Arundel Association

First Church, Edgewater, has a monthly coffeehouse featuring local musicians. Church members sell hot dogs, nachos with cheese and other food and snacks along with a variety of beverages. The auditorium is decorated with net type of décor and each table has a fish bowl for band donations. Upcoming bands include “Uprising,” on Oct. 23 and “Beyond the Veil” on Nov. 20.

FBC Edgewater joined with Riva Trace Church, Davidsonville; Chesapeake Christian Fellowship; Mariners Church, and Bay Area Community Church for a See You at the Pole party prior to the event. Youth and their leaders from all of the churches met at Camp Wabanna in Edgewater. The evening included food, a live band, speakers and a time for small group prayer.

Members of Glen Burnie Church were do-si-doing around their church’s back parking lot last month during their barbecue and square dance party. The evening included dancing, food, and old-fashioned fun.

The church’s senior group, Silver Sages, will travel to the American Music Theater in Lancaster, Pa., for the Mark Lowry Show on Oct. 10.

Twenty-five 25 Asian Baptist churches joined in a Sept. 13 Asian Concert of Prayer with approximately 200 attendants filling up the newly built sanctuary of Hanuri Korean Church in Silver Spring, Md. The entire 2.5 hours were infused with powerful praising and praying aloud in four different languages, including Korean, Chinese, Filipino and Vietnamese, with English sub-titles available. The prayer concert ended around 8:30 p.m., culminating in a time of intercessory prayer in small groups of 3-4 individuals, with people praying in their native tongues. Organizer Robert Kim, BCM/D language churches missionary, shared that the night of prayer was much like the Pentecostal scene in Acts 2, where people from different cultures and linguistic backgrounds gathered to pray. To view more photos of this exciting night, visit online at www.baptistlifeonline.org.

New Hope Church, Pasadena, will host this year’s Arundel Association annual meeting at 6 p.m. on Oct. 12.

North Glen Church, Glen Burnie, is partnering with God’s Helping Hands ministry to provide 100 children from the poorest region of Kentucky with Christmas gifts. Sponsors receive the name of a child in need then buy them requested clothing and a toy.

Members of North Glen are driving to Garrett in December to deliver the gifts and to throw a Christmas party for the children. In addition to sponsors, the church needs donations of cleaning supplies and non-perishable foods as well as funds to help offset the travel costs. For more information, see http://northglenbaptist.com/giftsforgarrett.

Baltimore Association

Bethlehem Church will have a fall revival from Oct. 22-24. Pastor Darnell Ransom will preach on Oct. 22. Stephen Hardnett, pastor of New Christian Bible Church, will be the guest speaker on Oct. 23 and on Friday, Oct. 24; “Joy Night” there will be a celebration in song and praise. All services begin at 7 p.m.

Long Green Church, Glen Arm, will have its fifth annual women’s conference on Oct. 17. The event is from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the church and features guests Joella Trueschler and Debbie Reynolds.

Trueschler has a passion for reaching German youth and equipping them to share the gospel. She and her husband Bryan live in Phoenix, Md., and are waiting to serve Young Life Berlin in Germany.

Reynolds is a resident of Woodbury, Conn., and is called to missions. She spent five weeks ministering in Southeast Asia in January. She volunteers at drug and alcohol rehab center and serves the poor. She is involved in mission education at her church, leads a co-dependency program and volunteers at a drug and alcohol rehab center. The cost of the conference is $15 and includes a continental breakfast and light lunch. For registration information see the church website, http://www.longgreenbc.org.

Stauros Ministries, sponsored by White Marsh Church, will host an annual men’s retreat on Oct. 3 and 4 in Frederick. Guests will stay in Elim House, a cabin that Stauros members recently built on donated property.

Dave Tierney, pastor of New Day Church, Baltimore, will be the guest speaker. Jeremy Suits, who has been helping with fellowship exercises, such as building Elim House, will share his testimony of coming to know the Lord.

Stauros is an international organization dedicated to helping those struggling with alcohol and drug addictions and to offering support to their families. It differs from 12-step approaches to addiction, offering one-on-one support and a belief that once one is free, he or she is free indeed.

The local chapter is the only one of its kind in the United States. http://www.staurosministries.com.

Woodbrook Church members had a book sale and raised $415 for literacy programs in Haiti.

The church will have a scarecrow festival from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Oct. 17. The event will feature a scarecrow making station, children’s activities and refreshments.

Blue Ridge Association

Ender Zambrano, pastor of Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispania, Hagerstown, and his family are moving to Gaithersburg to start a new church.

Four summer missionaries helped spread the word this summer at a Hispanic apartment complex. The young adults prayer walked and gave out literature about the new church and they gave away free school supplies. Aidsa Zambrano, wife of Primera Iglesia’s pastor Ender Zambrano, said the missionaries’ work was very fruitful. Language was not a barrier and, in fact, the Hispanics were very receptive to the young English-speaking missionaries.

