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Notes & News,Thoughts & ViewsFor ABCOPAD Churches fromRegional Executive Pastor Rev. Frank Frischkorn

Volume 31, Number 10 October, 2021

Greetings in the LORD!

It certainly has been an interesting few months for me as I’ve made my way around the region and had the chance to engage with people now that news of my transition from ministry with the region is ‘out there’. Every conversation has been unique, for sure, but there has been one common thread that is found in almost all of them—a burning desire to know what I plan to ‘do’ once ministry with the region concludes. I can feel the anxiety heighten for many as I share with them that I honestly don’t have a typed, double-spaced plan in place, and often they reply with something like, “Well, let me know how that is going for you come March!” or “Carolyn will be booting you out to get a job if you don’t have anything in the works soon!”.

As I’ve reflected on those conversations, they have caused me to consider how often in our culture our sense of worth and purpose is defined by what we do rather than who (whose) we are. My title may go away (along with my email address and office phone number) but that doesn’t negate who I am as a disciple and child of God, nor the plans that He may have for me in the years to come once the page is turned in this chapter of my life. To be totally honest, I think there are many times where we all run the risk of missing the plans and graces God has for us simply because we are too busy filling up the spaces in our lives, and I’m looking forward to having more space to experience His Grace.

I ran across the following poem that speaks to that need in my life, and I’m guessing in yours as well. It’s entitled, ‘Fire’ and was written by a poet named Judy Brown…

That poem speaks to my soul and reflects my desire in the days to come to allow some ‘space’ in my life to watch His Fire grow in me.

Praying the same for you, as well.

In Christ,

Frank

Fire

What makes a fire burn is space between the logs, a breathing space.

Too much of a good thing, too many logs packed in too tight can douse the flames almost as surely as a pail of water would.

So building fires requires attention to the spaces in between, as much as to the wood.

When we are able to build open spaces in the same way we have learned to pile on the logs, then we can come to see how it is fuel, and absence of the fuel together, that make fire possible.

We only need to lay a log lightly from time to time.

A fire grows simply because the space is there, with openings in which the flame that knows just how it wants to burn can find its way.

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Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Johnson Regional Pastor with Congregations 888-687-0883 jjohnson@abcopad.com

Most recently, I’ve been Spirit-drawn repeatedly to the Book of Nehemiah. So, I decided to share some of the content I’ve come across from articles I’ve read and thoughts I’ve put together myself from my own study. This article is a mixture of both.

Each month I consult with congregations in each of our two-state region, I can see many elements of Nehemiah’s experience from 2400 years ago analogous to what our churches are dealing with today. The times may be different, but circumstances are the same. Nehemiah occurs when a situation beyond their control decimated their faith community. What did Nehemiah do? He:

Recognized a need Nehemiah 1:1-4

3 They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, its gates burned.

The decline of the wall, and by analogy, like the decline of a church, didn’t happen overnight. It wasn’t sudden but subtle. People at the least didn’t notice, or at the worst, outright ignored what they saw, hoping maybe it would just go away, or maybe get better on its own, or maybe just maybe outlast their lifetime.

Set a goal 2:1-5

5“If it pleases the king and if your servant (Nehemiah) has found favor in your sight, let him send me to (Jerusalem) where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it (the wall).”

We should put forth a purpose that is bigger than ourselves but still one that is doable and achievable. The goal must ultimately require us to depend upon God for the success of the outcome. We never want to be in a place where we don’t need God!

Developed a plan 2:6-8

7 “If it pleases the king, may I have letters to the governors of Trans-Euphrates, so that they will provide me safe-conduct until I arrive in Judah? 8 And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the royal park, so he will give me timber to make beams for the gates

of the citadel by the temple and for the city wall and for the residence I will occupy?” Because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests.

The plan (prayer) was asking God to provide persons of favor to cross his path to further as well as support the goal. There are 11 different prayers in this book. Nothing is done without real prayer. Notice too how the provision followed the vision.

