The Gathering CBFNC Newsletter - September–October 2009

September/October 2009 • Vol. 14, Issue 5 Bringing Baptists of North Carolina Together for Christ-Centered Ministry

In This Edition

The Gathering

Page 3

Fellowship on the Move Information

Page 7

Page 4

UNITY: A Necessity That Creates Power

by Pablo Juarez

Reaching Out to Those in Need

by LaCount Anderson

Page 8

Newly Commissioned Field Personnel from NC

Fresh Voices Lead CBF General Assembly

by CBF Communications

Page 9

KIDS HOPE Gives Congregation New Life

by Linda Brinson

Page 5

Missions Initiative Information

Page 6

Christian Social Ministries - Near to the Heart of God

by Larry Hovis

CBFNC News and Upcoming Events Pages 10-11

of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina

Fellowship on the Move Regional Tour

Connecting Sanctuary

and

Classroom

~ Loving God with All Our Minds ~

September/October 2009

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 Rick Jordan.......... Church Resources Coordinator RJordan@cbfnc.org Linda Jones.......... Missions Coordinator LJones@cbfnc.org

Jack Causey....Ministerial Resources Coordinator JCausey@cbfnc.org Jim Hylton..... Business Administration Coordinator JHylton@cbfnc.org Wanda Kidd....College Ministry Consultant asyougo5@aol.com Nancy Parks..... Programs Manager NParks@cbfnc.org

Natalie Aho..... Communications Manager NAho@cbfnc.org Laura Barclay....... Ministry Support Manager LBarclay@cbfnc.org Gail McAlister...... Financial Assistant GMcalister@cbfnc.org

Coordinating Council Greg Rogers, Greenville, Moderator Gail Coulter, Hendersonville, Past-Moderator Steve Little, Marion, Moderator-Elect Glenda Currin, Wilmington, Recorder Donna Bissette, Winston-Salem, Treasurer Ray Ammons, Gastonia Tommy Bratton, Asheville Don Gordon, Durham Gary Knight, Winston-Salem Martha McDowell, Laurinburg Glenn Phillips, Goldsboro Bert Young, Bladenboro Janice Young, Whiteville

Faith Development Ministry Council John Vestal, Raleigh, Chair Allen Winters, Hillsborough, Chair-Elect Todd Blake, Fayetteville Beth Heffner, Rutherfordton Garin Hill, Shelby Allison Lairmore, Raleigh Rebecca Husband Maynard, Elkin Kathy Naish, Hickory Katie Fam Roscoe, Southern Pines Tony Spencer, Forest City

Missions Ministry Council Kenny Davis, Wise, Chair Kent Cranford, Gastonia, Chair-Elect George Fuller, Raleigh Christopher Ingram, Smithfield Andrea Jones, Raleigh Len Keever, Dunn Alicia Porterfield, Wilmington Susie Reeder, Fayetteville Jose Villasenor, Durham Linda Winslow, Jamestown

Leadership Development Ministry Council Mark Ashworth, Kernersville, Chair Scott Hovey, Durham, Chair-Elect Joseph Alexander, Winston-Salem Ed Beddingfield, Fayetteville Larry Glover-Wetherington, Richlands Rendell Hipps, Hickory Tommy James, Sylva Shane Nixon, Burlington LeAnne Spruill, Durham Mari Wiles, Murfreesboro

CBF National Council Members from NC Paul Baxley, Henderson Lee Canipe, Murfreesboro Jack Glasgow, Zebulon, CBF Past-Moderator Betsy Newton Herman, Raleigh Don Horton, Zebulon Beth McConnell, Charlotte Jim McCoy, Weaverville Robin Roberts, Raleigh

Endowment Management Board Scott Hudgins, Winston-Salem, Chair Jack Buchanan, Shelby A. G. Bullard, Raleigh Joe Harris, Mocksville John Hewett, Charlotte

Financial Report:

May 2009 Contributions Undesignated - $92,239 June 2009 Contributions Undesignated - $81,367

Designated - $131,779 Designated - $160,155 April 2009 - March 2010 Monthly Budget Undesignated Goal: $98,798

Oberammergau and Enchanting Europe Tour July 10-21, 2010

College and grad students spend New Year’s in Atlanta!

