News of ABC-Ohio Interest Listed by Date of Event or Posting

Two Years Later, National Ministries Still Stands With Katrina Survivors · VALLEY FORGE, PA, (ABNS 8/29/07)—As our nation marks the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s landfall on the Gulf Coast August 29, critical needs for rebuilding and renewal remain, even though the storm’s fury has faded from today’s news. Through its ecumenical partnership with the National Council of Churches USA (NCCC), National Ministries ABCUSA still stands with those on the Gulf Coast whose suffering continues in the wake of Katrina’s destruction.  Dr. Laura Miraz, National Ministries’ associate executive director for Board and Staff Services, and Victoria Goff, national coordinator of Volunteer Ministries, participated in an ecumenical workweek sponsored by the NCCC’s Special Commission for the Just Rebuilding of the Gulf Coast (www.ncccusa.org/justrebuilding), August 19-25. Founded immediately following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in September 2005, the Special Commission focuses on ensuring that justice and sustainability are incorporated into rebuilding efforts. Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III, executive director of National Ministries, represents American Baptist Churches USA as one of the 16 commissioners.  Goff says needs for assistance in the region will remain for years: “We need volunteers—individuals and groups, short term and long term, skilled and unskilled. We also need more designated giving to Katrina relief through One Great Hour of Sharing. And, of course, we need prayer. There’s so much that still needs to be done.” To volunteer, write to vgoff@abc-usa.org or call 1-800-ABC-3USA, ext. 2449.  Read the story about National Ministries’ work on the Gulf Coast at www.nationalministries.org. 

Deacon ordination - Mr. Paul Nolan was ordained as a Deacon by the Mullen Memorial Baptist Church in Belpre on Sunday, August 12, 2007. Pictured are Mr. Nolan and the pastor, Rev. William Kent Lowther. Below are Mr. Nolan, the Pastor, and the rest of the Deacons from the Mullen Memorial Baptist Church.

AWARD NOMINATIONS INVITED · The Local Church Ministries Team of the ABC/Ohio Board of Regional Ministries is seeking nominations for the Clayton Pepper Award, the Harry Manning Award and the E.B. Hicks Urban Ministry Award.  These awards are presented each year at the region’s annual meeting in October. The Clayton Pepper Award is given to a pastor committed to long-term service, ten years or more, to small American Baptist churches in communities with resident populations of approximately 10,000 or less.  The ministry of the pastor demonstrates faithful, dedicated, but often unsung work for God’s kingdom. The Harry Manning Award is given to a pastor serving at least seven years in the same location and demonstrating outstanding leadership in a small American Baptist church, with resident membership of 200 or less.  The pastor shall have made contributions to both the ministry of the church itself, and to the community including involvement in social ministries and ecumenical work. The E.B. Hicks Urban Ministry Award recognizes a pastor or lay leader committed to urban ministry and racial reconciliation.  Nominees shall be individuals who are recognized for at least ten years of involvement in urban ministry that promotes racial reconciliation, be committed to the American Baptist Churches of Ohio and actively involved in the regional family, and an active member of an American Baptist-related congregation within ABC/Ohio. Recipients of these awards are nominated by members of their churches, colleagues in ministry, or others who know their ministry well.  If you know of someone in your church or association who should be recognized through one of these awards, submit a nomination by September 15 to the Pepper/Manning/Hicks Awards Subcommittee, Local Church Ministries Team, ABC/Ohio, 136 Gallway Drive North, Granville, OH  43023-0376.  Nomination forms are available from your church office or by contacting the ABC/Ohio office at (740) 587-0804.  Questions about nominations and awards may be addressed by Rev. Jane Gibbons at jgibbonsohio@aol.com or (419) 774-9886.

2007 Spiritual Growth Retreat is Coming!  Register now online · All of the information you need to know about the September Spiritual Growth Retreat is online.  You may also download a registration form - CLICK HERE FOR MORE!

