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| Greetings!
And welcome to the first issue of BVBCNews -- your e-mail link to life at Brandywine Valley Baptist Church. We're hoping you'll learn plenty about what's happening in our community, meet some folks you might not have met before, and come away with fresh ideas on how you can join us as we serve and worship our Lord!
In this issue, you'll meet three new deacons, hear about the folks who set up our worship spaces each week, learn some of the cool things our youth are doing -- and more!
We plan to ship to your Inbox about once a month, probably less often in the summer. If you enjoy the newsletter, just keep us up to date with your e-mail address and it will reach you. If you wish to opt-out, an "unsubscribe" link is included at the end of the newsletter.
We'd love to hear from you -- whether you have suggestions for things we could include or have comments or questions on what you read.
If you consider BVBC your church home and would like to join the volunteer staff that produces this newsletter -- whether as a writer or photographer -- we'd love to talk to you about that. Send an e-mail with your name, area of interest, and best way to reach you to: bvbcnews@bvbcnet.org.
Let us know what you think! |
| From the Pastoral Staff
This Month:
Pastor Bo works it out at the Y
Editor's note: BVBCNews asked Pastor Bo to write about his life as an early-morning regular at the Y.
 My mom died in March, 2000. Six months later I turned 60. I thought: if I live as long as my mom, I have a lot of living to do. I want to do ministry as long as I live. So, how can I give my body the best chance of serving that purpose, if I live to be 90?
Answer: go to the gym. It took me two years to take that advice. I've never regretted it.
Ed Wright is a fitness instructor at the YMCA and a part of BVBC. He got me started in 2002. He's a good teacher. He still encourages me almost seven years later.
I'm an early-morning guy at the gym. I prefer to get there at 6:15-6:30 a.m. The really early crowd is beginning to leave, and the after-breakfast crowd hasn't arrived. I seldom have a problem getting the equipment I need for an exercise.
Most people don't talk much when they work out. More than two minutes is a long conversation. You get to know people by face, and I make it a point to get to know a lot of people by name.
Seeing familiar faces every time I go, having those two-minute and sometimes longer conversations motivate me to stick with my fitness routine. I wouldn't work out if I had the same equipment in my basement at home or at the church.
It surprised and pleased me, when little muscles started to pop out. I had new strength and endurance. I often remind myself why I'm there. Muscle, strength and endurance give my body the best chance possible of being usable in ministry, should I live to be 90.
1Timothy 4:8 says that "physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." I want my physical training to serve godly ends as long as God gives me physical strength.
See you at the Y.
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'The Crew' gets it done
Volunteers make on-site worship
possible during construction 
Early on a frosty Sunday this month, John Hutchison and his set-up team were doing what they've been doing once a month for almost a year: Hauling gear and setting up worship space at the nearby McCrery chapel, where BVBC holds traditional worship services during the Phase 3 construction project.
Starting at around 7 a.m., Hutchison and his team unload a trailer and set up 200 seats and other required furnishings at McCrery. They break it all down again when worship is over -- and they do a similar job on Saturday mornings at the gymnasium, where contemporary services are held on Sundays.
On this Sunday, Hutchison was working in a white dress shirt and tie. As a member of the Board of Deacons, he would be serving communion that morning, too.
Hutchison's team is one of four that rotates once-a-month responsibility for the massive job. The other teams are led by Lee Holtzclaw, Bob Soplop, and Greg and Susan Warren.
The Warrens have been on this detail since Day One -- before Day One, actually. They accepted responsibility for set-up and breakdown of both worship venues in the summer of 2007. Planning and recruiting got underway and the actual muscle work began last May.
"There have been times when it seems an insurmountable task," said Greg Warren, who retired after 22 years with the Delaware State Police and now is a professor at Wilmington University. "The church is so large. We have a great music program, but with that comes a lot of equipment, and it takes a lot of expertise to set up and break down speakers, wires, and projectors."
Greg said he and Susie, who is an emergency-room nurse at Christiana Hospital, have been part of BVBC for about four years. Working with other volunteers has been a great experience, he said.
"We feel so much more connected to the congregation," he said. "We have met 130 people we wouldn't have met otherwise, and I have gained the utmost respect for so many people in the congregation. How many people do you know who get up at 5 on a dark, cold winter morning to get to McCrery to set up?"
New "Crew" members are always welcome - and needed. To join the team, contact Susan Warren at sc86.warren@comcast.net. |
| Tough economy sparks
new group for job seekers
BVBC is launching a new small group called "Talent in Transition." As the name suggests, this group sees unemployment as a transitional phase that God will use for good and affirms each person's worth, regardless of job status.
