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To a Healthy and Blessed New Year
I thought 2020 had something to do with "perfect" eyesight. You know; glasses, lens, help correct imperfect vision allowing the eyes to see clearly. 2020 will now be attached to a year, an incredibly challenging year.
I wonder, however, if 2020 hasn't been a "corrective" year. Disruption does have its upside. I know how painful 2020 has been for our family. My mother-in-law who was living with us suffered a stroke that compounded her dementia. She needs care that we could not provide and now resides in an assisted living facility. Norma and I have visited her faithfully through a window since she took residency. We long for the day when we can hug her again, visit her in her room, and ensure that the care we could not provide is being provided. Until then, we wait, pray, and hope.
Norma and I recognize our family situation isn't unique. It pales in comparison to what many families have endured. They have lost loved ones in hospital settings in which their family could not be present during their loved ones final days. COVID-19 has robbed us all of important, precious moments.
Because of this pandemic, our congregations, part of the source of our strength and hope, have become less intimate. We worship in masks, distanced, and separated. Communion services where "bless be the ties that bind" feel truncated. We come, we are seated, and we leave. Like you, I long for fellowship before, during and after the service. Such vital ministry takes place in those face-to-face sharings in our gatherings. Responsibly, our church leaders have cared for their congregation's physical health and well-being while providing to the best of their ability spiritual care, nurture, and direction.
I've thought about the meaning and purpose of gathering. Watching football games on television, I'm struck by how different the games feel without a stadium full of people. Cardboard cutouts just don't cut it. I am watching not from the stands but from the couch and I recognize the lost dynamic of the stands. I feel for the tailgaters. I also feel for the concert goers. A similar dynamic is present in a concert setting that isn't able to be experienced "online". You have to be there!
I believe that there is a spiritual dynamic in being together that "online" hasn't been able to address. We are meant to be together, in community. Worship is a communal experience in which we sing together and to each other, affirming the truth we believe. In worship, we pray together, for each other, for God's will to be done in our lives, and for God's Kingdom to come in full. When we gather, we create space in which we invite, invoke, God to be present among us, to transform us, to recreate us in Christ's image, to fit us for His purpose. Through gathering, the power of the resurrection is released into our lives, our homes, and our communities (Hebrews 10:24, 25). We desperately need to be gathered fully and physically in worship.
I know the importance of physically being present with each other because of Christmas. In Christ, God did not legislate from on high, separate and aloof, but descended, emptied Himself, being made in human likeness, humbled Himself; this is Immanuel, God with us (Philippians 2:5-11). If it is necessary for God to be with us, to be incarnate, "pleased with man as man to dwell, Jesus our Immanuel". then how much more do we need to be with each other so that God is glorified in our coming together? In our gathering, God's glory is revealed and the manifold wisdom of God is made known and released into the world (Ephesians 3:10-13).
I am looking forward to the unhindered gatherings of our churches again. I hope that the COVID year(s) will not be wasted. I pray that as congregations, we will spend time understanding and affirming the importance of physically being present and how God uses our collective presence to further the agenda of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Until then, make every effort to gather but do so responsibly and safely.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King:
peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
join the triumph of the skies;
with th'angelic hosts proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Refrain:
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King"
Christ, by highest heaven adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
late in time behold him come,
offspring of the Virgin's womb:
veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
hail th'incarnate Deity,
pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus, our Immanuel. [Refrain]
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth. [Refrain]
Charles Wesley
ABCOM is keeping our churches updated through regular COVID-19 news briefs. Please keep your eyes open for these briefs. There is helpful information for you and your church. Remember to pray for each other and to keep in touch.
During the pandemic, remember to keep your local church and pastor in your prayers. Remember the churches of your Association and those within the American Baptist Churches of Maine. Your continued financial support of your local church and its mission is needed and very much appreciated. Remember, we give not because of services we receive from our church and pastor. It is part of our worship and devotion to Christ. We give because our church and pastor are critical to the mission and witness of Christ that needs to be furthered in our community and throughout the world. This is even more true in times like these.
Continue to check our website, abcom.org. On the front page of our website there is a link to a resource page that will help your congregation address needs associated with this pandemic.
