From Our Director of Missions
Vol. XXXXIII
April 2013
No. 4
From Our Director of Missions The North American Mission Board (NAMB) annually designates one week in May as Associational Missions Emphasis Week or Week of Prayer for Associational Missions. It is about this time each year that I am reminded that there are yet many Southern Baptists who know very little about the ministry of Associational Missions. So...to help every Southern Baptist within the sound of my voice, (or, in this case, the sight of this article), better understand the mission and ministry of the Baptist Association, as it is applicable and being carried out by the Aiken Baptist Association (ABA), allow me to briefly elaborate on these points. First of all, let me clarify the purpose or the mission of the Association. “The purpose of this Association shall be the promotion of fellowship among the individual churches; the extension of the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ by evangelism and other means; and the encouragement and enlistment of churches to promote missions, education, and benevolence as fostered by the South Carolina Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention” (as cited in the Constitution of theABA). While this statement may sound very missional and quite official in nature, the real question will be, “What does all this mean in practical, (not to mention, realistic) terms?” Most likely, the simplest way to narrow the purpose and ministry of the ABA is to cite some specific examples of the mission and ministry of the Aiken Baptist Association. As an Association, our ministry falls into four basic categories: Education Development, Missions Development, Congregational Support, and Ministry to Pastors. In terms of education development, the ABA is available to provide leadership training for Sunday School personnel and for Vacation Bible School workshops. If the Bible study ministry of the local church is going to be expansive for God’s Kingdom, there must be continual leadership training in these areas. Closely akin to education ministry is training in the areas of deacon ministry, (the operative word being, ministry), church clerk training, and finance ministry training within the local church. Missions ministry development is a huge part of Associational ministry. Under the umbrella stands three key areas: the annual missions/evangelism conference, the encouragement to local congregations’ personal, hands-on involvement in missions, and actively engaging in missions in the Association. Each year, (usually in August), we plan for and conduct a missions/ evangelism awareness event. The specific nature of that event will vary from year to year. For example, in 2008, we conducted an evangelism conference utilizing evangelists from the SC Evangelist Conference. In 2009, we conducted a four-day prayer conference led by Gregory Frizzel wherein we emphasized the necessity, if not essentiality, of prayer in missions and evangelism. In 2010, we changed the missions/evangelism format to a world missions awareness conference format in which four of our churches hosted missionaries from IMB, NAMB, SC Missions, and local missions emphases. In 2011, we celebrated Jesus in evangelism and missions with Dr. Frank Page and Dr. Jim Henry. The major emphasis for that year was personal involvement in evangelism and missions. This past year (2012), we focused on embracing the ends of the earth through evangelism and missions in which four key figures in evangelism and missions of the SC Baptist Convention and the SBC challenged our churches to move beyond their doors with the Gospel. This year we will focus on "Reaching Beyond Our Boundaries", the theme adopted as the umbrella under which everything we do as an Association. During the Reaching Beyond our Boundaries World Missions Celebration in August, several of our IMB missionaries will be sharing information concerning the work of Southern Baptists around the world. Dr. Kevin Ezell, President of NAMB will open this celebration on Sunday evening,August 25th.
Page 2
BAPTIST BEACON THE BAPTIST BEACON (USPS 041-840)
Published Monthly by The Aiken Baptist Association, Inc. U.S. 1 (Augusta-Aiken Road) Graniteville, South Carolina 29829 Phone (803) 648-0204 or (803) 278-1376 POSTMASTER : Send address changes to THE BAPTIST BEACON P.O. Box 397 Graniteville, SC 29829 Periodicals Postage Paid at Graniteville, SC 29829 and additional mailings offices. Dr. Jim Diehl.................................................. Editor Mrs. Annette Allen........................Managing Editor ASSOCIATIONAL OFFICERS Moderator............................................ James Young Moderator-Elect.................................. Darrell Engle Clerk/Treasurer...........................Mrs. Annette Allen Assistant Treasurer............................. Michael Dyar
Visit Our Website at: www.aikenbaptistassociation.org
as you pray church/churches of the week Aiken Association recognizes the following “church and/or churches of the week” We ask that you and your church pray for each church during the specified week.
