I have now completed my first full year as your Director of Evangelism/Missions.  It has been a good year as we have seen new resources made available to the churches; I have had the opportunity to be in about 40 churches, and met almost every pastor in the association.

Two new resources that have been used to a great extent are the Sports Camp and Block Party Trailers.  We were able to acquire these because of our partnership with the churches of Catalina Baptist Association, Arizona Southern Baptist Convention, and the North American Mission Board.

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So much has changed since last year’s (Annual) meeting.  John asked me if I would consider taking on the job of Church Planting Strategist for Catalina Baptist Association and so here I am.  My assignment so far has been to meet with established church pastors to gather their input on church planting; the process; and to see if there was any interest in their church being involved in planting.  I have met with many of our pastors and am pleased to report the results so far.  The following are three things that have continued to be brought up in these meetings:

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By Ben Barfield

Lists. It seems my world is being overrun by lists. It used to be that my only exposure to lists was David Letterman’s Top Ten every night. Now lists have taken on new meaning.

My 13-year-old daughter is not like her daddy. She is very organized and makes lists for everything. She makes a list of what to pack when we go on vacation. She makes a list of chores that she and her brothers must do (oh, they love her for this). Every afternoon she makes a list, in order, of the homework she must complete. And here’s the crazy one – #4 on her list last Thursday – “Make a list.”

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Here are a few ideas of ways you can show appreciation to your pastor:

• Set aside time to honor your pastor on the church calendar.
• Give a reception in the pastor’s honor.
• Send a note of encouragement. To send a free e-card go to dayspring.com.
• Pray for him and his family.
• Wash his car.
• Weed/care for his yard.
• Give him a plaque of appreciation.
• Host a potluck dinner in his honor.
• Plant a tree in honor of your pastor.
• Take your pastor and his spouse out for a meal.
• Ask him about his needs.
• Listen to them.
• Pray together.
• Give a gift certificate.
• Provide an overnight or weekend getaway for your pastor’s family.

Advance information for VBS Directors and associational VBS teams

Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009
10am-2pm

First Southern Baptist Church at Sahuaro Ranch, Glendale
10250 N. 59th Ave., Glendale

Association VBS Teams: No Charge
Church VBS Directors: $10 (includes lunch)
Register through Corrin Conway by Monday, October 12th
Register with Corrin at
the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention
480.945.0880 or 800.687.2431