Churches

And *Missions:

Argenta

Arthur

Atwood

Boody

Calvary

Emmanuel

Fellowship

Findlay

Forsyth

Galilee

Hammond

Heyworth

Lincoln

Lovington

Mt. Zion

Shiloh

Sullivan

Summit Avenue

Tabernacle

Tri-Valley

Trinity

The Mission of Central Baptist Association is to encourage and facilitate Cooperation, Fellowship, Missions Awareness and Missionary Activity among our churches; and to assist and resource our churches in the areas of Church Renewal, Leadership Development and New Work!

In This Issue: Front Page-Mission’s Spectacular event

Page 2-Choose2 and Convocation

Page 3-Coming Events

Back page-News from the Pews, CBA Calendar &

Meetings

Central Baptist Association (217) 428-1730

Email: CBADecaturOffice@yahoo.com

Volume XVII No. 4

July 2014

1255 S. Lake Ridge Ave. Decatur, IL 62521

Website: www.cbadecatur.com

As we showed up and signed in at Tabernacle around 9 a.m. people were going to the breakfast buffet and drink table. There were 74 people who were gathered to serve 8 non-profit agencies-Big Brothers/Big

Sisters, Camp One Way, God’s Shelter of Love, Good Samaritan Inn, Hope’s Attic, Hands of Jesus, Oasis, and the New Life Pregnancy Center. There were 57 people from Tabernacle, 12 from IBSA, one from Atwood, and us four from Summit Avenue—Men, women and children of all ages. Chad Williams, Tabernacle’s Youth Minister, got our attention and Tim Sadler asked us to take some yard signs to post on the streets where we

were going to be ministering. We were told to get our lunches together and go as a group to each location. My husband Dale and I, and our two oldest grandsons, Michah and Dylan Conaway, went to serve at the Good Samaritan Inn. Some were put to work stocking shelves, and others making sack lunches to hand out. Then we all helped serve the lunch of chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, spinach, salad, orange sections, and a chocolate snack cake. Over 245 people came to eat lunch that day.

We came back together at 4:00 to share what we had done and then we had dinner together. —Chris Granda, Summit Ave.

Tim Sadler, IBSA, talking

about “Find it Here” yard

signs to post.

Michah Conaway (left) and

Dale Granda (center)

stocking shelves.

Marge Fowler, Director

Smiling faces ready to serve.

Four of the crew who

worked & served at Good

Samaritan.

“Mommy, that was so much fun! My favorite part was cleaning up the toys for other kids!” “And my favorite part was dusting the racks!” This was the conversation that I heard between my two daughters in the backseat of the car after a day of serving as a family. Our family loves having

opportunities of serving together, and that is what Mission Spectacular provided for us! We have all participated in Mission Spectacular for three years, but this year was special because we were able to

help our very own community of Decatur. This year our family served at New Life Pregnancy Resale Shop in the store room by helping them prepare merchandise to sell. New Life Pregnancy Center is a crisis pregnancy center that provides support for young women in Decatur and the surrounding areas, and their resale shop provides a place for people to shop at great prices. As volunteers for the day, we had fun steaming clothing, matching flip flops, cleaning up toys, and dusting racks and shelves. It was also a time of great fellowship with others participating in Mission Spectacular as we worked on our different projects.

As a mother of young children, I am so thankful that

my girls were given responsibilities so they could be

a part of this important day of serving. I want them to

see how God calls people to share Christ both in their

words and actions, and that this Should be a part of

our daily lives. It was neat to for them to see the

body of Christ seeing the needs in the lives of those

around us, and coming together to care for our own

community. I look forward to many years of serving

alongside my husband and children knowing that

Mission Spectacular helped encourage our family to

reach out to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our

community.—AAAAlllliiiissssoooonnnn BBBBiiiicccckkkklllleeee, Tabernacle

Decatur Missions Spectacular 2014 From Tabernacle Baptist Church to the Community

Saturday, June 7th, 2014

Mother and daughter

(Alison & Alana Bickle)

sharing about New Life

Pregnancy Center.

Our church, Forsyth Baptist Church, is doing the "Choose 2 Challenge." The “Choose 2 Challenge” is when you choose two lost people to pray for twice a day for a year and take opportunities to invite them to events at your church. There is even a bracelet to wear as a reminder. Pastor Rich Ratts issued the Challenge to everyone in our church. My wife, Annette, and I started

praying for lost people before the official Challenge Sunday in April. God answered our prayers two weeks before the “Choose 2 Challenge” was issued. Our son Timmy was over visiting us

one day and asked for prayer. Annette asked him if he knew where he would go when he died. He answered by saying “in the ground.” He is a funny guy sometimes. As the conversation went on it

became more serious. I got my Bible

Convocation for the

Central Baptist Association on Saturday, July 12th

from 8:00 AM-Noon The session will be held at Forsyth Baptist Church,

144 E. Cox St. (across from Menards)

8-8:20 AM continental breakfast

Executive Board Meeting at 8:30 AM

and then the brainstorming session to take up the remainder of the time.