April 22-28 River of Life Pastor John Zimmermann and Staff April 29-May 5 Ridgeview Pastor Jesse Goldman and Staff May 6-12 Burnettown First Staff May 13-19 Calvary Pastor James Young and Staff May 20-26 Cedar Creek Pastor Phillip Lee and Staff May 27-June 2 Central Pastor Buddy Brinkley and Staff
April 2013
Personal involvement in missions is continually being encouraged throughout our Aiken Association. Realizing that many of our congregations do not have the means (personnel and finances) to plan and implement a mission trip, we encourage these churches to band together in our Associational partnership through the Appalachian Region Ministry of the NAMB. Over the past five years, we have seen as many as fifteen churches participate in this partnership as Associational “missionaries” who willingly used their gifts and abilities for the spreading of the Gospel in Garrett, KY. The participants of these congregations have been perpetuated by the personal involvement of pastors of these same churches. Each year, the number of pastors going on these mission trips has increased. This year, our focus will be on Huntersville, WV as we partner with the First Baptist Church of Huntersville. This mission event is scheduled for July 13-19. Congregational ministry support is another area of the Associational ministry through which we assist pastors and churches to work through issues such as conflict, assistance in securing pulpit supply pastors, interim pastors, and training opportunities for pastor search committees. Along with this area of Associational ministry is the ministry to pastors wherein personal support is given to pastors. This is Aiken Associational Missions Ministry in action... encouraging people and providing opportunities for personal involvement in missions through the local congregations. This is what we are emphasizing during the week of prayer forAssociational Missions May 19-26.
As always I count it a joy to serve the Lord as your Director of Missions for the Aiken Baptist Association.
Your co-laborer in Christ, Bro. Jim ASSOCIATIONAL FOOD AND CLOTHES DRIVE FOR WEST VIRGINIA PARTNERSHIP We are requesting the following items for the “Kidz Closet” for our mission trip: • Book Bags, Notebooks, Scissors, Rulers, Glue, Glue Sticks • Pencils, Crayons, Markers, Colored Pencils • Personal care items (toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, hair brushes, chap stick, soap, shampoo) • Gloves, Winter Hats, Socks, new and gently used Winter Coats (all sizes) • Hair Bows, Ponytail Holders, Tissues • Gently used clothing (especially jeans for sizes 0-24 months up to youth size 18) • Cash donations for New Children/Youth Tennis Shoes (Please specify for shoes) Items for Give-away Downtown: Non-perishable food items, baby wipes, diapers, gently used clothing (birth to adult) (All items are to be boxed, taped and labeled as to contents. This makes distribution easier. Donation deadline is Friday, June 28th.) Please check the association website or contact the office for information about drop off points.
April 2013
BAPTIST BEACON
Happy Birthday The following Pastors in our Association have a April Birthday during the month of April and May: 21 - Rev. Buddy Brinkley, Central 26 - Rev. Jack Scott, Southside May 10 - Rev. Arthur Zawislak, Warrenville First 18 - Rev. Eric Kincaid, Lighthouse
Page 3
f o r e d n e Cal Events
April 23 - Ministers Conference, Aiken Baptist Center, 11:00 AM 26 - “Protecting Our Children” Conference, Clearwater First, 1:30 PM - 4:00PM 30 Ministers Conference, Aiken Baptist The following Pastors in our Association have a Wedding Anniversary during the month of April and May: Center, 11:00 AM April 30 Quarterly Business Meeting, Pine Forest, 24 - Rev. and Mrs. Steven (Tina) Drawdy, Solid Rock 7:00 PM May May 8 - Rev. and Mrs. David (Gena) Palmer, Hillcrest 5 - Senior Adult Sunday 9 - Rev. and Mrs. Ron (Margie) Doss, Pine Forest 7 - Ministers Conference, Aiken Baptist 15 - Rev. and Mrs. John (Susan) Meyer, Belvedere First Center, 11:00 AM 20 - Rev. and Mrs. Buddy (Melody) Brinkley, Central 9 Fellowship of Retired Ministers, Aiken 22 - Rev. and Mrs. Herb (Kathleen) Sons, Bath First Baptist Center, 11:00 AM 12-18 - Christian Home Week 12 - Mother’s Day The following Pastors in our Association have a 14 - Ministers Conference, Aiken Baptist Pastoral Anniversary during the month of April: May Center, 11:00 AM 6 - Rev. Darrell Thompson begins his second year at 19-26 - Week of Prayer for Associatonal Missions Hollow Creek and the Tommy Knotts Missions Offering 15 - Rev. Bobby Paschall begins his third year at Windsor 21 - Ministers Conference, Aiken Baptist First Center, 11:00 AM 16 - Rev. Mike Bell begins his fourth year at Corinth 27 - Memorial Day (Aiken Baptist Center 30 - Rev. Stan Adams begins his fourth year at Mt. Beulah Closed)
Wedding Anniversary
Pastoral Anniversary
Joseph began as the Minister of Children and Youth at Clearwater First Baptist Church on June 1, 2012.
