The Gathering CBFNC Newsletter - May–June 2012

May/June 2012 • Vol. 17 Issue 3 Bringing Baptists of North Carolina Together for Christ-Centered Ministry

The Gathering of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina

That They All May Be One 2012 General Assembly Reflections

In This Edition

pages 4-6

PAGE 2 My

PAGE 7 Impacting

PAGE 3 Summary

PAGE 8 CBF

Visit to the White House by Larry Hovis of Individual Contributors PAGE 4-5 Take Action to Bring About Christian Unity by Steve DeVane PAGE 6 2012 Divinity Student Experience by Nathan Rice

Tomorrow General Assembly PAGE 9 Support and Encouragement in our Journey

by Ka’thy Gore Chappell PAGE 10 A

Bag Full of Gold Each Week

by Linda Jones

My Visit to the White House

by Larry Hovis, CBFNC Executive Coordinator

In late January of this year, I received a phone call from Robert Parham, executive director of the Baptist Center for Ethics, informing me of plans underway for a delegation of “Goodwill Baptist” (Parham’s umbrella term for CBF and other Baptist groups that desire to be known what we are for, rather than what we are against, and who seek to share goodwill with our neighbors) leaders to meet with White House officials in our nation’s capital on March 7, 2012.

persons in their respective offices or departments who had responsibilities for relating to faith-based communities. A powerful moment for me came when, after the briefing on immigration, Parham presented Felicia Escobar, Senior Policy Advisor, with a copy of the new Common English Bible, which translates the Hebrew word, “ger,” as immigrant (other versions of the Bible use words like alien, foreigner, sojourner or stranger).

Conclusions First, not only is a visit to the “White House” not a visit to where the First Family lives, it rarely includes the President of the United States (he was in North Carolina that day).

The Agenda Second, the Obama administration, building on the groundwork laid by the Bush Our visit was arranged, coordinated and administration, is taking very seriously their engagement with faith-based communities. led by Paul Monteiro, Associate Director The White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships coordinates 12 of the Office of Public Engagement. Our Federal Centers for Faith-based and Community Initiatives, which forms partnerships meeting resulted from the cultivation of a between a federal agency and faith-based and neighborhood organizations to advance relationship between Monteiro and Ricky specific goals, connecting that agency to the community at the most grassroots level.

Creech, executive director of the District of Third, while it was somewhat disappointing that our exchange focused more on Columbia Baptist Convention. After opening programs rather than policies, and we had little opportunity to address the moral or social words from Creech, Parham and Monteiro, aspects of issues important to our Baptist faith communities, the presentations did help us the bulk of our three-hour block of time followed a common sequence. First, we were learn about specific ways the federal government is trying to address real human needs that are critical to our communities. “briefed” by a representative of numerous Fourth, our visit to the White House put a human face on our federal government.

Administration offices or departments who Before, government “bureaucrats” were nameless, faceless functionaries with whom I work on issues Monteiro believed would had no relationship, and I would never have thought to contact them. Now, I see them be of interest to Baptist leaders. After these as real people who have a real desire to serve others. I would not hesitate to contact presentations, our group was given a few minutes to ask questions or make comments. the officials we met or others like them, to solicit their help or share my opinions about important issues. We were given contact information for all those we encountered, and Then another Administration official would upon returning from my trip, I visited the White House website to learn more about the come in and the cycle would repeat itself. various agencies and those who staff them. Now, I will definitely communicate with the The ratio of our listening to the officials to our responding to the officials was about 3:1, appropriate White House offices if the need arises.

Finally, as a firm believer in the separation of church and state, I am still somewhat so only a small minority of our group had a uncomfortable relating to government officials, especially political appointees. However chance to speak. (and my “duplicity radar” was on full power), I never felt as if those who spoke to us were The topics on which we were briefed included human trafficking, the environment, being disingenuous or using us for political advantage. They all seemed to be genuine the Hispanic community, consumer financial public servants with a sincere desire to make a positive difference in our nation and world.

If nothing else, after visiting the highest levels of the greatest kingdom on earth, I’m in protection, immigration, emergency disaster a much better position to pray not only for these specific leaders, but also to pray as Jesus response, and the mortgage crisis. Many instructed, “Thy Kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven.” of those making presentations were the 2 • The Gathering – May/June 2012

Summary of Individual Contributors NAME

While churches contribute about 98% of the financial resources required to fund the missions and ministries of CBFNC, individual contributors are a vital component of our financial stewardship. We are grateful to these individual donors for their support of CBFNC during our calendar year ending March 31, 2012.