“We know sometimes Hispanics won’t receive from us, but if English speaking people go and give something they receive it very easily,” Aidsa said.

One woman the missionaries visited offered her home for Bible studies.

The Zambranos are praying for a lay pastor to continue to minister to the Hagerstown congregation.

Rock Spring Church, Shenandoah Junction, W.Va., had a Labor Day celebration and potluck picnic on Sept. 6 followed by a paint ball tournament.

Delaware Association

The women of Iron Hill Church meet on Tuesday evenings for a time of study and fellowship. The ladies have been studying “Extraordinary Women,” by Julie Clinton.

Seaside Church, Lewes, sponsored an event for neighbors to come meet and greet members of the Lewes Police Department. Church members provided chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, drinks, information about the church and tracts as well as an opportunity to stop by and pray.

Eastern Association

First Church, Easton, sponsored a concert by the African Children’s Choir at Easton High School auditorium last month.

The choir is comprised of very needy African children. Most of the kids have lost either one or both of their parents to poverty or disease. Children selected for the choir spend five months at a training academy where they learn songs and dances, attend school, play and attend Sunday school at a local church. The choir raises awareness to the plight of African children and it raises funds to provide food, shelter and medicine for those kids. For more information see www.africanchildrenschoir.com.

FBC Easton will have a fall festival on Oct. 31 on St. Michael’s Road with food, games and more.

Mid-Maryland Association

Mt. Airy Church will host local Christian music artists Bill and Karen Itzel in concert on Nov. 16.

Thirty-six members of Westminster Church traveled to Hunterville, W.Va., for a mission trip. The team did a variety of repairs for the elderly and the needy including installing a heater, removing tree branches, adding gutters and working on roofs and decks. They also ministered to shut-ins, conducted a VBS, visited at a prison and helped with a free yard sale. Church members also brought a trailer of items for the free sale.

The church has a First Place program that meets on Thursday mornings. The classes focus on putting Christ first in all areas of life and living a healthy lifestyle that includes memorizing scripture, eating healthy foods and exercising.

Montgomery Association

The youth of Georgia Avenue Church, Silver Spring, had a bake sale to help support ”The Great American Bake Sale,” an effort to end childhood hunger.

Kensington Church celebrated Grandparents Day on Sept. 13, encouraging members to bring their grandparents and for grandparents to invite their grandchildren. A light carry-in lunch followed the service.

Seven Locks Church, Potomac, has a coffeehouse for young adults. Church members bring their music, poetry and even YouTube videos to share.

Viers Mill Church will celebrate their 60th anniversary on Oct. 24 and 25.

Potomac Association

First Church, St. Charles, has a divorce care support group that meets on Thursdays. Those divorced or separated are invited to come for support and encouragement.

Church members regularly lead worship services at Morningside House assisted living facility each Tuesday evening.

Val Ham, a member of Lexington Park Church, recently returned from her annual trip to Moldova, teaching at summer camps. Ham took five youth and four adults. The team spent ten days working with the young Moldavians studying Philippians as well as reading Kay Arthur’s book, “Lord, Heal My Hurts.”

Times are changing in Moldova and Ham is heartbroken to learn that the government is being more restrictive.

In a Lexington Park Church newsletter, Ham writes, “I was sad to hear that the parliament passed an amendment that does not allow the Gospel to be taught in summer camps. Five camps had already been closed this summer. It is harder to be a Christian in Moldova.”

Ham is thrilled, however, to see the fruit of many years of ministry. “Two of the girls I have worked with for the past five years went to Nepal this year to teach leaders how to disciple new believers,” she said.

Leonardtown Church started a third worship service that will meet at their Christian Life Center. In January, the service will move to an off-site location.

Prince George’s Association

Maryland City Church called Mitch Young as their full-time pastor.

Oxon Hill Church had a Filipino open house for new teachers coming to Prince George’s County from the Philippines, providing them warm clothing, linens and kitchen items to help them in their transitioning time.

Susquehanna Association

Pleasant View Church, Port Deposit, had an apple festival outreach last month with food, fun and fellowship with an autumn apple theme.

North Harford Church’s Children’s Choir will be performing an original musical drama entitled “Seeking Treasure” on Sunday, October 25th, at 6:30 PM. The Children’s Choir leaders wrote the script, using songs written by the pastor. The plot centers around a children’s explorer club finding a special book in the attic of an old house which teaches them of true treasure.

Towne Church, Joppa, youth have been studying the book, “Crazy Love.” In conjunction with the study, the teens meet on Sunday nights for a live band, video clips and to play the game “Towne Has Talent.”