December 29, 2009 - January 2, 2010 First Baptist Church in Decatur, GA $249 pays for everything - all meals, hotel lodging, programming, parties, and an unforgettable New Year’s Eve gala ~ www.thefellowship.info/antiphony.

Not in college? Then pass the word to your church’s college students to come engage in honest dialogue and discussion about things that matter.

2 • The Gathering – September/October 2009

Larry and Kim Hovis will host a tour to Europe in 2010 to see the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany. This magnificent play has been performed every ten years since the 12th century. The tour will also include stops in Paris, Salzburg, Vienna, Zurich and Lucerne.

Find brochures at www. cbfnc.org or contact Larry (LHovis@cbfnc.org).

CBFNC Fellowship on the Move Tour Loving God with All Our Minds Matthew 22:37

Connecting Sanctuary and Classroom Chowan University ~ October 5 ~ Murfreesboro BC Wingate University ~ October 6 ~ Wingate BC Wake Forest University ~ October 13 ~ Knollwood BC Meredith College ~ October 19 ~ Hayes Barton BC Campbell University ~ October 20 ~ Campbell University Mars Hill College ~ October 26 ~ Mars Hill BC Gardner-Webb University ~ October 29 ~ First BC, Shelby

Schedule for each location: 5:30 pm ~ Fellowship Meal

6:30 pm ~ Workshops

~ led by local faculty and others

~ details at www.cbfnc.org in early September

7:30 pm ~ Worship

~ greetings from college leaders

~ sermons by college alumni ~ music provided by college groups

Register at www.cbfnc.org with pre-paid cost of $10 by one week before each

event. Childcare provided for preschool age and younger with

reservations at www.cbfnc.org.

Publicity bulletin inserts will be available at www.cbfnc.org for download in

early September.

CBFNC is all about making connections.

Specifically, through our major fellowship events for 2009 and 2010, we are focusing our themes on “connecting.”

Fall Fellowship on the Move ~ October 2009 Loving God with All Our Minds: Connecting Sanctuary and Classroom Spring General Assembly ~ March 19-20, 2010, First Baptist Church, Winston-Salem Generations Connected: One Family, One Faith, Many Journeys Summer CBF General Assembly ~ June 24-25, 2010, Charlotte, NC Connecting North Carolinians with the Larger Fellowship Movement We hope you will connect with the CBFNC family at one or all of these events! Follow www.cbfnc.org for more details.

The Gathering – September/October 2009 • 3

UNITY: A Necessity That Creates Power

by Pablo Juarez, Pastor, Primera Iglesia Bautista, Sanford

One of the most powerful weapons the devil has used to stop or slow the pace of growth of the Latino Christian community is separation. Separation has been one of the most important factors that has destroyed the fellowship, cooperation, and promoted competition among Latino Baptists in North Carolina. Unwise leadership at all levels has developed separation and competition that is not helping Christian Latinos to show how powerful God can use them if UNITY can be afforded.

By observing the “Primer Encuentro Familiar Cristiano” celebrated on June 5-6 at Jonesboro Heights Baptist Church of Sanford, one can see that unity is a need among Latino Christians and how powerful and effective they are when they work together.

Four churches, with the support of CBFNC, organized this event where five more churches joined on the way.

It is of great admiration to see what God can do when unity is facilitated. It was amazing to see more than 550 people on Friday

and Saturday enjoying conferences for youth, marriage and kids.

It was amazing to see more than 550 Latinos singing together, laughing at the dramas, and listening to the experienced and well educated speakers. It was amazing to see nine pastors and their families chatting, eating, and having fellowship.

In 2 Chronicles 7:14 the Lord says “if my people who are called by my name” meaning unity. By looking at the event it is clear that unity is an urgent need for our Latino leaders and their congregations. Unity is not just a need, but it is the channel of power God can use to accelerate the pace of reaching this fast growing part of our community.

