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CBNE SYNERGY – The Power of
Partnership
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Volume 2008.1 A Ministry Publication of
CBMissionNortheast June
2008
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IN
THIS ISSUE: |
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I
recently spoke at several churches sharing the disturbing news that the
Northeast is now the most unchurched section of the country. Truly the graphs
and stats paint a distressing picture for the church throughout This
Synergy features the story of one church here in the northeast that is
embracing the challenge with exciting and creative energy as believers in
their church partner together to reach their community! Read on and be
encouraged! —
Randy Keeley, Executive Director |
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Printer Friendly Versions: Single Page Color Color Bulletin Insert B/W Bulletin Insert |
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On November 20th,
2007 the congregation of First Baptist got together to discuss their new
vision statement, to be, “A community where |
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God is at work,
lives are changed, broken hearts are healed, hope becomes real & people
are on fire for God and His Word”. Keeping this vision statement in mind,
everyone was asked to really think outside of the box & write down some
ideas for events that could help transform this statement from mere words to
real actions. People started getting really
creative & ideas started to fly. Men’s ministry! Women’s Ministry!
Weekend retreats! The excitement was in the air. Reaching out to the homeless! Speaker
series! Street evangelism! There was a real feeling that something special
was happening. Magic Show! Karaoke Night! Clearly this congregation has some
amazing & creative ideas. |
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Then, in the euphoria of the night, Dan Rizzi spoke the most powerful & truest words…talk is cheap. Although Dan was as excited about these ideas as everyone else he brought the stark reality to everyone’s attention that great things were not just going to happen simply by having a desire to have them happen. Committed people are needed to organize & implement these ideas. You know the story: Great idea is born. Great idea generates excitement. Great idea gets minimal actual support. Great idea fails to maintain momentum. Great idea fades away. The stark reality was facing the
question, “what was needed to help move FBC from great ideas to great
action”! Aaron Velez, a new Christian at the church wanted to help write a
new story for outreach at FBC. So began a series of events that led to the
formation of a 12 member Outreach
Ministry (OM) “Brain Trust” team. The team wanted to create a ministry that would: · Bring non-believers to Christ and share the
Gospel though fun, positive & exciting outreach events. · Reignite the fire of Christ in the hearts
of the “unchurched” believers. · Encourage & recruit the help of the
faithful believers at FBC & strengthen their relationship with Christ
& with each other. · Create a more vibrant & active church
that provides the opportunity for everyone to outreach in their own way. On March 16th the From three simple yet, crystal clear, words sprang an outreach
movement that has energized & invigorated our church family. Aaron Velez
says, “this journey so far as been amazing. I have found that when we pray
diligently and stay faithful to the Holy Spirit, we realize that we are so
much stronger than we think we are.” ----- Dr. Torrey
Robinson is Sr. Pastor at First Baptist in |
2008
Outreach Ministry Events “The
Friendship Brunch” on
April 12th – a special morning for 40 of our friends & family
who have never been to FBC. The brunch includes live classical music, a
deluxe menu, a top notch wait staff, ice breaker games, gift bags & a
very special message! “Movies-on-the-Lawn” every 3rd Friday of May thru
September” – An early evening summertime affair open to the entire community!
We transform the lovely front lawn into a good ole’ outdoor movie venue,
complete with movie trivia, popcorn & candy. A great way for your friends
to share a warm summer night with us! “The
Stars & Stripes BBQ & Concert” on July 4th – a great way to celebrate living in a
country where we have the freedom to praise our awesome God! Along with the
traditional July 4th fair there will be a great cookout, the
all-important apple pie baking contest, fireworks at the river & a
special concert by Heartsong! “The Summer Olympics in “The
Harvest Celebration” on
October 25th – What better time to celebrate the bounty we have
then with a Harvest Celebration. The day includes a special cook-off using
the traditional Fall food categories of apple, pumpkin, corn & berries.
Everyone can participate in the scavenger hunt & will “bring in the
harvest” by collecting canned & dry goods from our neighbors to be
donated to a local charity. Arts & crafts for the little ones & much
more! “The Christmas Festival” on December 19th –
Christmas…the snow, the lights & the FBC Christmas Festival! An awesome
night of Christmas cheer, arts & crafts, caroling, the famous live
nativity, games, baked goods, eggnog, games, prizes & much more! |
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CB Mission Northeast Phone: 518.935.4619 |
Synergy is published by CB Mission Northeast for our member churches and those who partner with us in the ministry of planting and growing healthy churches in the Northeast. To sign up, remove, or change your subscription please send an email to KathyKeeley@MissionNortheast.org. Be sure to include the email address you want removed or changed as well as any new information. |
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