The youth group will travel to Liberty University’s annual “Scaremare” Halloween program on Oct. 30-31. While at LU, the teens will watch a Liberty football game.

The Church at Riverside, Belcamp, had a blow out block party last month with games for all ages, crafts, horseback and pony rides, free food, contests and much more.

Western Association

Grace Church, Cumberland, will host a mission team from Owingsville, Kentucky on Oct. 8-11. The team will prayer walk, renovate the youth area and help build a retaining wall.

Women on Mission at Second Church, Cumberland, had a WMU Worldcrafts party. The Worldcraft items are handmade crafts from around the world. Proceeds help the crafters support their families and provide schooling for their children.

Arundel Association

The men’s ministry at Faith Church, Glen Burnie, is sponsoring “fishing for rockfish,” aboard a charter boat on the Chesapeake Bay.

The church said goodbye to Dale and Christa Pucket in June. Dale, who served as student minister at Fath, accepted a call to First Church of Vandalia, Ohio.

North Arundel Church, Glen Burnie, had its 6th annual swap meet and bike show outreach in June. The event draws bikers near and far for fellowship, fun, good food and live bands.

New Beginnings Church & Ministries, Pasadena, officially voted to become a satellite church of Streetlite Christian Fellowship. The church is now known as Streetlite Christian Fellowship, Pasadena. The official launch date is Sept. 27.

The new church is in the midst of revamping the sanctuary and has a pulpit available for free to any church that needs one.

New Hope Community Church, Baltimore, took a bus full of members and friends from both of their church sites to Washington, D.C. to tour the Smithsonian museums on July 14. It started out as a children’s ministry outing but quickly grew to be a big family event.

Riva Trace Church, Davidsonville, has an active women’s ministry and ladies Bible study program. The summertime Bible study draws up to 20 women weekly and up to 45 during the rest of the year.

Severna Park Church had a youth missions week last month. Teens did a food drive and helped serve at the Maryland Food Bank, they helped at Open Door Ministries and they did a car wash to benefit the Morgan Beverly Suicide Prevention Foundation.

Baltimore Association

First Church, Dundalk, has had a whirlwind summer schedule. In July, the church had a block party, children’s sports camp, cheerleading camp, backyard Bible study, youth camp, children’s movie night, Vacation Bible School and a puppet night.

Reisterstown Church is collecting jars of peanut butter and jelly for families who come to the Curtis Bay feeding ministry, sponsored by Inner Harbor Ministry.

They are also collecting backpacks and supplies for the children at Curtis Bay for the upcoming school year.

Immanuel Church has kickball games every Sunday evening through the summer. The church has two teams, the youth and the “finely seasoned” team. Other churches send teams and they play two games. In between games, a church member gives his or her testimony.

The church is using kickball as an outreach to the community.

Blue Ridge Association

The youth of Paramount Church, Hagerstown, hosted a car wash on July 4 at the AutoZone on Longmeadow Road. The teens had fun washing about 30 vehicles. Though the car wash was free, the youth received $400 in donations towards their summer mission trip to Ocean City. The youth worked with Ocean City Resort Ministry helping at Bible clubs at O.C. campgrounds and giving away cold water to lifeguards.

The ladies of South End Church, Frederick, had a craft fellowship night. They brought unfinished crafts or projects, relaxed together, ate snacks and dinner together and just enjoyed each other’s fellowship.

Virginia Avenue Church, Hagerstown, will host the 2009 “Broken Before the Throne” prayer conference August 8-14.

This year’s speakers include John McGregor, executive director of Canadian Revival Fellowship; Al Whittinghill, Ambassadors for Christ International; Dan Biser, organizer of “Broken before the Throne” and pastor of Zoar Church and Fox’s Hollow Church, both in West Virginia; Greg Frizzell, prayer and spiritual awakening specialist, Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma; and Henry Blackaby, of Blackaby Ministries.

This is the third year for the conference. More information, devotional readings and registration information is available on the website, http://brokenbeforethethrone.com. There is no charge for the conference but donations are accepted. The conference is partially funded by Cooperative Program gifts and the offerings of many state conventions, associations, churches, entities and individuals.

Delaware Association

Ogletown Church, Newark, has had a “love your neighbor” initiative throughout this year. Earlier they collected pillows and pillowcases for a local homeless mission.

Last month, the youth participated in a weeklong “love your neighbor” home mission project. Partnering with Embrace Wilmington, the teens helped with light construction projects in Wilmington. They also lent support to local families in the Ogletown area.

Eastern Association

Allen Memorial Church, Salisbury, will host the Eastern Association’s 139th annual meeting from 3-5 p.m. on Oct. 25. David Jackson, BCM/D church multiplication missionary, will be the keynote speaker.

First Church, Easton, delivered food to a cancer center for 12 families who are uninsured and unemployed.