More amazing is to see not only unity among Latinos but between Latinos and Anglos. The way Jonesboro Heights BC facilitated the use of their buildings made this event an even bigger victory because it shows if unity is promoted among Christians regardless the race, nothing can hinder God’s willingness to bless His people.

Learn more about the Hispanic Ministry with CBFNC at www. cbfnc.org.

Newly Commissioned CBF Field Personnel from North Carolina ~ Serving IN North Carolina

Cecelia Beck

Shelby, a native of King Working with the NE Shelby Weed and Seed, a comprehensive strategy designed to assist communities in bringing people and resources together to prevent and control crime and improve the overall quality of life with a focus on child and adult literacy and enrichment programs for children.

4 • The Gathering – September/October 2009

John and Michele Norman

LaCount Anderson

Four Oaks Scotland Neck, a native of Savannah, GA Working to develop a network of Serving alongside churches, assisting with individuals and churches in the United ministries to people who are homeless, States to pray, financially support and working to provide physical resources, actively participate in the work of the such as food and shelter, and spiritual Cooperative Baptist Fellowship in China. resources, including Christian education.

Support these and other CBF Field Personnel with the Offering for Global Missions.

Learn more at www.thefellowship.info.

North Carolina Missions Initiative

Addressing Poverty in Our Own Backyard ~ “Come over here and help us.” Acts 16:9

Family-Friendly Mission Weekend

where you, your family and your church can come minister with us to our neighbors in need!

Born out of a desire to see Christ’s riches significantly impact the lives of neighbors living in poverty, the North Carolina Missions Initiative is an opportunity for faith and action to meet.

Western - Jackson County ~ October 2-4, 2009 (Rain Date: October 9-11) Western - Polk County ~ October 16-18, 2009 (Rain Date: October 30 - November 1) Eastern - Halifax, Warren and Vance Counties ~ April 23-25, 2010 Friday - Travel Day and Leader Orientation. Plan to make your own lodging reservations. Options for lodging, meals and

recreation are available on the CBFNC website www.cbfnc.org.

Saturday - Day of missions and ministry throughout the community. Mission opportunities include: yard work, light

construction, painting, clean up, feeding the hungry, ministry to women and more.

Light breakfast and lunch included. The evening will include dinner and a time for shared reflection, fellowship and

celebration.

Sunday - Participants will join in worship before departing.

This weekend is for individuals, families, small groups, Sunday School

classes, youth groups, and others.

We will share the riches of Christ’s love, presence, and compassion

with communities living in intense poverty.

Cost is $25 per person ($65 max for families). Register at

www.cbfnc.org as an individual (as part of a group or alone)

or as a family by September 11 for Jackson and

September 25 for Polk.

Registration for the Eastern MI will be at a later date.

For more information, including registration and lodging suggestions and directions, visit www.cbfnc.org.

College Fall Missional Retreat

~ in coordination with the NC Missions Initiative

October 2-4, 2009

Western - Jackson County, NC or Eastern - Grifton, NC

Light construction during the day and worship at night Cost: $40 (includes lodging and food) Register by September 28 at cbfnc.org.

The Gathering – September/October 2009

•

5

Christian Social Ministries - Near to the Heart of God

by Larry Hovis, Executive Coordinator Editor’s Note – This is the fifth in a series of articles describing the ministries of partners who participate in the CBFNC Mission Resource Plan (MRP). To learn more about the MRP, visit www.cbfnc.org.

The Scriptures are full of admonitions to care for the neediest and most vulnerable in society. Here are a few examples: “The Lord judges in favor of the oppressed and gives them their rights” (Psalm 103:6 GNB).

“He who oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is kind to the needy honors him” (Proverbs 14:31 RSV).

“Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners who live among you, or anyone else in need” (Zechariah 7:10 GNB).

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19 NRSV).

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me” (Matthew 25:35-36 NRSV).

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world” (James 2:27 NRSV).

As people of the Book, Baptists have sought to take these biblical instructions seriously, ministering to the poor and downtrodden, those on the margins of society. Historically, this kind of ministry has taken on institutional expression among Baptists in the form of orphanages, homes for the aged, and hospitals.

