Bright Ideas

Central Region's Department of Local Church Life supports sharing ideas as resources. Each month, creative ideas gleaned from local church newsletters are published in the Region's newspaper, Central Region Life.

Neighborhood Tea
Appanoose, Pomona
(July, 2008) — The women of Appanoose Baptist Church, Pomona, held a tea for their neighbors on May 10. Rather than gathering to celebrate Mother's Day with just the women of their congregation, they sent invitations to all women in their neighborhood. The program included special music, a dramatic presentation, games, door prizes, refreshments, and good fellowship. New friendships were begun as a result of their efforts. Appanoose is a country church near Pomona in the East Central Area. Rev. Lynne Smith is their new pastor.

Discussion on Restructuring
FBC, Caney
(July, 2008) — First Baptist Church, Caney, hosted the Southeast Area Executive Committee meeting on Saturday, July 12. Past Region president, Danny Trent, and the current Region president, Dave Davis, were on hand to answer questions about proposed Region restructuring.

Puppet Ministry
FBC, Abilene
(June, 2008) — Using inexpensive animal puppets, members of First Baptist Church, Abilene, have created a theatre company featuring consistent, recognizable characters with distinct voices and personalities. The animals "re-enact" Bible stories, throwing in lots of silliness. The puppeteers started in the baptismal and later moved to a simple puppet stage constructed from PVC pipe. Shows are unscripted, but do require prior reading of the Bible story and some brainstorming to plan how characters will be portrayed and what props will be needed. This has been an effective ministry and very well received.

Donations to Day Center for Homeless
Community, Tulsa
(May, 2008) — The ABW Ministries and church family of Community Baptist Church, Tulsa, collected donations for the Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless. The Center helps find safe, affordable housing for clients. Each person that moves into an apartment received a box of "basics" to help in their move ito self sufficiency. Donations for boxes include kitchen and bath items, alarm clocks and telephones.

Community Resource Fair
West Side, Topeka
(May, 2008) — West Side Baptist Church, Topeka, joined with several other community organizations to sponsor a Community Resource Fair. Representatives of local service agencies were on hand to share information on valuable resources available to the community. The event kicked off with a Fun Run which passed through the church parking lot.

Cake Ministry
FBC, Columbus
(April, 2008) — Yvonne Stanton, wife of Rev. Warren Stanton, pastor, FBC, Columbus, bakes and decorates complimentary wedding and anniversary cakes for church members. The cake ministry is her way of making the special events in members' lives even more joyous occasions.

KSU Booth
KSU Campus Center
(April, 2008) — On April 19, peer ministers of the KSU Campus Center manned a booth at the K-State Open House. It was an opportunity to show guests and visitors how the campus center can impact their lives. Information was available on the Bible studies, Shakes n' Prayer, Friday night activities, Sunday meals, and FBC, Manhattan. The event was also a chance to raise awareness that the campus center is a place with an open computer lab, a place to study, and a place of refuge when schedules become too hectic.

Faith Walks
FBC, Paola
(March, 2008) — Faith Walks were held on Monday nights at First Baptist Church, Paola. The program, consisting of scripture, devotions, and prayer time, ended with a power walk. The group began by walking two miles for the first two weeks and worked their way up to four miles. All members were invited to come to any or all sessions, and all ages were included.

Retiree Group
FBC, Leavenworth
(March, 2008) — Retired men and women formed a group called New Beginnings at FBC, Leavenworth. The group meets once a month to share fellowship and discuss problems, concerns and projects of mutual interest. Some projects that have been considered are Wednesday night soup suppers, a parents night out and nursing home ministry.

Valentines for Soldiers
FBC, Salina
(February, 2008) — What started out as a 2006 Vacation Bible School project is now a year-round labor of love for FBC, Salina. The church collects donations and assembles boxes of homemade goodies, games, Bibles and personal items for shipment to Iraq. The project, which has been featured by some local newspapers and radio stations, is well supported. Postage has been completely covered by donations.

Life Care Project
FBC, Council Grove
(February, 2008) — First Baptist Church, Council Grove's Discovery Club K-2 class has sent baby items to Life Care in Ottawa, Kan. Life Care is a Christian Center that helps financially struggling unwed mothers.

Lights, Camera, Baptist Unity
Prairie Village, Prairie
(January, 2008) — A camera crew from the Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board video taped a day in the life of Prairie Baptist Church for presentation during the New Baptist Covenant gathering. Prairie's worshipping, rehearsing, breaking bread, teaching, welcoming and caring were featured as part of the demonstration of Baptist unity in Atlanta.

Bread Bank
FBC, McPherson
(January, 2008) — First Baptist Church, McPherson, provided frozen loaves of bread in various sizes and flavors (sugar and fat free). Members were urged to "Use them as the Spirit leads you to encourage others in the FBC family and beyond. Reach out in the spirit of loving kindness and compassion and offer these loaves as symbols of the unity we share in Christ. May recipients be nourished body, soul and spirit as you find you will be as well!"

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