At the General Assembly in Raleigh, a campaign to increase the number of individual contributors was announced.

Called the 20/20 Campaign, its purpose is to celebrate the first twenty years of our history and invest in the next twenty years. For more information, visit our website, www.cbfnc.org.

Larry Hovis CBFNC Executive Coordinator

January-December 2011 CITY/STATE

C. Wallace and Barbara Aman Roanoke Rapids Janet and William Anderson Arden Marvel Baker Raleigh J D. and Margaret Baldree Shelby Laura Barclay and Ryan Eller Winston Salem Emory Bass Huntersville Deborah and Dean Baughn Rutherfordton Alma and Javier Benitez Pittsboro David and Mavis Bissette Winston Salem Donna and Steve Bissette Clemmons Erskine Blankenship Beaufort Ken and Gail Boaz Winston Salem Tom and Betty Bodkin Raleigh Dorothy Bowers Eden Laura and Tommy Bratton Fairview Melba Bridges Rutherfordton Martha and Tom Bryson Charlotte Charles and Grace Bullard Asheboro Warner and Roberta Bumgardner Wadesboro Linden and Alice Burch Lake Junaluska Don and Mary Byrd Mount Airy Tommie and James Calhoun Durham Jack and Mary Lib Causey Statesville James and Elizabeth Clark Hendersonville Susan Clark Apex Marie and Homer Clontz Horse Shoe Austin and Betty Connors Raleigh Richard Cook Raleigh Corbin and Joann Cooper Ocean Isle Beach Lynne Cullins Apex Elizabeth and Mark Edwards Nashville Jane and Richard Eskew Winston Salem Johnnie Evans Morrisville Steve and Barbara Everhart Wilmington Sue Fitzgerald Winston Salem Marie and Steve Fox Four Oaks Scott Freese Pfafftown James and Ruth Garrison Arden Jack and Ruby Gentry Clemmons Norman Gimpel Lake Worth, FL Shannon and David Hall Mebane Pat and Tommy Hardin Spindale John and Kathryn Harris Rose Hill Cathy and Bill Hartsell Charlotte Fletcher and Doris Hartsell Concord David and Vanessa Hawes Fair Bluff James and Linda Henson Albemarle Herman Hicks Morganton Kay and Earl Hill Greenville Brenda Hipp Thomasville Don and Jo Ann Horton Zebulon Larry and Kim Hovis Pfafftown Jesse and Lindsay Hunt Ft. Drum, NY John Hunt Boiling Springs Rebecca J. Husband-Maynard and Mark Maynard Elkin Craig and Jennifer Janney Murfreesboro Bob and Elaine Jeffcoat Durham Julia Johnson Durham Linda and Joseph Jones Clemmons

NAME

CITY/STATE

Rick and Susan Jordan Lewisville Larry and Ann Keeter Boone Luther and Carolyn Kimrey Laurinburg Elissa Kincaid Hickory Bob and Rhea Lamb Shelby Mable Laney Burlington Bill and Crystal Leathers Winston Salem Dianne and Van Lewis Farmville Steve and Alice Little Marion Steve Loftis Asheville Bill and Marie Mason Wingate Patrick Mauney Shelby Marcia McQueen Eden Jean and Gene Millsaps Mooresville Catherine Moore Pendleton Tim Moore and Magay Shepherd Charlotte Wendell Murphy Rose Hill Bill and Mary Myers West End Russell and Nancy Myers Albemarle Dee Dee Oakey Gates Lynn and Dave Odom Durham Esther and Tim Parker Raleigh Betty and Carson Pittman State Road Julia Pittman Dade City, FL Mary Lou Ragan Fuquay Varina Mark Reece Elkin Cal and Cathy Robertson Shelby Joanne Sanders Burlington Carmen and Carroll Sasser Raleigh Milton and Joan Sewell Mount Airy Shirley Shelburne Lillington Martha and Wilbert Simmons Chapel Hill Bobbye Smith Yadkinville Sylvia Smith Gates Susan Stanley Greensboro Bertie and Richard Starr Mount Airy Doris Stocks High Point Erica Stratton Wilmington Terri and Dave Stratton Fuquay Varina Jim and Marion Summerville Chapel Hill Charles and Ellen Tabor Winston Salem Susan and Michael Taylor Chapel Hill Angela and David Vess Cary Tonya and Jeffrey Vickery Cullowhee Bob and Betty Wainwright Oxford Johnnie Wallace Charlotte Candace and Dick Wilson Raleigh Linda Winslow Jamestown Robert and Edith Wood Lillington Doris Yates Winston Salem Wagner Agape Ministries Mc Leansville, VA Western NC Baptist Network Asheville NC Baptist Foundation Endowment Fund: Blanche Wall and William A. Brown Hannah and Frank D. Hills Mary W. Brown Lynn Camp Odom H.Manly Hocutt The Gathering – May/June 2012

