CRBA Update Sept. 6, 2023

CRBA UPDATE                                                             September 6 , 2023     Christmas is approaching, and we are busy preparing for our 29th Annual Toy Store ministry to bless Burke County families in need. One of the things we provide is a handmade stocking for each child in the family. Therefore, we need your help. If you can sew, we need your help in finishing 500 additional stockings before December. If you can help us with this great task please come by, pick up the fabric and pattern, and start sewing for Jesus. Your help is greatly appreciated. Also, if your church has not yet picked up a toy collection box, please get yours today.   All Ministers’ Wives are invited to Timberwoods on Sept. 7th at 5:30 for a time of Fellowship and Encouragement.  The meal will be Dutch Treat.  We look forward to seeing you there!        Each of our CRBA churches have been sent this year’s Annual Church Profile Packet. If you have not received yours, please call our office ASAP and we will be happy to send an additional one to you. Please complete your ACP online or bring it by your CRBA office by October 9th.  Your help is greatly appreciated. The information collected on the ACP tells several important ministry stories. It tells a congregation’s story and allows the church to keep a history of leadership and statistics. As one person has said, “This history is helpful when churches look at their own trendlines, introduce a prospective new pastor to their church, and when they seek outside financing”. The ACP also tells the story of local associations, state conventions, and the SBC as a whole. The ACP gives a quick summary of who we are as Southern Baptists. The ACP statistics survey and leadership profile answers, who and how many individuals, congregations and associations are connected through our convention. However, when fewer congregations participate, it’s difficult to paint a clear picture of our effectiveness as well as the needs of our churches.   We want to encourage each of our congregations to participate in the Annual Church Profile this year because every church is important! Again, please complete your ACP by October 9, 2023.   In this class, Dr. Steve Mathews (pastor of United Baptist) will lead the study of the minor prophets, including the context of these books in the Old Testament, prophetic themes, theological message, and practical applications.

Here is the link to the registration page: https://baptistsonmission.org/bom/armenia/armenia-ar-24-02/6450.   You can also go to: http://baptistsonmission.org/missions/outside-us/armenia if you prefer. Our Team is AR 24-02 (You may have to place your cursor over the link, and hold down your Control button while left-clicking to get it to open.) The Team Name is Catawba.  You can also find your project by going to Mission Projects/Outside US/Armenia from any page on the website. Scroll to the bottom of the Armenia Partnership Page and then find and click on your project (the Details/Register button). You will need to either sign in or create a new volunteer account to add to the team. You must have your passport to register.   Once on our project page, it should ask you to sign in or create an account. IF YOU ARE A NEW USER (or YOUR EMAIL IS NOT RECOGNIZED ON THE NEW BAPIST ON MISSION SITE) simply create a new account. Once you have, go back to the homepage and find your project by clicking (Mission Projects/Outside US/Armenia). Projects are listed at the bottom of the Armenia Partnership page. Once you have either signed in (updated your password, etc.) or created a new account: 1. Click “1” at the bottom of your project page where it asks you to “Choose Quantity”. Then click the “Continue” button. It should take you to a second page. 2. The second page should ask you to put in your “team name”. Click “Continue”. 3. The third page should present your account information (general, passport, etc.) for verification. If anything on your account is unfinished, it may require you to complete it. Once you have, click the “Register” button. 4. You will be taken to a “Thank You” page. Please read it carefully.  (You will also receive an e-mail with the same information you see on the “Thank You” page.) Let your team leader (Robby Smith) or our office know if you have any problems or have any questions, and thank you for your service in Armenia!     