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Purchase by March 28th
This Easter you have an opportunity give a lily ‘In Memory of’ or ‘In Honor of’ a loved one.
Lilies can be ordered via pew envelopes or by clicking the button below for $15 each. Please order by Tuesday, March 28.
Plants will be displayed in the Sanctuary on Easter Sunday and may be taken home after the service.
Wednesday, March 15th (Update below 3/16/2023)
Our Annual Business Meeting is an important time for our church as we celebrate all that God is doing at MBC and plan for the exciting year ahead.
This year’s Annual Business Meeting will be conducted IN-PERSON in our Sanctuary on Wednesday, March 15, at 7pm.
Your participation is essential to this meeting’s success. According to our constitution, first we need 20% of active voting members to attend the meeting to constitute a quorum. Second, of those attending, we need a simple majority vote to both approve the annual operating budget and to elect members to the Board of Elders. Please make every effort to attend and vote.
Update 3/16/2023
The Annual Business Meeting was a great time for the church to recap the past fiscal year and to look forward to 2023-2024. Pastor Bob & Pastor Dave spoke about our plans to continue to be firmly planted, growing together, and investing in the lives of others. Larry Blakeman shared about the budget and new World Partners. We had a good time celebrating what God has done and expectant of the future of our church.
We did have quorum and voted unanimously to pass the proposed budget for 2023-2024.
Also, a motion carried unanimously for additional funding that was requested for 2022-2023.
Hock Ng presented from the Elder Nominating Committee five new candidates:
All gentlemen were approved.
Doug Hulin, Elder Vice-Chair, thanked our outgoing elders, Paul Achenbach and Hock Ng, for their investment, dedication, and leadership in so many areas.
Pray for your involvement in MBC’s Vision based on Psalm 1:1-3.
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
We are offering childcare during the meeting as needed. Must register by March 12th please.
Wednesday, March 15, 7pm, In-Person Only
Our Annual Business Meeting is an important time for our church as we celebrate all that God is doing at MBC and plan for the exciting year ahead.
This year’s Annual Business Meeting will be conducted in-person in our Sanctuary on Wednesday, March 16, at 7pm.
Members will be emailed instructions on how to login to the ABM portal. This is the same web portal we used last year. You’ll need your username and password. There is a “forgot password” feature, in case you forgot.
We encourage all members to login prior to the meeting so that you can watch Pastor Bob’s pre-meeting instructions video as well as familiarize yourself with the Annual Business Meeting portal.
Most importantly, your participation is essential to this meeting’s success. According to our constitution, first we need 20% of active voting members to attend the meeting to constitute a quorum. Second, of those attending, we need a simple majority vote to both approve the annual operating budget and to elect members to the Board of Elders. Please make every effort to attend and vote.
Save the Date: Wednesday, March 17, 7pm
Our Annual Business Meeting is an important time for our church as we celebrate all that God is doing at MBC and plan for the exciting year ahead. Due to the pressing concerns with COVID-19 and congregating in large groups we are creating a virtual forum in lieu of a live presentation in our sanctuary.
We encourage you to watch the meeting presentation, download and review the Annual Report, and participate in the Online Voting that was emailed to every MBC Member. This email covers voting for the church budget for the upcoming fiscal year and leadership positions within our body. The Center will be compiling the votes in order to preserve anonymity.
Your participation is essential to this meeting’s success. According to our constitution, first we need 20% of active voting members to attend the meeting (watching/voting) to constitute a quorum. Second, of those attending, we need a simple majority vote to both approve the annual operating budget and to elect members to the Board of Elders. Please make every effort to attend and vote.
Step ONE: Download
Step Two: Download
Step Three: Watch
Step Four: Ask
Step Five: Vote
Annual Meeting Presentation
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Call the church office at 908-647-0594 or email Scott Rajoppi.
Thursday, April 6, 7pm, Sanctuary
Come experience our Maundy Thursday Communion Service like never before! If you prefer to join us via live stream, bring your communion elements and together, we will worship and “break bread” while focusing on the mandate to love with humility by serving one another while remembering His ultimate humility and sacrifice.
