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Come to The Gathering
Pastors, Lay-Leaders, Youth Leaders, Pre-Gathering Conference—October 16, 2008 First Baptist Church
anyone wanting to learn about the The Gathering—October 17-18, 2008 1800 E Pershing Blvd
Region and how to become a healthy Cheyenne, WY 82001
church and reach the world.
Click on title for more information:
Pre-Gathering Schedule
Bob Smiley-Christian Comedian
Gathering Schedule
Cost & Hotel Information Click here for printable brochure
Workshops Click here for printable poster
Speakers
When I think about the work that I do as your Executive Minister, that is exactly what I think of; Family. Christ tells us that when we are in Him, we are family. We are brothers and sisters in Christ. As family, it is important that we get together on occasion and keep up with what is happening in our lives. That’s why regional gatherings have been so important to me throughout my ministry, because I get to be with family.
To that end I hope you will plan to attend our Annual “Family” Gathering this year on October 17th and 18th at First Baptist Church of Cheyenne. Pastor Lyn King and congregation are making great plans to receive us and the Gathering Committee has put together an excellent program around the theme “Being the Body of Christ from Here to the Ends of the Earth.” I know you’ll want to come and be a part of this family gathering. In fact, I know you’re going to want to come early, because our Gathering is being preceded by two significant events for the Family.
The first event is a continuing education piece led by Dr. Harry Riggs on doing evangelism in the local church today. Harry is doing some amazing things at FBC of Lincoln, NE and comes to that ministry from National Ministries where he worked with evangelism and church transformation. You will be blessed by participating in that event.
Then in the evening we are hosting our annual Clergy Appreciation Dinner where we intend to relax and enjoy our time together as Bob Smiley comes to share his insights as a Christian living in a crazy world. Bob is a nationally known comedian who is sure to make it an exciting evening.  The banquet will be complementary to our pastoral leaders but will be open to others for a small price.
I look forward to seeing you at this year’s “Family” Gathering. I know that we will leave being one in The Spirit.
In Christ,
Steven C. Van Ostran, D. Min.
Executive Minister
All activities on the schedule are held at First Baptist Church (1800 E. Pershing Blvd) unless noted otherwise.
 Clergy
Appreciation
Dinner featuring
Christian Comedian
Bob Smiley is a Christian Comedian from Texas. He has been doing standup comedy for more than 10 years all over the United States, Canada, Great Britain. Bob has done shows for audiences of 8-60,000 people. He has opened for popular Christian singing groups such as Newsboys, Mercy Me, Third Day, and Toby Mac. Bob released his first Comedy CD called “I’ve Got a Funny Feeling About This” in 2002, and his first DVD—“Firmer Abs in One Hour”—in 2004. His second DVD—“Bob Smiley Uncaged!”—was released in 2007. Bob wrote a comedy/devotional book for middle school kids called “Growing Up Super Average: The Adventure’s of Average Boy” that was published by Focus on the Family. He also writes monthly articles for Clubhouse Magazine, TC Magazine, and the Christian Beacon. He also appears sporadically in Brio, Go!, Brio & Beyond, Battlefield, and Faith Talk. Bob uses standup comedy as a way to draw people in so he can tell them the Good News of Jesus Christ. Paraphrased from Bob’s website www.bobsmiley.com.
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6:00-8:00 pm Registration/Hospitality Time
at the Holiday Inn, Cheyenne
8:00-9:00 am Registration
9:00-10:15 am Being an Acts 2:42-47 Church
Session 1
10:45-12:00 pm Being an Acts 2:42-47 Church
Session 2
12:00-1:00 pm Lunch
1:00-2:30 pm Being an Acts 2:42-47 Church
Session 3
3:00-4:30 pm Being an Acts 2:42-47 Church
Session 4
6:30-9:00 pm Clergy Appreciation Dinner
at the Holiday Inn, Cheyenne with
performance by Christian Comedian
Bob Smiley
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All activities on the schedule are held at First Baptist Church (1800 E. Pershing Blvd) unless noted otherwise.
