E-News
Volume I, Issue 1
September 17, 2007

 

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Virginia • P.O. Box 11754 • Richmond VA 23230 • 804-213-0412
CBFV Update

Virginia was well-represented at the June 28-29 CBF General Assembly in Washington DC. Of 2486 participants, 485 were from Virginia which led all other states. An outstanding General Assembly ended Friday evening with a combined Worship Service and Communion with American Baptists.

During the General Assembly we had a very informative State Meeting. Even though we had the largest meeting room, we had folks standing and sitting on the floor, plus a few listening from the hall doorways.

Several CBF field personnel with Virginia ties shared some of their current experiences, including an update from Greg and Sue Smith on their Hispanic Ministry which is now sponsored by a partnership between CBF, the Virginia Baptist Mission Board (BGAV), and Fredericksburg Baptist Church.

Walt Cummings, Moderator, gave a detailed update on current happenings in CBFV. Of special interest was the unanimous Coordinating Council decision to once again operate primarily as a volunteer organization, as we did from 1991-2000, and not fill the position of Coordinator at this time. The very important need for a Coordinator was filled during a period of transition and organization and culminated in a year-long Re-Visioning process to establish identity, mission, and priorities. As a result of what was accomplished, the Coordinating Council agreed CBFV was now ready to operate with an Administrator (Arlene Perry) and Reference and Referral Administrator (Harvey Skinner) for Staff, and volunteer Officers (Moderator, Moderator-Elect, Past Moderator, Treasurer, Secretary) to lead the Coordinating Council, represent CBFV, communicate, and make decisions between General Assemblies. This model allows CBFV to commit more of its funds to direct support of CBF partners and Virginia mission, ministries, and educational projects. (See the link at the end of this section for a summary of how CBFV has been using its funds in this way since the March 2007 General Assembly.) To insure consistent adherence to CBFV goals and criteria, all expenditures have required unanimous vote from the five Officers and concurrence from the two paid Staff members; some were approved at Coordinating Council meetings with additional voting members present.

CBFV volunteers are available to participate in events at your church and we can assist you in securing CBF speakers, depending on your need. Administrator Arlene Perry is available to assist you in any way possible by phone (804-213-0412) or email (office@cbfv.org). Moderator Walt Cummings is available by phone (757-467-9746) or e-mail (moderator@cbfv.org). Reference and Referral Administrator Harvey Skinner (hskinner@cbfv.org) is actively working to assist churches in finding ministers and assist ministers in finding the right church.

Distribution of CBFV Ministry Funds

 

 

 

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MDG Goal of the Week:
Eradicate extreme
poverty and hunger

SPEAKER OPPORTUNITY

Evangelical leader from overseas as speaker for October 14th

Micah Challenge: MDG Follow Up Opportunity

Click for Details

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Water Works for
Malawi Gardens

Rural kids know something about gardens. At least, they understand gardens needing water. If it doesn’t rain, they need water from somewhere. They also understand more about sacrifice than most of us. They taught us some of that during our Water Works Vacation Bible School. Continue the Story

Bookmark this link for Daily Devotion provided by PASSPORT Camps.

Prayer Request from the Ballew's

We are feeling more and more adjusted to the time here in Macau having been back about a week. Some prayers requests are listed below.

1. We had a very nice day of worship and fellowship with our church yesterday. We began a new Sunday School Class in the morning, had lunch with some co-laborers and then Larry preached at the 3:00 in the afternoon worship service that is held at the Macau Baptist Secondary school. They are wanting to have a more seeker-friendly/ contemporary worship service to be able to reach young people. Our co- ministering relationship with pastors Peter and Lilian Chan is growing and is very encouraging. Pray that the church would grow in depth and numbers.

2. We have been able to contact many of our friends and are arranging times to get back with them. Please pray for these relationships, especially the restaurant workers that we know. Several of our contacts in the restaurants have changed their locations which makes it challenging to find them.

3. Pray for our first L.E.T.S.(Lighthouse English Training Services) recruits, Ken and Deborah Hellier. Having their work permit now, they are needing to get their visa through Macau Immigration Dept and also find an apartment to live in. Please pray for all the details to be worked out. Pray particularly for Deborah as she begins full time teaching tomorrow at the Macau Baptist Secondary School.

Thanks for your loving, vital prayers.

Peace,
The Ballew Crew - Click for Newsletter

Issues Testing Baptist Polity

Bill Pinson, in 2003, wrote an excellent 48-page booklet for the Baptist History and Heritage Society. The title of the book is Issues Testing Baptist Polity. We sold all the booklets in our inventory this summer, and we have now had the booklet reprinted.

In this brief booklet, Dr. Pinson, who is the executive director emeritus of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, discusses

  • issues testing a regenerate church membership,
  • issues testing congregational church governance
  • issues testing the autonomy of churches and related Baptist entities
  • issues testing voluntary cooperation among Baptists
Included at the end are study questions. Issues Testing Baptist Polity is an excellent resource for pastors, church members, students, study groups, and Sunday School classes.

The booklet sells for $4.00, but may be purchased for only $2.50 if ordered before October 15, 2007.

To order contact Pam Durso at 770-457- 5540 or email pamdurso@baptisthistory.org

 

 

 
   
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