Touch A Truck - Franklin Park

Army National Guard Humvees ... Fire Trucks ... Police Cars ... SWAT vehicles ... Construction trucks ... NA School Bus ... Farm Tractors ... Ambulances ... and more! FBC, Franklin Park, held its first TOUCH A TRUCK event. Open to the community, it provided the congregation a great opportunity to meet neighbors and share its witness. Quite frankly, the event blew them away --- never anticipating 750ish people to show up! They are excited to think about next year but also all of the contacts they made for VBS and beyond.

At Harvey Cedars

The 2022 Youth Leader Summit at Harvey Cedars Bible Conference was an incredible three days of teaching, worship, rest, and fun. This was a retreat for youth workers, spouses and volunteers. A number of folk from ABCOPAD were a part of this gathering, offering training, encouragement, and plenty of time to relax.

News from Northumberland

The Northumberland Baptist Association met at First Baptist in Milton to discuss some business matters and talk about how they can continue the ministry of the association. News was shared about some of the work that the men and women are doing in the association and about some of the changes that are taking place in ACTS program for the fall. Exciting plans for the future!!

Welcome, Pastor Dennis!

The folk at Wayne Park Baptist Church gathered for the installation service of Pastor Dennis Horne to be the congregation's 25th pastor. Dennis will soon be an ACTS graduate, a momentous step in a journey that involved God using the Christos Cafe at Wayne Park where Dennis' culinary education and experience saw him filling the role as director to not only bring him into relationship with Jesus Christ, but start him on a path to serving the church as a shepherd of the sheep.

Another ACTS Grad

Bells a'ringing

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep"

At Clifford Baptist Church, Deacon Barry handles the responsibility of ringing the bell that calls the community to worship.

Baptisms 9

WWJD Baptist Church in West Waynesburg was excited to share news that there were 9 (!) baptisms in response to a recent series of revival meetings. Hallelujah!

Certified

Kudos to Apryl Crownover-Glunt. The Centre Association held a Certification Council for Apryl, a recent ACTS graduate and a member of the Mill Creek Baptist Church. Apryl presented her certification paper before the Council which unanimously recommended the Mill Creek Baptist Church move forward to certify Apryl for ministry.

ABCOPAD Board 2022 Spring

The ABCOPAD Region Board recently met face to face in Bedford, PA. This was our first in-person meeting since the pandemic. President Mark McCallion led the team with VP Bryon Luke bringing the morning devotion. It was a joy seeing so many of our representatives present for the meeting including Association Reps.

Having NOT been together since 2019 it was fun just enjoying a meal together and catch up with awesome friends. Laughter and conversation filled the room as we “broke bread” together.

During the Regional Board meeting on Friday, President Mark McCallion recognized Treasurer Caryl Casey for her 36 years of service including perfect attendance at Regional Board Meetings. Caryl is a unique treasurer who has always said my job isn’t so much about numbers as it is ministry.

ABCOPAstors

Meet some of our great ABCOPAD Pastors...

Pastor Mike Knepp (Westover Baptist Church), Pastor Dave Hardin (FBC, Bethlehem), Pastor Dave Guenin (Moreland Baptist Church, Muncy), Pastor CG Coats (First Baptist Church, Norristown)

NA Celebration

What  a joy and a blessing to witness the ministry rendered by the folks at FBC, Washington. Pastor Steve Dunlap and a team worked hard to serve the 160ish people in attendance at a Narcotics Anonymous dinner. A crowd enjoyed a dinner of lasagna, chicken, cheesy potatoes, pulled pork, salad, rolls... and desserts, desserts, desserts! Everyone coming through the line was so appreciative thanking the church servant hearts over and over again. And... take home was available for the leftovers as well!

Down in Delaware

Pastor Jeff Collins (Christ Memorial Baptist Church, Dover), Pastor Terrence Keeling (Central Baptist Church, Wilmington), and Mark Mahserjian-Smith... just hanging out, grabbing a bite to eat, talking about vacation plans, and building up one another in friendship and prayer.

Buried With Christ

Brothers All

The Bros of The New Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Harrisburg.

Breakfast at the Boulevard

It was a joyful morning as a number of pastors & spouses, and lay leaders of the Abington Association gathered for breakfast at the Boulevard Diner. Some meaningful conversations took place as individuals shared stories of the joys and challenges of ministry.

Mild, Mild West

It was a great evening as members and friends of First Baptist Church, Waynesburg,  gathered for a mystery theatre and dinner show. The play presented was “The Mild, Mild West.” A terrific effort went into this production, with special kudos to Mandi Restanio for all the work in putting this all together! All monies raised are for the youth program.