Welcome, Pastor Melvin Thomas

Members of Calvary Baptist Church, Allentown, voted to accept the call of Rev. Melvin Thomas. Jr. as its new pastor. Pastor Thomas comes from a family of Baptist preachers. He is passionate and enthusiastic about helping people build a personal faith perspective and relationship with God. Welcome to ABCOPAD!

Deb Copeland Certification

Recently, the Northumberland Association held a certification council for Deb Copeland at FBC Berwick. Pastors and delegates gathered to review Deb’s paper and ask questions. Following a time of hearing Deb’s heart for ministry, the vote was unanimous to affirm her certification, and the church at Berwick will be scheduling a service of certification and installation later this fall!

“And how are the children?”

Kudos to Rev. Sarah Strosahl-Kagi (Royersford Baptist Church) who was recently published in The Christian Citizen magazine. https://christiancitizen.us/and-how-are-the-children/

“And how are the children?” The 2021 Discipleship Planning Guide, from American Baptist Home Mission Societies, focuses on this question, a greeting of the Maasai that puts the importance of children’s wellbeing at the center of the measure of a society’s wellbeing.

Spring Grove Transition

Rev. Josh Trojak has been recently called to become the Senior Pastor at Christ's American Baptist Church in Spring Grove. Josh has been serving as the Associate Pastor at the church for the past several years. He will have his installation service in just a few weeks.

Meet Gary and Linda Firster

Have you met Rev. Gary and Linda Firster? Pastor Gary serves as the lead pastor at the Colonial Park Baptist Church as well as our ABCOPAD Regional Ministry Associate for Interim Ministry. Mark Mahserjian-Smith had such a joy catching up with these dear friends, hearing about their busy summer and how Jesus has been at work in both their personal and professional lives. Grateful for their partnership in ministry!

Another ACTS Graduate

It was wonderful joining Apryl Glunt’s family and friends for her ACTS graduation at the Mill Creek Baptist Church. Completing the ACTS program is NO small accomplishment. It is, at a minimum a two-year process that requires classes, study, reading, reports, mentoring, and internship, and more. This cannot be completed without the support of family, church leadership, and a local congregation.

It was a joy being with Apryl, surrounded by family friends and her congregation to mark this special milestone in her life. ABCOPAD is so grateful for the many ACTS Grads who remain strong partners in ministry here in our Region often pastoring local congregations.

Watsontown Rally Day

The smell of popcorn, cotton candy, and hot dogs filled the air on Rally Day at the Watsontown Baptist Church. Guest preacher Mark Mahserjian-Smith faced a challenge delivering the morning message as excitement mounted in anticipation of the food and games that would follow the morning worship service. A bounce house, dunk tank, and other fun games awaited church and community members as church leaders created this fun and exciting way to engage their neighbors on Sunday.

Next Shot

One of our LLC groups recently gathered at Next Shot Golf  (owned and operated by Pastor David Klock, lead pastor for Living Bridge). They REALLY did spend time discussing ministry and praying for one another, but of course, we also spent some time on the simulator trying out a new shooting game Pastor Dave recently installed on the system. Suffice it to say there are some sharp shooters in the LLC!

A Message from ABCOPAD President

Regional President Rev. Mark McCallion shares this message --

"Friends: I wanted to touch base with you to let you know that the Region is working on a plan for the transitional ministry following the resignation of Rev. Dr. Frank Frischkorn, our Regional Executive Pastor. Once that plan has been finalized, we will share it with all of you. As always, we ask for your prayers and support for the region."

Pastor David Hardin Installation

A number of pastoral friends of David Hardin gathered together to officially install him as Senior Pastor of FBC of Bethlehem. Needless to say it was a joyful time together.