From the beginning of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship movement, we have been committed to ministry among the most neglected and marginalized people in our communities and around the world. Rather than owning and controlling institutions, we seek instead to partner with them to accomplish our joint missions. In North Carolina, we are fortunate to have an open door of partnership with three historic North Carolina social service ministry agencies: Baptist Children’s Homes, Baptist Hospital School of Pastoral Care and Baptist Retirement Homes.

6 • The Gathering – September/October 2009

Baptist Children’s Homes was established in 1885. Mills Home in Thomasville, formerly the Baptist Orphanage, is BCH’s oldest and largest campus. Baptist Children’s Homes provides residential placement and prevention services to help children and families overcome problems and challenges. BCH provides services in 14 communities across the state. BCH also operates a teen mother/baby parent home, transitional living services for older residents, group homes for developmentally disabled adults, a model weekday education program, wilderness camps for at-risk boys and girls, and equine therapy services at a residential ranch. Learn more about BCH at www.bchfamily.org.

Baptist Hospital School of Pastoral Care - The Division of Pastoral Care has its beginnings with the pioneering work of Dr. Richard K. Young, who founded what was then called The School of Pastoral Care at North Carolina Baptist Hospital, in 1947. Reorganized in May of 1995, their division now consists of the following four departments: • Church and Community Relations • Chaplaincy and Pastoral Education • Pastoral Counseling (CareNet) • The Center for Congregational Health Their mission statement authentically represents who they are: The Division of Pastoral Care offers ministries of growth, hope, and healing in the Spirit of Christ. Learn more at www1.wfubmc.edu/pastoral_care/.

Baptist Retirement Homes of North Carolina - Founded in 1951, Baptist Retirement Homes of North Carolina, Incorporated (BRH) is one of North Carolina’s most respected providers of long-term care. With four long-term care facilities located throughout the state, BRH provides all levels of care for Older Adults, including special programs for Older Adults with dementia-related disorders like Alzheimer’s Disease. Their mission: Making life for older adults the best of times. Learn more at www.brh.org.

Reaching Out to Those in Need

by LaCount Anderson, CBF Global Field Personnel and member of the CBFNC Wealth and Poverty Task Force For months, the Lord has been speaking to me concerning helping the people in Halifax county to receive needed food. In our county, one of the poorest in NC, there just doesn’t seem to be enough money to make it through the month. I have watched people come into The Union Mission in Roanoke Rapids for months now. Large groups of meal recipients gather toward the end of the month for the daily evening meal. As we distribute food, there just never seems to be enough to meet the needs.

A community garden has been on my mind as well. I had been reading about such gardens happening all over the nation and wondered if it might work in Halifax County. One Sunday as I was teaching my Sunday school class, I casually mentioned the idea as an example of evangelism. The idea is to put together a garden devoted to giving the produce to people who need it. After Sunday school, two men approached me and offered four acres of ground and their willingness to use their expertise. The Sunday school class took it on as a project, and, as I am writing these words, we have four acres

of produce planted. It will be up to our class and other interested individuals to work this garden and harvest the produce. We will be working with another church in the community to distribute the food as it is available.

I am pleased to be serving as a CBF Global Field Personnel in North Carolina. My home is in Scotland Neck, located in the northeastern part of our state. My new assignment at CBF is to work with hunger issues and assist with homeless ministries. Currently I am assisting The Union Mission of Roanoke Rapids and Faith House in Enfield. These two shelters aid the homeless as well as distribute meals and food daily. We are busy in Scotland Neck with the Community Garden.

I am anxious to help CBF churches be the presence of Christ in their own community. I believe our churches want to reach out to the homeless and those in need. It is my belief that we are sometimes fearful and perhaps just don’t know how to approach the task. I am anxious to help your church think about ministry in your own neighborhood. Get in touch! You can reach me at 877826-0008 (toll free) or landerson@thefellowship.info.

Learn more about CBFNC and Wealth and Poverty at www.cbfnc.org.

