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the
baptist
observer
magazine
HIGHLIGHTING THE MINISTRIES
OF AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES
IN INDIANA & KENTUCKY
www.abc-indiana.org BECKY SEPTOSKI & JEFF TRYON, EDITORS - VOL 21 NO. 2 - APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2021
a word from the executive “camp is just
search committee chair around the corner”
The current ABC-IN/KY process. Through surveys,
Executive Minister, Rev. Soozi listening sessions, regional “Camp is just around the offered throughout the month
Whitten Ford, will retire as of staff input and other forums corner!” – You’ve heard that of June to provide additional
September 1, 2021. She, and the committee are listening phrase from our camp minis- options for churches or youth
the leadership that she has and thankful for participation tries for almost a century. Be- groups. (Full schedule at
provided for this great region of the region. ginning in August of 2019, that campindiancreek.com)
will be missed. Please pray for the commit- “corner” has been our longest God continues to use camp
Now begins the task of tee as they seek God’s will in journey ever. ministries as a way for peo-
discerning who will be called this choice. Please pray for the We are thrilled to announce ple of all ages to encounter
as the next Executive Min- next Executive Minister who is our ABC-IN/KY camp minis- Jesus Christ within the beauty
ister. The Executive Minister even now being prepared to tries at Camp Tippy and Camp of nature, often far removed
Search Committee began its take up this role of leadership. Indian Creek will be offering from their home settings. In
work on February 21, 2021. The The committee can feel the in-person camping this sea- order to provide those facil-
committee consists of eight prayers of support and they son. With hopeful expectation, ities and opportunities, the
members with the assistance are thankful for them. campers and volunteers may two IN/KY camps, as well as
of Dr. C. Jeff Woods, Interim return to their “second home” Southeastern Baptist Camp in
General Secretary ABCUSA. Karen Wells Horsman this summer, as our camps Westport, need assistance as
The input of the region is Chair, Executive hope to navigate our way be- they prepare for yet another
a vital part of the selection Search Committee yond the pandemic season. unusual season. Each camp
Tippy will be offering three will be taking additional steps
opportunities for family retreat to provide a safe environment
weekends during the month for all who participate. Church-
of June. Junior and senior high es, leaders, camp families, and
camp sessions are planned camp alumni are encouraged
for July. Tippy will also open to donate supplies, time, or
the beach area to the public financial gifts, for what is
throughout the month of June. anticipated to be a higher cost
(Full schedule at camptippy. season.
org) Please take a moment to
Indian Creek will offer ab- reach out to each camp direc-
breviated camp sessions for tor to offer a word of encour-
2nd grade – 2021 graduates agement and prayer. Social
throughout the month of July. media and websites for each
Each session will last 3-4 days camp provide the latest needs,
and will have limited spots news and events taking place.
For complete details regarding the Biennial Check back often as, “Camp is
available. Retreat packages
Mission Summit and registration and go to: of 3 to 4 days each are being just around the corner!”
www.americanbaptists2021.comPAGE 2
respond to rapid, discontinu- closer. The Psalmist reminds ‘Whom shall I send, and who
ous change. I also believe that us of God’s care and presence, will go for us?’ And I said,
God is using what we have “You have kept count of my ‘Here am I; send me!’” (Isaiah
learned, preparing us for the tossings; put my tears in your 6:1-8) The very next word that
journey ahead. bottle” (Psalm 56:8) and “For Isaiah hears is, “Go!” (6:9).
