American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware

06/15/2026

ABCOPAD Southeast GPS Dan McDowell writes thanks to an ABCOPAD grant and the selfless dedication of our region’s president, Lori Jennings, GraceCrossing Church Moderator (aka “Head Coach”) Ulese Cesarski and GraceCrossing’s Outreach Coordinator Rev. Sam Geiger and a dozen more volunteers we were able to launch “Camp Phoenixville” today! This day camp is being offered free of charge for twenty children from the community, mostly from outside our congregation from 8 am to 5 pm today (Monday, June 15) through Friday. The young people will learn life skills and Bible lessons, enjoy recreational activities, arts and crafts, music lessons and will be fed breakfast and lunch as well as a variety of healthy (and not-so-healthy) snacks! GraceCrossing Community Church in Phoenixville is grateful for the opportunity to have the opportunity to plant the seeds of the Gospel in these children - and very grateful for ABCOPAD’s partnership in this ministry!

06/13/2026

Hi Friends, in my previous post, I mentioned my visit to the Baptist Church of West Chester on Sunday and Pastor Evan Duncan’s sermon. It was very powerful. If you have a few minutes it is worth the time. Blessings. Mark

What keeps us stuck? Fear. Self-doubt. The need to hold on to what ...

06/12/2026

This Sunday, I worshiped at the Baptist Church of West Chester and was encouraged by their strong commitment to discipleship and service. Nearly the entire congregation stood as various ministries were recognized—a powerful testimony to people actively serving Christ. It was also wonderful to see children receive Bibles, students awarded scholarships, and the church investing in the next generation. The Praise Team (with Emily and Ryan, who have often led worship at our Thrive Women’s Retreats) led meaningful worship, and Pastor Evan shared a powerful message from Jeremiah 1, reminding us that God calls ordinary people to extraordinary purposes and that He promises to be with us. His message drew parallels with the Spider-Man movie “Into the Spider-Verse,” examining the origins of Jeremiah and Spider-Man. “With great power comes great responsibility,” reminds us that God equips and calls us to use the gifts and opportunities He gives us faithfully. The day ended with Communion and a church picnic filled with fellowship and encouragement. Grateful for faithful ministry partners and friends! - Mark

06/10/2026

Pastor Dennis Horne (Wayne Park, Erie) shares about a just completed disaster relief mission trip taken along with Pastor Chris Reitsma (Delaware Ave, Erie) and others.

06/10/2026

On Saturday morning, I attended the installation service for Rev. Dr. Quintin Robertson, the new Executive Minister for the Philadelphia Baptist Association. Dr. Q and I met at the REMC meeting last month in Atlanta, and despite a number of theological differences, we discussed ways we could work together on Mission. I brought Dr. Q a Shepherd’s Staff, in keeping with our tradition when blessing a new pastoral leader who will shepherd a flock in the Kingdom. The worship service was amazing with music from an outstanding choir and great preaching. It was a joy to celebrate with this sister Region here in Pennsylvania. - Mark

06/07/2026

Last Sunday, I attended morning worship at the First Baptist Church of Berwick. Pastor Deb Coleland did an awesome job guiding the worship service and preaching a powerful message that challenged Disciples of Jesus to get out of the boat (a reference to Peter walking on water, Matt 14). Pastor Deb and our friends at First Berwick have been amazing ministry partners. I was grateful for the opportunity to encourage Pastor Deb and the congregation as they serve Jesus in Berwick and beyond. - Mark

06/05/2026

I accepted my first call to ministry as a youth minister in Nebraska back in 1981. Since then I have served 6 churches over the past 45 years, so I am always deeply impressed when I encounter a pastor who stays with the first (and only) church that calls them! Pastor Brenda Shaw at Upland Baptist is such a pastor. Called to UBC right out of seminary at Eastern, she has faithfully served that congregation and the surrounding community for over 25 years. During that time she has served as the Chaplain of the local Fire Department and has overseen a very generous community food pantry, among other things. Upland is a member of the Riverside Association, which has not effectively functioned for many years. Efforts are underway to connect those congregations with The Central Union or Delaware Associations to offer much needed support and partnership. Please pray for Upland Baptist and the other Riverside churches during this process.

06/05/2026

ABCOPAD Southeast GPS Dan McDowell writes: Most regional staff members are co-vocational, devoted to a local congregation as well as our ministries to support ABCOPAD. Last week three of us met for lunch to present one another’s congregations with the regional grants we had recommended for those churches. I presented one to FBC Lansdale in support of Pastor Eric Kraihanzel’s mission work in Mexico during the sabbatical he is taking this year. And Pastor David Harden (ABCOPAD Northeast GPS) presented GraceCrossing with a grant in sponsorship of a week long summer community outreach called “Camp Phoenixville” and another for improvements to our children’s facilities. We are grateful for the blessing of working together in this great region!

06/04/2026

Last Thursday I had lunch with two Centre Association Pastors, both serving yoked congregations. Pastor Rex Shope serves Three Springs Baptist Church and the First Baptist Church of Saltillo. Pastor David Ford serves the First Regular Baptist Church of Huntingdon and FBC Mt. Union. Both pastors preach twice each Sunday morning. Grateful for their faithfulness. The Centre Association is reorganizing and will get together at an Altoona Curves Baseball game in August, made possible by an ABCOPAD Grant. It was a joy being able to encourage these two pastoral leaders in our Region. - Mark

06/03/2026

ABCOPAD's Clergy Ethics Course is happening online Friday evening, June 26 through Saturday afternoon, June 27. This vital course is REQUIRED for ALL levels of recognized credentialing within ABCOPAD and ABC/USA. It is only offered once a year and cannot be completed by independent study. Please register today at ACTSMinistrySchool.com. More details below!