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IN THIS ISSUE 18 COVER STORY: ON THE EDGE Lead Pastor Greg St. Cyr and Global Missions Pastor Casely Essamuah set off on a trip around the world to visit five of Bay Area’s global missions partners in four weeks.
14 MISSIONAL COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT Russ and Christina Ensley share their story of how joining a Missional Community has helped them grow in their faith and become more like Jesus.
6 ED’S EDITORIAL: AVOIDING THE DEEP END Executive Pastor Ed Kelley explains that doctrine trumps everything, through all of life’s questions and circumstances, and illustrates how we can avoid going off the deep end by knowing God’s word.
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26 FROM HERE TO THE NATIONS: WHY GO? Global Missions Pastor Casely Essamuah unpacks the many ways in which our walks with Jesus are accelerated by our participation in short term mission trips.
20 NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS As many of us commit to resolutions with the advent of a new year, we pause and ask, what would God have us do differently in 2017?
We appreciate your comments and questions. Please email us at feedback@bayareacc.org and a staff member or elder will respond within 48 hours.
MAGAZINE CREDITS EDITOR Meredith Thompson ART DIRECTOR Josh Shirlen ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR Arianne Teeple ASSISTANT EDITOR Jocelyn Sacks LEAD DESIGNER Josh Burgin GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jake Williams CONTRIBUTORS Andy Smith Jennifer Ginn Michele Rollins
On the cover: Greg St. Cyr & Casely Essamuah Photo by Josh Shirlen
Gathering Times: 8, 9:30, 11:15 a.m.
ELDERS Bill Smith Chris Heacock David McPeak Don Wiley Greg St. Cyr J. Upton John Taylor Keith Riniker Ken Gilmore Roger Ishii Tim Grossman Tom Dalpini Tom Hogan Warwick Fairfax
884 Chesterfield Rd. Annapolis, MD 21401
410.544.2222
BAY AREA LEADERSHIP Brent Squires, Student Ministry Pastor – brent.squires@bayareacc.org Brian Hopper, Missional Community Pastor – brian.hopper@bayareacc.org Casely Essamuah, Global Missions Pastor – casely.essamuah@bayareacc.org Craig Fadel, Easton Campus Pastor – craig.fadel@bayareacc.org Ed Kelley, Executive Pastor – ed.kelley@bayareacc.org Gail Wiles, Children’s Ministry Director – gail.wiles@bayareacc.org Greg St. Cyr, Lead Pastor – greg.stcyr@bayareacc.org Janet Graves, Women’s Ministry Director – janet.graves@bayareacc.org Jerry Shirlen, Financial Administrator – jerry.shirlen@bayareacc.org Jocelyn Sacks, Missional Community Director – jocelyn.sacks@bayareacc.org Josh Shirlen, arts – josh.shirlen@bayareacc.org Leanne Lane, Care Network Director – leanne.lane@bayareacc.org Lynn Dutton, H.R. Administrator – lynn.dutton@bayareacc.org Meredith Thompson, Communications Director – meredith.thompson@bayareacc.org Pat Linnell, Teaching Pastor – pat.linnell@bayareacc.org Rachel Perry, Connecting Director – rachel.perry@bayareacc.org Ron Dutton, Operations Director – ron.dutton@bayareacc.org Tres Cozad, Technical Director – tres.cozad@bayareacc.org
For a comprehensive list of all BACC staff, elders and deacons, please visit bayareacc.org/leadership JA NUA RY GO&MAKE 3
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Happy New Year! The start of 2017 is a good time to assess and make needed changes for the another year. Many a New Year’s resolution involves noble things like losing weight, exercising, eating healthier, getting out of debt, or spending less time watching TV.
For me, that means carving out daily, undistracted TIME. Time to be alone with God. Time to read and meditate on His Word. Time to pray and listen to Him. How I spend my time is a reflection of my priorities. And again, my number-one priority is my relationship with Jesus.
When I think of resolutions, I’m reminded of a few of the 18th-century preacher-theologian Jonathan Edwards:
At Bay Area, we have a vision for your life. Here it is: that you would see yourself as a missionary.
Resolution #5: “Resolved, never to lose one moment of time, but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.”
A missionary is one sent on mission. Our mission is making disciples. We express it this way: making passionate, maturing followers of Jesus from here to the nations. The fruit of your missionary life is directly related to you making your personal relationship with God your number-one priority. Doing for God should flow out of being with God. Become like Jesus and He will use you in great ways on His grand mission field.
Resolution #6: “Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.” Resolution #17: “Resolved, that I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.” Now those are good, don’t you think? Edwards lived for the glory of God with a sense of urgency, determination and eternal perspective. The desire of his heart was to be a spiritual man whom God would use. What would you like to see God do spiritually in your life in 2017? The most important priority of 2017 is not the typical resolutions we make (financial, relational, work, health, travel). The highest priority of 2017 is the highest priority for every year and every day: Life’s highest priority is cultivating a personal, intimate relationship with the Lord. When we consistently act in accord with this single priority, everything else falls in place. Many things in our lives are outside of our control such as work, other people’s actions, our health, relationships, even death. But one thing that we can control is our priorities. The challenge for all of us is to make our relationship with Jesus our number-one priority. If we do that, God will guide us to make wise decisions and empower us to follow through on the “resolutions” that are His will for us. The key is to focus less on our typical New Years resolutions and more on Jesus. Let me share something that might be misunderstood. I’m trying to focus more and more on the person I am becoming as opposed to what I am doing. In other words, as I concentrate more on becoming the person God wants me to be, I find Him empowering me with wisdom, strength and sufficient time to accomplish what He wants. But it all starts with making my relationship with God my number-one priority in all of life.
As you focus on Jesus as your number-one priority, He is going to lead you to take big steps of faith in 2017. For some, that will mean that this is the year to Connect in Community. For others it will involve stepping up to Serve Like Jesus or committing to Worshiping Together on Sunday mornings. For many, it will mean learning to Share the Gospel or to Go on a Short Term Mission Trip. One thing I know to be true: If you make your 2017 New Year’s resolution to cultivate your relationship with Jesus your highest priority, you’ll look back a year from now in awe of what God has done in your life! From here to the nations,
Greg St. Cyr Lead Pastor “O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water.” - Psalm 63:1
Greg St. Cyr is the Lead Pastor at Bay Area Community Church and a monthly contributer to GO&MAKE.
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By Ed Kelley
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“Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings.” – Hebrews 13:9 “As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer.” – 1 Timothy 1:3 “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” – 1 Timothy 4:6 “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” – 2 Timothy 4:3 “You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine.” – Titus 2:1
Being theologically “sound” is one of the most important qualities for anyone to attain - as a leader, a spouse, a parent or a child. The problem is, we give lip service to this value and we listen to almost everything else except what sound doctrine means, and we’re often willing to compromise doctrine for expediency in the name of pragmatism. We also tend to follow fads instead of sound, anchored Bible teaching. Though fads and celebrity pastors inspire, rarely are they a good source of biblical theology in and of themselves. My friends, this should not be. Just speaking as a pastor now, the Bible is practical. If one follows after Oprah, Joel Osteen, Dr. Phil, the latest charismatic doctrinal emphasis (The Laughing Revival, The Word of Faith movement, The Name It and Claim It doctrines, etc.) without really strong study of the Bible… well, then quite often we can be taken down a primrose path. Don’t forget Ephesian 4:14: “As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming...”
ften, people will approach me and say “Hey, I have a question,” or “Do you have a minute?” which normally follows by a description of a situation they’re facing, needing some sort of advice. I really enjoy interacting and dialoguing with people’s questions and situations. On almost any topic, normally I have some sort of opinion (hard to believe, I know). However, I try to make sure my opinion is rooted in sound doctrine and Scripture itself. Whenever someone asks me something theological, situational or personal, I turn to the Word for answers.
