Maryland/Delaware Roundup May 20, 2021

“Then they too will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or without clothes, or sick, or in prison, and not help you?’ “Then he will answer them, ‘’truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’” (Matthew 25:44-45)

Relief to Island of St. Vincent
On April 9, the usually tranquil island of St. Vincent was rocked by a volcano eruption the prime minster called “apocalyptic.” For over two weeks, the volcano La Soufrière blasted ash and debris, leaving a desert-type landscape. Due to evacuations, there were no deaths, but the catastrophe left 10% of the residents homeless.

In response, late last month First Baptist Church of Beltsville (FBC) in Maryland  became a collection point for relief goods for St. Vincent residents.

FBC member Loretha Toney and her family partnered with the church to receive and store much-needed food, hygiene, and clothing items. Toney was heartbroken by the disaster. Pastor Keith Holland said the relief drive gave her a sense of hope and purpose in helping displaced citizens of her native island home.

Holland said church, family members and Prince George’s County residents overwhelmingly responded, quickly filling the fellowship hall with supplies.

The family undertook  the privileged task of crating and shipping the relief items to needy communities on the Caribbean island.  The church and others provided donations of over $1,000 to help with shipping costs.

Yard Sale Outreach
Good Shepherd Baptist Church in Baer, Delaware, will have their bi-annual community yard sale from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. on June 5. Gail Agreen, who plays guitar at the church with her husband Mike, an elder, is a coordinator. Gail said the yard sale is a fun outreach for the church and effective. Agreen said there are mobile homes and apartments near the church with many residents. It brings the community together, allowing the church to get to know neighbors and see community folks that only visit during the yard sales.

“You’d be surprised how many times you hear people say, ‘I never knew there was a church here!‘ They drive right by it,” she chuckled.

Agreen said they basically open the grounds and inside the church to allow people to sell and give away their wares. They encourage people to come to buy, sell, or hang out, have fun and eat. Each year, vendors offer various food, including Filipino food, snowballs, hot dogs, and hamburgers. Sometimes they have food trucks. It varies, she said. “We usually have a good turnout.”

Several people from the yard sale have visited the church, some became regular attenders, and a few have made professions of faith. Of course, Gail said, that’s the main idea!

Second Pfizer Vaccine Offered at Colonial Baptist on May 22
The Health & Wellness Ministry of Colonial Baptist Church in Randallstown, in partnership with Baltimore County Health Department will offer Second Shot Pfizer vaccines from 1 to 4 p.m. on May 22.  Anyone can register, regardless of where you received your First Shot Pfizer vaccine. You may register on-line.  Walk-ins will be accepted.

Greenridge Baptist hosts new Portuguese Church
Global Portuguese Church in partnership with Montgomery Baptist Association launched on April 18 at Greenridge Baptist Church in Boyds, Maryland. On May 23, Portuguese churches from around the area will join in a celebration for the new church.

Michael Mattar, Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware church services consultant said there is a concentration of immigrants in Montgomery County, including those from Brazil, in Germantown, Clarksburg and Frederick.

Music, food, and fun
Callaway Baptist Church in Maryland will welcome the band, “Westward Road” in concert at 6 p.m. on May 22. The concert is part of the band’s, “Love has Won” tour and features a mix of Gospel and modern worship music.

The concert is free but the church will take a love offering for the group.

North Glen Community Church and Iglesia Comunidad de Gracia, a Hispanic Church that meets at North Glen Church, will partner to host a Pentecost Festival/Block Party from noon-3 p.m. on May 23.

The annual event includes an outdoor service, free hot dogs and hamburgers, live music, and children’s activities.

North Harford Baptist Church in Jarrettsville will have a Ladies Summer Kick-Off picnic. Ladies from ninth grade and older are invited to enjoy food, fellowship, and games on the church lawn. The rain date is June 26. Contact the church for more information.

Northpoint Baptist Church in Dundalk, Maryland will have an outdoor “Welcome Summer Concert” at 6 p.m. on May 23, featuring the band Stauros Alive. Church members will provide snacks. The church will also use the event as an opportunity to register for Vacation Bible School, which begins on June 25

Quoteable Quote
You have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” —Augustine, Confessions

History Byte

• “The Foreign Mission Board was one of the two missionary sending agencies established by the Southern Baptist Convention when it organized in Augusta, Georgia in 1845. The Board adopted some missionaries already in China and Africa at that time and began to commission individuals to mission service.” (from International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention Correspondence Files.)
• In 1970, the Pennsylvania/South Jersey Baptist Convention formed out of Baptist Convention of Maryland. (BCM/D History Highlights)