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Florida Fellowship News Florida Fellowship News A publication of The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Florida Fall Issue - Vol. 21, No. 3 Cooperave Bapsts welcome CBF of the Bahamas By Ray Johnson, CBF Florida Coordinator The Cooperave Bapst Fellowship of the Bahamas celebrated its inaugural assembly on Sunday, October 23, in a two-hour long worship service. The service was held at Mount Hope Bapst Church, located in the selement of New Hope on the island of Lile Abaco. The Abacos are a collecon of several of the Bahamas’ outlying islands situated about 60 miles north of Nassau. Edgburt Tinker, pastor of the Revival Faith Mission in Marsh Harbor, emceed the service which highlighted the installaon of the officers of the CBF of the Bahamas. John McIntosh, pastor of Mount Hope Bapst Church in New Hope (Abaco) was installed as the first Naonal Coordinator of the Cooperave Bapst Fellowship of the Bahamas. Preston Cooper, pastor of St. Cleveland’s Bapst Church in Freetown (Grand Bahama), was installed as the first Naonal Administrator. Harry Rowland, CBF Naonal’s Missional Networks Specialist, and Ray Johnson, CBF Florida’s Coordinator, brought leers of greeng to the Assembly from a number of CBF Florida churches, as well as from Daniel Vestal, the Execuve Coordinator of CBF Naonal. Along with John McIntosh, Rowland and Johnson each brought messages to the gathering of more than 100 persons. Connued on Page 3 Preston Cooper (leſt) and John McIntosh (right) sign cerficates on the water’s edge following CBF of the Bahamas inaugural service. Daniel Vestal Announces Rerement Plans By Lance Wallace - CBF Communicaons ATLANTA – Cooperave Bapst Fellowship Execuve Coordinator Daniel Vestal announced to the organizaon’s Advisory Council that he will rere as execuve coordinator effecve June 30, 2012. “Fiſteen years ago I sensed a calling of the Spirit to become coordinator of Cooperave Bapst Fellowship,” Vestal told the Advisory Council at its regularly scheduled September meeng. “Now I am sensing a release from that calling. I will serve unl June 30, unless a new coordinator is chosen earlier. I have also asked the officers to act according to our personnel policies and appoint a search commiee for the new Execuve Coordinator. “Through the years I have discovered that discerning the will of God for my life and ministry has been an unfolding experience,” Vestal said. “Seldom have I known providence other than in illuminaon for the next decision or in strength for the next step. And that has been sufficient. Oſten I have prayed for wisdom as I approached mes of transion. Now is such a me for transion.” The Fellowship’s Advisory Council meets and acts on behalf of the full governing body, the Coordinang Council, between meengs. The Coordinang Council met Oct. 19-21 in Atlanta. The Advisory Council is composed of the Fellowship’s elected officers, Coordinang Council commiee and iniave team chairs and the naonal staff coordinators. The Fellowship’s officers will begin the process of finding Vestal’s replacement by appoinng a search commiee. “Dr. Vestal has been our shepherd for a long me, guiding us past a painful conflict and poinng us toward the goal of being the presence of Christ in the world,” said Colleen Burroughs, CBF moderator and vice president of Passport Inc. “This has been a healing season, and he leaves us as we are walking stronger as a Fellowship. We are grateful for Daniel's leadership, kindness and diplomacy and pray God’s abundant blessing on whatever is next for Earlene and him, and for the Cooperave Bapst Fellowship.” “One reason I have great hope for the future of Cooperave Bapst Fellowship is because of the quality and character of present and emerging leadership,” Vestal said. “CBF is blessed with a host of Bapst Chrisans who believe in our vision and values. Thanks be to God.” Daniel and Earlene Vestal

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Page 1: CBF of  Florida Third Quarter Newsletter

Florida Fellowship NewsFlorida Fellowship News

A publication of The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Florida Fall Issue - Vol. 21, No. 3

Cooperative Baptists welcome CBF of the Bahamas By Ray Johnson, CBF Florida Coordinator

The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of the Bahamas celebrated its inaugural assembly on Sunday, October 23, in a two-hour long worship service. The service was held at Mount Hope Baptist Church, located in the settlement of New Hope on the island of Little Abaco. The Abacos are a collection of several of the Bahamas’ outlying islands situated about 60 miles north of Nassau.

