This Week in the BRN Family 05.04.23

BRN churches across PA/SJ observe National Day of Prayer; A New Jersey church raises awareness for Autism; and we celebrate ministry milestones and new life through baptism - it's a beautiful week in the BRN family!

May 5, 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:

BRN Churches recognize National Day of Prayer

May 4, 2023, is National Day of Prayer, a day of observance set aside by the U.S. Congress to recognize the importance of turning to God in prayer. In honor of the day, Baptist Resource Network churches across Pennsylvania/South Jersey opened their doors for those desiring prayer, held special gatherings, and spent time intentionally praying for their communities and our nation.

Faithbridge Community Church:

In recognition of National Day of Prayer, Faithbridge Community Church in McKees Rocks, Pa., hosted a multi-church worship service for its community.

Memorial Baptist Church

On May 4, Memorial Baptist Church in Gettysburg, Pa., welcomed police, firefighters, first responders, and community members into their building to pray, be prayed for, and to enjoy a cup of coffee.

Bucks County Community Church

For National Day of Prayer, Bucks County Community Church in Langhorne, Pa., opened its church doors from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. for those in their community to stop by and pray.

Zion of Clarion County Church

On May 4, Pastor Trent Kirkland of Zion of Clarion County led a time of prayer with other believers in Clarion County. Believers in Clarion prayed for their town, county, and nation.

Millcreek Community Church

In honor of National Day of Prayer, Millcreek Community Church (MCC) in Erie, Pa., held a Facebook live meeting, with Senior Pastor Brandon Hancock directing those tuning in on how to pray for MCC and our nation.

DelVal Church in Willingboro, New Jersey, celebrates Autism awareness

Last weekend, Delaware Valley Baptist Church in Willingboro, New Jersey, celebrated Autism Awareness by loving on families, children, and individuals in their church and community who have been impacted by Autism. The church provided resources, cupcakes, a photo booth, and goodie bags for all those who came to celebrate.

Youth at Great Commission Church in Philadelphia take over Sunday worship

It was a youth takeover on Sunday, April 30, at Great Commission Church (GCC) in Philadelphia. The young people at GCC served their church by leading the worship service – from praise songs to prayer, the youth did it all!

BRN ethnic pastors gather for a time of fellowship and encouragement

On Saturday April 29, Rev. Noelson Chery, BRN ethnic church health consultant, hosted an ethnic pastor’s breakfast and fellowship. Those who attended enjoyed a delicious breakfast followed by a time of encouragement from fellow BRN pastors and ministry leaders.

BRN Director of Finance and Operations celebrates ministry milestone

On Tuesday, May 2, we celebrated Andy Weber, BRN’s director of finance and operations, for his 10 years of service to the BRN.

Congratulations, Andy! Your BRN family is so grateful for your commitment and dedication to accelerating Kingdom movement here in Pennsylvania/South Jersey!

Baptisms

Impact Church in Parkesburg, Pa., celebrates two taking the plunge for Jesus

On April 30, Impact Church in Parkesburg, Pa., celebrated two individuals proclaiming their faith in Jesus Christ through baptism! Please join us in welcoming this new brother and sister in Christ!

Several are baptized at Riverbend Community Church in Allentown, Pa.

On April 30, Riverbend Community Church in Allentown, Pa., praised God for the joy of baptism as they baptized several individuals. Please join us in celebrating with these brothers and sisters in Christ!

Freedom Biker Church in York, Pa., baptize a young man set free by Christ

After 27 years of bondage, one man is set free in Christ. On Sunday, April 30, his freedom was publicly expressed through baptism at Freedom Biker Church in York, Pa. Please join us in celebrating with this brother in Christ and the Freedom Biker Church family!

Seven individuals are washed by the water at Plaid Community Church in Pittston, Pennsylvania

On April 16, seven individuals – six over the age of 60 and one who is 49-years-old – went public with their faith in Jesus through baptism at Plaid Community Church in Pittston, Pa. Please join us in celebrating with these brothers and sisters in Christ!

Welcome to the BRN Family

Pastor Josh Coldren, Cross Creek Community Church, joins BRN team as North Central Regional Consultant

Two and a half years ago, Pastor Josh Coldren moved from Lynchburg, Virgina, to fill the pulpit at Cross Creek Community Church in Trucksville, Pennsylvania, following the retirement of the church’s former pastor.

On May 1, God dropped another ministry opportunity into Coldren’s hands as he officially became the Baptist Resource Network’s (BRN) North Central Regional Consultant. Read More

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.