Took stock/Held an inspection 2:11-16

13 By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, …

Nehemiah looked honestly, brutally honestly at the situation. He had to see things as they really were to say things as they really are. We can’t expect to fix what is wrong unless we own up to the reality of the problem and the severity of the situation.

Motivated workers 2:17-18

17 Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” 18 I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work (God work).

He shared with the laborers that there was a two-fold reality playing out here. One was that the condition of the wall was a poor witness to their loving and life-giving God and they were created by that God to work and by not doing so, they were failing their divinely created purpose. It’s working FOR God, it’s working WITH God! “For we are laborers together with God” 1 Corinthians 3:9 as well as “For we are God’s workmen, created for good works” Ephesians 2:10

Delegated responsibilities and Got to Work 3:1-5

1 fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. 2 The men of Jericho built the adjoining section … 5 The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa,

The work wasn’t meant to be done by one, couldn’t be done by one. They all needed to work together, each on a part, each on their section. A few individual names are mentioned but it speaks a lot about nameless groups. It is amazing what can be accomplished when we don’t worry about who gets the credit, And, take note that Nehemiah formed teams NOT committees! Provided for continuing success 7:1-3

2 I put in charge my brother Hanani, along with Hananiah the commander of the citadel, because he was a man of integrity and feared God ... 3 I also appointed residents of Jerusalem …

One leader should always be preparing for another to replace them. One work of God should always lead to another, even enlarging and enhancing the previous. We should always be thinking about who else? what more? They built on the work of others as others should build on ours. May those who come behind us find us as faithful as those who went before us.

Rev. Mark Mahserjian-Smith Regional Pastor for Mission and Communication 570-435-2001 msmsmail@abcopad.com

It does not take long to realize we are living in a rapidly changing culture. What

once averaged one significant culturally-changing event per decade, has become multiple significant culturally-changing events every year. Some sociologists are recognizing radical change in our culture is now normative and our new reality. Institutions and organizations unable to be adaptive and innovative will simply not survive. During a recent ABCOPAD webinar, author Tod Bolsinger described this reality with this metaphor: In the past change was like a blizzard. A single short-term event someone needed to survive. Today, change is like an ice age, ongoing and long term, requiring more than simply immediate survival, but the need to adapt to this new ongoing environment.

In his book, “Tempered Resilience,” Todd talks about two pressures Pastoral Leaders face while attempting change in their congregations, a failure of heart and a failure of nerve. He writes: “In this book I want to talk about the processes and practices that develop tempered, resilient change leaders who will be able to avoid what Edwin Friedman calls a ‘failure of nerve’ as well as what I call a ‘failure of heart.’ Tempering a leader is a process of reflection, relationships and practices during the act of leading that form resilience to continue leading when the resistance is highest. It includes vulnerable self-reflection, the safety of relationships and specific spiritual practices and leadership skills in a rhythm of both work and rest. It is hard, formative work.”

Bolsinger goes on to say, “Failure of nerve is caving to the pressure of the anxiety of the group to return to the status quo. Failure of heart is when the leader’s discouragement

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leads them to psychologically abandon their people and the charge they have been given.”

Tod also writes: “If the goal of being a tempered, resilient leader is to be strong and flexible enough to withstand both a failure of nerve and a failure of heart, then it is critical to understand that both failures are failures of identity. And that identity is both revealed—and can be made resilient—in the very act of leadership.”

I am reminded of God’s command to Joshua. (Joshua 1:9) “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua could be strong and courageous because he knew his identity. He knew he was a child of God and God would always be with him. Joshua was also part of a community, a team who provided support and encouragement in the midst of the rapid change that surrounded him.

Rev. Rob Rice, our Regional Ministry Associate for Leadership Learning Communities has partnered with Tod Bolsinger to provide a series of three webinars this October. These webinars are free. Please consider joining these webinars providing valuable insight regarding Tempered Resilience.

The webinars are being recorded so even if you’ve missed the live broadcast, by registering you will have access to the recordings. (You can register on our website [www.abcopad.org] or simply contact any of our Regional Staff.) These webinars are valuable for any pastoral or congregational leader guiding their church through significant change.