ASSOCIATIONAL
Rev. Joseph Thomas QUARTERLY BUSINESS MEETING graduated from Anderson University in December Tuesday, April 30, 2013 ▪ 7:00 PM 2012 with a Masters in Ministry Degree. PINE FOREST BAPTIST CHURCH ▪ 2829 PINE LOG ROAD
He is married to the former Leah Mock, and they have a son, Jonah.
(PLEASE NOTE LOCATION CHANGE!!) Everyone is invited to attend, However, only elected messengers may vote on business matters.
JUST A REMINDER!!!!!
WEEK OF PRAYER FOR ASSOCIATIONAL MISSIONS AND THE TOMMY KNOTTS MISSIONS OFFERING
The BAPTIST BEACON is available electronically. If you would like to receive the E-Beacon, please contact the Association Office (648-0204 or 278-1376) or e-mail Annette at [email protected].
MAY 19-26, 2013 MAY 28, 2013 Offering Goal: $10,000.00
Page 4
BAPTIST BEACON
April 2013
TREASURER’S REPORT (January 1, 2013 – February 28, 2013) Aiken First $ 82.43 Bath First 0 Beech Island First 500.01 Beech Island Second 503.37 Bel-Ridge 1,253.70 Believer’s Worship 0 Belvedere First 1,555.49 Bethel 455.31 Burnettown First 200.00 Calvary 468.50 Cedar Creek 0 Central 119.64 Chime Bell 200.00 Christ Church 0 Clear Water Branch 0 Clearwater First 2,044.00 Corinth 767.00 Cornerstone 235.88 Couchton 175.00 Darien 0 East Side 0 Edisto 0 Eureka First 100.00 Fellowship of Truth 200.00 Foreman Memorial 750.00 Gloverville First 658.00 Good Hope 315.00 Graniteville First 300.00 Green Pond 589.15 Highland Pines 312.67 Hillcrest 0 Hillview 250.00 His Way Fellowship 0 Hollow Creek 1,390.82 Howlandville 429.37 Iglesia Bautista Cristo te Ama 0
Immanuel $ 740.38 Jackson First 582.05 Langley First 437.36 Levels 447.33 Lighthouse 0 Little Horse Creek 524.40 Matlock 1,542.00 Memorial 261.48 Mid-Valley 70.80 Millbrook 2,000.00 Montmorenci First 382.61 Mount Beulah 0 North Augusta First 1,000.00 Pine Forest 0 Pine Grove 255.13 Pineview 0 Redds Branch 0 Ridgeview 0 River of Life 0 Shaws Fork 0 Shiloh 975.82 Solid Rock 237.89 Sonshine Community 0 South Aiken 372.88 Southside 0 Spring Branch 0 Stiefeltown 655.28 Sweetwater 2,140.77 Talatha 350.00 Town Creek 400.00 True North 0 Vaucluse First 412.75 Warrenville First 100.00 White Pond 0 Windsor First 0 Woodridge 558.68 TOTAL $ 28,302.95
Balance in Checking Account January 1, 2013 Receipts: Churches for Budget $ 28,302.95 State-Association Assistance 1,260.00 Designated Funds 4,970.94 Total Receipts Total Funds to Account for – Budget and Designated Total Expended – Budget and Designated Balance in Checking Account February 28, 2013
$14,902.07
34,533.89 $ 49,435.96 37,040.87 $ 12,395.09
(Please Note: Contributions received after the 5th of the month will be shown on the following month)
April 2013
No. 4
From Our Director of Missions The North American Mission Board (NAMB) annually designates one week in May as Associational Missions Emphasis Week or Week of Prayer for Associational Missions. It is about this time each year that I am reminded that there are yet many Southern Baptists who know very little about the ministry of Associational Missions. So...to help every Southern Baptist within the sound of my voice, (or, in this case, the sight of this article), better understand the mission and ministry of the Baptist Association, as it is applicable and being carried out by the Aiken Baptist Association (ABA), allow me to briefly elaborate on these points. First of all, let me clarify the purpose or the mission of the Association. “The purpose of this Association shall be the promotion of fellowship among the individual churches; the extension of the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ by evangelism and other means; and the encouragement and enlistment of churches to promote missions, education, and benevolence as fostered by the South Carolina Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention” (as cited in the Constitution of theABA). While this statement