The Baptist Update
Newsletter of the
American Baptist Churches Rochester/Genesee Region
1100 S Goodman Street, Suite 320, Rochester, NY 14620
Phone: 585-340-9520 Fax: 585-340-9522
Email: officeabcrgr@rochester.rr.com
Volume 53, Number 4
August 2013—September 2013
Friends,
My mishap in July has brought unintended blessings my way. Certainly that
has resulted in restrictions as well, such as
limited use of my dominant hand and limited use of my vehicle.
I am generally a stubbornly independent man who has had to depend on
others during this time of recuperation.
This has deepened relationships with both
friends and family and in some ways it extends grace to others who have the opportunity to provide assistance.
The second blessing is restoring balance to what is usually an overextended
schedule. Everything I do requires much
more time one-handed than two which
means more pause between events and
more thought and planning in scheduling.
In other words, I am forced to slow down,
which at first I found frustrating but now
am appreciating.
Thirdly, in that persons wearing a
sling cannot legally drive, I am spending
much more time walking. This has the obvious benefit of increased exercise which is
an inadequate yet suitable replacement for
daily workouts at the gym but has an additional benefit of seeing Rochester from new
eyes.
Clergy & RGR Church News
Events & Happenings Around Our Region
Friends of the Region
I have discovered neighborhoods I
have never been through in my 10 years in
the city. These neighborhoods are vibrant
communities of interaction, care, and support. I have observed weekday informal
front porch concerts, community gardens,
families spending time with their children,
and neighbors showing genuine care for
one another.
I have also spotted a six-point buck
in the heart of Brighton, streams and
creeks I never knew existed, I have heard
the sounds of summer in katydids and
songbirds and flora and fauna I never
would’ve spotted from the driver’s seat. The
long walks also provide additional opportunities for communion with God.
Finally, I have discovered technology
which compensates for some of my deficits
during this time of disability. For example,
this article comes to you by way of Dragon,
the dictation program which I highly recommend. It increases my productivity eases
my frustration trying to type one-handed in
a two-handed world
Although I would not recommend
dislocating a shoulder to anyone I would
suggest that God is present in everything
even in times of heartache and distress and
is ready to help us through whatever we
must face.
What’s Inside
Pgs 4-5
Pg 6
Pg 3
International News
National AB News
Annual Gathering Information (see separate attachments)
Pgs 8-9
Pgs 7-8
The Baptist Update
SHOUT OUT FOR HOSTS...
Annual Gathering Hosts
Each year the number of out of state churches has grown in our region. To date we have 9
churches who will be traveling a distance to attend the Annual Gathering.
As has been our custom, we would like to offer pastors and delegates radical hospitality during
their visit to Rochester by providing room and board for the September 27-29 weekend. Most
visitors stay one or two nights but some who will be attending the Friday Ministers Council
event may need to stay three nights.
Usually hosts would provide a bedroom and any meals which are not provided during the Annual Gathering and sometimes a ride to and from the airport.
If you have a spare bedroom or can make room for an out of town visitor please call the region
585-340-9520 by Friday, September 6. Please let us know how many you can host.
Seeking Nominations for Executive Board
We are currently seeking individuals who would like to serve on the region board.
The Vice President Nomination must be a Lay Woman according to our Bylaws who will serve
for one year as Vice President and moves the following year to the position of President.
In addition there are three positions for the class of 2017 and one vacancy to fill for the class of
2014.
Executive Board Members serve for four years. The Board meets 4 times a year on the 3rd
Tuesdays of January, March, May, and October at 5:30 pm ET
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The Baptist Update
2013 Friends of the Region Campaign
THANK YOU for reading our letter and answering our call!
GOLDEN FRIENDS ($1,000+)
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth L. Hines
Rev. Alan & Gail Newton
PARTNERS ($400 to $999)
Jean & Al Ginkel
Rev. Dr. David &
Joanne Woodyard
COMPANIONS ($150 to $399)
Rev. James and Florence Braker
Esther Cable
Linda & David Caughey
Richard Cavers
M. G. Chatfield
Donald R. Fox, Esq.