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Take Action to Bring about Christian Unity

by Steve DeVane

Fellowship Baptists in North Carolina were challenged to pray for and take action to bring about Christian unity March 23-24, 2012.

About 1,150 people attended the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina’s General Assembly at Trinity Baptist Church in Raleigh. The theme, based on John 17:21, was “The Heart of Jesus: That they all may be one.”

Neville Callam, the general secretary of the Baptist World Alliance brought the message during both worship services.

The event also featured 76 workshops on various ministry and missions topics. Nine “meet-up gatherings” focused on ministry topics such as life crises, older adults, children, youth, deacons and racial reconciliation.

Those attending the assembly also celebrated CBFNC’s ministry efforts over the past year and adopted a 2012-13 budget of $1.55 million, about 2.84% less than the previous year.

An offering of $9,174.05 was collected to help build a school and community center in Santa Elena, Belize.

During the worship service Friday evening, Callam presented a call for Christians to pray for unity and to live it out in the world. Jesus’ prayer in John 17 shows how the “divine communion” between the Father and Son provides a pattern for believers to imitate and follow.

“Christians are united in one glorious communion of love,” Callam said. Those who follow Christ are called to make that unity visible to the world, he said.

Callam said disunity among Christians is a poor example to the world.

“Have we not scandalized the name of Christ?” he said. “We have brought the name of our Lord into disrepute.” Division among Christians can be found among ethnicity, race, gender, social status and wealth, Callam said. “Have we not enthroned our divisions on thrones we have erected from idols we have made?” he said. “A divided community of believers is out of step with the prayer of the Lord Jesus.”

Callam said that if Christians are to take seriously Jesus’ call to unity, they must repent. “God bless you if you do,” he said. “God help you if you don’t.”

Callam called on Fellowship Baptists to become people who fervently pray for unity during the Saturday morning worship service. “What is prayer?” he said. “Is it not a search for the will and mind of God?” Christians should pray for the strength to right wrongs by taking corrective action, Callam said.

“We can pray, and because of this, we can find the will to take action,” he said.

Callam said that action will show faith to a waiting but skeptical world. “We need to understand the centrality of prayer,” he said.

Earlier in the service, three pastors presented testimonies of celebration. Terry Henderson, pastor of Unity Christian Church International in Fayetteville, talked about how CBFNC is helping his church reach a diverse community in the military town.

Hector Villaneuva, pastor of Iglesia Bautista la Roca in Siler City, 4 • The Gathering – May/June 2012

told how Fellowship Baptists in North Carolina supported him when he was arrested and nearly deported. He said he was terrified.

“We found in North Carolina we were a family of unity,” he said.

“When they took me away, CBF showed me what unity is all about.”

Mike Queen, retired pastor of First Baptist Church in Wilmington, talked about how he became friends with a fundamentalist pastor in the city.

“We don’t agree on a whole lot of things, but he’s my brother and I’m his brother,” Queen said.

“Wouldn’t it be great if we were all reconciled?”

During the Friday evening worship service, Randy McKinney, pastor of Longview Baptist Church in Raleigh, talked about a fire that burned the church building at The Memorial Baptist Church in Greenville when he was pastor there.

Church members met outside the burned building on Sunday morning, just hours after the flames had been extinguished. Members of a nearby black congregation arrived to cry and pray with the congregation, he said.

McKinney said the pastor of the black church said, “This didn’t just happen to your church, it happened to the body of Christ, and that is why we are here.”

