MARBC News & Notes – November 2007

​Download the November 2007 Baptist Testimony  (PDF Download 1.1 mb)
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EMARBC Regional Fellowship – The 2007 Annual Meeting of the EMARBC was held at South Baptist Church of Flint on September 16. Nine fellowshipping churches joined together at 4 pm to hear Ken Rudolph speak on “Finishing Strong.” A brief business meeting of the EMARBC was held at 5 pm for election of officers and treasurers report. South Baptist provided a meal for the 300 attendees. Ken Rudolph spoke again to the youth of the area at 6:30 pm following some time of worship and praise music. During the youth rally, the adults were treated to a concert by harpist Greg Buchanan. Buchanan gave a wonderful concert utilizing several types of harps. He also shared the dynamic testimony of his conversion to Christ. The event, held for the first time on a Sunday, was received well by all who attended. The idea for the combined service came from the Grand Rapids fellowship's area “Worship Gathering” in 2006.

​GREENVILLE, Calvary Baptist Church (Mark Shaw) – broke ground on Sunday afternoon, October 28, for their new building at their new facilities site. Pastor Mark Shaw shares, “We have been praying for about eight years for this day, planning for five years, and there have been many ups and downs. The Lord gave us beautiful weather and well over 200 people for the afternoon service…it was a blast!” We join the Calvary Baptist family in praising God for His wonderful blessings.
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HASTINGS, First Baptist Church (Dan Currie) – Pastor Dan Currie led a mission trip to Guyana, South America, October 12-23. He taught the books of Joshua & Judges at the Berbice Bible Institute with 30 national pastors. This mission trip partnered together with missionaries, Andy & Kathleen Girwanauth, who have planted 15 churches in Guyana. The accompanying mission team from First Baptist Church completed a construction project at Hampshire Bible Church by building a 400 foot block fence around the church property.

ITHACA, Ithaca Baptist Church (Bob Norris) – Ithaca Baptist Church celebrated its 150th anniversary on September 15th and 16th. The festivities began on Saturday afternoon with games and a hog roast for the community, with approximately 225 in attendance. Rev. John Wood, pastor from 1997-2000, spoke in the evening regarding the transition from the old church structure, built in 1887, to the new facility where they gather for worship and ministry today. Rev. Dick Canfield, pastor from 1955-1960, spoke in the Sunday School hour. Mrs. Agnes Sorensen also shared a testimony during Sunday School. Mrs. Sorensen, who now resides in Ithaca, recalled her husband Jack’s ministry in Ithaca from 1965 to 1970. Dr. Glen Webb, pastor from 1977-1985, spoke in the worship hour and his wife, Nancy, ministered in music. Another highlight of the worship service was the special music provided by the granddaughters of Rev. Leonard Slaybaugh, pastor from 1918-1921. A carry-in potluck meal was held after the service. Everyone enjoyed the reminiscing and catching up in each other’s lives. The afternoon was highlighted by a balloon launch. Balloons contained notes regarding the 150th Anniversary celebration. Notes of reply were received back from individuals who found balloons in Pennsylvania and Ontario, Canada.

Rev. Bob Norris, formerly of Newberry, is the current pastor. His wife, Sandy, researched and published an anniversary book, featuring in-depth biographies of Ithaca’s former pastors and highlights of the church’s rich and unique history. The church celebrates God's continued faithfulness through the years.

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES

“The Living Word” Bible Conference
West Cannon Baptist Church, Belmont, will host its 2nd Annual Bible Conference and Pastors' Seminar February 25-27, 2008. The conference theme is “The Living Word” and the focus will be on the power and sufficiency of the Bible for preaching and teaching. The three expositors coming to minister in the Word are: Dr. Stephen Lawson (Pastor of Christ Fellowship Baptist Church, Mobile, Alabama) Dr. Walter Kaiser (Professor of Old Testament and President Emeritus, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) and Dr. James Grier (Distinguished Professor of Philosophical Theology, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary). In addition, Jason Nightingale (Wordsower Evangel Arts) will minister through Scripture recitation.

The conference will begin on Monday afternoon, February 25, and run through noon on Wednesday, February 27. The format will be similar to last year's conference, with seminars for pastors and church leaders during the day, and worship services open to all in the evening. Workshops for women are added to this year's conference and will include hands-on activities, fun, and opportunities for encouragement.

A mailing is currently being prepared to publicize the conference. Those who attended or received mailings to last year's conference should receive a brochure in the next few weeks. Contact the church for additional information through their website, www.westcannon.org, or phone 616.874.6740.

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 email Ken or email Sharon to be placed on the email list. Thank you!