The group will explore this transition time, which can bring not only potentially devastating loss of income, but also loss of self-esteem and growing isolation. Many are left without the practical means to initiate a job search.
With this in mind, Jim Donohue (husband of Cindy Donohue, director of children's ministries) will help to sharpen skills such as interviewing and writing a resume. The group offers a safe place to share both triumphs and disappointments, the camaraderie of those in similar circumstances, and reminders of the reality of God's far-reaching love.
The group, which started Feb. 8, meets on Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. Sunday in Pastor Bo Matthews' office in the east wing of the church. It is open to everyone -- men and women -- and you are welcome to join at any time.
-- Sally Kantzes |
| Kids in Africa find friends
as BVBC youth raise funds
Concert to benefit 'Invisible Children'
Struggling kids in northern Uganda have a growing circle of friends they've never met -- at BVBC. And on Sunday evening, March 8, their BVBC allies are hosting an evening of music, food and discussion to help raise money for those kids in Africa.
 Chris Zwakenberg, assistant to the pastor of BVBC's student ministries, has organized the evening for students in middle and high school. But he expects many college students to attend and said the evening is open to all ages -- anyone who wants to help these kids.
Before joining Brandywine's staff, Chris spent nine months as an intern with "Invisible Children," a San Diego-based non-profit that helps raise awareness and help for kids in east Africa. Among the children assisted are those who have been abducted by rebel groups and forced to become child soldiers, de-sensitized by drugs, abuse and repeated exposure to trauma. As part of that work, Chris traveled to Uganda and saw firsthand the conditions kids were living in.
"Being in Uganda was so difficult," he said. "There was such poverty. They almost seem like they're helpless, like they don't have a way out. You could say, 'This is Africa, that's just the way it is.' But after being with the people, I started thinking, 'What if this was my family? My uncle? My grandfather? They had no job and no food to provide for their family. It became really personal to me.... If my biological brother was starving, I would do whatever I could to feed him. There, my brothers in Christ are starving. Where does that leave me?"
Staffers from "Invisible Children" will be on hand March 8 to discuss the work and show a video -- "Roseline" -- about the struggles of a girl in Uganda who has AIDS.
Music is a big part of the evening, with performances by: Koji, Randy Carroll, and Dood! You're An Animal, a band whose lead singer is Jordan Maguire.
The event goes from 6 to 9 p.m. in the BVBC gymnasium. Admission is $5 per person.
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New BVBC partnership
aims to 'Awaken Hope'
Ministry serves those with AIDS
Editor's note: BVBC has linked with the "Awaken Hope" ministry as part of its new "Third Saturday" effort promoting monthly service to the community. Gabrielle Townsend introduced the ministry in a Saturday seminar in January, and shared this story for BVBCNews readers:
When I met Diane* (her name has been changed to protect her privacy) she had been ill for many years. Living at a residence for people with AIDS, Diane was one of the few female residents.
We first met over dinner and we talked about our lives. In the next few months we became friends and looked forward to each other's company.
Diane did not know her HIV status for many years and had struggled to find out the cause of her numerous medical problems. Once diagnosed as HIV positive, she was given medication and a room at the AIDS facility.
Diane was ill and suffering, but she made time for a new friend. She laughed a lot, loved to play Bingo, loved dolphins and all kinds of stuffed animals. Sometimes we would just sit in her room and watch TV and talk.
One of her greatest fears was dying alone, but she did not die alone. She was surrounded by friends and "family by choice," who held her hand until the end. Diane lived a beautiful life and she was my friend.
When we hear Diane's story, we can hope that all people living with HIV and AIDS will have a home, three meals a day, the medicine they need and people to love them. Or we can rise up and help to meet the needs right here in Delaware.
Followers of Jesus Christ are uniquely called to provide care, prayer, unconditional love, and practical support to people living with HIV and AIDS.
For more information and ways to get involved in the BVBC "Third Saturday" program, please visit www.bvbcnet.org or www.awakenhope.com.
-- Gabrielle Townsend |
| Lenten season brings
call to prayer, fasting
The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25. Lent is a 40-day period to focus on Jesus and remember His death and resurrection, through reflection, fasting, prayer, and repentance.
This Lenten season, the pastoral staff is calling the BVBC congregation to seek God together through prayer and fasting. One day each week -- starting on Ash Wednesday -- we will gather at 7 a.m. in the lower west wing of the church for 40 minutes of worship, corporate prayer and reflection, led by a member of the BVBC pastoral team.
After Ash Wednesday, we will continue on Monday mornings through April 6. If you are unable to join us on Mondays, we encourage you to join us in prayer and fasting wherever you are. You may choose to fast the whole day, fast for one meal or just set aside time to pray.
Let's begin each week of Lent together, renewing our commitment to follow Jesus, personally and corporately.
