Looking Back

North Carolina Baptist Secretaries Association

Looking Back...

25th Anniversary Celebration – "Journey Of Promise"
NCBSA 2007 Conference Review
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Just when we think our conference can’t be topped – it happens all over again! After experiencing the Spirit of God Among Us so vividly in 2006, we were blessed beyond measure on the mountaintops of North Carolina in 2007. As 164 ladies arrived to celebrate our 25th Anniversary, they were pleasantly surprised to find their accommodations in the brand new facilities of the Mountain Laurel Inn. Many positive comments were made about the comfortable beds and being able to house all of our activities in one building. Even with the inconvenience of going “out in the cold” and “down the hill” to the dining hall …, our ministry assistants were gracious in their evaluation comments. Oh my, don’t we love convenience!

To help us break the ice and get better acquainted with each other on Monday night, several of our girls planned and hosted our FUN FEST. While playing interactive games, good conversation and bonding occurred among the North Carolina secretaries. Kudos and a big ”thank you” to the Alexander Association for their time and teamwork displayed in the planning and carrying out of this festive event. We are sorry Linda Lunsford’s mother was not able to join in FUN FEST due to her accident, but we as officers, were pleased as we witnessed the NCBSA ladies do what they do best … minister to those who are hurting and in need. Thanks ladies!

Having followed the Lord’s leading in our selection of the keynote speaker, we had no idea what He had in store for us. WOW! Were we ever blessed!? Two of the main reasons our secretaries attend the yearly conference is to be spiritually renewed and to lighten up and laugh. Kim supplied us with both. Have you taken her (and Tara Furman’s) advice and selected your prayer chair, as well as filled your prayer basket? Our hearts were uplifted as Kim shared her own spiritual journey, and our funny bones were definitely tickled as she sang and performed her “I’m the PMS Queen” song for us. Her generosity and responsiveness to the voice of God brought down the house as she literally gave away her skirt to Christa Wike.

In addition to our fantastic keynote speaker, our general sessions were made complete with true worship led by Jonathan and Laura Turner, guest musicians from Pitts Baptist Church in Concord. Both traditional and contemporary songs were appreciated by all. Also modern technology was a plus, enabling us to feel free to raise our hands in praise. Thank you to Jonathan and Laura for leading us not only in worship, but also in PowerPoint and “What’s for dinner, Honey?” They are gifted with many talents and we thank them for sharing with the NCBSA.

Did you have trouble choosing which breakout sessions to take? Not to worry … we do plan to have many of them back next year. We were thoroughly blessed by the wide range of excellent and professional leaders willing to give of their time, talent, and skills. Among some of the favorites were Kerry and Joy Reeves, Tara Furman, Carol Polk, and of course, Kay Tatum. We gained a great deal of information to help us, not only in our workplaces, but in our homes as well.

And finally, with tables decorated to the hilt and the anniversary cake on display, we all enjoyed a relaxed evening at Tuesday night’s banquet. Dressed in our Sunday’s best made us feel as special as the evening became. The anniversary charm and ornament gifts were a big hit and we hope will be keepsakes for years to come. After great conversation around the table, we moved our gathering to the Jim Henry auditorium for a special time of worship with Kim Bolton. Whether eating or worshiping by candlelight, the Spirit of God has truly been in our midst once again. What a finale to our celebration!!

Your generosity in giving to our mission’s emphasis repeatedly overwhelms us. The Baptist Children’s Homes’ Care House will be the recipient of $1,939.74 received from our special offering. What a heartwarming gift to them and to our Lord.

After another awesome conference … it is now time to descend the mountaintop, and enter into the valley of our everyday lives. It is my prayer that all in attendance heard the voice of God while at Ridgecrest, and were touched in some way as they continue their Journey of Promise.

Until Next Year,
Jo Ann Walton
President

PRAY FOR THE NCBSA CONFERENCE 2008!!
May it be a “Life Changing Experience”

"His Spirit Among Us"
NCBSA 2006 Conference Review
"He may strengthen you with power through His spirit in your inner being ... so that Christ may dwell in your hearts ..."

If I could describe this year's conference in two words, it would be Holy and hilarious! Truly the Lord's Spirit was among us, as 176 North Carolina ministry assistants came together at Camp Caraway for our 24th annual conference. Our general sessions were exciting with lots of door prizes and surprises! Thanks to our officers listening to our requests last year, the room set-up was different in order to accommodate everyone, and the trickling fountain "in the garden" brought a definite calmness to our stressful lives.

