In September, four MBC Kids leaders went to a conference in Nashville called the
Child Discipleship Forum.
We are hosting an event that recaps the best sessions of the conference.
We’ll discuss ways we as the church can partner with parents to disciple the kids at MBC.
All MBC kids’ parents and Volunteers are welcome to join us!
Questions? Contact Rachel Rickershauser.
Luke ACT 2, Introducing Jesus
Babies are born … but then they grow up. They start introducing themselves in public. Luke chapters 3-9 are an introduction to Jesus’ public ministry. Who is Jesus? In these chapters we see Jesus perform miracles, overcome temptation, preach sermons, heal the sick, forgive sin and cast out demons. Are you struggling with sin? Are you sick? Does it feel like the world is out to get you and you have no purpose? LIke his disciples, you need to follow Jesus. Let us introduce you to Jesus—the one who can change your life forever.
Luke Series Overview
Have you ever lost something … something that was precious to you? It could be a family member, a wedding ring, a career, or, today, even you phone. Parts of our lives are precious to us. The question is: how far would you go? If someone or something is lost, how far would you go to seek and save them? We live in a world fill with lost people. People are searching, seeking, something bigger and better—something to fill the gap we sense in our hearts. People are longing for salvation but finding it in the wrong places. We need a savior.
The Gospel of Luke is the story of God himself, Jesus Christ, coming to earth to seek and save the lost. Luke is a long book, but it shows us many dimensions of Jesus. In every section we see Jesus seeking us. He comes as a baby through the incarnation … seeking us. He performs miracles to show his power .. as he seeks us. He walks along the road with us as we ask questions. He dies for us … but then he rises again. And now, he sends his followers out into the world to seek the lost.
It’s the call of Jesus. How far would you go … to seek the lost?
What is the point? These books begin with hope, but end in disappointment. The spiritual state of the people are unchanged. The political and social reforms don’t address the core concerns of the heart. The book points us forward to the need for the new covenant which would renovate the human heart as prophesied by Jeremiah (ch 31) and Ezekiel (ch 36).
The Gospel of Luke, To Save the World
ACT I – 12/3 – 12/24: Advent: Luke 1-2
Christmas is about the birth of Christ. But why did he come to earth? Amidst all the presents and the lights the pressure of the season … we feel lost. The Good news of the Gospel of Luke, which begins with the birth of Jesus in chapters 1-2 is this: “For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).” Are you feeling lost this Christmas? Allow God incarnate himself to meet you where you are. Stage design for advent portion should reflect Christmas themes. This opening section is the major theme of the series set in an Advent Motif.
Luke Series Overview
Have you ever lost something … something that was precious to you? It could be a family member, a wedding ring, a career, or, today, even you phone. Parts of our lives are precious to us. The question is: how far would you go? If someone or something is lost, how far would you go to seek and save them? We live in a world fill with lost people. People are searching, seeking, something bigger and better—something to fill the gap we sense in our hearts. People are longing for salvation but finding it in the wrong places. We need a savior.
The Gospel of Luke is the story of God himself, Jesus Christ, coming to earth to seek and save the lost. Luke is a long book, but it shows us many dimensions of Jesus. In every section we see Jesus seeking us. He comes as a baby through the incarnation … seeking us. He performs miracles to show his power .. as he seeks us. He walks along the road with us as we ask questions. He dies for us … but then he rises again. And now, he sends his followers out into the world to seek the lost.
It’s the call of Jesus. How far would you go … to seek the lost?
What is the point? These books begin with hope, but end in disappointment. The spiritual state of the people are unchanged. The political and social reforms don’t address the core concerns of the heart. The book points us forward to the need for the new covenant which would renovate the human heart as prophesied by Jeremiah (ch 31) and Ezekiel (ch 36).