Our Associational churches are very excited to host our 29th Annual Toy Store for those in need in Burke County. To help fund this important ministry we host an annual benefit golf tournament. As part of the tournament, we encourage churches and businesses to become hole sponsors. Hole sponsorships are from $100 to $500. If you, your church, or your business would like to sponsor a hole please scan the above QR code or call our CRBA office. This is a wonderful opportunity to bless 800 children and their families   Please be in prayer for Set Free Christian Fellowship as they plan to launch services for the community beginning September 10th at our CRBA office in Morganton. This (SBC) church will focus on men and women who have been incarcerated at some point in life. If you know of someone who is looking or in need of this type of church, please share this opportunity with them. The schedule will be: Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. Worship at 10:30 a.m. This is a new church plant being started by El Bethel Baptist and supported by several other CRBA churches.   Local Mission Opportunities We have been contacted by a senior adult who is struggling with cancer and needs help getting her lawn mowed.  She lives on Grandview Ave. in Morganton.  If you or your church can help, please contact our office (828) 437-0137 for more information. We have been contacted by a social worker for a disabled veteran on Crystal Creek Rd. in Morganton.  He is in need of someone to come out and connect an existing septic tank to his home.  If you or your church are able to help with this need please contact us at (828) 437-0137. An elderly lady in Morganton is in need of a roof patch to keep the water out of her home.  If you are able to assist with this need please call us at (828) 437-0137. J. Iverson Riddle is looking for volunteers to push wheelchair residents to and from chapel services.  For more information contact 828-608-6212     Out of the Box (Creative Ideas for Reaching the Unchurched for Christ)   3 Evangelistic Ideas for Fall (Ideas from the North American Mission Board)   Summer is winding down, and fall is just around the corner, so it is a great time for your church to start thinking about fall outreach events. Families look for fun, seasonal things to do together, and an outreach event will help you connect with those in your community and share the hope of the gospel. Here are three fall outreach ideas:  1. Tailgate Party: Are you ready for some football? With the fall comes America’s favorite game! Set up a large outdoor screen on a lawn or in your church’s parking lot and encourage everyone to bring a friend to watch college football. Provide food and beverages or ask people to bring their own. Have “jersey day” and invite everyone to wear their favorite team’s jersey. Show an NFL game after church on a Sunday. Provide pizza and drinks. During halftime or after the game, present the gospel. 2. Trunk-or-Treat: On a tight budget? Here is an economical yet effective option. Offer a trunk-or-treat as a safer and less frightening option than traditional trick-or-treating. Invite families from the community to attend. Members of your church park in the parking lot, decorate the trunks of their vehicles and distribute candy and gospel tracts. Include an opportunity to present/hear the gospel at one of the vehicles. 3. Fall Festival: A fall festival has become a staple for many churches, so much so that many communities look forward to them annually. Include food, beverages, music, games, rides, competitions and more. Make it evangelistic by presenting the gospel. One easy way is to set up a prayer booth at the festival and equip prayer volunteers to share the gospel.   Whatever fall outreach opportunity you choose, leverage this season for the sake of the gospel!   CRBA Resource of the Week Our CRBA Generator is great for events such as summer Block Parties as well as Fall events, and it is available to any of our CRBA churches for church and outreach events. To reserve it for your next event, please call the CRBA office at 828-437-0137.   Church News   Burkemont Baptist will be presenting Overdose, a Judgement House experience on Oct. 25, 28, 29,30. East Valdese Baptist invites students to 5th Quarter Enon Baptist is seeking a full-time Pastor.  Please send all inquiries or resumes to ebcpastorsearchcommittee2023@gmail.com. First Baptist Icard is seeking a ministry intern.  Email mpardue@fbicard.org for more information. First Baptist Morganton  Community Bible Study will hold its annual kickoff event on Tuesday, August 22, at 7:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church at 502 W. Union St. in Morganton. Information about this year’s class will be shared. All are welcome to attend, and interpreters for the Deaf will be available. Contact Millie King at millie.king.cbs@gmail.com for more details. First Hmong has 12 long pews and 2 shorter pews to give to anyone who can use them.  