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

        

Trouble in Water looms for many churches: Season for gifts and preparation of budgets

Article 4 volume 6                                                                                December 23, 2015

Too Many churches are ignorant or just don't care when it comes to obeying IRS Church Laws

Monetary Gifts to adults and students

For students, the gifts may range from $25 to $5000.  It all depends on the reason for the gift.

A gift of $25 to $50 sounds okay.  Anything more than that should be based on a documented need. If the need is more than $100, we recommend that the funds come from the Missionary Account.

Also, the students should be given an IRS form 1099.  Many churches believe it is not necessary because the gift is under $600.  That is a false assumption.

Stipends to employees or anybody should be treated as taxable income.

Monetary Gifts to Staff and Others

Gifts are okay. But if the person is working as an employee, he/she should be paid an annual salary and given an IRS W-2 form.

These gifts are often called stipend and no 1099 or W-2 forms are given.

Will your pastor be shortchanged on his or her income?

Far too many churches are shortchanging their pastors in salary and parsonage allowances.  Based on a recent survey about 80% of the pastors payments and allowances are incorrect.

Many churches do not know that: the parsonage allowance has to be approved and recorded in the church official records before the beginning of the year that it will be effective; pastors who own their homes are eligible for parsonage allowance; pastors who receive 1099's for their service may be ineligible for health care and retirement benefits and pastors can save $5,000 or more on their tax returns, legally if their income and deductions are prepared properly. Much more!

Budget

Will your church prepare a valid budget?  A budget consists of projected income and expenditures for the coming year.  A document that only list projected expenditures cannot be considered a budget. Likewise, a document that only list projected income cannot be considered a budget. Both must be combined to form a budget document.

Let's celebrate the Birth of Christ, we will talk business later.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

              Copyright 2015. Grady E. Bryant, Sr.

Free church announcements for Baptist churches from July 1, 2015 thru August 31, 2015

Article 1 Volume 5

FREE ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR BAPTIST CHURCHES FOR A LIMITED TIME

Do you ever wonder where a church service is going on in the afternoon. So, you decide to ride around and find a church door open for afternoon service.  After about four stops you go back home.  Well, I have experienced it.

Of course, we are still behind time in getting notices out.

Churches send e-mail and letters to each other, but if the clerk decides not to read the announcement or your church is not informed or you are absent when the notice is read, then you just miss out.

Anyway, to cut the chase, I will be offering baptist churches an opportunity to post their announcements on this blog site for the months of July and August 2015** for free.

The announcement will not exceed five lines.  The message will be short.  My intent, is to just let folks know what is going on. 

You must follow this format:

Name of Church ___________________________

Address (city)   ____________________________

Event                _____________________________

Date                ______________________________

Time               ______________________________

Following is a sample:

Name:               Women Aux NVBA, INC

Address:           Gainesville, VA

Event:               Sun School teachers recognition

Date:                  August 22, 2015

Time:                12:00 p.m.

Contact:           Linda Moody 703-568-3152

The announcements are not going to be dealing with admission and what to wear.  The intent is to just let the public know something is going on.

You may send your ads to the following e-mail address:

taxmatters999@yahoo.com

The announcements will be published on this website:  www.nvbss.blogspot.com

or: www.churchmanagementinsight.blogspot.com (a separate site)

or you can reach this site on google: Northern Virginia Baptist.grady bryant

My door is open.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
**The publisher retains the right to terminate, charge a fee, or continue the service after July 31, 2015
_______________________________________________________________________________
The notices should be sent by Wednesday night before a Sunday event or four days in advance.
_______________________________________________________________________________  

     
 Copyright 2015. Grady E. Bryant, Sr.

                                      

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Baptist Women's Convention of Northern Virginia held their annual convention on October 18, 2014

Article 2 Volume 5

Baptist Women's Convention of Northern Virginia Celebration       

The Baptist Women's Convention of Northern Virginia held their annual convention on October 18, 2014 at the Baptist Center in Gainesville, Virginia.

Sister Carolyn Butler, chairman, gave some very good words of encouragement.

Sister Hattie Combs is the president.

Dinner was served.

Northern Va Baptist Sunday School Union & BTU Convention will be honoring its former presidents on June 7, 2014 at 4 p.m.

Article 1 Volume 4

Appreciation Banquet planned to recognize former presidents of Northern Virginia Baptist Sunday School & BTU Convention

On Saturday June 7th 2014 at 4 p.m. the NVBSS & BTU Convention will sponsor an Appreciation Banquet to honor their former Presidents at the Baptist Center in Gainesville, VA.

The honorees are:

Former Presidents

Sister Mary Frances Spears

Deacon James T. Lewis

Deacon David Grayson

Deacon Michael Lewis

Reverend Matthew J. Pearson

Reverend William Swann

Reverend Alfred Woods

Deacon Grady Bryant

Also, Deaconess Jean Nickens will be honored for rendering over 50 years of service as Secretary and Financial Secretary. 

The current president is Reverend James R. Kelly.

For more details call Sister Casandra Blackwell (703-670-3419) or Sister Ella Davis (703) 751-5036) or Sister Deborah Burrows (540-636-3211).

The Baptist Center is located at 14019 Glenkirk Road, Gainesville, VA 20156

Northern Virginia Baptist Women Auxiliary Pageant and Queen March, Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 3 p.m.

Women Auxiliary Pageant and Queen March at the Baptist Center, Gainesville, VA at 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2013

This annual festivity will feature children and youths, selected by churches to participate in this fund raising affair.

Prior to the main attraction at 3 p.m., food, prepared by the Men Auxiliary, will be served.  I was told that meal time will start at 1 p.m.  Now, don't wait until 2 p.m. and come up there asking, "Where is the food?" I mean, at that time, some might be left, then again, might not. The men have a good reputation for preparing delicious meals. 

In addition to the march, other activities are included in the planned service.. 

It was announced that everyone is invited.  The admission is free but donations will be accepted.

                                           Copyright 2013. Grady E. Bryant