“I waited patiently for the Lord, and he turned to me and heard my cry for help. He brought me up from a desolate pit, out of the muddy clay, and set my feet on a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and they will trust in the Lord. (Psalm 40:1-3)
Pastoral Anniversary
Mark Dever, the senior pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC, celebrated 25 years of ministry at the church on September 22. Ligon Duncan, a personal friend of Dever and the Chancellor/CEO of Reformed Theological Seminary and the John E. Richards Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology, preached in the morning service.
In honor of the celebration, the congregation learned a new hymn, composed by Dever’s wife, Connie.
During the evening service, the church celebrated the work the Lord is doing in Washington, DC, and the surrounding area. The church has sent multiple pastors into the DC area, and many of these men returned for the evening to share updates and to testify to the good work the Lord has done for over two decades. Some are serving as planters, and others replaced retiring pastors or led revitalization efforts in struggling churches. The evening’s focus was the work the Lord is doing in DC and the surrounding areas.
The congregation presented gifts to Mark and Connie to mark the anniversary.
Revival
Emmanuel Baptist Church in Laurel will celebrate their 38th church anniversary on Oct. 2-4, with revival services at 7:30 p.m. each day. The revival’s theme is “Spirit Revived.”
Guest preachers will be Steve Hardnett, the pastor of Full Circle Church and Ministries in Reisterstown, Maryland, on Wednesday; Everett Pope, pastor of United Baptist Church in New Carrollton, Maryland on Thursday; and Victor Kirk, pastor of Sharon Bible Fellowship Church, in Lanham, Maryland on Friday.
On October 6, the church will have an anniversary service at 5 p.m.
Adult Mental Health First Aid
The Prince George’s Baptist Association hosted an Adult Mental Health First Aid Certification Course on September 21 at Forestville New Redeemer Baptist Church in District Heights, Maryland.
Janella Woods, of Gabriel’s Lyric Therapeutic Services LLC, in National Harbor, Maryland, presented the faith-based workshop, which included an overview of adult mental health. Attendees learned how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of addictions and mental illnesses, and received a three-year certification upon course completion.
Harold Dugger, the pastor of First Baptist Church of Capitol Heights in Capitol Heights, Maryland, said that Woods’ presentation was phenomenal. “It was incredible. We learned how we can help and who to recommend or call. Woods defined the term ‘psychosis’ and discussed issues such as schizophrenia and anxiety disorder,” Dugger related.
Dugger also said the class could be a valuable resource to churches.
Back-to-School Sunday
First Baptist Church of Thurmont in Thurmont, Maryland, had a Back-to-School Sunday in August. Church member Corey Borns, who serves with the Frederick Police Department, taught kids about school safety. A school nurse offered health check-ups and a local beauty consultant provided back-to-school haircuts. Representatives from Girl Scouts and the Y also participated in the event. In addition, the church had a time of prayer for students, parents, teachers, bus drivers, and other school staff.
Beth Moore Simulcast
Bethany Church in Ellicott City, Maryland, will host a Beth Moore Simulcast on Sept. 28. The theme, “Strong Sisters,” is based on “she is clothed with strength and dignity” (Proverbs 31:25 (NTL)).
The simulcast will run from 9:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The cost is $20 per person and discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.
There will also be an optional $10 box lunch available for online registrants. Several restaurants are nearby for those who wish to travel off-site for lunch.
Doors will open at 8 a.m. and light breakfast refreshments will be provided. Tickets may be purchased online or at the door.
Contact Tracy Johnson for group sales.
Third Annual Upper Room Prayer Conference
Freedom Church in Baltimore, Maryland, will host the third Upper Room prayer conference from 6-9 p.m. on October 4.
Prayer is the focus and primary activity of the conference. There will be worship and sharing, but the majority of the time will be spent in prayer.
The conference area will be set up to facilitate an environment of prayer, with portions of the space dedicated to praying on the ground. Prayer mats and pillows will be available. There will also be resources to help churches and their teams pray more effectively.
The conference is free. Register online.