Please contact Pao Ly 828-448-0534 or Davee Ly at 828-448-0533 if you are interested.   Grace Baptist is seeking a part-time Associate Pastor.  Please send all inquiries or resumes to Daniel Morgan  dmorgan11266@yahoo.com. They are also seeking a part-time Youth Minister.  Please send all inquiries or resumes to Roy Coffey:  roycoffeyconstruction@gmail.com   Hopewell Baptist is seeking a part-time Music Director.  The skill of music reading is a requirement.  Please send resumes to: HBCsecretary2016@gmail.com They are also seeking a full-time Pastor.  Please send a current resume and references for review to: HBCpastorsearchcommittee2023@gmail.com Icard’s Grove Baptist is seeking a bi-vocational Pastor.   Pleasant Hill Baptist has the following staff position open: Part-time Youth Pastor/Director.  The job description is available here.  They are currently accepting resumes; any questions or resumes can be directed to Dr. Jack Hodges at 828-437-4082 (Church office)  or jackhodges@pleasanthillbc.church.  Southside Baptist  wants the community to know that they will be meeting with Coram Deo Church weekly for worship at 9:00 at Southside Baptist Church.  Partner News Attention Business owners: If you want to learn more about involving ministry in business, this workshop is for you! You are invited to join A Greater Purpose Workshop at Summit Community Church on Oct. 3rd.  Scan the QR code in the flyer for more information.      Mountain Grove Church is seeking God’s leadership as we search for a Senior Pastor. We are affiliated with the Sothern Baptist Convention, the Baptist State Convention and the Caldwell Baptist association. We are located in the beautiful foothills of Western NC, with a 1500 capacity Sanctuary. We believe the Holy Bible is God’s inerrant and infallible word. The Senior Pastor is responsible for proclaiming the Gospel of Christ and encouraging the local church body to do so, for guiding the spiritual development of the congregation, providing pastoral care in meeting the needs of persons in the Church and the community, and for providing administrative leadership of the Church. We are searching for a joyful Pastor who will lead us in reaching the lost, equipping the saints, shepherding the flock, faithfully preaching and teaching the Word of God and supporting all church ministries including counseling and Pastoral care.   Interested Candidates, please see list of Qualifications and Responsibilities at: http://www.mountaingrove.org   Please submit Resume with Cover Letter to: mtgrovesearchteam@gmail.com   HAWAII WILDFIRES In early August 2023, a series of wildfires broke out in Hawaii, predominantly on the island of Maui. Many people have lost homes and many lives have been lost in these fires. Please continue to pray! John and Gay Williams, the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Disaster Relief co-directors, have represented Hawaii Pacific Baptists on Maui since early Friday morning, August 11. Kahului Baptist Church in Central Maui (Pastor Jay Haynes) is doing a fantastic job distributing supplies from their location. Besides distributing essential items and care from the church building. Other Maui County Baptist Churches are also involved in the efforts. Pray for these pastors and church leaders. NC Baptists On Mission has already sent $50,000 to Hawaii Pacific Baptist Disaster Relief and plans to send more funds and volunteers when that door opens. For more information on how you can help go to https://baptistsonmission.org/Hawaii-Wildfires   Barnardsville Baptist Church  is seeking a Bi-vocational Pastor.  to apply send your resume, your personal salvation testimony, how you received your call to the ministry, and cover letter explaining why this position would fit your strengths, gifts and passions to: Barnardsville Baptist Church Pastoral Search Committee PO Box 8 Barnardsville, NC  28709 Glenwood Baptist Church is seeking a man of God to be our full-time pastor.  If interested, please submit your resume to: Glenwood Baptist Church Attn: Pastor Search Committee PO Box 218 Glenwood, NC 28737 or online at glenwoodbaptistchurch@yahoo.com.  First Baptist Church of Lincolnton, NC:  Wanted: Part-time Facilities Manager who has demonstrated maintenance experience.  If interested, please send a resume to First Baptist Church, Attn: Dr. Stanley Spence, 201 Robin Road, Lincolnton, NC 28092, or email Vicki.moore@fbclincolnton.org.