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MAKING DISCIPLES Your giving enables missionaries to be sent to multiply biblical, disciple-making churches, which, in turn, engage in God's global mission. YOUR 411 December 2015-January 2016 LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING How an offering from local churches and associations changes the world The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is a quintessential Southern Baptist event. Sometimes we may find ourselves thinking that this is just another offering, but this offering is used by God to do amazing things. Did you know that gifts to Lottie Moon actually fund 58% of the IMB budget, while gifts from the cooperative fund an additional 31%? When you ask your people to give, you can be assured that 100% of your gift will go directly to the mission field. The IMB has set a goal of $175 million for the Lottie Moon 2015 offering. That is ambitious, but we serve a big God! The Lottie Moon offering is an excellent opportunity to engage your church’s heart for international missions. Consider having a missionary speak either live or via Skype. Adopt a missionary and have your children’s program send letters and cards of encouragement. Above all, cover the Lottie Moon offering in prayer, and see what our God will do. For more information, see www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon

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Page 1: Your 411 Dec 15/ Jan 16

MAKING DISCIPLESYour giving enables missionaries to be sent to multiply biblical, disciple-making churches, which, in turn, engage in God's global mission.

YOUR 411December 2015-January 2016

LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERINGHow an offering from local churches and associations changes the world

The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is a

quintessential Southern Baptist event.

Sometimes we may find ourselves thinking that

this is just another offering, but this offering is

used by God to do amazing things. Did you

know that gifts to Lottie Moon actually fund

58% of the IMB budget, while gifts from the

cooperative fund an additional 31%? When you

ask your people to give, you can be assured that

100% of your gift will go directly to the mission

field. The IMB has set a goal of $175 million for

the Lottie Moon 2015 offering. That is

ambitious, but we serve a big God!

The Lottie Moon offering is an excellent

opportunity to engage your church’s heart for

international missions. Consider having a

missionary speak either live or via Skype. Adopt

a missionary and have your children’s program

send letters and cards of encouragement.

Above all, cover the Lottie Moon offering in

prayer, and see what our God will do. For more

information, see www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon

Page 2: Your 411 Dec 15/ Jan 16

This has been a difficult time for so

many people who I know.  I know pastors

who have lost adult children all too soon in

life - and because of some very senseless

and hard to understand reasons. One of

my favorite instructors from my police

academy died last week following a 7

month struggle with lymphoma. This on

the heels of he and his wife finally retiring

to enjoy the golden years of their lives

together.  They never got that chance.

 One man is struggling with the reality

that his wife of 34 years (they were

together 37) left him after a several year

attempt to immerse themselves in

Christian counseling to repair their

marriage. She explained that she simply

"didn't want to be married any more" and

that her mind was made up.  At the same

time it was revealed that his son had

developed a severe drug addiction that

was causing him to steal from his own

family to support his drug habit.  How do I

know so much about this man's personal

struggle?  Simply put, it’s because that

man is me.

 And now we are in this Christmas

season where we are supposed to

experience "Christmas Joy", but for many

who have experienced extreme hardship in

life, this can be difficult to do -- especially

during the holiday season.  For me, I am

making my way through the upcoming

days adopting a plan that I will treasure

and ponder.

In Luke’s account of the Christmas

story we read: “Mary treasured all these

things and pondered them in her

heart” (Luke 2:19). That’s what she did in

response to the shocking news the

shepherds gave about an angelic multitude

announcing, “Glory to God in the highest

heaven, and on earth peace to those on

whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).

In this tumultuous, troubled, uncertain

time in which we live, I am convinced, now

more than ever, that even when hardship

comes , we need to take time to let the

message of the advent (coming) of the

Lord Jesus sink in. To treasure it. To

ponder it.

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not

be afraid. I bring you good news of great

joy that will be for all the people. Today in

the town of David a Savior has been born

to you; he is Christ the Lord,’” — Luke

2:10-12.

As I do this--I must confess, even with

a hurting heart-- I can and do experience

small doses of joy. But I ask myself; “great

joy”? Is it almost too much to hope for?

