BVBCNews November 2009

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November starts
new chapter for BVBC

Oh the planning, the plotting, the prepping,
the razing, the digging, the schlepping,
the shifting, the running, the hauling,
the packing, the pounding, the calling,
the aching, the growling, the straining,
the sweating, the 'oh-no-it's-raining!'
the hoping, the praying, the stressing,
the opening day and the blessing!

Thanks be to God -- and to that small army of volunteers and staffers who have routinely performed amazing feats during an 18-month transition period -- the doors of our new sanctuary open for real on Sunday, Nov. 1.

Preparations have been intense and last-minute details and inspections and adjustments have been numerous.

Musicians and worship leaders started their first rehearsals in the last week of October -- amid scaffolding, tarps, and other rough edges.

John Fish of Advanced AV is shown here during the first sound checks.

Things were much tidier by the time the choir had their first encounter with the sanctuary on Wednesday, Oct. 28. Bruce Bartow captured that in this photo:

Choir member Art Brosius reported that as the rehearsal continued, Matthew McNutt, associate pastor for student ministries, and about three dozen middle-school students came into the sanctuary during a "prayer walk" they were taking through the building. They went up on the platform, surrounded the choir, and prayed for them.

Cool stuff is happening everywhere you look! What will you see and encounter as you explore our new sanctuary and gathering places? Let us know by Nov. 20, and we'll include some of your experiences in our next issue. You can e-mail us by clicking here.

Also in this issue: Notes on a week of "Preparing the Way," a farewell to the "Sunday shuffle," one pastor's puzzling pastime, a lecture series with the president of Biblical Seminary, a report on the Missions Dinner, and much more!

Special dedication service
starts at 10:45 a.m., Nov. 1

In the Book of Kings, we read that King Solomon dedicated the temple of the Lord in the presence of all Israel. We want to dedicate our new sanctuary in much the same way.

On Sunday, Nov. 1st we will hold a dedication service following the 9:45 service, from 10:45 to 11:15 in the morning. Following the 9:45 service, the congregation, Christian Education classes, student ministry, and children's ministry will join together to surround the building, singing songs, and being led in prayer by Bruce Gordon, chairman of the Board of Deacons, and Pastor Bo Matthews.

"At previous groundbreaking ceremonies or dedication services, we have had wonderful services, but they are attended by 200 people," said Sam Stein, associate pastor of Worship and Music. "The idea of having as many people as possible at the event excited us greatly. We want as much of our congregation present [as possible] to dedicate this building to God and his purposes."

We hope to see you all there! If you usually attend the 8:30 service only, please make an effort to come back for the dedication service. If 11:15 is your preferred service, please come early that Sunday to be part of the dedication.

On this Sunday in particular, if you are able to do so, please park as far away from the building as possible to allow our guests and those who need a shorter walk to be as close to the building as possible.

Relief, gratitude mark end
of 'Sunday shuffle' logistics

It has been a long haul - sometimes quite literally - since Mother's Day of 2008, when we moved our worship services out of the old sanctuary and split them among three venues: the gymnasium,nearby McCrery Funeral Home and the Pilot School.

Now we are reunited in a stunning new facility that has great promise for expanded ministry in the future.

This is a fine time to reflect a bit on how we got here. Pastor Bo Matthews remembers.

"Do you remember that we actually planned to meet somewhere else during the past 18 months? Concord High School!" said Pastor Bo (who is on the left in the photo below, taken while he was speaking with Gunnar Molin after the last service ended at McCrery). "But we had contract confusion, and as we wondered and prayed about what to do, Rick Harra, the owner of McCrery, heard about our situation and offered McCrery for $1 a year. We used the Pilot School for a custodial fee of $100 a week. The gym was already ours. This arrangement saved the church more than $100,000."

Greg and Susan Warren remember how we got here, too. The couple volunteered two years ago to manage the logistical heavy-lifting required to set up and tear down worship settings. Four volunteer work crews did the work, some on Saturdays and some on Sunday mornings. Week in and week out they prepared the worship sites -- hauling chairs, sound equipment, and all sorts of other gear.

"Susan and I are very relieved to have such a large undertaking behind us," Greg said. "We most appreciate the leadership the other three team leaders and their wives provided during this time. We also appreciate the support from the church congregation as a whole. A great many people volunteered to help out in this massive effort."

