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We’re developing a culture of communication in the spirit of collaboration, celebration, care, and support
 After listening to people across the Region, I began to discern that the issue of communication was the number one challenge. This is not just a challenge for the Region. It is challenge for many of our churches. In this time of change, it is imperative that we become intentional about communication. Communication involves the sending, receiving and interpretation of information. The credibility of the information is determined by the level of trust. We are accordingly making communication an intentional priority.
The first step in achieving this goal is this bi-weekly newsletter. This is part of a larger comprehensive communication strategy. The foundation of the most effective communication is relationships. Our draft vision statement calls us to build an authentic mutually supportive relational community. This becomes all the more pivotal in an atmosphere of anxiety and raised emotions. The availability of modern communication tools has allowed us to reach our constituency with immediacy not possible before. This allows everybody equal access to information. The next step in the process of achieving the communication goal is the redesign of our web site. We know that this tool will further enhance our ability to be informed and communicate with each. This will mean developing a culture of communication in the spirit of collaboration, celebration, care, and support. To put it another way, we communicate because we care. "We communicate because we care."
In this regard, it gives me great joy to announce that Ingrid Dvirnak has accepted the opportunity to serve as coordinator of communication for our Region. Having Ingrid serve in this capacity helps us create an opportunity to achieve our communication goals. She is currently working out of her home on a contract basis. I believe that in her appointment her gifts and opportunity intersect. Ingrid Dvirnak’s new ministry position in our Region meshes well with her life purpose: to communicate the messages of God through both spoken and written words in ways that her family and friends, church and denomination will be enriched to the glory of God. Those who know her well recognize her skills as a wordsmith, author, and editor. Ingrid previously served as contract editor of the Rocky Mountain American Baptist in 2000 and 2001. She has also served in a similar capacity in the ABC of the Northwest for eight years. She was employed by ABW Ministries in an editorial and program capacity. She worked for Educational Ministries as the contract editor of Baptist Leader magazine. Currently, she is a consulting editor and occasional writer for the adult Sunday School curriculum published by Judson Press, Judson Bible Journeys for Adults. She represents American Baptists on the Committee on the Uniform Series, an ecumenical group that develops the outlines for the uniform lesson series used by many denominations across the country. She is also a member of the Statements of Concern Committee for ABC/USA and chairs the Department of Christian Education in our Region. Ingrid is married to Wayne Dvirnak, senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Pueblo, Colorado. She coordinates worship, music, and media at FBC. The Dvirnaks have one adult son, Aron. He and Kim, and their son, Cole, live in Parker, Colorado. Desmond Hoffmeister |
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by Ingrid Dvirnak We talk about "the Region." We refer to "it" frequently in conversations. But the reality is, we are the Region. The Region is us! This issue of The Rocky Mountain American Baptist is filled with information about us–a geographical grouping of churches doing ministry in the name of Jesus. If it weren’t for the ministries represented in these articles, as well as ministries we will cover in future articles where we will continue to feature regional and local activities, we would not be a Region. In this issue, you will read about American Baptist Men and American Baptist Women’s Ministries. You will get a glimpse of what developed as youth leaders gathered at Black Forest Camp and Conference Center last month. Look ahead and make plans for the Senior Adult Conference this fall. You’ll find enticing details supplied by conference chair, Mason Brown. Nancy Darnell, co-pastor at FBC Boulder, gives some practical advice to children’s workers in smaller churches. Pastors around our geographical region are gathering for prayer, and you can read about one such group in the Metro Denver area. We hope you’ll be inspired to start a prayer group in your locale. The work of our Region Board continues. The Department of Missions is asking for information from each church. Be sure to respond as appropriate. The Ecumenical Task Force has begun its work as assigned by the Region Board. You can find out more in this issue. Stay in touch with the wider American Baptist family. Learn what the Asian churches are doing in response to the tsunami disaster. Consider attending the Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board Retirement Workshop in Denver in May if you’re "of a certain age." Spread the word in your church that the American Baptist Seminary of the West is hosting a Conference on Ministry. We celebrate with each other in new and continuing opportunities for ministry. We pray about our shared concerns. That’s what it means to be a Region. We want to hear your stories as well as feedback on our newsletter. Please address your comments and submissions to Ingrid Dvirnak, idvirnak@abcrm.org. |
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 Can you imagine a group of 90 men from 15 churches across the Region meeting to listen and talk about their faith, their lives, and their concerns? Well, that happened at Black Forest Camp and Conference Center, Saturday, February 12. Desmond Hoffmeister, Interim Executive Minister of ABCRM, spoke on "Breaking Down the Barriers." Desmond challenged men to "dare to look beyond the face in the mirror at your sensitivity, vulnerability, and sexuality." That happened! His powerful presentations focused around biblical stories of David were followed by intense discussion in small groups of eight men. The retreat, planned by men from Calvary Baptist Church, Denver, met the expectations of most of those attending. Expressions in the evaluations included: "wonderful fellowship," "great speaker," "outstanding," "challenging," and "great fellowship." Overwhelmingly, the men wanted more of this kind of meeting among American Baptist men. Congratulations to the eleven men from FBC, Delta who traveled the farthest for this retreat. In case you’re wondering, yes, there will be other meetings! John Pipe |
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 It is always amazing to me what we can do when we set our minds to it. In October I met with the people at the Curtis Park Community Center in Denver and asked them if they needed help in any special area. They said "We need diapers for our child day-care facility very badly. Can you help us?" I got the word out to the AB women of Colorado, and you were all wonderful. The diapers and money flowed in. How exciting! My husband and I made five deliveries to them – thousands and thousands of diapers. I know that individual churches also took diapers to Curtis Park. Thank you very much for your hard work and generosity!