The way that we experience Christmas

in our nation has a tendency to rob us of

joy rather than fill us up with it.  The rush of

the season, decorating, shopping for

presents, unending schedule appointments

and events ... how did things get so

complicated? So rushed? So squeezed

and cluttered?

It doesn’t have to be that way. We can

choose to step aside, to step into a quieter

moment, and read the angel’s words that

came on that night that changed the world. 

It is a story about the most important event

in human history - the coming of the Christ

Child -- the ultimate gift for all mankind

sent to save us from our sins. 

Here is something I have realized this

year as I have struggled in my own

personal hardship:  our joy is rarely

something that comes from within; it

usually comes to us from outside

sources.  Maybe that’s one of the reasons

why so many have a hard time finding joy

at Christmas.

This Christmas I plan on treasuring: a

Christmas cookie, my grandchildren, the

relationship I have with my Lord, the

comforting work of the Holy Spirit.  I will

treasure the ministry that He has called me

into - and the wonderful men and women

whom I am privileged to serve and work

with in God's fields.  I will treasure the

music of the season that points me to that

wondrous event when God came to us in

human form for the first time in that

manger in Bethlehem.

This Christmas I also plan on doing a

lot of pondering about the majesty and

glory of God. I will ponder about how I

must trust Him even when life has taken

turns that are seemingly devastating in my

own life.   Joy is the startling realization

that God really has claimed territory in this

world. He’s taken back what belongs to

him and connected with us in ways that

would never have been possible if God

had not sent Christ to be born in

Bethlehem. I've come to the realization

that joy is a thirst that doesn’t necessarily

need or want to be quenched.   Joy is a

hunger that is meant to go on and on. You

see - it’s actually a good thing in my

estimation to never get enough of God.

May our God who is the ultimate source of

JOY invade your heart this season as you

make room for Him there.

Merry Christmas!

Bruce

CHRISTMAS JOY ...TO TREASURE AND PONDER

“JOY IS A HUNGER THAT IS

MEANT TO GO ON AND ON.”

Page 3: Your 411 Dec 15/ Jan 16

Blue Ridge Baptist Annual Meeting and Fellowship: Start Something New

Blue Ridge Baptist Association held it’s annual meeting on Monday,

October 12, 2015. Paramount Baptist Church and Pastor Frank Duncan

graciously hosted the evening. The evening opened in music with a lively

number by a ladies’ trio. Greetings were extended to those gathered by

Dr. David Platt (IMB), Dr. Kevin Ezell (NAMB) via video. Rolando Castro

(MABN) and DOM Bruce Conley (BRBA) also brought their greetings.

One of the highlights of the evening came when a Blue Ridge choir

composed of members from several member churches treated

us to beautiful rendition of “All Hail the Power of Jesus Name.”

During the business section of the meeting, Rev. John

Sumpter served as moderator. Mae Argilan, the outgoing

BRBA Treasurer, brought the financial report. Reports were

also given from the Nominating Committee (Phil Graves),

Personnel Committee (Ken Schmidt), Finance/Stewardship

Committee (Alan Myers). The 2016 Budget was presented and

approved.

The evening was themed “Start Something New,” and

fittingly, several new and exciting ministries were highlighted. Shane Wilt

of West End Baptist shared how God had moved them to start a second

service (something he had been resisting) and of how God is blessing.

Rob Downs (Summit Trace) explained how God led the church to move

out of a movie theater and into a school in the low income neighborhood

of Lincoln Elementary School and how God has opened doors for Summit

Trace to partner with the school which is offering opportunities to build

bridges with the community. Myersville Baptist’s pastor John Sumpter

along with his worship leader, Richard Cox, communicated how God is

moving in their church with the addition of a worship team. Bob McHenry

spoke of how God led him to become involved with the BRBA Mission

Teams. Phil Graves of FBC Thurmont shared his vision for his church to

start a laundromat outreach ministry. Jay Beard and Dave Burt of FBC

Thurmont spoke of how God led them to become co-pastors. Certainly

God is doing many new and exciting works in the churches of the BRBA!

