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Would you like to get a grasp on the redemptive narrative of the Old Testament in just two short weekends?
The key is the acronym CASKET EMPTY. These two words encapsulate the entire Bible, and demonstrate how it all points to the empty tomb of Jesus, the center of God's plan of redemption. Dr. Carol Kaminski will teach this two-weekend course on the Old Testament as part of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary’s new Thriving in Ministry program designed for pastors and lay ministry leaders. This is a great opportunity to do an in-depth study of the Old Testament that will equip you to teach the Old Testament through Casket Empty in your local church. The course will be held at Centerpoint Church, of Concord, NH (Friday night/Saturday, Jan 31 - Feb 1, and March 6-7). The class can be audited, or taken toward a Certificate in Ministry Leadership (8 courses). To register for the course, click here. To find out about the Certificate in Ministry Leadership, go to the Thriving in Ministry program website.
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Few things are more spiritually gratifying than engaging children, students and families in the faith, life, and family of Christ. As Family Pastor at Middle Street Baptist Church, your lasting mission will be to grow a flourishing family ministry where families feel welcome, grow in faith, and develop meaningful relationships with God and each other. About the role In this new part-time (20 hours/week) position, you’ll work closely with our Pastor and church family to create and cultivate a culture of discipleship among children, students, and their parents that invites and engages skeptics, seekers and followers of Christ. To read more about this position and how to apply, check out the file below! 
Almost 40 years ago, a small group of Local Pastors and Area Ministers recognized the need for a way for people in the pews to prepare for ministry. That seed idea became the ABCVNH Institute for Learning (IFL). Today, with the dramatic changes in the spiritual climate facing the congregations in our region, non-traditional ministry preparation is more important than ever. It may be a critical key to a vital and vibrant future for our region.
The American Baptist Churches of Vermont and New Hampshire face a crisis of leadership. The average age of our clergy is around 70 years old, indicating a coming wave of open pulpits. Moreover, at a time when more and more congregations need creative leaders to help them toward renewal, they are also cutting back on salaries, compensation and hours. Seminary graduates, the traditional source of new pastors, find themselves increasingly saddled with student debt and cannot afford the lower pay and half-time opportunities being offered. Of course, in New England, there has always been a long tradition of “growing our own.” Ministers don’t drop from heaven fully formed. God has always called them from among the very congregations he means them to serve. Nevertheless, effective ministry requires development of unique skills, a depth of spiritual wisdom, and cultivation of strong character. IFL aims to prepare those God calls for the full scope of his ministry. That’s why IFL is going through an extensive overhaul from stem to stern. More than just a new paint job, this overhaul will refit the educational framework and administrative structure so that IFL can better tend our congregations as they weather the stormy future. The mission hasn’t changed, but the shape and construction will be new and strong and ready to serve well into the 21st century. The first significant change has already taken place. IFL has called Rev. Dr. Ron Bouthilette to serve as the Executive Director of IFL. His combination of experience, qualifications, and personal connections across the region makes him well-suited for the task. Ron served as pastor of the Bridge Community Church in Milford for 13 years. He continues to serve as Adjunct Professor for Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, teaching a course in Church Revitalization for the last 5 years. He has also been deeply involved for some time in recruiting and mentoring new pastors for the Region. Ron commented on what motivated him to accept the position. “As I move from being a local church pastor into semi-retirement, I was praying about where God would want me. I was reminded of my passion -- mentoring and discipleship. Our school of Ministry fits that passion perfectly.” Ron sees his work with the IFL as a continuation of his wider ministry over recent years. “I will continue to assist our region and placing new pastors in our churches from Gordon Conwell. I am also excited about training pastors from our region to take the pulpits in our churches. There is no better way to Serve the kingdom of God as I move from being a local church pastor. I thank God for the opportunity.” There are other changes planned which have not yet been formally approved by the Governing Board. These changes will streamline the decision-making process, improve the ability to respond to changing circumstances, and increase funding and resources so that IFL can help more students more effectively. In terms of the academic program, IFL will be adopting a two-channel approach. They will take advantage of live remote courses offered locally through Gordon Conwell – piggybacking on their newly developed Certificate in Christian Ministry. Students can also access approved online courses taught by highly qualified seminary teachers from top seminaries. These courses will be proctored by the Executive Director to ensure quality of learning outcomes. The combination will reduce the challenge posed by winter travel in New England. IFL will also match new students with a qualified Spiritual Advisor. This will ensure that students will themselves receive pastoral care and guidance as they explore their call. The idea is to strengthen their own faith as they prepare to strengthen the faith of others. Mandatory quarterly gatherings will provide opportunities for live workshops in relevant subjects, and allow students to form a network of ministry friends from around the region. Studies show that 70% of pastors do not have close friends, and this contributes to the fact that something like half of new ministers leave ministry within 5 years. The development of ministry friendships is critical to long term effectiveness in ministry. Dale Edwards, Regional Minister of the ABCVNH, thinks that IFL is a critical component of the future of the Region. “The future IFL is key to once again creating a Baptist movement to serve the historic New England church in faithful, creative, and competent ways. God does raise those called and gifted to serve Christ from the pews, and not just from seminary classrooms.” Happy New Year from Camp Sentinel!
