This Week in the BRN Family 01.26.23

BRN churches celebrate ministry milestones; churches build relationships through outreach events; and we welcome two little ones into the BRN family - it's a celebratory week in the BRN family!

January 26, 2023
Macala Mays

This Week in the BRN Family shares quick highlights of BRN churches and ministries throughout Pennsylvania and South Jersey loving their neighbors. Check out the latest happenings, baptisms, and accelerating Kingdom movement stories below:

Zion Church pastor celebrates 25 years of ministry

On Saturday Jan. 21, Zion Church in Clarion, Pa., surprised Pastor Trent Kirkland with a night of celebration, fun, and Detroit Lions (Pastor Kirkland’s favorite NFL team) decor to honor his 25 years of ministry at Zion! BRN Executive Director Barry Whitworth was also in attendance to congratulate Pastor Kirkland and the church.

Reflecting on the anniversary celebration, Kirkland shared on Facebook, “I am still reflecting on and processing this past weekend and the surprise celebration for my 25th anniversary at Zion that my kids and the church planned. Though I suspected something was happening, I was completely blown away by the scope of the night and all of the love, generosity, and kind words that were shared.”

Congratulations on 25 years, Pastor Kirkland! Your BRN family is grateful for you and your service to the Kingdom!

SOAR Church in Atlantic County, New Jersey, celebrates pastor’s second anniversary

Last Sunday, The SOAR Church in Atlantic County, New Jersey, held an anniversary service for Pastor Alfonzo Toney Sr. and his wife, Malieka, to celebrate their second pastoral anniversary at SOAR Church!

Congratulations, Pastor Toney! Your BRN family is grateful for you and your service to the Kingdom!

First Baptist Church of Crestmont unites community through “Coffee with a Cop” event

On Jan. 21, First Baptist Church of Crestmont in Willow Grove, Pa., partnered with the Abington Township Police Department to host a day of coffee and conversation between the local police officers and the community. The “Coffee with a Cop” event allowed the church, community members, and the officers to “build relationships one cup at a time!”

Renaissance Church in Pittsburgh, Pa., equips leaders through Retrain workshop

On Jan. 22, Renaissance Church in Pittsburgh, Pa., hosted more than 30 men and women for a Community Group Leader Retrain workshop. Community Groups are how Renaissance disciple its members and reache its neighbors. The workshop gave current and aspiring Community Group leaders an opportunity to grow, fellowship, and prepare to lead.

Millcreek Community Church in Erie, Pa., serves students at local elementary school

Last weekend, members and leaders of Millcreek Community Church in Erie, Pa., served their community by participating in a Winterfest at Grover Cleveland Elementary. The church played games with the children, provided food, gave away prizes, and spent the day showing Christ’s love to the students!

Welcome to the BRN Family

Wyatt McClain Carson

On Jan. 3, 2023, Wyatt McClain Carson was welcomed into the world! He is the son of Kim and Dennis Carson. Kim serves on the BRN’s Executive Board as well as ministers to college students at PennWest California University. Congratulations, Kim and Dennis! Welcome to the BRN family, Wyatt!

Reuben Andrew Sommers

On Jan. 9, 2023, Pastor Andy Sommers and his wife, Debbie, welcomed their fourth son, Reuben Andrew, into the world! Pastor Sommers serves as the mission pastor at Harvest Community Church – Allegheny North. Congratulations, Pastor Andy and Debbie! Welcome to the BRN family, Reuben!

*BRN family, please keep little Reuben, as well as Pastor Sommers and his family, in your prayers as Reuben recovers from some serious medical matters. Thank you!

Be a part of This Week in the BRN Family

Have exciting things happening in your church!? Let us know so we can celebrate with you and share the good news with our BRN Family. Submit stories of your church accelerating Kingdom movement, loving their neighbors or celebrating baptisms on our News Tips page. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Macala Mays

In 2022, Macala Mays stepped into her current role as Associate Editor of BRN United and Podcast Producer for the Baptist Resource Network of Pennsylvania/South Jersey (BRN). Before taking this position, she worked as a contracted Podcast Producer in 2021 and a freelance writer in 2020 for the BRN. During her time with the BRN, Macala Mays has produced three different podcast series, including 50 Stories of Transformation (2021-2022), The #LovePASJ Podcast (2022), and Celebrating Cooperative Missions (2023). She also has written over 60 articles for the BRN and has been nationally published by The Baptist Paper and Baptist Press. She is also a member of the Baptist Communicators Association (BCA).

Prior to working with the BRN, Macala interned at the State Capitol of Tennessee in the Publications Division under the office of Secretary of State. She also remotely wrote news for TalkErie, a radio station in Erie, Pa., and previously worked as a News Director/Producer for WJET-TV in Erie, Pa.

Macala Mays holds a master of arts in communications from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania (EUP) as well as a bachelor of arts in journalism/public relations from EUP. During her graduate years, Macala worked as a Graduate Assistant and helped manage the on-campus radio station. She also served as a managing editor for the university’s newspaper, which led to an interest in music journalism.
Macala and her husband, Robbie, live in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, where they attend Big Woods Bible Church and Robbie serves as the Associate Pastor of Campus Ministry. Both Robbie and Macala find great joy in discipling and walking alongside college students at Lock Haven University.