Ever grateful for our partnership in ministry and our God who never leaves us, even in the midst of radical change.

Blessings, Mark

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,  for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

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The Wise and Foolish Builders

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed, and its destruction was complete.” Luke 6:46-49 NIV

Unless the LORD builds the house,

the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city,

the guards stand watch in vain. Psalm 127:1

God’s Word is clear that for best results our lives shouldn’t be built without Him. The blueprint of His Word is to be laid out on the table every day, studied for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in right living.

The Foundation is vital! The Contractor is essential! The labor is our responsibility!

The little song about standin’ in the need of prayer is running through my head…but it’s more like ‘not the preacher, not the teacher, but it’s me oh Lord, standin’ in the need of REPAIR!’

If you attended the virtual THRIVE 2021 CONFERENCE, I hope you have been blessed to receive this book distributed via mail or by loving volunteers in many churches. God’s Word is vital in our lives and as your leadership team we hope and pray you find a way to enrich your life with Dr. Kimberly D. Moore’s book, ‘The BIBLE in 52 Weeks - A Yearlong Bible Study for Women’.

*This resource will be used for a private Facebook group beginning January 1, 2022. Insights will be shared each week on the scriptures earmarked and you will have an opportunity to share your thoughts as well. A way to be together while apart. If you wish to join the group, contact Jodie Vasbinder through Facebook, email, or telephone. Jodie’s information can be found on the ABCOPAD Women’s Ministry Leadership page.

*You may also choose to use this book in a group at church or your community, doing the same thing. Read the weekly portions, gather in person, or call each other for accountability (don’t we all need that to stay the course!) or zoom. *You might be the lady who just needs to curl up with her Bible, her book, and her God to stay the course and that is great as well…I envy your staying power! The handy bookmark tucked into each book by the loving hands of Denise Veselicky has a weekly reminder you can check off as you go. *Whether you have begun the book already, plan to start it January 1, 2022, or anywhere in between, we pray that you are blessed and growing each day in some way always digging deeper into God’s Good Word. Additional copies can be obtained at a reduced price + shipping by contacting me. Jodie Vasbinder Spiritual Enrichment Coordinator

*********************************************** THE HISTORY OF WHITE CROSS

For generations, American Baptists’ helping hands have been reaching out to people in need. During World War I, women in the church assisted the American Red Cross by providing surgical dressings, bandages, and other medical supplies for U.S. service personnel. As they met these needs, the women became convinced that similar methods would be of great help in the work of Christian mission. In 1919, following the end of the war, American Baptist women organized the White Cross Service League, “channeling the war effort into support for Baptist mission,” to use their words.

Today, men, youth, and children have embraced White Cross. Your gifts continue the legacy of providing practical help and needed supplies where IM serves around the world. Please visit the NEWLY-IMPROVED website for more information.

https://www.internationalministries.org/white-cross/

Barbara Prine

White Cross Coordinator

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Central UnionKudos to Rev. Sarah Strosahl-Kagi (Royersford) who was recently published in The Christian Citizen magazine: https://christiancitizen.us/and-how-are-the-children/ “And how are the children?” The 2021 Discipleship Planning Guide, from American Baptist Home Mission Societies, focuses on this question, a greeting of the Maasai that puts the importance of children’s wellbeing at the center of the measure of a society’s wellbeing.

CentreIt was wonderful joining Apryl Glunt’s family and friends for her ACTS graduation at Mill Creek. Completing the ACTS program is NO small accomplishment. It is, at a minimum a two-year process that requires classes, study, reading, reports, mentoring and internship, and more. This cannot be completed without the support of family, church leadership and a local congregation.

It’s been a busy schedule at Forest, Winburne. Fall events include recent outdoor baptisms, exciting worship services, and preparation for a Fall Festival that will launch Forest’s new meal ministry.

ClarionFBC, Kittanning, founded in 1896, observed its 125th anniversary! (Hey, that was the year Henry Ford drove the first car in America down Main Street in Detroit, and the Tootsie Roll was created!)