The Gathering – September/October 2009 • 7

Fresh Voices Lead CBF General Assembly to Explore Concepts of Diversity, Hospitality

The 19th annual Cooperative Baptist Fellowship General Assembly began Thursday, July 2, focusing on the theme “Embrace the World: Welcome to Your Neighborhood” and during worship explored the ideas of diversity and hospitality as Christian practices.

Julie Merritt, pastor of Providence Baptist Church in Hendersonville, N.C., described love as an action. She urged the audience to move from what they know is right to actually doing it.

“What Jesus is calling us to is living with and among people that are different from us, actually getting to know them – meeting their needs but not seeing them as a need, but one of us,” said Merritt. “In short, we are to love in particular not in general.

Loving in general is easy and cheap. But loving in particular requires more of us.

We don’t just feed the hungry. We sit down with those who are hungry, and recognize our own hunger. We sit down and share a meal together, share a conversation and thus share a holy space.”

In the morning business session, CBF moderator Jack Glasgow, pastor of Zebulon Baptist Church in Zebulon, N.C., reflected on the Fellowship’s past year, which included the relocation of the CBF Resource Center and the recognition of new strategic priorities.

“Let us celebrate our connections, strengthen our partnerships, step up our encouragement, accelerate our commitment, and rejoice in our relationships,” Glasgow said. “Like the post exilic community in Jerusalem, there is joy that can be found in a work of renewal and rebuilding. Let us find that joy and passion and renew our commitment to one another.

The joy we find will be the strength for our future.”

In his executive coordinator’s report Friday morning, CBF’s Daniel Vestal reflected on what holds the Fellowship together – common values, love of freedom, community and participation in God’s

Pastor Julie Merritt. Photo courtesy of CBF

Photo courtesy of CBF

Compiled from reports by Patricia Heys, Bob Perkins and Carla Wynn Davis, CBF Communications

mission. As the Fellowship approaches its 20th Assembly, Vestal encouraged Fellowship Baptists to embrace the grace and providence “working in and through us.”

More than 1,600 Fellowship Baptists attended the two-day event in Houston, Texas, July 2-3, 2009.

North Carolinians enjoy a lively presentation during the state meeting.

CBF is offering a FREE MP3 New Testament on disc to every man, woman and child in a Fellowship church who agrees to engage in listening to God’s Word. The Fellowship is asking churches to designate a 40-day period during 2010 to participate in this transformational ministry. This program is carried out in partnership with Faith Comes By Hearing thanks to a generous grant from a CBF-supportive foundation. Our prayer is that you will help us by supporting the audio Bible program for people groups among whom CBF field personnel work. To speak to a representative of Faith Comes by Hearing about this program, call (800) 545-6552.

8 • The Gathering – September/October 2009

KIDS HOPE Gives Congregation New Life Glimpses of Missional Faithfulness Across Our State

by Linda Brinson, lay person of First Baptist Church, Madison

A third grade class at Dillard Elementary which includes two KIDS HOPE children.

When a Kid’s Hope USA volunteer from First Baptist Church of Madison walks down the hall at Dillard Elementary School, children tug at his sleeve and try to hug him. The volunteer returns the friendly greetings, but he heads on to the classroom where he’s going to see his special child.

When he walks in, that little girl’s eyes light up. She knew he’d be there; he comes at least once every week, just to help her.

First, Madison had seen its congregation age and dwindle. Many of those who grew up in the once-lively youth programs moved away and raised families elsewhere. By the time the Rev. Dr. Charles (Chuck) McGathy retired from the U.S. Navy and took the job of pastor in the summer of 2006, the youth group had only a few members, and no young children attended regularly.

Knowing that a vibrant children’s ministry was essential for the long-term health of the church, McGathy prayed that God would help him find a way to revitalize the church’s programs. When he attended the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship General Assembly in Washington, D.C., in June 2007, his prayer was answered. He learned about KIDS HOPE USA, a national organization founded in 1993 to help churches give hope to at-risk children in public elementary schools.

One church partners with one school. Church members participate as mentors, substitute mentors, prayer partners and director. Each mentor agrees to develop a relationship with one child, meeting with him or her at least one hour a week. Mentors tutor the children, show interest in them, eat lunch with them -- whatever the child needs. Their mission is through deeds and example.