7:00-8:45 am Ministers Council Meeting
8:00-9:00 am Registration
8:00-8:45 am ABCRM Budget 2009
Karen Van
9:00-9:45 am Bible Study and Worship
Harry Riggs
9:45-10:45 am Business Session 1
Richard Schweissing
10:45-11:30 am ABCUSA Structure Change
Steve VanOstran and
Michelle Birdsall/National Ministries
11:45-12:45 pm Lunch
1:00-2:15 pm Workshops Session 1
(Scroll down for workshops)
2:15-2:45 pm Break
2:45-4:45 pm Business Session 2
4:45-5:30 pm Break
5:30-7:30 pm The Gathering Banquet—
Hosted by the American Baptist
Women’s Ministries
7:30-4:00 pm Worship Service
9:00-10:00 pm Fellowship
8:00-8:30 am Gathering Time/Coffee
8:30-9:00 am Worship and Devotion
9:00-10:15 am Workshops Session 2
(Scroll down for workshops)
10:15-10:45 am Break
10:45-12:30 pm Listening Session: Where Do We Go From Here?
12:30-1:00 pm Closing Service
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| Hotel rooms have been blocked for ABCRM at the Cheyenne Holiday Inn. Cost per night is $69. Call the Holiday Inn (307-638-4466) by October 1 to receive this discount price. Ask for the American Baptist Gathering rooms. |
Pre-Gathering Workshop......................................$25
Clergy Appreciation Dinner
-Regional Clergy & Spouse.................................$0
-Non-clergy individual......................................$35
-Non-clergy couple..........................................$65
Gathering Registration:
Church Delegate...........................................$40*
(voting member)
Church Member............................................$40*
(non-voting member)
Cancellations must be received by Oct. 7, 2008 and are subject to a $25 non-refundable processing fee. Cancellations after Oct. 7 are non-refundable.
*Cost includes snacks and refreshments, Gathering materials, tote bag and two meals—Friday lunch and Friday dinner. |
Pre-Gathering Workshop....................................$40
Clergy Appreciation Dinner
(Same as early registration)
Gathering Registration:
Church Delegate.........................................$60*
(voting member)
Church Member..........................................$60*
(non-voting member)
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ABC Structure Discussion
Michell Birdsall and Steve Van Ostran
This workshop will be lead by Michelle Birdsall of National Ministries and ABCRM Executive Minister Steve Van Ostran. This will highlight the proposed new structure of the ABC-USA.
The Power of Missions: Living Out the Gospel
John Turnage and Kerry Hassler
John Turnage, Kerry Hassler, and other members of the 2008 mission teams will share many of the experiences they encountered on this year’s trips to Thailand, Nicaragua, and Bulgaria. Come and find out how these trips can change your life.
Influence, Impact, Engage: The Power of a Church on Mission
Kim Skattum
Most churches want to make a difference in the lives of people both inside and outside of their walls. How, is the question. In this workshop we’ll discuss a simple strategy that will help clarify the target, the purpose and the possibilities of making a difference in the lives of the living, breathing people who hang out in our immediate neighborhoods.
Coming to the Aid of Military Families
Carol Carr
Clergy are often the first ones to see a veteran in crisis or to hear of a military family needing help. This workshop provides pastors and church members with a better understanding of the spiritual impact of war, post traumatic stress disorder, suicide risk assessment, pastoral care approaches and how to minister to families affected by military deployment.
Going Into All the World—At Home
Rich Schweissing
Jesus’ mandate to go into all the world is still there, but we can also go into all the world right in our own communities. This workshop will focus on practical ways that we can reach out to Karen refugees from Burma who are living in our Region. Some of the ideas that will be shared will be transferable to other groups who may have migrated to your community.
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It’s as Easy as ABC
Bill Bracket
This workshop will provide tools and timelines to help the local church sharpen its focus on serving the community around them. Come build partnerships with local churches or do it on your own.
The Power of Missions: Creating Vision and Healing
John Turnage and Kerry Hassler
The Mission Committee will unveil the exciting 2009 mission trip opportunities. Find out how you can go on an ABCRM mission trip with information about how to raise funds through church-related fundraisers and getting other special assistance.
