Mid-Valley Updates: News from Mid-Valley Southern Baptist Association

Mid-Valley Southern Baptist Association

News and Notes

March 22, 2007

Bill Smith, former pastor of First Baptist Church Clovis, as he is in Fresno Heart Hospital with complications.

Allen Greaves, son of Richard and Helen Greaves. Allen has ALS. Please continue to pray for Allen, his wife, Lorraine, his children, and Helen who helps to care for Allen. Even though Allen's physical condition continues to worsen, Richard says his spirits are high, he continues to praise God, and has an infectious smile. The family is so thankful for your continuous prayers and support.

Troy Clark, First Baptist Church Firebaugh, as he recovers from eye surgery.

My Mom as she recovers from second hip surgery and other health issues. She did see the orthopedic surgeon today for a follow-up appointment. He said both surgeries are healing well -- she needs to continue with therapy to gain strength. Rita

Your prayers are greatly appreciated.

Leadership Development

Association VBS Workshop

This event will provide VBS workers a winning game plan afor Mid-Valley Churches in reaching children and families for Jesus Christ through VBS. This workshop is a forum for VBS workers to learn effective strategies, resources, share ideas, and build momentum toward an effective VBS.

Workshop Coordinator: Susie Mendez
Location: Crosspoint Church, 2518 N. Cedar Avenue (on Cedar, south of Shields)
Date/Time: Saturday, April 28, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Cost: $5/person (includes continental breakfast and lunch)

Lunchtime Leadership
Series - Pastors and ministerial staff meet at Cross Point Church from 11:30AM to 1:15PM. Bring a lunch. Willow Creek Summit DVD and discussion:

Thursday, April 12, 11:30-1:15 pm " When Business Thinking Fails the Church" by Jim Collins

Seminary Extension Class - 4th Quarter The Book of Acts -- a study of the book of Acts, Luke's account of how Christianity overcame various obstacles to spread throughout the Roman world during the first Christian century. Call Rita at the Association office 297-5550 to register. Class begins Tuesday, March 27.

Mission Mobilization

ESL as a Second Language -- Learn to teach English as a Second Language as a Mission Outreach. This workshop is to help train and equip believers to share the love of Christ with people in our communities whose first language is not English. Share in the joy of teaching and showing Christs's love with international students, migrant workers or visiting family members.

Location: Copper Springs Church, 1365 Fifth St, Clovis
Dates/Times: Thursday May 3, 5:30 pm-9:30 pm; Friday May 4 5:50 pm - 9:30 pm; Saturday May 5, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Trainer: Monta Jo Erikson, CA SB Literacy Missions Coordinator
Cost: $35/person or $45/couple (includes manual, continental breakfast, and lunch on Saturday)

Registration will be accepted until April 3 at the Mid-Valley Association office via email at mvsba@yahoo.com or phone at 297-5550.

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions

In 2005, Mid-Valley churches gave $38,000 to support North American mission efforts. Find resources to promote the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering here.

Church Mission Leaders - Next meeting will be Thursday April 12, 2007 6:00PM - 8:00PM at the Mid-Valley office. This Missions Priority Action Team is open to all who share a passion for Great Commision action through local churches.

Fellowship/Networks

Minister's Breakfast Next Week....
Each Tuesday morning at Country Waffle, Blackstone & Dakota, 8:00 - 9:30 am. Pastor Tom Sims, Baptist Temple Fresno, will lead in prayer time on Tuesday March 27th.

Pastors Prayer Cluster
Mid-Valley pastors meet every Thursday at 10:00 am, Crosspoint Church. Join us as we pray for our churches and community. For further information, please contact Pastor Johnny Mendez at 227-5366 or 824-4821.

Mid-Valley Children's Camps 2007:

Teen Camp, Our Space.Com -- God's Network, June 17-20, for students who have completed grades 6th-8th. Cost $135.

Children's Camp, Bible Bee -- The Challenge, June 20-23, for students who have completed grades 3rd-5th. Cost $100.

At camp in 2007 Larry Bubb, House Band, volleyball and soccer clinics, polar bear swimming challenge, mission projects, bible study, building networks of friends, great food, experiencing God in Creation, meeting Jesus face to face. For more information contact MV office at 297-5550 or Pastor Lee Yarbrough, Camp Director at 584-7255 or check out www.campideas.blogspot.com. Camp registration forms, medical forms and counselor forms are available on our web site.

Church News

Ladies...
Copper Springs Church
Clovis will be hosting Mom's Central on Thursday, April 12, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm. Light lunch and childcare are provided (bring a sack lunch for your child). Topic: What's My Style: Finding a Style that "Fits" You. Cheri Bertelsen, Certified Image Consultant, will help you find your innate personal style.

Location: 1363 Fifth Street, Clovis.

Church Resource

Look here for Minister's Tax Guide Resource. This tax guide published annually by Guidestone is available to help ministers and /or their tax preparers.

CSBC Events

RefresHer Weekend - April 20-21. Look here for more information.

PK (Preacher's Kid) Retreat - March 30-April 1, 2007 in Santa Barbara, CA. The statewide network of PK's are invited to San Marcos Christian Camp in Santa Barbara to worship, fellowship, and learn with each other. All leaders are PK's. For details look here. Call the Association office at 297-5550 if you want to carpool.

California Baptist Foundation

CBF moved earlier this week to a new office complex located at 7084 N. Maple Avenue, Fresno 93720. The phone number remains the same 322-1001.

Strongtower Financial offices will stay at 7120 N. Whitney, Ste. 105, Fresno 93720.

California Baptist Foundation is coordinating more tours this year: Historic East Coast, Ireland, and Scotland. Carole Leathem is coordinating the trips. Find details here.