The meeting was joyous, but McKinney said he later felt sorrow.

“Does it take a tragedy in order for the body of Christ to be one?” he said. “Had the shoe been on the other foot, would we have done the same?”

Photos by Steve DeVane and Gene Millsaps.

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2012 Divinity Student Experience — We’ve Got a Hope and a Future!

by Nathan Rice, CBFNC Intern

Just past the red balloons, down the stairs, and through the doors of the “Underground” at Trinity Baptist Church in Raleigh, hearty conversations were brewing. For the second straight year, CBFNC funded the “Divinity Student Experience,” an activity inviting students from the four partner schools, to attend the annual General Assembly with complimentary lodging, transportation (via gas cards), food, and of course fellowship. This year nearly 70 divinity students attended, sharing two intentional and informaCBFNC 2012 General Assembly tive meals together. Friday and Saturday lunches provided experiential bookends for the students, with the Assembly filling the space between.

Friday’s lunch was coupled with conversations about meeting new colleagues and opportunities for participation in the greater network of the Fellowship. Students were introduced to CBFNC’s Larry Hovis, Ka’thy Gore Chappell, and Rick Jordan, as well as members of the newlyformed Divinity Student Fellowship Task Force. Excitement from the lunch spilled over into the afternoon’s workshop sessions, during which the rich voices of divinity students colored the vibrant conversations happening all over Trinity’s campus. On Friday evening, several divinity students assisted in worship as ushers, collecting the offering and participating in the service’s closing ritual.

Friday night’s college basketball games were no match for the students, who were back at it early on Saturday morning.

Moderator Donna Bissette acknowledged the students’ presence during her welcoming comments for the worship service. Following the service, the students met with Ka’thy Gore Chappell, who made the announcement that next year’s General Assembly will include a workshop led by divinity students and offered to the entire CBFNC body. Wake Forest University School of Divinity student and Task Force member Laura Foley then led the students through a conversation of possible topics for next year’s workshop, to be organized by the Task Force. Be on the lookout for more news about this exciting session.

Thematically, The Heart of Jesus: That They All May Be One permeated Divinity Student Experience. A diverse body of students from multiple schools came together once again to participate in intentional and constructive fellowship. Concerning the presence of these unique student voices in the greater CBFNC conversation, Rick Jordan best summarized the power of unity and diversity, embodied in the 2012 Divinity Student Experience, in his post-Assembly Facebook status update: “One of the best ever CBFNC General Assemblies! ... So many divinity school students, young adults and babies (and babies coming soon).

We’ve got a hope and a future!” The culmination of CBFNC’s dedication to leadership development and the empowerment of divinity students continue to make these possibilities realities.

“We’ve got a hope and a future,” indeed!

y t i inol ce v i D cho ien S xper E

Ministers on the Move

Compiled by Jack Causey, Ministerial Resources Coordinator Our encouragement and support go to the following ministers who have recently moved: Daniel Pittman has been called as Pastor of Parkwood Baptist Church in High Point.

Brunswick Island Baptist Church in Supply has called Rudra Ramphal as Pastor.

Sharon Baptist Church in Smithfield has called Charity Roberson as Pastor.

Jeremy Pachard has been called as Minister of Students for the Temple Baptist Church in Raleigh.

First Baptist Church of Mocksville has called Doug Biggerstaff as Associate Pastor.

Nathan Pruett has been called as Pastor at Grace Baptist Church of Asheville.

First Baptist Church of Maiden has called Edward “Eddie” Andrews as pastor.

Kyle Bauman has been called as Minister of Discipleship for Durham Memorial Baptist Church in Durham.

Heather Hovey is now serving the Temple Baptist Church of Durham as minister to children and families.

First Baptist Church of Sylva has called Jeff Mathis as pastor.

Calvary Baptist Church of Asheville has called Jeff Harris as pastor.

Cody Brinkley has been called as pastor of Reynoldson Baptist Church in Gates.

Connaritsa Baptist Church in Aulander has called Jimmy Smith to serve as pastor.

When you make a move or know of someone who has changed places of ministry, let us know at jcausey@cbfnc.org. For assistance to search committees and ministers seeking vocational discernment, visit our reference and referral page on our website at www.cbfnc.org or call 336-759-3456.

