One Way Youth Retreat

The One Way Student Ministry Retreat took place at the Liberty Baptist Church, Blanchard. Students from across the Region gathered for the weekend with lots of laughter and the joy of simply being together.

The event started with a several fun games that providing an opportunity for people who’ve never been together before to get to know one another. From the Impossible Shot to a bunch of trivia games, everyone had a great time meeting new people and connecting.

Todd Pearage delivering the message. Todd did a deep dive into Jesus’ parable about the sower, seed, and soil. Todd explained each type of soil Jesus describes in the parable could not change itself. Only God can change the nature of the soil and God wants to change the hearts of everyone present at the retreat this weekend, making us receptive to the Gospel and to Jesus. It was a great message.

Some of the great student ministry leaders from across our region.

A few of the people that make things happen: RMA Josh Trojak (Christ American, Spring Grove), RMA Mandi Restanio (FBC Waynesburg), and Sound Man Rob McQue (FBC Lansdale)

It's In The Book

The Adult Sunday School Class at Christ Memorial Baptist Church of Dover, DE, is studying the Song of Moses and the warning it holds. Within the lyrics of the song, God warns Israel not to forget the Lord in the midst of the blessings of the promised land. It was a very good discussion looking at how prosperity can cause us to lose sight of God, a lesson all of us in this country need to hear.

FBC Berwick Leadership Retreat

Planning to Thrive

Recently the ABCOPAD ABWM Leadership team met at Camp Hebron. Along with some serious discussion and a great Bible Study, there was lots of fun. On Saturday, the team “got busy” dreaming about the 2023 Calendar and next year’s Thrive Conference. Let's just say the group’s creativity was off the chart as ideas exploded during the meeting. You will just have to wait in anticipation of the “big reveal” regarding what's coming in 2023.

Fall Festival Fun

Pursley Baptist had a beautiful day for their Fall Festival. It was so much fun! A great lunch from Hog Father’s food truck and Pastor Bob Mooney's famous home-made ice cream was delicious!! Tractor rides, pumpkin decorating, and an auction was available with 2 kids bikes as giveaways! So nice to see so many kids enjoying the gorgeous fall windy weather!

Farewell, Pastor Bob

After faithfully serving four churches during the past 35 years, Pastor Bob Stradling preached his final service at First Baptist/Vision Fellowship in Malvern. He was celebrated for his preaching/teaching ministry as well as his contributions to the community and Central Union Association. Pastor Bob spent his entire career in ABCOPAD; his dear wife Sharon departed this world for her eternal reward a few months ago. ABCOPAD Southeast GPS Dan McDowell represented the region at this celebration and present Pastor Bob with a certificate of appreciation in honor of his service. Pastor Bob Coats will now serve as the Transitional Pastor.

Thanks, Pastor Chris

Rev. Chris Davis and his wife Greta are bringing their ministry at Liberty Baptist, Blanchard, to a close and returning to West Virginia. The Church presented them with expressions of gratitude for Pastor Appreciation month knowing in just a few Sundays their ministry at the church will conclude. It was a joy-filled service that included the Liberty Bells (bell choir) and Communion. Pastor Chris has served as a leader not only at Liberty but also in the Centre Association and in ABCOPAD.

Under Construction

Rev. Jay Zaremba, lead pastor at the Coryland Church near Troy, PA, is leading the congregation through a MAJOR facility renovation. One significant challenge reveal during the project was a primary support beam nearly completely deteriorated and in need of replacement. Pastor Jay joked that if he had been a bit more charismatic, on a good jump he could have brought the “house” down.

Certified: Petroula Zoll

Fifty ... and counting

A Happy Anniversary to Licensed Lay Pastor Ford Campbell and his wife Darlene. It's #50 ! Pastor Ford provides extensive pulpit supply to our churches in three counties in both the Ten Mile and Monongahela Association.

Farewell, Friends

The congregation of Colonial Park Baptist Church held a luncheon for Pastor Gary and Linda Firster, honoring them for their 17+ years of ministry at the church. Along with service as the pastor at Colonial Park, Pastor Gary has also served as an ABCOPAD Regional Board President and our Regional Ministry Associate for Interim Ministry. So grateful and thankful for these friends. Please keep Pastor Gary in your prayers as he moves into his next chapter of ministry (as well as Colonial Park BC as they begin the search process for their next pastor).

Lordy, Lordy!

Lordy! Lordy! Pastor Bud Russell has come out of retirement (sort of). He began a 12-week assignment serving as Interim Pastor at Christ Memorial Baptist Church, Dover. Their pastor, Jeff Collins, is on sabbatical until January 2. [Pastor Bud continues to serve the region as the ABCOPAD Web Coordinator RMA.]

Kudos, Tom!

Kudos to our region's legal counsel, the right honorable Thomas Tupitza, Esquire of the Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett law firm in Erie, PA. Tom, who is a member of the Wayne Park Baptist Church in Erie where he grew up, now serving as a Deacon and periodic pulpit supply, was named to the list of the THIRTEEN BEST ATTORNEYS IN AMERICA for 2023.

ABCOPAD Serves:
Breathitt County, Kentucky

A number of volunteers from Oil Creek Association participated in a recent disaster relief trip to Breathitt County, Kentucky. Lost Creek Free Church flooded up to one foot below the peak of the roof when the water level rose nearly 50’. The team served with Samaritan’s Purse to clean debris and spray for mold. Originally there was little hope for the restoration of this church due to the lack of money. The basement was completely mudded out and cleaned and the sanctuary can be renovated. Others will come after to complete interior work. Volunteers included Susan & Mike Bartlett [Delaware Baptist Church], Dennis Horne, and Karen Miller [Wayne Park Baptist].

A Taylor-Made Celebration

Pastor Dan Taylor was surprised by the congregation at First Baptist, Dover, with a luncheon for us after worship, recognizing 10 years in partnership with them along with pastor appreciation this month.