More recently, I have be- you have been a fortress for Luke records an amaz-
come convinced that the four me and a refuge in the day of ing encounter between two
deadliest words of the church my distress” (Psalm 59:16b). disciples and the Resurrected
for now are, “Getting back Perhaps like me, you are aware Christ (24:13-35). “Were not
to normal.” Like you, I have a that God’s presence is often our hearts burning within us
strong desire to gather with strongly experienced in the while he was talking with us on
other believers in a familiar midst of the most tumultuous the road...?” Luke continues,
Rev. Soozi Whitten Ford place and go about our life times of our lives. It is precisely “That same hour they got up
Executive Minister tasks unhindered by the threat in such troublesome seasons and returned to Jerusalem…”
sooziford@abc-indiana.org of disease. I long for the day in which God has usually Scripture bears the testimo-
when we can be together called me to something new. nies of our forebearers in faith,
without the barriers of masks While the warm coziness of who were moved by God from
go! and physical space, serving “getting back to normal” does familiar (i.e. “normal”) places
side by side even as we offer indeed tempt me, I am aware and spaces into unfamiliar
We have probably all praise to our amazing Creator that the experience of the territory and experiences. The
laughed when someone in all the ways in which we are abnormal in my life is God’s end result is always that they
reminds us of the famous accustomed. Even as I long for preparation for moving me were moved (or called to go)
seven last words of the church, familiar spaces and routines, I into a new normal, and often to a new place as changed
“We’ve never done it that way am convinced that things will with one word, “Go!” people with a new task or
before!” It’s humorous because not be the same. We may only No one goes back to normal vision before them. God’s
we recognize the reality that cautiously share space with following an encounter with people on mission.
churches, including our own, others for some time to come, The Divine. Abram and com- How have we experienced
resist change. We are also aware that our mere proximity pany traveled from Ur towards the peace and presence of
aware that without change might still be dangerous. We Canaan with his father, but God during the most recent
and transformation organi- will miss people. Some have they settled in Haran – until 14 months? Quoting a well-
zations and organisms cease passed from this life in the God spoke to Abram. “Go known hymn, how has God
to exist. During this pandemic time since we last were able to from your country…to the land provided, “strength for today
season, I have marveled at be together. Others will remain I will show you…So Abram and bright hope for tomor-
and been encouraged by too frightened to venture into went, as the Lord had told him, row?” How is God calling our
the ways pastors and church common places and yet others …” and so begins the unfolding churches and region for-
leaders have led their congre- may choose to never return story in Genesis 12. Later, the ward, using the learnings and
gations. They have adapted for any number of reasons. writer of Hebrews summarized insights from our pandemic
and changed with remarkable While we have been coping Abraham’s journey, “By faith experiences, into the new re-
focus, even in the midst of with unprecedented change Abraham obeyed when he ality before us? My hope and
ever-changing realities. and struggling mightily with was called…and he set out, not prayer is that we are discov-
I don’t believe for a moment feelings of fear, loss, anxiety, knowing where he was going” ering renewed motivation to
that God caused the world- depression, grief and uncer- (Hebrews 11:8). serve our communities, towns,
wide outbreak of COVID-19. tainty (to name just a few), Centuries later, Isaiah cities, counties and our world
I do believe that this season God has remained steadfastly encountered the Lord, “…I in the name of Jesus, as we are
has presented believers with present with us every step saw the Lord…Then I heard Together On God’s Abundant
incredible opportunities to of the way, drawing us ever the voice of the Lord saying, Journey.
Resource Leadership Conference
2021 observer article May 20-21, 2021
submission deadlines First Baptist Church at Savoy
SUMMER ISSUE (July, Aug., Sept.) - Friday, June 11 Savoy, IL
FALL ISSUE (Oct., Nov., Dec.) - Friday, September 10 Conference Fee: $40.00
WINTER ISSUE (Jan., Feb., Mar. 2022) - Fri., December 3
To register, call: 217-726-7366
If you would like more information about churches or events described in this issue,
contact Becky Septoski at beckyseptoski@abc-indiana.org or (317) 635 3552 X222.PAGE 3
becky septoski retiring 2021 summer camp schedules
The Region of Indiana & Camp Tippy Schedule
Kentucky has been supremely
blessed to have Becky Septoski Open Beach 1pm - 4pm
serving in the Region office for COST: $5.00 per person per day
fourteen years. Her servant’s June 7 - 10 June 14 - 17
heart has been a great source June 21 - 24 July 11 - 17
of blessing to the Lord, the July 26 - 29
Region staff, area regional
pastors and the many church-
Family Camps 7 pm Thursday - 11 am Sunday
es she has served wholeheart-
COST: 2 & under: free
edly.