Folks, I’ve seen people go off the deep end in this arena, making so-called “God-led” decisions based on some interpretation of a famous author or church celebrity. Nothing substitutes for your own study of the topic in God’s word! If you don’t know how, come find me; I will show you how to attack any topic from a Bible Study Methods point of view! So as we enter a new year, may the Scripture be so significant in your life that you don’t make any major decision without knowing what the Bible says about it.
This approach to questions and situations is mirrored by the above verses, which argue how important it is to KNOW what the Scripture says, what doctrine is right, what is sound. I don’t know about you, but no matter what the topic, I want to seek first the Scripture and try and apply “sound” doctrine to every situation. The Bible speaks to every avenue of life and if we only dialogue about it for a bit, we can usually find the Mind of Jesus on most any topic/ situation.
What is the alternative? If we don’t live by the study of the Bible, how do we find out what God says about anything? Who or what are we going to live by? Emotion? Feeling? What works? What’s easiest? What is popular? What the latest fad in teaching is? Some process that gives us “inner insight” or “makes us whole”?
Now, it’s no secret that I believe Christians should be in the public square debating, talking, dialoguing on the controversial issues of our day. That said, I think it’s always important to form one’s worldview from a strong understanding of what the Bible says (if you don’t already know what it says on some issue, then some study on whatever topic it is may be needed!). I want to propose that doctrine trumps everything else. We tend to agree with this concept until we run into a sticky situation that affects us personally. The first thought in our mind should be “What does the Bible say about this?”
By the way, I have a question...
The Bible is full of warnings, so to quote a theological giant of TV yesteryear: “Warning Will Robinson, Warning!” Be careful in 2017 and follow the Scripture! Always. Have a happy (and sound) New Year!
Ed Kelley is the executive pastor at Bay Area Community Church and a monthly contributer to GO&MAKE.
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ears ago I heard a pastor reference a gift that his church had been given as being a “grace bomb.” Ever since then I have adopted that term as a regular part of my vocabulary and see it everywhere in the Bible. “Grace” carries the idea of charity behind it, as an undeserved and unmerited gift. “Bomb” has the idea of a large explosion going off that causes a substantial physical alteration. A bomb also carries with it the element of surprise – bombs for the most part are used in an unexpected way. In our world of brokenness and war, bombs are a negative idea, but I am working on redeeming this prevailing thought. When you put the two ideas of “grace” and “bomb” together, you arrive at the idea of an unexpected substantial gift that alters or jolts one’s life in the most positive of ways. Our God is a grace bomber. Life itself is a grace bomb. I don’t see anywhere in the Bible where it says that God needed to create the universe, our solar system, the earth, animals or human beings. God has enough glory,love and community within Himself – the Trinitarian Godhead – that He could have remained content in His eternal perfection. But God decided to share Himself and reveal Himself to creatures He would form in His image. We have been created with dignity, value and worth – human beings with a mind, emotions, a soul and a will. We exist and are able to know the most glorious being, our Creator, and this is our first grace bomb. We are not higher evolved animals, we are human beings – persons. But the human story plays out like a Stephen King novel in the Bible. Our first parents, and every person after them – including all of us – turn their back on God the gift giver, and desire to take His place as the most important person. The result of this is a great spiritual darkness and physical brokenness of our everyday lives. Now instead of knowing the most glorious being, we are spiritually separated from Him. Left unchanged, this is a trajectory that will carry on for an eternal duration. We are now all of the sudden in need of help for a mess that we have made. Enter the next series of amazing, planned out, precise and powerful grace bombs that will alter the spiritual destiny of more human beings than can be counted.
God promises a savior: grace bomb. God makes covenant promises with people that will lead to the nation (Israel) from which the savior will come: grace bomb. God protects and provides for His people: grace bomb. God’s people constantly turn from Him and yet God is patient: grace bomb. God’s people are conquered, but not annihilated: grace bomb. In the fullness of God’s timing Jesus the Messiah is born: grace bomb. Jesus teaches truth and the best ways to live: grace bomb. Jesus dies on a Roman cross as God’s sacrifice for our sin: grace bomb. On Easter Jesus is physically resurrected from the dead – showing us that He was legitimately God, not a crazy person: grace bomb. Trusting in Jesus’ divine accomplishment gives us eternal life, no longer spiritual darkness: grace bomb. He says we are new creations: grace bomb. He says we are His children: grace bomb. He says He has prepared grace bombs for us to drop on other people: grace bomb. God has graced bombed us to such an amazing extent, I think, because He loves us and has always desired to share His life with us. In fact, life with God is what life is supposed to be in the first place. Life is not life without Him. Even when life is hard, it is likely that the grace of God is at work in your life. In fact, the trials of life, we are told in the Bible, are used in big ways by God to help us reach out to Him, find Him, and depend on Him. So even the jacked up situations in your life that cause you heartburn, pain, sadness and grief might just be, if you take a deeper look, you guessed it: a grace bomb. Our God is, after all, a grace bomber. Can you see the bombs going off in your life today?
Pat Linnell is the teaching pastor at Bay Area Community Church and a monthly contributer to GO&MAKE.
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JANUARY
BOOK: “Roman Catholicism” AUTHOR: John Armstrong, General Editor
T his month’s book is on a topic that
I hear a lot about: Roman Catholicism. In the Northwest, where I’m from, one hears a lot about charismatic topics (slain in the spirit, word of knowledge, gift of miracles, etc.) and very little about Catholic dogma. Here in Annapolis, I get a lot of questions about Catholicism and what exactly orthodox Catholics believe. Let me explain. The main difference between Catholics and Protestants is soteriology (the study of salvation). Catholics are under a “sacramentalism” system that basically means you follow seven major tenets, including Holy Orders, Confession, etc. Protestants (Evangelical ones) believe one has to have a personal relationship with Jesus in order to enter heaven. It’s rather simple, yet there are many issues surrounding of this area of soteriology. The book this month is written for someone who would like to really understand the differences between
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Protestants and Catholics and why they’re important. It comprises a series of essays from very intelligent people including Alister McGrath from Oxford, Donald Bloesch from the University of Chicago, and Michael Horton from Oxford and Westminster. It is divided into four parts: The Historical Background, The Theological Issues, The Common Ground and The Way Ahead. The subtitle of the book is “Evangelical Protestants Analyze What Divides and Unites Us.” Folks, this is an academic book for sure, but is worth your investment in understanding the two differing viewpoints. Personally, I am a Protestant - not just a mainline Protestant, but an Evangelical Protestant. Being an Evangelical means I believe in things like a personal conversion experience to Jesus and that the Bible is inerrant and infallible, the only reliable guide to life. But I am not just an Evangelical Protestant; I am a Conservative Evangelical Protestant in that I tend not to follow after rather random fads in Christian thought and method. I appreciate the Puritans, John Owen in particular, and Spurgeon, Whitfield, Wesley, Luther, Zwingli, etc. I put more stock in George MacDonald than John Eldredge; I put more stock in James Oliver Buswell than Rachel Held Evans. I believe the Church fathers had significant things to say and the modern writers are, on the main, fairly light.