Act I Sermon Schedule:
12/3 Luke 1:1-4 Intro: Letter to Theophilus & Overview
12/10 Luke 1:5-38 Prediction of John and Jesus’ Birth
12/7 Luke 1:39-80 Mary’s Prayer and Zechariah’s Prophecy
12/24 Luke 2:1-52 The Birth of Jesus
Christmas Eve Morning at 10am
Christmas Eve 4pm & 5:30pm
Commentaries:
David E. Garland, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Volume 3 (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011).
Robert H. Stein, The New American Commentary, Vol 24 (Nashville: B&H, 1992).
Darrell Bock, Luke: NIVAC
Darrell Bock, Luke: Baker Exegetical Commentary
Mike McKinley, Luke For You found HERE.
Green, The Gospel of Luke (NICNT).
Craig Blomberg, Jesus and the Gospels
Craig Blomberg, Interpreting The Parables.
Philip Ryken, Luke (Reformed Expository Commentary).
Books and Articles:
Preaching on Luke by Scott Gibson
Four Reasons You Should Preach Through Luke by Philip Howell (9 Marks). Find article HERE.
A Meal With Jesus. by Tim Chester Find book HERE.
Preaching on Luke by Des Smith (TGC). Find article HERE.
To Change The World. James Davidson Hunter.
The Prodigal God by Tim Keller (Luke 15).
Previous Sermons in this Series
Calling All Writers
MBC will be publishing an advent devotional for 2024, and we’d love you to be part of that.
We invite you to share your reflections, insights, and inspirations by contributing to our Advent Devotional Project. This collaborative effort will help us journey through the season of Advent together, fostering a sense of community and spiritual growth. These will be published on our church blog and later collected into a published devotional the following year.
Please read the following guidelines before submitting your blog post HERE.
Please aim to submit your entry no later than December 31, 2023
Men’s Breakfast Relaunch:
Saturday, June 3rd from 8:00 am – 9:30 am, Fellowship Hall
Fathers and sons!
We’re excited to be relaunching our Men’s Ministry Breakfast time on June 3rd. Come hear from our panel of Mentors from our Radical Mentoring Ministry.
Radical Mentoring is a special type of men’s small group made up of high-potential young men facilitated by more senior and mature men. The vision is to help younger men live God-centered lives and fulfill their God-given potential.
The mentors will endeavor to share what they have learned about success and failure. Most importantly, they will share what it means to have a vibrant, living relationship with Jesus along the way.
Join us for breakfast and a meaningful time of sharing. For more information contact Craig McLaughlin or Pete Lima or call the church office at 908-647-0594.
The Gospel of Luke, To Save the World
ACT I – 12/3 – 12/24: Advent: Luke 1-2
Christmas is about the birth of Christ. But why did he come to earth? Amidst all the presents and the lights the pressure of the season … we feel lost. The Good news of the Gospel of Luke, which begins with the birth of Jesus in chapters 1-2 is this: “For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).” Are you feeling lost this Christmas? Allow God incarnate himself to meet you where you are. Stage design for advent portion should reflect Christmas themes. This opening section is the major theme of the series set in an Advent Motif.
Luke Series Overview
Have you ever lost something … something that was precious to you? It could be a family member, a wedding ring, a career, or, today, even you phone. Parts of our lives are precious to us. The question is: how far would you go? If someone or something is lost, how far would you go to seek and save them? We live in a world fill with lost people. People are searching, seeking, something bigger and better—something to fill the gap we sense in our hearts. People are longing for salvation but finding it in the wrong places. We need a savior.
The Gospel of Luke is the story of God himself, Jesus Christ, coming to earth to seek and save the lost. Luke is a long book, but it shows us many dimensions of Jesus. In every section we see Jesus seeking us. He comes as a baby through the incarnation … seeking us. He performs miracles to show his power .. as he seeks us. He walks along the road with us as we ask questions. He dies for us … but then he rises again. And now, he sends his followers out into the world to seek the lost.
It’s the call of Jesus. How far would you go … to seek the lost?
What is the point? These books begin with hope, but end in disappointment. The spiritual state of the people are unchanged. The political and social reforms don’t address the core concerns of the heart. The book points us forward to the need for the new covenant which would renovate the human heart as prophesied by Jeremiah (ch 31) and Ezekiel (ch 36).
Act I Sermon Schedule:
12/3 Luke 1:1-4 Intro: Letter to Theophilus & Overview
12/10 Luke 1:5-38 Prediction of John and Jesus’ Birth
12/7 Luke 1:39-80 Mary’s Prayer and Zechariah’s Prophecy
12/24 Luke 2:1-52 The Birth of Jesus
Christmas Eve Morning at 10am
Christmas Eve 4pm & 5:30pm
Commentaries:
David E. Garland, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Volume 3 (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011).
Robert H. Stein, The New American Commentary, Vol 24 (Nashville: B&H, 1992).
Darrell Bock, Luke: NIVAC
Darrell Bock, Luke: Baker Exegetical Commentary
Mike McKinley, Luke For You found HERE.
Green, The Gospel of Luke (NICNT).
Craig Blomberg, Jesus and the Gospels
Craig Blomberg, Interpreting The Parables.
Philip Ryken, Luke (Reformed Expository Commentary).
Books and Articles:
Preaching on Luke by Scott Gibson
Four Reasons You Should Preach Through Luke by Philip Howell (9 Marks). Find article HERE.
A Meal With Jesus. by Tim Chester Find book HERE.
Preaching on Luke by Des Smith (TGC). Find article HERE.
To Change The World. James Davidson Hunter.
The Prodigal God by Tim Keller (Luke 15).
Previous Sermons in this Series
Firmly Planted, Growing Together, Made to Multiply in 2024-25.
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, 2024-25.
Partner with us as we sow seeds of faith, cultivate spiritual growth &
Planting deep roots in the limitless love of God, 2024-25
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 2024, 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
Vision for 2024-25
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 2024-25.
Your Generosity
We are filled with joy for an incredible 2023 at MBC!
As we reflect on the remarkable year that has unfolded, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for your unwavering support. Thanks to your generosity, our sanctuary now boasts a state-of-the-art speaker system that enhances the worship experience for everyone who enters. The launch of the Awana children’s program marks a significant milestone in nurturing the spiritual growth of our youngest members. “Contend,” our first ever apologetics conference, was a resounding success, providing a platform for intellectual exploration and equipping us for cultural engagement. The inception of our first ALPHA course has already begun, and we launched our first wave of Divorcecare, and we are excited about the journey ahead. With your support, our digital outreach has flourished, gaining new YouTube subscribers and introducing shorts and inspiring youth podcasts to a wider audience. Your contributions enabled a group of young adults to attend the transformative Passion Conference, fostering spiritual growth and community. Additionally, we are proud to announce a meaningful partnership with “Young Lives,” supporting teenage mothers as they navigate the challenges of parenthood. Your impact is immeasurable, and we extend our heartfelt appreciation for making these endeavors possible.
Millington Baptist Church has a long history of serving the community and fostering spiritual growth. To continue this mission, we propose two significant improvements to enhance leadership development within our congregation.
Partnership with a Biblical Counseling Center
We suggest establishing a strategic partnership with a respected Biblical counseling center, allowing us to provide essential biblical mental health support to our congregation. In today’s challenging times, mental and emotional well-being is paramount, and as a faith community, we are committed to offering comprehensive support. Collaborating with a counseling center grounded in biblical principles will create a safe and nurturing space for our members to seek guidance, healing, and spiritual support. This initiative will empower our leadership to minister more effectively to the emotional and psychological needs of our congregation, fortifying our spiritual foundation.
Generously Funded Internship Program
To inject fresh momentum, youth, and vibrancy into our church staff, we propose the establishment of a generously funded internship program. This program will serve as a platform for emerging leaders to gain practical experience in various facets of church leadership. By investing in this initiative, we not only nurture the development of the next generation of leaders but also invigorate our congregation with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. This infusion of youthful enthusiasm will bring renewed vitality to Millington Baptist Church, attracting more young members and expanding our reach.
This proposal will strengthen the spiritual and emotional well-being of our members while infusing our church with dynamic energy. We believe these enhancements will empower us to better serve our community, making our congregation a beacon of hope and support in an increasingly complex world.
Cultivating the Christian Life!
In the realm of spiritual formation, this year has been nothing short of transformative. Our journey on Sunday mornings has taken us through Ecclesiastes, Philippians, Ephesians 6 (Spiritual Warfare), the Psalms, and Ezra Nehemiah and has offered profound insights, fostering a deeper understanding of Scripture and its relevance to our lives. The launch of numerous new small groups has created intimate spaces for fellowship, prayer, and shared spiritual growth, connecting members in meaningful ways. Our adult education program has flourished, providing intellectual and spiritual nourishment with the introduction of a new course on church history and an enlightening seminar on the book of Joshua. These initiatives have not only broadened our knowledge but have also ignited a collective passion for continuous learning and spiritual exploration.
Street Hope Alive
Street Hope Alive (SHA) is a new local partner ministry that MBC supports in Paterson, NJ. The organization was founded in 2011 with the goal of offering hope and building relationships that lead to life transformation. Their mission simple: “We are committed to meeting the needs of youth living through a variety of activities and curriculum. Our ultimate goal is to promote personal development, spiritual renewal and community restoration. This year MBC wants to partner with SHA by providing educational funding so that students can receive a quality education based in a Christian worldview.
Josiah Venture
Josiah Venture is a youth-based ministry primarily in Eastern Europe. MBC Supports several partners who are in ROMANIA. This year, we are going above and beyond to suport Bogdan and Diana Anton as they launch their EDGE sports programs in Romania. EDGE Sports is focused on “intentional disciple-making through church based sports.” At these camps, leaders actively share to Gospel of Jesus Christ and then connect people to the local church where they can be discipled. Several goals this year are to raise up more coaches, which is very important for the boys who do not have fathers in their homes. Help us be part of God’s story in Romania this year!
If you’d like more information on the EDGE program, click the button below to see their newsletter.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Rush Mission Trip 2024, Dominican Republic
Each year the Rush (MBC Teen Ministry) goes out on mission for a week in the summer. Over the years they’ve gone to Houston, Denver, New Haven and more. All these trips have provided an incredible experience for the students to serve the Lord in a place that is new to them and that opens their eyes to what the world is like elsewhere. They can see how others struggle and are in need differently than they do at home.
For this upcoming summer we will be even more so expanding our student’s exposure to the world and those in great need of Jesus by traveling to the Dominican Republic. An experience in a third world country is a great opportunity for our students to see a different kind of poverty and need that they cannot find in an area near them. This will result in a greater understanding of the importance of compassion and empathy, and teach them to have gratitude and contentment in their own lives.
While on this trip they will be able to serve the communities in dire need of support in physical and spiritual needs. We will serve with a ministry called Isaiah 58 (Meals on Wheels) and bring physical food to people in need. We will serve kids in the area with a sports ministry or VBS to bring Jesus to the next generation. Other opportunities will arise while we are there to continue to build up the kingdom of Jesus. We are praying these moments serving the Lord together will provide a faith that is immovable and alive in Jesus.
AWANA Support
With the secular culture around us influencing our kids from various outlets – social media, news, entertainment, even in school curricula- we had a dream to bring another child discipleship opportunity to our church and community.
AWANA stands for “Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed” based on 2 Tim 2:15. Awana Clubs is a child discipleship program that is based on the 3 Bs: Belong, Believe, and Become. Children develop spiritual resilience when they feel they belong to Jesus, when they believe in the truth of God’s Word, and then become disciple makers themselves.
Each night at Awana, clubbers have a large group interactive Bible teaching time where the talented teachers lay the foundation of Bible knowledge and truth. During small group time, kids meet with their consistent leaders where they can discuss questions, say memory verses, complete their handbooks, and pray together. Lastly, there is an interactive activity time where kids enjoy games and team building activities. A night at Awana club balances connection, learning the Gospel and having fun to help kids grow relationally and spiritually.
We believe this is a worthwhile ministry to continue at MBC. In order to keep the cost low for parents, we are asking for financial support as we prayerfully plan to continue this in the future.
Mark 16:15
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
Contend Conference, 2025
In January of 2023 we hosted our first ever CONTEND CONFERENCE—what a success! More than 200 people attended and we had over 75 volunteers! Amazing. We accomplished the goal of being an equipper, not just for our church, but for our region. In January of 2025, we will host our second Contend Conference and it will be headlined by Alisa Childers. We hope to add tracks for kids and teens and also to partner with local churches and our denomination – Venture Church Network. Our prayer is that this conference will be bigger and have more impact than the first! Of course, this comes with a cost and so we pray that you will give to make this a reality.
Digital Outreach.
You may have noticed that more and more people are going digital. Over the last year we have updated, invested in, and expanded our digital ministry footprint. If you’ve missed it, check out our MBC YouTube page—MBCUNHINDERED. In this creative new field, more people are discovering MBC and hearing about the love of Jesus! This year we want to continue investing in this crucial tool—especially for our local community. Targeting our content locally costs money—and we are interested in connecting with people locally. We will also invest in production equipment so we can produce high quality videos with the purpose of equipping the saints and reaching the lost for the Gospel.
Pickleball Expansion.
Across the USA—pickleball has become a phenomenon. Everyone, young and older, seems to be captured by this cultural movement. We don’t want to ignore this natural touchpoint for building relationships with those outside our walls. Last year, we simply painted some courts in our parking lot … and people noticed. Neighbors showed up and people invited friends. It became clear this is a prime way to introduce people to the church. This year, we want to invest in more equipment, facilities, and promotion of pickleball “evangelism.” Who knows what God will do!
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.”
HVAC Upgrades
In envisioning a future of elevated comfort, our commitment extends to other areas of campus. We wish to enhance our indoor sanctuary and offices with state-of-the-art air handlers and HVAC equipment, ensuring a haven for all who grace our space.
Outdoor Fellowship Spaces
Our vision extends further still, weaving nature into our campus tapestry. With unwavering dedication, we’ll transform outdoor spaces with additional seating and outdoor furnishings, fostering an environment conducive to unity and fellowship. We will do so while adding to the already picturesque landscape and beauty that surrounds us and the community that unites us.
YFMB AV enhancements & Other Campus Upgrades
At Millington Baptist Church, we recognize the transformative power of technology in advancing our ministry. Over the past decade, our reliance on technology has deepened, unveiling opportunities to better serve our community. Our Youth and Family Ministry Building, a hub of vibrant activities, currently boasts audio-video systems that have faithfully served for over 10 years. However, with the growing demand and increased facility usage, it has become evident that a substantial upgrade is essential to continue fostering an enriching environment.
The heart of our vision lies in enhancing the audio-video capabilities of the Youth and Family Ministry Great Room. This space, where connections are forged and spiritual growth flourishes, deserves cutting-edge technology to meet our usage demands and outreach efforts. We envision a collaborative environment that harnesses the full potential of modern audio-video solutions.
Podcast Studio Upgrade
Moreover, we aspire to rejuvenate our podcast studio, a dynamic platform that has emerged as a powerful tool for ministering to our community. Recognizing its profound impact on those in remote areas or beyond our geographic reach, we aim to bring this vital ministry to new heights. Upgrading the podcast studio’s equipment will not only enhance the quality of our content but also expand our outreach, reaching individuals who seek spiritual connection outside the physical confines of our church.
