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

Issue 2010.14, July 19, 2010

Comings, Goings, Celebrations, Concerns

Elaine Cail, wife of retired ABC-MI pastor John Cail died on July died in Kalamazoo on July 6 after a long illness. Memorial services were held at Tekonsha Baptist Church on July 15 and at First Baptist of Kalamazoo on July 16. Memorials have been designated for the Visiting Nurse Assocaiton Hospice Program or First Baptist Church of Kalamazoo. Condolences may be sent to the Rev. John Cail, 5621 Lantana Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49048-5861. The obituary as it appeared in the Kalamazoo Gazette may be viewed here.
Rev. Thomas Stanton Case celebrates 20th Anniversary
On Sunday July 11, 2010, the Rev. Thomas Stanton Case celebrated 20 years of ministry with the Ganges Baptist church in Fennville. Case is the son of the late Rev. Delmer Case who served for 48 years as an American Baptist pastor in such congregation as Lakeview Baptist, Battle Creek, and First Baptist Church, Muskegon. Although Tom accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the tender age of 7 and actively served in a variety of Christian leadership roles, such as president of the local BYF and eventually President of the state BYF, Tom didn’t experience a call to ministry until later in life. [Click on image for larger picture.]

A graduate of Western Michigan University, Tom initially began his professional life as a teacher. His desire to serve led him to work for the State of Michigan as a social worker, adult services worker and eventually case manager for 32 years. Along the way, he continued Christian service as a Sunday School teacher, deacon and even Chair of the 1990 ABC-MI Annual Gathering planning committee among other roles. Recognizing his call perhaps even before Tom himself did, First Baptist Church of Muskegon licensed Tom as a Lay Minister in 1983 and he became a much sought after preacher, filling in at churches such as Huntly Memorial, Hill Road Baptist, Burton Baptist and Third Avenue Baptist in Flint.

In 1990 then Executive Minister Dr. Robert Shaw asked Tom if he would serve the Ganges Baptist church for three weeks. That three weeks turned into twenty years of faithful service. Says Rev. Case, “When I first came here and was struggling with whether I was up to the task of pastoring, God said to me, ‘if you are faithful, I will do the rest.’ That assurance has kept me going. I’ve tried to be faithful and God certainly has done the rest! “ Indeed, Ganges is a fruitful and faithful congregation and is making an impact on the community,
Region President Ordained Sunday. July 11th
Erica R. Van Brakle was ordained by the Michigan Avenue Baptist Church of Saginaw on Sunday, July 11, 2010. The Rev. Dr. Michael Williams brought greetings from the ABC-MI and Rev. John Dick of First Baptist Church in Midland read the recommendation to ordain Erica. The Rev. Tom Bayes, pastor of First Baptist Church in Peoria, Il and former pastor of Judson Memorial Baptist in Lansing, MI, preached a sermon on Earthen Vessels and Crooked Halos. The sermon was inspired by II Corinthians 4 and stories from Erica’s childhood church experiences. [She is seen at right with her husband, the Rev. David Van Brakle. Click on image for larger picture.]

In this historic occasion for the congregation and important event for Erica’s family, Erica said, “To have those who have been with me since childhood to those who have meant so much to me in Michigan participate in today’s service has certainly made this an unforgettable moment as I begin my journey as an ordained minister. As I looked out to see those whom I have taught these past few years I can’t help but to remember those who, over the years, have laid down the foundations of my faith. Today reminds us that we are all to have a teachable spirit because you never know when prime opportunities to inspire those around us will arise.”

“What a joy to participate in this special service for our Region president,” stated Dr. Williams, ABC-MI Executive Minister. “In the two years Erica has served as a Region officer, first as vice-president and now as president, I have come to appreciate her many gifts for ministry and am confident she will continue to exercise her gifts with competence and grace for many years to come.”

Congratulations to James and Susan (Barlow) Bolin who were united in marriage on July 3. James is pastor of the Bethany Baptist Church in Waterford.

Personality-based Evangelism Seminar

"Finding your way to share the Good News"
(a seminar for Pastors and lay-leaders)

Date: September 10 & 11, 2010
Place: First Baptist Church of Detroit

Seminar Leader: Dr. Jeffrey Johnson
National Coordinator for Evangelism
American Baptist Home Mission Societies

Sponsored and funded by The MDAABC

More information will Follow

News from Lake Louise

Lake Louise is having a fantastic season serving youth and families! There are many improvements taking place around camp as we greet new campers and welcome back veterans. We welcome you to join us this year - there's still plenty of summer left! You can contribute to the continued ministry of Lake Louise in many ways. Contact the Resident Director (ryan.madis@lakelouiserocks.com or 800-440-1238) for ways you can impact the lives of American Baptist youth for years to come.