HarrisburgRev. Josh Trojak has been recently called to become the Senior Pastor at Christ’s American, Spring Grove. Josh has been serving as the Associate Pastor at the church for the past several years. He will have his installation service in just a few weeks.

One of our LLC groups recently gathered at Next Shot Golf (owned and operated by Pastor David Klock, lead pastor for Living Bridge, Mechanicsburg). They

REALLY did spend time discussing ministry and praying for one another, but of course, also spent some time on the simulator trying out a new shooting game Pastor Dave recently installed on the system. Suffice it to say there are some sharp shooters in the LLC!

LaurelFBC, Greensburg is so thankful for summer fun, as our weekly Bocce nights were revived after Covid. A strong response was enjoyed from the beginning of the summer. Several weeks had attendance in the 20s and both Bocce courts were packed. We highly recommend this fellowship opportunity to sister churches, as players of all generations can participate and offer real competition. A few of our players, in their 80s and 90s, mopped the floor with younger opponents!

NorthumberlandThe Northumberland Association held a certification council for Deb Copeland at FBC, Berwick. Pastors and delegates gathered to review Deb’s paper and ask questions. Following a time of hearing Deb’s heart for ministry, the vote was unanimous to affirm her certification, and the church at Berwick will be scheduling a service of certification and installation later this fall!

The smell of popcorn, cotton candy and hot dogs filled the air on Rally Day at Watsontown. Guest preacher Mark Mahserjian-Smith faced a challenge delivering the morning message as excitement mounted in anticipation of the food and games that would follow the morning worship service. A bounce house, dunk tank and other fun games awaited church and community members as church leaders created this fun and exciting way to engage their neighbors on Sunday.

Oil CreekIt was a day of celebration as the congregation at Delaware Avenue,

Erie, gathered for the ordination of their pastor, Rev. Susan Bartlett. Surely, a great day for Pastor Susan and ABCOPAD!

PittsburghPastor Jay (FBC, McKees Rocks) will be doing a series of messages on Psalm 23 which will cover Oct. 3 through Nov. 21; FBC will once again host the music ministry of Randy & Marli Brown on Sunday, Oct. 24., at 6 p.m. We would like to extend an invitation to our sister ABCOPAD churches to join us for this Worship Concert. A love offering will be taken to help offset some of the Browns’ expenses and a time of refreshments and fellowship will be held after the concert. On Oct. 29 at 6 p.m., we will have a Dinner and a Movie. Then on Sunday, Oct. 31, we will once again have a Trunk or Treat event from 5-8 p.m. Last year, we handed out 735 treat bags along with invitations to join us for Sunday Worship and Monday evening Bible Study.

ReadingA number of pastoral friends of David Hardin gathered together to officially install him as Senior Pastor of FBC, Bethlehem. Needless to say, it was a joyful time together.

Members of Calvary, Allentown, voted to accept the call of Rev. Melvin Thomas, Jr. as its new pastor. Pastor Thomas comes from a family of Baptist preachers. He is passionate and enthusiastic about helping people build a personal faith perspective and relationship with God. Welcome to ABCOPAD!

RiversideNew Hope Christian would like to share a testimony from their outreach ministry the Healing Rooms of Del. Co. After being closed for two months, we reopened and had four people the first night. It is amazing to see and

News From our Associations (www.abcopad.org)

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experience people being blessed even when their healing is not totally and completely manifested. There is power when people are anointed, have hands laid upon them and prayed over. The Spirit of God is moving!

Ten MileFBC, Waynesburg, held its annual “Touch A Truck” event in the church parking lot. Trucks, cars, planes, boats, heavy equipment and more, were all available for kids to explore. Fun for everyone!