George Fields, our keynote speaker, wasted no time in reminding us in song ... "We've got so much, so much, so much ... to be thankful for!" Tuesday, after guiding us through the personality profile, he brought refreshment to our hearts in knowing that we are all unique in the sight of the Lord. With his Popular Sanquine personality, he was such an encouragement and inspiration to us all. By Wednesday, we were all anticipating what George had up his sleeve. From magical cards to mystical ropes, George wowed us with his tricks and talent. But most of all, he reminded us that God has a purpose and plan for each one of us and we can find contentment in being who God made us to be.

Speaking of unique ... straight from Project Runway (well, maybe not), some of our ladies daunted the aisles with their own fashion creations on Monday evening, with our own Rev. Bill Nix emceeing. We were all captivated by their beauty! And as usual, many lingered afterward to reconnect with long-time friends and to familiarize themselves with new ones. Tuesday evening, a special banquet meal was served by the youth group from Pitts Baptist Church in Concord. To top off the evening, our ladies were blessed by the inspirational and remarkable blending of the voices of CHI RHO, an all-male group of Wake Forest University students. In looking at the diversity of the group, it was most evident that God's Spirit was among us, bringing to mind the good that He is able to accomplish when we join our unique gifts together in serving Him.

God's spirit of generosity was demonstrated as we collected an amazing $1,325 for the kids at Victory Junction. The $1,284 collected from tote bag and T-shirt sales will surely help with the planning of our 25th Anniversary Celebration next year. Even the rain and wind did not dampen our spirits on Tuesday evening when we had to make a change of plans. Instead of singing around the campfire at the lake, we all gathered in the lodge, with guitar-picking George Fields, and beheld a moving of the Spirit that encompassed us all. Truly, God's grace is amazing and surely, the presence of the Lord was in that place.

It is in the ordinary things of life that opportunity is made for the extraordinary!

MANY THANKS to:

Teresa Almond, Jo Ann Walton, Kay Hale and Brenda Boyles, our 2006 officers for all your hard work!
George Fields, our keynote speaker for allowing God to use your gifts to bless us.
Robin Frodge, Carol Frost and our NCBSA choir for leading us in musical worship.
Dixie Beard, for representing SBC, and David Moore, Wayne Oakes, Johnny Ross, Russell Schwab and Phil Stone for representing BSCNC so well.
Breakout Session leaders for your expertise and willingness to share.
Rev. Bill Nix for your dedication and support of the NCBSA and for the ways in which you have been a Christlike example to us all.

CONGRATULATONS to:

Sandra Hall of the Pilot Mountain Association for being our newly appointed Lifetime Member.
Our new 2007 officers (Jo Ann Walton, Gail Holland, Linda Lunsford and Brenda Boyles).

Hope to see you November 5-7, 2007 for our 25th Anniversary Celebration at Ridgecrest!

Jo Ann Walton, President

"Take Hold Of His Blessings "
NCBSA 2005 Conference Thoughts ...

As I begin to write this article, I can’t help but reflect how the Lord blessed my heart during the 2005 conference at Caraway. I’m sure that Gail, Kay and Jean would all agree that when the planning began in early December, 2004 for the conference that we would not fully understand until it was over why God impressed the theme topic and scripture reference of Galatians 5:22-23 on us so strongly. However, now looking from this side of the conference, I believe that the Lord planned this conference specifically with me in mind. After listening to Carolyn Helms, our keynote speaker, share the thoughts that the Lord gave her, I know that He was telling me to slow down and more than ever fully rely on Him. The year 2005 held many emotional and spiritual hardships for my family, my church family, and as I am sure for many of your families as well. But, isn’t it wonderful to know that our Lord as a precious heavenly Father knows all that we encounter and the grace and love that He allows us to have will take us through all situations. Thank you to each of you who shared with me the “everyday” trials and struggles that have crossed your path this past year and how God used the conference and your peers to encourage you in those times.

I wanted to take a minute to highlight some of the week with you. What a fitting tribute to Betty Walker and Maurice Cooper that was shared by Martha Jolly and Jo Ann Walton. The insights and desires that Betty and Maurice shared to begin and grow our organization to what it is today and what it will continue to provide for all ministry assistants should be long remembered. It is with much gratitude to them both that we will go forward as ministry assistants.

Did we have “church” on Tuesday night or what? What started out to potentially be a problem with sound equipment, turned into a good old fashion gospel sing. The Cold Springs Methodist Men’s group from Concord were a blessing to all. The love of God was evident in their music and on each of their faces as they sang. Continue to pray for their ministry as they have opportunity to share Christ.

