Our BCM/D Family May 2

There’s lots happening in Maryland/Delaware as churches gear up for the summer ahead!

Refresh Conference
Pastors and wives from over 15 states converged at the Lowes Hotel in the heart of Philadelphia, PA over a three-day retreat sponsored by the North American Mission Board (NAMB)‚ intended to help them relax, recharge, and be refreshed.

The North American Mission Board understands that “ministry couples walk a rewarding but challenging road.” The NAMB Refresh retreats, pioneered by the late Pastor Michael Catt of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA, serve as a way for ministry couples to pull away from their everyday responsibilities of leading the local church and to be loved upon and poured into.

Tim Dowdy, Vice President of Evangelism for NAMB, led the Philadelphia Refresh retreat, along with a team of pastors and leaders from across the country. Over the three-day event in Philadelphia, ministry couples were encouraged with great times of worship, biblical messages of encouragement, and sweet times of fellowship.

Many pastors and wives from the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware were blessed with this opportunity to come away and be rejuvenated. The consensus from BCM/D couples was expressions of thankfulness as they were encouraged and strengthened to continue to advance the gospel as they returned to their respective mission fields.

Select the link to find out about upcoming NAMB Refresh Retreats: https://www.namb.net/refresh/

Written by Demetra Bennett, Church Partnership Support Specialist

First Baptist Church of Waldorf Partners With Catherine Foundation
Members of First Baptist Church of Waldorf worked together to provide major assistance at the Catherine Foundation pregnancy resource center in their community. The church purchased supplies for layettes for new moms, assembled them, and also did some work around the center.

The Mission Kids, WMU, and senior adults provided the funds and purchased the supplies. The youth visited the center to assemble the layettes and help with some outside projects.

Community Baby Shower
Clinton Baptist Church is partnering with MedStar to host a community baby shower/resource fair on May 11.

CBC Pastor Colin Pugh is excited about this event and all that will be offered including diapers, baby clothing, and over 30 vendors providing services.

MedStar Community Health Program Coordinator Jessica Gamero said there will be drawings for strollers, pack-and-plays, and other large-ticket items.

Gamero said, “We’re going to have all the essentials a new mom needs,” she said, listing a lactation consultant, mental health professionals, and many low-cost or free resources. Parents can register for WIC on the spot.

“We’ll have everything it takes to have a network and support during the post-partum period,” she said. “We want to help moms celebrate this new time in their lives. It will be a big event, and we hope everyone leaves with something.”

Jessica Gamero said Clinton Baptist Church’s partnership is “monumental.” “People aren’t always comfortable going to a medical provider.  They often go to a spiritual provider first. It’s great to have the backing of CBC. Pastor Pugh has been a great proponent for this initiative.”

Olney Father/Daughter Dance
Olney Baptist Church will have their annual father-daughter dance on June 1 at 6 p.m. This year’s “Masterpiece” outside dance will be in the church’s pavilion under the stars!

The evening will feature a DJ spinning tunes, interactive games, a photo booth, treats, and drawings for some great goodies. Dads and daughters of all ages are welcome.

The church is partnering with Quest to Feed Montgomery and asks attendees to bring non-perishable food items to help those experiencing food insecurity. Register online. 

Feature photo: (l-r) Anthony Minter, Demetra Bennett, Nathaniel Thomas, and Angelo Ellison take a moment to pose for a photo at Refresh Retreat in Philadelphia.