Summer Picnic Fun - Pictured here are the pastoral leaders from the Lawrence Association at a Summer picnic. Eric Barnes, Youth Pastor - First Baptist Church, Ironton; Nelson Klaiber, Associate Pastor - Central Baptist Church, Portsmouth; Pastor Arlis McCall, Central Baptist Church, Portsmouth; Rev. Dennis Strawn, Senior Pastor - First Baptist Church, Ironton; and Dr. Kevin Bloomfield, Supply Pastor, Beulah Baptist Church, Proctorville.

Grant Received for "Hillcrest Hoops" - July 22, 2007 · It was a great day on Sunday, July 22, 2007!  Bob Cassady, Minister of Congregational Development presented a grant to run an outreach ministry at Hillcrest Baptist Church, Columbus called "Hillcrest Hoops."  Pictured below is Rich Hancock, Youth Pastor at Hillcrest Baptist, and Molly Wright, Director of Hillcrest Hoops.  They are are holding a check for the ABC/OHIO Evangelism & Outreach Grant presented during the morning worship service.  Dr. Tim Lee is the pastor at Hillcrest.

Installation Service for Reverend Sarah Jay - July 15, 2007 · The installation service for Reverend Sarah Jay took place at First Baptist Church of Girard on July 15, 2007.  Sarah completed her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Stetson University and her Master of Divinity Degree at the University of Chicago Divinity School.  She was ordained at Irving Park Baptist Church in Chicago.

Evangelism and Outreach Funds for Outreach ·

Robert Cassady (pictured, right holding check), ABC/OHIO Minister of Congregational Development, Northeast-Central - presents a check to Rev. Doug Wright, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Ashtabula. This check is for a grant provided through the ABC/OHIO 'Building on Common Ground' Evangelism & Outreach funds. The church will use these funds for an outreach ministry starting in the Fall, 2007.

Missions Conference Info · Information on the 2007 Missions Conference is online!  CLICK HERE for details.

Mrs. Darlene Stone Passes Away - June 30, 2007 · Following a lengthy illness, ABC of Ohio received the sad news that Mrs. Darlene Stone, wife of Rev. David Stone, passed away Saturday, June 30th. Dave served Neighborhood Ministries, as Executive Director until his retirement. A Memorial Service for Darlene will be held this Sunday, July 8th at West Side Baptist Church, 304 Matta Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio at 4:00 p.m. West Side Baptist Church is on the west side of Youngstown. The family has asked that, instead of sharing flowers, those wishing to honor Darlene … “reach out beyond their comfort zone and share an expression of Christian love with someone having a special need. It would warm our hearts to hear how some of you did it.” If you wish to send condolences, please feel free to do so by sending them to Rev. David Stone, c/o ABC of Ohio, 136 Galway Drive North, Granville, Ohio 43023-9577.

American Baptist Women of Ohio EXCEED Mission Project Goal - June 24, 2007 · Since last June the special project for the American Baptist Women has been Banner Over Us. This theme helped encourage women from all across Ohio to raise funds for a new covered veranda at the chapel on the grounds of the Vanga Hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  For a detailed report and pictures, CLICK HERE.

Annual Gathering Info · Information on the 2007 Annual Gathering is online!  CLICK HERE for details.

Mission Accident - June 19, 2007 · On Tuesday, June 19, Marvin Haught, Pastor of the Brandon Baptist Church in Mochican Association, was burned severely in an accident while he and others from the church were in Arizona on a mission trip. (Marvin represents Mohican Association on the ABC/Ohio Board of Regional Ministries.) They were on the Hopi Indian Reservation and at the time of the accident and were trying to start a school bus. The gas they were using ignited and Marvin was burned on the arms, hands and the side of his head. It was a blessing that some of his mission team members were EMT/Paramedics. Their quick responses were very helpful and he was flown from the reservation to the Maricopa Burn Center in Phoenix. Initially he had a ventilator and stomach tube but they were removed when they made sure his lungs were clear and other organs were functioning properly. There was a fear that there might be internal damage if he had inhaled flames or fumes. He was diagnosed with 2nd and 3rd degree burns and they have begun to do skin grafts last week and again today. Marvin is alert, oriented and in quite a bit of pain. Some healthy tissue is beginning to grow on his burned right hand - his thumb is beginning to turn pink. If this continues he will not have to have grafts on his hand and will have better use in the future. Marvin's wife, Jill and their sons, Caleb, David, Aaron, and Paul were with him on the trip. The boys are returning home with the members of the mission team. Jill is remaining in Phoenix at the Courage House, which is for families of patients in the Burn Center. God has certainly been at work ... a number of American Baptists and other Christian people have been in touch with Jill in Phoenix. Lots of connections have been made. Please pray for Marvin and his recovery and for his pain relief. In addition to your prayers for Marvin, please keep the Mission Team traveling back to Ohio and the Brandon Baptist congregation in your prayers.

