MARBC News & Notes – February 2008

You can also download a PDF of the February 2008 Baptist Testimony
(1 mb PDF; PC: Right click / MAC: Control click on the link and choose “Save As”)​

MARBC NEWS & NOTES

FRUITPORT, Cloverdale Baptist Church (Pastor Joshua Rager) – Cloverdale Baptist Church held a 50th anniversary celebration in October with 144 in attendance. Speakers for the day were former pastors Mark Jochen, Richard Wahl, and Johnathan Rager. There were three Charter Members in attendance who were recognized during the service. Two of the members appear in the picture with Pastor Joshua Rager: Virginia Mackenzie and Delores Osterhart. The third member, Herb Mackenzie, had to leave before the picture was taken. The church rejoices that in November eight individuals were added as members, including four through baptism. The church concluded their “Year of Jubilee” in December with a Christmas Concert and Drama.

​TAYLOR, EVANGEL BAPTIST CHURCH (Pastor Ken Pierpont, Jr.) – January 18-20 was a special week-end at Evangel Baptist Church in Taylor. National GARBC Representative John Greening spoke at the Deacons and Wives Banquet Friday evening, and then he and his wife, Daria, participated in the Deacon and Wives training seminar on Saturday.
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Sunday was a day to celebrate and reflect on the importance of leadership in the church. MARBC Representative Ken Floyd spoke in a combined ABF session, and John Greening spoke in the morning worship service.

The day culminated with the evening service as Pastor Ken Pierpont was installed as the Sr. Pastor. “Celebrating God's Faithfulness” was the theme for the service, which included guest speakers Ken Pierpont, Sr. (father of the new pastor), Ron Graef (former Evangel Pastor), and Ken Floyd. A reception for the Pierponts followed the service.

Special guests of the Pierpont family included Ken & Jane Pierpont, Ken's parents, as well as Nathan & Kevin Pierpont, Ken's brothers. Pastor Pierpont's father is the Pastor of Zion Christian Union Church in Portersville, Ohio. His brother Nathan is the Worship Pastor at Northeastern Baptist Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and his brother Kevin is a Pastor at Higgins Lake Baptist Church in Roscommon, Michigan.

Pastor Pierpont is a third generation pastor, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. His oldest sons, Kyle and Chuck, are youth pastors. He and his wife, Lois, have six additional children – Holly, Heidi, Hannah, Daniel, Wesley, and Hope.

Pastor Pierpont states: “My goal in life is to communicate truth about Jesus Christ and to nudge everyone I meet a little closer to Him every day by living out that faith in my life and family.”

A SPECIAL THANK YOU: Dear MARBC Family – Thank you for the floral arrangement sent to express your prayers and concerns at the death of our son, Chris, on December 18, 2007. We appreciate so much all the cards, emails, phone calls, and visits of individuals and churches. You have blessed us with your love. We continue to struggle with some moments and days, but mostly we are just amazed as we watch our Awesome God work. Chris' wife, Amy, came down with Guillian Barre when their son, Ben, was born two years ago. She has multiple physical difficulties, unable to do total care of herself and Ben. Pray with us as we try to find suitable housing for them closer to Lowell. Chris carried a very heavy load and now it is ours to carry. God bless you all � brothers and sisters, Pastor Lee and Bev Taylor (First Baptist Church, Lowell).

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES

SPECIAL PASTORS AND WIVES DISCOUNT: the Best Western Scenic Hill Resort in Beulah, Michigan, is once again this year offering a special getaway for pastors and wives of the MARBC at their hotel. The special rate is $50 per night, plus tax, and includes a full hot breakfast. This rate is available through May 23 (based on availability). They also offer a discount of 20% off all Spa services. Contact Dave Easter, 1.800.439.7080, for more information and reservations.

Cabin Available: Pastor Greg Carlson, First Baptist Church, Allegan, shares this special opportunity: Our like new cabin in the Eastern Upper Peninsula is available for only the cost of utilities from January through the second week of May, 2008. We would like someone in vocational Christian service to be able to use the cabin for that time. The cabin is fully furnished and has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. Photos and complete description are available at www.WolfeBayRetreat.com. Contact (269) 673-5289 or Email.

MARBC Messenger – The Messenger is a regular email communication from the MARBC office to our pastors and churches. Several MARBC Messengers are sent out each month from the MARBC office. If you have not received MARBC emails recently, be sure to contact Ken or Sharon to be placed on the email list. Thank you!

MARBC Events to Place on Your 2008 Calendar

March 1, 2008
EMARBC Men Modeling the Master Conference
Emmanuel Baptist Church, Flint
Answers in Genesis, creation ministry team

March 7-8, 2008
GRARBC Annual Church Ministries Conference
Calvary Baptist Church, Grand Rapids
“Masterfully Motivated”
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Ken Floyd
MARBC State Representative

Saturday, April 19, 2008
MARBC Talents for Christ Competition
South Baptist Church, Flint
Ken Pyne, Director
Early registration deadline: February 15

May 1-3, 2008
Annual MARBC Men's Retreat
Lake Ann Baptist Camp
“Being Men of Valor: How to Develop the Character of a Conqueror”
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Bill Jenkin
President, Continental Baptist Mission
No price increase for 2008!!!
2 nights, 6 meals $105 / 1 night, 5 meals $77 / Friday only, 3 meals $41.
$40 non-refundable registration fee
Pastors receive a 50% discount with an overnight stay
Brochures and registration will be available soon by mail, fax, and online at www.lakeanncamp.com

June 24-27, 2008
National GARBC Conference
“The Glory of the Cross”
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

September 28, 2008
MARBC Annual Day of Prayer

October 27-28, 2008
66th Annual MARBC Conference
First Baptist Church, Rochester, Michigan
Dr. Jim Jeffery
President, Baptist Bible College, Graduate School, and Seminary