may sound very missional and quite official in nature, the real question will be, “What does all this mean in practical, (not to mention, realistic) terms?” Most likely, the simplest way to narrow the purpose and ministry of the ABA is to cite some specific examples of the mission and ministry of the Aiken Baptist Association. As an Association, our ministry falls into four basic categories: Education Development, Missions Development, Congregational Support, and Ministry to Pastors. In terms of education development, the ABA is available to provide leadership training for Sunday School personnel and for Vacation Bible School workshops. If the Bible study ministry of the local church is going to be expansive for God’s Kingdom, there must be continual leadership training in these areas. Closely akin to education ministry is training in the areas of deacon ministry, (the operative word being, ministry), church clerk training, and finance ministry training within the local church. Missions ministry development is a huge part of Associational ministry. Under the umbrella stands three key areas: the annual missions/evangelism conference, the encouragement to local congregations’ personal, hands-on involvement in missions, and actively engaging in missions in the Association. Each year, (usually in August), we plan for and conduct a missions/ evangelism awareness event. The specific nature of that event will vary from year to year. For example, in 2008, we conducted an evangelism conference utilizing evangelists from the SC Evangelist Conference. In 2009, we conducted a four-day prayer conference led by Gregory Frizzel wherein we emphasized the necessity, if not essentiality, of prayer in missions and evangelism. In 2010, we changed the missions/evangelism format to a world missions awareness conference format in which four of our churches hosted missionaries from IMB, NAMB, SC Missions, and local missions emphases. In 2011, we celebrated Jesus in evangelism and missions with Dr. Frank Page and Dr. Jim Henry. The major emphasis for that year was personal involvement in evangelism and missions. This past year (2012), we focused on embracing the ends of the earth through evangelism and missions in which four key figures in evangelism and missions of the SC Baptist Convention and the SBC challenged our churches to move beyond their doors with the Gospel. This year we will focus on "Reaching Beyond Our Boundaries", the theme adopted as the umbrella under which everything we do as an Association. During the Reaching Beyond our Boundaries World Missions Celebration in August, several of our IMB missionaries will be sharing information concerning the work of Southern Baptists around the world. Dr. Kevin Ezell, President of NAMB will open this celebration on Sunday evening,August 25th.
Page 2
BAPTIST BEACON THE BAPTIST BEACON (USPS 041-840)
Published Monthly by The Aiken Baptist Association, Inc. U.S. 1 (Augusta-Aiken Road) Graniteville, South Carolina 29829 Phone (803) 648-0204 or (803) 278-1376 POSTMASTER : Send address changes to THE BAPTIST BEACON P.O. Box 397 Graniteville, SC 29829 Periodicals Postage Paid at Graniteville, SC 29829 and additional mailings offices. Dr. Jim Diehl.................................................. Editor Mrs. Annette Allen........................Managing Editor ASSOCIATIONAL OFFICERS Moderator............................................ James Young Moderator-Elect.................................. Darrell Engle Clerk/Treasurer...........................Mrs. Annette Allen Assistant Treasurer............................. Michael Dyar
Visit Our Website at: www.aikenbaptistassociation.org
as you pray church/churches of the week Aiken Association recognizes the following “church and/or churches of the week” We ask that you and your church pray for each church during the specified week.