Stillness is something we all need. At Sentinel relationships are built and lives are changed though the stillness of God’s creation. New friendships are made through the support of caring staff. We wish you and your family a happy New Year and hope to see you at Sentinel in 2020. Click on the blue links for more information to be directed to the website. Early Registration Drawings It may be cold outside, but we are thinking summertime! During the month of January, we will have Friday drawings for all those who are registered for summer camp this summer. Simply sign up with a $100 deposit and you are entered! Register by Friday, January 10th for a chance to win an ice cream party with PK (Sentinel's Director) for your cabin during your week at camp. Register by Friday, January 17th for a chance to win a Log Cabin Get-a-Way for your family - Wixson Weekend (open year-round). Register by Friday January 24th for a secret mystery drawing! Register by Friday, January 31st to receive the remainder of your 2019 camp fees paid for (up to a $430 value). 2020 Walk in Confidence Words like “be not afraid” and “fear not” occur over 300 times in the Bible. There are many things to distract us in life, causing fear in our lives. When we come face to face with fear, trusting God’s presence, promises, provision and power, we are then able to walk in confidence. For over 70 years Sentinel has been providing a summer Christian community for youth to build self-esteem, have meaningful connections, develop character, become strong leaders and to discover and explore creativity through the guidance of well-trained staff. We believe that camp is an opportunity for everyone, and we are excited to see you and your family this year! Daily activities include swimming, boating, arts & crafts, team-building games, ropes course with zip line, rock wall, archery, hiking, large group team sports, and many other great adventures. Each evening the entire camp gathers for Vespers which is a time of worship, singing and Bible study. On Friday evenings we gather at a special “red carpet celebration” banquet where campers dress up for a special dinner to reflect and celebrate the week. Summer Camp programs Little Adventures: June 28th - 30th Pastor: David Colwell Boys and Girls Session 1: July 5th - July 11th Pastor: Mark Jackson Worship: Adam Shortsleeves Boys and Girls Session 2: July 12th - July 18th Pastor: Dean Stiles Worship: Pastor Matt Beam Boys and Girls Session 3: July 19th - July 25th Pastor: Chris Dunaway Worship: Nathan Wells Boys and Girls Session 4: July 26th - Aug 1st Pastor: Brandon Dupris Worship: TBD Teen Camp: Aug 9th - Aug 14th Pastor: Dave Coronato Worship: Pastor Scott Griffin Camps for youth, teens, adults and families Winter Camp $100 Ages 11-16 January 17th 6pm – Sunday, January 19th 2pm www.campsentinel.org/winter-camp We are excited to host Winter Camp at Sentinel and would welcome you and your friends! Winter Camp is different at Sentinel: it is intentional and purposeful. We will explore what it means to "Walk in Confidence" as Pastor Scott lead us for this teen intentional time together. We will enjoy winter activities to promote team building and other winter fun! For more information or to sign up www.campsentinel.org/winter-camp Youth groups (of 5 or more) may email admin@campsentinel.org Sentinel Lodge Retreats a balance of camp and comfortable! Sentinel Lodge is open year-round and this year we will serve over 50 church and school groups. Sentinel group retreats are known for our homecooked meals and attention to detail. Relax in front of the warm fireplace or explore the stillness of Sentinel’s 600+ acres. Current open weekends: Feb 28th, March 20th, March 27th, April 17th, May 1st, Dec 4th Retreats for Pastors Sentinel supports ministry families through personal and family retreats. The Wixson Ministry Retreat has welcomed 140 guests at 150 nights so far in 2019 – offering Pastors and their families a place of rest and refreshment. Email Kevin at kevin@campsentinel.org to reserve your stay. Women’s Retreat $70 /pp Friday, May 8th 5pm - Saturday, May 9th 3pm You invest a lot of time and energy into your family, church, local community and work. Take some time away from your daily routine and recharge emotionally and spiritually. Enjoy a weekend away with your girlfriends through laughter and relaxing, delicious home cooked meals, and camp activities! More information or to sign up: https://www.campsentinel.org/womens-retreat Immediate need We ask for your continued prayers and missions support to help children attend camp and help with the ministry. The support of our friends and churches is important to the work we do together. We learned in December the Lodge septic system will need to be replaced and we are reaching out for support. The cost of the project is $78,000. Please consider a gift of support to help us with this important immediate need. All gifts are tax deductible. We believe through ministry partnership; Relationships are Built, and Lives are Changed. Thank you for standing with us in ministry! We love to share the story, contact us to visit your church a Sunday morning. See you on the mountaintop! Kevin Van Brunt “Pk” Executive Director, Camp Sentinel Central Association - February 21st at 8:15am - The Fort (exit 18 on I-89)
Lakes Association - February 13th at 8:30am - Soda Shoppe, Laconia, NH Northwest Association - February 12th at 9:30am - First Baptist Church, Burlington, VT Southeast Association - February 11th at 8:00am - First Baptist Church, Exeter, NH Southern Association - Meeting weekly on Thursday mornings at 8:30am - Blake's restaurant on S. Main St. on the West Side of Manchester Southwest Association - February 20th at 9:30am - Location to be determined Green and White Association - To be determined - Community Baptist Church in Whitefield Monadnock Association - Not Meeting in February Women Ministrial Leaders - February 18th - United Baptist Church, Concord NH |
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