Miles to go .....
al
Celebrating 216 years of mission, the American Baptist Churches of Maine exists by the grace of God, the covenant of our local churches, and the gifts and offerings of God's people. Make a difference for Christ in Maine by giving generously through United Mission or our Region Offering!
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Dealing with COVID-19 Challenges in Port Clyde, Maine
 This picture at left is a picture from the pre-COVID-19 era and our preferred way to break bread together. Our church has for several years offered FREE Soup lunches on Thursdays during the Winter months. This is a program partially sponsored by the American Baptist Church USA called Matthew 25. You can see a picture of the emblem on our aprons we made to promote the program below.
Matthew 25 says to feed the hungry. The goals of the service are two-fold. First, to help those who are struggling to have a meal and help them make ends meet. Second, to provide a place for those who are alone or shut-in to have a chance to meet with others and share a meal. When hit with the restrictions back in March we had to shut down the program a couple weeks early last winter. Since we are still currently dealing with the threat of COVID-19, we wanted to try and find a way we could continue the program.
What we have done is change the program to a curb-side and delivery service. We have had to make changes so that we offer less variety; however, we have been able to meet our stated goals as best we are able. Lunches consist of a soup of the week, crackers, a roll or cornbread, and either 2 cookies or bars.
   
Soup lunches are available for pick up or delivery in our area to assist with helping those wishing to stretch their dollars or would just like a free lunch. While people are not currently able to gather in community and break bread together; at least they are getting some contact from those delivering lunches or coming to pick up a lunch curb-side.
Because it is getting cold here in Maine, we have decided that starting in the first week of January, we will be offering free lunches by delivery only. Everyone we have spoken with understands the need for this adjustment and is grateful that we can continue to offer the service.
Pastor Russ LaFlamme
Matthew 25:37-40
Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
If your church has a ministry to share, please send me an electronic copy with pictures and we'll be glad to share it. This is a place for ideas to be shared and ministry to be partnered.
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Pray
- for God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.
- for what God is teaching us as He leads us through this pandemic.
- for all those dealing with illness, natural disasters, violence, injustice, and terror around the world.
- for Churches in transition: Court Street Baptist Church, Getchell Street Baptist Church, East Otisfield Baptist Church, Henderson Memorial Baptist Church, First Baptist Blue Hill, Cape Neddick Baptist Church, Bar Mills Baptist Church, Essex Street Baptist Church, Granite Hill Church, Lake Region, Sidney Second Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, Yarmouth, Lamoine Baptist Church, First Baptist Fairfield, First Baptist Church, Gardiner, Norridgewock Baptist Church, United Baptist Church, Oakland, First Baptist Church, St. George, Kenduskeag Union Church, United Baptist Church, Milo.
- for Pastors and Church leaders, especially during this pandemic
- for School Teachers, students, and staff.
- for safety and renewal of our churches as they begin to return to meeting in their buildings.
- for openness in our churches, communities and beyond to honestly discuss the issues of our nation.
- for the continued proclamation that Jesus is Lord!
Rev. Andy Sullivan, Retired ABCOM Pastor, is praying for God to raise up new pastors in our churches. He is putting out a challenge to pastors, especially those who are retired, church leaders, and you. Will you join with Andy in a concerted effort of prayer for this important need among our churches? The prayer concerns listed here have touched Andy's heart. Please join Andy in this prayer endeavor.
Andy's email is andy.sullivan@abcom.org.
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Maine Mission Offering
Thinking Out Loud about Stewardship
"And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people." 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
Where does generosity come from? In our society, you would be led to believe that generosity comes from wealthy individuals who have more than what they need and are, therefore, able to share, to be generous. Generosity comes from wealthy people.
The Apostle Paul had the opposite reality. Generosity came in a time of extreme poverty and severe trials. The fountain head of generosity is God's generous grace. God gave to us Jesus Christ as the propitiation for sin. God gave His only begotten Son for us. The churches of Macedonia in grateful response imitate, reflect God's generosity by pleading for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord's people.
Generosity doesn't begin with the question "what should I give?". It begins always with the question, "how can I join God in mission here?" God and His Church are in mission together. God's initiative, His generosity, calls His people to give. Sometimes generosity is expressed as a cup of cold water offered in Christ's name. Other times, generosity is giving the last dollar I have in my pocket.