This book is for the person who wants to deeply, theologically understand what is going on in Roman Catholicism both in the past and in the present. I was carrying the book to Bay Area’s Chapel one recent Sunday and a guy stopped me and said, “Wait! I am really interested in this, as one of my family members is very into the Catholic side of faith.” I told him that my entire patriarchal side of the family is Catholic. They were faithful members of Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Lake Oswego, Oregon (where Bruce Springsteen was married!). No more orthodox Catholic church in the country than that one. Trust me, I know a bit of what orthodox Catholic folks value and believe. Anyway, he wanted to borrow my copy to get some stronger understanding on the subject. If that’s you as well, then this book is a good academic start. Enjoy - if nothing else, it’ll get you thinking, and that’s always a good thing.
- Ed Kelley Executive Pastor
noon bayareacc.org/womensevents
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Saturday // March 25 // 2017
BUILDING BRIDGES TEAR DOWN WALLS • BUILD BRIDGES • CONNECT OTHERS TO GOD’S LOVE
Special Guest Speaker Steph Fink, Founder of Encouraged in Heart
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. $25 // includes lunch Teaching • Workshops • Worship bayareacc.org/womensevents
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holy land WALK IN THE
FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS
Are you interested in taking a Biblical tour of the Holy Land with Executive Pastor Ed Kelley this spring? The 11-day trip, “Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus,” is scheduled for April 24 - May 4, 2017. Already decided you’re going? Register at registernow.ittworld.com using tour code Kelley17.
THE LOFT BOOK SHELF (
LOCATED IN THE ROOM ABOVE THE CHAPEL, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “THE LOFT”
)
Feel free to borrow any book on the shelf that isn’t labeled “LOFT COPY” and return it as soon as you can, so that others can enjoy that book as well. JA NUA RY GO&MAKE 13
MC SPOTLIGHT
By Meredith Thompson
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At Bay Area, we believe that spiritual growth happens best in community, which is why we encourage every person who considers Bay Area home to become part of a Missional Community. These groups span every age and stage of life, and live life together as extended families who love God back (UP), love each other (IN), and love their neighbors (OUT). Several months after joining a Missional Community, Bay Area’s Russ and Christina Ensley share their story of how being part of the group has helped them grow in their faith and become more like Jesus.
t a family member’s invitation, Russ and Christina Ensley ended several years of searching for a new church home when they first came to Bay Area on Easter Sunday 2015. They’ve hardly missed a Sunday since, noting Bay Area instantly felt like home. Yet their connection to their new church family was solidified when they joined a significantly smaller family, their Missional Community. “The message here is to get connected,” Russ observed. “Coming from a small church where you know everyone … you could come to Bay Area for 10 years and never know a person. You could disappear in this place, so I knew we had to do something to get connected.” Roughly a year after they first came to Bay Area, the Ensleys got plugged into a Missional Community led by Adam and Stacy Itzel. The Ensleys’ introduction to their MC leaders was comedic. “We knocked on the door, and this gentleman opens the door, and I had been working out at the gym two people down from him for over a year!” Christina noted with a laugh. “I was like, ‘Hey, 5:30 on Wednesdays!’ He was somebody I never really talked to except for saying ‘Hi,’ and now we’re doing life together and we couldn’t imagine living without [our MC].” Now more than half a year into being part of their MC, Russ and Christina shared how the group has helped them not only find community at Bay Area, but also grow in their faith, develop
stronger personal Bible study rhythms, and become more bold in sharing Jesus. Narrative-style study prompts Russ and Christina to really engage and dive into God’s word at home throughout the week as they prepare to discuss an upcoming sermon passage with their MC. “I’ve learned so much – more in the last year than I learned my whole life going to church,” Christina shared, noting she tries to read every day and learn as much as she can about each passage. Every week, she uses something that came up in MC in her conversations with her employees and family members, too. When their group was studying Matthew 5:13-16, in which Jesus teaches about salt and light, a guest from Brazil visited their MC and shared through broken English, “Sometimes we are the only Bible other people read.” The phrase lodged in Christina’s heart; she’s shared it nearly a dozen times since then. Likewise, Russ shared that he’s been on the receiving end of more questions than ever before about church, the Bible and his beliefs. His coworkers are Catholic, and have grown curious about the positive way Russ lives and works. “I’m learning from our MC,” he asserted. “People in it are always telling us about how they are taking their faith to work, and I’m starting to do the same – mirroring what they’re doing.” Russ added, “It’s been so good – anybody who hasn’t gotten connected in [an MC] needs to, that’s all I can say. We truly feel now that we’re a part of the church.” To learn more about Missional Communities or how to get plugged into one, visit a Connect Kiosk on a Sunday or go to bayareacc.org/ missionalcommunities. JA NUA RY GO&MAKE 15
LEADERSHIP PROFILE
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BY JENNIFER GINN
AS
kids head off to college, usually stepping into true independence for the first time, an abundance of choices constantly present themselves. What study path will they take? Will they keep their faith? Will they attend services on Sunday without their mom or dad prodding them out of bed? Will they retain the values they were raised with? Will they be lured by alcohol, drugs or other temptations?
he continued to work for the company for the following five years.
Thankfully, Bay Area Community Church’s student ministry extends into college. And equipped with a degree in youth ministry and Christian education, College Ministry Coordinator Bryan McFarland is at the helm to help guide these young adults through their transition into the real world.
“I met up with Brent Squires and started serving as a community group leader for the high school, Bryan recalled. “After a year in that role, I was able to step into the worship ministry for Bay Area’s Student Ministry. I have been leading the worship team for student ministry since 2012, and love being able to connect with students through worship.”
Bryan grew up in the Lutheran church. “I went to private school as well, so knowing Jesus was the thing to do, but it wasn’t really until high school that I started to understand what it meant to have a personal relationship with Jesus as my Savior,” he said. As a graduate of Annapolis Area Christian School, Bryan was familiar with Bay Area since many of his friends attended. During college, he attended gatherings at Bay Area sporadically. After graduating in 2011, he jumped in at Bay Area with both feet and immediately started serving in student ministry. “I can honestly say though, it’s the process of life that has really shown me how desperately I need a Savior. I feel like I have learned more over the past five years what it truly means to be a follower pursuing Jesus in every aspect of life,” Bryan asserted. Right after completing college at Cedarville University, Bryan started working for his dad as a printer technician and sales representative. While the job was supposed to be transitional, God had different plans, and
Bryan knew from the get-go that he wanted to work in ministry, but opportunities were challenging to come by. But he said that he knew the Lord was definitely in control and was constantly reassuring him that His plans were and are far better than Bryan’s own plans.