I also wanted to thank each volunteer who worked with the bookstore, directions and preparation. Without each of you, we couldn’t make this conference work.

With all of this said, Jo Ann, Kay, Brenda and I covet your prayers as we begin the preparations for the 2006 conference. We know that God will give us the theme, scripture and speakers that He wants to use to encourage and help us in our workplace and our lives. We have read the evaluations carefully and will try to plan so as to fill the needs of each person that will be attending.

If I can be of assistance to any of you or your local association, please feel free to contact me.

Is this the Year????? Let’s register 200 plus…

I look forward to seeing each of you – November 6-8, 2006 at Caraway.

"Called By Christ"
The 2004 NCBSA Annual Conference Recapped

Just a few short weeks after ending the 2003 conference, Deborah, Kay, Gail and I set about the task of planning for the 2004 NCBSA Conference. As in the previous year we wanted the conference to be not only a time of professional growth but once again a time of spiritual renewal. As with conference planning of the past, prayer was the first priority. As we each prayed for the other officers, the ladies attending, the speakers and the conference itself, our desire was that God would be in the center of it. To lead us, to pull us close together and especially to fill the needs of each person there, whatever it might be. So, with this in mind the theme came together. “Called by Christ” was the unanimous choice because our Savior calls each of us in different capacities. We are called to serve our churches, associations, organizations and most of all called to serve Him.

To share the good news of what Christ has done and continues to do for us each day is the goal that each of us should strive to achieve.

Many thanks to all who pitched in to make this conference come together. Without the help of so many volunteers, things would not have run so smoothly. Many worked in areas of teaching, setting up for the banquet and the stage area, gift preparations, running errands, really just anywhere help was needed. Your hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed.

From the evaluation forms we received, information was gathered as to whom, you the attendees, wanted to see back or for the first time. The overwhelming choice for our keynote speaker was Haven Parrot. Haven pitched in briefly during the 2003 conference when Phyllis Elvington had to leave early. As Haven spoke through her dramatic interpretations of Ruth, Mephibosheth, and Moses, we were all, I think, taken back a little. Sometimes we read in scripture of biblical characters and the things that happened to them, and do not stop and really think of the way their lives were lived and the impacts they had on others. I think God used Haven to challenge each of us; we should be ready and willing to serve when He calls.

Between our General Sessions, we had excellent leaders who further enabled us to do our work in the role as ministry assistants. Over twenty session topics were offered to choose from. Again, the evaluations gave the information needed to provide you with sessions geared to meet spiritual as well as professional needs. Leaders such as Haven Parrot, Lula Mae Briggs, Steve Briggs and Carolyn Helms were instrumental in focusing on the Spiritual enrichment, development and Bible Study needs. Another area of great importance to us in a professional aspect is grasping all that comes with a “computer.” Kay Tatum did a great job explaining ideas and how to’s so that many of us could be better equipped. Dr. Lara Pons and Nancy Rhodes gave us essential information to live healthier lives and to take better care of the body that God gave us. This year we had the privilege of having team members from the Crown Financial Group who gave us updated tax and contribution facts as well as working on our own personal finances. Jeanette Robinson, Sheryl Shankles, Dixie Beard and Johnny Ross brought new insights into areas that most of us deal with everyday. Sessions such as the One-girl Office and The Frazzled Female gave tips and humor to our everyday work environment, and as always helpful facts from the Annuity Board to make retirement day easier.

One of the highlights of this year’s conference was the Praise time on Monday night. We are truly blessed by the talent of the girls in our organization. For those who shared their personal testimony of the way God has lead in their lives, we say thank you. I was truly blessed to be part of this time. During our banquet time, the drama group, Infinitely More from Arden, provided the entertainment. Their desire to share the love of Christ was evident and was enjoyed by all. At the close of our Monday night Praise session, we enjoyed a Birthday Fellowship time provided by the Cabarrus, Carolina, Central Triad, Cullom, Haywood, Liberty, Pilot Mountain, Raleigh, Rowan, Sandhills, Sandy Creek, Surry, and Tar River Associations. Robin Frodge, our conference music leader, did a super job with our music as well as leading our Secretaries Choir. We were again able to enjoy the ministry contribution of Carol Mellard as she used her talents of music through the piano. As always, the door prizes provided by our associations and many individuals were appreciated by all. On Wednesday morning, during the Business Session, Judy Wood, former President, led the installation service of officers. Jean Sigmon and Kay Hale were elected as First and Second Vice-President respectively and Gail Holland continues to serve her term as Secretary/Treasurer. Deborah Richardson and Darlene Lambert were nominated and elected as Advisory Committee members.