Rev. Steve Gretz
Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Letter
Patricia A. MacIntyre
Rev. Susan & Ed Maybeck
Rev. Kenneth & Marcia
McCarthy
Dianne Newhouse
Melvin & Barbara Roberts
Sue Sparnecht
Mr. & Mrs. Frederick A. Stahl
Rev. Dr. Carrol & Joyce Turner
Mitchell & Vail Williams
FRIENDS ($100 to $149)
Anonymous
Carolyn Argust
Rev. Charles H. Bixby
Rev. Ed Carey
Rev. Dr. Charles & Nancy
Christiansen
Rev. Marian Coger
Mike Cornwall &
Rev. Bill Taber
Rev. Dwight & Kari Davidson
Bob & Nancy Dean
Laurence & Carol Doud
Josephine M. Files
Georgia & Fritz May
Sharon Hagens
Revs. Steve & Mary Hammond
FRIENDS ($100 to $149)
James W. Harper
Ruth Hazen
Thomas J. Hill
Helen J. Hoffman
Neva J. Hoffmeier
Dave & Tonia Hunt
Doris Kerber Grab
Phil & Carol Ann Klingler
Jeff & Wendy Koch
Gene & Sarah Kohlenberg
Rev. Dr. H. Darrell Lance
Edward Lehman
Joan & Peter Mitchell
Sylvia Nemecek
Mildred Ortbach
Gretchen Pallischeck
Carl & Barbara Sherwood
Rev. Walter & Lori Steenson
Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Sullivan
Rev. Dr. Lawrence R. Taylor
Mary A. Tomlinson
JoAnn S. Trolley
Rev. Dr. W. Kenneth &
Peg Williams
Janice Womble
PALS (Up to $99)
Gordon & Betty Bemis
Richard Bird
Josephine H. Blossom
Rev. Dr. Anthony Bonds
Jean F. Borden
Myrtice C. Clanton
Gayle F. Conklin
Mrs. Margaret Cooley
Betty J. Erdmann
Charles Forstbauer
Arlene Hanley
Elaine K. Hill
Irene Ingram
Rev. Dr. Sharon Jacobson
PALS (Up to $99)
Rev. Glenn Loafmann
Suzanne M. & John F. O’Brien
Lucille Raleigh
Patricia Rohrbaugh
Dr. Gaya R. Shakes
Mat Thomas
William W. Werther
Investing in the Future of RGR\
21st Century Endowment Fund
Jean F. Borden
Mike Cornwall &
Rev. Bill Taber
Jean & Al Ginkel
Rev. Glenn Loafmann
Patricia A. MacIntyre
Rev. Dr. W. Kenneth &
Peg Williams
Special Recognition
New Leadership Training Endowment established with gift from
San Leandro, CA, Community
Church - $150,000 share in proceeds from sale of Church property
The Baptist Update
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News from Our Clergy and Churches and Related Organizations
Prayer Concerns...
The Rev. Garth Brokaw has been hospitalized and is recovering from a recent heart attack; prayers for
him and his family and well wishes may be mailed to him at 75 Elmdorf Ave, Rochester, NY 14619
The Rev. Pam Joern (Judson Memorial) is doing well and recovering at home from a recent hysterectomy
prompted by the discovery of a cancerous mass on her left ovary. She will begin chemotherapy in a few weeks.
“Get Well” cards may be mailed to her at: 51111 Irving Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419
Clergy Changes:
The Rev. Rhett Travis has begun ministerial pasturing of the First Baptist Church of Penfield.
The Rev. Dr. Jimmy Reader has begun interim ministry to the United Church of Pittsford.
The Rev. Dr. Tommy Faris has left the pastorship of University Baptist Church in Columbus, OH,
and the Rev. Ken Watkins has become their new interim minister.