Karl Road Baptist Church Debt Retirement - May 27, 2007 · On Sunday, May 27th members and friends of Karl Road Baptist Church in Columbus participated in a 'Bond Retirement' Program which signified completion of their goal to retire the church building debt. Retirement of the debt will allow the church to move forward in new areas of evangelism and outreach in the community.

Pictured is Rev. Rick Breusch, Senior Pastor - burning one of the final bonds,
while Rev. Glenn Perry, Executive Pastor, looks on.

Online Tithe Calculator - May 23, 2007 · A new online "Tithe Calculator" is available for use on our website.  It allows entries to figure percentage of giving and estimates based on your current giving and what you would like to give.  It is a wonderful tool to use as you seek to discover what the Lord is calling you to give.  No information is transmitted, transferred or stored and is entirely subject to your own security precautions on your computer.  Try it out HERE!

Anniversary Celebrated - May 22, 2007 · Blessed Be the Tie that Binds was the theme of the celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the First Baptist Church of Lorain (North Central Association) on Sunday, May 22. The celebration began with a service of worship, the sharing of testimonies and greetings from former members and pastors, the telling of highlights from the church's history, a power point presentation remembering those who have departed, and special music by guest musicians and the church choir. A banquet for members and friends of the church concluded the celebration. Pictured above are Rev. David Smith, pastor, Paul Baxter, Ann Bass, Rev. Jane Gibbons of ABC/Ohio and Will Martin during the presentation of a certificate issued by the American Baptist Historical Society in honor of the occasion.

MMBB Luncheon - May 21, 2007 · Over 75 retired clergy, annuitants, and ABC/Ohio staff shared a luncheon jointly sponsored by the Region and MMBB on Monday, May 21 at Miller's Essenplatz in Newark. Updates were given from ABC/Ohio by Dr. Larry Swain, Executive Minister, and by Rev. Richard Reese, Regional Representative for the Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board, but the primary agenda was the fellowship around the tables and renewing of acquaintances.

MMB Luncheon - May 21, 2007

Biker's Blessing - May 20, 2007 · The 'Biker's Blessing' Service at Dorset Baptist Church (Ashtabula Association - Rev. Ed Pickard, Pastor) was held on Sunday, May 20th. This event was sponsored through the church in conjunction with the Christian Motorcyclists Association - Ashtabula County Chapter - known as 'Forgiven'. This was a day-long event where both bikers and bikes were blessed as well as a worship service, food, Christian music, and fellowship.

Book Depository Notes - May 18, 2007 · Due to the rise in postage, until further notice only Bibles and Theological Books will be mailed from the Book Depository. Polly Sedziol is asking that we send only Bibles & Theological Books to the Depository at this time. If there are any questions, please feel free to contact Polly at: 513-922-0138.

Church Organ Donation - May 15, 2007 · Bryan Grove, Pastor of New Covenant Community has a parishioner who would like to donate a Church Organ to any church with a need. His contact information is: Home: 740-366-7306 Church: 740-967-7030.

Kirkwood Auction Complete May 5, 2007 ·  Dilgard Real Estate/Auctioneers conducted a successful auction of Kirkwood Camp & Conference Center on Saturday, May 05, 2007.

Following a brief introduction, Bill Stepp, Auctioneer/Broker received bids from a variety of participants. The bidding was lively and competitive. The winning bid was submitted by Kirkwood Ministries Inc., a newly formed corporation serving as the holding company for the Miami Baptist Association.