Edgburt Tinker, pastor of the Revival Faith Mission in Marsh Harbor, emceed the service which highlighted the installation of the officers of the CBF of the Bahamas. John McIntosh, pastor of Mount Hope Baptist Church in New Hope (Abaco) was installed as the first National Coordinator of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of the Bahamas. Preston Cooper, pastor of St. Cleveland’s Baptist Church in Freetown (Grand Bahama), was installed as the first National Administrator.

Harry Rowland, CBF National’s Missional Networks Specialist, and Ray Johnson, CBF Florida’s Coordinator, brought letters of greeting to the Assembly from a number of CBF Florida churches, as well as from Daniel Vestal, the Executive Coordinator of CBF National. Along with John McIntosh, Rowland and Johnson each brought messages to the gathering of more than 100 persons.

Continued on Page 3

Preston Cooper (left) and John McIntosh (right) sign certificates on the water’s edge following CBF of

the Bahamas inaugural service.

Daniel Vestal Announces Retirement Plans By Lance Wallace - CBF Communications

ATLANTA – Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Executive Coordinator Daniel Vestal announced to the organization’s Advisory Council that he will retire as executive coordinator effective June 30, 2012.

“Fifteen years ago I sensed a calling of the Spirit to become coordinator of Cooperative Baptist Fellowship,” Vestal told the Advisory Council at its regularly scheduled September meeting. “Now I am sensing a release from that calling. I will serve until June 30, unless a new coordinator is chosen earlier. I have also asked the officers to act according to our personnel policies and appoint a search committee for the new Executive Coordinator.

“Through the years I have discovered that discerning the will of God for my life and ministry has been an unfolding experience,” Vestal said. “Seldom have I known providence other than in illumination for the next decision or in strength for the next step. And that has been sufficient. Often I have prayed for wisdom as I approached times of transition. Now is such a time for transition.”

The Fellowship’s Advisory Council meets and acts on behalf of the full governing body, the Coordinating Council, between meetings. The Coordinating Council met Oct. 19-21 in Atlanta. The Advisory Council is composed of the Fellowship’s elected officers, Coordinating Council committee and initiative team chairs and the national staff coordinators.

The Fellowship’s officers will begin the process of finding Vestal’s replacement by appointing a search committee. “Dr. Vestal has been our shepherd for a long time, guiding us past a painful conflict and pointing us toward the goal of being the presence of Christ in the world,” said Colleen Burroughs, CBF moderator and vice president of Passport Inc. “This has been a healing season, and he leaves us as we are walking stronger as a Fellowship. We are grateful for Daniel's leadership, kindness and diplomacy and pray God’s abundant blessing on whatever is next for Earlene and him, and for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.”

“One reason I have great hope for the future of Cooperative Baptist Fellowship is because of the quality and character of present and emerging leadership,” Vestal said. “CBF is blessed with a host of Baptist Christians who believe in our vision and values. Thanks be to God.”

Daniel and Earlene Vestal

Page 2: CBF of  Florida Third Quarter Newsletter

Chaplaincy: a Ministry of Presence By Tommy Deal, Associate Coordinator

Thirty-seven chaplains , who are endorsed by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, minister throughout Florida. In all, we have more than fifty chaplains serving around the Sunshine State in our armed services, in hospitals, with those under hospice care, in correctional institutions, higher education, businesses and public safety.

Chaplains minister mainly by their presence. This “ministry of presence” brings comfort to those struggling with life situations. Their presence offers a calming affect at times to acute situations. Many times chaplains find that words are not necessary. Perhaps listening is the most important thing they can offer besides prayer.

Chaplains are called upon to offer spiritual direction as well as intercession. Military chaplains help soldiers, sailors and commanding officers navigate the complexities of separation anxieties that come from lengthy deployments. They stand beside those on the battlefield praying for protection and discernment; they sit with and pray with those injured. They assist those who “walk through the valley of the shadow of death.”

Hospital and hospice chaplains offer prayer and comfort to those facing life’s challenges. Patients, families, doctors, nurses, technicians and staff alike are part of their “flock.” Chaplains serving with our correctional institutions care for the incarcerated, families, officers and staff. Chaplains serving in education, business and public safety are “present” among students, faculty, employees and the community. They are a crucial element during a crisis, but they also are vital during the day-to-day operations. Many times in the absence of one’s own clergy, a chaplain will be invited to participate in the life’s ritual ceremonies, such as marriages, christenings, and funerals.

