July 2009 Kbf Newsletter

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KENTUCKY BAPTIST

FELLOWSHIP Equipping & Empowering. Cultivating Partnerships. Engaging in Missions. Kentucky Baptist Fellowship 225 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., Suite 205 Louisville KY 40222-4929 Phone: Fax: Office email: Website:

502-426-1931 502-426-1612 offi[email protected] www.kybf.org

Coordinating Council Officers: Moderator: Linda Caldwell, Middlesboro Moderator-Elect: Don Rogers, Louisville Secretary: Mary Edinger, Middlesboro Treasurer: Susanne Jenkins, Louisville Past Moderator: Robert Davis, Louisville Term Expiring in 2010: Naomi Walker, Frankfort; Robert Davis, Louisville; Susanne Jenkens, Louisville; Margaret Barlow, Louisville; Kitty Baird, Danville; David Platt, Louisville; Nancy Fields, Covington; Patsey Jacobs, Lexington; and Iraline Craig, Midway. Term Expiring in 2011: Bob Coons, Owensboro; Charlotte Benningfield, Owensboro; Jane Brake, Frankfort; Renee Purtlebaugh, Louisville; Don Rogers, Louisville; Amanda Phelps Taylor, Morgantown; Lynn Huff, Corbin; Don McFadden, Winchester; and Kristen Terry, Louisville. Term Expiring in 2012: Dwight Lovan, Owensboro; Clarice Johnson, Owensboro; Laura Albovias, Louisville; Naomi Colliver, Georgetown; Susan Reed, Louisville; David Wells, Shepherdsville; Tim Doremus, Mt. Washington; and Mary Edinger, Middlesboro. Term Expiring in 2013: Nibby Priest, Henderson; Richard Mason, Owensboro; Bill Thomas, Madisonville; Jeff Stone, Georgetown; Larry Curtis, Winchester; Carole Cooke, Elizabethtown; Tara Edwards, Horse Cave; Adam Schell, Carlisle; and Beth Parker, Middlesboro. CBF Coordinating Council: Barry Birdwhistell, Elizabethtown; Jeremy Colliver, Georgetown; and Lynn Smith, Covington. Coordinator: John Lepper [email protected] Associate Coordinator for Missions: Joshua Speight [email protected] Administrative Assistant: Valarie Shoulta [email protected]

On the Road Again: Traveling Around Kentucky With Our Coordinators John Lepper, Coordinator June 3, 7, and 14: Melbourne Heights Baptist Church June 4 to June 13: Whitley City (Extreme Build) June 28: Calvary Baptist Church, Lexington (KBF Update) July 1-4: CBF General Assembly, Houston July 5: Hempridge Baptist Church, Shelby County, Preacher July 26: Stanford Baptist Church, Preacher in AM; KBF Program in PM July 29-August 1: Attending workshop on Vancouver “Transforming Judicatories: An Executive Leadership Consultation in Innovating Missional Life with Alan Roxburgh and Craig Van Gelder”

Joshua Speight, Associate Coordinator for Missions June 3-13: Whitley City (Extreme Build) June 7: FBC Whitley City (Extreme Build/KBF Thank You) June 21: GracePointe Community Church (Preach) June 22-23: Nada (Visit w/ Colonial Baptist Church Group) July 1-6: CBF General Assembly, Houston July 10: Nada (Visit w/ Calvary Baptist Church Group) July 12-Aug. 30: Broadway Baptist Church (Mission SS Teacher) July 20: Nada (Visit w/ Snyder Memorial Church Group) July 25: Owsley County (Repair Affair Crew Leader Lunch) July 28: Nada (Visit w/Hiddenite & Lexington Ave. Baptist Church Groups) John Lepper and Joshua Speight are available to speak/teach/lead at your church. Please contact the KBF office at 502-426-1931 for information and availability. Schedule seen here was up-to-date at time of printing.

KBF News July 2009

KBF News is a newsletter of Kentucky Baptist Fellowship.

Extreme Build 2009: Build Up Hope for Paula Sharon

For eleven days in June, 110 Kentucky Baptist Fellowship volunteers partnered in Whitley City, Kentucky, to build our fourth Extreme Build home in an as many years. Despite many days of rain and lightning, our group pressed on toward our goal of building an affordable home for Paula Sharon and her sons Stephen and Travis Ridner. We are proud of Paula and we are blessed to have served in McCreary County together. Some of the best moments of Extreme Build 2009 include: watching Paula and Travis work on their new home together, working alongside Bessie Watson from the 2008 Extreme Build, listening the Paula’s family sing during the dedication ceremony, hearing from McCreary County Judge Blaine Phillips at the dedication ceremony, receiving words of affirmation from Senator Mitch McConnell, the outstanding lunch provided by Whitley City United Methodist Church. Kentucky Baptist Fellowship is grateful for our continued partnership those who help make Extreme Build possible: McCreary County Community Development Corporation, Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation, Broadway Baptist, Buechel Park Baptist, Calvary Baptist, Central Baptist, Crestwood Baptist, Deer Park Baptist, Faith Baptist, First Baptist Corbin, First Baptist Shepherdsville, First Baptist Stearns, First Baptist Whitley City, Georgetown Baptist, Highland Baptist, Immanuel Baptist, Midlane Park Baptist, Woodland Baptist.