Some might have thought Dr. McGathy to be overly ambitious in trying to start a KIDS HOPE program at a small church in a small town.

Most participating churches have larger congregations than First Madison and more than one minister on staff.

There were, however, many reasons to move ahead. The children’s needs

were obvious. In Madison, as in other communities, many children live in poverty. Many have only one parent in the home. The high-school graduation rate is troubling.

First Baptist’s needs -- to revive its congregation through missions and to get children more involved in the church – were obvious, too.

When Rev. McGathy challenged the congregation, the response was heartening. Seven people stepped forward to be the first mentors -- nearly 10 percent of the church’s average Sunday attendance at that time.

Even more participated this past school year. Some are bringing the children to Bible school this summer. When school starts in the fall, 12 or 13 KIDS HOPE mentors will be back at Dillard School.

The effort has helped to bring some new members -- and more children -- to church. Through KIDS HOPE and a variety of other efforts, the church has gotten out the word that it cares about children of all races and backgrounds.

KIDS HOPE has been great for the mentors, too.

Almost all of them say they suspect that it does them more good than it does the children. They feel blessed to have found a way to make a difference in the life of a child. The school’s teachers and administrators are grateful, and are on the lookout for more children who could benefit from a mentor.

And the children offer success stories, large and small. Take Makita, for example.

She lives with her grandparents. When she was in second grade, Makita felt that no one cared about her. She would barely speak, and her schoolwork suffered. After Mr. R. from First Baptist, a retired school principal, became her KIDS HOPE pal, things began to turn around. At the end of third grade, she passed all her state tests. She basked in the attention from Mr. R. and from the other children whenever he visited. She talks so much now that it’s almost a problem, but the teacher doesn’t mind. Makita is a happy, confident little girl.

This church has found that helping children in need in its community has blessed individual church members, and that this missional effort has given the congregation new energy and purpose.

“[Our] church has gotten out the word that it cares about children of all races and backgrounds.”

Visit www.cbfnc.org to read other Missional stories or to find the CBF booklet Glimpses of Missional Faithfulness. Learn about KIDS HOPE at www. kidshopeusa.org.

The Gathering – September/October 2009

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CBFNC News

Here’s a peek...visit www.cbfnc.org in October and find some necessary and exciting changes!

And did you know you can follow CBFNC and stay informed through these web services...?

Facebook

join the group CBFNC become a fan of CBFNC

YouTube

www.youtube.com/cbfnc

Twitter

twitter.com/cbfnc

New Contributing CBFNC Partner Churches (As of July 31, 2009)

Rose Hill, Rose Hill

Enews

subscribe at www.cbfnc.org

CBFNC and New Church Starts

First, Arden (New MRP* Contributor) First, Huntersville (Formerly CBF only) Knightdale, Knightdale (New MRP* Contributor) Pauline, Four Oaks (New MRP* Contributor) West Side, Winston-Salem *Mission Resource Plan - visit www.cbfnc.org to learn more.

Ministers on the Move

Compiled by Jack Causey, Ministerial Resources Coordinator

Due to a computer malfunction, Ministers on the Move will return in the next edition.

When you make a move or know of someone who has changed places of ministry, let us know at jcausey@cbfnc.org. For vocational placement or search committee requests, visit our vocations page on our website at www.cbfnc.org or call 888-822-1944.

Happy 5th CBFNC Anniversary to Executive Coordinator, Larry Hovis!

10 • The Gathering – September/October 2009

Like all churches, new church starts covet your prayers. However, there are specific needs they have that you can pray for. Find a new church start prayer guide at www.cbfnc.org.

Upcoming CBFNC events you don’t want to miss!

Community College Conversation - WNC September 18, 2009 10 am - 2 pm First Baptist Church, Marion

Youth Ministry Summit II

Untapped resources exist for young adults who are not on anyone’s radar community colleges right in our own backyards. Come brainstorm with CBFNC on how to reach out to this unique population of students who have many things on their plates, yet experience a great sense of isolation.

An eastern conversation will be offered in the spring.