April 22-28 River of Life Pastor John Zimmermann and Staff April 29-May 5 Ridgeview Pastor Jesse Goldman and Staff May 6-12 Burnettown First Staff May 13-19 Calvary Pastor James Young and Staff May 20-26 Cedar Creek Pastor Phillip Lee and Staff May 27-June 2 Central Pastor Buddy Brinkley and Staff
April 2013
Personal involvement in missions is continually being encouraged throughout our Aiken Association. Realizing that many of our congregations do not have the means (personnel and finances) to plan and implement a mission trip, we encourage these churches to band together in our Associational partnership through the Appalachian Region Ministry of the NAMB. Over the past five years, we have seen as many as fifteen churches participate in this partnership as Associational “missionaries” who willingly used their gifts and abilities for the spreading of the Gospel in Garrett, KY. The participants of these congregations have been perpetuated by the personal involvement of pastors of these same churches. Each year, the number of pastors going on these mission trips has increased. This year, our focus will be on Huntersville, WV as we partner with the First Baptist Church of Huntersville. This mission event is scheduled for July 13-19. Congregational ministry support is another area of the Associational ministry through which we assist pastors and churches to work through issues such as conflict, assistance in securing pulpit supply pastors, interim pastors, and training opportunities for pastor search committees. Along with this area of Associational ministry is the ministry to pastors wherein personal support is given to pastors. This is Aiken Associational Missions Ministry in action... encouraging people and providing opportunities for personal involvement in missions through the local congregations. This is what we are emphasizing during the week of prayer forAssociational Missions May 19-26.
As always I count it a joy to serve the Lord as your Director of Missions for the Aiken Baptist Association.
Your co-laborer in Christ, Bro. Jim ASSOCIATIONAL FOOD AND CLOTHES DRIVE FOR WEST VIRGINIA PARTNERSHIP We are requesting the following items for the “Kidz Closet” for our mission trip: • Book Bags, Notebooks, Scissors, Rulers, Glue, Glue Sticks • Pencils, Crayons, Markers, Colored Pencils • Personal care items (toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, hair brushes, chap stick, soap, shampoo) • Gloves, Winter Hats, Socks, new and gently used Winter Coats (all sizes) • Hair Bows, Ponytail Holders, Tissues • Gently used clothing (especially jeans for sizes 0-24 months up to youth size 18) • Cash donations for New Children/Youth Tennis Shoes (Please specify for shoes) Items for Give-away Downtown: Non-perishable food items, baby wipes, diapers, gently used clothing (birth to adult) (All items are to be boxed, taped and labeled as to contents. This makes distribution easier. Donation deadline is Friday, June 28th.) Please check the association website or contact the office for information about drop off points.
April 2013
BAPTIST BEACON
Happy Birthday The following Pastors in our Association have a April Birthday during the month of April and May: 21 - Rev. Buddy Brinkley, Central 26 - Rev. Jack Scott, Southside May 10 - Rev. Arthur Zawislak, Warrenville First 18 - Rev. Eric Kincaid, Lighthouse
Page 3
f o r e d n e Cal Events
April 23 - Ministers Conference, Aiken Baptist Center, 11:00 AM 26 - “Protecting Our Children” Conference, Clearwater First, 1:30 PM - 4:00PM 30 Ministers Conference, Aiken Baptist The following Pastors in our Association have a Wedding Anniversary during the month of April and May: Center, 11:00 AM April 30 Quarterly Business Meeting, Pine Forest, 24 - Rev. and Mrs. Steven (Tina) Drawdy, Solid Rock 7:00 PM May May 8 - Rev. and Mrs. David (Gena) Palmer, Hillcrest 5 - Senior Adult Sunday 9 - Rev. and Mrs. Ron (Margie) Doss, Pine Forest 7 - Ministers Conference, Aiken Baptist 15 - Rev. and Mrs. John (Susan) Meyer, Belvedere First Center, 11:00 AM 20 - Rev. and Mrs. Buddy (Melody) Brinkley, Central 9 Fellowship of Retired Ministers, Aiken 22 - Rev. and Mrs. Herb (Kathleen) Sons, Bath First Baptist Center, 11:00 AM 12-18 - Christian Home Week 12 - Mother’s Day The following Pastors in our Association have a 14 - Ministers Conference, Aiken Baptist Pastoral Anniversary during the month of April: May Center, 11:00 AM 6 - Rev. Darrell Thompson begins his second year at 19-26 - Week of Prayer for Associatonal Missions Hollow Creek and the Tommy Knotts Missions Offering 15 - Rev. Bobby Paschall begins his third year at Windsor 21 - Ministers Conference, Aiken Baptist First Center, 11:00 AM 16 - Rev. Mike Bell begins his fourth year at Corinth 27 - Memorial Day (Aiken Baptist Center 30 - Rev. Stan Adams begins his fourth year at Mt. Beulah Closed)
Wedding Anniversary
Pastoral Anniversary
Joseph began as the Minister of Children and Youth at Clearwater First Baptist Church on June 1, 2012.
