges face us everyday; many are ones that we cannot control. When you take a global view of our world, natural disasters occur every week, including man-made disasters, the opportunity to respond to people in need is even more frequent. Since January 12, 2010 we have all seen the extensive media coverage of the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti. It’s difficult to imagine the suffering of those whose lives were forever changed in just a few seconds. With the extensive network of international and domestic partners, American Baptists are able to make a difference wherever and whenever disaster strikes.

As we continue to face tough economic times, parts of our system seem to be headed in a more positive direction, yet much still remains unclear. But in the midst of these challenging times, it is important to acknowledge all that God has and continues to provide- and how we use those resources. We ask that you give prayerfully and sacrificially to this annual OGHS offering. Don’t hesitate to contact Debbie Hart at 800.632.2953 ext. 221 or dhart@abc-mi.org.

For more resources to help you promote this year’s One Great Hour of Sharing: http://www.abc-oghs.org/get_resources.

Summer Publication Schedule for E-Link

Publication dates for E-Link Online through the summer months are as follows: June 28, July 19, August 2, 16, and 30. E-Link editor Joe Mortensen will be in Ghana from June 28 through July 14 on a mission trip with members of First Baptist Church of Midland.

Camp Lael

Camp Lael is Waiting....

Camp Lael is waiting...and camp starts soon!  There is still time to register and space available in all our camp sessions.

Scholarship assistance is available by contacting jimdavis@camplael.com.

Visit the Lael website at www.camplael.com to register online.

The summer theme is "store up your treasure"  based on Matthew 6:21.

Contact Jim Davis with any questions. We welcome visitors to check us out before deciding to come to camp.


Retool Kit

Is It Time For Your Church To “Retool”?

Retool is not a program as much as it is a pathway or journey, a two-year+ journey toward church mobilization for greater mission impact. If you’re looking for a “quick fix,” Retool is not for you. However, if you are intrigued by the idea of working together with others in your church to achieve spiritual growth, vision development, and community impact, check out the Retool Kit Pathway on the Region website.

Free Webinar:  Introduction to the Retool Pathway - Wednesday, June 30 at 1:00pm

Discover how the Retool Kit Pathway can mobilize your congregation in its journey toward greater missional impact in your community and beyond by joining this free one-hour webinar.

Attend this informative presentation by Ron Cary without leaving the comfort of your office or home. It only requires internet access and possibly a telephone conference call if you are unable to connect through your computer speakers.

Go to https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/724405720 and register today for the webinar. Instructions for participating the day of the webinar will be sent to you after you have registered. Questions? Call or email Ron Cary at 1-800-636-2671/rcary@abc-mi.org.

Can You Help? Vans Needed for Mission Trip

Pastor Dan MIller of First Baptist Church, Saginaw has a need. He wrote:

I am directing a mission trip to Galveston, TX on July 17-26. We will be partnering with an agency called Streetscape Ministries. Our objective will be to help with continued hurricane relief work, along with helping minister to people on the streets of the city of Galveston. There will be about 20 people from the Michigan area joining with about 8 people from the Wisconsin area on this trip. We will be traveling in 15 passenger vans. My request is to try and secure the use of two vans needed for travel for the Michigan group. We will put no more than 12 in each van. The departure date  from Michiganis the 17th, and the return date to Michigan is the 26th. I would be happy to provide further details to any church who is interested in supplying the vans. I am not soliciting bodies for the trip, but if someone feels a leading from the spirit to join us on the trip, I would welcome them, especially adults. My phone number is 989-751-8435.

Blessings,
Pastor Dan Miller- FBC- Saginaw

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Lake Louise

Still Time to Register for Camp Lake Louise

Now is the time to register for camp at Lake Louise this summer. Registration has never been easier - go to www.camplakelouise.com, a few clicks, and you're ready for the best week of the summer. Call or email Ryan Madis for more information - ryan.madis@lakelouiserocks.com or 800-440-1238. There are scholarships available, based on need and "first come first served". We want everyone to have the opportunity to experience this wonderful place this summer. See you on our gorgeous beach soon.

Short Notices

Editor's Trips

The Editor

Every edition of E-Link Online features links to articles the Editor has tripped over while wasting time surfing the Web. Posting of these links does not imply that either he or the American Baptist Churches of Michigan necessarily agrees with, endorses, or otherwise promotes the views expressed in them. Their value comes from whatever further thought, discussion, inquiry, discernment, fury, change of mind, or occasional laugh they may provoke. Readers are welcome to send their own suggestions to the Editor.