The E-News Connection
January 2022







Click To See the
GCBA Calendar
of Events
Associational Staff 

 Director
  Dr. Michael Haynes

Director of Ethnic and
 Church Missions
  Rev. Samuel González
  
Director of Grand Oak Mission Center
Rev. David Jackson

Office Manager
Mrs. Shannon Peelor

Financial Secretary
  Mrs. Burnace Smith

Youth Ministry Consultant
Rev. Doug Watson


834 W. Battlefield
Springfield, MO 65807
417.869.2557
 
Monday-Thursday
8-Noon, 1-5
Friday 8-Noon

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DATES TO
REMEMBER

-January-
 
16 Sanctity of Human
Life Sunday

20 GCBA WMU International Mission Study, Associational Office, 2:00 pm
 
-February-

13 Souper Bowl Sunday

14-20 Focus on WMU Week

23 Minister’s Retirement
Preparation Luncheon,
Associational Office,
11:30 am - 2:00 pm
 




















150 Years Old
(Sesquicentennial)

2022 will be a very special year for our Association. We will celebrate our 150th Anniversary.
 
Our celebration will culminate with worship, a party, and a big reveal (our 150th History Book). This will happen on Sunday evening, August 28th at FBC Springfield. Put that on your calendar.
 
Two editors (Paul Bass and me) and nine co-authors (John Marshall, Bob Perry, Wayne Bartee, Doug Shivers, Zeldean Munton, Norma Tolbert, Carl Rees, Samuel González and Chris Wilson) wrote this amazing and inspiring history of GCBA. The book is filled with important information, thrilling stories, and significant insights that will bless our churches and church leaders in their kingdom mission.
 
Let me begin this journey of thanksgiving and celebration by sharing one story from the book.
 
George White was born in 1807 in Kentucky. As a young man, he learned to be a tanner. In 1826 he trusted the Lord and immediately began to preach. He ministered in several churches in Kentucky and Tennessee before moving to Greene County, MO, in 1854. His ministry in Greene County included pastoring Mount Pleasant, FBC Ash Grove, Concord, Cedar Bluff, Tatum Chapel (Clear Creek) and FBC Springfield. In 1894 the Springfield Daily Democrat reported the following story about Pastor White. I quote:
 
“Perhaps it might be interesting to some to relate an incident which happened during the civil war. It was set at a time when a great many southern sympathizers were being reported as siding and abetting southern soldiers. One day a company of German Federal troops came to his house and in a very insolent manner demanded of him his arms (meaning firearms). He told them he would surrender them, but when he handed them his Bible and hymn book, telling them these were his only arms and if they could use them to better advantage than he could, they were welcome to them. They stole away in a shamefaced manner.”
 
Our 150th History Book has been completed and is in the editing stage with our publisher at this time. I can’t wait for you to see it and have a copy for yourself.
 
Our world is in chaotic and difficult times. It’s easy to lose perspective and forget about the challenges and problems our ancestors have survived. As we reflect on our 150-year history during 2022, my prayer is we will be challenged and inspired to not only survive the difficulties of today, but to thrive and to march forward (as George White did), using our Bibles (and other spiritual tools) to share the gospel of Jesus and impact our county, state, nation and world for Christ.
GCBA Search
Committee Update:
 
Thank you for your prayers as our GCBA Search Committee begins the work of following God’s leadership to find our next Director of Missions. The committee began by listening to wise counsel on the process of a Spirit-led search. After reviewing the GCBA bylaws and outlining a plan for the work, the committee reviewed the current job description and developed the process for receiving recommendations for the position.
 
The committee values input from GCBA leadership and member churches. Send your suggestions, comments, and recommendations to the committee at [email protected]. The committee especially values your prayers as we begin this significant endeavor. Only through God’s leadership and wisdom will we complete this task in a way that will honor our Lord. Thank you for lifting the committee daily in prayer.
 
GCBA Search Committee:    

Michael Overton (Springfield, First), Chairman; Jamie Brown (Ridgecrest); Chuck Williams (South Gate); Scott Watson (River Bluff); Jared Proctor (Springhill); Tom Demers (High Street); Jonathan House (River Bluff); and Vaughn Weatherford (National Heights).
 
On January 20, 2022, the GCBA WMU will meet at the Associational Office at 2:00 pm. The International Mission Study on Prague will be presented.
Prague is the capital and largest city in the Czech Republic.
Are You Ready!!??
February 13th
Souper Bowl
Sunday
For
Grand Oak
Mission Center
Planning For 2022
(important dates)
 
  • Minister’s Retirement Preparation Luncheon, February 23, 11:30 am - 2:00 pm
  • Regional Pastor’s Retreat, Baptist Hill, March 3-5 (more information to come)
  • Executive Board Meeting at Grand Oak Mission Center, March 9, 11:30 am
  • Miller Management Church Financial Systems Training, April 26, 9:00 am-noon
  • SoulQuench Youth Camp, Baptist Hill, July 4-8
  • Girl’s Camp, Baptist Hill, July 25-29
  • Boy’s Camp, Baptist Hill, August 1-5
  • 150th Anniversary Celebration & Annual Meeting, Springfield, First, August 28, evening
‌
-Church News-

Golden Harvest is seeking a bi-vocational pastor. Resumes can be mailed to the church, 4327 W. Chestnut Expy., Springfield, 65802, or they can be emailed to [email protected].

South Haven is seeking a part-time Financial Assistant. Interested persons may send inquiries or resumes to [email protected].
‌
Jeanne Carpenter, former Children’s Minister at National Heights, is facilitating a group of people
from all different churches in the area, called
Love and Grace Ministries.
They do various tasks to help bring comfort,
provide needs and
share the love of Jesus.
If you are interested in more information regarding
this group, please contact Jeanne at
417-880-7610.
Grand Oak Mission
Center

Churches responsible for
food in January

Battlefield, First
Liberty
Mt. Pleasant
South Haven

Grand Oak is currently in need of gently used/new children's winter clothing. Ages Kindergarten through 6th Grade.

(If you are not on GOMC's rotating list of churches to contribute, contact
David Jackson at 417-869-4818.)
Greene County Baptist Association Online...
 
Check out our website at www.gbaptist.org. 
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Keeping In Touch
 
We are using Constant Contact to send emails to Pastors, ministerial staff and churches. In addition, the online edition of The Connection is being sent through Constant Contact.
 
If you would like to receive the newsletter online, email [email protected] and put newsletter subscription in the subject line. Provide us with your mailing address so we can update our records.