From the Latin word mandatum, meaning, “commandment,” Maundy refers to the command Jesus gave his disciples at the Last Supper: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-45)
Jesus’ command seems very simple, but the understanding of what happened that night is far from simple. Why is the importance of remembering Communion so significant for Christians? Let us focus on the mandate to love with humility by serving one another while remembering His ultimate humility and sacrifice for us.
Live Stream Participation
Communion will be part of our Maundy Thursday service. Should you decide to participate with us from home, here are some instructions for taking communion remotely.
Communion (the Lord’s Supper) is an ordinance given to all believers by Jesus to remember His sacrifice for us and to symbolize the new covenant.
The elements of bread and wine/juice are symbols of Christ’s broken body and shed blood. Communion is not a means of salvation, rather, it is a testament of a believer’s faith in the atoning work of the cross. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, join us online to remember His GREAT sacrifice. If you are not in the place where you consider Christ your Savior then sit back and enjoy the service like normal.
ITEMS NEEDED FOR TAKING COMMUNION AT HOME
1. Grape Juice or Water (quantity depends on size of your group)
2. Bread or Baked Crackers | Unleavened bread is the best expression of the “bread” element. Unleavened bread simply is bread baked without a rising agent (most large grocery stores stock unleavened bread), but you can select any bread or cracker of your choice.
3. Be Ready at Home with Your Elements | The pastor will direct you through properly receiving communion. All you need to do is follow along online individually or as a group during the service.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES FOR PERSONAL USE
Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29
Easter is an incredible season filled with special remembrances of what Jesus did for us in His death on the cross and His resurrection.
Our Easter Sunday services will be held at our normal 9am and 10:45am times.
During Holy Week, we offer the following for you to consider attending:
Whether you know a lot about Jesus or are just getting started, we hope that you will celebrate Easter with us, in-person or online.
*Maundy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter, is observed in commemoration of the Lord Jesus’ institution of communion during the Last Supper.
The Hare-Raising Egg Party is back on Saturday, April 1, from 1pm-3pm! Families and kids will love the egg and bunny themed carnival games, crafts, as well as pony rides and a petting zoo! Kids of all ages will enjoy this family-friendly event. Did we mention candy?? Kids will receive candy and prizes at the carnival game stations.
VIP Access for children with special needs starts at 12:15pm. We ask that only families with children with special needs register for the 12:15pm time slot.
General access starts at 1pm, so everyone else please register for either the 1pm or 2pm timeslot.
Register by March 31 to be included in the raffle drawing for PRIZES!
Join the Hare-Raising Easter Party Crew
MBC, we need your support! You can register to serve at the event below. And please consider donating candy- we’ll need lots! (We don’t need plastic eggs.) Thank you in advance!
QUESTIONS?
Contact Rachel (rachel@millingtonbaptist.org).
MBC will be offering DivorceCare support for those who are separated, going through a divorce or already divorced. You will find warm and caring people who will come alongside you as you walk on your journey.
For more information, please see the DivorceCare Website.
Time & Place:
Beginning March 28
13-week course on Tuesdays from 7-9pm
Fellowship Hall
Workbook: $20 ea.
Contact info: Deb Graisser or Glenn Guerin
MORE DETAILS COMING SOON!
A Study in Ecclesiastes: January 8-April 2
Chaos. That is a word that seems to capture the zeitgeist of our age. Instability, wars, pandemics, and institutional breakdown have led people to wonder: is anyone in control? Do meaning and purpose exist? Indeed, with endless choices and uncertain times people today are less secure and more jaded than ever before. Doubts about everything are the new normal. We are living through an era that feels a bit … mad.
So… how do we live by faith in a world of madness? That is what the book of Ecclesiastes is about. It assumes doubts and offers answers not addressed anywhere else. It explores issues that haunt us at the end of life. In short, this ancient book offers meaning in the madness by directing us to the purpose giver: God himself.