But Bryan’s true desire was to be at a church full-time. He combed job websites searching for the right fit, but continually felt the Spirit beckoning him to stay at Bay Area. “Around fall 2014, I started to sense that God had me at Bay Area for a specific reason, so I stopped looking at other churches and jobs to focus on why God had me here. I continued to faithfully serve regardless of circumstance. Little did I know that only a couple years down the line, I would be facilitating the College Ministry,” shared Bryan. He joined Bay Area’s staff team as college ministry coordinator in July 2016. Bryan has spent the past seven months building relationships with young adults, meeting with them throughout the week to encourage them and help them build community with their peers at Bay Area. He facilitates a Missional Community for college-age students and plans events throughout the year, as well. Bryan said his hope is that Bay Area’s young adults continue to grow in their love and passion for Jesus. “In a time
where life is so transitional, I hope they develop and cultivate a priority for Godly community, serving others and learning more about our Savior. “God has constantly taught me what it means to meet people where they are,” he added. “Some people may be at a place where they are pursuing deep accountability and discipleship, while others might still be unpacking what faith in Jesus looks like. My job as a servant to God is to be open to all people and to help them see Jesus more clearly wherever they are on the spectrum of life.” The scripture that inspires Bryan in his job is Acts 2:42-47. “This passage shows the early church meeting together, breaking bread, worshipping the Lord and serving each other. As the body of Christ, we should be building strong community with each other and growing more like Christ together,” Bryan explained. Born in South Korea but a Marylander for most of his life, Bryan has a passion for people and says he loves hearing people’s stories and what led them to become who they are now. “This usually happens over food,” Bryan chuckled. “I am a huge foodie and love to travel around Maryland finding the best eats.” He listed barbecue and gourmet ramen – not the packaged kind, but the real stuff – as some of his favorites. Bryan is also a bird-centered baseball fan (Orioles and Cardinals) and an avid plastic brick builder who displays his different LEGO creations on his desk throughout the year. With the start of a new year, Bryan is eager to see more young adults connect in community, serving their church family and knowing Jesus more deeply. He’s also looking forward to continuing his pursuit of Maryland’s best culinary offerings. JA NUA RY GO&MAKE 17
WITH GREG AND CASELY
By Greg St. Cyr
WELCOME TO A JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD
I
can’t think of a better way to start 2017 than to explore some of the far-off nations where God is using Bay Area. Over the next several weeks, you are invited to join with Casely and me as we visit five countries and some of our global mission partners who are living on the edge for Jesus. It’s going to be a remarkable trip! We’ll leave January 3, and our travel will begin in Uganda. Casely’s wife Angela, a native of Uganda, will guide us as we experience ministry to those impacted by HIV/AIDS. Next stop, South Sudan and Pastor Stephen Mathiang to encourage the work at the Mission Gardens of Christ (MGC). Then on to Accra, Ghana, Casely’s home country, to see God at work reaching thousands of young people through Scripture Union. Leaving the continent of Africa, we’ll fly into Dubai for a 10-hour
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layover and pick up a very important passenger: my lovely wife, Mary Kaye. Together we’ll head to Hyderabad, India, to spend time with Pastor Samuel Devraj and International Cultural Bible Ministry pastors who are reaching tribal peoples. While there we’ll dedicate the ICBM headquarters made possible through Beyond884. From India, we’re on to another Southeast Asian country to see how God is reaching Muslims. When it is all said and done, we’ll have been in five countries in four weeks… so hold on!
We’re calling this adventure “On the Edge,” and here is what we mean by that: Living On the Edge is stepping out in bold, courageous faith for the sake of advancing God’s kingdom. Let’s be clear: You don’t have to travel the world or be called overseas to live on the edge! Bold, courageous faith should be part of our everyday life. Yet spending time with our global mission partners and taking part in short term mission trips inspire and challenge us to believe God for great things. One thing that you’ll discover during our five-nation tour is that our global mission partners are definitely living on the edge. They model for us a life of faith that is all in for Jesus and His kingdom. Consider Pastor Stephen, who started with a machete, a tent and a piece of land, and single-handedly began to clear the land that would eventually become a ministry center impacting thousands! Under-resourced, amid great personal sacrifice, with a big vision and even bigger God, each of our mission partners are stepping out in bold faith to advance the Kingdom. Spending time with them will convict and inspire us to get out on the edge for Jesus. Throughout the trip, we’ll be sending back video updates (look for them on Bay Area’s Facebook page) so you can see and experience some of what God is doing. Our hearts will be moved, our faith stretched, and our commitment challenged as we see how God wants to use us in greater ways. What motivates our global mission partners to such faith and obedience? The same thing that motivates us: the love of God. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
God loves each of us. He always has and always will. His love is unconditional, sacrificial and always takes the initiative. His love seeks the very best for us. Everyone knows that when we are in love with someone - deeply in love - we do crazy things for them. God did the “craziest” thing imaginable when He sent Jesus to bear our sin debt. That’s love! So how do we respond to this kind of love? Two things come to mind. First, we love God back. When we know deeply the love of God in Christ, how undeserving we are and yet of such great worth to God that He sends Jesus, we love God more and more. And second, God’s love motivates us to step out in bold faith. Obedience to the Father’s will becomes our norm as the treasures of this world fade in significance. The love of God compels us to get out on the edge. Pastor and author Francis Chan writes about being obsessed with the love of God: “People who are obsessed with Jesus aren’t consumed with their personal safety and comfort above all else. Obsessed people care more about God’s kingdom than their own lives being shielded from pain and distress. … [They] are more concerned with obeying God than doing what is expected or fulfilling the status quo.” We love God because He first loved us. We obey and serve God as a response to the overflow of His love in us. When these two things are true, we joyfully and obediently get out on the edge. On the Edge: That’s the life Jesus wants for all of us. And that’s the life for which we all truly long. Casely and I are praying that as you journey with us during the month of January, you’ll be impacted by God’s love for Uganda, South Sudan, Ghana, India, Southeast Asia and the world. Without a doubt, God is going to lead many from Bay Area to go on a short term mission trip in 2017 to experience firsthand life on the edge with our global mission partners. Living on the edge is the fast track to getting to know God, to growing spiritually, and to seeing God work through you. If you’ve never been on such a trip before, we challenge you to get out on the edge this year with one of our global partners! Your life will never be the same.
“ YOU WHO HAVE DONE GREAT THINGS, O GOD, WHO IS LIKE YOU?” PSALM 71:19 JA NUA RY GO&MAKE 19
EVERY ONE A MISSIONARY WHAT ARE YOUR RESOLUTIONS IN 2017?
I
t happens at the same time every year – we’ve celebrated Christmas, and with the advent of the new year we’re setting new goals. Typically, our resolutions center on our waistline and our bottom line. But what would God have us do differently in 2017? Here at Bay Area, our mission is making passionate, maturing followers of Jesus from here to the nations. Our vision for carrying out that mission is that everyone who calls Bay Area their church home would see themselves as missionaries. It’s our desire that we would all live life as missionaries
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by doing five things: connecting in community, sharing the Gospel, serving like Jesus, going on a mission trip, and worshiping together. Each of these helps transform us to be more like Jesus as we live on mission with Him. So, as you consider what changes you and your family will make in 2017, we’d encourage you to seek the Lord about how He would have you commit to walk closer with Him. Perhaps one of these priorities of being a missionary is missing in your life, and just might need to be bumped to the top of your resolution list this year.
R E S O LV E T O
CONNECT IN COMMUNITY
“‘Being the church’ begins with connecting in community. When we live in relationship with others, we grow in our faith and become more like Jesus. Community is essential to helping us mature as believers.” - Brian Hopper, Missional Communities Pastor
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R E S O LV E T O
SHARE THE GOSPEL
“‘Always be prepared to give the reason of the hope that you have.’ This means prepare to be ready to give an answer for why you believe what you believe! It doesn’t just happen... Articulating the gospel message of Jesus is intentional.” - Ed Kelley, Executive Pastor 22 GO&MAKE JA N UA RY
R E S O LV E T O
SERVE LIKE JESUS
“Serving is the life of Jesus flowing through me, touching others.” - Greg St. Cyr, Lead Pastor
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“You’re no more a missionary in El Salvador than in Edgewater, but going to El Salvador will make you a more effective missionary in Edgewater. We are blessed to be a blessing, from here to the nations!” - Casely Essamuah, Global Missions Pastor
R E S O LV E T O
GO
ON A MISSION TRIP 24 GO&MAKE JA N UA RY
R E S O LV E T O
WORSHIP TOGETHER
“When we worship together each week, we respond to God’s call for His people to remember, celebrate and be encouraged by the Good News of His grace. We receive God’s truth and respond by making Him known.” - Pat Linnell, Teaching Pastor JA NUA RY GO&MAKE 25
BY CASELY ESSAMUAH
For the past 11 years, I have had the privilege and pleasure of serving as the Global Missions Pastor here at Bay Area. In this role, one of my daily prayers is that we will all live out the truth of our mission statement: making passionate, maturing followers of Jesus from here to the nations. In my opinion, the last five words, from here to the nations, are what make Bay Area unique among many churches. We passionately believe that our walk with Jesus includes reaching out to those who are yet to know Jesus. We believe that the salvation, forgiveness, peace and restoration that Jesus offers us is not be kept to ourselves but to be shared with all, from here to the nations. To this end, a portion of every dollar received at the church goes directly to 26 GO&MAKE JA N UA RY
ministries – local and global – that reach out to those who are yet to know our Lord and Savior. Beyond that, we are involved in many ministries and service opportunities that provide the platform for sharing our hope in Christ, and give our message a genuine authenticity of care. (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 3:15) But that is not enough – we not only financially support missions and fervently pray for these ministries, but also seek ways that we can be part of them in a physical and tangible manner. Every now and then someone who is new to Bay Area asks me why we do what we do. Why do we invest all this time, attention, focus and resources in ministries that do not directly benefit Bay Area?