ASSOCIATIONAL
Rev. Joseph Thomas QUARTERLY BUSINESS MEETING graduated from Anderson University in December Tuesday, April 30, 2013 ▪ 7:00 PM 2012 with a Masters in Ministry Degree. PINE FOREST BAPTIST CHURCH ▪ 2829 PINE LOG ROAD
He is married to the former Leah Mock, and they have a son, Jonah.
(PLEASE NOTE LOCATION CHANGE!!) Everyone is invited to attend, However, only elected messengers may vote on business matters.
JUST A REMINDER!!!!!
WEEK OF PRAYER FOR ASSOCIATIONAL MISSIONS AND THE TOMMY KNOTTS MISSIONS OFFERING
The BAPTIST BEACON is available electronically. If you would like to receive the E-Beacon, please contact the Association Office (648-0204 or 278-1376) or e-mail Annette at [email protected].
MAY 19-26, 2013 MAY 28, 2013 Offering Goal: $10,000.00
Page 4
BAPTIST BEACON
April 2013
TREASURER’S REPORT (January 1, 2013 – February 28, 2013) Aiken First $ 82.43 Bath First 0 Beech Island First 500.01 Beech Island Second 503.37 Bel-Ridge 1,253.70 Believer’s Worship 0 Belvedere First 1,555.49 Bethel 455.31 Burnettown First 200.00 Calvary 468.50 Cedar Creek 0 Central 119.64 Chime Bell 200.00 Christ Church 0 Clear Water Branch 0 Clearwater First 2,044.00 Corinth 767.00 Cornerstone 235.88 Couchton 175.00 Darien 0 East Side 0 Edisto 0 Eureka First 100.00 Fellowship of Truth 200.00 Foreman Memorial 750.00 Gloverville First 658.00 Good Hope 315.00 Graniteville First 300.00 Green Pond 589.15 Highland Pines 312.67 Hillcrest 0 Hillview 250.00 His Way Fellowship 0 Hollow Creek 1,390.82 Howlandville 429.37 Iglesia Bautista Cristo te Ama 0
Immanuel $ 740.38 Jackson First 582.05 Langley First 437.36 Levels 447.33 Lighthouse 0 Little Horse Creek 524.40 Matlock 1,542.00 Memorial 261.48 Mid-Valley 70.80 Millbrook 2,000.00 Montmorenci First 382.61 Mount Beulah 0 North Augusta First 1,000.00 Pine Forest 0 Pine Grove 255.13 Pineview 0 Redds Branch 0 Ridgeview 0 River of Life 0 Shaws Fork 0 Shiloh 975.82 Solid Rock 237.89 Sonshine Community 0 South Aiken 372.88 Southside 0 Spring Branch 0 Stiefeltown 655.28 Sweetwater 2,140.77 Talatha 350.00 Town Creek 400.00 True North 0 Vaucluse First 412.75 Warrenville First 100.00 White Pond 0 Windsor First 0 Woodridge 558.68 TOTAL $ 28,302.95
Balance in Checking Account January 1, 2013 Receipts: Churches for Budget $ 28,302.95 State-Association Assistance 1,260.00 Designated Funds 4,970.94 Total Receipts Total Funds to Account for – Budget and Designated Total Expended – Budget and Designated Balance in Checking Account February 28, 2013
$14,902.07
34,533.89 $ 49,435.96 37,040.87 $ 12,395.09
(Please Note: Contributions received after the 5th of the month will be shown on the following month)