Over the 12 weeks, we are going to explore all the important issues in life: Meaning, purpose, happiness, work, wealth, fame, power, suffering, justice, and death. The world’s answers are incoherent and incomplete. The teacher of Ecclesiastes shows us that order is possible in chaos, meaning is birthed despite the madness, and true beauty is revealed at the feet of our Creator King. Join us as we discover meaning in the madness.
Recommended companion reading:
1/8 – Book and Series Introduction
1/15 – Meaning in the Madness
1/22 – Purposeful Use of Time
1/29 – CONTEND CONFERENCE
2/5 – Meaningful Work
2/12 – False Meaning: Worship and Money
2/19 – Meaning in the Midst of Pain
2/26 – Wisdom and Meaning
3/5 – Meaningful Joy
3/12 – The Danger of Folly
3/19 – Meaningful Risk
3/26 – The Creator of Meaning
4/2 – Meaningful Death
Previous Sermons in this Series
Discipleship for Kids: Heart + Soul + Strength
First Class: Nothing Less than God’s Word
Am I making a difference in my kids’ spiritual lives? How should I be leading my kids spiritually? Will they keep walking with God as they get older?
Have you ever found yourself asking these questions? At the first of a new series of Parenting Seminar Classes, we’ll be exploring this topic by looking at research from a book called Nothing Less: Engaging Kids in a Lifetime of Faith. The main takeaway is simple, yet significant: Reading God’s Word. Join us as we discover what we can do to most influence our kids to love God with all their heart, soul, and strength and to develop lasting faith.
Discipleship for Kids: Heart + Soul + Strength
Next Class: Feb. 12 – Family Mission, Vision, and Values
In the second of a new series of Parenting Seminar Classes, we’ll be discussing what it could look like to intentionally form your family’s mission, vision and values. This is for all ages and all types of families! Do it as a family now or start thinking ahead; do it as a single parent; allow your older kids to think through this with you. Join in on the discussion as we build one another up on this journey of discipling our kids.
*5th/6th Grade Class will be provided in the Education Building, along with the regular MBC Kids programs. Contact Rachel (rachel@millingtonbaptist.org) with questions.
Discipleship for Kids: Heart + Soul + Strength
Disciple your kids. What does that mean? What does that look like?
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” (Deuteronomy 6:5-7).
In this passage, we are then called to teach His commandments to our children. We even get some practical tips! Do this in the moments of everyday life: when you sit, when you walk, when you lie down, when you rise (v.7 paraphrased). This is our foundation as we disciple our kids. We teach God’s Word with intention and out of the overflow of God’s love in our heart + soul + strength.
Class topics:
In Discipleship for Kids: Heart + Soul + Strength Parenting Seminar Classes we will be partnering with parents to disciple our kids so that they develop a lifelong faith. Discipling our kids starts at home with parents and extended family, and continues at church with teachers, mentors, and our spiritual family. It’s never too early to begin (even with babies!), and it’s not too late to start with your teens. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, anyone with kids whom they love in their lives are all invited.
Let’s come together to learn, share ideas, and encourage one another on this journey of discipling the next generation.
If you have any questions or want more information, reach out to our MBC Kids Director, Rachel at rachel@millingtonbaptist.org.
Firmly Planted, Growing Together, Made to Multiply in 2023.
Partner with us as we sow seeds of faith, cultivate spiritual growth & bear life-giving fruit within our community.
Planting deep roots in the limitless love of God, 2022.
Partner with us as we sow seeds of faith, cultivate spiritual growth &
Planting deep roots in the limitless love of God, 2022.
Partner with us as we sow seeds of faith, cultivate spiritual growth & bear life-giving fruit within our community.
MBC is thrilled to be a part of the emerging growth of God’s redemption and mission for our church.
We pray that you catch this vision with us to bring His light into this dark area. To that end, we invite you to partner with us and prayerfully consider a special year-end gift. Your contribution will enable us to expand our ministry through both Gospel Demonstration and Gospel Proclamation. In the year 2023, we will accomplish our vision of increased cultural engagement by equipping the MBC body of believers, working with our local and global partners, and continuing campus upgrades.