Not that this was easy or flawless, mind you. The Warrens saw a need for improved communication and cooperation as the weeks unfolded. There were frustrating, trying days and stressful challenges for all involved.

But Rick Harra, owner of McCrery, had high praise for the work that was accomplished.

"I want the church to know that the teams scheduled for clean-up here have done a great job," he said. "Every Monday morning I have come in and not known that a single person had even been here - everything in place and immaculately clean."

The project has been a plus for McCrery, he said. The company has wanted a connection between the parking lots and the project made that possible, giving McCrery much-needed overflow parking for those attending viewings and funerals at the site.

"Hosting your services here has been my privilege," he said. It also has been an expression of a lesson he learned from his parents, who showed him how to live out Jesus' command to "love your neighbor," he said.

"On a personal note, whenever during the past 18 months I have encountered a BVBC member, without fail, that person has profusely and genuinely thanked me, and it has warmed my heart to feel so appreciated," he said. "You have done more for me, than I have for you - and I thank you. I'm looking forward to seeing the completed sanctuary! We will miss you."

Pastor Bo said BVBC's Jim Hughes expressed well what many in the congregation have said:

"I wanted to say congratulations to you and the entire church staff for getting this project done with as little inconvenience as possible," Jim said. "I didn't witness the everyday goings on and I am sure you and the staff there went through some trying times during these last 18 months. But on my side I thought it went seamlessly."

Thank you to all who helped and prayed for those who helped.

From the Pastoral Staff

This Month: Pastor Bo Matthews

A Curious Pleasure

I love jigsaw puzzles. I prefer puzzles that range from 750-1,500 pieces, in which the pieces interlock with each other. (A recent challenge -- the Duomo of Milan, Italy -- is pictured below.)

Completing a difficult puzzle requires several disciplines. I plot a strategy of how to approach the puzzle: which parts to do first, which pieces to keep on the table and which to keep in the box, and which segments of the puzzle to put together first.

Besides strategy, the intrepid puzzle solver
needs to have an eye for color and shape. Shades of blue in a sky offer clues to entire segments. At times the shapes of pieces offer the only guide to completing a section of the puzzle.

Finally, I need patience in great supply, including the decision to walk away from the maze of pieces when they all start looking the same.

So, why do it? I have good, childhood memories of my parents and grandmother as they did puzzles. The intensity of looking at disconnected pieces transports me away from daily cares. And the combination of joy and sadness upon completion of the puzzle is remarkably satisfying.

Pastor Bo Matthews
Senior Pastor

'Preparing the Way'
for sanctuary's opening day

Scores of BVBC'ers signed up and showed up to bathe our new facility in Scripture, prayer and song during the weeklong "Preparing the Way" event that started Saturday, Oct. 24.

The idea was to invite members and friends to sign up for an hourlong slot of time in the week leading up to opening day. Every slot was filled, as small groups, families, couples, and solo readers responded. Some took multiple shifts.

Sandy Graney and her three children -- Robin, Max, and Brenna -- read together Saturday morning.

Graney family

Herb and Laurel Schrock read together during the 6 a.m. shift Sunday morning -- alternating chapters of Joshua, and praying after each chapter. Herb came back for a 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. shift on Monday, reading the Book of Esther in the first hour and singing through the second hour, then returned that evening with Laurel to read through the "Song of Solomon" with their small group.

"The whole idea of going through the Scriptures, it's like dedicating this place to the Lord," Herb and Laurel said.

Many said the experience was a moving time -- and the reading pace was swift. Readers easily covered all 66 books, including all the "begats" and other seldom-seen passages, and -- by midweek -- were starting over.

BVBC's youth ministries put the final touches on the project, booking all of Friday night, Oct. 30, and the final Saturday morning stretch.

Seminary President Dunbar
to explore changing context
for church of 21st Century
at 2009 Fall Lecture Series

America has been described as "post-Christian," and Dr. David Dunbar, president of Biblical Seminary in Hatfield, Pa., is working to train men and women for ministry in that context. It is a topic that is vital to understanding Brandywine Valley Baptist Church's mission and vision, too, and we welcome his voice at the 2009 Fall Lecture Series Nov. 6-7.

The lecture series this year -- "Proclaiming the Gospel & Being the Church in the 21st Century" -- addresses the changing environment the church in the United States ministers in now.