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conference highlights n

M ike Queen will interview five churches that implemented and benefitted from lessons learned at Hopeful Imagination.

n Several congregations will lead workshops telling their unique stories of transformation and their missional journeys of renewal and revitalization.

n

topical workshops

Will Your Congregation Still Exist 10 Years from Now? George Bullard Approaching Worship Change as a Positive and Unifying Force Al Cadenhead and Cary Cannon Discerning the Movement of the Holy Spirit in Your Church Jayne Davis Curious Conversations for God’s Unique People Chris Gambill When Change is Needed But Not Wanted Eddie Hammett When the Church is the Church for the Community David Crocker From Fuzzy to Clear: The Impact of Clear Identity Beth Kennett The Creativity of Leadership Bo Prosser Congregational Governance and Leadership for Impacting Tomorrow Larry Hovis The Wonder Years: Divinity School Student Dialogue Ka’thy Gore Chappel

Sponsored by Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of NC, The Columbia Partnership, Center for Congregational Health, and Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

Aligning Ministry with People Who Actually Live in Our Context Chuck Salter

Desired Impact for Participating Churches includes: Rediscovering focus and mission; Celebrating successes in ministry; Networking with like-minded churches and leaders from the southeast and a variety of denominations; Inspiring leaders to press forward; and Discovering next steps and capture learnings from those at various stages of the missional journey. For more information or to register, visit www.cbfnc.org.

The Gathering – May/June 2012

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Now all glory to God, who is able...to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Eph. 3:20

General Assembly June 20-23 // Fort Worth, Texas Why come to this year’s Assembly?

Witness Daniel Vestal’s final sermon as CBF’s Executive Coordinator.

Daniel Vestal

Carrie Newcomer

Fellowship Events

Embrace your opportunity to shape CBF’s future as 2012 Task Force report is presented.

Enjoy music of singer/songwriter Carrie Newcomer in a free concert.

Tired of fixin’ church? Ready to find a way to move forward in these challenging times?

Leadership Institute is for you.

Got questions about your faith journey? Pray and ask at The Questions God Asks prayer retreat.

One word - fellowship. You can’t get that sitting at home. Come network and mingle.

You never know who you might meet.

Need inspiration? There’s nothing like sending new field personnel to mission fields of our world during the Global Missions Commissioning Service.

Commissioning Service

Plus dynamic worship, innovative workshops and so much more!

Pre-register for free at www.thefellowship.info/assembly

Peer Learning Groups — Support and Encouragement in our Journey

by Ka’thy Chappell Gore, CBFNC Leadership Development Coordinator Throughout my 25 years of vocational ministry, I’ve always sought and participated in some expression of a peer learning group. In the early years, out of necessity and sometimes desperation, I enlisted other ministers in my area for monthly encounters involving sharing of highs and lows, troubleshooting, prayer and support, laughing, crying, physical exercise (there was the volleyball group in Richmond), and just general all-around fellowship. Occasionally, my groups have enlisted an outside coach or facilitator, either to share in their expertise or to facilitate our peer learning. In every case, these groups have been valuable, enriching, life-giving, and sometimes life- and ministry-saving.

CBF takes seriously the need and value of peer groups. While we affirm those who have the initiative and opportunity to create groups for themselves, CBF has for several years provided a structure and funding to encourage the creation of new peer groups. CBFNC is ready to take this ministry to the next level by not only encouraging the creation of even more peer groups, but also launching some groups that come together around a topic of interest whose shared learning is facilitated by a trained coach. Regardless of the approach (informal or formal, peer-led or coachfacilitated, CBF-sponsored or not), find a peer group. You’ll be giving a gift to yourself, your church, your family, and the Kingdom.

Larry Hovis CBFNC Executive Coordinator

Peer learning for pastors provides a support system, encouragement and hope through the shared stories of pastors who are on the front line of ministry. Leading Churches Through Times of Transition is a group of 10 pastors from similar settings who are stretching into new leadership models, new ways of learning and organizing staff and lay leadership for more effective ministry.

We share powerful learnings from experiences, readings, conferences ... always asking “Where is God in all this and what is God teaching?” The coach approach provides the catalysts for group learning and action plans that move the leader and church to the next level. What fun!

