American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware

ABCOPAD Life! Blog

ABMen 65th Annual Retreat

 

American Baptist men from across Pennsylvania and Delaware gathered in Shippensburg for their annual retreat. Over 160 gathered for a weekend of great fellowship, recreation, learning, and worship. The theme, "Nothing Is Impossible With God," was rooted in the text of Luke 1:37.

 

The registration team is hard at work getting everyone checked in. With the weather forecast predicting a hot weekend the guys have plenty of water to keep everyone well hydrated.

 

As hungry guys arrived at the dining hall for dinner, it was time to connect with so many old time friends as well as meet people coming for the first time.

 

Pastor CG Coates and the praise band led the AB Men at the retreat in a time of praise and worship.

 

A great crowd gathered for the general plenary sessions. The keynote speaker, Michael Kelley, challenged the men with a message "Ordinary and Extraordinary Relationships"

 

Did someone say "ice cream"?

 

Many of the guys were up early for devotions led by Pastor Bob Coats. Pastor Bob looked at Mark 2:1-12, the healing of the Paralyzed Man. Pastor Bob noted it was a band of brothers who helped the paralyzed man get to Jesus, and it was their combined faith that Jesus used to heal him.

 

Following breakfast at the AB Men’s Retreat, the guys started their workshop sessions with a variety of dynamic and creative instructor / teachers.

 

Of course, there was plenty of time for recreation!

 

Kudos to Tom Clark, a member of the Parkesburg Baptist Church, who received the 2019 Layman of the Year Award.

Categories: General, Region Life ~ Date: 7/29/2019
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Ah-oogah!

 

Here's one way to get to church on Sunday morning! Garry, Linea, and their son-in-law came driving in to church this past Sunday in these vintage, restored vehicles. How awesome! The pick-up truck was restored by Garry himself and the car by their son-in-law. The pick-up even has the "ah-oogah" horn which Garry happily honked for us!

So, the lesson here is- Come to church each Sunday whether you walk, ride your bike, drive your car, or drive your restored truck and car... but COME!! Thanks Garry and Linea for sharing these neat vehicles with us! (FBC, Shinglehouse)

Categories: General, Region Life ~ Date: 7/29/2019
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Jersey Strong

 

ABC of New Jersey held a mission trip to continue Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief in the Manasquan Area. ABCOPAD was well represented with team members from Hatboro Baptist Church, Montandon Baptist Church, and the Hughesvillle Baptist Church. The team partnered with others from New York and New Jersey to help those still struggling with recovery long after the storm.

 

Categories: General, Region Life ~ Date: 7/29/2019
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Montgomeryville Baptist Church Anniversary

 

Montgomeryville Baptist Church in Adrian celebrated its 160th Anniversary.

 

Pastor Don Toy, who has served as pastor of Montgomeryville Baptist Church in Adrian for 16 years, did a wonderful job constructing a service that was full of remembrances in word and photograph.

 

Pastor Don did a great job describing the history of the congregation through a number of older photographs. A few of them highlighted the life of David Skinner who grew up in the church and went on to be ordained, serving a number of churches in ABCOPAD before serving as the Southwest Area Minister.

 

Two of the speakers for the evening were the Rev Scott Jones, Pastor at the Franklin Union Church in Worthington, that served as one of the planting congregations 160 years ago, and Pastor Mike Sutberry, who served as the pastor from 1980-1989.

 

The hope was to have a picnic before the evening program but the hot temperatures pushed the celebration inside.

Categories: General, Region Life ~ Date: 7/21/2019
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Stradling's 35th

 

Vision Fellowship Church (aka First Baptist, Malvern) placed the spotlight on Pastor Bob and Sharon Stradling with a reception on July 14. The event was held to honor them on their 35th wedding anniversary!

Categories: General ~ Date: 7/18/2019
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Dodgeball!

 

 

FBC, Franklin, recently held a youth work day/sleepover...

At 1:30 AM dodgeball erupts!

 

Categories: General, Region Life ~ Date: 7/17/2019
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The Wizard of Oz - West Shore Style

 

The West Shore Baptist Church put on a musical drama camp at their church last week with performances on Friday and Saturday.

 

The week included games and crafts.

 

Life lessons (Pastor Greg talked with our campers about how we, like Dorothy, are always longing for something or some place else.)

 

Lots of rehearsal.

 

And of course, a great show.

 

Amazing volunteers worked all week (and many weeks prior) to make musical theatre camp a success. 60 kids heard, saw, and experienced the Gospel through this creative ministry.

Categories: Ministries, General, Region Life ~ Date: 7/4/2019
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From Every Nation, Tribe, and People

 

At East Smithfield Baptist Church there are visible reminders that we are not alone. The church is comprised of a huge crowd, too large for anyone to count, from every nation, tribe, and people. And they all shout with a great roar: “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!" (Revelation 7:9-10)

 

Categories: General, Region Life ~ Date: 7/4/2019
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Welcome Pastor Byham

 

The congregation of Jefferson Baptist Church is pleased to announce that Brendan Byham has been voted in as the new pastor. An ABCOPAD welcome to Brendan and his wife Rhetta!

Categories: General, Region Life ~ Date: 7/1/2019
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