Church members will give out bottles of water at the free concerts in downtown Easton throughout the summer.

The church will have a sports clinic for students in grades 3-8 from Aug. 3-7. They’ll offer basketball, tennis, soccer and volleyball. For more information, see www.fbceaston.org.

Mid Maryland Association

Bethel Church, Ellicott City, will host the BCM/D Pinewood Derby and Field day from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sept.19. Boys in first through sixth grades are eligible to participate in the homemade miniature car race. The cost is $8 per person.

The registration deadline is Sept. 8. To register online, see www.yourbcmd.org/pinewood_derby.

Westminster Church will have a “Frontliners” conference on from 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 19 led by Mid-Maryland director of missions, Joel Rainey, and his wife, Amy. The Rainey’s will discuss the extent of lostness around the globe, approaches to missions that increase impact and avenues of involvement in international missions.

The cost is $10 per person and includes registration, materials, lunch and other resources. Childcare is included. The registration deadline is Sept. 11. For more information, call (410) 290-7156.

Montgomery Association

Kensington Church had a spring festival of flutes in June, featuring church member Amy Thomas and her students.

Members of Redland Church are planning a family ministry camping trip to Cunningham Falls State Park Aug. 21-23.

Seven Locks Church, Potomac, launched a new young adults group for ages 18-35 with a coffeehouse in July. During that time, the group discussed plans for future gatherings.

Potomac Association

Churches in the Potomac Association have been working on several summer mission projects this summer. Callaway, Dunkirk, Bayside and Maryland Point spearheaded the outreach efforts in their areas. Other church members and friends helped.

Callaway Church coordinated a soccer sports camp in a townhouse community. Bayside Church, Chesapeake Beach, did a kids’ camp in a beach community. Dunkirk Church hosted a community outreach in a mobile home community. Maryland Point Church, Nanjemoy, hosted missions activities to help with construction at their church and with children and youth ministries in local communities nearby.

Youth from Hughesville Church worked with Habitat for Humanity and did ministry at a shelter for abused children, and a nursing home during their recent mission trip to Myrtle Beach.

Prince George’s Association

Faith Fellowship Community Church of Laurel, will have their annual community day picnic on Aug. 15 at T. Howard Duckett Park. Church members and friends will enjoy food and fellowship. They’ll also bring donations of school supplies for Laurel Elementary School and canned goods for Laurel Advocacy and Referral’s food pantry.

First Church, Crofton, had a salad luncheon for the area’s business community in May. Church laymen shared testimonies on the topic, “How to Survive the Economic Meltdown.” The Crofton Chamber of Commerce co-sponsored the event. The church provided copies of the book, “How to Survive the Economic Meltdown” by Patrick Morley.

Members of Kettering Church, Upper Marlboro, will be washing cars and checking fluids as a community outreach from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Aug. 15.

The church recently had a baptismal service for 24 people.

Temple Hills Church will have a block party on Aug. 1, followed by revival services on Sunday morning and evening on Aug. 2.

Whitehall Church, Accokeek, collects donations on the first Sunday of each month to send to Pure Water, Pure Love (PWPL). The WMU initiative was originally started to provide clean drinking water to International Mission Board (IMB) missionaries, their families and those they serve. The program has grown and now provides grants for wells in villages and communities that are without clean water.

Whitehall members give to the cause to support the ministry and as a loving tribute to James Carl Johnson, a member who died in 2006. Johnson was a strong advocate for PWPL and is remembered for faithfully encouraging others to help.

Susquehanna Association

The Women’s Enrichment Ministry of Calvary Church, Bel Air, invited WRBS radio personality, Tracey Tiernan, to be the guest speaker at their June summer meeting. Karen Rickards, a member Oak Grove Church, provided the music.

Gary Nelson, USA director of Galcom International, will be the featured speaker at an annual missionary conference to be held at North Harford Church, Jarrettsville, beginning at 7 p.m. on Sept. 17. Galcom International is a non-profit organization that works with churches and other missions organizations to share the gospel using the latest in technology. The organization has provided over 760,000 fix-tuned radios to missionaries around the world.

In addition to Nelson, there will be other missionaries sharing about their work reaching the Muslims in the Middle East. For more information call (410) 836-6994. More information about both missionary organizations can be found at www.Galcom.org and www.LoveSaudis.com.

Oak Grove Church, Bel Air, will have its second annual “Oak Grove Cruise‘in” from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Aug. 22 featuring a car show, bands, hula-hoop contests and other games, Southern-style backyard barbecue foods, drinks and desserts including ice cream floats. They’ll also have a booth available for those interested in learning more about the church and its ministries.

Western Association

Nine Western Association (WBA) churches worked with the Alleghany County Fair last month.