The short answer of course is that God says to do so (Matt 28:18-20; John 20:21; Acts 1:8), and that is always an indisputable foundation for those of us who take God’s Word seriously. In fact, someone has said that the church exists for missions just as fire exists by burning (Emil Brunner). Without mission, we lose our raison d’être, the purpose for our existence. I must hasten to add that as much as our mission trips bless those who receive us – and they tell us so repeatedly – we can also attest to the fact that it is a huge blessing to those who go. How so? Let me show you the different ways in which our walk with Jesus is accelerated by our participation in short term missions.
YOUR VIEW OF GOD BECOMES BIGGER. There’s something about praying with someone from a different cultural background that makes your image of God bigger. The God of your personal devotions, the God of your prayer life, the God you talk to in times of joy and sorrow becomes much bigger when you spend a few minutes with someone totally different from you, and realize that your walks with Jesus make you have such an uncanny and close affinity. Your view of God expands with every Christian from a different background that you meet and work with.
YOU GAIN A NEW GLOBAL AND SPIRITUAL FAMILY. Your view of God’s church also expands as you serve alongside others from a different background. The joy of our short term mission trip is that we mostly serve alongside other Christians (Galatians 6:10). That means that we come to our service opportunities with similar expectations and aspirations. Our limited perspectives, and our walk with Jesus, if stunted, receive a boost as we serve together in the name of Jesus. We realize that what we pray for isn’t different from what others around the world pray for. Lifelong friendships have been birthed out of short term missions experiences (Proverbs 17:17).
YOU BECOME PART OF AN EXTENDED FAMILY HERE AT BAY AREA. Those with whom you serve, whether from your Missional Community or previously total strangers with whom you prepare to serve other total strangers, become an extended family here at Bay Area. You discover that as you leave the familiar to serve the unfamiliar, you gain a family, as one of our leaders keeps reminding us. Does Bay Area seem large to you? Are you seeking to connect in a meaningful way with a few? Do you want people
who believe what you believe – that God’s message is worth sharing – to impact your family? Committing to training, raising support, and travelling overseas to serve with a group from Bay Area will give you the answer to all those questions.
to do any of these, and yet are scared, try going on a mission trip, and God will show you your spiritual gifts.
YOU FACE YOUR FEARS.
There’s another aspect of joyful service, and that is not only for those who go, but for those who send. I’m reminded of King David’s words to those who watched the baggage as others were on the frontline as soldiers, that they all equally shared in the reward (1 Samuel 30:22-25).
All of us prefer the comfort, convenience, security and safety that our lives afford. None of us – maybe a few – cherish raising support, eating strange food, forgoing hot showers, working in hot environments, or needing to take daily medication so we don’t return home with any unwanted diseases, yet when we join a team and commit to it, God uses these experiences to grow our hearts. I have heard repeatedly from those who have resisted short term missions for years that when they finally go, they wish they had not been that fearful at first. There’s a sense of freedom that they experience. A retired professional man came to me and said he wished he had done this in his 20s – how different his life would have been. The God who can do more than we can ask or imagine shows up BIG TIME when we step out in faith (Ephesians 3:20-21).
YOU DISCOVER YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS. Most of our short term missionaries have not read the Bible from cover to cover. Most, like me, don’t have all of life figured out. But all come eager to serve and willing to learn, and when they commit to the training, they are surprised at how God uses their obedience to grow their heart. It is not unusual for our short-term missionaries, who consider themselves growing in their faith, to be used of God to share a simple gospel message with someone, and see that person respond positively. It is not unusual for our missionaries on returning to their places of work to be bolder in sharing their faith with their coworkers. It is not unusual for returning missionaries to invite others to Bay Area as they share their stories in their social networks. If you desire
YOU SERVE BY SENDING OTHERS.
YOU - YES, YOU - CAN SERVE THIS YEAR. You are all invited to seriously pray about where God would have you serve in 2017. Do not hesitate to ask any questions you might have. We are here to help you go “from here to the nations.” Talk to God, your family, significant others and Missional Community about it, and let this be the year you say YES to God’s heart for the nations.
I look forward to seeing you when you return from a trip, and sharing in the joy of how God used you to bless others and brought you to the next level of your walk with Jesus because you served from here to the nations.
CASELY ESSAMUAH GLOBAL MISSIONS PASTOR
F A M I LY M A P D A Y EVER WONDER WHAT THE PLAN IS FOR THE SPIRITUAL LIVES OF OUR CHILDREN? THE FAMILY MAP EVENT WILL PROVIDE A VISUAL OF OUR FAMILY MINISTRY STRATEGY. ALL PARENTS ARE INVITED TO JOIN US SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2017 FROM 9-11 A.M. IN THE WAREHOUSE. REGISTRATION OPENS ONLINE JANUARY 1. CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST AND KIDCARE PROVIDED WITH YOUR REGISTRATION. MORE INFO: BAYAREACC.ORG/FAMILYMAP
SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE EVENTS
ALL PARENTS ARE INVITED TO A PARENTING WORKSHOP SATURDAY, MARCH 18 TO HEAR GUEST SPEAKERS JIM & LYNN JACKSON, AUTHORS OF DISCIPLINE THAT CONNECTS TO YOUR CHILD’S HEART. AN EVENT PARENTS WON’T WANT TO MISS! 28 GO&MAKE JA N UA RY
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CARE NETWORK
HAPPENINGS Sometimes life hands us struggles: loss of a loved one, serious illness, parenting difficulties, divorce, addiction and many other challenges. These struggles can feel isolating, yet God never intended that we walk through them alone. He is in the business of comforting, restoring and renewing all things for His glory. Your circumstances are not beyond that; He longs to reach you with His redemption and grace.
BAPTISM
We want to walk with you through this season of life. The Care Network is a free, confidential, Jesus-centered ministry that assists those seeking help. We provide hope and healing through a variety of resources both inside and outside the walls of Bay Area. Let’s partner through these struggles together. Email leanne.lane@bayareacc.org to get started.
Wo u l d y o u l i ke t o b e b a p t i z e d ? For more information... • K-5th: contact gail.wiles@bayareacc.org • 6-12th: contact brent.squires@bayareacc.org • Adults: contact debbie.klimczyk@bayareacc.org
CELEBRATE RECOVERY Celebrate Recovery (CR) is for anyone seeking a richer life through worshipping God and being in community with others. Don’t let your hurts, habits or hangups keep you isolated. Join us on Monday nights at 7 p.m. for community, worship and teaching. Info: leanne.lane@bayareacc.org HOSPITAL/HOMEBOUND INVITATION If you or a loved one is in the hospital or homebound we would love to serve you. Contact us so that we can learn how to be of assistance. Info: leanne.lane@bayareacc.org or 443-837-3718
CONNECT WITH BAY AREA If you’re new or just have a question, we’d love to meet you and help you get plugged in. Look for a member of our connect team in a black shirt in the lobby after each Sunday gathering or visit us online at bayareacc.org/new.