2020 2021United Mission Basics $23,917 $25,291Love Gift $701 $1,682Partners in Ministry $18,530 $19,357

Annual Offerings AFC $1,207 $141 WMO $4,165 $6,667 RMMO $2,066 $596 OGHS $8,092 $18,983

The cumulative comparison figures United Mission Basics is behind through Sept. 2021 by ($1,096).The increase in United Missions (includes UMB and Love Gift) amounts to $117 more in actual dollars, that ABCOPAD received through Sept.AFC is ahead by $5,707. This increase amounts to $1,674 more in actual dollars, that ABCOPAD received though Sept.Partners in Ministry is ahead by $8,856. through Sept.

Nov, 2021 Deadline: Items to be included in the Nov. issue of Notes & News need to arrive by 5 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 4.

Please send all material to Denise Veselicky. Mail: ABCOPAD 159 N. Bellefield Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2609 Email: dveselicky@abcopad.com Phone: 888-687-0883 Fax: 412-687-3941

Thank you! Donna L. Schneff, designerdeeschneff@gmail.com

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Partners In Ministry Fulfilling Christ’s Mission In The World

In March 2020, churches in ABCOPAD and throughout the country faced challenges unlike anything they’d experienced before. As a pandemic exploded in the US and abroad, governmental leaders declared lockdowns and quarantines making worship in church sanctuaries impossible and meetings at church facilities unsafe. Facing this unprecedented challenge, pastoral leaders and congregations turned to new methods of doing ministry, using technologies that often they had resisted in the past.

Local Congregations in a matter of weeks learned how to live stream morning worship via cell phone, tablet or laptop on Facebook or YouTube. Prayer Meetings, Bible Studies and Leadership Meetings took place via Zoom.

Many, many church families in ABCOPAD needed assistance with the new technologies. They needed someone to walk them through the process of how to Live Steam on Facebook through a cell phone. They needed coaching on how to launch a Zoom Meeting. They needed assistance with funding to purchase new equipment and the necessary licenses to broadcast their worship services. Through it all, our ABCOPAD Staff was there. We were there to help pastoral leaders and church families get online both through coaching and with funding to make ministry and mission happen during the pandemic. ABCOPAD staff will continue to BE THERE whatever challenges 2021 brings.

When you support Partners In Ministry, you make it possible for

the staff of the American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware, both full time staff and our Regional Ministry Associates, to be there when challenges arise in ministry. Thank you for your gifts to Partners In Ministry making real partnerships happen in our Region and beyond.

You can give to

Partners In Ministry…

1. Through your local congregation’s weekly offering by

designating your gift to ABCOPAD - Partners In Ministry.

2. Through ABCOPAD’s Online Giving option, available on the regional website (www.abcopad.org). Your church can receive mission-giving credit for your online gift.

3. By giving through your mobile device (www.abcopad.mobile).

4. By sending your check (made payable to ABCOPAD WMS) to:

ABCOPAD; P.O. Box 421; Hatboro, PA 19040

Thank you for your giving to Partners In Ministry and for

your partnership as we minister together In Pennsylvania and Delaware.

THE AMERICAN BAPTIST

CHURCHES OF

PENNSYLVANIA & DELAWARE

American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware

Pittsburgh Baptist Association 159 N Bellefield Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213

A Virtual Appreciation Event - Saturday, November 6, 1-3 pm

Rev. Dr. Frank Frischkorn,

ABCOPAD Regional Executive

Pastor has announced his

resignation as of December

31, 2021.

In gratitude for his 27 years of

service to the Region, a

Virtual Appreciation

Celebration will be held on

November 6, 1–3 pm.

Please join us and take this opportunity to

celebrate Frank and thank him for his

ministry.

As part of the celebration, we would like

to shower Frank and Carolyn with

cards that contain all our encouragement,

love, and gratitude for their ministry in ABCOPAD. Please

target your card to arrive on or as close to November 6 as

possible. Cards may be sent to

Frank and Carolyn Frischkorn

15 Wild Rose Lane

Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.

Registration for the Virtual Event is required so that you

may receive the link to participate. Visit the ABCOPAD

website www.abcopad.org to register and/or to make a

donation toward an appreciation gift for Frank.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Pittsburgh, PA Permit No. 379

Address Service Requested