The association led the annual vesper services on Sunday, July 19. Sherrill Dillon, pastor of Second Church, Cumberland, led the singing. The LaVale Church’s men’s choir provided the music. Doug White, pastor of Grace Church, Cumberland, was the speaker.

On Wednesday night, July 22, Association churches provided home-cooked meals to employees of the Reithoffer Amusements, the midway providers for the fair.

Throughout the week, churches manned a baby comfort station, offering moms and dads a clean place to change their babies. Churches also gave away free water and walking sticks. The sticks are unique gifts that also enable the giver to share how to “walk with the Lord.”

Does your church or association have any news you want to share, too? Simply send your news or newsletter to Sharon Mager at 10255 Old Columbia Rd., Columbia, MD 21046. Electronic newsletters and/or announcements may be emailed to smager@bcmd.org.

Please note: your submissions may be edited due to space and policy considerations.

Arundel Association

Broadneck Church, Annapolis, has a contemplative prayer group that meets monthly.

Glen Burnie Church high school seniors and college students will travel to Vonore, Tenn., from June 13-19 to do missions with Circle G Ministries helping to repair homes.

Members from Glen Burnie Church marched in the annual Glen Burnie Memorial Day parade on May 17.

Severna Park Church will have a car show and chicken barbecue on June 27 on the church lawn. The church was thrilled when they had a large turnout on a rainy day last year and they’re looking for last year’s visitors to return and bring friends.

Baltimore Association

Baltimore Chinese Church (BCBC) hosted their very first mission team in April. The Baptist Fellowship Church, from Randolph, Vt., brought a mission team of a dozen volunteers ranging in age from four-year-old  old Aiden to Grandma Lois.

The BCBC recently moved into a new facility in Reisterstown and needed some help getting the building functional for their growing ministry.

The mission team spent their week painting, cleaning, organizing, and encouraging BCBC through fellowshilp, worship, outreach and a mid-week concert.

Kim, mom of little Aiden and also of seven-year-old Rylee, said this was their first family mission trip and the girls were already asking when they could go on another mission trip with the church.

Pastor George Sweet, Baptist Fellowship (BF), said they were discussing plans for having Pastor Shang, pastor of BCBC, spend some time with them in Vermont as well as the BF returning to do Baltimore Chinese’s first Vacation Bible School in the summer of 2010.

Members of The Light Church, Baltimore, built a sculpture of a covered wagon and won a costume award for the American Visionary Art Museum’s annual Kinetic Sculpture Race.

“It’s funny, bizarre and unique,” Maria Sigmon, a member of the church and race participant said. The sculpture had to be able to travel on land, pavement, water and mud.

Sigmon said the church did it for fun, but also as an outreach.

“It’s such a draw for the kind of people we’re trying to reach—artsy personalities,” she said.

Church members gave out 1,000 flyers that said, “Follow The Light-creators of the Oregon Trail” with the church’s website on it.

Parkville Church had its annual community strawberry festival last month. The festival is the church’s biggest outreach each year.

In addition to strawberry desserts and foods, there were games and clowns for the kids and new this year, a classic outdoor car show sponsored by the Lost in the 50’s car club.

Riverside Church will have a children’s sports camp at Riverside Park offering soccer, basketball and cheerleading. A mission team from Pleasant Gardens Church, N.C., will lead the camp.

Church members are making plans now for the church’s 125th anniversary celebration on Oct. 18.

Ken Miller, worship leader for Streetlite Christian Fellowship and for New Hope Church, Curtis Bay, led a worship service at Baltimore’s city hall on the National Day of Prayer.

Blue Ridge Association

Richard Krauss, First Church, Frederick, student minister is volunteering to be a big loser for his youth group. The youth are raising money for their summer missions activities by taking pledges on how much weight Krauss can lose by between April 18 and June 15.

Covenant Church, Shepherdstown, W. Va., will have VBS July 20-24 from 6:15-9 p.m. They’ll use the curriculum “Crocodile Dock – Where Fearless Kids Shine God’s Light.”

Delaware Association

Greensboro Church will have its VBS on June 22-26. They’re using the “Boomerang Express.”

North Church, Wilmington, had a parents night out last month offering moms and dads a free night while the kids munch on snacks and play games.

Eastern Association

Ladies of First Church, Easton, recently welcomed Carrie Dressler, a missionary to Israel, as a guest speaker during a ladies brunch.

The church collected clothing, light blankets and sheets as a ministry to Eastern shore migrant workers.

Youth at Lynnhaven Church, Pocomoke, had a cookout and flag football night last month.

Mid-Maryland Association

Bethel, Ellicott City, will have VBS using “Boomerang Express” July 19-24 from 6-8:30 p.m. Pre-register online at www.bethelbaptistec.com or call (410) 465-5690. For all children in grades K-7.