Eddie Hammett, CBFNC Church & Clergy Coach

In this article, you have heard from Larry Hovis and Eddie Hammett about the variety of forms that peer learning groups can take. From conversation and relationship building to conflict management and prayer support ... from educational enrichment through guided readings to recreation and physical exercise ... from peer-led groups to coach or retreat leader facilitated, peer learning groups provide ministerial self-care and promote health congregations. If you want to learn more about CBF/CBFNC PLGs (including application for funding), please review the information below.

Peer learning groups meet monthly to provide opportunities for worship, spiritual growth, Bible study, discussion of ministry-related issues, and fellowship. Currently, there are more than 130 peer learning groups of 6-12 members sponsored in some way through the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s Missional Congregations initiative. Special interest is given to ministers in their first seven years of ministry, ministers in rural settings, and ministers in multi-staff congregations.

Each group is led by a trained convener and suggested resources for group work related to promoting pastoral excellence and congregational health are provided through CBF. The convener and group members determine the focus of each month’s gathering. New groups are being formed and additional members are welcome in previously formed groups. Groups are located throughout the United States and organized into three main geographic regions. Layne Smith is the coordinator for ministers in the NC region.

Limited funds are available from national CBF to help support group formation and resourcing. For information on currently meeting group, application content, and deadlines, visit the national CBF PLG website. For additional information regarding joining a current group or forming a new group contact, Steve Graham, Director of Director of Leadership for Missional Congregations (sgraham@thefellowship.info or 770-220-1675). CBFNC offers matching funds to those groups in North Carolina who are funded by the national CBF office.

One of our newly formed (and funded) CBF/CBFNC Peer Learning Groups was initiated by Jayne Davis, Minister of Spiritual Formation at First, Wilmington. She writes “Our peer learning group is having a great time getting to know one another and we look forward to the support and encouragement that these relationships will continue to provide as we journey together.”

Ka’thy Gore Chappell, CBFNC Leadership Development Coordinator The Gathering – May/June 2012

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A Bag Full of Gold Each Week When First, Mooresville, started their Backpack Meals Ministry in 2010, two churches provided six weekend meals to sixty children. When school started this past August, there were five churches feeding more than 100 children in seven schools.

This week, the five churches will be providing weekend meals to 150 children, and are now providing more than 3,300 meals to these children each month! This ministry is also providing hygiene kits, school supplies, warm hats scarves and gloves at Christmas and valentines to pass out in February.

“God has been good and people from all over Mooresville are providing financial support for this ministry. We will be conducting two simultaneous food drives in March. So, again, I say thanks to the CBFNC for the Local Mission Engagement grant

New Contributing CBFNC Partner Churches (As of April 9, 2012) Centro Familiar Cristiano, Siler City Emerywood, High Point First, Waynesville (New MRP Contributor) First Wilson (New MRP Contributor) Mosaic of Clayton, Smithfield Ogden Baptist Church, Wilmington (New MRP contributor) Woodhaven, Apex (New MRP contributor) *Mission Resource Plan - visit www.CBFNC.org

CBF Global Missions Field Personnel Off-Field Assignments in Our Area Lita and Rick Sample

Raleigh from July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012 Lsample@thefellowship.info or Rsample@thefellowship.info

Coordinator Visits February-March 2012 First, Burnsville First, Drexel First, Greensboro First, Mocksville First, North Wilkesboro Hominy, Candler Loray, Gastonia Millbrook, Raleigh Olyphic, Tabor City Trinity, Raleigh United, Winston-Salem 10 • The Gathering – May/June 2012

by Linda Jones, CBFNC Missions Coordinator supporting this vital ministry,” says John Saunders, Sr. Associate Pastor to Seniors and lead coordinator of the Backpack Meals Ministry.

From the School Counselors….

The Back Pack Meals Ministry has been extremely helpful to many of the needy families at our school. We currently have fifteen students who receive these backpacks.

The students look forward to receiving these backpacks each Friday. The truth of the matter is that these students would most likely go hungry each weekend without their weekly food backpacks.

For many of us, it is easy to take for granted having food to eat for each meal.