The keynote address was given by Rev. Carmon Hartsfield, retired

pastor of Landover Hills Baptist Church, and our own DOM’s mentor. Rev.

Hartsfield gave a charge to the pastors to not abandon their fellowship

with one another. In an emotional moment, the man of God

reminded the young pastors not to abandon fellowship with

their own families. He exhorted the pastors to remember

that God has first called them to minister to their own wives

and children. He concluded by urging the pastors to not

abandon their fellowship with their God and to remain

faithful.

The evening continued with an introduction of the new pastors in

our network (Tim Seek-Pastor, Adamstown Community Church; Joey

Giles-Pastor, Berkeley Springs Baptist Church; Frank Duncan-Pastor,

Paramount Baptist Church; Duane Musgrove-full time associate at Faith

Baptist Church; Dean Pryor-Pastor, Greenbrier Baptist; Jay Beard/Dave

Burt-Co-pastors, First Baptist Church of Thurmont).

Although she was decidedly uncomfortable in the limelight, it was

only appropriate to honor Mae Argilan. Both David Burt (former DOM) and

Bruce Conley (DOM) reflected on Mae Argilan’s faithful service over the

past 14 years to the BRBA. The new contractors that will be replacing

Mae were introduced.

The evening concluded in the fellowship hall where all in attendance

were treated to a dessert table. Many resources and vendors were in

attendance to better equip our member churches.

BRBA Resources Available The New BRBA van was on

display at the annual meeting. The van

is available for your use for your

church events. Please see Dave Hays

([email protected]) to reserve.

For a full list of resources you can use

please see www.blueridgebaptist.org

Local Missions at work

START SOMETHING NEW

Page 4: Your 411 Dec 15/ Jan 16

START SOMETHING NEW (CONT)

BRBA Partnering together

Page 5: Your 411 Dec 15/ Jan 16

So...what happens next?By Mae Argilan

We couldn’t get out of town fast enough.

October 13, 2015, we drove down to southern

Maryland--Solomon's Island on the Patuxent.

We checked into the Holiday Inn at the marina

and had lunch at Stoney’s Pier. I recommend

Neptune’s platter for the variety, but the seafood

basket is pretty great too. At our hotel they host

a complimentary deal in the evening, which

includes 2 appetizers and 2 free drinks. We had

taco bites and chicken nuggets this time. They

call it happy hour, but we call it dinner. We’ll be

doing a lot more traveling--already have

reservations on the auto-train to Florida in

December.

I’ve had some time to decompress after the

Annual Meeting, and I feel I must take a moment

to let you know how much I cherish the entire

membership of the BRBA. At the meeting I was

given a proper sendoff with gifts and cards and

so many pats on the back There was a general

air of gratitude and well-wishes that took me by

surprise. Let me return the favor

It has been my honor to serve as staff in

BRBA for the last 14 years. I have had a chance

to have a front row seat to so much history

being made in the tri-state area. As a result, I

have developed a crazy, mad crush on all the

ministers in all the churches. You’ve committed

to such a brave and compassionate profession.

I know there are times when everything seems

to be blowing up, and you need to be talked

down off the ledge. But the majority of the time

you are steadfastly there quietly dealing with life

and death matters. You are the first

responders--CEOs-- without the perks. You

leave it all on the field every Sunday, take a deep

breath, roll up your sleeves, and start again. You

take more punches to the gut than a champion

boxer. You give more extravagantly of yourself

than anyone could even ask of another human.

And when you get a few free seconds in your

busy day, you spend it praying for others who

you think need more encouragement than you

do No, you’re not infallible. But as I have

discovered, nobody tries harder to get it right.

And nobody tries harder than DOM Bruce

Conley. Love ya, brother.

Please know that in those moments when

you’re feeling alone and unappreciated, I’m up

here in the woods of Warfordsburg uplifting you

in prayer, well, pretty much full time these days.

I may be into a new retirement phase of my life

with Fred, but I’m still keeping an eye on all of

you.

