American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware

ABCOPAD Life! Blog

Central Union 2023

 

The Central Union Spring Association meeting was held at New Hope Christian Church in Broomall. Rev Jeff Evans, lead pastor at the church and a member of the Riverside Association, hosted the meeting. Rev. Eric Kraihanzel (Moderator of the Association) led the meeting which included presentations from recent mission trips to Mexico, Uganda, an upcoming trip to Israel, a pastor’s retreat, a continuing education event for clergy and congregational leaders, and more. It was an outstanding event that highlighted the many activities taking place in the energized ABCOPAD Association. So very grateful for the leaders who organized the day and for all the partners in ministry who attended.

Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 5/10/2023
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In Search Of...

 

At some point, every congregation faces the challenges of a pastoral search. You'll want to keep our churches with vacant pulpits in your prayers, and especially those members of the Search Committee, including:

Wesleyville Baptist Church


First Baptist Church,York

Categories: General, Region Life ~ Date: 5/3/2023
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Still Rev'n

 

Keep your eyes open, and you'll see some of our retired pastors still serv'n the Lord!  (clockwise: Bob Coats, Ray Crownover, Myra Goss, Alan Goss, Mark McCallion, Bob Stradling)

Categories: General, Region Life ~ Date: 5/3/2023
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Full House

 

The pews were packed ... with standing room only ... as members of the church and community gathered to celebrate the completed renovations done to the sanctuary at Coryland Church.

Categories: General, Region Life ~ Date: 5/3/2023
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Holy Week Scenes and Services

 

Here are a few of the Holy Week Happenings across our Region:

 

At the First Baptist Church of Mansfield with Rev. Cheryl Filson did a marvelous job both retelling the Palm Sunday narrative as well as linking the Passover Meal to Communion.

 

At Wesleyville Baptist Church, an adult Sunday School examined the linkages between the Old Testament Passover Feast and Jesus' sacrifice on Good Friday.

 

The Maundy Thursday service at Berean Baptist in Carbondale featured a Tenebrae service which invited everyone to consider Jesus' final night through the eyes of his disciples.

 

Rev Cristy Wise the GPS for the SW had the privilege to fill the pulpit for FBC Washington filled with the colors of Easter. Two lips and tulips proclaim "Christ is Risen!"

 

 

 

 

Categories: General, Region Life ~ Date: 5/3/2023
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We Are One

 

President Bryon Luke and other ABCOPAD leaders were present for the historic merger of the First Baptist Church of Malvern with Valley Creek Church. After 190 years of ministry, FBC Malvern and Valley Creek have partnered together to continue ministry in the Malvern Community and beyond.

Categories: General, Region Life ~ Date: 5/3/2023
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Double Duty

 

Several of our ABCOPAD pastors are employed bi-vocationally, providing an excellent pulpit ministry as well as valuable service to their communities. For example: Pastor Jack Healy serves at the First Baptist Church of Bentley Creek; during the week he drives a school bus in New York. Pastor Don Hickey serves at the First Baptist Church of Abington (Waverly, PA); during the week he is a police chief and first responder with the Roaring Brook Police Department. You'll have to ask them which job is the hardest!

Categories: General, Region Life ~ Date: 5/3/2023
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Retirement/Retirement

 

Rev. Cristy Wise GPS of SW attended a surprise retirement party for Marge Cole the Director/Teacher of the Christian Sandbox Preschool at the FBC of Waynesburg. The preschool started in 1991 under Pastor Cristy who served for 10 years; then Marge was hired and served for 22 years.

Rev. Dr. Ed Pierce is the pastor at FBC Waynesburg. He will soon be retiring as well; he serves on the Regional Executive Board for ABCOPAD.

Categories: General, Region Life ~ Date: 5/3/2023
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A New Commandment

 

A good memory verse for modern times.

Categories: General, Region Life ~ Date: 5/3/2023
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The Pastors Felicia

 

Pittsburgh GPS Pastor Felicia Brock shared a meal with Pastor Felicia Zamora of North Hills Community Baptist Church. Two women Pastors. Two Pastors of color. Each sharing ministry with one another!

Categories: General, Region Life ~ Date: 5/3/2023
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Pastoral Candidate - NOT!

 

Kathy Staje from Liberty Baptist Church in Blanchard is chairing Liberty’s Search Committee. The truth be told --- some pastoral candidates are more viable than others.

Categories: General, Region Life ~ Date: 5/3/2023
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