We received a recent telephone call from the Rev. Lloyd Putnam, wanting everyone to know that he has
moved to Ohio to be nearer his twin brother. He remains loyal to the Rochester-Genesee Region and will
hold us in prayer, he said!
Congratulations to...
...the Rev. Gary McCaslin who has retired from the pastorship of over 16 years at the First Baptist
Church of Painted Post
…the Revs. Mark and Kate Ballard (First Baptist/Fairport) on the birth of their second granddaughter,
Carly Jayne Ballard, born to son Chris and wife Liz on May 27th
…Tasha Wilson (First Baptist/Rochester) elected to 2-yr term on Board of General Ministries
...the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Williams (First Baptist/Rochester) who was awarded the 2013 Ralph Garfield
Schell Excellence in Ministry Award at the annual meeting of the Minister’s Council Senate in Green
Lake, Wisconsin on August 15, 2013. The Schell award is given to pastoral leaders who have been extraordinarily faithful in carrying out the principles of the Ministers Council Code of Ethics, as well as unusually effective in ministry.
… Jennifer and Joe Muniga on the birth of their daughter, Annaleese Elizabeth on August 13th
(Jennifer is the new Executive Director of Cameron Community Ministries)
Condolences to…
…the friends and family of Dr. Gordon Smith, a member of the Judson Memorial Baptist Church. In the 1980's
and 1990's Gordon served the American Baptist Churches with distinction as Treasurer and Executive Director of
The Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board. He was a friend to the Ministers Council and will be remembered by
many not only for his leadership but also for his warmth, intelligence and enthusiasm. In addition to his MMBB ministry, Gordon served as an administrator for two American Baptist seminaries: The American Baptist Seminary of
the West and Central Baptist Seminary. He was also director of education and development for the Baptist Hospital Fund.
The Baptist Update
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Condolences to…
...to Bob and Lu Carman (members of University/Minneapolis) whose son, Jim, died unexpectedly
July 25th. Please keep the entire family in your thoughts and prayers. Cards of condolences may be
sent to Bob & Lu at: 2115 Kings Valley Rd, Golden Valley, MN 55427.
..to the friends and family of Lois H. Wilkes, who died August 6 in Charleston, WV. She met and
married John J. "Jack" Wilkes who earned a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Colgate Rochester Divinity School. Lois taught school in Rochester for 2 years. During her husband's ministerial career, they
served together in pastorates at five churches in four states (NY, OH, MA, and WV). In June 1973,
Jack accepted the pulpit at Lake Avenue Baptist Church and they returned to Rochester, NY. There,
Lois became Executive Assistant of the Monroe Association of Baptist Churches. For the last two years
Lois has been cared for with love and professionalism by the staff at River of Life Personal Care Home
in Elkview, WV. The family requests that those wishing to memorialize Lois donate to the Alzheimer's
Association Research Center https://www.alz.org/research/overview.asp to further research into Alzheimer's and related dementias. A memorial service is planned for November 9, 2013 in Charleston.
…to the family and friends of Val Kern, as she passed away August 19th in her sleep after battling a
form of cancer that had spread to her lungs. Her health had been declining steadily in the last few
months, but her spirit and her faith were always strong and encouraging to others. She had been active
in American Baptist Women’s Ministries for over 50 years, and she was regional White Cross Coordinator for many years. Val’s son, Bob, was past-president of the Regional ABMen’s group. Calling hours will be this Friday, 7-9 PM, at Dierna Funeral Home (2309 Culver Road, near Norton). A
memorial service will be held Saturday at 10:30 AM at Parsells Church, 345 Parsells Ave, Rochester
14609. If you wish to make a memorial gift, send donations to the church. Cards of condolence may
be mailed to Bob at: 1275 Culver Rd, Rochester, NY 14609.
Did You Know?