We have a busy year ahead of us with the upcoming national biennial. I toured the Convention Center in Denver recently where the National Women’s Day Meeting and Luncheon will be held. The Center is beautiful. I hope the women of your church are planning to attend this event. They will have a chance to meet our ABW Ministries national officers and be in on the opening session of the American Baptist Biennial Convention in Denver. The date is July 1 and the meeting starts at 8:30 AM. It is quite an honor for the Region and a wonderful opportunity for all of us. This is a great opportunity for us to do God’s work here in the Rocky Mountain Region. We need volunteers to act as hostesses for the 700+ women expected at the meeting, so please let women in your church know they can contact me if they are able to help. Please pray for the success of this event. Prayers are always needed. I have enjoyed meeting so many of the women from Region churches during the past few years. Please know that if I can do anything to help your local women’s ministries group. I will be glad to help. Jackie Arnold Below are photos from the Colorado ABW Ministries Retreat in January.
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The major project for the AB women of Wyoming each year is collecting White Cross donations in their churches to benefit our missionaries. In addition to hours spent cutting quilt blocks for the Philippines or rolling bandages for the Democratic Republic of Congo, women minister with cash donations (this year for Liberia), purchase of a variety of items requested, and give to Love Gift, an over-and-above offering which is shared regionally and nationally. To equip women for ministry we meet in annual conference to worship and be encouraged by noted speakers. Some of us also attend the national conference at Green Lake, WI. It is exciting to see what God is doing through women in our churches. Barbara Vinzant |
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"If it isn’t uncomfortable, it isn’t right."
 Twenty-one youth leaders, pastors, and other interested adults from eleven ABCRM churches met at Black Forest Camp and Conference Center on Saturday, February 5 for a day-long conference. The purpose of the gathering was to embrace needed changes in 21st century youth ministry. As one of the conveners, Mike Oldham, manager of BFCCC, stated at the outset, "I want us to become uncomfortable with what we’ve done in the past." To help conferees get on board with today’s youth culture, Barbee Stanfield, youth pastor at First Baptist Church in Jackson, Wyoming, showed video clips highlighting ways youth are a major target audience for merchandisers. Because of this, she said, it’s important to teach kids to think critically so they can discern and decide on their own what is and what isn’t of God. Michael Peters spoke briefly about the plans he has for the counselors and youth at New Hope Baptist Church in Denver, Colorado, where he serves as youth minister. Helping youth know where to draw the line is central in his ministry. Matthew Melton, pastor of FBC in Delta, Colorado, shared his church’s plan for youth ministry. The mission of the youth ministry team in Delta is "to advance God’s work by gathering and growing His people in Christ, so that they will go make disciples throughout our world." A simplified version of their statement is "Gather, Grow, Go"–simple and catchy enough for both youth and adults to remember and articulate. Desmond Hoffmeister, ABCRM Interim Executive Minister, joined the group in the afternoon and prodded everyone toward that "uncomfortable zone" that Mike Oldham had lifted up as a goal. While you really "had to be there" to appreciate his challenge to the group, following are some of the things he said.