Chaplains are first and foremost ministers. As clergy, they have been trained to lead, teach and preach. As members of our churches they have a unique perspective that helps the congregation represent Christ in their community. Chaplains may be available for pulpit supply, interim pastorates, Bible study, or leadership training. They are active members of the local church and have gifts and abilities that can, and should, be utilized by their congregation.

The “ministry of presence” is more than being present in worship on Sundays. They can be a gift to their congregation. They, too, need spiritual care. Care for chaplains among your congregation. Invite them to participate and lead as they feel they can. Encourage them on special days. Pray regularly for their ministry. Be “present” with them in their ministry.

For a list of Florida’s CBF-endorsed chaplains online, go to www.floridacbf.org/missions/chaplain-ministry or simply scan the tag below with your smart phone to be taken to the webpage. (You can download the free tag reader at http.//gettag.mobi.) If you’re reading this newsletter online, simply press control and click on the web address.

Page 2 www.floridacbf.org Florida Fellowship News

An Interview with Ramona Reynolds

Rev. Ramona Reynolds is a CBF-endorsed chaplain who is the Director of Pastoral Education for Florida Hospital in Orlando. She is a member of College Park Baptist Church and serves on CBF of Florida’s Representative Assembly.

FLORIDA FELLOWSHIP NEWS (FFN): Ramona, please share with us about yourself, your journey and how you arrived at what you are currently doing in ministry.

RAMONA REYNOLDS: I grew up in eastern Kentucky, at First Baptist Church of Whitesburg where my grandfather was pastor in the 1950’s. I felt the call of God to ministry at around age 13, but

with no women role models in ministry; I wasn’t sure what to do with that. After high school I went to the University of Kentucky (Go Wildcats!) and received my B.A. in Journalism and Marketing. Feeling my life and career in advertising had no real purpose, I explored the idea of seminary. I went to Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY at the end of Dr. Roy Honeycutt’s presidential tenure, where I received my M.Div. in Christian Education/Family Ministries.

My family had since moved to Orlando, and I intended to follow them here after seminary. Instead, I was called to Hawaii Baptist Academy in Honolulu to teach 8th grade grammar and Bible. The eighth graders taught me a lot, including how to see God in all people. As a white woman, I was among the minority, which was a transformative pastoral formation experience.

After a brief marriage ended in a difficult divorce, I returned to my family in Orlando looking to figure out if my ministry call would continue as a divorced woman. One member of my home church suggested that I talk with Wes Monfalcone (also a CBF-endorsed Chaplain) who was the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) supervisor at Florida Hospital. I enrolled in CPE and began my journey to discern my place in ministry, if there were to be one. During the day I worked doing visits in the hospital and at night I worked on the streets with Covenant House of Florida, a center for homeless and runaway teens, to provide crisis services to teens. This combined experience brought healing to me and helped me discern my place in pastoral ministry, combining education and one-on-one pastoral care. I then moved to Dallas, Texas for a two-year CPE residency at Baylor University’s Medical Center for more training.

Continued on page 5

Page 3: CBF of  Florida Third Quarter Newsletter

Florida Fellowship News www.floridacbf.org Page 3

McIntosh, taking as his text the story of the woman at the well in John 4, preached on “breaking down the barriers.” He extolled the work of Cooperative Baptists in breaching the walls that religious people have built. Noting how Jesus, a Jewish man, spoke to a Samaritan woman, and how Jesus commissioned women as his first evangelists after the resurrection, McIntosh called for Cooperative Baptists in the Bahamas to affirm God’s work across gender barriers, racial barriers, and religious barriers.

Eight churches were named as charter churches of CBF of the Bahamas. Three churches – New Emmanuel Baptist of McLean’s Town, St. Cleveland’s Baptist, and Ebenezer Baptist of Sweeting’s Cay – are located on the island of Grand Bahama. One congregation, New Hope Baptist, is situated on Acklins Island at the far southern end of the Bahamian islands. Four churches – St. Thomas Baptist (Wood Cay), Revival Faith Mission, Weapon of Power (Treasure Cay), and Mt. Hope Baptist – are on the Abacos.

The inaugural service on Sunday was the culmination of more than a year’s worth of work to have the Cooperative Baptists recognized as an official religious body in the Bahamas. After meetings with government officials, McIntosh was able to secure the appropriate documents. Government recognition of CBF of the Bahamas will help facilitate missional connections between CBF churches in the Bahamas and in the US.

