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

Issue 2010.13, June 28, 2010

Comings, Goings, Celebrations, Concerns

First Latin American Baptist Church of Detroit Celebrates 80th Anniversary

Over Memorial Day weekend current members, former members and clergy, and many guests helped celebrate the 80th Anniversary of First Latom American Baptist Church of Detroit. The evening was filled with memories of the church and Detroit remembering fondly well known people and business that once thrived in the city. The highlight of the evening was the music. The congegation overflows with talented musicians, soloists, and groups. They even had their own "American Idol" presence through a member who recently auditioned for the show. Guests were treated to a catered, authentic, Hispanic buffet which was a big hit for everyone present. Because the church is bilingual, Pastor Casillas acted as the interpreter for the presenters who speak only English; this added to the richness of the event. The Rev. Tucker J. Gunneman presented a plaque on behalf of ABC-MI to the current pastor, Kevin Casillas, honoring the church and its many ministries that have made an impact on the community for 80 years. We welcome Pastor Casillas to the ABC-MI family and look forward to continuing a long relationship and presence in Detroit. [Click on image at left for larger view.]

Tucker Gunneman Installed as Pastor at First Baptist Church of Saginaw

On Sunday, May 16th, the Rev. Tucker J. Gunneman was installed as Lead Pastor for First Baptist Church of Saginaw. Those who participated in the service to bring the charge to the pastor, charge to the minister, and to preside over the installation were the Rev. Dr. Michael Williams, the Rev. Ron Cary, the Rev. Danny Langley, Pastor of Crosspointe Meadows Church, and Associate pastor of First Baptist Church of Saginaw Dan Miller. Also present for the Mid Michigan Association were Pastor Lee Austin, New Hope Baptist Church Bay City, the Rev. John Dick, First Baptist Church of Midland, and the Rev. Richard Kinnamon, Essexville Community Baptist Church. A reception followed in the church basement. [Click on image at right for larger view.]
Battle Creek Chin Congregations Bids Farewell to Pastor Van Lian

In a service of song and celebration, the congregation of the Battle Creek Chin Baptist Church gave a heartfelt and tearful goodbye to their pastor, the Rev. Van Lian and his family. Having come to the U.S. from Burma following a tumultuous journey involving religious persecution and death threats on his life, Pastor Van did what he does best: preached the Gospel. In doing so, he has brought new believers to Christ, including many young people. He has at the same time addressed the numerous challenges that refugees face in settling into a new community. Recognizing his significant accomplishments, the Rev. Dr. Michael Williams presented Pastor Lian with a certificate of appreciation and extended blessings for the new ministry he will be beginning in Houston, TX. Williams assured him that he would always have a home back in Michigan. Pastor Van responded, saying, "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you, ABC-MI for all your help; I WILL be back!" [Click on image at left for larger view.]

Baptist Distinctives: A Drink of Water

By Alex Pickens III, pastor of University Baptist Church, East Lansing

I am not the most physically fit Baptist in the pew. You, like I, may be able to hearken back to a time when you were leaner, stronger and faster. My nostalgic destination is a village in West Africa. I was in better shape because I had to draw my own water from a well.

Drawing well water is a blessing because of the physical benefits. Most people drawing water on a daily basis do not have to worry about the obesity epidemic threatening North Americans. They don't have to worry because drawing water keeps you fit.

Drawing well water is also a burden because each new day brings the requirement of new effort for the needed resource. No matter how deftly the water was drawn the day before, a new day brings the burden of once again having to draw from the well.

The same burden and blessing is evident in our Baptist distinctive of Biblical authority. I am proud to be a Baptist because of our reliance on the Bible. There is no more blessed vehicle to effect change in human hearts than the Word of God. However our reliance requires every believer to personally go to the well of Scripture on a daily basis. There are no creedal statements or intermediaries between the believers and the Beneficent. If we as Baptists want to drink from the deep waters of Scripture, we have to go for ourselves. We have to draw our own water.

Like water in the wells under the earth, the deep truths of Scripture can only be accessed through hard work. We must drill for the water that cleanses and sustains us. We must study for the truths that guide and keep us.

My waistline tells just how long it's been since I've drawn water from a well. Though I'm lacking physical fitness, I'm thankful that our Baptist distinctives keep my spirit in fighting trim. Our belief in Biblical authority means I must base my theology and practice on Scripture first. The only way to do that is to read it, study it, believe it, digest it, regurgitate it and read it again.

Like water, the Word of God cleanses without and strengthens within. We must however draw from the Word on a daily basis.

Have you been to the well today?

[The Editor welcomes personal perspectives like this one by Alex Pickens. Send them to editor@abc-mi.org.]

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

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.

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.

July Publication Schedule for E-Link

There will be but one issue of E-Link Online in July. Publication date is July 19; deadline for submissions is July 15. 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.

Double Your Money and Your Ministry!

