The Mainstream

GRR Calendar

May

24 Open House - Lake Springfield Baptist Camp

31 Boundaries Professional Ethics Course: East Peoria First Baptist Church

31 Clean Up Day at Blackhawk Baptist Camp

GRR Helps Rebuild Baton Rouge

Approximately 80 volunteers from the Great Rivers Region have recently returned from Baton Rouge, LA where they helped rebuild homes for those left homeless by Hurricane Katrina.

American Baptist once again joined with Habitat for Humanity to build homes in a three week Baptist Blitz Build. Dr. Dwight Stinnett, Regional Executive Minister, was part of the GRR group who were there for the final week. He wrote about the experience in Current Thoughts. The following is an excerpt from his article. He explains why the construction was in Baton Rouge instead of New Orleans.

“The infrastructure of New Orleans is still so devastated that large numbers of volunteers needlessly strain the capacity of that city and local not-for-profit services. Baton Rouge was a major refuge for persons fleeing the destruction in New Orleans. New Orleans is still well below (continued) its pre-Katrina population, while Baton Rouge has grown rapidly because of the influx. The 20+ homes we have built in the last two years have been for families displaced from New Orleans to Baton Rouge.

Once again, the Great Rivers

Can you go? Can you encourage someone else to go? Can you help with finances? Are you willing to pray? Can you get involved with you local Habitat chapter—or some comparable organization helping low income families build a life?

Dr. Ruth Peterson preached the message. Rev. Ron Miles led the

vows of ordination and Rev. Clark Luce led in the charge to the congregation. Moderator Deane Knight presented the Certificate of Ordination. Pastor Sharon achieved this milestone through the GRR’s Alternative Ministerial Education Program.

Faith Baptist Church Preparing To Move

First Baptist Church, Batavia, IL has been located in downtown Batavia for 172 years. The present building was built 119 years ago.

The congregation is saying “goodbye” to the building with the final worship services on Sunday, June 1, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

All this is happening because the church is building a beautiful new building at the corner of Main Street and South Mill Creek Drive. The congregation is grateful to the Bethany Lutheran Church which has made their gymnasium available to us for worship services until construction of the new building is completed sometime this summer.

First Baptist Church will have a new name: Faith Baptist At Mill Creek.

For many, leaving the old building will be an emotional parting, as many grew up in this church. The final service on June 1 will be an opportunity to share the experiences of church life together.

Participants in this final service will

include Batavia Mayor Jeffery Schielke and Rev. Dr. Cheryl Henson, Associate Regional Minister serving Area I. A special moment in this last service will be the Communion Service, which will include the passing of the mantle of pastoral leadership from former pastor, Rev. Richard Watts, to interim pastor, Rev. Ronald Miles, to our new pastor, Rev. John Pattison, who begins his ministry in June.

The evening service features a concert by the internationally known pianist Huntley Brown.

Great American Baptist Bike Ride Across Illinois

First Baptist Church, Newton, IL Welcomes:

Victor and Charity Vanderhoof

First Baptist Church, Urbana, IL Welcomes: Sally Elam

Mainstream Contact Information

Send your stories of mission and ministry. Please also send the names of new members (the fruit of this mission and ministry) to:

Linda Ricks 232 Devron Circle East Peoria, IL 61611 E-Mail: Ricks4Lr@comcast.net