Already churches in the US have begun to inquire about mission opportunities in the Bahamas. Ray Johnson noted that churches are still needed to assist in rebuilding following the destruction of churches and homes by Hurricane Irene. “The entire island of Abaco as well as portions of the east end of Grand Bahama are still very much affected by Irene,” Johnson observed. “I was very saddened to see the food pantry that Christine Curry (one of Mount Hope’s ordained ministers) had spearheaded had been totally destroyed by the wind and the water. I’d like to see us help rebuild that little room that helps the church at Mount Hope be the presence of Jesus.”

McIntosh was quick to add that Cooperative Baptists in the Bahamas also want to bring their people to Florida to do mission work. In fact, during a television interview with Rev. Sylbert Mills, owner and operator of the Bahamas Christian Television network, McIntosh noted that Abaco had sent a team to CBF’s Open House Ministries in Homestead to assist with the final week of OHM’s summer camp.

Over the past two years, McIntosh and Cooper have identified a variety of ways in which CBF churches can participate in missions in the Bahamas. From disaster response to leading Vacation Bible Schools, from construction projects to theological training, from providing school supplies to providing medical clinics, Cooperative Baptists now have many opportunities to develop partnerships and deep friendships with Fellowship Baptists in the Bahamas.

For information and details on connecting with CBF churches in the Bahamas, contact Ray Johnson or Tommy Deal at the CBF Florida office. Also, check the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Florida Facebook page or subscribe to CBF Florida’s weekly e-letter, Sharing the News, for the most up-to-date information.

Participants worship during the first general assembly of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of the Bahamas.

Beginning in 2007, Baptist Women in Ministry named February the Martha Stearns Marshall Month of Preaching. Named after the 18th century preacher, the Martha Stearns Marshall Month of Preaching gives churches an opportunity to hear the Gospel proclaimed through the life experiences and insights of some of Baptists’ most gifted preachers.

The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Florida has a host of women preachers who can be recommended to any church that would like to participate in the Month of Preaching (or at any other time!). Call the Lakeland office or contact Ray Johnson ([email protected]) for assistance or for more information.

To learn more about the Martha Stearns Marshall Month of Preaching, visit the Baptist Women in Ministry’s website, www.bwim.org.

CBF Florida Income Summary 2011 CBF Florida Receipts (January—October)

Welcome, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of the Bahamas (Continued from page 1)

February is Martha Stearns Marshall Month of Preaching

Page 4: CBF of  Florida Third Quarter Newsletter

Page 4 www.floridacbf.org Florida Fellowship News

Why Cooperative Baptists?

As a woman who wants to go into ministry, I wanted to be a part a denomination that supports and understands the role of women in ministry.

What’s playing on your iPod® these days?

I love music and I listen to all types. Right now, Young the Giant, the Civil Wars, and Coldplay are all being heavily played on my iPod.

Tell us a little bit about who was instrumental in your being called into Christian ministry.

Jacqueline Smail [Minister of Youth at North Stuart Baptist Church] has been the most influential in my decision to go into ministry. She saw something in me when I could not see it and has encouraged me from the second I met her. I understood love and devotion through her. She is so devoted and passionate about youth ministry and it is very inspiring to witness.

What was it about your home church that helped you hear God’s calling?

North Stuart Baptist has been supportive in everything that I have done. They have shown me what it means to be a part of community.

What are your plans for ministry when you finish your degree?

I love working with teenagers. Over the summer I worked as a youth director for Immanuel Baptist Church in Paducah, Kentucky and I loved working with the youth. So maybe, youth minister or a student minister.

The best part about seminary for you is . . .

I love the McAfee community. It’s wonderful being in an environment where people — professors and students alike — care about you and support you.

If you could give any advice to someone who is considering going to seminary, what would you say?

I would tell them that they will be challenged in more ways than they thought possible, but that it is worth it every step of the way. My decision to attend McAfee School of Theology has been the best decision that I ever made.

Christina Cataldo is a CBF Florida scholarship recipient studying at

McAfee School of Theology.

Meet Christina and Sara A brief conversation with two young Baptist leaders

What is your home church?

Bayshore Baptist Church in Tampa.

What did you do during this past summer?

I served as Director of the Passport Youth Missions Team at Mercer University in Macon, GA.