If you have had the pleasure 3-4 year olds: $20 per day
of visiting our Region Office, 5-adults - $45 per day
it is likely Becky’s smile and in thanking and celebrating June 10 - 13 June 17 - 20 June 24 - 27
warm greeting that welcomed Becky’s service to the Lord by
you into the office. helping us to shower her with Sr High Camp
Becky plans to retire this sum- cards as she steps out on this July 4 - 10 Grades 9 - 12 COST: $275.00
mer at the end of July! exciting journey!
While we will miss her terri- You may send your cards to Challenge Camp
bly, we celebrate with her, her the Region office at: July 18 - 24 Grades 6- 8 Cost: $275.00
husband Pete and her family Becky Septoski
during this very special time in 65 Airport Pkwy Suite 120
her life. Becky plans to spend Greenwood, IN 46143
more time with her family. *Please begin sending your
In addition to that precious cards at your earliest conve-
family time, she will spend nience so that Becky is sure to
time doing some of the things receive your well wishes.
she enjoys: gardening (both All greetings should be at the
in her vegetable garden and Region office before July 15 Indian Creek Schedule
her flower gardens), painting to assure Becky receives your
& drawing, and volunteer- congratulatory messages of Discovery July 4 - 7
ing (hopefully at one of our celebration. COST: $160.00
local hospitals). Please join us Grades 2 - 4
Girls Camp July 8 - 11
discover ministry with COST: $175.00
mayra giovanetti Grades 5 - 6
& carlos bonilla Boys Camp July 12 - 15
COST: $175
The short-term mission office at International Ministries is
Grades 5 - 6
extending an invitation to a virtual visit with Mayra Giovanetti
and Carlos Bonilla.
This is a one day, 75-minute virtual mission trip to Colombia Senior High July 16 - 21
to experience and learn about the mission work taking place COST: $270
with two of IM’s Global Servants. Grades 10 - 2021 grads
This particular Virtual Visit will be offered in English and in
Spanish on Wednesday March 31st (English) and Wednesday Focus Camp July 22 - 25
April 14th (Spanish), from 11am -12:15pm ET. COST: $250
If you or anyone you know is interested, please go to the link Grades 7 - 9
below for more information and steps to register for this event.
We look forward to seeing you there! Challenge Camp July 26 - 29
Find more information: https://www.internationalministries. COST: $250
org/discover-ministry-with-mayra-giovanetti-carlos-bonilla/
Grades 6 - 8
If you would like more information about churches or events described in this issue,
contact Becky Septoski at beckyseptoski@abc-indiana.org or (317) 635 3552 X222.PAGE 4
equipping leaders
a cli testimony of god’s
“A ministry of American Baptist Churches
of Indiana & Kentucky, in cooperation
promise to prepare the way
with ABC-Greater Indianapolis, growing,
equipping and enriching Christians
for ministry in their home churches,
communities and associations.”
An intentional effort in the Fall were scheduled to experience…a
of 2019 went into using Zoom to testimony of God’s promise in
expand options students would Deuteronomy 31:8…”And the Lord, cli grads honored
have to participate in the CLI He is the one who goes before
experience. The advantages of you. He will be with you, He will 2020 style!
adding the option to participate not leave you nor forsake you; do
virtually were obvious…most not fear nor be dismayed.”
importantly, it would eliminate For those who are not familiar
geographic & mobility barriers, with “CLI” (Church Leadership
opening the CLI experience to a Institute), the program is one of
wider number of Christians who the many initiatives made possible
otherwise would not be able to by our family of ABC churches
participate. Those involved in supporting ABC mission through
implementing the Zoom option of gifts to United Missions, America
participation never imagined how for Christ, Region Offerings and to Irina Sorrels - CCL/DPS Doug Krieger - CCL
God was preparing CLI for what CLI directly.
