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BVBCNews
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Deadline for
Nov. issue:
Oct. 20
NewsLink
BVBCNews Archive
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Thank you ... and you
and you ... and you!
Yes, we know Thanksgiving Day is in November, not October. But this edition of BVBCNews is chock full of people we're thankful for.
* A soldier, safely returned from Iraq
* The construction workers and contractors who have worked so hard on our church building
* The army of volunteers who continue to serve faithfully through the sometimes-chaotic construction period
* The pastoral staff and support staff who have not only worked in the middle of the mayhem, but have produced creative new approaches to ministry while maintaining the essential components we often take for granted
* The deacons and other lay leaders who have planned, monitored and refined the proposals and objectives that will help us to navigate the next steps
* The building committees and campaign committees who have coordinated this project and have cast a vision for what comes after the Grand Re-Opening
* Each person who has given, prayed, helped, encouraged, smoothed, and lightened someone's load during this exciting-but-challenging year.
Thank you, Lord, for your provision through all of these people, whose gifts and graces and willing hearts glorify you, bless us, and lay a foundation for those yet to come.
What are you thankful for? Send us an e-mail by Oct. 20 -- the deadline for the November issue of BVBCNews -- and we'll spread the word. |
Bob Wardell returns from year of deployment in Iraq
It was a joyous reunion for families and loved ones of the Delaware National Guard's 261st Signal Brigade, who returned to U.S. soil Sept. 25 after almost a year in Iraq. Among the 110 returning troops was BVBC's own Bob Wardell. Waiting for Bob when he arrived were his parents, Herbert and Mabel Wardell, who looked after his dog, Luke, while he was away. Bob's father is a retired Army colonel. BVBCNews happened to be nearby, and Bob -- weary from a circuitous trip that included stops in Bulgaria, Germany and Iceland! -- had a few things to say. "I am very grateful for the prayer support," he said. "God really blessed me with spiritual development while I was gone. I got involved with the chaplain and a small group." 
Bob's unit will be honored publicly Wednesday at a ceremony on Legislative Mall in Dover. Vice President Joe Biden, whose son Beau is in the 261st, is among the dignitaries expected to attend. Welcome home, Bob, and thank you for your service!
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Promise Keepers, staff
salute construction workers
with 'thank-you' lunch
When the Worship and Music Leadership Team (Sam Stein, Regina Ontjes, Phil Woodworthy, Karen
Douglas) sat down to plan celebration events
for the opening of our new building, they had an idea that went beyond our
celebration -- a lunch for the workers who are making this happen. Lunch was served Thursday, Sept. 17.
Thirty-five members of the construction crew gathered in the library/Coffee Corner area, where the meal was hosted by the
Monday morning Promise Keepers group. 
Some workers ate at tables set up near the
library, while others took their meals outside and ate on the steps, where many eat their lunches every day. 
Several members of the pastoral staff joined the men and expressed their appreciation for all they have
done.
Ed Griesel, field supervisor
with the contractor C. Raymond Davis, said he has worked at other sites where a
meal was provided for the workers, but it is not a common occurrence and the men
really appreciated it. Some who were not scheduled to work that day came to the work site just for the lunch. Many workers expressed interest in
seeing how the finished building will look. They have been intrigued with the design and details created by
architect George Yu.
Pastor Sam Stein told the men, "These six men who are serving
you today represent 1,600 people in our congregation who are grateful for the
work you have done and who pray often for your safety and well-being." Brenda Wilson |
Special events planned to celebrate and dedicate BVBC's new sanctuary
Make plans to join us as we dedicate our new sanctuary on Sunday, Oct. 25. We will have three worship services that day -- 8:30, 9:45 and 11:15 a.m. -- with a special dedication gathering between the second and third services, at 10:45.
Two events are planned to welcome the community to our
new building.
On Monday, Nov. 2, there
will be an open house from 5-7:30 p.m. The pastoral staff will be on hand to conduct
tours of the building and refreshments will be served.
Our public grand opening
services are Sunday, Nov. 15.
Both community events will be advertised to the
community, and we will mail invitations to homes in the 19803 and 19810 ZIP copes. Invite your friends and neighbors to come and see for themselves! We'll have some great new seats waiting! |
Next Steps campaign
lays foundation for future
With the end of the Pillar of Fire capital campaign -- Phase 3 of a $13.2 million, 10-year project that produced the east wing, the west wing and the new sanctuary and fellowship facilities -- BVBC leaders have been looking ahead to what comes next.
Almost as soon as the new facilities are complete and dedicated, we're told things could get cozy again quickly!
To make the most of our opportunities and to face financial challenges responsibly, BVBC leaders have proposed a new capital campaign: "Next Steps -- Seeking God's Provision." The campaign co-chairs are Lanny Weaver and Art Brosius.