What is your major at Samford?

I actually graduated last May, majoring in Family Studies with a minor in Christian Women's Leadership. Currently, I’m the intern at the Passport national office here in Birmingham. I plan to continue my education at Palmer Theological Seminary in the fall of 2012 working towards my M Div.

Give us one highlight of the summer, please.

This summer our theme was "Treasure" and we got to explore the treasure that is the kingdom of God with the students and adults that came to camp throughout the summer. It was such an incredible journey together as we explored the parables and discussed how God is calling us to join in God's "kingdom work" here on earth.

One moment I continue to hold close now that the summer has passed took place on the last day of camp during one of the sessions. "Declarations" are a time when campers are invited to share something God taught them that week, or something they are taking home from camp. One student put beautiful, authentic words to the emotions and experience of the camp collectively when he said, "This week I have seen the kingdom of God. This is how it should be, everyone working together and loving each other. This is how humans are supposed to act." This is the "Treasure"; this is the kingdom of God.

Sara Hunt is currently serving as an intern with PASSPORT Mission Camps in Birmingham, Alabama

Page 5: CBF of  Florida Third Quarter Newsletter

Florida Fellowship News www.floridacbf.org Page 5

FFN: As a CPE Supervisor, your work centers on training chaplains and pastoral counselors. Would you give us an overview of what that entails?

REYNOLDS: Certainly. In 2001 I returned to Florida Hospital in Orlando to enter Supervisory CPE Education. I was certified as a CPE Supervisor five years ago. I am now the Director of Pastoral Education at Florida Hospital, following my mentor, Dr. Wes Monfalcone. While CPE does train chaplains, our main purpose is to train pastors/ministers in pastoral care skills. Many can benefit from this training, both clergy and laity. Some students are preparing for chaplaincy ministry; others include lay people who do pastoral care within congregations, like Stephen Ministers and deacons; others in CPE are preparing for parish/congregational ministry.

FFN: What has been a highlight of your ministry either as a chaplain or as a CPE Supervisor?

REYNOLDS: As a chaplain, the patient encounters and bedside ministry experiences are filled with highlights, lots of stories. As an educator, one recent student experience that was particularly meaningful was observing a student as she journeyed through the process of becoming aware that the grace she offered was not the grace she knew. It was inspiring to observe as she changed her relationship with God so she could receive that grace, and then to see how her relationship with God and her ministry were impacted.

FFN: For whom is CPE designed? Who could benefit from this educational and practical experience? And, what are the qualifications and/or pre-requisites?

REYNOLDS: CPE is really open to anyone interested in exploring pastoral care ministry. It is beneficial for vocational clergy as well as Stephen Ministers, Deacons, and lay ministers. It is designed to enhance pastoral care skills and self-awareness. While the only educational requirement is a high school diploma, there is a preference for some formal or informal theological education because of the foundation that provides for learning. Each small group for learning is formed with diversity in mind. The learning experience is richer the more diverse it is, so when composing a group we are looking for diversity in: education, gender, denomination, age, faith-tradition, ethnicity, culture and background. That communicates a value which is important to me, that many people are called to ministry, the outside things are not what determines call.

FFN: What does a CPE student experience?

REYNOLDS: There are two-facets of the experience: clinical and classroom. In the clinical setting, students minister in the hospital to people during life’s crises, some of the most sacred times of life. In the classroom setting, the students have the

opportunity to reflect on everything that impacts self and ministry – their values, history, faith, traditions and behaviors. This is done through readings, written reflections and verbatims. (Verbatims are case studies of ministry encounters and the student’s evaluation of their ministry.) The group then offers

observations and perceptions of how ministry may have been more effective or how some personal dynamic may be interfering with the pastoral care offered. It is an intentionally demanding and somewhat vulnerable method of learning, as long-held views are often challenged.

FFN: What has being a “CBF-endorsed Chaplain” meant to you and your ministry?

REYNOLDS: Having endorsement from an ecclesiastical body is

required for many chaplains. But, beyond that, my endorsement has given me a family, a connection with colleagues in ministry. This is important for chaplains whose work is emotionally demanding and many times solitary. And, while our work affords us connections with many faith groups, endorsement provides a solid connection with like-minded believers.

FFN: What are ways in which chaplains can be of service in their local congregation? What are ways local congregations might engage chaplains within their congregation and community?