Serving Him Together, Pastor Dave and Pastor Bob
Year End Giving
for 2023
Please ask God to guide your giving and consider making your best possible donation as an investment so we may be firmly planted, growing together, and sharing God’s love to everyone. We envision that your generous contributions for the five initiatives we outline below will deepen our congregation’s love for God, widen our love for each other, and live tall so we may be a beacon of hope to the community here where we are planted.
Please take a look below to see what MBC has in store for 2023.
Your Generosity
We are filled with joy for an incredible 2022 at MBC!
You truly embody the words of the apostle Paul; “For I know your eagerness to help… you were ready to give… For God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor 9:2-7). Our church has been able to expand our reach to many new visitors through our large outreach events including the Winter Village (NEW), Hare-Raising Egg Party, Summer Adventure, Trunk or Treat, and we hosted 2 Underground Sessions. Our digital outreach has been expanded through The Underground Sessions Podcast, our YouTube channel MBC Unhindered, and our Twitter presence @MBCNewJersey which often happens in our NEW recording studio with our upgraded Wi-Fi system. Our greatest campus improvements were the Fellowship Hall and the MBC Kids Nursery designed for the enjoyment of our young church family and friends. None of this was possible without your generosity.
At MBC, we have the heart to help people grow deeper in their relationship with Christ. In 2023, we want to invest in leadership development.
Paid Internships – Summer 2023+
MBC seeks to establish an internship program by attracting and incentivizing high-quality ministry-minded students to serve at MBC during the summer and at other times. This program will include a stipend through the duration of the internship and possibly other living expenses such as housing. Interns will be assigned a mentor and given responsibilities of oversight according to their area of interest. We believe this will multiply the ministry of MBC by raising up godly leaders and sending them out to their destination.
Celebrating Christ
for Spiritual Growth
Cultivating the Christian Life!
MBC started 2022 as a church body cultivating our Christian life in small groups by working through Pastor Dave & Pastor Bob’s Spiritual Formation Workbook. This launched our year of focusing on discipleship and spiritual growth. Our Sermon Series increased our knowledge and application of God’s Word, exploring the book of 1 Corinthians (DeToxicity) series, understanding the Fruit of the Spirit, and examining the life of David. The Radical Mentoring group, the Tactics class, the Faithfully Different Book discussion, and the Women’s If: Fall Break were additional initiatives that drew our people closer to God and each other. Thank you for investing in MBC’s eternal impact and the spiritual growth of our church family.
Global Outreach
MBC also has a huge heart for Global Outreach and Jesus’ Great Commission: to see the Gospel go to the ends of the earth.
Our passion is making Jesus known among the nations, and we are seeing communities transformed as groups of people put their faith in Christ alone.
Cambodia Student University Dorm Ministry: We will come along side our ministry partner, Tom Voster and his family, with World Team’s University Dorm Ministry. Our goal is to finance two dormitory “leaders”, male and female, for one year. Check out the video for more information on this mission field.
1. They would assist in the management of the dorm building.
2. Maintaining an overall healthy and spiritual environment.
3. Ministering to and counseling each student in their personal lives.
4. Offering academic advise and encouragement.
5. Assisting in bible study and other related activities.
This effort would fit well with the Young Lives and Ukraine initiatives (below) as they would provide a united effort to minister to young people, especially in an academic setting or influence.
Ukrainian Refugee Relief: The Missions Team initiative is to help out with refugees from Ukraine. Their efforts are mainly focused on refugees in Poland including delivery of food and supplies to the war zone.
Local Compassion:
LyfePact: Delivering Hope and Friendship to teen moms and at-risk youth. www.lyfepact.org
LYFEPACT goes beyond delivering basic household essentials and vital technology options. Every LYFEPACT that we hand-deliver, is more than a box. It comes packed with a promise.