Conference Room Furniture
To enhance this vision, let’s join hands in acquiring a new conference room table and ergonomic chairs accommodating up to 16 guests. Your support ensures greater comfort and functionality, transforming our Youth & Family Ministry building into a hub of inspired gatherings.
We humbly seek the support of our congregation. Through prayerful consideration, we ask for your backing in acquiring the necessary resources to make these upgrades a reality. By investing in advanced projectors and A/V components, as well as the latest in conference room furnishings, we aim to create an immersive environment that fosters spiritual growth, community engagement, and global outreach.
Together, let us embark on this journey of technological advancement, propelling Millington Baptist Church into a future where our ministry’s impact knows no bounds. Your support is pivotal in realizing this vision, and we believe that with upgraded technology, we can continue to spread the message of love, faith, and community to all corners of the world.
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 2024-25
Saturday, December 9, 9:30am-11:30am, Youth & Family Ministry Building (YFMB)
MBC Women’s Ministry invites you to join in providing great blessings in small packages.
Here’s how you and your family can participate in this year’s Cookies for a Cause:
The quantity of cookies you bake is up to you!
The Women’s Ministry team will package the cookies on Saturday, December 9, between 9:30am-11:30am, and will affix MBC Christmas labels onto each package. Children may come with their parents.
Volunteers will deliver the goods to Market Street Mission, Feeding Hands, local shut-ins and families.
Questions? Contact Jenn Dowden (jdowden@millingtonbaptist.org).
On Friday, January 12 at 7pm MBC will be hosting “A Night of Revival”.
At this event there will be worship, a message, and some light refreshments and fellowship afterward. We are also encouraging people to invite friends, family, and neighbors who are both saved and unsaved to the event so that they might get to experience the love of Christ and hear the word of Christ proclaimed!
We hope you join us for A Night of Revival.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
For more information email Noah Graves
Wednesdays: Begins October 4th, 5:30-7pm (optional family meal at 4:45pm-5:20pm)
Awana is a world-wide nonprofit ministry focused on providing Bible-based discipleship and evangelism for kids of all ages. The name of the program is taken from Scripture found in 2 Timothy 2:15 “Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed.” Activities include engaging large group sessions, small group time including Scripture memorization and Bible study, and fun games & activities. Join us for Awana this fall and watch your children flourish!
We’re offering Awana for preschoolers (starting at age 3) through 6th graders.
7th graders and above can sign up to volunteer.
Please email Rachel and ask about the roles available and the application process.
Registration Fee Information:
Registration fee includes:
Registration is currently full at this time.
Please e-mail Liana Moore with questions
Registration opening soon
Radical Mentoring is a special type of men’s small group made up of high potential men facilitated by a more senior, more mature man. The vision is to help these men live God-centric lives and fulfill their God-given potential.
It is our goal to impact the lives of men in a way that points them toward an integrated Christian life. We believe that we can have successful careers and be learners and followers of Jesus and be great husbands, fathers, church members, sons, civic leaders, disciple-makers and friends . . . all at the same time.
During this fall we will have two mentoring groups. The mentors will endeavor to share what they’ve learned about success, most often focusing on what they have screwed up on . . . hopefully, so that you can avoid the mistakes they made along the way. We will spend significant time on understanding who we are in God’s eyes, how to better relate to our wives, and how to best raise children. We’ll spend even more time on getting to know what it means to have a vibrant, living relationship with Jesus.
The type of guys we are looking for are . . .
The program involves a monthly two-hour meeting. Each meeting will be centered around a topic, and there will be a related book to reading, personal and relational assignments to complete and a verse or two of Scripture to memorize or study.
If you are interested in being in a mentoring group, please email your completed Application by August 31 to Bruce Corke at bckccorke@yahoo.com.
Childcare for nursery & preschoolers will be available; however, K-6th graders are welcome to enjoy family worship during each of the services.
This also extends to New Year’s Eve. Dec 31 9am & 10:45 are Family Worship services, nursery and preschool provided.