The reality is that many go hungry each and every day. The Backpack Meals Ministry is truly a wonderful program led by area churches seeking to serve the needy in our community. We are so grateful for the time and effort that the volunteers put into this program. It has truly made a difference in the lives of our children and their families. — Tracey from Rocky River Elementary Know that our children LOVE getting these backpacks! They always ask me, ‘When do we get our backpacks? Do we get them today?’ They are always so excited to look inside to see what is in the bag, and to see the joy they experience from getting this backpack of food is truly heartwarming. You would think these children were getting a bag full of gold each week. On behalf of the Park View family, I would like to say a huge thank you to all who make these backpacks possible for our children. You are truly making a huge difference in these children’s lives. — Lindsay from Park View Elementary From the Parents…

My family is so grateful and loves the food backpacks. Wish it would go by number of children in home. Thanks a lot for all you do.

I t helps out greatly. It has been a “God” send! I just think more fruits and veggies should be given.

The food has been very helpful. The variety of food is great! My child would like to maybe get some rice as well. Thanks for the generosity. he backpacks are a wonderful idea. My child loves everything that T has been put into it lately. Please continue to send it home.

A new year has started for the Local Mission Engagement Grant, April 1 - July 31, 2012. We can’t wait to see the difference it makes.

The Local Mission Engagement Grant seeks to foster cooperation between local churches and humanitarian organizations for the purpose of missional engagement in a local context. Partnership is required with community organizations and other churches of any denomination. Funding of up to $2,000 may be provided for each project based on the fulfillment of this purpose and the availability of funds at the time of request. Application for the grant can be found at www.cbfnc.org.

May/June 2012

The Gathering of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina

phone: 336.759.3456 • phone: 888.822.1944 • fax: 336.759.3459 • cbfnc@cbfnc.org • www.cbfnc.org

Larry Hovis . ............ Executive Coordinator.................... LHovis@cbfnc.org

Wanda Kidd......... College Ministry Coordinator..... WKidd@cbfnc.org

Ka’thy Gore Chappell.... Leadership Development Coordinator.... KChappell@cbfnc.org

Eddie Hammett ....Church and Clergy Coach.......... EHammett@cbfnc.org

Rick Jordan ............. Church Resources Coordinator.......... RJordan@cbfnc.org

Javier Benitez ......Hispanic Ministry Leader Coach... Rocafuerte90@hotmail.com

Linda Jones . ........... Missions Coordinator...................... LJones@cbfnc.org

Nancy Parks . ...... Programs Manager................... NParks@cbfnc.org

Jim Hylton .............. Business Administration Coordinator.... JHylton@cbfnc.org

Sarah Mitchell .... Communications Manager......... SMitchell@cbfnc.org

Jack Causey ............. Ministerial Resources Coordinator...... JCausey@cbfnc.org

Gail McAlister ..... Financial Manager................... GMcalister@cbfnc.org

Laura Barclay . ......... Social Ministries Coordinator........... LBarclay@cbfnc.org

Allison Gallimore...Administrative Assistant.......... AGallimore@cbfnc.org

Regional Coordinators Region 1 – Western: Gail Coulter ...................

Region 2 – Foothills: David Smith . ................

Region 3 – Triad: Bill Leathers ......................

Region 4 – South Central: Drag Kimrey ...........

Coordinating Council Donna Bissette, Winston-Salem, Moderator Ray Ammons, Gastonia, Moderator-Elect Steve Little, Marion, Past Moderator Lisa Rust, Lumberton, Recorder Mike Eddinger, Cary, Treasurer Tommy Bratton, Asheville David Hailey, Raleigh Marion Horton, Knightdale Rick Matthews, Winston-Salem Martha McDowell, Laurinburg Doug Murray, Wilson Mike Queen, Greensboro Susan Taylor, Chapel Hill Endowment Management Board Scott Hudgins, Winston-Salem Judy LeCroy, Lexington Bill McCullough, Youngsville Gene Puckett, Raleigh Candy Tennant, Chapel Hill

Financial Report:

828.698.2385 828.758.8428 336.774.3975 910.276.8865

Region Region Region Region

5 6 7 8

– – – –

North Central: Virginia Taylor.........

Capital: Mack Thompson................

Southeast: Mike Johnson ..............

Northeast: Jesse Croom ................

