BCM/D NEWS
More Than English: Church Uses ESL to Serve and Connect
On a warm September Sunday morning at First Baptist Church of Rockville, a diverse group of men and women prepares for a class to begin. Some seem a little nervous, while others appear confident. All are friendly and smiling. Primarily young adults, they participate in an English as a Second Language (ESL) program offered by the church. The students have a goal of learning to speak English. The church views the classes as an opportunity to meet a need, love and care for these individuals, and gently introduce them to the gospel.
Elaine Angleberger: Five Decades of Children’s Ministry
Elaine Angleberger’s journey in children’s ministry spans nearly five decades, marked by an unwavering commitment to families and a heart for sharing the love of Jesus with children. She retired as preschool director at Faith Baptist Church, Knoxville, on Sept. 29, and the church held a celebration luncheon for her. In addition to a meal, the church featured an anniversary cake, and several people shared how she has touched their lives through the years. While serving on staff for just eight years at FBC, Angleberger has been ministering to children and their families for almost five decades.
Pleasant View Church Member Creates “Great Commission Flag”
In 2003, Harold Phillips, the senior pastor of Pleasant View Baptist Church, addressing the congregation, issued a challenge: “All born-again believers should be boldly proclaiming who their God is. Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so. I don’t care if someone has to make a new Christian flag—we need to be flying a flag.”
For church member and professional watercolor artist Marcia Thompson Eldreth took up that challenge, and created “The U.S. Christian Flag,” which has been raised throughout all 50 states and across the world. Now, she has rebranded the flag, calling it “Our Great Commission Flag,” boldly declaring and honoring the return of Jesus for a new generation…
BCM/D Churches Taking Strong Steps to Protect the Vulnerable
By Sharon Mager & Kris Buckkman
Protecting children and vulnerable individuals is a top priority for churches in Maryland and Delaware, and Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCM/D) churches are taking great strides in making their gatherings safe, says Mark Dooley, BCM/D Associate Executive Director/Director of Missional Impact. Since the increased awareness of the pervasiveness of abuse, the BCM/D has been a leader in abuse protection and prevention, particularly through the creation of its comprehensive Pathways initiative, which provides training and resources to help churches prevent abuse and care for survivors. And churches responded.
Tom Stolle: Please Join Me at The Gathering
By Tom Stolle
I invite you to join me at The Gathering, our annual meeting with our family of pastors, leaders, and church members from our 400+ affiliated churches within the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCM/D).
We will gather in Ocean City, Maryland, at the Ashore Resort and Beach Club. Many have shared how much they enjoy meeting by the ocean. In addition to the program—which, in my opinion, will be amazing—there will be plenty of opportunities for you and your family to relax, eat, shop, and visit. Truly, there is something for everyone in Ocean City!
80 Years Strong: God Brings New Life to Watersedge
DUNDALK, Md. — Watersedge Baptist Church in Dundalk celebrated their 80th anniversary on September 21. The church was filled with past and present members, who had the opportunity to share fond memories and encourage one another. The theme was the faithfulness of God.
The anniversary was especially meaningful as the church enters its fifth of a five-year revitalization plan. Like many congregations, Watersedge had dwindled to a small group, and then COVID hit hard. They were struggling.