This convocation is not limited to the Executive Board or

Leadership Team members, but is open to anyone from our

CBA churches who’d like to participate. We want to encourage you to make every effort to gather with us on

July 12th. In fact, if many people are participating, then there will be many ideas shared, discussed, and prayed over as we seek God’s direction moving forward. The very definition of association is “the state of being associated; companionship; fellowship; partnership; an organization of persons having common interests, purposes,” and so forth. As Christ-followers (and as Southern Baptists), God has created us to have fellowship with one another. For the sake of the Kingdom, we need to band together now more than ever. We must resist the mindset of the world— “every man for himself.” There is no doubt that God has used the CBA to do great Kingdom work in the past, however, we can’t just keep looking at the past if we expect to move forward through the 21st century. Many of you have expressed a desire for the CBA to continue to exist and to operate. As you know, we must do more than just say we want an association. We must associate together to accomplish God’s purposes for His glory – at such a time as this!

2-Clif Jones (Tabernacle)

4-Calle Hairston (Galilee)

9 -Bill Henderson (Hammond)

10-Gay McCoy (Galilee-widow)

12-Mitch Flesch (Calvary)

12-Mercy Ratts (Forsyth)

15-Doug & Leslie Davis (Arthur)

17-Lanny Faulkner (Atwood)

19-Rebecca Smith (Fellowship)

19-Dennis & Kathy Shaw (Lincoln)

20-Chad Williams (Tabernacle)

25-Vickie Vieth (Tabernacle)

29-Ron & Bonna Woodrum (Tri-Valley)

30-Sheri Morrow (Summit Ave.)

families. All it takes is praying two times a day for their people that you have picked. For example, you

might pray once in the morning then once in the evening. Then look for opportunities to invite the ones you’re praying for to events and talk to them about Jesus Christ. This commitment will not only

build strong relationships but it will strengthen your bond with our Almighty GOD. All you need is patience and perseverance. With God’s help you to can make a difference in someone’s life. In closing, I pray that all of our CBA

churches issue this amazing challenge. May God bless you all abundantly. Blessings, Tim Carr

out and we prayed. Then I started reading verses on salvation out of the Bible . As the conversation went on we all became more emotional. It was at that point our son Timmy accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior!! We prayed and gave Jesus all the Glory. What I am saying, my brothers and

sisters, is that prayer works. Annette and I pray for our lost friends and family all of the time. Praying for more than two people is awesome. The "Choose 2 Challenge" gives you a starting point and a reminder bracelet, so that you can really focus on two people of your choice. I pray that you too, will take this amazing challenge. I strongly recommend that if your

church does not have it, talk with your pastor about starting it. The "Choose 2 Challenge" changes lives and builds strong relationships between friends and

Annette & Tim Carr

Please tell your fellow church members about this convocation and invite them to attend. Ask them to bring ideas, hopes and dreams with them about how we might further God’s Kingdom by associating together as Southern Baptist in Central Illinois. If you or others have input you’d like to share, but are unable to attend the convocation, please feel free to send any comments, ideas, dreams, hopes, etc. to Brother Rich Ratts at Cell Phone: (217) 855-8541; Email: richratts@gmail.com; Mail: PO Box 32; Forsyth, IL 62535

Haiti Rebuilding Wall Trip Aug. 3-9, 2014

The Haiti Mission trip to help rebuild a wall, severely damaged by the earthquake, for New Life Children’s Home has been scheduled for Aug. 3-9, 2014. There are 2 from FBC, Mt. Zion; one from Olney and one from Shawnee going to help. $950 was raised by the CBA churches to help with the rebuilding. More information in August Focus.

Summer Worship University, Hannibal LaGrange University,

Hannibal, MO

Students in grades 6-12

July 7th-10th, 2014

Cost $185 for IBSA students and $200 for out-of-state students

This year SWU is one day longer to provide students with more opportunity to hone their skills in the classes of their choice. The theme for this year will be “By Faith.” SWU helps students to lead worship in their home churches. Students will sing in a choir and then choose to participate in band, worship leadership, voice, guitar, bass, drums, ukulele, drama, “stomp,” sign language, movement, visual art, discipleship, evangelism, or several other optional electives. Go to IBSA.org/worship to get a printable brochure, registration, and class descriptions.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

Enjoy our Freedom while we still have it!!

CBA Office

Closed 3rd & 4th July VBS

Church Dates Times Curriculum Tabernacle July 6-11 6-8:30 PM LifeWay Argenta July 13-17 PM LifeWay Emmanuel July 13-18 6-8:30 PM LifeWay Forsyth July 27-31 6-8:30 PM LifeWay Atwood July 27-Aug. 1 6-8 PM LifeWay

If you’d like to send your decorations to another church when your VBS is over, please send your information to the CBA office at (217) 428-1730. Include what you want to share and a contact name and number.

DON’T FORGET: Elect your CBA

Annual Meeting Messengers &

Executive Board Members before

August 25th (and send them back to

CBA office) so you can have them on the

Annual Church Profiles.