We are pleased to announce the hiring of Krystal Cunningham Dicks as Confidential Secretary/Office Administrator of our Region Office. Krystal is a 1999 graduate of School of the Arts in Rochester and is currently
working on an Associates Degree in Business Administration at Monroe Community College. She brings a
wealth of experience in office operations from both corporate and non-profit sectors. In her interview Krystal
indicated that she sees this position as something she would desire for a career. Her most recent position is as
part-time Administrative Assistant for the Office of Institutional Advancement of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. Krystal will begin working full-time in the RGR office beginning on Monday, August 5th. She
will be working with Helen Hoffman until her retirement on September 30th.
Many thanks to the Rev. Jeanne Parker, Nancy Hill Dean, and Flora Holt who have been my second set of
hands for office help the past couple of months.
At the American Baptist Churches USA Board of General Ministries meeting on June 18, Rev. Dr. A.
Roy Medley was re-elected to serve a two-year term as general secretary for the denomination.
COMPUTERS FOR REFUGEES (CFR) was created in 2009 to provide and service computers for the
refugee community. Each computer is loaded with educational software developed by CFR including
several English programs that will speak. Currently CFR is looking for monitors but we can also use
computers. If you have anything to donate please contact Bill Perkett at perkettbill@yahoo.com or
call 338-3861.
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The Baptist Update
Events & Happenings Around Our Region
Sunday, August 25, 1:00-6:00 pm - Coffee Connection – Celebrating 2 Years! Fundraiser, at the
Greenhouse Café, 2271 East Main Street, Rochester, NY 14609 (585) 270-8603
Saturday, September 7, 8:30am-2pm RUMMAGE SALE/PLANT SALE at FBC/Brockport
Saturday, September 14, starting at 9am Fairport Baptist Homes hopes you will join
them for their first “Step Up For Seniors Walk”. The walk will be held on at Fairport
Baptist Homes, 4646 Nine Mile Point Rd, Fairport, NY 14450. Individuals and teams can
register to participate in this great event. Get a group together and come out to show your support of
FBH! There is no fee to register and fundraising is optional but there are great prizes for fundraisers. This is a family friendly day with free refreshments and entertainment. Volunteers and sponsors are
also needed.
Fairport Baptist Homes has been caring for area seniors for more than 100 years. Funds raised will help
thousands of area seniors through programs such as Adult Day Health, Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing,
Assisted Living, Senior Housing and services to help seniors remain independent in their own
homes. Contributions help offset the shortfall between government and insurance reimbursements and
the actual cost of care.
Registration online at: www.fundly.com/step-up-for-seniors For more information, please call Jessica
Regan at 388-2324 or email: jregan@fbhcm.org
Sunday, September 15, 1:30 – 3:00pm Brockport First Baptist Church, 124 So. Main St., will hold a
free community dinner, The Gathering Table – all are invited.
Friday, September 20, 7:00pm Greece Baptist Church Old Time Music Night featuring Shapiro and Shore, 1230 Long Pond Road, Rochester, NY 14626, (585) 225-6160
www.greecebaptistchurch.org
Wednesday, September 25, 7pm Christ’s Love in Action Speaker Series, “We are Responsible for All
Brothers and Sisters” Featured Speaker: Sr. Simone Campbell, Asbury First United Methodist Church,
1050 East Ave, Rochester, NY. For more information contact Arthur Woodard at (585) 546-1470 or via
email at awoodard@rochesterhabitat.org
October 7– 11, 2013 Fall Lecture Week “Tending the Wounded Spirit”, Colgate Rochester
Crozer Divinity School. For more information go to: www.crcds.edu/fall-lecture-week
Volunteers Needed—To learn more about CASA and begin the volunteer application
process, please call (585) 428-5297
Tuesday, October 22, 5-7pm Cameron Community Ministries Open House, 48 Cameron
Street, Rochester, NY. For more information please visit: http://www/cameronministries.org
The Baptist Update
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ABHMS Board Affirms Missionary Commissioning
American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) Board of Directors unanimously affirmed two candidates as commissioned home missionaries at its meeting
in Kansas City/Overland Park, Kan., last week.