For the Apostle Paul, and for us, giving is a privilege. It is joining God in mission. It is the opportunity to further the cause of Christ in the world. Generosity is the prerogative of the redeemed in Jesus. It is the exclusive birthright in Christ. We are children of God, heirs with Christ Jesus. Giving is never an obligation. It is always the entitlement of God's people.
The Apostle Paul publicizes the generosity of the Macedonian churches and the conditions under which their generosity was expressed for two purposes: that their faith might clearly portray their status in Christ as God's people, and that their generosity might spur other believers to be generous as well.
Generosity isn't based upon a cause that is worthy of support. Generosity isn't afforded because of what will be returned in recognition of the gift. Grace isn't interested in "returns on investments". On the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught that our generosity always comes from God's gracious activity and because of that, "give to anyone who asks and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you" (Matthew 5:42).
As a steward of God's grace, you and I have the unique privilege of bearing witness to our Savior and Lord by our generosity. Remember, discipleship is learning how to live gracefully!
The Maine Mission Offering is just one way to dispense grace by sharing in ministry that supports, affirms, and challenges local American Baptist churches in Maine in their ministry and mission.
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Food and Discipleship Ministry
Does your church have a Food Ministry and Discipleship Ministry? Support for Your Food and Discipleship Ministry. If your church combines a food ministry with discipleship, then you need to know about the Protein Foundation. You can find them at https://www.proteinfoundation.org/ This foundation, started by Christian businessmen in New England, is open to grant funding for such ministries in your church. For more information, please contact Matt Owen at matt.proteinfoundation@gmail.com.
Stan LeQuire
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United Mission is the best way for American Baptists to support the whole American Baptist Family. Click on the logo to watch the video.
Stay connected with the latest ABCUSA news: ABCUSA Enewsletter
Thank you again for your generous support of our American Baptist mission. In anticipation of your generosity, thank you for your financial and prayer support.
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Learning the Lessons of our History
American Baptist Churches of Maine
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- "In the membership of the churches the proportion of abolitionists was not as large as in the ministry; but it was large and the feeling on both sides was strong. Rev. Joseph Ricker, D.D., who was familiar with the state of things in our Maine Baptist churches at that time, states the case thus: "in most of the individual churches, of whatever denomination, the two parties were represented." The consequences can easily be guessed. Unseemly words were spoken, harsh epithets bandied and chief friends separated. In place of harmony was discord, in place of love, alienation if not hatred. Churches not a few were rent in twain, and if by some favoring providence, other churches were not thus torn and distracted, the sweet fellowship of former years was sadly marred".
Dr. Ricker doubtless had especially in mind the Baptist church in Augusta, of which he was afterward pastor. In the membership of that church were those who held very decided convictions with reference to slavery. Dec. 2, 1842, the following resolution was unanimously adopted by the church: "Resolved, That this church believes that domestic slavery is a sin against God, that it is at war with the dearest rights of man, and that it is the duty of Christians to express their disapprobation of the system as it exists in this country, believing it contrary to principles of the Christian religion and of our republican form of government."
But the passage of this resolution evidently did not meet in full the views of some of the members of the church with reference to slavery, and other resolutions were introduced, discussed and laid upon the table. At a special meeting of the church, held Dec. 18, 1843, a member of the church presented the following preamble and resolution: "Whereas several members of this church having signified their sense of grief with ministers and members of slaveholding churches on account of their continuance of slavery, the buying and selling of human beings as goods and chattels, which is a sin against God and humanity; and whereas these members cannot without being greatly burdened with a sense of wrong commune with such at the Lord's table, or listen to such ministers as public teachers; and whereas we do not wish to burden our own members with their griefs, however different some of us may feel in reference to the subject, therefore, Resolved, That as a church we will not invite slaveholding ministers to our pulpit or slaveholders to the communion table of the Lord."