We are a fellowship of churches and individuals who share a commitment to the Great Commission of Jesus Christ.

2009 Spring Gathering

Tommy Valentine (Lexington Ave. Baptist, Danville) and H.K. Kingkade (Georgetown College).

Kristen Belcher (Louisville) receives communion during Saturday morning worship.

The KBF-Morocco Voices United Choir leads in worship along with Susan Reed (Broadway Baptist, Louisville) and Spring Gathering Worship Leader Jen Van-Camp (Nineteenth Ave. Baptist, San Francisco, CA).

BSK Honors Graduates at

Commencement May 16

Baptist Seminary of Kentucky held commencement Sat., May 16 at 10 AM in the Mary Anne Sanders Chapel. Rev. Dr. Nancy Jo Kemper delivered the commencement address and a reception followed. (left to right) Lisa Wood, Russell Wethington, Danny Russell, President Greg Earwood, Cecil Mobley, Pat Ham, and Don Breeden.

2009 KBF Scholarship Recipient

Rebecca Drinkard is currently a student at BSK and attends St. Matthew’s Baptist church where she volunteers as the Children’s Intern. She received her BA in Sociology from University of Louisville. Congrats, Rebecca!

A Bridge to the Interim by John Lepper From the time a pastor resigns until the next pastor steps into the pulpit, the church experiences a critical period of its existence. The period is full of dangers as well as opportunities. It is a time in which many decisions must be made about the direction of the church. During the interim period, potential exists for internal, spiritual and even numerical growth. A church, during the interim period, faces numerous issues including: • • • • • • •

Saying goodbye to former leadership and to the past. Coming to terms with its history. Discovering the identity of the church, perhaps discovering a new identity. This includes re-discovering the church’s mission. Dealing with shifts of power that occur during an interim. Evaluating linkage to the denomination and other denomination-like entities. Making decisions about procedures on selecting a new pastor. Making a commitment to a new leader and a new future.

Several years ago I developed a program I call “A Bridge to the Interim.” Generally this takes place over a four to six week period. One of my goals is to help a church deal with its anxiety and to have a few weeks to decide on their direction during the interim. I preach sermons related to transitions and to church health. The Sunday evening or Wednesday evening time is spent helping the church think about issues the congregation faces during the interim. These evening programs generally take place around tables in fellowship hall and are times of guided discussions about some of the subjects listed above. My aim for the Bridge is to help the members of the church think openly about issues related to the interim period and to be proactive about the future. The open discussion times will also help the pastor search committee better know the wishes and concerns of the congregation as they do their work. During this Bridge to the Interim, I am available to individuals and groups for conversations. As I write this, I am completing a Bridge to the Interim at Melbourne Heights Baptist Church, the thirteenth church I have assisted in this way. If I can be of help to your church during an interim period, please contact me by email [email protected] or phone 502-426-1931.

calendar July 2-3: CBF General Assembly, Houston, Texas July 10: Baptist Seminary of Kentucky Golf Scramble August 6-7: Midwest Region New Baptist Covenant, Norman, Oklahoma August 16-19: Together For Hope Annual Meeting, Perry County, Alabama August 21-22: KBF Coordinating Council Fall Meeting September 12: Owsley County Repair Affair Booneville, Kentucky September 24-27: Bearings - Alabama CBF New Church Convocation October 3: Baptist Seminary of Kentucky Christian Education Conference October 17: Children’s Mission Day - “Create Change For Children Today: Bring Hope And A Better Tomorrow” Faith Baptist Church, Georgetown Led by Amanda Hambrick and Graham Ashcraft

ONLINE GIVING We are happy to announce that you can now give online to the Kentucky Baptist Fellowship. Just go to our website, www.kybf.org, and click on the link that says “Give Online to the KBF.”

Talking/Texting/Twittering: Empowering the New, Engaging the Present

Christian Education Conference, An Intergenerational Conference Saturday, October 3 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Baptist Seminary of Kentucky, Lexington

Children’s Missions Day October 17, 2009 Kentucky Baptist Fellowship will host the 2009 Children’s Mission Day Saturday, October 17th at Faith Baptist Church in Georgetown, Kentucky The theme for 2009 is “Create Change For Children Today: Bring Hope And A Better Tomorrow.” The theme coincides with the National Observance of Children’s Sabbath Celebration, sponsored by the Children’s Defense Fund (www.childrensdefense.org).