January 16, 2016

10am-1pm We at BRBA appreciate our pastors and their wives. Please join us at the Ceresville Mansion at 8529 Liberty Road, Frederick MD 21701 where we can lavish our love on you. Please bring a white elephant gift for our annual gift exchange. Don’t forget to RSVP to Liz at [email protected] to save your spot. There is no cost to you--we just want to enjoy your company.

MINISTER AND STAFF

APPRECIATION BRUNCH

Page 6: Your 411 Dec 15/ Jan 16

Loving your neighbor.Messengers from churches across the Mid-Atlantic region met in Ocean City November 8-10. Pastors and other messengers spent three days focusing on how we as churches can love our neighbors.

One of the most memorable moments of the weekend came when Michael Crawford, our Church Planting Specialist, unveiled the new ministry initiatives for MABN that focus on reaching Jews, Muslims, African-American communities, and people with disabilities. Watching the leaders of our Jewish and Muslim initiatives embrace on stage brought the entire room of messengers to their feet in applause at the love of God that changes enemies into brothers.

Along with these initiatives, all churches of MABN were challenged to consider increasing their giving to the SBC Cooperative by 1%. Sadly, this year between 600 to 800 missionaries will be asked to return home early due to lack of funds. Please be in prayer.

Another challenge was given to churches across the region to “adopt a Senator” to have a prayer campaign for. Churches will be given a Senator to pray for. The idea is to only send encouragement (even if you really, really disagree with their politics). Ours prayers may strengthen a marriage. Our prayers may bring salvation to Capitol Hill. Please consider being a part of this program. If you want to know more, please contact Doug Dubois at [email protected] .

MABN INITIATIVES SPECIAL NEEDS AFRICAN AMERICAN

JEWISH MOSLEM

Tom Stolle is helping churches minister to families with special needs (80% don’t go to church). Ask how you can help [email protected]

Michael Crawford is leading the charge to affect African American families with the Gospel. Learn more: [email protected]

Rabbi/Pastor Robert Pristoop works with the Jewish initiative. To find out more: www.mishkanhashofar.org

Pastor S.D. Abraham of Salam Church is opening doors of ministry into the Moslem community. For more info visit www.salamchurch.com

MABN/BCMD ANNUAL MEETING

NOVEMBER 8-10, 2015

Jewish and Moslem brothers

in Christ embrace

Praying over the MABN staff for the upcoming year

Ocean City, Maryland

Page 7: Your 411 Dec 15/ Jan 16

Loving your neighbor (cont.)

A moment of the weekend came when Christopher Duffley, a young boy born blind and with severe autism, led the entire convention in praise and worship after he shared his testimony of God’s goodness and redemption in his life. Many were moved to tears at the beauty of his life.

The business portion of the convention saw our current network president, Bill Warren, reelected unanimously. Curtis Hill was elected as first vice president, also unanimously. God’s hand was on our meeting, and a spirit of unity was evident. Praise be to our Savior!

The annual meeting was a time of grace and fellowship. We strongly encourage you to consider being in attendance at the 2016 annual meeting on November 13-15.

DOM Bruce Conley presents check to

MABN president, Bill Warren

Christopher Duffley, born blind and autistic, leads

the network in worship.

Worship on Tuesday morning

Randy Millwood speaks about church revitalization.

Page 8: Your 411 Dec 15/ Jan 16

EVENT

DECEMBER 1-6- Week of Prayer for International Missions (MABN)

DECEMBER 2-Pastor's Breakfast at the Red Byrd in Keedysvile at 8 am. (BRBA)

JANUARY 8-10-reBOOT at Skycroft for grades 6-12. 800-536-6759 (MABN)

JANUARY 9,16-ESL Training 9 am-4:30 pm. 800-466-5290 *226 (MABN)

JANUARY 14- Weekday Education Directors Network, 10 am-2 pm 800-466-5290 *218 (MABN)

JANUARY 15- Church Planter Orientation 10 am-2 pm 800-466-5290 *222 (MABN)

JANUARY 16-Pastor & Spouse Appreciation Brunch at the Ceresville Mansion. 10 am-1 pm (BRBA)