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NEW GRIEFSHARE PROGRAM AT BAY AREA Have you benefited by attending a GriefShare program after the loss of a loved one? Perhaps you have a heart for those who are in the grief process. We are in the process of starting a GriefShare ministry at Bay Area in 2017 and are looking for those interested in being a part of this ministry. Info: leanne.lane@bayareacc.org CAREER ASSISTANCE Are you unemployed, just starting a career, or trying to discover what God has uniquely wired you for? Partner with expert Jacques Fox and identify a career path that’s right for you. Info: leanne.lane@bayareacc.org
MARRIAGE MINISTRY UPDATE T h e B ay A r e a M a r r i a g e Ministry recently partnered with marriedpeople.org, an organization that has developed a marriage strategy for churches. We are implementing this marriage strategy by inspiring large group experiences, empowering small groups, and equipping individual couples. Our Marriage Ministry will host three to four large-group events per year, such as the Great Date Night in February; three to four small-group events such as marriage-focused Learning Communities or weekend retreats; and three to four events for individual couples, such as date nights that include KidCare. Stay up to date on these events and receive a link to the MarriedPeople Monthly Ezine by signing up for Bay Area’s weekly email update at bayareacc.org. Info: leanne.lane@bayareacc.org THE GREAT DATE NIGHT - FEBRUARY 11 Mark your calendar’s for The Great Date Night at Bay Area on Saturday, February 11, from 5:30-8 p.m. We are excited to have speaker Ted Lowe, the director of MarriedPeople, whose mission is to help churches help marriages. He is known for his great sense of humor and will keep us laughing and having fun with engaging videos and activities. Registration begins online Sunday, January 15. KidCare is available for infants - 10-yearolds. Info: leanne.lane@bayareacc.org PREMARITAL MENTORING Are you newly engaged? We want to partner with you as you establish a strong, Jesus-centered life with your future spouse. Through Premarital Mentoring you’ll be paired with trained marriage mentors (couples who have been married for 10 or more years) who will equip you with tools and resources you’ll need to succeed in marriage. Info: premarital.ministry@bayareacc.org. MARRIAGE MINISTRY TEAM - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Our marriage ministry team seeks to encourage and equip couples to start and stay strong in their marriages. If you have a passion to help strengthen marriages and have been married for 10 or more years, come be a part of this ministry. Read more at bayareacc.org/marriageministry or email leanne.lane@ bayareacc.org to get involved. TEMPORARY HOUSING FOR PREMARITAL COUPLES Occasionally, couples who are living together enter our Premarital Ministry. We believe strongly that the best way to honor God before marriage is to remain pure and live separately. We’re looking for folks who have space in their homes that could be used on a temporary basis in order to fulfill this desire. Connect with us: leanne.lane@bayareacc.org
ISRAEL TRIP ISRAEL TRIP Join Executive Pastor Ed Kelley and his wife Susan as they host an 11-day Biblical tour of the Holy Land in Israel, April 24 May 4, 2017. With an Israeli tour guide, the Kelleys and Pastor Dan Lloyd, the group will walk in the footsteps of Jesus and re-live Old and New Testament events. Participants will also explore modern Jewish history and gain a vast understanding of Roman history. Additionally, the trip will include a boat ride on the sea of Galilee, snorkeling in the Red Sea, a float on the Dead Sea, communion in the Garden of Gethsemane and baptisms in the River Jordan, and will visit locations
including Jerusalem, Tiberius and Masada. The cost for the trip is $4,200 all-inclusive (meals, round-trip air, first-class hotels, bus rides, guides, tips, transfers and taxes included). We’ll stop in several places to teach through the happenings of the Scripture. The Bible will never be the same! To learn more, email Pastor Ed at ed.kelley@bayareacc.org. Already decided you’re going? Register soon at registernow.ittworld. com using tour code Kelley17.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY WAVE RIDERS Happy New Year from Wave Riders! We are a preschool play and support group and invite you to join us on Monday, January 9 and Tuesday, January 24 to kick off 2017 with friends old and new! For more information, visit our Wave Riders Facebook page where updated info is posted weekly, or contact Preschool Coordinator Courtney Gregory at courtney. gregory@bayareacc.org. NURSING MOTHERS Children’s Ministry offers two locations for nursing mothers during Sunday gatherings. If you would like a quiet place to nurse, please come to our Tidal Pool area and you will be directed to a room equipped with glider rockers. If you would like a place to nurse and hear the gathering during the 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. gatherings only, visit our Children’s Welcome desk and you will be directed to our Director of Children’s Ministry’s office. DIVE 45 All fourth- and fifth-graders are invited to our next Dive 45 happening on Friday, February 17 from 7-9 p.m. Kids and leaders will have fun taking over the entire building for a night of indoor Laser Tag and we’ll have other fun activities for your kids to enjoy. Invite a friend and bring a few dollars for the snack bar. Cost is $5 per child and you can register today at bayareacc.org/dive45. Info: aimee.coyle@bayareacc.org
MEN’S BIBLE STUDIES MEN’S MORNING BIBLE STUDY Tuesdays from 6-7:30 a.m. in room 236 at Bay Area. Info: Jim at jlradcliffe@hotmail.com MEN’S EVENING BIBLE STUDY Sundays from 6-7:30 p.m. in room 235 at Bay Area. This study is geared toward helping men draw closer to Jesus while discussing and discovering God’s answers for the challenges men face at home, work and in society. Info: bob.gregory@bayareacc.org THE LINE: MEN’S MONTHLY BREAKFAST Men, join us on January 7 from 8-9:30 a.m. in the auditorium for The Line: God ‘N Grits, a men’s monthly breakfast. The Line is an opportunity for men of Bay Area to gather around good food and conversation, and maybe walk out with more than just a full stomach and a few laughs. Register today at bayareacc.org/ mensbreakfast.Info: bob.gregory@bayareacc.org JA NUA RY GO&MAKE 31
CONNECTING MINISTRY
FINANCIALS Annapolis Campus Operating Budget Financial Update As of December 11, 2016 New Fiscal Year Began September 1, 2016
DISCOVER BAY AREA - NEWCOMER LUNCH New to Bay Area? We’re glad you’re here. You may have questions about who we are or what we believe so join us on January 8 at 12:45 p.m. in the Bay Cafe for Discover Bay Area. Enjoy a free lunch and hear from a few of our pastors and staff about our mission, values and how you can get plugged in. No RSVP necessary, and kids are welcome. Hope to see you there. Our next event will be on February 5. Info: rachel.perry@bayareacc.org
MISSIONAL COMMUNITIES
Fiscal Year Giving Goal
$ 4,792,000
YTD Received YTD Goal YTD Actual vs. Goal DEC To Date Received DEC To Date Giving Goal
$ 1,221,534 $ 1,406,475 $ (184,941) $ 186,751 $ 300,300
Outstanding Building Debt (as of 11-30-16)
$ 3,449,851.73
-13.1% Behind
For weekly financial updates, go to bayareacc.org/ financials. Please indicate any designated gifts on the memo line of your check or use the drop-down box online to select your desired giving fund. Note: You will need to donate via check if the fund to which you wish to give is not listed online. All undesignated checks will go toward the general operating fund.