The term "post-Christian" refers to that change, describing the disappearance of the "churched" society. Not only does church play a less influential role in society, but the people around us are unaware of the basics of Christian faith and the Bible. We have lost the home-court advantage and can no longer assume that our message is understandable or that people are disposed to receive the message favorably.

How can Christians find places of service and influence in post-Christian America? How can we shift from being "Come" churches to being "Go" churches.

This is the heart of the "missional church" discussion and has value in pointing us toward something deeply rooted in the history of the early church, and in the life and teaching of Jesus: the missionary character of the people of God. The term "missional" reminds us that the church was formed to carry the reconciling word and work of Jesus into the world. The church's challenge in every particular cultural setting is to incarnate the message faithfully. This requires that believers accurately interpret both Scripture and the culture in which they find themselves.

Dr. Dunbar earned his bachelor's degree at Penn State University, master's degrees at Biblical and Westminster Theological Seminar, and his doctorate at Drew University.

I sincerely hope you will come to these lectures, presented by Adult Christian Education. The Friday evening lecture starts at 6:30 p.m. The Saturday morning lectures begin at 8:30 a.m. Register in advance for $5, at the door for $10.

We, as a church, will be challenged not only by new ideas of the church's role in our culture but with implications of what we are to do. May we be like the "men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do." (1 Chronicles 12:32)

Mark J. Smith
Teaching Pastor

Family Fun Night brings
kids, parents together
for food, games, laughs

If you're looking for a great family event -- join us Friday evening, Oct. 30 for Family Fun Night, and a sneak preview of Family Fusion, the new approach to worship that starts in 2010.

Family Fun Night goes from 6 to 8:30 p.m., and will include pumpkin decorating, a treasure hunt, scarecrow construction, and other activities.

Bring some old clothes (pants and a long sleeve shirt for your scarecrow), and a little money if you want to purchase food (hot dogs or pizza). The rest is free! (Costumes are optional - but, please, nothing scary!)

For more information, call the Children's Ministry office at (302) 478-4255.

'One Incredible Night'
means all sorts of action

"One Incredible Night" is when kids in sixth through eighth grades stay up wa-a-a-y past their bedtime to concentrate on bowling, skating, playing basketball and hockey, video gaming, watching movies, and doing other wild and crazy things.

Did we mention there's food ... and a chance to compete for a new iPod Touch? Incredible Night

The fun starts at 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13 and goes until 7 a.m. the next morning. Cost is $35.

You can find more information and download a permission slip by clicking here. And you can check out a bit of the 2008 action in a great YouTube by clicking here.

Be there!

New Scripture translation
highlights Missions Dinner

For the past 10 years, BVBC has supported the work of translators in Southeast Asia, and last month's Missions dinner celebrated an important milestone: The publication of the New Testament and Psalms in the heart language of the primary people group BVBC has "adopted" near Bali.

In addition to financial support, BVBC has sent teams to review the process on site and visitors have stayed in the homes of "back-translators," who perform the important step of reviewing the translation process into Indonesian to be sure the nuances of the text were carried over in a culturally appropriate manner.

A copy of the New Testament was presented to the church.

Rio Sibarani, his wife Renata and her mother, an evangelical pastor on Java, attended along with Russ and Ramona Simons. Rio and the Simons are BVBC-supported missionaries. Rio and Russ spoke about their work with Interdev Partnerships, a ministry based in Java that coordinates outreach throughout Indonesia and other Southeast Asia countries. They lead many training seminars for pastors and field workers in that region. They spoke of the triumphs and challenges.

Ramona heads 180 Degrees, a youth ministry group (similar to Carpenter's Tools), that draws mainly from the Philippines, ministering throughout East Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Karen Hines of BVBC spoke of her ministry in Uganda. She and her husband are in ministry primarily to children in the AIDS-ravaged towns and cities of Uganda.

The menu was carry-in international, featuring sushi, curry chicken, various pastas.

Jim Stockwell

BVBC comes home for
2009 Christmas Cantata

When BVBC hosted its first Christmas Cantata at the Grand Opera House two years ago, we did so because we wanted to provide an environment where people who would never come to a church could go to hear the story of Jesus. Over the past two years, 3,600 people took advantage of the opportunity. We thank God for that!

