My BCM/D Family News
There’s so much going on throughout our BCM/D churches. Did you know that though most of our affiliated churches are in Maryland and Delaware, we also have a few elsewhere, including Virginia, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia? We’re a diverse, multicultural group of autonomous churches – traditional, contemporary, church plants, and established churches filled with individuals from a multitude of backgrounds and cultures and we want to share your news, photos, events, unique ministries, and more. And we’ll also share what the BCM/D offers and how we can equip and encourage you. Feel free to share your news for consideration at [email protected].
Volunteer & Congregation Appreciation
Riva Trace Baptist Church (RTBC) in Davidsonville honored its volunteers with a “Volly Awards” event. Every volunteer who served through the past year was presented with a certificate at a special catered dinner in a decorated hall and with fanfare. Kimberly Roberts, who serves as RTBC office manager and assistant to Senior Pastor Dennis Gray shared, “We asked each ministry leader to share the names of those who volunteered and what that person did. We wanted to recognize every single person, whether they helped with one event — or if they were ‘steady eddies.’
Riva Trace honored their volunteers at their “Volly Awards.”
“We also gave descriptions of the nine awards — such as ‘calmer of storms,’ a ‘sunshine’ award, and a ‘knows no end’ award,” She explained that the awards actually correlated to the fruits of the Spirit, but those who got the awards didn’t know that until the day of the event. Roberts chuckled as she said they did add one fun “Jedi” award for those who were mentoring and training the next generation to lead. “We prayed over each name and the awards,” Roberts said.
The awards were presented in groupings, so everyone got an award. Leadership also wanted to ensure that every volunteer, including children ages nine and older, was recognized. Though they had certificates printed, they had blank ones available to fill in just in case they missed someone. One woman stepped up to say she had volunteered for a short time at an event, and an award was presented. Roberts said that the short time she served was meaning full to her. One man thought he hadn’t done anything, but he had decorated a vehicle and participated in a Trunk or Treat. Roberts stressed that people don’t always realize how much they help with what they consider to be small.
“We didn’t want anyone going away thinking they were less of a volunteer than anyone else,” Roberts said; that’s why there weren’t particular volunteers recognized, rather groups, and all were very appreciative. They were smiling as they saw what others saw in them. We don’t always see what others see in us.”
Roberts said it reminded her of the parable Christ told of rewarding servants, not for the amount of work, but for doing what they were asked to do, referring to Matthew 20.
BCM/D Youth & Children’s Ministry Consultant Kris Buckman led a kids’ ministry workshop at Smithsburg Valley Church, sharing tips for Bible teaching and sharing the gospel with children. (Photo by Kris Buckman)
also got awards. Several children, age nine and older, had served through the year, some as leaders, and they, too, were awarded. That was very good for families and teens and kids, Roberts said, adding that she was so excited watching the parents’ faces light up when their kids got awards.
A highlight was when an elderly man in a wheelchair received a “knows no ends” reward, referring to 1 Corinthians 13:8-13. It would have taken a while to get him to the stage, so his wife said she could get his award later, but several people helped the gentleman to the front. Robers said she told them, it was not a problem at all, rather their pleasure, smiling at them and saying, “He’s worth waiting for!”
Two hundred out of a church of 500 attended the dinner. “It was one of the best volunteer appreciation events I’ve ever been a part of. The spirit in the room as everyone recognized everyone else was pretty doggone awesome!” Roberts said. “It was very special, and it will go a long way in encouraging more volunteerism down the road.” Another benefit is that by asking the ministry leaders for the names, it helped them update their records.
Roberts encourages other churches to consider a volunteer appreciation plan when planning their annual budgets.
White Marsh Baptist Church
White Marsh Baptist Church in Perry Hall declared February as congregation appreciation month. Senior Pastor Dave Tierney said he and the staff were considering various ideas for Valentine’s month, and they thought of honoring the congregation — why not have a “Congregation Appreciation Month?” Tierney said he started looking online and found nothing about it. “We may be the first!” he chuckled.
After discussion and some polling, the staff came up with the congregation’s favorite goodies. Each week they provided treats, including donuts, homemade cookies, candy, pringles, and popcorn. Each bag for the week also included notes from the pastor and other members of the staff.
February works really well, following Christmas and still close to the New Year, Tierney said. “It’s starting the year off right — we really do appreciate our congregation,” Tierney said, adding that they are giving, loving and supportive. “They allow God’s generosity flow through them,” he said, genuinely caring and supporting one another, and they give of themselves.
Good Neighbor Day
Evangelism Training
Berwyn Baptist Church, College Park, is hosting evangelism training from 9:30 a.m. – noon on March 10 at the church. Pastor Keiffer Brent will share his years of ministry and missions both nationally and internationally. The cost is $5 per individual or $20 per family for the meal; the training is free. Email [email protected] or call the church office at 301-474-7117 to RSVP by March 10.
Love Will Work
The Gates Church in Baltimore had a Valentine’s Day Dinner outreach. Pastor Austin O’Donald said the event was to encourage members to invite friends, neighbors, or singles looking for a night out. The church rented an area at Eastpoint Mall and served Peruvian chicken. Over 60 people attended.
O’Donald shared a message that real love is action — caring for people. Biblical love works, and God showed His love by sending Jesus.
The church will follow up with those who attended, including many who are unchurched. O’Donald said the church made some great contacts with local businesses and vendors.
Kids Min Workshop
Smithsburg Valley Church had a kid’s ministry workshop to train teachers and other volunteers. BCM/D Youth & Children’s Ministry Consultant Kris Buckman visited the church in February to share tips to enhance their curriculum, demonstrate how to make Bible stories come to life, and share tips on sharing the gospel with children. Your church can contact Kris to assist at your church. Email [email protected].
Colonial Baptist Church will also host its 24th annual missions conference on March 10-12.
Deacon Ordination
Kettering Baptist Church, Upper Marlboro, will ordain seven men to serve as deacons on March 19 during the 10 a.m. service. The church invites visitors to witness and affirm the ordination of the following men: Paris Adon, Rodney Andrews, Walter Bradford, Cleggett Johnson, Preston McDowney, Samie Omorogieva, and James Taylor.
Missions Month
Colonial Baptist Church in Randallstown has a strong emphasis on missions — near and far. In addition to having a Great Commission Ministry that serves to keep missions a priority in the church, they’ve designated March for missions. Each Wednesday through the month, they’ve invited missionaries to share.
The church will also host their 24th annual missions conference on March 10-12, with the theme, “Jesus All Over the World.” The Bible reference is Luke 4:18 (NIV), “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free…” The Keynote Speaker is IMB Missionary Jason Thomas, who serves as an African American Church Mobilization Specialist.
The conference, designed for all ages, is jam-packed full of missions-focused activities. It kicks off with a basketball free-throw contest with prizes for young people on Friday, designed to draw youth to visit the church and get them involved in the conference. On Saturday, BCM/D Collegiate Ministry Consultant Nathan Walters will open the day with a short message. Then, throughout the day, there will be workshops for adults and children. and booths where visitors can visit with multiple missionaries and get more information and material.
On Sunday, there will be a procession of flags representing the many countries where the church supports mission work. Missionaries will present during Sunday School classes and Thomas will share the morning message. They’ll also have a special presentation about George Liele, the first African American ordained to the ministry and considered the country’s first international missionary.
See the buttons below for detailed information about the children’s conference and the basketball contest.
Send your news and photos for consideration to [email protected]
Feature photo shows volunteers at Smithsburg Baptist Church at a kids ministry workshop. (photo by Kris Buckman)