The missionaries—Pastor Ronald Charles Nunuk,
founding senior pastor of Carson Chin Baptist
Church, West Allis, Wis., and trustee of Chin Baptist Churches of USA, along with the Rev. Saw Ler
Htoo, pastor of Calvary Burmese Church, Washington, D.C., and executive secretary of Karen Baptist
Churches USA—will minister to Burmese refugees
who have resettled their lives and families in the
United States. Both missionaries were commissioned on June 23 at American Baptist Churches
USA (ABCUSA) Mission Summit.
The commissioning is especially notable, said
ABHMS Executive Director Dr. Aidsand F. WrightRiggins III, because it brings American Baptist mission in Burma full circle, as the denomination celebrates the 200thanniversary of the journey to Burma
by missionaries Adoniram and Ann Judson. Nunuk
and Htoo are the first home missionaries commissioned to minister to Burmese in the United States.
Judson Press Announces Student Essay Contest
In celebration of the new release, God's Graffiti: Inspiring Stories for Teens, Judson Press is hosting the
God’s Graffiti Youth Essay Contest. The contest is
open to students who are members of American
Baptist churches or youth groups between the ages
of 13 and 18 who have not graduated high school or
the equivalent. The deadline for entries is Monday,
October 14, 2013.
For more detailed guidelines and information on
how to submit entries, visit
http://godsgraffiti.wordpress.com/.
2013 Ministers Council Senators Seek the
“New Thing” God is Doing
The 2013 Ministers Council Senate, meeting at
the American Baptist Assembly at the Green
Lake Conference Center in Green Lake, Wisconsin, was called to order Monday, August
12, by Ministers Council President Rev. Dr.
Darla Dee Turlington. The theme for this
year’s Senate gathering was, “I am about to do
a new thing….” (Isaiah 43:19) with scriptural
emphasis on God’s presence in all the circumstances of our lives. The Senate continued its
practice of “Worshipful Work,” accomplishing
all necessary tasks within the context of prayer.
The theme and the practice of worshipful work
were especially important this year as the business focused on finding the new future that
God has in mind for the Ministers Council
Senate.
The biggest celebration of this year’s Senate
meetings was the vote at the opening session to
receive a new Constituent Council, the Chin
Baptist Churches in the United States Ministers
Council, into the Ministers Council of the
American Baptist Churches, USA. The new
Constituent Council has 38 members and sent
Senator Rollin Van Bik of Frederick, MD, to
this year’s Senate.
The primary business of the Senate at this
year’s gathering was to receive a report from
the Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Debora Jackson, called, “Discerning the Way Forward,” in
which Dr. Jackson outlined the serious challenges and the great opportunities ahead for the
Ministers Council. She then commissioned the
Senate to redesign with her, over the next three
days, a Senate Structure that:
• achieves our mission and purpose,
• realizes financial sustainability, and
• better connects and relates the Ministers Council to local Councils and
ABC Regions.
Continued on page 8
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The Baptist Update
2013 Ministers Council Senators Seek the “New Thing” God is Doing (continued…)
The result of this process of discernment was the decision of the Senate to send to Executive Committee of the Ministers Council a collection of proposals that will be implemented as soon as possible
or reviewed before implementation. A major expectation is that the Ministers Council will be a more
inclusive group in the near future. In addition, a commitment was made by Senators to strengthen
their engagement with local Councils.
Other business of the Senate at the 2013 meetings included:
• Review of the Together in Ministry Capital Campaign and a presentation to the Senate members as to how they will be involved in the campaign in coming months.
• The presentation of the Ralph Garfield Schell award to the Revs. Kenneth Williams and Curtis Price.
• The Report of President Turlington and the welcoming of the new President, Rev. Douglas
Harris of North Shore Baptist Church, Chicago, IL.
• The offering of their experiences and visions by Senators to their colleagues.