While our vision hasn't changed (creating the environment above), we think God has given us a unique opportunity this year. For 18 months, people in North Wilmington have driven past our building and wondered, "What are they doing?" We hope the cantata will be a way for them to check it out for themselves.

So this year we are moving the Christmas Cantata back to BVBC. It will be held Wednesday and Thursday night, Dec. 9-10. We want this event to be our gift to the community, so there will be no direct cost for tickets, though you will be given the opportunity to make a donation. The donation will help us pay the production costs (advertising, outside orchestral members). We can't do it without your generosity.

Seats will be reserved by row and made available starting Sunday, Nov. 8. We look forward to seeing you, your neighbors, your co-workers, your friends, and your family members!

- Sam Stein
Associate Pastor, Worship & Music

Financial seminar provides
practical, essential lessons

Editor's note: Sara Rowe describes highlights of this fall's inaugural "Financial Peace University" seminars. She is the daughter of seminar facilitator Don Rowe.

This fall I am participating in BVBC's Financial Peace University. At 23, I have found that this is a perfect time to learn financial principles that I can take with me into the rest of my life.

So far, this 13-week program has exceeded my expectations and convinced me that there is a way to achieve freedom and peace in my finances.

Dave Ramsey's programs are amusing, thought provoking, and give concrete, common-sense principles that can be implemented into my daily life. I would encourage everyone in the church body to consider taking this class the next time it is offered in the spring, especially families with teenagers and young singles and couples.

These are the top four principles I have learned so far:

* Have an emergency fund of at least $1,000. Unexpected things happen all the time and you need to be prepared for them.

* Write a detailed budget every month. This can keep you from overspending and also highlights categories you can trim back.

* Cut up those credit cards! Studies show that people using credit cards spend 12-18% more then those that spend cash. So start an envelope system in which you use cash to pay for day-to-day expenses such as food and gas.

* You can be debt-free if you make a plan and stick to it. Dave Ramsey calls it a Debt Snowball. Check out his web site by clicking here for more information on his principles.

- Sara Rowe

What Are You Thankful For?
A Warrior's Safe Return!

Editor's note: Tim Jack (kneeling) and the Thursday Morning Promise Keepers Group (left to right: Bob Csoboth, Bob Wardell, Jon Ragon, Wally Kremer) sent this photo and answered our question from the last issue of BVBCNews -- what are you thankful for? -- with the following item about a group member's safe return from Iraq after a year-long deployment with the Delaware National Guard.

Bob Wardell returns to the Thursday Promise Keepers Group in ship shape. It's almost like he never left as we prayed for him every meeting.

He did leave a little bit of sand on the carpet though!

God bless all the men and women in and out of uniform fighting for our country and our freedom!

- Tim Jack

What's Up This Month?

* Friday, Oct. 30: Family Fun Night, 6-8:30 p.m. All are welcome. Free admission. Pizza, hot dogs, $1.

* Sunday, Nov. 1: Building dedication, 10:45 a.m.

* Friday, Nov. 6 and Saturday, Nov. 7: Fall Lecture Series, "Proclaiming the Gospel & Being the Church in the 21st Century," with Dr. David Dunbar, president of Biblical Seminary. Cost: $5 advance registration, $10 at the door (includes refreshments and all three sessions).

* Sunday, Nov. 8: Next Steps commitments

* Friday, Nov. 13: "One Incredible Night" for students in grades 6-8. Cost: $35.

* Sunday, Nov. 15: Next Steps First Fruits offering

* Sunday, Nov. 15: Grand Opening celebration services

* Monday, Nov. 16: Community Open House

* Tuesday, Nov. 17: Annual leadership meeting.

* Thursday, Nov. 26: Thanksgiving service.

For much more on BVBC's ministries and events, visit the web site by clicking here.

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

BVBCNews is produced by:

Brandywine Valley Baptist Church

Office of Assimilation & Communication

Brenda Wilson, director

(302) 478-4255

Parting

Thought

"God did not make others as I would have made them.... Rather, in his freedom from me, God made others in his own image. I can never know in advance what God's image will look like in others; again and again it has an entirely new form, based solely on God's free creation.... In their creaturely freedom, others now become for me a reason for joy, whereas earlier they represented only trouble and need."

- Dietrich Bonhoeffer