919.824.7890 919.781.2229 910.422.3387 252.482.3908

Faith Formation Ministry Council Allen Winters, Hillsborough, Chair Stella Perrin, Taylorsville, Chair-Elect Beth Cockman-Wood, Sanford Bryan Harris, Smithfield Beth Heffner, Rutherfordton Brian Harrington, Liberty Sandi Hood, Hickory Tyler Roach, Morganton Katie Fam Roscoe, Southern Pines Sophia Steibel, Boiling Springs

Missions Ministry Council Kent Cranford, Gastonia, Chair Len Keever, Dunn, Chair-Elect Elba Benitez, Pittsboro Everette Clark, Enka Blake Dempsey, Nashville George Fuller, Raleigh Brandon Hudson, Winston-Salem Andrea Dellinger Jones, Raleigh Nate Leonard, Kannapolis Linda Winslow, Jamestown

Leadership Development Ministry Council Scott Hovey, Durham, Chair Layne Rogerson, Greenville, Chair-Elect Dennis Atwood, Mount Olive Ed Beddingfield, Fayetteville Sarah Boberg, Red Springs Rendell Hipps, Hickory Matt Johnson, Belhaven Shane Nixon, Mocksville Mark Reece, Mount Airy Nathan Rice, Greensboro

CBF National Council Members from NC Darryl Aaron, Winston-Salem Roger Gilbert, Mount Airy Don Gordon, Durham Christopher Ingram, Elizabeth City Glenn Phillips, Goldsboro Alicia Porterfield, Wilmington Blenda Price Sloniker, Hickory

January 2012 Contributions February 2012 Contributions

Undesignated - $182,267 Designated - $470,975 Undesignated - $89,488 Designated - $182,323 April 2011 - March 2012 Monthly Undesignated Goal: $132,604

new church start academy June 6-9, 2012 Campbell University, Buies Creek Visit our www.cbfnc.org for more information and to register.

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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID WINSTON-SALEM PERMIT NO. 162

Bringing Baptists of North Carolina Together for Christ-Centered Ministry 8025 North Point Blvd., Suite 205 Winston-Salem, NC 27106

888-822-1944 www.cbfnc.org

Return Service Requested

Upcoming Events ~ May/June Edition Racial Reconciliation and the Body of Christ May 3, 2012 Unity Christian Church International, Fayetteville

CBF General Assembly June 20-23, 2012 Fort Worth, TX

Elevating Preaching Conference September 24, 2012 Gardner-Webb University School of Divinity

Best and Brightest: A Service Learning Retreat May 4-6, 2012 Lutheridge Conference Center, Asheville

Companerismo Cristiano Emanuel Hispanic Youth Retreat June 22-24, 2012 Camp Caraway, Sophia

Welcome Lunch for New Ministers September 25, 2012 CBFNC offices, Winston-Salem

Companerismo Cristiano Emanuel Hispanic Men’s Retreat May 11-12, 2012 Camp Mundo Vista, Sophia

OASIS 2012 renew for the journey Church Music Conference July 16-18, 2012 Campbell University Divinity School

Impacting Tomorrow: Traditional Churches Finding Their Future in God’s Story May 18-19, 2012 Providence, Charlotte

Youth Day at Emerald Point July 26, 2012 Greensboro

Companerismo Cristiano Emanuel Hispanic Family Retreat June 1-2, 2012 Primera Iglesia Baptista de Sanford New Church Start Academy June 6-9, 2012 Campbell University Divinity School CBF Fort Worth Sessions June 18-23, 2012 Fort Worth, TX

Fellowship on the Move October 7, 2012 First, Ahoskie Fellowship on the Move October 21, 2012 First, Waynesville Children’s Mission Day November 3, 2012 November 10, 2012

SELAHvie August 6-9, 2012

Fellowship on the Move November 4, 2012 Peace Haven, Winston-Salem

Youth Rafting Retreat September 1-3, 2012 Youth Beach Retreat September 21-23 2012 2012 Central NC Deacon/Spouse Conference September 22, 2012 Mission Baptist Church, Locust

2013 Youth Ski Retreat January 25-27, 2013 Winterplace, WV Collegiate Mid-Winter Retreat January 26-27, 2013 Camp Mundo Vista, Sophia

Visit www.CBFNC.org to register and for more information.

The Gathering is published six times a year. All questions may be directed to Sarah Mitchell, (336) 759-3456 or (888) 822-1944 or smitchell@cbfnc.org.

Campbell University Divinity School presents a Music and Worship Conference

July 16-18, 2012

Visit http://divinity.campbell.edu/Oasis/Home.aspx.