Nevertheless, a remarkable number of hopeful signs remain, and these, Rev. Hoffmeister said, should be the agenda for youth ministry in the Rocky Mountain Region:
So what’s on the horizon for ABCRM youth ministry? Marie Heaton, youth leader from Old Landmark Baptist Church in Denver, CO, led the closing part of the meeting. She noted that since our Region is hosting the national biennial for American Baptist Churches, USA in Denver this summer, we are planning a national gathering for youth as well. It will be held at Black Forest Camp and Conference Center. You can find out more by going to www.abc-usa.org and clicking on "Biennial" and "Children and Youth." This is a wonderful opportunity to meet youth from all over the United States and Puerto Rico. National and regional leadership are already in place for this event. Ingrid Dvirnak |
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There will be other workshop leaders, great singing, story telling, and Christian fellowship! If you are over age 55, plan to attend! If you have questions, suggestions, or concerns, please contact Conference Chairperson, Mason Brown, 303-750-5838 or revmlb@msn.com. |
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Thinking error number 1: A teacher or any adult that walks into a classroom and looks around, obviously disappointed at the empty chairs, devalues the child/children who are present. Use the time you have with only one or two children to build personal relationships and share the lessons in a way that is impossible with a larger group. Thinking error number 2: Churches can think that it is economical and good stewardship to use children’s books that are already colored in, work sheets that are faded and worn, and pictures on the walls that haven’t been updated for 20 years. My grandmother would call this being "penny wise and pound foolish." Our children, no matter how few there may be, deserve the very best we can give them: new lessons, up-to-date pictures, and clean, bright space of their own. Thinking error number 3: Above all else, the best children’s teachers are those that love children. The best teachers understand that being in good and real relationship with children is more important than the amount of information taught. But at the same time, the best teachers are always as well-prepared and excited to teach one child as they are to teach a room full of children. The best children’s teachers can be teenagers, senior adults, or anyone in between. Thinking error number 4: In today’s world, many children spend very little time at all with adults other than their own parents, school teachers, and daycare providers. One on one time with an adult other than a parent is rare indeed. This shared time can be precious for both adult and child, and churches that provide this opportunity are well on their way to providing great children’s ministry. Nancy Darnell |
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The pastors of Metro Denver meet for prayer on the first Wednesday of each month. Their initial gathering was held on Wednesday, March 2 at the Church of the Master from 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. The group was convened by Kevin Lowe, pastor of Harvey Park Baptist Church, and Kathy Bird DeYoung, Director of Spiritual Care at Mt. Vista Retirement Community in response to Desmond Hoffmeister’s call to prayer for the Region (see related article). Recognizing the difficulty of coordinating everyone’s schedules, Kevin and Kathy encourage anyone unable to attend this group to begin their own at a more convenient time. If you would like to receive prayer gather information from Kevin Lowe (kmllowe@juno.com) or Kathy Bird DeYoung (kbird-deyoung@abhomes.org), e-mail them at their respective addresses. |
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The Mission Department of ABCRM is conducting a survey regarding mission activity among our 100 churches. We are requesting the mission advocate or pastor of each church send us an e-mail describing your congregation’s involvement as teams or individuals both nationally or internationally for the past five years. Please include projected trips for 2005 and 2006. Thank you in advance for your response. Marveen Thomas |
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The Ecumenical Task Force met at the ABCRM office on Thursday, February 24, 2005. Participating were Jonathan Miles, pastor of FBC in Montrose, CO; Gordon Kieft, ABCRM representative to the Colorado Council of Churches; Desmond Hoffmeister, Interim Executive Minister of the Rocky Mountain Region, and Wayne Dvirnak, pastor of FBC in Pueblo, CO, who served as facilitator. Other members of the Task Force, Barbara Graham of FBC in Colorado Springs, CO; Mark Jervis of FBC in Gillette, WY and ABCRM Ministers Council Senator; and Dan Vincent, pastor of the American Baptist Church in Ft. Collins, CO, were unable to attend this meeting. At the 2004 ABCRM Annual Session in Ft. Collins, a motion to withhold payment of dues to the Colorado Council of Churches was referred to the Region Board for more adequate discussion, investigation, and action. At issue is the Council’s receipt of funding from the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Colorado. The Ecumenical Task Force has been assigned the stipulated tasks: discussion, investigation, and recommendation of appropriate action. The Task Force met to discuss the two sides of the issue surrounding the Colorado Council of Churches (CCC). Members listened to one another and tried to understand each other’s points of view. "Our voices were heard and respected," acknowledged Gordon Kieft. Healthy discussion continued as they clarified differences in their viewpoints. The group intends to develop a strategy to facilitate dialogue throughout the Region. "We agreed that we need to take tangible steps to bring resolution," stated Jonathan Miles. Immediate plans are being made for the Task Force to meet again in April. At that time they will dialogue with several denominational leaders who represent member bodies of the CCC, sharing their concerns with the Council members as well as listening to the leaders’ perspectives. In addition, the group will receive written presentations prepared by Gordon Kieft and Jonathan Miles. The Task Force will develop a presentation to be given to the Region Board as well as to the wider ABCRM family. Wayne Dvirnak |