Human Trafficking Jam
Karen Smith
The term “Human Trafficking” has come into popular usage within the last decade. But what does the term actually mean? This workshop will discuss human trafficking in the context of actual case studies.
Mobilized to Pray: Helping Your Church
Become a House of Prayer
Gina Gibson
The purpose of this workshop is to explore and share ideas for enriching the prayer ministry of your church. Most of us would probably agree that maintaining a consistent prayer life takes intentional effort. The prayer life of a church is no exception.
Financial Peace University
Duane Eastman
This workshop teaches your congregation to handle God’s money God’s way. Led by Rev. Duane Eastman, this workshop will explain how you can use the Financial Peace program to help your congregation become healthier.
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 Rev. Harry L. Riggs, II , has been active in ministry for 25 years, faithfully serving three churches, which includes his current pastorate at First Baptist Church, Lincoln, NE, where he has been serving for the past three plus years. He has also worked on the ABC-USA level with National Ministries where he served as the National Director of Congregational Transformation. Harry has also served on the staff of Palmer Seminary as an adjunct professor in the D. Min. program for Congregational Transformation and Renewal. Called to preach and serve, he continues to travel the country doing workshops and special invitations.
Harry attended and received his M. Div. degree from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School in Rochester, NY. He also holds a D. Min. degree from Palmer Seminary in the area of Marriage and Family. Harry has been married for 21 years to the former Deidra Shelton, and has two children, Jordan and Alexandra.
Always trying to bring a relevant perspective to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Harry values the life changing power of the Word of God, maintain strong relationships with family and friends, personal integrity, and accountability. Harry likes to see transformation happen to people, and churches, with which he has come in contact. As a pastor, he sees his role as a life coach who is personally on a pilgrimage with God.
As a deeply devoted follower of Jesus Christ, loving husband, and doting father, Harry find the joy of Jesus in serving those he has been sent. His over-arching aspiration is to leave a legacy in the church of Jesus Christ that is relevant and meaningful for the generation that will follow. (Philippians 1:6)
Rev. Dr. Steve Van Ostran was called to serve as Executive Minister of the American Baptist Churches of the Rocky Mountains in January of 2008. Prior to his call to the ABCRM, he served the ABC of the Central Region as the Associate Executive Minister and Minister of Administration for five years. He also served two terms as “Acting Executive Minister” due to the sabbatical and subsequent disability and retirement of their Executive Minister.
Steve came to regional work from 18 years of pastoral ministry, having served four congregations during that time. He was the Senior Pastor of FBC of Ottawa, KS from 1998 to 2003. He also served as an adjunct professor at Ottawa University teaching courses in New Testament, Speech, and Mass Communications. Prior to coming to Ottawa he served churches in Carbondale, IL; Wood River, IL; and Madison, IN.
Rev. Dr. Van Ostran also brings with him experience as a financial administrator of a region, directing and working with the Interim Ministry Program of the Central Region, consulting with congregations on a variety of issues including pastoral placement, conflict transformation processes, Natural Church Development, Appreciative Inquiry processes and financial concerns.
Steve received his Doctor of Ministry Degree from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in June of 1994. He received his Master of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in May of 1997. His undergraduate degree was from Missouri Southern State College in Criminal Justice Administration. He is married with three children.
Karen serves at the New Life Center Foundation, an evangelical ministry located in Northern Thailand. The New Life Center Foundation (NLCF) works exclusively with ethnic minority women throughout the Mekong sub- region who are at risk for, or victims of, labor exploitation.
Labor exploitation includes forced work in factories, local markets, domestic situations, and prostitution. Since its inception in 1987, the NLCF has partnered with the Royal Thai Government and other organizations to provide legal, psychological, and repatriation assistance to victims of human trafficking.
The NLCF provides shelter, education, vocational and life skills training to all residents. Over the past several years, new treatment methodologies for victims have been implemented, including art, dance and music therapy. NLCF staff continue to advocate for full human rights and legal Thai citizenship for all residents, and have led ground-breaking educational campaigns about trafficking, labor exploitation, and HIV/AIDS throughout Thailand, China, and Laos PDR.
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Registration Deadline
October 3, 2008
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Dear Family,