Northern Virginia Baptist Association 140th Annual Session - 3rd Day, August 23, 2017

Article 4, Volume 7                                                                       August 23, 2017

Wednesday, Morning Session

The highlight of the session was Dr. Rev R. Neal Siler,  presentation,

Part 2, "What should a 21st Century Association look like?"

Emphasis was placed on the importance of documentation.

A written guide was made available for each participant.  This guide includes directions on ways and means of preparing an effective  Standard Operating Procedure manual.

Afternoon Session

The highlight of the session was the presentation of the Moderator's Address by the Moderator, Dr. Reverend Darrell K. White.

His message was about unity.

The message, in its entirety, will be made available within two weeks, on this website.

Northern Virginia Baptist Association, Inc celebrating its 140th Annual Session from August 21-24, 2017 at Baptist Center in Gainesville, VA

Article 1 Volume 7                                                                                 August 21, 2017                                

      Independent Report on the Northern Virginia Baptist Association Annual Session 

Dr. Darrell K. White, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Alexandria, Virginia is the Moderator of this cherished organization.

I am an independent delegate this year.  That is, I don't represent any particular church. I am attending for the personal fellowship and observation experiences that I can acquire and share with attendees and non-attendees who may have an interest in the activities this week.  Generally, I will only report on what I witness.

My report may include my opinions and comments on some matters.  But there will be no secret or inside information reported.  Only those things that are announced or distributed to the general public.

Monday

I arrived for the afternoon session.

The service started with prayer and praise.  Sister Joyce Williams, Director of Music at Chantilly Baptist Church, Chantilly, Virginia provided the music and lead in some of the songs rendered.

The business session went well. However, I was startled that some of the slots for various committees were not filled due to lack of volunteers.  I believe that if a person sign up to be a delegate for his or her church, then that person should be willing to serve on a committee.

The Men Ministry, under the leadership of Dr. Ellsworth Weaver, a deacon at St James Baptist in Bealeton, VA, was in charge of the services.

Dr. Weaver reminded us that our mission as Christians was to GO!  In other words, be willing to go forth and work for the uplifting of God's Kingdom.

Rev. Dr. Mary Smith delivered the preached word.  Her presentation is highlighted in Article 2, Volume 7 of this blog series, dated August 22, 2017. (www.nvbss.blogspot.com)

                  People who read this blog site also read: (1) www.churchmatters999@blogspot.com

and (2)www.wbcfallschurch.blogspot.com  and (3)www.esh60.blogspot.com

                              Copyright 2017 Grady E. Bryant, Sr.   

   

Northern Virginia Baptist Association's 140th Annual Session at the Baptist Center in Gainesville - 2nd day, 8-22-2017

Article 3 Volume 7                                                         August 22, 2017

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

In the morning session a presentation was made by Rev. Dr. R. Neal Siler, Pastor of First Shiloh Baptist Church, Mechanicville, VA. The subject: 

  Part l: "What Should a 21st Century Association Look Like?"

Rev Siler was well prepared for the presentation.  

Emphasis was put on organizations having a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) manual so that actions taken on church or organization matters can have a reference as to the cause or purpose of the actions.

Too often things are done with no point of reference as to why or how or by what authority.

In many cases church officers and members do not have a documented policy or procedure explaining their action.

Take away:  Have written policies and procedures.

 The Women Ministry

Deaconess Regina Crawley announced that 5 scholarships in the amount of $1,000 were awarded to 5 students.

** comment pending

Sister Marian Hines was the facilitator.

Sister Emma Nickens, President of this ministry, gave her annual address.  

They presented gifts to two persons. Sister Virginia Bradby was one of the recipients.

 Baptist Center Board

Rev. Sam Barnhardt gave a report on the many things that his group have done to improve the Baptist Center.

He requested that each church contribute $1,000 for the improvement of the Baptist  Center.

Afternoon Session  8/22/2017

Reports were presented by some of the committees. 

The Committee on Constitution & ByLaws will present their report at the One Day Session next Spring.

**More information will be added later.

                                                            Business Discussion

Lot of discussion.

                                                              Installation of Officers

Rev. Darrell K. White was elected to serve a third term (one year) as Moderator.

About 25 to 30 persons were installed to a variety of positions.

***My comments will be presented later.

                                                                       Benediction

            Copyright 2017 Grady E. Bryant, Sr.

As the Solar Eclipse soared above, Rev. Dr. Mary Smith preached below with a timely message for all mankind at Baptist Center

Article 2 Volume 7                                                                                    August 21, 2017

Afternoon Service

Sermon:  Dr. Rev. Mary Smith 

I had planned all week to witness the solar eclipse as it roared across the  sky.  I knew in advance that something would be going on at the Baptist Center.  My plans were to go in and sit down until time for the eclipse to pass overhead, then go outside and watch it.

But something happen. I got engrossed with the message being delivered by Rev Smith to the point that I just forgot all about the eclipse.

Dr. Smith used as her scripture reference, Mark 2, Verses 18-22.  

This scripture makes reference to the act of putting new wine in old bottles.

She put emphasis on the necessity of change and moving forward.  As humans we must be willing to change. If new bottles are required, then buy or somehow get new bottles.

She made reference to Jesus and his great missionary work.

New training may be required.  If so, get it.  We must do what we can to help the poor and needy.

My take away:  As hard as it may seem, sometimes we just have to throw away the old habits and ways and convert to the new.  Of course, make sure the new is something that is progressive, and we are not just changing because it is something new.

In the moments the solar eclipse was soaring across the sky, Reverend Smith was presenting a challenge below to an attentive congregation. 

Dr. Smith is an associate minister at First Baptist Church, Vienna, VA.  She is the wife of Dr. Rev. Kenny Smith, former moderator of NVBA, Inc.

More information about Rev. Smith will be posted on www.churchmatters999.blogspot.com

  People who visit this website also visit:  www.wbcfallschurch.blogspot.com and www.myopinions999.blogspot.com 

                                   Copyright 2017 Grady E. Bryant