REYNOLDS: Chaplains are usually experts in grief, age-specific and disease-specific needs, family systems, family counseling and often as educators. Churches may seek chaplains’ counsel on grief and hospice ministries, bereavement, personnel and benevolent care. Chaplains can help train deacons and other lay visitors in: hospital, hospice, and other institutional visitation skills. Chaplains are also connected to community needs and resources in some unique ways and this can be a resource to a community-minded congregation. Some chaplains (not me) can preach and some may have a limited availability to be interim congregational pastors.

FFN: Is there anything else you would like for your friends to know?

REYNOLDS: Yes. Several years ago I was invited by members of College Park Baptist Church to participate in a medical mission trip to Ethiopia. I went as chaplain on the team, and my assignment was to consult with the chaplain at the partnering hospital in Addis Ababa. As a result of that visit and God’s guidance to form a family through adoption, my husband and I now live with a gift from Ethiopia, our son Charlie who is five years old.

Editor’s Note: For more information about chaplaincy endorsement by CBF visit www.thefellowship.info/chaplaincy or contact Tommy Deal [email protected].

An Interview with Ramona Reynolds (Continued from page 2)

Ramona Reynolds (center) with a group of CPE students at Florida Hospital in Orlando.

Page 6: CBF of  Florida Third Quarter Newsletter

Page 6 www.floridacbf.org Florida Fellowship News

Monday, October 3, 2011 school supplies collected by six CBF of Florida churches for the Bahamas were finally delivered. These items were originally to be delivered by Ray Johnson and Tommy Deal during the Labor Day weekend when they were going to Abaco to celebrate the formation of CBF of the Bahamas. Hurricane Irene, however, forced a change in plans.

Harold Hart, CBF of Florida friend and pilot from Tampa, “came to the rescue” when he and co-pilot Craig Kalhoefer flew to Treasure Cay on Abaco and met Rev. John McIntosh, pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Mount Hope. Pastor John and his church will distribute these long-awaited school supplies to the children in their community. School supplies, while very inexpensive in the United States, carry an exorbitant price tag in the Bahamas due to shipping costs and the fact that stores are more than a two-hour drive away.

Six CBF of Florida churches contributed school supplies to this year’s collection: First Baptist Church of Cocoa, North Stuart Baptist Church, Church of the Beatitudes (St. Petersburg), New Life Community Church (Plant City), Church in the Meadows (Lakeland), and College Park Baptist Church in Orlando.

Donated School Supplies Delivered to Abaco, Bahamas

CBF Florida Premieres EthicsDaily Documentary

The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Florida along with the Polk State College chapter of Students Working for Equal Rights (SWER) hosted the Florida premiere of the new EthicsDaily documentary, Gospel without Borders, on Monday, October 3. The premiere was shown in the main auditorium on the Lakeland campus of Polk State College.

The showing of the 30 minute documentary was followed by a conversation with five panelists from religious organizations and the immigrant community. Panelists included Russell Meyer (Lutheran pastor and Executive Director of the Florida Council of Churches), Murray Dempster (Professor of Social Ethics at Southeastern University), Marco Aguilar (naturalized US citizen and lead software developer for Polk County Schools), Richard Logue (Program Director of Immigration and Refugee Services at Catholic Charities of Central Florida), and Mayra Hidalgo (founder of Polk State College chapter of SWER). Ray Johnson, Coordinator of CBF of Florida, emceed the program.

For more than an hour the panel fielded a variety of questions from the audience. Questions ranged from asking for biblical support for current US immigration policy to asking about the quota system for US immigration.

Other organizations that participated in the planning and Polk State College showing of the documentary included Justice for Our Neighbors (central Florida chapter), Farmworker Jobs and Education Program, the Church in the Meadows (a Florida CBF congregation), and the Southeastern University chapter of Pentecostals and Charismatics for Peace and Justice.

The documentary, which can be purchased online at www.EthicsDaily.com or by contacting CBF Florida’s Lakeland office, contains two versions. A short version (31 minutes) is designed for a single showing; a long version (53 minutes) is designed for a four-week study of Christian responses to immigration. To see a preview of the documentary, scan the adjacent barcode with your smartphone.

Panelists left to right: Murray Dempster, Richard Logue, Marco Aguilar, Mayra Hidalgo, Russell Meyer.

Photo by Hannah Hanson, Justice For Our Neighbors.