Due to a matching gift fund offered through the First Baptist Church of Royal Oak, all new or increased gifts to the ABC-MI Region Offering, Sowing Seeds of Ministry, will be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis. As Dr. David Nichols has said, “Everything we have has been given by God to be managed wisely for the sake of God’s kingdom.” Giving to the Region Offering will not only double your dollars, it will double your Kingdom impact! For more information about the Region Offering or for materials, contact Debbie Hart at the Region office ( 800 632-2953).

On-line Youth Ministry Certification Program

ABC-MI and ABCOPAD are once again partnering to offer an online Youth Ministry Certificate program in conjunction with Eastern University. In this year-long intensive program you will learn

how to engage youth in an effective manner
how to create a three year plan for discipling teens
how to create high impact programming that will change lives

Amanda Cook, one of this year’s graduates, says, “The wealth of knowledge that the instructor provided, as well as resources, and the networking that developed is a great benefit to my youth ministry. Each week we covered something new and I was amazed at how I was able to apply that to the next youth group meeting. In fact, every assignment that was required for class I was able to apply to the youth ministry of Gregory Community Church from a new Purpose Statement for the youth ministry to a complete Student Ministries Model. Thank-you!”

For more information about the online youth ministry program, visit the Region website or contact Pat Hernandez (phernandez@abc-mi.org).

Worship Celebration at 2010 Annual Equipping Event – Final, Final Call!

If you’ve been intending to respond to previous announcements inviting participation in the Friday evening ABC-MI Region worship celebration, this is your final opportunity to do so! This year’s Annual Equipping Equipping event will be held at the First Baptist Church of Charlotte, October 22 & 23. Friday evening will feature a worship celebration highlighting the variety of musical gifts and talents in our Region. For more information or to participate, contact Pat Hernandez (phernandez@abc-mi.org ).

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.

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

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.

Short Notices

On August 3, 4 and 5 University Baptist Church of East Lansing will partner with Lansing-area churches to present “Cool Livin’ – Vacation Bible School at Munn.” During three days, churches will have the opportunity to use a 6,000-seat hockey arena for the glory of God. Activities include ice skating, 6-foot penguin costumes, games, rallies, snacks, a parents’ corner and Bible lessons. Your congregation is welcome to join this great opportunity for outreach. Please contact June Youatt @ 517-339-9150 or youatt@msu.edu for more information. Register at http://www.ubcel.org/vbs.htm.
Booklets are still available from the 2009 Annual Equipping Event featuring Rev. Dr. Trinette McCray and the Conversation Café process. If you would like a booklet, please contact Debbie Hart at the Region office (dhart@abc-mi.org or 800 632-2953.
Consumer Alert -- Medicare $250 Prescription Coverage Gap Rebate – This consumer alert warns Michigan residents to beware of identity theft by persons seeking personal information under the guise of the Michigan rebate being sent pursuant to the Federal Affordable Care Act. To access the online version of this consumer alert, please click here.
Church World Service of Michigan (the CROP Walk folks) invites you to participate in a “Learn & Serve” bus trip to the CWS Service Center in New Windsor, Maryland, October 25-29. You will have a hands-on experience at the International Gift Shop and the warehouse where CWS blankets and kits are collected, packed and shipped for use around the world. The trip includes a side trip to Gettysburg, PA. Why not consider participating in this short-term mission trip with a friend or two? For more detailed information go to the ABCMI website (www.abc-mi.org) or call Pam at 888-297-2767.
New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church, Detroit, will host A Conference for Female Clergy, August 19-20, 2010. Dr. Wilma Johnson is host pastor. The conference is sponsored by National Ministries/American Baptist Home Mission Societies. For more information click here.
Central Area Fall Senior Adult Event will be held Tuesday, September 21, 11am -1pm, at Federated Church of Grass Lake, 519 E. Michigan Ave., Grass Lake, 517-522-4480, email: glfederated@yahoo.com, The event will be hosted by the Young At Heart Senior Adult Group of the Federated Church where the Rev. Chuck McNeil is the pastor. The program will be presented by Dr. Andy Mead, Professor of Music at University of Michigan, who will describe the origins of the pipe organ, then play a short concert on the church's pipe organ. A luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall. Cost for the program and lunch will be $5.
The most recent 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, July 19, 2010. This will be the only issue for July. Plan accordingly. Please send news items and notices to the Editor (editor@abc-mi.org) by July 15.

Editor's Trips

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.

Mind-Blowing Facts About Wealth and Inequality in America ("hasn't been this bad since the Roaring Twenties")

Andover Newton and Meadville Lombard Merging to Form Interreligious University (press release)

Is God Mad at the Big-Butter Jesus Mega Church? (aka the "Touchdown Jesus" church)

Blinded by Stuff (review of Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream)

Recognition of Sin and the Capacity to Love

Is Discomfort at Church Good or Bad?

Talking to Children About God (a Rabbi's perspective)

Ten Things That Should Go Without Saying in Church

Center or Boundary? Addressing a Category Confusion