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"Months have passed since the magnitude 9 earthquake and resulting tsunami left nearly 300,000 people dead or missing, but the work that spells real disaster recovery is just beginning," according to the Rev. John McCullough, executive director of Church World Service. Recognizing the long-term recovery needs, Asian American Baptist churches have responded with generosity of heart and wallet. Their donations (reported as of February 15) total more than $80,000. Most of the contributions have been given through the American Baptist One Great Hour of Sharing Offering to support ongoing disaster relief by Church World Service. Other recipients are World Vision and Mission Aviation Fellowship. "The word ‘crisis’ in Chinese has two characters: Danger and Opportunity," noted the Rev. Florence Li, who serves with National Ministries as national coordinator for Intercultural Ministries and Asian churches strategist. "When we are in ‘danger,’ God brings in ‘opportunity’," she continued in an e-mail to Asian American Baptist churches. "Through the prayers, actions, response, and sharing of kindred hearts, we recognize that the Almighty One is the One who is present when we go through danger. The Almighty One also is the One who delivers us with opportunities." "The people struck by the tsunami might doubt God," said Li, "but with the overwhelming responses from around the globe, they might also learn of our great God!" More than 100 Asian American Baptist churches, congregations and fellowship groups from diverse Asian nationalities seek to witness with the 97% of Asian Americans who are unchurched. Many church members have families who reside in areas affected by the tsunami and desire to bridge the mission response gap from America to Asia, so the financial responses from these churches has been particularly generous. "We will continue to pray for the victims and their families," said the Rev. Jenny Quey, pastor of Community Baptist Church in San Mateo, CA. "We pray God will help the relief work go smoothly, and especially for our denomination to show God’s love through the helping process." American Baptists have responded generously and sacrificially in support of relief efforts aiding victims of the late December tsunami. More than $1,000,000 has been designated thus far through One Great Hour of Sharing for tsunami relief work. American Baptists can continue to respond to the ongoing crisis in Asia by contributing online to the "Give Now" option available on either www.abcusamissions.org or www.abc-usa.org. Churches so doing will receive credit for OGHS giving. Contributions also may be made through normal channels using the Monthly Report of Mission Giving. All contributions should be marked "OGHS—Asian Tsunami Relief." Other updates on the American Baptist tsunami response will be forthcoming. Courtesy of the American Baptist News Service (Valley Forge, Pa. 2/22/05) |
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Retirement is a major life change that requires careful planning in order to move into it gracefully. The Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board (MMBB) wants your retirement planning process to be as smooth as possible. They also want you to be fully informed of the emotional spiritual, physical, and financial changes that are ahead of you. Therefore, MMBB and The Center for Ministry in Oakland, CA, are combining resources to host a two-day Retirement Planning Workshop on May 9 and 10, 2005 in Denver, Colorado at New Hope Baptist Church. Dr. Bob Charpentier, executive director for the Center, is a Diplomat with the American Association of Pastoral Counselors and a California licensed marriage and family therapist. He will help attendees assess their readiness for retirement, explore housing options, medical challenges in retirement, and time management. Patricia Hunter, MMBB Member Service Representative will lead a session on financial planning and budgeting. In that session, attendees will go over the annuity options available to them in retirement. This seminar is specifically targeted to MMBB members over 50 years of age. The workshop will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday, May 9 and Tuesday, May 10. There will be lunch break on both days. Refreshments and check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m. on May 9. Since retirement will impact everyone in the home, a spouse or a friend is encouraged to join pastors for this important seminar. The cost for this two-day event is $50 per person or $95 per couple. Please call The Center for Ministry to make your reservation at 510-635-4246. Space is limited, so please make your reservation as soon as possible. If you have questions, please call Pat Hunter at 800-555-5389. |
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We need your help to identify people with gifts for ministry. As you may know, each year American Baptist Seminary of the West in Berkley, CA, sponsors an Annual Conference on Ministry. This year's conference will be held on April 1 - 2, 2005. At the conference those attending will have an opportunity to:
If you know of people who, you believe, are called to ministry or who are considering theological education, please let them know about the conference. For more information please go to the ABSW website at www.absw.edu or contact Erica Belue Rose at 510-841-1905, x246. |
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10 – 15 volunteers to work in childcare. If you are currently working in child care you should have a back ground check and CBI. A copy of this would be helpful for us to have. Also two other persons are needed that are director qualified. We appeal to churches that have child care centers to encourage their staff to volunteer. Sharon Taylor Translation: Do you speak English, French or American Sign Language? Are you interested in helping brindge communication barriers so that everyone can understand the speakers at the Biennial? If so, please consider being an interpreter for the evening sessions of the biennial. Two interpreters are needed per evening for each language. We are also looking for helpers to handle distribution of FM audio receivers to those who would like translation. If you are interested, please contact: Transportation: Two drivers are needed to transport VIP and others between DIA and the convention center and hotels in downtown Denver. POV’s will be used. Parking will be made available at the convention center and at the airport. We will work out of the convention center host desk. Also we will be available for any emergency needs. It is a great way to become involved and support our ABC Biennial. Call: Finances: We need finance team members to collect, count and bundle monies during our Biennial. You need to be available during meeting hours 7:00am to 9:15am, Friday, July 1 through Sunday, July 3, 2005. Please email me your availability for selected slots of time/s. Thanks for your willingness to help. Ticket Sales: Ticket Team Volunteers will assist in selling tickets, maintain records, collect and record money. Must be able to use calculators and/or adding machines. Will work in shifts of 2 to 4 hours. Contact Yvonne Whisenhunt at rywhiz@worldnet.att.net |
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Nancy Wheeler Begins Chaplaincy Nancy Jo Wheeler has been hired as a chaplain at Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center in Brush, CO. After volunteering there for several years, the full-time chaplain asked her to come on board as a part-time chaplain. She received chaplaincy training equivalent to Clinical Pastoral Education. Nancy is married to Tom Wheeler, pastor of FBC, Fort Morgan, CO. Congratulations, Nancy! Chartiers Named ABSW Alumni of the Year Myron and Jan Chartier will be honored as alumni of the year at the American Baptist Seminary of the West’s Biennial Dinner on July 2 in Denver. It is appropriate that they receive this honor in Colorado, for it has been an important place to them. First of all, they met at an American Baptist camp in the Rocky Mountains. They married while they were students at the University of Colorado. They both earned doctorates in human communication studies at the University of Denver. After their ministry journey took them across the country, they returned in semi-retirement to serve part-time on the pastoral staff of Calvary Baptist Church in Denver. The Chartiers graduated from ABSW in 1963. "Jan and Myron Chartier embody the truth that ministry is a lifelong calling, expressed in different ways at different seasons, but always in the service of Christ’s church," says Michelle Holmes, ABSW vice-president. "We are proud to honor the Chartiers for their extraordinary commitment." Today, the Chartiers live in Charlotte, NC where they continue to share their gifts. They enjoy spending time with their family, and especially with their grandson, Noah. Our congratulations to Myron and Jan! |
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The Black Forest Camp Board covets your prayers during this time of deep spiritual discernment. We are presently focusing on the valued ministry of camping and conferencing here at Black Forest. We are aware of the deep emotional connection because of the many meaningful experiences at the camp by so many. We take our responsibility to preserve this heritage seriously. The Board is seeking to exercise responsible leadership and good stewardship by facing the many hard realities brought about by changing circumstances. The task is difficult because the implications of our decisions are far reaching. We are seeking to answer the question, "How will camping and conferencing look in the future, and how will our Lord equip us to fulfill this ministry." All the options under consideration will mean significant changes to camping as we have known it. We, nevertheless, believe that if God closes one door, another opens with yet greater opportunity to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the whole world. Ken Pinkham |
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| Go to ABCRM home page |
If you have someone in your church who has heard God’s call to ministry, pass along the information, and consider helping them attend if that is their desire. Examine the list of personnel needs for the biennial in Denver in July. Can you help?
The women of Wyoming find many ways to serve God in their daily activities. 
Make a note, mark your calendar and plan now to attend the Senior Adult Conference at Black Forest Camp and Conference Center on September 13-15, 2005. Here are some details to whet your appetite: 
Most churches go through periods of time when they have only small numbers of children in the congregation. Sometimes we in the church spend so much time bemoaning the fact that we have small numbers of children that we short change our ministry to the children we do have. We forget that we can do great ministry with children one child at a time. 
Child Care: