February 2020
Chicagoland Baptists!
This is our third monthly email seeking to build better cooperation among us. We hope it’s helpful.
Thanks for your prayers about open pulpits last month. Praise the Lord! Brainard Avenue called Eric Brown to serve as their new Senior Pastor on February 2nd. And last Sunday the Uptown family voted in favor of Pastor Mark Jones to serve as their Interim Pastor while they continue their search for the next Senior Pastor. Please keep praying for these churches as God ushers them through this period of transition.
Here’s someone(s) to know about – Pastors Jonathan de la O and Marvin Del Rios. November 17th marked the beginning of a new identity for Starting Point Community Church (pastored by Jonathan, left) as they absorbed former members of Iglesia Bautista Erie (pastored by Marvin, right). The union of these two churches has brought about immediate growth as they’ve combined to better love, serve, and reach multiple generations of Hispanics in the Belmont-Cragin community. Both pastors report feeling refreshed, recharged, and excited for what’s to come. Pray for them and reach out if you’d like to hear more of their merger story.
Here are some events to know about –
· There’s still time to register for the IBSA Technology Conference in Springfield on February 22nd!
· Local church planters Dave Johnson and Sam Johnson are pulling together the first of many fellowship nights for Chicagoland church planters, wives, and families on February 28th from 6:00 to 8:30 PM. Dinner and childcare are provided. No agenda other than to hang out. Reach out to them if you or someone you know might be interested.
· The Chicago Metro Baptist Association (CMBA) is having its 10th Annual Women’s Conference on March 7th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Alpha Baptist Church. DeWanna Oliver of IBSA’s Human Trafficking Team will be the keynote speaker.
· If you’re new to IBSA or wanting to get reconnected, we’re hosting a CHI-Connect event at Brainard Avenue on March 21st from 9:00 – 11:00 AM.
· Are you doing VBS this summer? Bring your team to a free training event at Broadview Missionary Baptist on March 7th from 8:00 AM – noon.
· We’re putting on a weekend camp for Chicago kids (4th-8th grades) July 10th – 12th in Streator…
· Could you use a mission team to help you with outreach or a project this July 22nd – 27th? Sign up to be part of Missio Chicago or email Dennis Conner for more info.
· If you know of something happening that others should know about, let us know and we’ll help spread the word!
Here’s something else to know about – CMBA owns a beautiful building at 1356 N. Rockwell Street with rooms that can be rented economically for mission team housing or overnight retreats! With a fellowship hall that can hold 80-100 people, the building can also be used for meetings, dinners, leadership training, etc... Feel free to stop by and see it Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM or contact Mindy at 773-278-4400 or mindycmba@aol.com for more information.
For Christ and His Kingdom,
Bryan R. Price
Zone 1 Church Consultant
Church Resources Team
Illinois Baptist State Association – Chicago
630-908-0853 (Cell)
Nathan Carter
Zone 1 Church Consultant
Church Resources Team
Illinois Baptist State Association – Chicago
312-493-3726 (Cell)