Members of Hope Church, Laurel, marched in a community May Fest parade then sold hot dogs and water at a booth during the Main Street community festival.

Teens from Hope Church had a spaghetti dinner and auction to raise money for the youth ministry events.

Rolling Hills Church, Clarksville, will have an old-fashioned Flag Day picnic with the traditional hot dogs and hamburgers on June 14.

The Village Church, Baltimore, joined with the “clean and green’ committee of the Hampden Community council to help beautify the neighborhood by picking up liter. The church also helped rebuild the stadium place playground burned in a fire in Sept. 2008.

Montgomery Association

First Church, Rockville, has a divorce care ministry group.

Boys from Greenridge Church, Boyds, sanded, painted and customized their pinewood cars and raced them at the church’s Shape N Race derby on April 26.

The church provides, prepares and serves dinner at the Frederick Rescue Mission on the third Sunday of each month.

Poolesville Church will have a soccer camp June 22-24 for children ages six through fifth grade.

Potomac Association

Maryland Point Church, Nanjemoy, had its first Bible drill last month on Mother’s Day. The drill was right after Sunday School leading into the morning worship service.

Prince George’s Association

Emmanuel Church, Laurel, had a financial seminar entitled “Trusting God in your Financial Life” last month.

Landover Hills Church recently reported 18 conversions within just a few weeks, most of them teens and young adults. Pastor David Griesmer said he baptized 13 of them last month.

Griesmer said the church is focusing on training members to share their faith. They’re using The North American Mission Board’s one-hour witnessing program. The church requires volunteers to take an evangelism training class.

Griesmer said the teens and young adults have really embraced the training and have been witnessing to their friends.

The church recently had a community day outreach and several people made confessions of faith through church members being intentional about engaging people.

Landover Hills also has family film nights during the summer, drawing up to 70 people on Sunday nights. The youth sell light snacks to raise money for their mission trip this summer to work with Cherokee Indians in North Carolina.

The church has also opened its doors to a new Hispanic church led by Willie and Carla Cortez.

The pastor credits much of the church’s change to a health assessment they had with Randy Millwood, BCM/D discipleship missionary.

“It opened our eyes not to see inwardly, but outwardly,” Griesmer said. The church is now working through the book Comeback Churches by Ed Stetzer.

Susquehanna Association

Men from Calvary Church, Bel Air, will share fellowship as they tour well-known Washington, D.C., monuments. On June 4, the group will visit Arlington National Cemetery, the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Iwo Jima Memorial, Vietnam Wall, Korean Memorial, Lincoln memorial, World War I memorial and more.

Towne Church, Joppa, had a “pig-out” lunch last month. Members could buy pulled pork meals to take home and enjoy. Proceeds were used to fund a summer missions trip to Martinsburg, W.Va.

Western Association

Eleven members of Deep Creek Church, Oakland, traveled to Eagle Butte, S.D., to the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation last month. It was an historic first-ever mission trip for the church.

The team raised $10,000 for the trip through selling baked goods, having yard sales and selling hot dogs and French fries outside a local Wal-Mart. They also asked for $5 donations from drivers using the church parking lot during the annual Deep Creek Dunk.

Team members worked with First Church of Eagle Butte. They’ll distribute 400 “messengers” donated by Charles Stanley. The “messenger” is a handheld solar powered water-resistant audio device that contains 35 messages of biblical teaching by Dr. Stanley. The team will also repair the church parsonage and do some construction work a the Windswept Academy, a ministry of First Church, Eagle Butte.

Ben Lahay, pastor of Deep Creek said the reservation is the poorest Indian reservation in the country.

The church became interested in the reservation when a visiting couple, Lihami and Anne Konur, at the time members of Hamilton Church, Va., shared their passion for reaching Indians who lived there.

The couple had a dream of building a Christian school to teach the next generation. Through a variety of donations and support the couple succeeded and was able to build the “Windswept Academy.”

Arundel Association

Twenty-seven volunteers from New Hope Community Church, Weems Creek Church, First Church Kent Island, The Bridge and Faith Church, Glen Burnie, will travel to New Orleans April 25 – May 2. Team members will do construction work, helping to rebuild homes from hurricane damage. They’ll also do street level work such as surveys, inner city ministry, an after school ministry and an “annual” birthday barbecue for the homeless, celebrating everyone’s birthday at once.

They’ll work with churches in and near the Ninth Ward, the area that is the poorest and was the hardest hit from Hurricane Katrina.

The team will work with Edgewater Church; Sojourn Lakeview Church; Grace Church and Crossroads and they’ll partner with Habitat for Humanity and Operation Noah Rebuild, a partnership project between New Orleans churches, associations, the Louisiana Baptist Convention and the North American Mission Board to help rebuild New Orleans, to start and strengthen churches and reach people for Christ.