 The funds raised in this campaign would strengthen existing ministries by paying off debt, would cover major maintenance projects (including the parking lot, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, and roof), and would allow us to revive some deferred features of Phase 3, according to Executive Pastor Bill Parsons.
"How fast we get there depends on how fast the congregation responds," he said at a Sept. 12 leaders meeting. He quoted consultant Larry Dean: "Leaders set the direction, but we don't control the pace."
Members of the pastoral staff sketched out ways they hoped to expand and enhance ministries as opportunities arise and financial support becomes available.
An integrated family ministry -- "Family Fusion" -- soon will be introduced, for example, said Cindy Donohue, director of children's ministries. Among the plans: family-oriented small groups, service trips, and other activities.
Pastor Mark Smith said the challenges for all are great.
"We know this is not an easy time," he said. "We know that many have job problems, family issues, relational difficulties, health problems and financial challenges. These are not lost on us, the staff. We're going to push on, but we will not sacrifice people for a project.
"We want to go together," he said. "Some will be able to give more, some will dig deep to give, and some will not be able to at all. But all of us are going to go together, and when the smoke clears, everyone arrives alive."
Someday soon, he said, we'll be looking back on this.
"Remember those crazy times when we tore down the sanctuary? We tore it down to make room for people who aren't here yet. And because you were willing to be uncomfortable, more people will get to hear about God's love for them.
"We as the staff and board believe we can do this. We really do. But we also believe this: We've got to do it together."
Four "town hall" type meetings have been planned for the last week of September to provide information on the campaign and allow time for questions. We hope you will attend.
The meetings, which all start at 7 p.m., will be held:
* Monday, Sept. 28, Room 141
* Tuesday, Sept. 29, Gymnasium
* Wednesday, Sept. 30, Room 141
* Thursday, Oct. 1, Room 141Let's move forward together! | |
Fifty men tee up
for first BVBC Golf Outing
It was a drippy, soggy morning, but by tee time the sun had broken through for BVBC's first Men's Golf Outing on Sunday, Sept. 27 at Deerfield Country Club in Newark. Fifty men participated.  Early arrivers were greeted by Committee Chairman Art Brosius and Bruce Bartow and had a few minutes to warm up on the driving range nearby. Just before the tournament started, the golfers gathered at the putting green to take a shot in the club's elusive $10,000 putting contest. Alas, the prize remains unclaimed. Maybe next year? BVBC's Tim Glavin, pinch-putting for Pastor Bo Matthews who was unable to attend, took a ceremonial putt to mark the official start of the tournament. And then it was every man to his golf cart.  At the end of the day, Art Brosius reported that the first BVBC Men's Golf Outing Championship belonged to the foursome of Rick Hammond, Steve Feazell, Paul Ochs and Jim Kegelman. |
October run combines motorcycles, foliage, buffet
Sam Stein is cranking up his Honda Gold Wing on Saturday, Oct. 17 and inviting other motorcyclists to join him on a breakfast run.
 The ride starts at BVBC at 7 a.m., follows country roads and fall foliage to Shady Maple Buffet's big breakfast in East Earl, Pa., then returns to the church.
If you're interested, call Sam at the church office, 478-4255, or e-mail him by clicking here.
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What's Up This Month?
* Friday, Oct. 2 -- Covered Dish Dinner, 6:30-9 p.m. Report from BVBC missionaries from Southeast Asia, including Rio and Renata Sibarani, and Russ and Ramona Simons. Staff contact: Dianna Shatley.
* Sunday, Oct. 11 -- Grouplink brunch. 12:30 p.m. For those who want to know more about BVBC small groups. Staff contact: Karl Nockengost.
* Oct. 11-17 -- "Preparing The Way." Scripture readings around the clock in preparation for the dedication of the new sanctuary. Contact: Office.
* Saturday, Oct. 17 -- Shady Maple Buffet Run, motorcycle ride. 7 a.m. Staff contact: Sam Stein.
* Sunday, Oct. 25 -- Sanctuary dedication services, 8:30, 9:45, 11:15. Special joint gathering at 10:45.
* Friday, Oct. 30 -- Family Fun Night, 6-8:30 p.m. For kids in kindergarten through fifth grade and their families. Staff contact: Cindy Donohue.
For much more on BVBC's ministries and events, visit the web site by clicking here.
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Our Mission
To introduce people to Jesus Christ and help them to follow him.
Our Vision
To be a community of Christ-followers, known by our love:
- Engaging our God in heartfelt worship
- Engaging our community with compassion
- Engaging our culture with gracious discernment
Our Values
- Being devoted to Christ
- Pursing holiness without being self-righteous
- Practicing generous Christian orthodoxy
- Building relationships
- Working together
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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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