was coming in 2020! Of those who choose to earn
The effort began with asking credit for classes they participate
Phyllis Goodyear, a veteran CLI in, most choose to complete their
Instructor and retired Region credentials in both Christian Lead-
Minister, to create references to ership and Ministry Studies after
prepare and assist instructors in getting a taste of the knowledge,
working with students participat- resources, fellowship and support
ing with Zoom, along with ref- the CLI experience brings. It is
erences for students who would not required for participants to Rod Asher- CCL/DPS Doug Gray- CCL/DPS
choose to participate virtually. commit to a specific program nor
As individuals responded to reg- to earn credit. There are individ-
istering for the “Zoom option of uals who participate in CLI for
participation”, two types of brief enrichment, and yet, others who
orientation sessions carried out audit class sessions for a lesser fee
In the beginning, 3 students and choosing not to earn credit.
new to CLI participated indi- CLI also welcomes participants
vidually via Zoom and a small from any Christian denomination John Hart- CCL/DPS
group of 4 participated from their as well. Instructors are individuals
church via a Zoom connection. from our American Baptist family On December 12, 2020, a each graduate sharing scrip-
God had prepared a way for CLI who are committed to an active first-time ever virtual event ture and reflecting on their
to keep program students on relationship with ABC ministries was held to celebrate the CLI experience. a litany written
track by working in the details in our Region. CLI instructors are accomplishments of the latest by a CLI student during one
and through many people for very qualified to teach, many of group of CLI students com- of the CLI Introduction to
a rather abrupt transition from them holding doctorate degrees, pleting programs. Worship classes, ministry of
classes primarily meeting in and each is committed to helping A collection of ABC-IN/KY music provided by LeShon
person with a few students par- students grow. For more infor- Staff, CLI instructors, alumni, Gray singing, “Oceans (Where
ticipating by Zoom, to a com- mation about CLI, please contact classmates, along with pastors, Feet May Fail),” and Rev. Mark
pletely virtual class experience. Jennifer Greene (317-635-3552 x family and friends enjoyed the Sorrels singing, “People Need
Thankfully, 100% of those program 221; jennifergreene@abc-indiana. privilege of coming togeth- the Lord”.
students on track to complete org) or visit our website (abc-indi- er, using Zoom to provide a There were also very brief
a program in 2020 and 2021 ana.org) and type “Church Lead- tribute the 2020 graduates will pre-recorded messages from
have had access to classes they ership Institute” in the search box. remember. more than 20 of those instruc-
The tribute included prayer, tors and staff that have invest-
pre-recorded messages of ed into those honored.
If you would like more information about churches or events described in this issue,
contact Becky Septoski at beckyseptoski@abc-indiana.org or (317) 635 3552 X222.PAGE 5
empowering churches
plainfield fbc calls columbus fbc supports
john marshall as senior pastor local food pantry
Each January,
Columbus FBC
collects an offering
for Love Chapel, the
local food pantry.
The mission team,
led by Cliff Putterill,
arranges with the
food pantry and the
local Aldi to go in
February and pur-
chase food that has to load, transport and unload the
been requested. Even though the food.