After a prolonged discussion, when the vote was taken it was found that thirteen had voted in the affirmative and fourteen in the negative. The membership of the church, as reported at the association in the preceding September, was one hundred and ninety-three. On account of the failure of the church to adopt the above preamble and resolution, eight brethren (including the pastor. Rev. E. R. Warren,) and twenty-four sisters left the church and organized the Second Baptist church in Augusta. This division was the occasion of serious trouble in the Augusta church, but a new pastor, Rev. N. W. Williams, was secured, who stated to the church his position with reference to slavery as follows: "1. I hold slavery to be a great political evil, and repugnant to the spirit of the constitution of our country. 2. I believe it to be contrary to the spirit of the gospel as a palpable violation of the great rule of doing unto others as we would that others should do unto us and therefore highly sinful. 3. I hold it to be the duty of Christians to pray for the extinction of slavery in every part of the world. 4. I consider the church bound to regard the system of slavery as they do other sins, and in case any brother of the church should become a slaveholder (excepting such cases as do not from the peculiarity of circumstances indicate any approbation of the system), should desire admission to the church and profess to believe that slavery is a righteous institution, and according to the word of God, we could not fellowship such person as worthy of church privileges."
At the Kennebec Association, in 1847, the Second church in Augusta applied for admission, but the association declined to receive the church on the ground of the nonexistence of fellowship between the two Augusta churches. The Second church maintained its organization and services a few years, but with a lessening membership its pastor at length resigned and the church became extinct.
Burrage, Henry. History of the Baptists in Maine, p 315.
Lessons
1. There are issues that are difficult for congregations to talk about openly. These issues will vary from congregation to congregation, but all congregations have issues that will divide them. Relationships among church members are important but often, superficial. When opinions differ, relationships can quickly breakdown. We become churches of us versus them. To prevent conflict from rending a congregation, churches need to foster relationship building that is built on Christ and provide opportunities for those relationships to deepen so that when conflict arises, the strength and conviction of being in Christ will provide the relational context in which hard conversations can be held.
2. Not all issues need to be settled today. Congregations need to patiently listen, prayerfully discern the will of God in any given circumstance. Often congregations are ill-equipped and unprepared to address issues when they arise. Conflicts will occur in any congregation. The pressure to "solve the problem" can cause a rupture of relationship among the congregation. Prayer, discernment, and time relieve pressure.
3. Conflicts occur. This is part of life. Rarely, do you need to create a conflict. Conflicts provide the opportunity for congregation members to deepen their understanding of what Christ accomplished, the value of the other person(s) and their opinions, and their own spiritual growth and vitality. Embracing conflict as an opportunity to grow, transform, is essential for health in a congregation. Conflict avoidance works only for a season.
4. When handling conflict, recognize that an issue is not a threat. It is an issue. In Christ, my brother or sister is not a problem to be solved, but a gift to be embraced. Understanding why a person holds to a conviction will often broaden your own understanding. Understanding is not convincing or convicting. Understanding is being mindful of their values and expectations. The understanding of an issue may help you better understand your own. What you hold as "obvious" may be offensive to someone else.
5. Find value in asking questions that seek understanding the other's point of view. Ask questions until you are certain they understand your position and its importance to you. While you still may disagree with the other person's position, being empathetic will make their position at least make sense to you, leading to more productive conversations.
6. Be willing to engage. Engagement is openly admitting a problem exists, committing to dialogue and understanding, and acting to resolve the issue. A congregation's relational cohesiveness should be stronger than an issue.
7. Own your part in the issue. How have you contributed to a problem? By accepting ownership of your actions, you are seeing a more complete picture of the problem, which can lead to a better resolution. Avoid blaming others.
8. Pay attention to your emotional responses and non-verbal behavior: sighing, rolled eyes, furled brow, turning away, avoiding, or heavy eye contact, folded arms, etc., that have a negative impact on the situation.
9. The main purpose of building trust in a congregation is so all parties know there will be integrity in the resolution of the conflict. Most people do not believe in the fairness of the process. Most people like to get their way. If people trust that there is honesty and integrity in discussions and resulting decisions, defensiveness subsides. Trust is based upon a relationship and a "gut" feeling, so to build trust, you must build deeper relationships among congregation members.
