“Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Turn your face away from my sins and blot out all my guilt. God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:7-10
Dare to DREAM
Oak Ridge Baptist Church (ORBC) in Salisbury, Maryland, will host “The DREAM Church Conference” on March 4 and 5. Due to COVID-19 precautions, this year’s conference will be virtual and, as usual, will be packed with helpful information to benefit all of your church’s ministries.
“DREAM” is an acronym for:
- Design worship experiences lost people love
- Reach the broken and connecting them to the church family
- Engage people in spiritual growth
- Activate every member in meaningful ministry
- Mobilize the whole church to change the whole world
Brian Moss, the lead pastor of ORBC, will share the church’s incredible story — his journey from their exciting beginning and growth, followed by a time of conflict, division, and brokenness, followed by God’s provision of restoration, allowing the congregation to become a healthy, disciple-making church.
The conference, now in its 10th year, will also feature sessions on preparing a guest-friendly weekend service, preaching to the unchurched, focusing on your community for evangelism, turning attendees into members, growth, and mobilization. Participants can also choose from over 20 breakout sessions for all areas of ministry, including worship; increasing volunteer teams in a post-COVID-19 era; pre-school, children, and student ministries; balancing ministry and home life; building discipleship systems; healthy staffing; and more.
In the video below, several Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCM/D) pastors share how the conference has benefited their congregation and they encourage pastors to register and to invite staff and other leaders.
The cost is $49 for “Live Access” to both days of the conference or $59 for “Full Access,” which includes the full event and one year access to on-demand video of all the main and breakout sessions.
For much more detailed information, and to register, visit The DREAM Church Conference.
Virtual fun and learning for kids and adults
Kettering Baptist Church in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, is engaging their children in a variety of ways. On Feb. 26, they’re hosting a virtual scavenger hunt. Kids will receive the challenge to race with their friends online to find the items before time runs out. Smart kids will be listening in on announcements and checking online for some early clues, such as, “‘It’s the world’s greatest toy of all,’ according to a certain dinosaur.” Winners will receive prizes.
The church is ministering to married couples through their “Coffee with Couples” and urges husbands and wives to bring their coffee, hot cocoa, tea, or beverages of choice and jump online on Feb. 27. They’ll discuss necessary priorities in marriage to ensure a lasting, fulfilling relationship that God intended. Guests are Pastor Glen and Sister Laurietta Faulkner of White Oak Fork Missionary Baptist Church in Virginia.
A Supernova evening and a Love Day
Bethlehem Church in Middle River, Maryland, invited children and their families to a “Supernova Family Night” on Feb. 17. Church Administrative Director Chelsea Cooper said the turnout was exceptional. Volunteers served hot dogs, chips, and desserts. Kids enjoyed a variety of games including the ever-popular dodge ball and Capture the Flag. Parents had a separate area to socialize and enjoy coffee.
The church had their annual “Love Day” on Feb. 13 to reach out to the community. This year, they chose to show love to first responders. Church members donated funds for Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards for first responders. Volunteers posted flyers in police stations and firehouses which invited folks to stop by the church on Feb. 13 to pick up the gifts.
Cooper said that, in spite of a wintry mix, they were able to pass out 15 cards. “We were grateful for turnout we had,” he said. “It was a good opportunity to show love. They (the responders) were super excited.”
Quoteable Quote:
“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I ought to do. What I ought to do, by the grace of God, I will do.”—D. L. Moody
History Bites
In 2008, “Embrace Baltimore,” the North American Mission Board’s Strategic Focus City major ministry initiatives, began in January. Four thousand one hundred eighteen volunteers worked alongside churches.
History Bites are adapted from the BCM/D’s History Highlights.
Photo of Severna Park Baptist Church, used with permission