New Educational Video Available from IM:
“Adoniram Judson: The Man and The Mission”
In celebration of its 200thanniversary, American Baptist International Ministries (IM) has produced a new DVD that provides a vivid historical account of the drama of mission in Burma
(now called Myanmar) through the life of Baptist missionary Adoniram Judson and his three
wives, Ann, Sarah and Emily.
The DVD entitled Adoniram Judson: The Man and the Mission is a compilation of six informal sessions, plus a short overview and a personal reflection by Dr. Jerry Cain, chancellor
of Judson University. The DVD also contains a comprehensive study guide prepared by
Rev. Ron Schlosser, IM special assistant, and Dr. Reid Trulson, IM executive director. The
DVD was produced by IM in collaboration with the America Baptist Historical Society and
Judson University.
In July, every church who received the 2013 World Mission Offering materials also received
one complementary DVD as part of their WMO packet. Additional DVDs are available to individuals and churches for $19.95 each, plus shipping and handling. Orders may be placed
by calling 1-800-4JUDSON. (Item #i393)
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The Baptist Update
IM Announces Commissioning of Global Servants Emerson and Ivy Wu on August 18th
Emerson and Ivy Wu, two of American Baptist International Ministries (IM) appointed development
workers, have reached the final phase of preparation before IM sends them to Macau for full-time ministry service. IM is delighted to announce that the Wus will be commissioned by the IM Board of Directors
on August 18, 2013.
Rev. Hopeton Scott, IM Board President, will preside over their commissioning service. It will be held
during the Sunday morning worship service at the Karl Road Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio on August 18 at 10:30 am. All are welcome to attend.
“We are excited and thankful for this day to come,” commented the Wus. “By God’s grace and power,
the prayers and financial support of His people and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we are ready
to go. Our affairs in the United States have been attended to, we have nearly completed packing the few
things that will go with us, and we eagerly await the Lord’s direction in the work He has for us in
Macau.”
The official commissioning of the Wus opens the door for the couple to move to Macau, a special administrative region of China, and begin their service in partnership with the Macau Bible Institute and the
Evangelize China Fellowship (ECF). They expect this move to take place in September 2013.
As IM development workers, the Wus will assist in the training of young Christian workers at the Institute. In partnership with ECF, they will assist the ministries of the Grace Community Chapel and Orphanage and youth outreach in Macau. They will also help to promote ECF and IM’s work with partners
in Mainland China.
“God has prepared Ivy and Emerson to serve in Macau in a critical time when the city cries out for assistance to provide direction and hope to the young generation who is captive to the casino culture,” remarked Ben Chan, IM area director for East Asia, India, Hong Kong and China. “Please pray for them to
have the wisdom and strength from God to transform Macau in partnership with churches and Christian
organizations there.”
Individuals and churches may learn more about the Wus and their ministry in Macau, their journals and
opportunities to participate in their ministry as part of their Partnership Network on the IM website:www.internationalministries.org. Click on PEOPLE, then click on Wu. The Wus may be emailed
directly at Wu@internationalministries.org.
For more information, contact Catherine Nold: catherine.nold@abc-usa.org
2013 Theme: “Embrace the Cause”
Emphasis Sunday: October 6, 2013
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The Baptist Update
Calendar
RGR Annual Gathering
(See separate fliers attached)
Blessings on all the returning students!
Friday, September 27
Ministers Council Workshop
Recognition Dinner
Saturday, September 28
Peace Breakfast
RGR Delegates Meeting
Special Workshops
Closing Worship
THE BAPTIST UPDATE
The newsletter for the American Baptist
Churches of the Rochester/Genesee Region
1100 So. Goodman St. , Suite 320
Rochester, NY 14620
Executive Minister: Rev. Alan G. Newton
Minister of Operations: Helen J. Hoffman
Office Administrator: Krystal M. Dicks
Published BiBi-monthly: February, April, June,
August, October, December
(Email Communication Weekly)
Deadline for submitting material for publication
is the 15th day of the month.
This newsletter is provided at no charge to
members of American Baptist Churches in the
Rochester/Genesee Region.