-- Brenda Wilson |
| Have you met ... ?
BVBC welcomes three new deacons
Editor's note: The 12 members of BVBC's Board of Deacons serve three-year terms. In January, three new men joined the board. BVBCNews writer Lynn Wilson caught up with them and filed these reports:
Brett Dorsch
 Brett Dorsch has been part of BVBC for 12 years. As a new deacon, he said his main goal is to lead the church in the direction that God would have us go. Brett is interested in helping people, learning more about Christ, and facilitating the church's journey through the Pillar of Fire construction project.
Brett keeps busy with his wife, kids, and grandchildren. He coaches baseball (his favorite sport) and enjoys boating and helping others. Brett has a wholesale route sales business, and he is also a big brother for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America. Brett is currently reading "Just Walk Across the Room," which he said he is truly enjoying.
Willie Mah
Willie and his wife, Tina, have attended BVBC for 15 years. In addition to being a new deacon, Willie now serves on the Nominating Committee.
During the week, he works in animal health sales. On weekends, free time is often spent hiking or camping with family. Scuba diving is one of Willie's favorite activities. Need to find Willie during football season? Look for him in the stands, cheering for Penn State University's Nittany Lions.
Willie recently finished reading "Crazy Love," by Francis Chan.
Jerry Molin
Jerry is a new deacon, but he knows BVBC very well. He and his wife, Kathy, have attended since 1976.
Jerry grew up in Delaware, and he and his wife have a son and a daughter. He works as a business consultant for the Du Pont Co. 
When Jerry isn't working, he loves to read. Right now, he's working through Bill O'Reilly's autobiographical "A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity." For Jerry, the best place to read is on a warm, sandy beach in Myrtle Beach, N.C. Sounds good right about now, doesn't it? |
Women's retreat offers
time to reflect, connect
Combine a retreat center located at the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay, a time to reflect on joy, and a dynamic speaker who is described as warm, funny, challenging and encouraging and you have the ingredients for the 2009 BVBC Women's Retreat.
Here's what you need to know:
Date: Friday evening, April 17 through Sunday morning, April 19
Place: Sandy Cove in North East, Md.
Theme: Count It All Joy
Speaker: Jill Goldner, writer, speaker, wife and mother from Wilmington
Cost: Single room: $327; double: $207 per person; triple: $147 per person; quad: $127 per person. Price includes two nights, three meals Saturday and Sunday breakfast buffet.
Registration begins Sunday, March 1. Check BVBC Ministry News and www.bvbcnet.org for more details. Check out Sandy Cove at www.sandycove.org.
-- Brenda Wilson |
| BVBC youth take service
to Philadelphia's homeless
On average, we take thousands of footsteps a day. During the weekend of January 17, the steps of dozens of BVBC youth and adult chaperones led to inner city Philadelphia, where -- with Student Ministries Pastor Matthew McNutt -- they strove to serve God in new ways.
They worked at a food bank, served meals at inner city c hurches, and sought to connect with the men and women they encountered on Philly's streets and subways. Along with their willingness to go beyond their usual circles, they brought food, necessities, and companionship to homeless men and women. Friendly overtures were met with gratitude, and students were able to have real conversations with people who explained the frustrating cycle of homelessness: without a job, you can't pay rent; without a permanent address, you can't get a job.
As an exercise, each individual in the group tried to live on $1 for half a day. They were allowed to pool their resources in groups of three, and they sought to find bargains: a cheap loaf of bread, a few slices of deli turkey, and perhaps something else with the help of any extra change found on the ground. This activity helped them understand the plight of those who struggle to live in the city on virtually nothing.
At the end of the weekend, Pastor McNutt asked: "How can you make your steps count for God at home?" Whether we walk 1,000 or 10,000 steps a day, let's seek to intentionally serve God along the way.
-- Lynn Wilson |
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Kids to get taste of Haiti
Children from 4 1/2 years old through fifth grade are invited to share an evening exploring Haiti on Sunday, March 15.
"Hiking Through Haiti" gives children a chance to taste Haitian treats, play Haitian games, learn about life in Haiti and meet Cheryl and Greg Ryle, who served as missionaries with Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF).
The event, which is part of the annual Missions Conference, goes from 6 to 7:30 p.m. It will be held on the lower level of the east wing.
Bring your friends!
-- Cindy Donohue | |
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Our Mission
To be followers of Jesus Christ, known by our love
Our vision is to be:
- Engaging our God with heartfelt worship
- Engaging our communities with compassionate deeds
- Engaging our culture with gracious discernment
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BVBCNews is produced by:
Brandywine Valley Baptist Church
Office of Assimilation & Communication
Brenda Wilson, director
(302) 478-4255 |
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