The Baptist Foundation Inc. accepted the bid of $1,190,000.000.

A 10% non-refundable deposit was placed in escrow with Dilgard Real Estate – Auctioneers waiting successful financing by Kirkwood Ministries.

A closing date will mutually be agreed upon by the Baptist Foundation and Kirkwood Ministries. Funds from the sale will be invested by the Baptist Foundation for long-term funding of ABC/Ohio ministries.

Youth Summer Camp Registration Kicks Off · Follow ABC Ohio to Heartland Conference Retreat Center for Summer Camp 2007!  Senior High (9-12) June 17 to 22; Junior High (6-8) July 15-20; Junior Camp (4-6) and Great Expectations (6-9) August 12 to 17 and New Adventures (3-4) August 12 to 15.  Directors include Linda Miller, Kirby Francis and Tim Lee.  For a downloadable brochure with full information CLICK HERE.  For downloadable registration, CLICK HERE.

Mrs. Vivian Wilson passed away on March 8, 2007 in Marion.  She was the widow of Dr. Frank H. Wilson who served as pastor of a number of American Baptist congregations in Ohio. Among the churches Rev. Wilson served as pastor were: the Grand Prairie Baptist Church, Marion; Johnstown Baptist Church; Calvary Baptist Church, Akron; and he served as interim at the Goodyear Heights Baptist Church, Akron.  Continue to remember the Wilson family in your prayers as they both mourn her loss and celebrate her life. Friends will be received from 10-11:30 a.m. on Monday, March 12, 2007, at Radnor Baptist Church, where funeral services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Radnor Cemetery. Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 832, Delaware, OH 43015. Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.RodmanNeeper.com. 

Kirkwood Camp & Conference Auction/Sale Information - Letter to ABC/Ohio - February 26, 2007 · To read the letter from Rev. Dr. Benjamin Floyd (President, ABC/Ohio), Rev. Mark Click (Vision Quest Team Chairperson) and Rev. Dr. Lawrence O. Swain (Executive Minister), CLICK HERE or for a downloadable version in a PDF file, CLICK HERE.  The auction and sale information brochures from the auction firm can be found through these three links:  PAGE ONE ● PAGES 2 to 3 ● PAGE FOUR.

License for Ministry Presented to Mr. John Oliver on February 11, 2007 · On Sunday morning, February 11, the First Baptist Church of Martins Ferry presented a License for the Gospel Ministry to Mr. John Oliver who is serving as the interim pastor of the congregation. Rev. Dan Taylor, Minister of Congregational Development, participated in the ceremony and preached the morning message. John, a member of the congregation, is a graduate of the ABC/Ohio Lay Pastor Training Program.

Rev. Earnest M Hulsey Passes Away - February 11, 2007 · Rev. Earnest M. Hulsey, 77, of New Matamoras, died Sunday (February 11, 2007) at his home. He was born July 1, 1929, in Townley, Ala., a son of the late Solan Madison and Lura Lee Keeton Hulsey. Rev. Hulsey was a retired school teacher for the Switzerland of Ohio School District having taught at Graysville, Bethel, Midway and Laings schools. He was also a retired minister and member of Neuhart Baptist Church, near Woodsfield. He had also formerly served as a minister at the Byesville First Baptist Church, Byesville, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Logan, Unity Baptist Church near Antioch, and the Gravel Hill Baptist Church at Fly. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran, having served in the Korean War; a former Monroe County Commissioner; former administrator of MR/DDin Monroe County; former president of Buckeye Hills and former president and member of the Monroe County Board of Health. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post 6387, New Matamoras, and had taught hunter safety classes for many years. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Anna Marie Jones; one brother, Buddy Hulsey and two sisters, Iva McCreary and Willie Lawson. Surviving are his wife, Harriet M. Lantz Hulsey whom he married on Oct. 21, 1951; three daughters, Jane (Brad) Miller of Wingett Run, Karen (Steve) Gray of Westerville and Valerie (Bob) Burch of Silver Springs, Md.; two sons: Earnest P. (Dianna) Hulsey of New Matamoras and Phillip B. (Shelley) Hulsey of Sardis; three sisters: Irene Savage of Pleasant Hills, Calif., Lonell Soos of Orange Park, Fla. and Ima Lee of Haleyville, Ala.; three brothers: Robert, Solan and Lee P. Hulsey, all of Camp Verde, Ariz.; 19 grandchildren; five great grandchildren. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Watters Funeral Home, Woodsfield, where funeral and military services will be 11 a.m. Friday with Phillip B. Hulsey officiating. Burial will follow in the Neuhart Baptist Cemetery, near Woodsfield. Memorial contributions may be made to the Strecker Cancer Center, 401 Matthew Street, Marietta, OH, or to the Midway Community Center, State Route 800, Sardis, OH 43946. An online guestbook may be signed at www.wattersfuneralhome.com.