Sponsored by KBF and BSK Featured Speaker: Special Feature for Ministers: Dr. Burt Burleson, Annual Book Study of Deuteronomy Chaplain, Baylor Univ. Led by Dr. Greg Earwood, President, Baptist Seminary of Kentucky Workshops to Include: Working with Churches in the Interim - John Lepper Recreation and the Church - Rebecca Drinkard How to plan and lead a missions trip - Josh Speight Intergenerational Worship Decorating the Christian Year - John & Amber Inscore Essick Using technology in the Church Age Graded Special Workshops: Resources, Recreation, and a Roaring Good Time with Children-a 2 hour in-depth workshop for children’s workers - Lisa Wood Leading Bible Study with Young Adults - Dalen Jackson Celebrating our Life’s Story w/Senior Adults - Trish Pelletier Understanding and Relating to Adolescents Cost: $25 for an individual; $20 each for group of five or more; $15 for students. Incentive: $5 discount from above rates if registration fees are received by September 1. Lunch included w/cost. Register by sending name, address, email address and church for each person attending along with a check made payable to: Baptist Seminary of Kentucky 631 S. Limestone St. Lexington, KY 40508 For more information call 859-455-8191 or email [email protected].

Our leaders for 2009 are Amanda Hambrick and Graham Ashcraft. A native of Georgetown, Kentucky, Amanda serves as one of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s field personnel, ministering in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of New York. (Click here for more info about Amanda’s work in New York.) She is a graduate of Samford University and Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond. Graham serves as Minister to Students at Pritchard Memorial Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Graham is a graduate of Baylor University and Duke Divinity School. He and Amanda are engaged to be married to each other later this year. Look for more information by email and in the KBF Newsletter regarding registration and cost for this October 17th event. For questions or more information, please contact Joshua Speight at 502-426-1931 or [email protected] This event is open to all KBF children’s groups.

Voices United Music Exchange On April 28th, 2009 we left for Africa as 17 Kentuckians with music and an idea of what we would do as a choir while in Morocco. Eleven days later we returned home with more gifts than we expected and 24 new friends with whom we will joyfully treasure our tour of Morocco. Words do not sufficiently describe all that we shared and witnessed together in North Africa. They give but a glimpse of a larger image of the banquet of God’s love and gifts we witnessed as participants in the Voices United choir. While in Morocco with our friends from various sub-Saharan African countries, we laughed, sang, shared meals, cried, conquered cultural and language barriers - all while creating relationships through our common language of music. We do not know if all 41 of us will be gathered again as we were in Morocco, but as is the common prayer in Morocco, “Insha’Allah, one day our voices will be united again.”

Voices United: We Came To Africa With A Song Before our departure from Morocco, Kathy Collier, choir leader for the Kentucky group, gave each of us a phrase to complete. “We came to Africa with a song and left with...” is the phrase we were asked to complete. On our last day, the following poem created from our responses was shared with the Voices United Choir. We share these words with you as well, so that you may know the blessing of friendship that we are grateful to have received while in Morocco. We came to Africa with a song and left with...repertoire...a new calling on our lives because of your stories, music, rhythm and passion...a greater sense of joy and passion for being part of the body of Christ...a new face of God.

We came to Africa with a song and left with...24 new friends whose amazing love for our Lord, Jesus Christ, was given to us so freely and unconditionally. They are the hands and feet in this land. I have heard and seen the face of God and am forever changed. Never have I felt such love divine on this earth. I am blessed. I love them all. Your song ringing in my heart filling my soul with hope and love... a symphony of “Grace’ Divine”...a glimpse of heaven. We came to Africa with a song and left with...a love for Africa in my heart ...a picture of God’s heart beating in sync to the rhythm of Africa...fulfilled dreams...a clearer picture of what God must have dreamed for the world.

We came to Africa with a song and left with...the song of Africa in my heart...the treasure of remembering the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases and that no matter where you go, your everlasting God is “aupres de toi” - always with you...the gift of dancing in God’s presence...a giant “A-ll-loyyah!” *Written by: Jose’ Albovias, Katie Anderson, Lauren Blackwell, Diane Brewer, Jan Causey, Vi Chatmon, Kathy Collier, Phil Collier, Libby Cunningham, Cheryl Davis, Robert Davis, Brenda Farmer, Stephanie Hall, Nan Riddle, Martha Robertson, Jonathan Shippey, Joshua Speight.