BCNE News
The latest news from our network of New England churches. Looking for our New England Perspectives Articles? Click here.
Living thankful
Sounds easy—a prayer before your meal, a “#blessed” tag on social media, a bumper sticker, a t-shirt, or a thankful post a day during November. When done with a reflective heart, these point to gratefulness. Living in thankfulness day in and day out is most often another matter.
A song of thanksgiving
It was a Thanksgiving I’d never forget. A few years ago, I stayed home while my family traveled out of state for the holidays. Fresh out of college and wanting to assert my independence, I didn’t let my grandmother, who lived down the road from me, know that I would be home alone. The day before Thanksgiving, I drove home from work in some light snow, thinking it would stop after a couple inches.
New England Baptists celebrate ethnic ministries leading in evangelism
“The mission field has become the mission force” – the theme and phrase heard most at the Baptist Churches of New England’s 40th Annual Meeting on October 28-29, 2022. The phrase, coined at last year’s annual meeting, describes what God has been doing within and through ethnic ministries in New England. It was a historic meeting for multiple reasons.
Learning to feed yourself
When I was little, my grandfather would let me feed myself whenever I was at his home, a welcomed change from my mother feeding me. It was messy as I was still learning to do it correctly. But eventually, by doing it myself, I mastered it. It is not strange for a baby to be fed, but that must change as they grow and mature.
What’s wrong with being old?
In today’s youth-obsessed American consumerism culture, no one wants to be considered “old.” It’s regarded as a playful insult (but still an insult) when a younger person says to an older person, “ok, Boomer,” indicating that the older person is a part of the Boomer population. Using Facebook instead of Instagram or Tiktok is considered old. I recently read an article that said responding with a thumbs-up emoji is now a sign of being old. And only “old people” still write checks for things!
Your church may qualify for (more) government refunds because of COVID shutdowns
Is your church leaving money on the table? Did you know that there are more COVID refunds available from IRS beyond the PPP program? Yes, it is true. And the dollars available in the new program are bigger than PPP!!
5 ways the church can help in the wake of the mental health crisis
There’s a sickness affecting nearly half of the people in our congregations, yet we often choose to ignore it. We don’t understand it. We are afraid to talk about it. I thought I knew about this illness. I’d read about it and known some people with it, but two years ago, when this sickness hit my house like a ton of bricks, I realized that I didn’t have a clue. I’m talking about mental illness.
10 suggestions to keep Jesus first
There are only 10 commandments. God alone makes commandments that can transcend times and cultures. We aren’t so audacious to think we could come up with similar commands for keeping Jesus first in restoring people to Him through outreach ministry. But, these principles have helped us greatly and God has used them mightily in bringing true & lasting restoration to people.
What’s in a name?
Recently, I’ve been reflecting on how long it’s taken me to appreciate my own name. It’s a funny story: When my mom was pregnant with me, my parents were so convinced that I was going to be a boy that they picked out the name Samuel months in advance. Once I was born (and they got over their surprise), a quick search through a Korean name book brought them to Daneem, a variation of the word for “moon.”
From Wales to Vermont
My first connection with Vermont was back in 2011 when Wes Pastor, a member of BCNE and founder of NETS, took a special module at my Bible College in South Wales. I remember him saying that he saw many parallels between the general culture and spiritual climate of New England and Northern Europe; and Wales, in particular. Little did I know then that just over a decade later I would visit him and others in Vermont.
BCNE Board of Directors meeting celebrates a fruitful summer and receives training in sexual abuse response
With eleven board members present in person and six online, the BCNE Board of Directors meeting on October 13, 2022, focused on celebrations of God's work in New England and training in sexual abuse response.
Happy at home
If it's been a while since you perused Deuteronomy, I highly recommend a refresher. There are several surprises scattered like Easter eggs throughout. One of the most stunning expectations is this: "When a man is newly married, he shall not go out with the army or be liable for any other public duty. He shall be free at home one year to be happy with his wife whom he has taken." (Deuteronomy 24:5)
Ordinary ministry
The ordinary means of grace is what Christians have been practicing for two millenia worldwide, and through them God has transformed the world. There is a tendency as pastors and church leaders to want to find the latest and greatest fad, to keep up with some megachurch trend. For me, it has been immensely refreshing getting back to the ordinary.
The importance of saying thank you
When I was a child, my mother taught me the importance of saying thank you. If someone complimented me at church or school, she said I was to express gratitude for their kind words. When someone gave me a gift for Christmas or my birthday, she would have me write a thank-you note. Saying thank you was important to my mother, and I also came to value that in my life.
New LIFEMARK movie covers difficult family topics & reminds us that restorative ministry is needed in New England
Have you seen the new Kendrick brothers’ (Courageous, Fireproof, Flywheel, etc.) movie: LIFEMARK? As the new Restoration Ministry Coach for the BCNE, I highly encourage you to do so or arrange to host a watch party at your church. The movie follows the life of a young, adopted man as he questions reaching out to his birth parents. This new Christian movie covers some challenging issues surrounding children and families, including adoption, fostering, abortion, and other family life issues, and handles them well. I know that my congregation and I have done so and been hugely blessed.
Bridging the gap: London ministry lessons for New England
If you find yourself on the London train, or the "Tube" as the locals call it, you'll see and hear the phrase "Mind the Gap" often. It is a warning from the conductor to watch your step as you board, because there is a space between the platform and the train. I think many of us have come to the conclusion through working in ministry in New England, that there is a similar "gap" when trying to reach those outside of the church.
Healthy growth and change, Part 4: What is your church aiming at?
Squirrel!
The dogs from the movie Up have become a symbol of easy distractibility. Every sound, sight, and smell pulls the attention away in an instant. Unfortunately, many churches have been distracted by squirrels – tasks that pull your attention away from the mission Christ has given the church.
The kitchen table: A pastor’s secret weapon
One of the most undervalued tools in a pastor’s toolbox is the exercise of hospitality. When listing the characteristics of those qualified to serve as pastors, the Apostle Paul wrote, “An overseer must be . . . hospitable” (1 Timothy 3:2, ESV, Cf. Titus 1:8). Despite the fact that Scripture makes hospitality mandatory, many pastors seldom use their home as a venue for ministry.
Waterbury women gather for retreat to encourage one another in loss and the faithfulness of God
"Our retreat was full of laughter, crying, praising, and praying," said Margaret, an attendee at the 2nd annual women's retreat for the ladies of Waterbury Baptist Ministries in Waterbury, CT. Spearheaded by Tamika Goldson, the September retreat occurred at the Rice Lodge, next to the BCNE building.
Grants help with outreach to Asian Indians and International Students in Boston
Eight years ago, on August 19, 2014, Pastor Suresh Sammangi arrived in Boston with the big goal of reaching Asian Indians with the Gospel.
“85,000 people and no evangelical churches and no gospel, so we started the first evangelical church for Asian Indians in greater Boston,” Pastor Suresh said.