February 9 & 10 2007 - Board of Regional Ministries Retreat · The pictures below are from the Board of Regional Ministries Retreat at Camp McPherson.  The Board worked on a number of areas relating to new opportunities for ministry within the Region during their time together . . .

Banner Over Us Online · The American Baptist Women's Ministries of Ohio state project slide show can now be found online - CLICK HERE for details!  Missionary Dr. Bill Clemmer's presence has helped us to reach even more people with the message of the state project. The goal of Banner Over Us is $24,000.  If we go over the goal (and it looks like this is a real possibility), plans are already in the works for what might happen!  Dr. Clemmer said that malnutrition in children is a major concern. There is never enough milk. If we exceed our goal, money will be used to feed the children. One church has already announced that they more than doubled their offering from last year. We can do it!  Read more on the American Baptist Women's Ministries of Ohio page.

Longtime ABC-Ohio Board Member Passes · Executive Minister, Dr. Larry Swain, says, "A long-time member of the Board of Regional Ministries for the American Baptist Churches of Ohio, E. Clark Morrow passed away on January 20, 2007. Clark was but 98 years young at his passing. He was a beloved American Baptist who loved his Lord and served ABC/Ohio with distinction and faithfulness. He was our sole “Emeritus” board member. He will be missed greatly."  Morrow passed away at the Selma Markowitz Care Center operated by Hospice of Central Ohio. He was born Oct. 21, 1908, in Pataskala, to the late Elmer K. and Emma (Clark) Morrow. Mr. Morrow received a B.A. from Denison University in 1930 and an L.L.B. from Case Western Reserve University in 1933. He was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1933 and was a founding member of the law firm of Morrow, Gordon and Byrd in 1943. From 1935 to 1969, Mr. Morrow was a visiting professor in law and government at Denison University. For 20 years, he was law director for the Village of Granville, as well as a council member. Mr. Morrow was a member of the Licking County Bar Association, the Columbus Bar Association and the Ohio Bar Association for 73 years. With this group, he was a former member and first chairman of the Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline. In addition, he was a member of the American Bar Association, a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers for 41 years, a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel for 33 years and a member of the Society of Benchers at Case Western Reserve University of Law. In 2000, Clark was the first recipient in Ohio of the Eugene R. Weir Award for ethics and professionalism from the Ohio State Bar Association. Clark was a member of the First Baptist Church of Newark, the Newark Lions Club, Center Star Lodge 11, F. & A.M. and the Aladdin Shrine. He was a proud supporter of Denison University, from which he received an alumni citation in 1981. His strong commitment to his fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha, was lifelong, and in 1994, he was issued The Order of Merit by the national fraternity. Clark loved practicing law, playing golf, traveling and being with his family.

ABC-USA 2007 Planning Calendar · The long-awaited 2007 calendar is now online for you to print out from the national ABC website - CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD!