How Can I Participate In The Descendants Project? Pledge cards are available on Sundays at the connect kiosks and online at bayareacc.org. For gifts other than cash, contact our finance team at finance@bayareacc.org. How Can I Continue To Support BAY AREA’s Building Funds? MISSIONAL COMMUNITY TASTER Are you new to Bay Area or looking to get connected in community? Join us for our Missional Community Taster on January 15 at 12:45 p.m. in The Warehouse. We will introduce you to our version of mid-sized groups that will help you continually grow spiritually, relationally and missionally. Lunch and KidCare are provided. RSVP at bayareacc.org/ mctaster. Info: mc@bayareacc.org. See you there!
LOCAL OUTREACH LOCAL OUTREACH SERVING OPPORTUNITIES Missional Communities often don’t know how to get involved with serving locally. We’re here to help. There are many organizations in the Annapolis area that will be blessed by your involvement; we’d love to connect you with them. Go to bayareacc.org/localoutreach to fill out an involvement form. MOBILE BLOOD DRIVE AT BAY AREA Please share the gift of life by donating blood on Sunday, January 15 between 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sign up to donate at mysignup.com/bacc or simply visit the Anne Arundel Medical Center Blood Mobile bus that will be sitting outside the front doors of Bay Area. If you are not able, please encourage someone else to donate blood in your place. 32 GO&MAKE JA N UA RY
Giving Methods eCheck: Go to bayareacc.org/give to give online through your checking account through a one-time or recurring donation on My Bay Area. Personal Check: Write “Building Fund” on the memo line and drop it in the offering basket on Sunday or mail the check to Bay Area (884 Chesterfield Road, Annapolis, MD 21401). Bank Check: Process through your bank’s Bill Pay service online for a bank check to be sent to Bay Area. Be sure to note “Building Fund” on the memo line.
PRAYER MINISTRY Jesus lived a life of unceasing prayer that connected Him to the Father. We too long to be devoted to prayer. Our Prayer Ministry comprises individuals dedicated to gathering in prayer for all aspects of Bay Area life: our gatherings, communities, pastors, missions and so much more. Some of these individuals are also available to pray with you on Sunday mornings after each gathering (front and right of the Chapel stage). Read more at bayareacc.org/prayer. Info: pat.linnell@bayareacc.org
LEARNING COMMUNITIES
and what God is doing around the world, sign up at bayareacc. org/globalmissionsemail.
Learning Communities are intended to strengthen your Biblical knowledge, character and/or practical ministry skills. They are also an opportunity to get to know others at Bay Area on Sunday mornings in an environment of learning and interaction. Sign up at bayareacc.org/learningcommunities.
To support any of Bay Area’s short term global mission trips, go to bayareacc.org/stmgive.
STARTING POINT JAN. 15 - MAR. 5 AT 9:30 A.M. IN THE DOCKS, ROOM A What is the Bible and why is it trustworthy? What story does it tell? How can we know why we are here and what happens when we die? Who is Jesus - really? Ask all these questions and more as we begin our discovery of the Biblical Christian faith. If you have questions, this is your starting point.
THE WELL At Bay Area, we invite women to join us on a spiritual journey in community with others. Like the woman at the well in John 4, Jesus meets us where we are and invites us into a deeper relationship with Him. For more information or to register for The Well Bible studies below, stop by any connect kiosk on January 8, or go to bayareacc.org/women/spiritualgrowth.
MARRIAGE: LOVE & RESPECT JAN. 15 - FEB. 19 AT 11:15 A.M. IN THE DOCKS, ROOM A In this six-week session we will explore the critical topics of love and respect in marriage and focus on the communication styles between men and women to help you experience the benefits of marriage as God intended.
GIDEON BY PRISCILLA SHIRER WEDNESDAYS, JANUARY 11 - APRIL 5 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. When we hear the name Gideon, most of us think about his 300 soldiers or a fleece spread beneath the evening sky. But Gideon’s story tells about God and His great love for His people, and His strength operating despite, and even through, their weakness. If you’ve ever felt insufficient, ill-equipped, incompetent or outnumbered, then this study is for you to help unlock the full experience of His strength working in you. Cost $15. Info: Laurie Gregory at thewell@bayareacc.org.
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY JAN. 15 - MAR. 5 AT 11:15 A.M. IN THE DOCKS, ROOM B Dig into key Biblical doctrine in this course designed to cover eight important topics of what followers of Jesus believe. Who is God? What is the Church? How does God speak to us? Why did Jesus die? These and other questions will be answered comprehensively from Scripture as we work together to learn and apply these truths. PRAYER JAN. 15-29 AT 9:30 A.M. IN THE DOCKS, ROOM B Jumpstart your prayer life! This three-week Learning Community focuses on the practice and power of prayer. Participants will receive Biblically-based teaching and practical steps for weaving prayer into your daily lives. MAN UP FEB. 5 - MARCH 26 AT 9:30 A.M. IN THE DOCKS, ROOM B Learn and apply the Bible to your life as you connect with other men who are seeking to follow Jesus. This time allows us to speak more openly about topics that affect men.
GLOBAL MISSIONS PERSPECTIVES COURSE It’s not too late to learn about God’s heart for the nations by taking the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement course! This class helps believers from all walks of life see how they can get threaded into God’s story of redeeming people from every tribe, tongue and nation to Himself. It isn’t a class about missions, but a course on how every believer can be intimately woven into the story of God using His people to be a blessing to all the peoples of the earth. The course will run Jan. 10 - May 9. Still not sure? Plan to join us for the first night, January 10 from 6:30-9:15 p.m. to try it on for size. Info: michele.rollins@bayareacc.org SHORT TERM MISSIONS The 2017 Short Term Mission Trips are coming soon, and whether you GO, PRAY or GIVE, you have an important role to play! To receive monthly updates about short term missions
WOMEN’S MINISTRY
WEDNESDAY MORNING KIDCARE KidCare available for ages birth - preschool with preregistration for The Well on Wednesday mornings only, January 11 - April 5 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Cost $60/one child, $80/for 2+ children. Space is limited. Registration is not final until enrollment is confirmed by Dax Clinkscale at dax.clinkscale@bayareacc.org. THE ARMOR OF GOD BY PRISCILLA SHIRER TUESDAYS, JANUARY 10 - APRIL 4, 7-9 p.m. All day, every day, an invisible war rages around you - unseen, unheard, yet felt throughout every aspect of your life. The enemy’s battle plan depends on catching you unaware and unarmed. If you’re tired of being caught off guard, this study is for you. Find out how you can be “dressed for the occasion” with the armor God provides to His children. You will develop a personal prayer strategy as your action plan for victory. Cost $15. Info: Darby Cate at darby@dougcate.com. A BEGINNER’S BIBLE STUDY WEDNESDAYS, JANUARY 11 - MARCH 15, 9:30-11:30 a.m. TUESDAYS, JANUARY 10 - MARCH 14, 7-8:30 p.m. God cares about you far more than you realize. So much, in fact, that He wants you to know who He really is -someone greater than whatever caricatures, fears, lies and misconceptions you may have believed all your life. What we believe about God influences everything about us. In this group we will read chapters from two books by Bill Hybels: “The God You’re Looking For” as well as looking at Scripture in “Psalms, Volume 1: Encountering God” each week. Order both books from amazon.com and bring to class. Info: Wednesdays, Jody Yearwood jodyyearwood@gmail.com; Tuesdays, Janet Graves janet.graves@bayareacc.org. QUILTS FOR KIDS Join us to make quilts using donated fabrics for kids in shelters and hospitals. We usually meet the third Saturday of the month at Bay Area from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. in room 235. This month we will meet on January 14. Come and learn JANUA RY GO&MAKE 33
to sew or learn to sew a new pattern. Kits will be available. Please bring your sewing machine, sewing supplies and your lunch. If you would like a quilt kit, have a quilt that you would like to donate, or have questions, contact Janet Hogan at annapolisQFK@quiltsforkids.org. WOMEN OF LEGACY (55+) This group of women meets on the second and fourth Mondays of the month for a time of encouragement, prayer and serving from 10:30 - noon in The Warehouse. On January 9 we will talk about “Things Left Undone” taken from the book of C.S. Lewis, "The Chronicles of Narnia." Then on January 23 we will talk about the “Handicapped,” a chapter from our book "Teach Us to Number Our Days." Afterwards we will have a potluck lunch together. For more information, contact Cedulie Sanchez at luisandcedulie@gmail.com. WOMEN’S QUIET RETREAT “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:31) This invitation given by Jesus to his disciples is one we all need to receive. So we invite you to a quiet retreat to give you a morning set aside to behold His glory and meet with Him on Saturday, January 21 from 8 a.m. - noon at Bay Area. During our morning together we will hear teaching and practice three spiritual exercises: Attuning ourselves to His thoughts, hearing His voice in the Word, and gaining His perspective. During the morning, our abiding prayer room will be open for those who desire solitude and silence without the teaching. We will also have a creative expression space for another way to meet with God. Registration starts in January online at bayareacc.org/ womensevents or at a connect kiosk in the lobby on Sundays. Info: Jocelyn at jocelyn_mathews@yahoo.com SAVE THE DATE! Save the date for this one-day Women’s Conference “Kingdom Come: Building Bridges” with special guest speaker Steph Fink on Saturday, March 25. Teaching, workshops, worship and lunch will be offered from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Bay Area. More info, contact janet.graves@bayareacc.org or k.lucy.byrne@ gmail.com or go to bayareacc.org/womensevents.