10. Be aware of the power of your reputation; even people who have never met you may have heard things about you and already have an opinion on whether or not you are to be trusted or fair. Make every effort to build and maintain a reputation as one who can be trusted in situations of collaboration as well as conflict.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God". Matthew 5:9
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American Baptist Women of Maine
Please check our website, American Baptist Women of Maine, for details about our meetings, projects and conferences. It is updated as more information becomes available.
2021 Dates to Remember
February 1- Deadline for Potential Articles to Linda Deane
April 4 - Easter Spring Rally South -
April 17-in Topsham Spring Rally North -
April 24 - in Oakfield
May 30 - White Cross Reports due from locals to Association
June 1 - Deadline for Potential Articles
June 15 - Reports for Directory
August 12,13,14, 2021 Summer Conference
Doris Sherman, ABW Maine President
Quick reminders:
1) ABW of Maine has a newsletter that is published three times per year - Potential. You can get it for free by email, or have it mailed to you for $5.00 per year
2) White Cross is now online. https://www.internationalministries.org/white-cross/
Click for a copy of the ABW of Maine Newsletter: The Potential
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American Baptist Churches of Maine
Institute for Ministry
The mission of AIM is to provide ongoing theological, ministry, and discipleship education to pastoral leadership and laity in Maine. AIM is committed to providing excellence in learning, instruction, research, and equipping for ministry.
Please check our website, abcominstitute.net, for details about our courses and their locations in 2021. Our website is updated as more information becomes available.
In light of the Coronavirus COVID - 19 pandemic, any questions regarding AIM class attendance may be directed to the course instructor or the director of AIM.
NEW! Courses are being posted on our Website!
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Grant Application Forms are available at www.greenough.org for downloading, completion, and return by U.S. Mail; the completed form must be posted to the Secretary of the Association.
You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer to view and complete these forms.
ALL FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY JANUARY 15TH, for consideration at the Annual Meeting in mid-May.
Applications received after the deadline must wait until the following year for consideration.
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Gradia McKinney wants you to know that "MMBB retirement plan is not just good for the pastor; it’s good for the church too!"
Let MMBB Financial Services customize an affordable retirement plan for you and your church. MMBB can even customize a plan for churches with bi-vocational clergy and part-time staff. MMBB Financial Services is the American Baptist Churches’ preferred retirement plan provider that has helped thousands retire securely since 1911. Gradia McKinney, our region’s retirement benefits consultant, is available to discuss your needs and options.
MMBB Tomorrow Newsletter
Let MMBB Financial Services help you to and through your retirement journey. Participate in a live webinar or listen at your convenience to a pre-recorded webinar. Follow this link to view upcoming and previously recorded webinars.
To learn more about your benefits, or to enroll your church into MMBB, contact our Retirement Benefits Consultant, Gradia McKinney at 347.703.1582, or by email at gradia.mckinney@mmbb.org.
Please share Gradia’s contact information with our colleagues who could also benefit from an MMBB retirement plan.
If you have questions about your MMBB account, please call 800.986.6222. If you are interested in joining MMBB, please contact our local Retirement Benefits Consultant, Gradia McKinney at 347.703.1582.
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WHY PAY TOO MUCH IN TAXES?
Each year, thousands, perhaps millions, of people pay too much in taxes, never knowing they did not need to pay them. Don’t be one of those people. Recent tax law changes make it especially important that you know what deductions and strategies are available for you. The end of the year is the perfect time to learn all the ways you can save taxes.
Give yourself a present in the New Year by lowering your taxes now. Because tax savings often include a charitable gift, you can also end the year by helping the causes important to you.
In December 2019, Congress passed a law that has special significance for those of us over age 70.
To learn how to use your IRA, develop charitable gifts, save yourself taxes and bless ministries you want to support without writing a check read more here.
American Baptist Foundation Personal Planning Newsletter
Kristine Lutton
Development Advisor
American Baptist Foundation
Email: Kristine.Lutton@abc-usa.org
ABF Office: Mailing: 420 W. Germantown Pike, East Norriton, PA 19403
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We’re thinking of you. As winter approaches and our buildings remain lightly used, the possibilities for damage caused by freezing weather or inattention is a reality. Church Mutual has a sensor system to help you address these seasonal concerns.
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