There is always something happening in BCM/D churches as they obediently follow God’s leading — new ministries and outreaches, transitions, missions, and lots more.

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”  Galatians 6:9 

Serving First Responders
Oak Grove Baptist Church (OGBC), Bel Air members had the opportunity to share the love of Christ with local law enforcement personnel through a unique evangelism and outreach event. Twenty-four church members and three guests from another local church decorated and assembled 96 snack bags, filling them with cookies, fruit snacks, and other goodies and gospel tracks. Volunteers decorated each bag with Bible verse stickers and fun decorations.

Six teams delivered the bags to the local Maryland State Police barracks, the Northern and Southern Precinct Sheriffs’ offices, and the Bel Air, Aberdeen, and Havre de Grace Police stations. The officers warmly received the gifts and expressed their appreciation for the gesture. Several teams also had the privilege of praying with the officers, and some were even given tours of the stations.

John Ferrara, a Missions & Evangelism Ministry Team member, said, “This event was more than just an act of kindness—it was a demonstration of the gospel in action. Just as our church covered the cost and freely offered the snack bags, Jesus Christ paid the price for salvation and offers it freely. Yet, just as each officer had the choice to accept the snack bag, each person must choose to accept the free gift of salvation. This low-confrontation evangelistic approach is just one of many intentional outreach efforts Oak Grove Baptist Church participates in throughout the year. We praise God for this opportunity to serve, encourage, and plant seeds of the gospel in the hearts of those who serve our community.” — article submitted by Oak Grove Baptist Church

Installation of Elders
Tabernacle Church, Essex, recently installed four elders: Jim Newman, Myron Campbell, Owen Dickerson, and Ron Smith. The men support Lead Pastor Bryon Self by teaching Bible studies, holding prayer meetings, teaching discipleship, leading men’s ministry, and providing other ministry support.

Clinton hosts “Prom 5th Avenue and Prepares for Community Baby Shower
Clinton Baptist Church hosted its annual “PROM 5Th AVE” this month. Pastor Colin Pugh said it was just what the community needed. High School seniors were able to shop at the church “boutique” for their new prom attire, including dresses, tuxedos, shoes, and accessories of their choice. They were gifted with the entire look of their color and choice for their prom with an additional gift card to purchase their other needs for the big day. Pastor Pugh and First Lady Jeanette said they were grateful for donations from Macy’s & Nordstrom and the dedicated ministry team. Pugh said, “We are incredibly grateful for the love that is poured into the Kingdom of God for every event. Our hearts are full!”

The church will have a community baby shower and resource fair in conjunction with Med Star of Southern Maryland Hospital Center from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on April 12. This is the

Jennifer Williams (center), with volunteers of Dressed in Love Ministries.

the second community baby shower the church has hosted with Medstar. Last year’s event was hugely popular, drawing about 500 visitors for free baby supplies and resources for families. Click here to read about last year’s shower.

Dressed in Love
Dressed in Love Ministries has served young women needing prom dresses for ten years! They invite girls to come “ready to try on prom dresses, shoes, and accessories. “Dressed in Love” Founder Jennifer Williams, a member of Redland Baptist Church, began the ministry in 2015 with a member of Ashton Baptist Church as a way to help families struggling with the cost of prom, with the ultimate hope of building relationships with the community and sharing the love of God. Williams and her team collect the items throughout the year and then have a grand giveaway. This year, the ministry team will provide the prom attire at 4 p.m. on April 4 and at 3 p.m. on April 5 at Christ Community Church of Ashton.

Williams said, “People aren’t surprised when a church has an event and charges, but for us to give the dresses away stops them, and they want to know more. It’s a unique opportunity to witness, show love, and meet a need.” Volunteers also register their visitors so they can follow up on future events.

Transitions
College Parkway Baptist Church, Arnold, called Dan Allen, with his wife, Christy, as their senior pastor. The couple moved to the area in mid-February. Allen and his wife of 22 years, Christy, moved to the area in mid-February and were warmly received by their new church family. Allen is optimistic about the future of CPBC. He shared that he loves the church’s emphasis on community involvement, from hosting a food pantry and a preschool to operating a backpack program for school children who need food on the weekends.

“What we would like to do is get even more involved in the community,” he said. “We want to express Jesus’ love to people in our community, and people all over the world, for that matter.

“We love the people here,” Allen said during his first official week on CPBC’s staff. “The people in this church are really nice, and they’d do anything for you, and they’ve been so welcoming and loving.”

The above is a selection from an article written by Meredith Winter, assistant editor of the Severna Park Voice used with permission. Read the entire article here.

Pinesburg Baptist Church, Williamsport, installed Erroll Thompson as their new pastor on March 16. Thompson succeeds Pastor John Koontz, Jr., who has faithfully served the church for over 20 years and is retiring.

The church honored Koontz following the worship service on March 23. Koontz, in an online message to the church, wrote, “It has been my privilege to have served you for more than two decades, you’re the best. I feel that I’m leaving you in good hands,”

First Baptist of Frederick welcomed their new pastor Don Moenich and his wife, Liz, earlier this month. The couple moved to Maryland from Scottsdale, Arizona. On the church website, Moenich, wrote, “After a successful career in public and Christian education, Jesus has prepared the best ministry years for my wife and I looking ahead, leading His church!

 

Obituary:
The Rev. Leslie (Les’) Howard Sims, a native of Fort Meade, passed away on Jan. 19, 2025. Sims ministered in several Maryland churches, including Taneytown Baptist Church from 2011-2016. Pastor Sims, a native of Fort Meade, was best known for his deep faith in the Lord. He was a beacon of light and hope for many, touching countless lives through his faithful ministry, powerful sermons, and love of all people.

A friend, Jo Fish, wrote on his obituary page, “I simply loved Les! He was a true character…by being fun, funny, a great teacher of God’s Word, and all around a good guy. I enjoyed the days when he taught Sunday School, and I grew immensely in the Lord from his teachings. I loved that we could play practical jokes on him, and he would roll with punches. I am smiling through my broken heart because I know he is in heaven…the place where he wants all to arrive. Les’ words would be to each person…trust in Jesus for the price He paid on the cross for your sins personally. Believe He rose from the dead and waits for you on your day that He will call you home – with open, loving arms.”

Pastor Sims is survived by Shirley, his wife of 47 years; their two sons, Jason and Bradley; and two stepchildren, Melanie Cox and Gregory Williams (Kim). He was affectionately known as Pawpaw to his 12 grandchildren.

The funeral service was held on February 1 at Taneytown Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to Taneytown Baptist Church. (The above is taken or adapted from the Keeney and Basford Funeral Homes). Read the entire obituary here.

 

Feature photo: Members of Oak Grove Baptist Church with Sergeant D’Alto with the Bel Air Police Department. (Photo courtesy of Oak Grove Baptist Church and with the permission of the Harford County Police.)

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