January 2007 - ABC Ohio welcomes the Lees back to state service The American Baptist Churches of Ohio is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Alvin and Rev. Rachel Lee as Interim Ministers of Congregational Development for Southwest Ohio. Alvin and Rachel are known by many in ABC/Ohio for their ministry backgrounds as Area Ministers as well as other areas of ministry. They have served ABC/Ohio in this capacity in 1998 and 200 when the need arose. They will work with search committees and offer pastoral care to clergy in the Southwest area until the vacated position is filled. Alvin will serve the Dayton and Western Associations. Rachel will serve the Miami and Clinton Associations. ABC/Ohio is blessed to have Alvin and Rachel for such a time as this. Welcome Alvin and Rachel! .

December 24, 2006 - Rev. Owen Stewart

Rev. Owen W. "Stew" Stewart, age 81, of Dublin, passed away Sunday, December 24, 2006 at Riverside Methodist Hospital.  Owen was very active within our Region serving as pastor of a number of churches as well as an interim for many congregations following his retirement. He was born March 13, 1925 in East Chicago, Indiana to the late Leroy and Cecil (Mason) Stewart. Rev. Stewart was a World War II U.S. Navy Veteran and a graduate of UCLA where he lettered in basketball. He earned his BD Degree and Masters of Theology from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary. During his 54 years of ministry in the American Baptist Convention, he served churches in Illinois, Wisconsin and Ohio. While in Wisconsin, he served as President of the Baptist State Convention. In his 16 years of retirement, Rev. Stewart served as interim pastor at various churches throughout the Columbus Area. He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Joan; children, Greg Stewart (Stillman) of San Francisco, CA, Nancy (John) Toney of Houston, TX, Scott (Annmarie) Stewart of Grandville, OH and Gordon (Carlisa) Stewart of Westervile, OH; grandchildren, Arthur, Javonte, Dionte, Allen, David, Asher, Tate, Sam, Hunter and Hannah; brother, Neil (Patricia) Stewart of Florida; sister, Virginia (Clifford) Kissinger of Springfield, OH; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A funeral service will be held 12:30 p.m. Friday, December 29, 2006 at Mountview Baptist Church, 2140 Fishinger Road, Columbus, with his brother-in-law, Dr. Ronald Youngblood officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Charitable Giving Fund of Friendship Village of Dublin, 6000 Riverside Drive, Dublin, OH 43017.

December 17, 2006 - Rev. Dr. Larry Hicks Retirement Rev. Dr. Larry Hicks is retiring as pastor of First Baptist Church of Painesville after seven years of faithful ministry. He and his wife were honored by the church on Sunday, December 17, 2006. Pictured is Bev Keyes making a presentation to Rev. Hicks and his wife Judy.

Christmas Greetings 2006
We give thanks for you and for our partnership in ministry among the American Baptist Churches of Ohio. May the Hope, Peace, Joy and Love of Christ be yours during this time of Advent, Christmas and New Year's.
Your ABC/Ohio Executive Staff Family

Linda and Larry Swain, Dan and Rebecca Taylor, Jane Gibbons, Wayne and Julie Paulsen, and Sharon and Bob Cassady.

ABC Missions on NBC News · There will soon be a special NBC News report on "Hope Unlimited," a mission to street children in Brazil - CLICK HERE to read the ABC-USA report. You may also view the NBC report on the NBC site once it has aired by CLICKING HERE.

ABC-USA General Board Report · The November 2006 report has important information for churches and church leaders . . . MORE.

Bulletin Inserts · News updates for each region are now online.  Download and print for your bulletin or newsletter in MS Word or PDF - click "Ministries and Resources" or CLICK HERE.

Xtreme Team 2007 · The Rev. Dan Buttry, International Ministries missionary, urges young men and women between 19 and 29 to consider serving on an Xtreme Team next year.  We have full information online and available with additional links . . . MORE

Nicaraguan Mission · The ABC/Ohio Mission Team traveled to Nicaragua the summer of 2006.  Read more about the trip and see pictures!  CLICK HERE.

Rise Up and Build · ABC/Ohio continues to move forward with its new vision, “Rise Up and Build.” The Ministers of Congregational Development are assimilating their new ministry opportunities with joyful spirits, expecting God to bless this effort to build healthy missional churches. We want everyone to participate in this continuing effort . . . MORE