Tommy Deal, Ray Johnson, Craig Kalhoefer, and Harold Hart (left to right) smile for the camera after loading Hart’s plane with

school supplies for the Bahamas.

Page 7: CBF of  Florida Third Quarter Newsletter

Florida Fellowship News www.floridacbf.org Page 7

Opportunities and Information

BULLETIN BOARDBULLETIN BOARDBULLETIN BOARD

EMPLOYMENT - Compass Community Church seeks part-time Administrative Assistant

Compass Community Church in Apopka is seeking candidates for a part-time Administrative Assistant. The position is 8 - 10 hours per week. Please send electronic resume to [email protected].

EMPLOYMENT - Temple Baptist Church, Wilmington, NC seeks Senior Pastor

Temple Baptist Church in Wilmington, NC has commenced the search for a Senior Pastor who will administer a staff of 5. Temple is a moderate Baptist congregation with traditional worship that averages about 150 each week. Submit resume and references to Pastoral Search Committee, Temple Baptist Church, 1801 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28403, or email to [email protected].

Touching Miami with Love - Seeking teams for Summer 2012

TML will host seven weeks of camp in 2012 at two sites, one at the TML building and the other on the downtown campus of Christ Fellowship. Weeks run from Saturday to Saturday, June 16 through August 4. TML needs teams of 15-20 for their larger site and teams of 7-10 for the smaller site. Potential leaders, come to TML’s website: http://www.touchingmiamiwithlove.org/volunteer/summerteams. (For those reading this

electronically, press control button and click on the web address to enter TML’s website).

Nominations for 2012 CBF FL Representative Assembly Needed

It's that time again, time to begin looking for interested and qualified persons to help steer the ministries and mission of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Florida. If you, or someone you know, would be willing to serve on the Representative Assembly, send your suggested name, along with an email address, to Ray Johnson at [email protected].

Donate Used Hearing Aids to Open House Ministries

Wanda Ashworth-Valencia has requested help on behalf of the Open Door Health Clinic at Open House Ministries in Homestead. Dr. Nilda Soto, the clinic's physician, has asked for donations of hearing aids. She has several patients who need, but who cannot afford, hearing aids. The

clinic has a volunteer audiologist who can adjust donated hearing aids. If you, a friend, a loved one, a church member have used hearing aids to donate, contact Wanda at Open House by calling 305-389-5639.

Be sure to “friend” CBF of Florida on Facebook! Scan the tag on the left with your smart phone to view CBF Florida’s Facebook page

New Dates for Professional Coach TrainingNew Dates for Professional Coach Training

Interested in becoming a professional Life Coach? CBF Florida and The Columbia Partnership team up to bring you Eddie Hammett, author of Making Shifts without Making Waves and a certified Professional Coach Trainer, for a three-day training event in Orlando, March 29-31, 2012. For more information, check our CBF Florida’s website (www.floridacbf.org) or call the Lakeland office at 863.682.6802.

Page 8: CBF of  Florida Third Quarter Newsletter

Florida Fellowship News is published bi-monthly by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Florida, Ray Johnson, Coordinator, P. O. Box 2556, Lakeland, FL 33806-2556. Postage paid at Jacksonville, Fla. Phone (863) 682-6802; Toll free (888) 241-2233. Fax (863) 683-5797. CBF-Florida’s e-mail address is [email protected]; Web address is www.floridacbf.org. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE: 1-800-435-

7352. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

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Return service requested

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Florida

P. O. Box 2556 · Lakeland, FL 33806-2556 217 Hillcrest Street, Lakeland, FL 33815-4720

Fall Issue

Contact CBF Florida at:

P. O. Box 2556 Lakeland. FL 33806-2556

217 Hillcrest Street Lakeland, FL 33815

Toll-free 888•241•2233

Email: [email protected]

Staff

Ray Johnson Coordinator

Tommy Deal Associate Coordinator

Marti Edwards Administrative Assistant

Newsletter Editor

Pat Herold Financial Secretary

Serving and connecting churches and individuals in their calling to be the presence of Christ

Page 4: Meet two of the next generation’s leaders:

Christina Cataldo and Sara Hunt

Page 2: Ramona Reynolds on CBF-

endorsed chaplaincy

Page 1: CBF of the Bahamas

celebrates first General Assembly

Page 1: Vestal announces retirement

Christina Sara