It’s time to start making plans for your school-aged children to participate in IBSA’s Missions Camp 2014. This summer IBSA is holding two full week experiences-June 16-20 at Lake Sallateeska Baptist Camp and July 21-25 at Streator Baptist Camp. CBA is suggesting attending the July 21-25, 2014 at

Streator, since that is the usual week we’ve held camp. Pastor Rich Ratts says, Forsyth Baptist plans to participate in the camp again at Streator and Forsyth will be glad to help with coordinating transportation for those that need to go from CBA, but he needs to have reservations from churches by July 7th. Because Camp is subsidized by gifts given through the Cooperative Program, children and leaders are able to attend this year for just $110. This is a missions camp for boys and girls entering 3rd-12th grade. Some of the exciting activities will include crafts, recreation, swimming, missionary testimonies, singing and more! Cost: $110 per person.

For every 7 campers, churches must provide a chaperone. Please be sure to download Camper Medical Release Forms and Chaperone Background Check forms from the IBSA.org website at the address below, as these will need to be completed and turned in ahead of time. Any questions, please contact BarbTroeger@IBSA.org or (217) 391-3138. Use the IBSA.org link below to register or ask your church office for forms. http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1103058265382-772/

camp+reg+form2014.pdf

SENIOR ADULTS: MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Senior Adult Revival-August 12, 2014 Forsyth Baptist Church

Watch for more information to come.

First Baptist Church of Atwood-is enjoying a Bible Study each Wed. evening this summer on the Book of Colossians. The Bible Study begins at 7 p.m. On the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month, beginning June 22, at 7 PM, we will be having a verse-by-verse study of the Book of Hebrews.

Emmanuel-called Scott Andrews as Pastor in May. Scott has been Emmanuel’s Interim Pastor since Aug. 25th, 2013. Julie Andrews and Christine Ramsey, Co-Directors, are gearing up for their VBS coming up July 13th-18th.

Fellowship-just finished a very successful VBS with 49 students enrolled and 30 helpers. Two children professed faith in Jesus as Savior. All involved had a good time and enjoyed helping the kids learn about Jesus. Beginning the first Sunday night in May we had a family night with a devotional and short hymn sing followed by a fellowship on the lawn. This was very well attended and will be continued indefinitely.

Southern, Sullivan-had a great VBS. We did "Drive" from Truth Quest and had 38 students and 23 workers enrolled, with an average attendance of 50.

Summit Ave.-had Paula Joy, BCH&FS Representative, Sunday, June 29th, share about the Baptist’s Children’s

Home and Family Services, and then had a lunch in the Fellowship Hall. Pastor Darren is feeling much better the last several months. Recognized two graduates-Hannah Morrow, High School; Michah Conaway, Jr. High.

Tabernacle-will have VBS July 6th-10th from 6-8:30 PM for K-6th grade. July 13th, Music by the Lake @ Nelson amphitheater. July 27th Church-wide Scavenger Hunt. Had “Collage” Arts Experience on

June 23-27 for grades K-6th, where they explored Dancing, Drawing, Photography, Baking, Drama, and more. We are seeking a new pastor, please

keep us in prayer.

Repairs to Emmanuel/CBA Office are CANCELLED Update on repairs to CBA office and Emmanuel-Found out the leak was from a pipe in the outside wall. Pipe was capped off and now the floor is not getting as wet. Praise the Lord!

ATTENTION: Pastors and Clerks The Annual Church Profiles will be mailed out the

first week of July and are due back to the CBA office by August 25th. (Elect your CBA Annual Meeting Messengers

& Board Members before Aug. 25th.)

Please read the instructions carefully before filling out the forms. IBSA has updated the ABES site for entering them online. If you need help filling them out or just have a

question, please don’t hesitate to call me, or stop by the office, I will be happy to help. — Chris Granda

(217) 428-1730, cbaoffice@comcast.net

1255 S. Lake Ridge Ave., Decatur

Central Baptist Association Will participate with Tabernacle’s

“SEND:Denver” Mission Celebration

making our 65th Annual Meeting

a “SEND:Denver” Mission Celebration, on October 10-12, 2014

Annual Meeting will be on October 11th.

The Executive Board voted at its April meeting that the CBA’s Special Ministries Fund in the Baptist Foundation (which is currently $3,187.95) be designated to fund this event.

July 2014 Vote for your Annual Meeting Messengers

1st: Annual Church Profiles mailed out

3rd: Office Closed for Independence Day observance

4th: INDEPENDENCE DAY-Office Closed

7th-10th: Summer Worship University, Hannibal, MO 12th: CBA Executive Board Meeting and Convocation

at Forsyth BC from 8:30 AM-Noon

12th-17th: Uptown Summer Mission Trip, Chicago 12th: 9-11 AM-Screening Clinic for children with bone, muscle or joint problems, at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal, IL (www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org)

19th-26th: Illinois Changers, Spgfld.

21st-25th: Co-Ed Missions Camp, Streator Camp

31st-Aug. 2nd: CAC Mission Trip, E. St. Louis

Leadership Team Meeting 6 PM-Mon., June 30th , 2014

At CBA Office

Executive Board Meeting And Convocation

8:30 AM-Saturday, July 12th, 2014 At Forsyth Baptist Church