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Our BCM/D Family is a roundup of news and events in Maryland/Delaware churches. We’d love to include your news! Send your information and photos to [email protected] for consideration.

Baptisms in the Ocean
Ocean City Baptist Church has had 25 baptisms this summer! (And it’s not quite over yet!) At a recent baptism, Pastor Sean Davis said they baptized 17 individuals, including an international student from Moldova, a student from California, as well as locals and church members.

Ocean City Baptist Church Pastor Sean Davis baptized 17 individuals, including an international student from Moldova, a student from California, as well as locals and church members. (Photo courtesy of OCBC)

Back to School Ministries
Bayside Baptist Church, Chesapeake Beach, collected backpacks, school supplies, and “goodies/appreciation” bags for children and families who attend two local schools. Pastor Glenn Swanson, his wife Sherri, and their daughter Anna personally delivered the supplies. Glenn had the opportunity to pray for teachers, administrators, students, and parents as the school staff and students prepare to embark on the new school year.

The church also recognized students and teachers at the Sunday worship service on August 25 and had a time of prayer for them.

Clinton Baptist Church held a drive-in backpack giveaway and partnered with a local Giant store to provide vaccinations.

Severna Park Baptist Church held a “Back to School Prayerwalk” through their community, praying for teachers, staff, bus drivers, students, athletes, and coaches. Then, they headed to a local Rita’s for fellowship and frozen treats.

Randall Blackmon, the pastor of Faith Baptist Fellowship, lets visitors know about a prayer table at the Cambridge block party. (Facebook photo used with permission)

The Garden Church, a plant in Cambridge, Faith Baptist Fellowship, Cambridge, and Cambridge Wesleyan Church partnered to host a giant back-to-school block party. They gave away 216 backpacks, school supplies, 150 Chick-fil-A sandwiches, hundreds of nuggets, bags of popcorn, cotton candy, ice pops, sodas, and more. They had inflatables for kids and, most importantly, a prayer tent. Several people visited the tent for prayer. The North American Mission Board, Eastern Baptist Association, Send Network, and Send Relief all partnered to assist in bringing the event to fruition.

Does your church have a school ministry or outreach? We’d love to hear about it so we can share ideas and encourage one another! Email [email protected].

 
Trauma REBOOT — Peer-Led Support
Oak Grove Baptist Church, Bel Air, had its graduation for REBOOT Trauma and REBOOT Advance on May 21. Trauma REBOOT focuses on healing; REBOOT Advance focuses on strengthening spiritual roots.

Graduates of Oak Grove Church’s “REBOOT Advanced” class. (Photo courtesy of Oak Grove Baptist church)

Pastor Keith Vazquez, from the Agape House Recovery Church, was the keynote speaker, and the Agape House Recovery Church praise team led worship.

The Fall Trauma REBOOT classes begin at 6:30 p.m. on August 27. Classes meet every Tuesday through November 12, with a public graduation on November 19. Laverne Cash, who oversees the program, said, “We will have a coed class and a new class for men, taught by men. The men’s class meets at the same time as the coed class. Dinner, study materials and childcare are provided at no cost. Participants can register at REBOOTRecovery.com/Trauma.

On Saturday, September 14, at 6:30 p.m. they will have a dessert fellowship and an opportunity to watch the national live reunion in Tennessee, which celebrates what God is doing through the REBOOT.

REBOOT has been a successful peer-led mental health ministry for several Maryland/Delaware churches.  Emmanuel Church, Huntingtown, also uses this program with powerful results. 

Laverne Cash, the leader at OGBC’s REBOOT, has been networking with other churches regarding the program. She is happy to help any church facilitate a REBOOT program. Contact her at [email protected]

Maryland/Delaware Church Member is a GuideStone Trustee

Bill Peacock, a member of Elvaton Baptist Church, is one of five new trustees of GuideStone Financial Resources. The trustees met in regular session July 29-30 in Utah.

The group discussed the Foundation’s “Reach” strategic plan has at its core a goal to strengthen an already robust relationship with Southern Baptist churches and ministries. Trustees also discussed Mission: Dignity, the ministry that provides financial assistance to retirement-aged Southern Baptist ministers, workers, and their widows in financial need. Read more here: https://christianindex.org/stories/guidestone-trustees-hear-reports-affirm-work-of-ministry,87485