A new edition of SPRING-FED WATERS, a 339-page history of Lake Louise (also known as Thumb Lake), has been published by the author. The book will be of particular interest to all who have been campers and counselors at Lake Louise Baptist Camp and now Camp Lake Louise. SPRING-FED WATERS includes a history of the Baptist camp, along with the histories of three other church camps located at the lake in the highlands of Charlevoix County in northern Michigan.

The beautiful spring-fed lake has a fascinating history. For over 75 years many have called it Lake Louise - the book relates stories of pioneering families who settled at the lake after the Civil War, and the lore of Thumb Lake's lumber era. After the hills were stripped of their timber, a wealthy industrialist bought the land around the lake, which was gifted to the Methodist churches of Michigan in 1934 and has been used for Christian camping ever since.

Contact Ryan Madis for a copy of the book or contact the author, Ted Halsted, at (765)969-2180 or athalsted@aol.com.

On-line Youth Ministry Certification Program

Do you want to start a youth ministry program at your church?
Do you want to improve your youth ministry program?
Do you feel a stirring of the Spirit to do youth ministry?

If you responded ‘Yes’ to any of the above, the Online Youth Ministry Training program may be the answer to your prayers. Offered in partnership with ABCOPAD (ABC of Pennsylvania and Delaware) and Eastern University, an accredited Christian college, this is a unique program geared toward learning how to more effectively reach youth. The classes meet on Monday evenings throughout the year covering a variety of topics from the theology of youth ministry to planning a retreat. The cost is $2400 which covers the use of software for the online program, 20 sessions, 4 face to face weekend retreats and 9 academic credits through Eastern University. For more information, visit the ABC-MI website or contact Pat Hernandez (phernandez@abc-mi.org ) Applications are currently being accepted so don’t delay!

Nominations Deadline Extended to Tuesday, July 27

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

Each year the ABC-MI Immediate Past President is charged with the responsibility of chairing the Nominating and Recruiting Committee. The committee itself is tasked with preparing a slate of nominees to be considered by delegates to the Annual Meeting. To aide the work of the Nominating and Recruiting Committee, it was suggested that constituent churches be made aware of the positions that need to be filled so as to have the opportunity to provide input. To satisfy this suggestion, a detailed mailing was sent to all churches in early June inviting you to share the names of persons you believe have the gifts/skills needed for the positions to be filled. The Nominating and Recruiting Committee will give serious consideration to all names submitted to the committee. We value your input so the deadline for nominations has been extended by one week!

Be sure to read this Memorandum before you submit any nominees.

Please submit your recommendations to me by the extended deadline of Tuesday, July 27. You may mail or e-mail your recommendations to the following: Rev. Heidi DeMott Shanes, P.O. Box 238, Gregory, MI, 48137 or demotthe@yahoo.com.

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.

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

Watch for registration packets going out July 16th for the ABC-MI 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. Click here for online brochure and registration form.

Short Notices

Bethel Baptist Church of Southgate, MI is looking to re-pave their parking lot. If you know of a contractor you can recommend who handles small jobs (approx. 10,000 sq. ft.), please call Pastor Roger Dahlen or Gwen Brow at 734-284-6300 or e-mail at bethelsoffice@yahoo.com. Thanks.
The Munn Ice Arena at MSU has been made available to the Body of Christ. On August 3, 4 and 5 University Baptist Church 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. To register, please send your request to vbsatmunn@gmail.com. More information is available at www.ubcel.org/vbs or by calling the church office at 517.351.4144
Sign up for Friendship House's 5th Annual Golf Outing, Saturday, September 25, 2010,. at Fox Creek Golf Club in Livonia. Cost is $85/golfer. Hole Sponsors are needed for only $100. Call 313-871-7443 for more information. Click here for brochure.
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, August 2, 2010. Please send news items and notices to the Editor (editor@abc-mi.org) by July 29.

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.

We Don't Like Stuff Enough

Concealed Weapons at Church - Yes or No?

The Cost of War: Record Number of Army Suicides

Pastors Should or Should Not Think of Themselves as Professionals - What Do You Think?

The World is Trying to Send Us a Message - Are We Paying Attention?