JANUARY 16-17-reBOOT at Skycroft for grades 6-12. 800-536-6759 (MABN)

JANUARY 17-Sanctity of Human Life Sunday (SBC) JANUARY 26- Minister’s Tax Seminar 9 am-1 pm. 800-466-5290 *204 (MABN)

CALENDAR

20810A National Pike Boonsboro, MD 21713

T H E N E W S J O U R N A L O F T H E B L U E R I D G E B A P T I S T A S S O C I A T I O N

You can subscribe to the online version of our newsletter at www.blueridgebaptist.orgContact BRBA

Bruce Conley, Director of Missions301-821-0370/ [email protected]

Liz Coleman, Administrative Assistant240-818-8760/ [email protected]

Phil Grave, Media & IT Contractor301-788-7424/ [email protected]

Carissa Beard, Communications Specialist240-575-4495/ [email protected]

Lisa Molnar, Treasurer301-582-4484/ [email protected]

Dave Hays, Fleet Manager301-991-2084/ [email protected]

Matt Gregory, Youth Coordinator240-575-4346/ [email protected]

Page 9: Your 411 Dec 15/ Jan 16

Christmas Eve Services

Several churches in our association are having Christmas Eve services. For additional information, please contact the individual churches.

Covenant Baptist ChurchNorthStar Community Church

Summit Trace ChurchFBC Brunswick

Many churches in our association participated with

Operation Christmas Child. Churches that collected a

record amount of boxes this year include Covenant Baptist

Church, FBC Thurmont, and FBC Hagerstown. Continue to be in prayer for the boxes as they head to the distribution centers and then around the

world.

December Events2-Summit Trace Church is hosting a clothing swap at Lincoln Elementary School for the community families from 3:30–6:00 pm.

3-NorthStar Community Church will be bagging groceries for seniors in need at the Spring Ridge Senior Apartments. Please contact Nancy Malloy at [email protected] for more information.

6-Paramount Baptist Church is hosting a community sing along at 6 pm.

12-Summit Trace Church is partnering with the Frederick Rescue Mission to host a community event “Getting Ready for the Holidays”.

13-Paramount Baptist Church will be presenting it’s “Voice of Christmas” cantata at 10:30 am.

19-FBC Frederick is throwing a birthday party for Jesus on December 19, 2015, from 11 to 2 pm. Activities include moon bounces, snow cones, face painting, crafts, birthday cake, and many more fun activities for the entire family!

19-Pleasant Valley Baptist Church is holding an open food bank distribution from 9am-12pm. For more information call 301–432–2621

22-River's Edge Ministries will be holding their Family Christmas Celebration at 10 am.

KEN STALLS

In The Churches

Ken Stalls, longtime pastor of South End Baptist Church retired from full-time ministry on November 22, 2015. Ken has been an inspiration and support to many of us in the BRBA. His wisdom, leadership, mercy gifts, and heart for missions are unparalleled. We will miss this distinguished gentleman and statesman for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Enjoy your retirement, Ken!--Bruce Conley, DOM

Page 10: Your 411 Dec 15/ Jan 16

PRAYER REQUESTS

Pray for Ed and Jo Anne Jordan and their family as Jo Anne's father just went home to be with the Lord. Pray for several of our pastors who are going through some difficult times during the holiday season. Pray for our retired and retiring pastors - that God would bless them immeasurably during this new season of their lives. Pray for protection for all of those who will be traveling during the holidays. Pray for our DOM, Bruce Conley, as he steps out of leadership with the Baptist Foundation in Maryland & Delaware, and takes on a new role as President of the RNBA (Regional Network of Baptist Associations) in our region. Please also pray for his family as they have been through much turmoil this year. Pray for all of our churches who will have unparalleled opportunities to reach new people with the gospel during this Christmas season. Pray for these BRBA churches seeking new pastoral leadership: SOUTH END BAPTIST - Frederick, MD MT. MORIAH - Knoxville, MD FAITH BAPTIST - Knoxville, MD

Page 11: Your 411 Dec 15/ Jan 16

Merry Ch!"mas

from y#r

BRBA Staff

Communications Specialist/Newsletter - Carissa Beard Carissa has a B.A. in English from Pensacola Christian College and is currently working towards a M.A. in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. She taught high school and middle school English for 8 years before becoming a full-time stay at home mom. She has done freelance writing for various organizations. She is passionate about local churches impacting their communities to communicate the Gospel. In her “free” time she enjoys reading, playing the piano, gardening, and playing chauffeur to her four children.

Carissa's husband Jay has served on staff at 3 churches in BRBA, and they currently serve at First Baptist Church of Thurmont

together. Carissa will be writing and editing the association’s bi-monthly newsletter, disseminating information to our member churches, and generally keeping you in the know about what is going on and how to better connect with other churches, opportunities in the region, and resources for missions and ministry.

You can reach Carissa at 240-575-4495 or via email: [email protected]

Media and IT Contractor - Phil Graves Phil Graves has been working with the BRBA as a media and IT person for the past 13 years. He lives in Brunswick, MD and owns his own company called All Saints Media. They do web and graphic design, IT, and Search Engine Optimization (SEO). He is also the senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Brunswick, where he has served for the past four years. He and his wife Kristie, have 3 children, Kara who is 11, Ethan who is 9, and Owen who is 5. They are currently working to adopt a fourth child from Eastern Europe. She has special needs and they covet your prayers as they work their way through this process. If there is anything that he can do to help your church with your

technology needs, please let him know.

You can reach Phil at 301-788-7424 or via email at: [email protected]

!3

BRBA Introduces New Staff & Private Contractors

Administrative Assistant - Liz Coleman Liz Coleman holds a AA degree from Kaplan University and a BS degree from Liberty University in Education. She has worked as a teacher, done administrative work with Citicorp in Hagerstown, and was certified as a EMT while living in Alaska. She is excited about working with the churches in the Blue Ridge Baptist Association and is an active member at New Hope Church in Inwood, WV. She lives in Martinsburg, WV with her 11 year old daughter and also works as a substitute teacher at Faith Christian Academy in Martinsburg. In her spare time Liz likes volunteering with several charities in the Eastern Panhandle region.

Liz will work 12-15 hours weekly as administrative support to our churches, and in most cases will answer the BRBA phone or return your call when you contact us by phone. We're happy to have Liz aboard!

You can reach Liz at 240-818-8760 or via email: [email protected]

Communications Specialist/Newsletter - Carissa Beard Carissa has a B.A. in English from Pensacola Christian College and is currently working towards a M.A. in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. She taught high school and middle school English for 8 years before becoming a full-time stay at home mom. She has done freelance writing for various organizations. She is passionate about local churches impacting their communities to communicate the Gospel. In her “free” time she enjoys reading, playing the piano, gardening, and playing chauffeur to her four children.

Carissa's husband Jay has served on staff at 3 churches in BRBA, and they currently serve at First Baptist Church of Thurmont

together. Carissa will be writing and editing the association’s bi-monthly newsletter, disseminating information to our member churches, and generally keeping you in the know about what is going on and how to better connect with other churches, opportunities in the region, and resources for missions and ministry.

You can reach Carissa at 240-575-4495 or via email: [email protected]

Media and IT Contractor - Phil Graves Phil Graves has been working with the BRBA as a media and IT person for the past 13 years. He lives in Brunswick, MD and owns his own company called All Saints Media. They do web and graphic design, IT, and Search Engine Optimization (SEO). He is also the senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Brunswick, where he has served for the past four years. He and his wife Kristie, have 3 children, Kara who is 11, Ethan who is 9, and Owen who is 5. They are currently working to adopt a fourth child from Eastern Europe. She has special needs and they covet your prayers as they work their way through this process. If there is anything that he can do to help your church with your

technology needs, please let him know.

You can reach Phil at 301-788-7424 or via email at: [email protected]

!3

BRBA Introduces New Staff & Private Contractors

Administrative Assistant - Liz Coleman Liz Coleman holds a AA degree from Kaplan University and a BS degree from Liberty University in Education. She has worked as a teacher, done administrative work with Citicorp in Hagerstown, and was certified as a EMT while living in Alaska. She is excited about working with the churches in the Blue Ridge Baptist Association and is an active member at New Hope Church in Inwood, WV. She lives in Martinsburg, WV with her 11 year old daughter and also works as a substitute teacher at Faith Christian Academy in Martinsburg. In her spare time Liz likes volunteering with several charities in the Eastern Panhandle region.

Liz will work 12-15 hours weekly as administrative support to our churches, and in most cases will answer the BRBA phone or return your call when you contact us by phone. We're happy to have Liz aboard!

You can reach Liz at 240-818-8760 or via email: [email protected]

Communications Specialist/Newsletter - Carissa Beard Carissa has a B.A. in English from Pensacola Christian College and is currently working towards a M.A. in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. She taught high school and middle school English for 8 years before becoming a full-time stay at home mom. She has done freelance writing for various organizations. She is passionate about local churches impacting their communities to communicate the Gospel. In her “free” time she enjoys reading, playing the piano, gardening, and playing chauffeur to her four children.

Carissa's husband Jay has served on staff at 3 churches in BRBA, and they currently serve at First Baptist Church of Thurmont

together. Carissa will be writing and editing the association’s bi-monthly newsletter, disseminating information to our member churches, and generally keeping you in the know about what is going on and how to better connect with other churches, opportunities in the region, and resources for missions and ministry.

You can reach Carissa at 240-575-4495 or via email: [email protected]

Media and IT Contractor - Phil Graves Phil Graves has been working with the BRBA as a media and IT person for the past 13 years. He lives in Brunswick, MD and owns his own company called All Saints Media. They do web and graphic design, IT, and Search Engine Optimization (SEO). He is also the senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Brunswick, where he has served for the past four years. He and his wife Kristie, have 3 children, Kara who is 11, Ethan who is 9, and Owen who is 5. They are currently working to adopt a fourth child from Eastern Europe. She has special needs and they covet your prayers as they work their way through this process. If there is anything that he can do to help your church with your

technology needs, please let him know.

You can reach Phil at 301-788-7424 or via email at: [email protected]

!3

BRBA Introduces New Staff & Private Contractors

Administrative Assistant - Liz Coleman Liz Coleman holds a AA degree from Kaplan University and a BS degree from Liberty University in Education. She has worked as a teacher, done administrative work with Citicorp in Hagerstown, and was certified as a EMT while living in Alaska. She is excited about working with the churches in the Blue Ridge Baptist Association and is an active member at New Hope Church in Inwood, WV. She lives in Martinsburg, WV with her 11 year old daughter and also works as a substitute teacher at Faith Christian Academy in Martinsburg. In her spare time Liz likes volunteering with several charities in the Eastern Panhandle region.

Liz will work 12-15 hours weekly as administrative support to our churches, and in most cases will answer the BRBA phone or return your call when you contact us by phone. We're happy to have Liz aboard!

You can reach Liz at 240-818-8760 or via email: [email protected]

Pastor Gary Buchman (Emmitsburg Community Bible Church) and CHURCH CARES MINISTRIES is planning an evening to appreciate pastors and their wives on Thursday, October 22nd at Middle Creek

Bible Conference Center (between Emmitsburg, Md. and Fairfield, Pa.) from 6-8 PM. The evening will be absolutely of no costs to you. The purpose of this event is simply to honor and give pastors a refreshing evening of worship, laughter, and encouragement. This is being announced well in advance so that you can make room in your busy calendars now for this evening of fellowship and encouragement. Being that it is on a Thursday evening, there should be a lesser chance for conflicts with other meetings at your home church. And invite a Pastor Friend and his wife to come with you! There are no hidden agendas or pitches to be made ... we just want to reward you for your service to our Savior and the local church field he has called you to! For more information you can contact Pastor Gary Buchman at: [email protected]

Fleet Manager - Dave Hays Pastor Dave Hays is the new BRBA contact person for your church to make reservations to borrow Associational vehicles for church mission trips, events, and transportation needs. Dave is a native of Hagerstown, MD. He is married to his wife Ilze, and they have two children - Paul, age 4 and Esther, age 2. He attended Heritage Academy locally in the 1980's and then got an advanced degree from Cedarville University. He also has a master's degree in Christian counseling. He is the pastor of Battlefield Bible Church, where most of our vehicles are housed and available for pick up.