Powered by Young Life, we make a pact to connect each teen mom and at-risk youth with a volunteer mentor who will be serving as the backbone of our delivery and community-based follow-up process.
THE NEEDS OF OUR TEENS
Together, we can impact multiple generations and build a bridge of restoration. Your investment will be a legacy written on the hearts of hundreds of thousands of lives to come!f
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
MBC Kids Awana Conference for our kid’s leaders.
In our MBC Kids ministry, we want to see kids who are:
As we disciple the next generation for Christ, it’s crucial to support and equip our current committed leaders who are discipling kids on a regular basis. The Child Discipleship Forum, presented by Awana, is a conference grounded in the Gospel and focused on equipping leaders for everyday ministry to kids. We are planning to invest in our MBC Kids leaders by sending a group to this conference in Nashville, for a time of nourishment and growth.
Little Footprints Learning Center.
LFLC exists to nurture a love for learning, prepare children for success, and build relationships with families in our community by sharing God’s truth and love. Through your generosity, our scholarships allow families in need to provide their children with the power of a Christ-centered education.
Mark 16:15
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
MBC has a Passion for The Mission both globally AND locally. MBC has a heart for its local community—our neighbors. How do we engage them with the message of grace found in the Gospel? In 2023, we are planning several strategic initiatives that will create space for Gospel conversations, as well as orient believers toward a biblical worldview. In many ways, we are in a battle for ideas and narratives that capture minds and hearts. What can we do?
ALPHA: The “Alpha” Series is a small group-focused initiative, which creates space for believers to invite skeptics to discuss life’s big questions and Christianity’s answers. You can read more about the ministry HERE. We’ll gather on Sunday evenings, eat lots of food and, by God’s grace, see many lives transformed for the glory of God! The group will launch in February 2023.
CONTEND CONFERENCE: On January 27-29th, 2023 we are holding an apologetics conference called, “CONTEND.” Check out the details HERE. This is an extension of the Underground Sessions ministry. Our goal is to become a regional equipper in the areas of worldview, cultural engagement, and evangelism. Our prayer is to have 200+ people attend this conference from all over Northern and Central NJ.
TRAINING INSTITUTE: We believe the church should equip the saints for the world of ministry. As a result, we are developing an 8-week training program on the topic of Biblical Worldview. This opportunity will be available for our young adult interns, as well as anyone else who wants to grow in their knowledge of the Bible and how it applies to everyday life. We are looking to launch this in the summer/fall of 2023.
1st Timothy 6:17-19
“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”
Because of the generosity of our church family and friends, MBC is continuing the work of beautifying our campus for future generations of seekers. The gifts that are offered in support of MBC’s physical infrastructure needs are quite literally setting the stage for campus improvement projects over the next five years. Many of these improvements have already been completed. Some are nearing completion, while others are now possible with your support.
Additional spaces for connection:
Outdoor Seating Area and Gathering Space
We’re immediately drawn to certain outdoor seating areas. There’s just something about a well-designed gathering spot, particularly outdoors, that can be so comforting and conducive to fostering connectedness. It can be as simple as a table and chairs under a shady veranda, a lounge overlooking a view with chairs drawn up around a fire pit, or just an open yard. A space like this, designed for the enjoyment of our church family and friends is now being considered. Be inspired as we continue to make our dreams a reality for those who currently call MBC their home, and for all those yet to come. Below are our goals for 2023.
Worship Enhancement:
Significant Audio Visual Upgrades
One of the greatest privileges we have as a congregation is to praise God together in song. Because music is such a powerful vehicle for glorifying God and encouraging one another, our desire is to approach worship through song with deliberate thought and care. Our current sound system is over 20 years old and technology has advanced rapidly during this time. We are excited to be offering a brand new state-of-the-art speaker system that will meet the needs of MBC for years to come and fill the sanctuary with God’s praise.
Please ask God to guide your giving and consider making your best possible donation as an investment with us as we Plant Deep Roots in the Limitless Love of God.
Year End Giving 2023
