Our BCM/D Family March 22, 2024

Resurrection Sunday is almost here! Let us know how God blesses your Holy Week activities and send us photos for possible inclusion in this column, or on our social media pages. We really want to celebrate with you and share your news and events. Send your information to [email protected]. 

Choir Director Honored
Pleasant View Baptist Church, Port Deposit, had a celebration for their Adult Choir Director Susan Buck, who has resigned after serving as the church’s adult choir director for 41 years. In addition to leading the choir for two services each Sunday, Buck also directed various plays, including Easter pageants.

At an evening service on March 10, several shared how Buck‘s ministry influenced them over the years. The choir sang several of Buck’s favorite hymns, including “Days of Elijah,” “I Never Lost My Praise,” and “The Light of That City.” Following the service, the church had a dessert fellowship and presented Buck with a treble cleft-shaped pendant.

Beverly England, who has been a member of PVBC for 14 years and is succeeding Buck as choir director, said, “Everyone loves her. She is so sweet and led by God. We’ve seen a lot of people come to know the Lord through those programs.“ One of those influenced by Buck is Jamie Mock, who shared at the special service that Buck

Clinton Baptist Church hosted PROM 5Th AVE., an event to provide community teens with new prom dresses, tuxedos, shoes, accessories, and gift cards. (Photo courtesy of Clinton Baptist Church)

exemplified Proverbs 31 and has been obedient to the Holy Spirit‘s leading.

PVBC has an active choir with about 40 members.

Prom Ministry
Clinton Baptist Church hosted “PROM 5Th AVE,’ an event to provide community teens with new prom dresses, tuxedos, shoes, and accessories, as well as gift cards. The response was overwhelming. Parents and students were extremely grateful to the church. Senior Pastor Colin Pugh shared, “This was just what the community needed.It was amazing! I truly didn’t know there was a need like this.You should have seen how clothes changed the teens’ entire attitude.” Pugh said many of the youth came in shy, and after getting their gowns and accessories, they just brightened up. “It was like a whole new person came out — it changed how they walked and everything! Everyone was grateful. They all said, ‘we did not have the ability to pay for the prom.’ The church also did a drawing and provided $200 from the church for makeovers, nails, and hair styling for three winners.

Tanisha Hamilton-Betts, who coordinated the event, described how each young person was met with cheering as they walked a red carpet into the “shopping area.” “I can tell it really made our participants feel good to have a moment where they were celebrated and the center of attention. I believe it made them feel incredibly valued,” said Hamilton-Betts.

Consultants assisted the young men and women in selecting their prom attire to the “look” they were going for. “Our male participants also learned how to tie their ties and properly wear formal attire by choosing suits with the right fit — perfectly tailored to their measurements. The young women learned how to select dresses that were comfortable and complementary to their body types. They also learned how to capture the attention of others simply by walking into a room with their head held high. The true highlight was seeing the smiles on our participants’ faces.” Hamilton-Betts said the volunteers helped encourage the visitors to build their confidence.

Hamilton-Betts said, “When I was in high school, I was able to get my dream prom dress because my family was not experiencing financial hardship. As I grew older, I realized how fortunate and blessed I was because I didn’t have to make the difficult decision to miss prom due to finances. It warms my heart to see that we have impacted our community in such a positive way, especially our youth. I feel blessed because I have the opportunity to bless others.”

Volunteers prayed before and after the event. Pugh also spoke with each visitor, shared as the Lord led, and invited them to attend the church.

Youth “shop” for prom gowns and tuxedos at Clinton Baptist Church. (Photo courtesy of Clinton Baptist Church)

“It was heavy on my heart to have a prom dress/tuxedo event so high school seniors could attend prom. I am blessed that I was able to pitch this idea to Pastor Pugh and Clinton Baptist Church, and they were on board 100%. They made my vision a reality and amplified it! I am so grateful for my CBC family. Their support, dedication, and fellowship are all a blessing in themselves.

Dressed in Love Ministries will hold their ninth annual free prom dress giveaway from 5 – 7 p.m. on April 5 and from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on April 6 at Christ Community Church of Ashton. Founder Jennifer Williams, a member of Redland Baptist Church, began the ministry in 2015 to help families struggling with the cost of prom. The ultimate goal is to build relationships with the community and share God’s love. Volunteers and donations are needed. Visit the website for more information and to contact the organizers.

Amy Jones recently took on the role of student director at the church following Doug Baughn Jr.’s retirement in September.

Cards for Comfort
Jesus Our Redeemer Church, Baltimore, members address and mail cards to shut-ins once a month. Senior Pastor Brad O’Brien said he shares with the church that the simple act of sending out a package of cards each month can have a huge impact on a senior or someone who is disabled and not able to make it to church.

Women’s Retreat
The SALT Women’s Ministry of New Song Bible Fellowship Church, Lanham, is hosting a women’s retreat at the Sandy Cove Ministries Retreat Center in North East, MD from September 27-29, 2024. The church invites ladies from BCM/D churches to join them.

Feature photo: The Pleasant View Baptist Church choir in 2022. Susan Buck is in the front row, far right.)