The Mainstream

February 23 -Area IV Annual Meeting, Centralia, IL FBC

Feb. 29 - March 1-Area I Annual Meeting, FBC Elgin, IL

March 8 -Area III Annual Meeting FBC Peoria, IL

March 8 -Creative Worship Seminar

March 8 -Area V Annual Meeting FBC Kansas City, MO

March 9 -Area II Annual Meeting FBC Greenfield, IL

April 12 -Clean Up Day Lake Springfield Baptist Camp

April 25-26 -GRR Missions Conference hosted by Cherry Hills Baptist

May 10 -Clean Up Day Lake Springfield Baptist Camp

May 17 -Boundaries Professional Ethics Course

May 24 -Open House Lake Springfield Baptist Camp

May 31 -Blackhawk Clean Up Day

Both individuals and groups are needed to make this “Blitz Build” successful. Participants must be at least 16 years of age. Construction skills are not required, but any knowledge of or experience with construction is appreciated. Skilled laborers—such as electricians, plumbers and carpenters—are especially critical, along with skilled individuals who can serve as house leaders.

Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation to and from Baton Rouge and the worksite as well as a weekly fee of $100 for food and lodging.

More than 150 volunteers will be needed the first week, beginning Monday, April 28, when the five homes are blessed and the walls are raised. That week, work will focus on framing the exterior and interior walls, raising roof trusses and roof decking, and installing windows, doors and vinyl siding.

During the second week, beginning May 5, plans call for completion of subcontractor work, so volunteer opportunities will require those with specialized skills.

To finish vinyl siding, tape and float sheetrock, paint, and install trim work, cabinets and landscaping in the final week, beginning May 12, another 150-plus volunteers will be needed. The build will end on Saturday, May 17, with a dedication of each home.

In 2007, National Ministries built 12 homes with 200-plus American Baptist

volunteers in Baton Rouge, La., as part of a similar “Blitz Build” effort in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Since hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit in August and September of 2005, National Ministries’ Volunteer Ministries office has sent more than 1600 volunteers to the Gulf Coast to help with rebuilding.

The Rev. Marilyn Turner: “We are thankful for the many American Baptists who continue to share their time and resources as gifts bringing comfort to the hurricane survivors. This is a long-term ministry of caring, and it is one that could not be accomplished without their dedication.”

The registration deadline for participation in the 2008 “Blitz Build” is April 1.

Area IV Missions: Here, There, and Everywhere

These scholarship programs exist in the Great Rivers Region to assist young people who are members in Great Rivers Region American Baptist Churches to secure a college and/or seminary education.

Scholarships for any college student (regardless of major) or seminary student from the Gernenz-Shurtleff / Wilcoxen Scholarship are available.

Ministerial students attending ABC-related schools and seminaries in preparation for ministry can also apply for the Harold O. Long Scholarship.

All applications must be received in the GRR office by April 1, 2008.

To receive an application for these scholarships, write to: Scholarship Committee, Att: Sharon Downs, PO Box 3786, Springfield, IL 62708, phone: 217-726-7366; fax: 217-7267566, or email: Sharon@abc-grr.org

Camping 2008

Our Great Rivers Region Baptist Family Is Growing!

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

The Mainstream is a twice-monthly publication of the American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region, 3940 Pintail Drive, Springfield IL 62711 Telephone: (217) 726-7366 Fax: (217) 726-7566 Email: grrabc@abc-grr.org Web: www.abc-grr.org