December 2005
This Thanksgiving, we had something new for which to be thankful, and that is the good feedback we’ve received in response to taking Momentum online. Our subscription list is growing almost daily as would-be readers ask that their e-mail addresses to be added. Wider online readership enables us to fulfill the purposes of Momentum – to report leadership news and developments from across the church – and at the same time, save on postage costs. While you’re here, we invite you to check out Momentum’s new home – our recently redesigned BIC web site. Then let us know what you think – about the web site and/or any of the stories that follow.
Leadership Evaluations Go High Tech
In line with the biblical mandate for leaders to “commend” themselves to the church “in every way” (2 Cor. 6:4) , the work of our church leaders is evaluated biannually. In 2006, the evaluation will be conducted via an online survey. More >>
Are You Going to Narnia?
For BIC churches across North America, the movie adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ classic story, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, is as much an opportunity for evangelistic outreach as it is good family entertainment. More >>
One Month More for Cooperative Ministries
Coins in the little bank symbolizing Cooperative Ministries 2005 continue to mount as churches respond in generosity to our shared commitments. More>>
2006 Week of Prayer
BIC congregations all over North America are called to start the new year with a week of prayer. The prayer focus in 2006 is on loving boldly, giving generously, and serving joyfully. More >>
Revolution: Hitting the Bull's Eye
One year ago, Revolution, a church plant in Salina, Kansas, set out to target people primarily in their 20’s. Twelve months later, more than 150 20-somethings meet every Saturday night for worship that is high energy, tech-savvy, and Christ-centered. More >>
New Pastors & Spouses Orientation
In mid-October, 17 new pastors and almost as many spouses traveled to Grantham, Pa., for the annual orientation of ministry newcomers to the Brethren in Christ Church. Over a two-day period, the new pastors were introduced to the vision and values of the BIC Church, shared meals and stories, met with staff in the General Church offices, and enjoyed fellowship with pastors and leaders from each of the eight regional conferences. More >>
Meet the Whiz Kids
Behind the scenes, three young people are transforming church-wide communications for the BIC. Sarah Mackin, Dulci Brubaker, and Katie Geshay infuse our denominational magazine, our recently re-designed website, and our re-formatted monthly newsletter, Momentum with their creative energy. More >>
This Christmas, Give the Gift of Life
Reports from African nations where there are BIC churches state that 15% to 25% of the general adult populations are HIV-positive. In Zimbabwe AIDS related deaths have orphaned over 1 million children. Macha Hospital in Zambia estimates that 30-40% of hospital in-patients have AIDS-related problems. Malawi has seen more than half a million deaths since 1985.
This Christmas we invite you to include “the gift of life” in your Christmas giving with a contribution to World Hunger Fund or BICWM to buy needed supplies and opportunities in the fight against the devastation in human lives caused by AIDS in Africa. More>>
Share Your Insights
You receive Momentum because you are a leader in the church – within a congregation, a regional conference, the General Church or all three. You may have asked to be included on the mailing list for Momentum or your name may have been picked up automatically when you entered your current position of leadership. Regardless of how you have come to Momentum, your feedback is important. Please let us hear from you.
Warren Hoffman & Darrell Winger
General Church Leaders
Contact Information:
Email: bic@messiah.edu
Phone: 717.697.2634
Fax: 717.697.7714
Web: www.bic-church.org
