Welcome Pastor John McCarty

It was a wonderful day of celebration as the White Hall Baptist Church entered a new chapter of partnership in ministry. Rev John McCarty was installed for the second time as pastor of the congregation. Pastor John served the church in the 90’s before being called to Northeast ABCOPAD. Both Pastor John and the congregation are excited and energized by this reunion.

Rev. Margie McCarty delivered a powerful message during her husband's installation.

Pastor John is yet another part-time, co-vocational pastor who is a chef in Bloomsburg, PA, along with serving at White Hall. Like the Apostle Paul the tentmaker, our Region is richly blessed to have many pastoral leaders who pursue their call to ministry while also working in the community, providing additional financial freedom for the church to use its resources for mission and outreach.

Robert Keiderling Ordination

It was a day of celebration for the First Baptist Church of Bethlehem as they ordained Robert Keiderling to the Gospel Ministry. The service featured participation by a number of Bob’s friends and colleagues over the years, including the Reverends Larry Burd, Dan Johnson, Rodney Murphy and Michael Netznick. Rev. Jay VanHorn brought the report for the Reading Baptist Association, and Mr. Greg Krausz presented the candidate for ordination by the church. Rev Dr David Hardin, the Senior Pastor at FBC, Bethlehem shared the vows of ordination and led the ordination prayer for Pastor Bob.

Welcome, Pastor John!

There were many smiling faces at Sixth Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Pittsburgh. The congregation gathered for a service of installation to welcome their new pastor, Dr. John Welsh. It really was an amazing day of rejoicing in this new partnership of pastor and church family. Welcome!

The sanctuary was filled to capacity for a glorious and inspiring service of installation.

ABMen at Medard's House

ABMen gathered at Medard’s House in Harrisburg for a local Mission Project. Fellows from across ABCOPAD gathered to assist this ministry to students in community. Grabbing their tools and equipment, they jumped into the work including power washing, staining, removing broken tree limbs and landscaping. These great partners in ministry served as the hands and feet of Jesus.

Resurrection

First Baptist Church of Ulysses has reopened its doors for worship. It's been exciting to hear how God has been at work in the community and with the church remnant to re-establish this congregation. Former Pastor Rev. Ron Troup had helped us reconnect with the church. Pastor Ron writes in a Facebook post, “From 1986 to 1995 I served a pair of churches in Potter County, one of which was First Baptist Church, Ulysses. A while ago I heard that First Baptist had ceased to gather for worship and shut their building, sad news but a common story for small churches in rural communities. But some folks kept the faith, and would not give up. Today they had their first Sunday worship back in their building with their new pastor." This is truly a 'resurrection' story

Pastor Valerie Black Certified!

It was such a joy seeing so many people participate in the Certification Service for Pastor Valerie Black at the United Baptist Church of Taylor. Pastor Val’s joy, energy, and deep love for Jesus are infectious, consistently impacting the people around her. Pastor Val has not only held leadership positions at the United BC of Taylor, Shiloh BC of Scranton, and now Baptist Tabernacle in Wilkes Barre, but she also serves as our ABCOPAD Regional Ministry Associate for Protect My Ministry, ABWM Spiritual Enrichment Coordinator, Abington Association Officer, and a leadership role in our Regional Ministers Council.

Green Monster --- Gone!

Very early on July 3, word came from Camp Carmel (our ABCOPAD related camp in the southwest corner of PA) that their very large activity building, affectionately known through the years as the Green Monster burned during the night, a total loss.

That building has been around the camp some forty plus years. A number of miscellaneous items were lost in the fire, but two major items were the camp's mower as well as the seasonally rented ATV.

Thank God no one was injured! PRAISE for protection! Prayers for their continuing season, as in spite of this significant loss, they will still conduct their remaining four weeks.

To get the full story, connect with the camp's Facebook page and their Board Chair, Josh Iams, will share with you in a video what happened. https://www.facebook.com/Camp-Carmel-126257974584/

Welcome, Pastor Jeff!

The First Baptist Church of Sharon Pennsylvania has called the Rev. Jeff Cummings from the Bryon Center United Methodist Church in Michigan. He will officially begin his pastoral duties at FBC on August 22. Pastor Jeff and his wife Bridget come to FBC following two previous pastorates within the UMC. Pastor Jeff’s education includes a B.S. in Communications from Edinboro University and a M.Div. from Ashland Theological Seminary. His education also includes a year of Christian Counseling at Ashland Seminary and Chaplaincy Residences at Med Central Hospital in Mansfield, Ohio and Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Please pray for a safe, sound, and swift relocation to Sharon for these new members of our region family as well as for the church they leave behind in Michigan who now embark upon their own transition. May God bless this new pastor-people, pulpit and pew relationship with many years of faithfulness and fruitfulness. WELCOME!