This is the third associational mission trip to New Orleans. John Brittain, Arundel Association’s director of missions, said the association has planned for a total of ten trips.

New Hope Church, Curtis Bay, will send a mission team to Matamoros, Mexico, July 18-25. The team will minister to children in an orphanage and others in the surrounding communities through hosting Vacation Bible School. New Hope has had an ongoing relationship with the people of Matamoros and has been sending teams there for over six years.

Church member Kailyn Jensen will participate in a Global Expeditions trip to Uganda on June 14-July 10 to minister to children living in displacement camps and to ex-child soldiers in Uganda.

North Arundel Church, Glen Burnie, will begin having services at 5 p.m. on Saturdays beginning April 4, in addition to the two they have on Sundays in Glen Burnie and one at NAC’s new campus, Grace Place, in Dundalk.

Baltimore Association

First Church, Dundalk, had a children’s movie night last month with pizza, sweets, drinks and an animated movie about missionary Jim Elliott.
Blue Ridge Association

Destiny Church, Martinsburg, W.V., will have revival services April 7-9 at 7 p.m. The guest speaker will be Stephen J. Russell.

North Star Church, Ijamsville, had a free video training seminar taught by a former NBC video producer.
The church is planning a mission trip to Guatemala in July.

Pleasant Valley Church, Rohrersville, has a card ministry. Members gather together for fellowship and to write cards to those who are sick, shut-ins and others who need encouragement.

Delaware Association

Bethany Church, Wilmington, will have a ladies tea in April.

Grace Church, Seaford, Del., has an English as a Second Language (ESL) class every Tuesday night led by Bertine Alfreide. The class size ranges from 8-12 people. A free ESL class is a great way to reach out to those who are new in the area and are struggling with English.

Ogletown Church’s middle school youth had a lock-in last month. The church’s Joy Group had a talent show/pizza night fellowship.

Eastern Association

First Church, Easton, will host games, Bible stories and a cookout at a local apartment complex on May 30.
The church is ministering internationally with two mission trips planned for Turkey and one to Mexico.

Lynnhaven Church, Pocomoke City, is fostering some parent-child bonding time. The church recently had a daddy/daughter dinner followed by a mother/son indoor campout.

The church will have their annual Easter egg hunt on April 4 for children in grades 2 and under. In the evening, the older kids will meet for a “glow in the dark” egg hunt.

Mid-Maryland Association

Bethany Lane Church, Ellicott City, will host an original Easter production entitled “The Payment” which portrays the events of the first Easter. Sherrie McKay, Bethany Lane’s minister of music, wrote the music for the program and Jason Brown, music director of First Church, Upper Marlboro, arranged it. The show will feature Elizabeth Miller, an internationally recognized dancer along with a cast of 100 singers, dancers and actors. Admission is free but seating is limited. The performances are at 7 p.m. on April 8-10, and at 3 and 6 p.m. on April 11.

Other Easter events at the church include a pancake breakfast and Easter egg hunt on April 4. About 80 children came to the hunt last year, plus their parents. Children’s minister, Rachel Williams, expects more this year.

Christian magician, John Carrington, will be the special guest at the egg hunt. Carrington will present the gospel message through his magic act. Afterwards, the kids will be set free to hunt for more than 3,000 eggs.

For more information or to reserve tickets for the Easter Production call (410) 465-0150 or see www.bethanylanebaptist.org.

Adam Feldman, pastor of Metanoia Church, Ellicott City, baptized nine people on Feb. 15.  After an abbreviated service, church members had a big potluck dinner then headed to Bethel Church for the baptism celebration.

Metanoia Church meets at a recreation center on Sunday mornings, so they use the baptistery of one of its partner churches – either Bethany Lane, Cornerstone Community or Bethel. In warm weather, the church gathers at a local swimming pool, or even at the Potomac River for baptism celebrations.

South Columbia Church has many activities this month for Easter. The youth will give a banner presentation on April 5. A Good Friday service will have the theme “Through the Seven Last Words of Christ.” On Easter Sunday, there will be special music by the sanctuary choir and a brass ensemble. The youth will also present a dramatic interpretation.

The church’s women’s ministry will host a spring craft extravaganza from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 30.
Ongoing women’s ministries include a ladies’ Sunday school class, a Tuesday morning and a Tuesday evening Bible study; LIFT (Ladies in fellowship together ) every Monday evening and WOW (Women on Wednesdays), a  mid-week casual small group.

The ladies also participate with “blankets of love,” a quilt making ministry for needy recipients.

Montgomery Association

Kensington Church ordained Kim Hyekyung Ock to the gospel ministry on Feb. 8 and commissioned him and his wife, Ihn, as missionaries to the Korean community. The couple started the Rock of Salvation Church that is meeting in the Burtonsville area.