COLLEGE MINISTRY YOUNG ADULT MISSIONAL COMMUNITY Our desire is to see our young adults connect in community where they are loving God, serving others and growing spiritually together. Missional Communities are a great opportunity for young adults ages 18-25 to do this on a weekly basis. Info: bryan. mcfarland@bayareacc.org JUBILEE 2017 Jubilee is a conference for college students focusing on how faith permeates every aspect of life. Come join us February 17-19. Register today online or at the Student Ministry Kiosk.
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OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE AMBASSADOR TEAM: Serve as an ambassador by helping newcomers get connected. If you have a passion for people and Jesus, and have been attending Bay Area for at least six months, the ambassador role is for you. Info: rachel.perry@bayareacc.org AUDIO/VIDEO TEAM: We’re looking for a few more passionate, committed people to partner with our Sunday production team. Info: tres.cozad@bayareacc.org CHAIR MINISTRY: Serve on the chair set-up/tear-down team. Info: chairs@bayareacc.org BAY CAFÉ & ESPRESSO BAR: Do you love coffee? Enjoy hospitality? Join our team in the Bay Cafe and/or espresso bar. Info: sherri.raimondo@bayareacc.org COMMUNION TEAM: Opportunities to serve our church family include baking allergen-free communion bread once a month or assisting with preparation or cleanup during one of the three gatherings on communion Sunday. Info: sherri.raimondo@bayareacc.org DEEP BLUE BUDDIES: Have a heart to serve children with special needs? We’re looking for dedicated volunteers to partner with children on Sunday mornings in The Deep Blue. Info: chyloe.cheetham@bayareacc.org ELEMENTARY SET DESIGN TEAM: Do you have a gift with design and decor? Serve through design and setup of our Elementary Large Group spaces with new themes once a month.Info: aimee.coyle@bayareacc.org GOLF CART DRIVERS: Looking for friendly folks to pick people up in the back of the West parking lot before gatherings to ease their walk into the building. Those interested must be 21 or older and have a clean driving record. Info: rachel.perry@bayareacc.org HOSPITAL/HOMEBOUND VISITATION: Interested in being part of a team reaching those hospitalized or homebound? Info: leanne.lane@bayareacc.org PARKING MINISTRY: Serve by directing traffic and greeting people as they arrive at church. Info: parking@ bayareacc.org PRESCHOOL TEAM: Do you have a heart for sharing the love of Jesus with our youngest at Bay Area? Our Preschool Team is looking for leaders to serve on Sunday mornings. Interested? Contact Courtney Gregory at Courtney.gregory@bayareacc.org for more details. SAFETY TEAM: Are you passionate about safety or have experience in security, law enforcement, EMS or First Responders and want to serve in this area? Info: safety@bayareacc.org USHERS: Be a part of creating a welcoming environment by serving during Sunday morning gatherings. Info: Michael at mtabramo1@comcast.net WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Serve on one of our event planning teams or in discipling other women. We would love to get to know you and see how your gifts can be used. Info: janet.graves@bayareacc.org
STUDENT MINISTRY CLUB 678 Club 678 is our oncea-month hangout for middle schoolers. Middle school students are invited to join us Friday, January 13 from 7-9 p.m. Students are encouraged to invite their friends and can bring money for snacks. Info: lydia.macbride@bayareacc.org VERTICAL WEEKEND – Looking for Host Homes Vertical Weekend, February 24-25, is BASM’s in-town middle school retreat. The event takes place at Bay Area. We are looking for homes that are willing to host a group of students with adult leaders overnight on Friday, Feb 24. Host homes are asked to provide a snack Friday night and breakfast Saturday morning. Groups would arrive to host homes around 9:30 p.m. on Friday and leave around 9:30 a.m. on Saturday. Student registration for Vertical Weekend will begin in January. Info: lydia.macbride@bayareacc.org
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES KIDCARE TEAM MEMBERS Our KidCare team has a need for individuals who have a heart for kids. We provide KidCare for all ministries and various events year-round. If you are interested in joining our team of paid workers, contact KidCare Coordinator Dax at dax. clinkscale@bayareacc.org or visit the Children’s Welcome counter on Sundays for more info.
EASTON CAMPUS HAPPENINGS DISCOVER BAY AREA New to Bay Area Easton? We’re glad you’re here. You may have questions about who we are or what we believe so join us on January 8 following the 10 a.m. gathering for Discover Bay Area. Hear Campus Pastor Craig Fadel share our story, our vision for making disciples, and how you can get plugged in. No RSVP necessary, and kids are welcome. MISSIONAL COMMUNITY TASTER Come join us from 7-8:30 p.m. to get a taste of what we do in our Missional Communities. We will share the purpose of these groups that meet throughout the week in people’s homes as well as how you can get connected in one. Light refreshments provided. Please RSVP to easton@bayareacc.org. JANUARY 29 - GATHERING CHANGE! MEET US IN ANNAPOLIS We will NOT be having our usual gathering in Easton on Sunday, January 29. We want everyone to head on over to the Annapolis campus for the 11:15 a.m. gathering. We will plan a lunch together afterwards and enjoy being with our family across the bridge.
JOIN US
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WHAT IS THE LINE?
WHY GOD ‘N GRITS?
WHEN DID IT LAUNCH?
As men and brothers, we stand in a line, shoulder to shoulder, facing into the wind of everything life hurls against us - not out of obligation for one another, but out of a common drive to live and walk in truth together.
God ‘n Grits is an opportunity for you to meet other men, gather around good food and conversation, and maybe walk out with more than just a full stomach and a few laughs.
Over 100 men gathered on November 12 to share a meal, pray with one another, build relationships, hear from Pastor Ed Kelley, dig into Scripture together and experience genuine community.
LOCATION
REGISTRATION
INFORMATION
Bay Area’s auditorium
bayareacc.org/mensbreakfast
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