“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9 NIV)
This week’s column includes a 60-year anniversary and a 100th birthday — a church and an individual, each striving to continue in faith and obedience until Jesus returns or calls us home. Also, included this week is information about a special needs seminar you don’t want to miss.
Ogletown Baptist Church Associate Pastor Champ Thornton wrote a history of Ogletown Baptist Church to celebrate the church’s 60th anniversary.
Members of Ogletown Baptist Church (OBC), Newark, celebrated the church’s 60th anniversary on Oct. 21. Five families felt God’s call to start the church in 1958. They met in various homes, praying and planning, and they sought out their closest Southern Baptist neighbor, Bethany Church, Wilmington, for sponsorship. Although they struggled along the way at times, today’s OBC family, multiplied more than 100 times since their start, meets in a spacious campus and has two Sunday services — one traditional in their sanctuary with a choir, and brass music group, followed by contemporary worship with a praise band in their 1,000-seat capacity “Ogletown Exchange” multi-purpose building.
The church offers classes and groups for men, women and children of all ages, including families with special needs.
Ogletown Senior Pastor Curtis Hill prayed, “We ask that you will continue to build your church in this place. Until you come back for us, I pray that this church will be a faithful witness.”
In honor of the anniversary, Champ Thornton, associate pastor, and Delaware Baptist Association church catalyst wrote, “God’s Word, Good Order, and the History of Ogletown Baptist Church.” The books were available before and after both Sunday services and quickly sold out. More are on order.
Senior Pastor Curtis Hill prayed, “Our church has a history of pursuing missions and making disciples. I thank you for the growth you’ve given it and the people who have planted and watered. Ultimately, all glory goes to you. In 2018, we pray that we will continue to do exactly what your son told us to do, to continue to love you with all of our heart, and all of our soul, and all of our mind and all of our strength. Father, I pray that we will continue to love our neighbors as ourselves. Father, I pray that we will continue to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations. Keep us focused on Jesus Christ. We ask that you will continue to build your church in this place. Until you come back for us, I pray that this church will be a faithful witness.”
Oak Grove Baptist Church, Bel Air, celebrated church member Katherine Jennings’ 100th birthday. Jennings, who has lived in Harford County her whole life, has, through the years, served at OGBC as a Sunday School teacher and as a youth ministry volunteer. Her family celebrated at the church and invited the congregation. As part of the festivities, Harford Country Sherriff JefferyGahler presented Jennings with a citation commemorating her birthday.
Oak Grove Baptist Church member Katherine Jennings celebrated her 100th birthday on Oct. 20.
The Banquet Network, a network of churches that partner to equip and train others to in special needs ministry, will host the seminar, “Jesus and the Margins,” on Nov. 3 at Colonial Baptist Church, Randallstown.
The seminar will focus on the intersection of disability, race, and poverty. Topics to be discussed include answers to the questions:
- “Why does the banquet parable of Luke 14 include ‘the poor’ with ‘the crippled, the lame, and the blind’?”
- “Why are certain racial groups disproportionately affected by disability?”
- “How can the church follow Christ to these margins?”
Register now for the seminar, “Jesus and the Margins”
Presenters include Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCM/D) Associate Executive Director Tom Stolle, who is also the father of a child with severe autism; Michael Crawford, lead pastor of Freedom Church Baltimore and BCM/D director of missions; and Amberle Brown, a co-founder of The Banquet Network.
The seminar is intended for those who are experienced in these areas as well as those who are interested in learning more.
Tickets, which include lunch, are $10 through Oct. 27 and $12 afterward.
Seating is limited. For special accommodations or dietary restrictions, email, thebanquetnetwork@gmail.com