Lexington Park Church has a divorce care ministry to help people who are or have gone through divorce or separation. For more information see their website, www.divorcecare.org.

Redland Church, Rockville, sent a team of 29 members to Hato Mayor, Dominican Republic from Jan. 10-17. They partnered with Pastor Carlos Soegaard and his church Cristiano Shalom doing construction projects, leading vacation Bible school and hosting a medical clinic.

The construction team built two homes for needy families from Carlos’ congregation while the VBS team ministered to over 300 children in several local neighborhoods. A medical team was comprised of two family practice physicians, one dentist, one physician’s assistant, one pediatric nurse and seven fourth year medical students. They attended to, treated and prayed with over 500 patients during the week, and were blessed to see several of them make confessions of faith.

“God blessed our week with safety, team unity and the blessing of seeing His powerful hand at work all around us. Many of our team shared how this week in the Dominican Republic helped revive their faith in Christ and renewed their passion for sharing the gospel with their neighbors at home,” wrote Daniel Adams, a team member and son of Mark Adams, pastor of Redland Church.

The ladies of Redmond welcomed guest speaker Peggy Morse, a missionary to Romania as their special speaker at a ladies night out last month.

Seven Locks Church, Potomac, will join with other churches for a mission trip to Jefferson City, Tenn., this summer. They will help build and repair homes and work with Backyard Bible Clubs in conjunction with Appalachian Outreach Ministries.

Viers Mill, Silver Spring, will host the Easter cantata “Raise the Crown” on April 5. The women of Viers Mill led worship on Baptist Women’s Day on Mar. 22. There was also a special women’s choir.

Potomac Association

Lexington Park Church had a “How to fireproof your marriage” overnight retreat at Camp Wabanna in Edgewater.

Trinity Church, Waldorf, started a new worship service on the last Wednesday of every month. The subject matter and music is geared toward teens and young adults.
Prince George’s Association

Clinton Church recently hosted a “Practical guide to grant writing and fundraising” seminar.

Cornerstone Peaceful Bible Church moved to their new location at Frank Tippett Road in Upper Marlboro.
Faith Fellowship Church will have their annual men’s retreat June 19-21 at Refreshing Mountain Camp, Stevens, Pa.

The Prince George’s Association’s Women on Mission hosted a ladies spring tea last month. The theme was “For such a time as this…”, referencing Mordecai’s words to Queen Esther, “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”

Members of West Hyattsville Church celebrated their 50th anniversary on Mar. 7 with a community health fair.

Susquehanna Association

First Church, Havre de Grace, will host “Run to the Pantry Motorcycle Rally” on April 11. The Rugged Cross Motorcycle Ministry will lead the worship service. Fresh Fire band will provide music. Rugged Cross will collect non-perishables as part of their ongoing ministry to the needy. A short run motorcycle ride, will follow the service, ending at a nearby diner for lunch.

Oak Grove Church, Bel Air, will host a National Bible Bee on Sept. 12. The Shelby Kennedy Foundation is sponsoring the contest.  The competition begins with local contests in September. The top 100 finalists from each age group advance to the national level in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 5-6.  The deadline to enter a local contest is April 30. For more information see http://www.biblebee.org.

Youth at Paramount Church had a missions study last month focusing on North American Missionaries Daniel and Kimberly Goombi and Brenda Crim.

The Goombis serve as missionaries on a Native American Indian reservation in Kansas, which is the home of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Indians. They use Vacation Bible School, carnivals, and other programs to reach the Native Americans with the love of Christ and His salvation message.

Brenda Crim coordinates Southern Baptist volunteers at the Alaskan Iditarod. The volunteers do the jobs that others do not want to do like take food to the dog teams. The volunteers also give each racing team a bucket with candy and a Bible. They give out free hot drinks outside and work the concessions stand at basketball games while giving out Bibles and sharing Christ with people.

After watching some video clips and hearing about the missionaries, the Paramount youth were given an opportunity to help. In response, the youth signed a basketball, which has been mailed to Brenda Crim to use at the basketball games in Alaska. Also, some verses were highlighted in a Bible that was signed by the youth. This Bible has been sent to the Goombis to be given to a Native American at the reservation.

The youth who participated included Christian and Joshua Colliflower from Williamsport, Abbie and Esther Hayes, Madison Lewis, Spencer Lunsford and Tony Owuor from Hagerstown.

Western Association

The ladies of Welsh Memorial ministered to their local police department as a special missions project for February. The women took two large trays of cookies, cupcakes, brownies, candies and fruit to the Frostburg Police Station. They left the “goodies” along with a card telling the police officers and staff how much they are appreciated and that the ladies of Welsh would be praying for them.

Western Association will have its annual youth camp July 12-17 at Camp Frame, Hedgesville, W.V.