“Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Ordination
On August 18, Olney Baptist Church (OBC) in Maryland, ordained Kyle Engle to the Gospel ministry.
Church leaders pray for Kyle and Kristin Engle during an ordination service at Olney Baptist Church
In 2016, Kyle was licensed as a pastor and welcomed on staff with OBC as the youth and children’s pastor. He recently completed his Master of Religious Education at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
OBC Senior Pastor Brian Tubbs said, “We are delighted to have the Engles as part of our church family. Both Kyle and Kristin (his wife), who also serves on staff as the administrative director, have been a wonderful addition to OBC.”
Kyle has also served with the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware Children’s Ministry Consultant June Holland, leading youth ministry breakout sessions at various children and youth conferences.
Dressed in Love
Ashton Baptist Church partners with “Dressed in Love Ministries” to provide homecoming and prom gowns to a multitude of young women each year. During prom season, volunteers also offer makeovers and hairstyling. In addition to storing the gowns, ABC hosts “boutiques,” allowing the girls to “shop” for their dresses.
“Dressed in Love” provides prom and homecoming gowns to hundreds of young women.
Jennifer Williams, the founder of the ministry, says the purpose of “Dressed in Love Ministries” is to show the love of Jesus to young women, and God has opened many doors. Williams and other volunteers have built relationships with the gown recipients, grateful parents, grandparents, the girls’ friends, teachers, and other school administrators.
According to a Visa survey, prom costs for today’s young women are almost $1000 per person. Even a fraction of that cost can be overwhelming for some families, and they’re grateful for the help.
In 2017, “Dressed in Love” provided gowns and suits for many guests when Smithsburg Valley Church, in Smithsburg, Maryland, hosted a Tim Tebow “Night to Shine.”
To donate gowns, volunteer, or for more information, email Jennifer Williams.
Get Ready for Operation Christmas Child
Hughesville Baptist Church, and Dunkirk Baptist Church in Maryland, will each have a special Operation Christmas Child (OCC) project leader event to help churches kick off the 2019 OCC season. Participants will get some fresh ideas and have a chance to chat with other leaders over refreshments.
Cliff and Sheryl Hartsfield, OCC area coordinators, will be the guest speakers at both churches They’ll share about their experience during a trip to Rwanda where they helped distribute filled OCC boxes.
The Hughesville Church event begins at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 17, and the Dunkirk Church session starts at 7 p.m. on Sept. 20.
Though designed for project leaders, anyone involved in OCC, or is interested in getting involved with OCC is welcome to attend. Project leaders may also bring teams.
There is no charge but registration is required.
Prayer Workshop and Conference
Georgia Avenue Baptist Church, in Maryland, will have a “Fall Prayer Workshop” at 1 p.m. on Oct. 12. The theme is “Prayer is Essential.” Melody Knox, BCM/D church strengthening specialist for women, will be the guest speaker.
The conference will cover the “basics, barriers, and benefits” of prayer, and address discerning the voice of God. There will be a time of worship, refreshments, and fellowship.
New Creation Bible Church in St. Leonard, Maryland, will have a prayer conference from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 20 and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 21. The theme, “Withholding Nothing,” is based on Genesis 22:12.