Agenda includes: ~ developing a mission statement for CBFNC youth ministry ~ exploring and determining themes for the next several years of CBFNC youth ministry ~ exploring the idea of regionalism

Cost: $10 per person for lunch. Register at www.cbfnc.org by September 16.

5th Annual CBFNC Children’s Choir Festival Saturday, February 20, 2010 First Baptist Church, High Point For children in grades 4-6

and the 6th Annual CBFNC Youth Choir Festival March 5-6, 2010 First Baptist Church, Greensboro Register and find the repertoires at www.cbfnc.org.

November 5, 2009 10 am - 2 pm Peace Haven BC, Winston-Salem

We would like participation from youth ministers, pastors, and lay leaders who have been active as well as those who are new to CBFNC events.

If you attended the first summit in May, we would like your attendance again. If you had to miss it but are free this time, please come!

The meeting will be facilitated by Chris Gambill of the Center for Congregational Health.

Register at www.cbfnc.org.

Youth Ski Retreats

January 22-24 or January 29-31, 2010 Winterplace, WV The 2010 retreat programming is sure to be new, relevant and impacting!

CBFNC Children’s Missions Days November 7 ~ First Baptist, Hickory November 14 ~ Forest Hills, Raleigh

Cost is $162 per person. Register with CTI Adventures at 800-285-7273 or twilson@skicti.com.

Visit www.cbfnc.org for more details.

9:30 am - 3:00 pm ~ for children in grades 1-6 Activities include: games, drama, cooking, crafts/art, mission project, worship and stories from CBF Field Personnel Cost: $15 per child and adult. Limited to 200 per site.

Deadline to register is October 9.

Registration will be live at www.cbfnc.org beginning August 28.

The Gathering – September/October 2009 • 11

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

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Upcoming Events ~ September/October Edition Youth White Water Rafting Retreat September 5-7, 2009 Asheville, NC Southeast Youth Ministers’ Retreat September 14-16, 2009 Lake Junaluska, NC Registration and details at www.cbfofsc.org.

Coaching Conference September 15, 2009 CBFNC Offices, Winston-Salem, NC Registration and details at www.cbfnc.org.

Community College Conversation September 18, 2009 First Baptist Church, Marion See page 11. Registration and details at www.cbfnc.org.

Youth Fall Retreat September 25-27, 2009 Myrtle Beach, SC Registration and details at www.cbfnc.org.

College Fall Missional Retreat October 2-4, 2009

Western - Jackson County, NC or Eastern - Grifton, NC See page 5. Registration and details at www.cbfnc.org.

Missions Initiative - Western October 2-4 - Jackson County, NC Rain date: October 9-11 October 16-18 - Polk County, NC Rain date: October 30-November 1 See page 5. Registration and details at www.cbfnc.org.

Fellowship on the Move Tour October 5 - Chowan University October 6 - Wingate University October 13 - Wake Forest University October 19 - Meredith College October 20 - Campbell University October 26 - Mars Hill College October 29 - Gardner-Webb University See page 3. Registration and details at www.cbfnc.org.

Youth Ministry Summit II November 5, 2009 Peace Haven BC, Winston-Salem See page 11. Registration and details at www.cbfnc.org.

Children’s Missions Days November 7 - Hickory, NC November 14 - Raleigh, NC See page 11. Registration and details at www.cbfnc.org.

Youth Ski Retreats January 22-24, 2010 or January 29-31, 2010 Winterplace, WV See page 11. Registration with CTI Adventures at 800-285-7273 or twilson@skicti.com.

Children’s Choir Festival February 20, 2010 First Baptist Church, High Point See page 11. Registration and details at www.cbfnc.org.

Youth Choir Festival March 5-6, 2010 First Baptist Church, Greensboro See page 11. Registration and details at www.cbfnc.org.

CBFNC General Assembly March 19-20, 2010 First Baptist Church, Winston-Salem Follow www.cbfnc.org for more soon.

The Gathering is published six times a year. All questions may be directed to Natalie Aho, 888-822-1944 or naho@cbfnc.org. For story submissions, contact Natalie Aho for requirements and newsletter deadlines.