church was not meeting in person Love Chapel is an umbrella
for worship, the congregation center that includes the food pan-
gave over $6,000, which enabled try. Volunteers assist the clients in
L-R: Rev. Soozi Ford, Luanne & Rev. John Marshall, Rev. Mark Thompson the team to purchase 7,000 the store to obtain what is needed
pounds of food including spa- for their families. Love Chapel also
Plainfield FBC welcomed actively involved in recruiting, ghetti and sauce, mac and cheese, provides an overnight home-
Rev. John Marshall as the training, and mobilizing core canned fruit and vegetables. On less shelter for single men and
new senior pastor on Sunday, leadership for a church plant a very cold Saturday in February, women, as well as, transitional
March 14, 2021. Rev. Soozi there. Pastor John, and his a group of approximately 25 vol- housing for families with chil-
Ford and Rev. Mark Thompson wife Luanne, are excited about unteers helped transport the food dren. Love Chapel is supported by
were present for the installa- moving to Plainfield, getting from Aldi to Love Chapel. There the Ecumenical assembly made
tion of Pastor John. Rev. Ford acquainted with the Hendricks were seven trucks, several SUV’s of member churches. Columbus
challenged the congregation County area, and begin- and cars to transport the food. FBC has approximately 20 folks
to new ideas and ministries, ning their ministry here. The When the trucks and other vehi- who volunteer in a variety of areas
while Rev. Thompson provided Marshalls have family in the cles arrived at the Love Chapel for Love Chapel. They also have
prayers of encouragement for Midwest and are grateful to be warehouse, additional volunteers another 20-30 volunteers who
the Marshalls and the church. closer to them. from the church were there to assist with particular tasks such as,
The Marshalls were welcomed On March 7, 2021, the help unload the food and stack making and serving hot meals for
with an overflowing box of church showed its love and it. Cliff, the team leader, shoveled clients, the event of stocking the
welcome notes and cards. appreciation for interim pastor snow so those assisting could pantry, the 5K race/walk in the fall,
For the past 15 years, Mar- Dr. David Hinson who served reach the loading dock easier. It and packing Christmas boxes.
shall served as senior pastor for 15 months. Dr. Hinson lead took a little less than two hours
of City Park Church in Casper, the church through its pan-
Wyoming. With over 30 years demic response and provided
of ministry experience, John excellent guidance during the
interim period.
a dream is realized for salem fbc
comes with a diverse back-
ground, having served as a Plainfield FBC is grateful for
hospital chaplain, youth pastor, God’s leading over the inter-
and as a missionary to Brazil, im period and very excited
South America, where he was for their new season with the
Marshalls.
REGION MINISTERIAL STAFF Salem FBC is well on its way to- seat 300 at round tables or 600
Rev. Soozi Whitten Ford, Executive Minister - sooziford@abc-indiana.org ward the completion of a 70-year- theatre style with professional
Bruce Cochran, Region Minister - brucecochran@abc-indiana.org old dream. The Fellowship Hall/ lighting and sound. Salem FBC is
Dan Chadwick, Region Minister - danchadwick@abc-indiana.org Community Center is designed for excited to see how God will touch
Jaime Flores, Latino Ministries Strategist - jaimeflores@abc-indiana.org concerts, meetings, conventions, the community with this incredible
Mark Thompson, Region Minister - markthompson@abc-indiana.org weddings, and more. The center outreach resource!
If you would like more information about churches or events described in this issue,
contact Becky Septoski at beckyseptoski@abc-indiana.org or (317) 635 3552 X222.Indiana Baptist Convention Non Profit Org.
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES US POSTAGE
OF INDIANA AND KENTUCKY PAID
65 Airport Pkwy., Suite 120 Indianapolis, IN
Permit No. 8457
Greenwood, IN 46143
bloomfield fbc serves as vaccine site
In early January 2021, when the Greene County Health Department (GCHD) needed a facility to
administer a significantly larger volume of inoculations beyond what their facility was capable of
handling, Bloomfield FBC saw it as an opportunity to serve the Greene County community to help
save lives and help end the pandemic.
The FBC Fellowship Hall, adjacent rooms, and parking were well suited to the volume of doses that
GCHD needed to deliver. The clinic became operational in late January, delivering up to 150 doses
daily, six days a week.
Greene County is a small rural community with limited health department staffing, so a team of 20+
volunteers, including doctors, pharmacists, and nurses from the community came together to serve
Greene County and surrounding communities.
It is a blessing for Bloomfield FBC to serve and bring hope to the community. It was a humbling
experience to hear the comments of those receiving their vaccinations and to see the joy and relief of people, hearing comments such as “Thank
you so much, I can live again! I can see my grandkids again!”.
april may june
17 - CLI - via Zoom 1 - CLI - via Zoom 5 - CLI - via Zoom
24 - CLI - via Zoom 8 - CLI - via Zoom 12 - CLI - via Zoom
15 - CLI - via Zoom 19 - CLI - via Zoom
20-21 - Resource Leadership
Conference
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