Things to Know (December)
As the year draws to a close may we rest in the fact that the Christ who came into this world is coming again to make everything right. In the meantime, he is still at work in this world by his Spirit. It’s exciting to see what he’s done among Chicagoland Baptists in 2022 and I’m anticipating what he has in store for 2023.
If your church has something special going on this Christmas season, please post it in our private Facebook Group so others can pray and maybe even participate.
Did you know that we distribute Hunger Funds from SEND Relief to churches with food ministries? Currently 8 Chicagoland Baptists churches are signed up. If your church would like to receive money for this in the new year, please contact us ASAP.
Here is someone to know about – Pastor Ed Harris.
Fifteen years ago, Pastor Edwin Harris was faced with the dubious task of leading St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Harvey during a very tumultuous time - after the late Bishop Jordan became incapacitated and later passed. St. Mark has fought and believed God through it all, never wavering in their trust in God, even in the storm. Through the recent COVID pandemic, St. Mark served countless families who were experiencing death due to the virus. St. Mark saw souls come to Christ and individuals were baptized in 2021 and have continued to see the Lord move in salvation. Furthermore, St. Mark was and has been instrumental in providing food baskets, clothing, and other necessities for those who are in need during this time.
Pastor Harris has been married to Beverly for 28 years. He is currently writing an autobiography entitled From the CULT to the PULPIT. It shares the story of a little boy who endured manipulation, slavery, oppression, control, and abuse, yet experienced the Lord’s grace and eventually ended up as a preacher, against all odds. Pastor Harris’s book will be out in 2023!
You can see all past ‘someones to know’ here.
Here are some events to know about –
Weekly Prayer Call every Wednesday from 9:00 to 9:30 AM. Just click here to join anytime. CANCELED 12/28
Monthly Discussion on the first Wednesday of every month from 9:00 to 10:00 AM. On 1/4 we will talk about how the past year was for us personally and what we’re praying the Lord will do in 2023. If you missed this month’s discussion on how to build a healthy church with Paul Alexander, you can watch it here.
Upcoming Pastors’ Lunches for fellowship:
NORTH (1/19) – Noon at the Korean Baptist Church of Schaumburg | RSVP HERE
Jason Stuckey of SEND Relief will be leading a discussion on ‘Strengthening Communities’
WEST (2/23) – Noon at Endiro Coffee in Aurora | RSVP HERE
SOUTH (3/30) – Noon at Grace Missionary Baptist Church in Markham | RSVP HERE
CITY (4/27) – Noon at Armitage Baptist Church Logan Square | RSVP HERE
The Illinois Leadership Summit is coming up in Springfield 1/17-18, focusing on growing in Character, Comradery, Courage, and Communication. More info here.
Our annual Prayer Bus Tour is on 2/25. We will be visiting four different Chicagoland Baptists churches and praying all along the way.
The Women’s Conference is on 3/4 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Household of Faith in Markham. The theme this year is “His Rest, His Strength” from Isaiah 30:15. Speakers include Felicia Clark and Veronica Robinson. Email mindycobb@chicagolandbaptists.org for more information and for registration.
Make sure you have the SEND Relief Serve Tour on your calendar – 8/4-5! We’re expecting over 1,000 people to serve our city in the name of Jesus over those two days! Sign up to be part of it here.
Here is something else to know about –
My church is preparing to send a couple as missionaries to an unreached people group in Central Asia!! And because we’re part of the SBC, they don’t have to raise any support! Our International Mission Board is the largest mission sending organization in the world and it is fully funded through your Cooperative Program giving and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Consider having your church give this year. More info here.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Nathan Carter
Chicagoland Baptists
Executive Director/AMS
1356 N. Rockwell Street, Chicago, IL 60622
nathancarter@chicagolandbaptists.org
312.493.3726
You can donate to Chicagoland Baptists here.
You can see past editions of ‘Things to Know’ here.
The mission of Chicagoland Baptists is to facilitate relationships among the Baptist churches of this Great City so that they can more effectively fulfill the Great Commission and live out the Great Commandment.