Dave can be reached at 301-991-2084 or via email: [email protected]

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More Private ContractorsTreasurer/Bookeeper/Financial Secretary - Lisa Molnar Lisa Molnar graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a BS in Business Administration in Accounting and Management Information Science. She worked with Mellon Bank in Pittsburgh for 14 years as a Internal/IT Auditor, and Business Application Design Analyst. Lisa and her family settled in Hagerstown MD in 2003. Lisa was an active member of Virginia Avenue Baptist Church, where she was served as Church Clerk, Librarian, and with the Women’s and Children’s ministries. Lisa has been the volunteer Assistant Treasurer for BRBA since January, 2012. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys reading, walking, and quilting. At this time Lisa, her husband of 34 years - Terry, and their daughters Crystalyn (26)

and Deanna (23) attend Paramount Baptist Church. You can reach Lisa at 301-582-4484 or via email: [email protected]

Pastor Gary Buchman (Emmitsburg Community Bible Church) and CHURCH CARES MINISTRIES is planning an evening to appreciate pastors and their wives on Thursday, October 22nd at Middle Creek

Bible Conference Center (between Emmitsburg, Md. and Fairfield, Pa.) from 6-8 PM. The evening will be absolutely of no costs to you. The purpose of this event is simply to honor and give pastors a refreshing evening of worship, laughter, and encouragement. This is being announced well in advance so that you can make room in your busy calendars now for this evening of fellowship and encouragement. Being that it is on a Thursday evening, there should be a lesser chance for conflicts with other meetings at your home church. And invite a Pastor Friend and his wife to come with you! There are no hidden agendas or pitches to be made ... we just want to reward you for your service to our Savior and the local church field he has called you to! For more information you can contact Pastor Gary Buchman at: [email protected]

Fleet Manager - Dave Hays Pastor Dave Hays is the new BRBA contact person for your church to make reservations to borrow Associational vehicles for church mission trips, events, and transportation needs. Dave is a native of Hagerstown, MD. He is married to his wife Ilze, and they have two children - Paul, age 4 and Esther, age 2. He attended Heritage Academy locally in the 1980's and then got an advanced degree from Cedarville University. He also has a master's degree in Christian counseling. He is the pastor of Battlefield Bible Church, where most of our vehicles are housed and available for pick up.

Dave can be reached at 301-991-2084 or via email: [email protected]

!4

More Private ContractorsTreasurer/Bookeeper/Financial Secretary - Lisa Molnar Lisa Molnar graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a BS in Business Administration in Accounting and Management Information Science. She worked with Mellon Bank in Pittsburgh for 14 years as a Internal/IT Auditor, and Business Application Design Analyst. Lisa and her family settled in Hagerstown MD in 2003. Lisa was an active member of Virginia Avenue Baptist Church, where she was served as Church Clerk, Librarian, and with the Women’s and Children’s ministries. Lisa has been the volunteer Assistant Treasurer for BRBA since January, 2012. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys reading, walking, and quilting. At this time Lisa, her husband of 34 years - Terry, and their daughters Crystalyn (26)

and Deanna (23) attend Paramount Baptist Church. You can reach Lisa at 301-582-4484 or via email: [email protected]

Bruce Conley, DOM

Phil Graves, Media and IT Contractor

Carissa Beard, Communications

Specialist

Liz Coleman, Administrative Assistant

Lisa Molnar, Treasurer/Bookkeeper/Financial

Secretary

Dave Hays, Fleet Manager

Matt Gregory, Youth Coordinator

Page 12: Your 411 Dec 15/ Jan 16

T H E N E W S J O U R N A L O F T H E B L U E R I D G E B A P T I S T A S S O C I A T I O N

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