Daniell Baptist Association

We are excited to announce that this year’s DBA Baptist Women’s Inspirational Mission Celebration will be on February 11 at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Mt. Vernon. Our speaker for the evening will be Rev. Philip Edge who has served as a Missionary in Russia. We will also hear from Sue Page (our District Representative for WMU) who will be sharing with us “what’s new in WMU for 2010”. This is going to be a wonderful time of prayer, singing, inspiration, motivation, and fellowship but we need your help. We are asking each represented church to bring their favorite casserole and then following the meal our three “mystery” judges will give out prizes for first and second place. This is going to be a lot of fun (as well as taste good) so please do all you can to join us that evening.

Our Associational D-Now Weekend for students is fast approaching and we hope your church is planning to participate February 19-21. The cost is $35 per student which includes lodging, food, t-shirt, bible study materials and “SNOW”. Yes, I said snow. For more information please contact our Youth Ministry Team Leader (George Holcomb) at ghfbclyons@bellsouth.net or (912) 526-8136.

Our Associational Student Speakers Tournament is February 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Ailey Baptist Church. If you have plans to participate you must register by call our office (583-2713) by Thursday, February 11.

Our DBA Bible Institute will begin March 2 at 6:30 p.m. at our DBA office in Ailey. Our first course will be A Survey (Introduction) of the New Testament which will be taught by Dr. Jerry Ray from Brewton Parker. The course is $45 (textbook is extra) and will last 12 weeks. This course is designed to help both clergy and non-clergy have a better understanding of the New Testament and how to apply it to one’s life. The textbook will be Encountering the New Testament (2nd Edition) by Elwell & Yarbrough and published by Baker Academic which can be purchased at the Brewton-Parker Bookstore or online at  www.amazon.com. For registration please give us a call at 583-2713.

Congratulations to Nita Thigpen who has served as our DBA Secretary for the past twelve years.

Also, congratulations to Glenn Russell on celebrating 20 years as pastor of Fairview Baptist Church.

Congratulations to Kevin Hammons (pastor of First Glenwood) and his wife Debbie on the birth of their son Ezra Louie Hammons who was born December 24, 2009 weighing 8lbs/10ounces.

Quote of the Month:
God is pursuing with omnipotent passion a worldwide purpose of gathering joyful worshipers for Himself from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. He has an inexhaustible enthusiasm for the supremacy of His name among the nations. Therefore, let us bring our affections into line with His, and, for the sake of His name, let us renounce the quest for worldly comforts and join His global purpose. –John Piper

Excited in Jesus,
Robby Smith

Dear Pastors/Church Leaders,

Just a note to remind you of the two Church Finance Seminars we will be offering at our DBA office in Ailey tomorrow, October 22.

Workshop One from 10:30-Noon: How to Keep your Church out of Court

This session will address the growing crisis of churches being sued by individuals. Not only will practical steps be sugge3sted to limit the church’s liability, but also preventive tools will be offered. Topics of discussion will include church insurance, church incorporation, child abuse prevention, and screening volunteers and employees.

Workshop Two from 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Federal and State Payroll Reporting Requirements for Churches

This session will focus on the requirements for complying with federal and state pay reporting requirements. Topics include: W-2s, Form 1099-MISC, I-9s, Proof of Racial Nondiscrimination, 941s, and so forth. Questions will also include: Who is an employee? Does our pastor receive a W-2? Who is responsible for mistakes made on federal and state returns?

Each of these workshops will be led by Dr. Keith Hamilton, CFP. Dr. Hamilton works for our Georgia Baptist Convention and is an expert in the area of church and clergy finances.

Please encourage your staff and financial leaders to attend these workshops that are offered free of charge due to DBA’s partnership with the Georgia Baptist Convention.

Excited in Jesus,

Robby

• Wow, what a great time we had at Kidz Blast (Springin’ into Summer) for children and their families last month. The children had a wonderful time playing, singing, and hearing God’s Word. We had several prospects which will be followed up by our local churches. Thank you to all of our volunteers and to First Baptist Vidalia and Tracy Todd for hosting the event. To God Be the Glory!
• Our mission trip to Ducktown, Tennessee was a wonderful blessing this year. We took 20 servants from 6 of our DBA churches (Fairview, First Mt. Vernon, First Vidalia, Higgston, United Baptist Fellowship, and Vidalia Baptist Temple) and God did a wonderful work. The hungry were fed, those needing clothes were clothed, buildings (and people) were painted, children were taught the Bible through VBS, lawns were mowed, houses cleaned, plumbing was done, and folks received Christ. To God be the Glory!
• Our DBA Church Leadership Institute will begin its next study on Tuesday, July 14 at 7 p.m. This course (Pastoral Ministry Basics) will cover the basics of being a pastor, including tips for ministry, outreach, evangelism, and how to develop a personal schedule for dealing with the needs of a church. The instructors will be Benny Pate and Jay Vineyard. Please call our DBA office or David Barrett (Institute Director 912-537-7343) for reservations, information, and brochures.
• Please remember to pray for our two camps as they are quickly approaching. Both camps will be great again this year and for our Youth Camp we will be doing some mission projects such as painting houses for those in need. If you have not signed up for camp please do so today.
• Please remember our Executive Committee Meeting is set for July 20 at 5:15.
• I am so excited about our upcoming DBA Sunday School (Bible Study) training set for August 27 at 6:30 p.m. Areas of training will include Adults, Children, General Leaders, Outreach, Preschool, and Youth. Please do all you can to bring your Sunday School Leadership to this exciting training.

May God bless each of you as you faithfully serve Him.

Excited in Jesus,

Robby Smith