American Baptist Churches of Ohio News from our regions around the state.
Rev. Mary Miller Called to New Ministry
Rev. Mary Miller has been called to serve as the new Associate Executive Minister of Mid- American Baptist Churches. Rev. Miller has 23 years of experience as an American Baptist pastor, serving congregations in urban and rural settings. In addition to pastoral ministry, Rev. Miller has served as Coordinator of the Conflict Management Network for ABC of Ohio and has been on the faculty of their Lay Pastor Training Program, teaching conflict management and ethics. While serving in Indiana, Rev. Miller was a Field Education Supervisor for Christian Theological Seminary.
Toledo Area American Baptist Association Holds Annual Picnic
The Toledo Area American Baptist Association (TAABA) sister churches gathered for the TAABA Annual Picnic on June 10, 2012 at Side Cut Metropark in Maumee. Over 180 gathered for the festivities. It was an awesome time of Fellowship, Food, and Fun. We were blessed to have Rev. Jane Gibbons and Dr. Marva Hughes in attendance. Our planning committee of Deacon James Sebrees and Chairman and Deacon General Bobbitt did a wonderful job in preparations. This was an outstanding event! Pastor Truett Fogle gave an informative reflection on his trip to Mexico in addition to the greetings from Rev. Gibbons and Dr. Hughes. TAABA member churches present included Church of The New Covenant, Good Shepherd, First Antioch, Third Baptist, St. Paul's and Cass Road. Enjoy a video of the day's events:
Toledo American Baptists Hold Church Growth Workshop
The Toledo Area American Baptist Association held a Church Growth Workshop on April 14, 2012 at St. Paul's Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Jane Gibbons was the workshop leader and it featured a look at factors that contribute to healthy and stable churches. The video is a visual report of the events on that special Saturday morning!
FBC Bucyrus Youth Group Easter Presentation
This was the FBC Bucyrus youth group presentation for the sunrise service on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012. It is an awesome song and tremendous presentation. It is great to see what our churches are contributing to worship around the state!
Rev. Ralph Dovenbarger Passes
Rev. Ralph H. Dovenbarger, 84 of Canton, died at 8:59pm Saturday March 31st at Canton Christian Home, Canton, OH. He was born Saturday, May 28, 1927 in Zanesville, the son of Ralph E. Dovenbarger and Mildred (Fritz) Dovenbarger. Rev. Dovenbarger was a graduate of Ashland College and received his Masters Degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He faithfully served the congregations of Ark Springs Baptist Church, Newcomerstown Baptist Church and the Headlands Baptist Church of Mentor as their pastor. He also volunteered as a pastor at First Baptist Church in Englewood, FL. He loved music and enjoyed playing the trumpet. Rev. Dovenbarger spent many years with Christian camps where he directed camps and canoe trips. Ralph was instrumental in the early years of Camp Koinonia. Rev. Dovenbarger is survived by wife: Dora Jane Dovenbarger. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.