The 2004 NCBSA conference closed following the Wednesday general session and it was announced that the 2005 conference would be November 7-9, at Caraway Conference Center in Asheboro. Let me end by saying thank you again so much for your support of the officers and for the NCBSA organization. In the early planning stages for the 2005 conference, our keynote speaker has been secured. Make your plans now to be with us at Caraway in November.

Teresa Almond, President

"Focusing" on the 2003 NCBSA Conference

Last year, the NCBSA officers worked really hard to plan a conference that would inspire, enrich, and refresh all those who attended. Our theme for 2003 was "Our Focus in Ministry-Serving Christ." Although we wanted everyone attending to learn something helpful from the conference, we also wanted it to be one that brought our focus into serving God.

For all of you who filled out those "mandatory" evaluations and turned them in, we thank you for all of your comments! One comment about the conference was especially one that we were hoping for-"God's Holy Spirit was evident." Amidst laughter and tears, fellowship and fun, we felt His presence among us.

Our keynote speaker, Phyllis Elliott Elvington, was absolutely wonderful, inspiring us with her heart-warming humor and uplifting personality. She combined her humor with spiritual truths, and we were truly blessed. As one of you said on your evaluation, "Laughter is good for the soul, and we had our share of it from Phyllis!"

In between the General Sessions, we had excellent leaders to enable us in our work and ministry, with over twenty breakout session topics from which to choose. According to the evaluations, one of your greatest needs was met, and that was to be fed spiritually in order to help you in your job as a ministry assistant. Leaders such as Carolyn Helms, Haven Parrot, and Lula Mae Briggs were instrumental in helping us focus on spiritual enrichment with classes on spiritual development and Bible study. And Rodney Stilwell was with us again in "The Potter," bringing back into focus what God's call is on our lives.

Many of you attended the computer classes, taught by Spence Hackney (with the Baptist State Convention) and Allen Guffey (with ACS), while others took classes led by Judy Wood ("There's Too Much to Do…I Can't Handle It All") and Bobbie Furr (There's No Business Like Church Business). Also offered were classes to help you personally, such as "Protection in the Workplace" and "Heart-Healthy Eating," among others.

Our entertainment at the conference began with a talent show on Monday night, with emcee Anne Austin humoring us with her stories in between the many talents presented by our ladies. And on Tuesday evening, Jennifer Childers from First Baptist Church, Mt. Holly, presented a wonderful concert of solo handbell ringing, accompanied on the piano by her husband, Brian. Although our ventriloquist was not able to come for the second half of the program, we had a wonderful replacement in Renea Henderson (AKA Bertie the Bag Lady) who presented us with her new skit, never before performed in front of a live audience! And she was a hoot!

On Wednesday morning, Teresa Almond and Gail Holland were elected during the business session as new officers for 2004, along with Deborah Richardson and Kay Hale, and Advisory Committee members Sandra Hall, Dot Hart, and Sheryl Shankles. The business session concluded with an officer installation service led by Betty Walker, founder and first president of the North Carolina Baptist Secretaries Association.

During the last General Session, Robin Frodge, our conference music leader, led us again in our theme song, "The Longer I Serve Him," and then later directed the Secretaries Choir in a special song for us. Our conference pianist, Carol Mellard, touched our hearts with her personal testimony. And then Haven Parrot, one of our breakout session leaders, graciously filled in for Phyllis as our keynote speaker to inspire us in our ministry as she brought the conference to a close. We then ended the session with the Lord's Supper, led by our pastoral advisor, Rev. Charles Hinson.

Let me close by again saying how much we appreciate the comments and the support you have given the officers during the past year. If any of you were not able to attend the conference last November, we hope you will begin making plans now to make it a priority to attend next fall at Ridgecrest!

Our officers are: President-Deborah Richardson, FBC, Aberdeen; First Vice President-Teresa Almond, Glorieta, Concord; Second Vice President-Kay Hale, FBC, Henderson; and Secretary/Treasurer-Darlene Lambert, FBC, Hendersonville.

Deborah Richardson, President

NCBSA Conference - November 2002
(Check out these photos from Celebrating the Journey.)

We continue to be excited about what God is doing in and through the North Carolina Baptist Secretaries Association. At our last conference at Caraway, November 4 - 6, 2002 we celebrated our twentieth anniversary! The theme was Celebrating the Journey, and what a celebration it was! Throughout 2002 we were determined to meet our goal of $5,000.00 for the Betty Walker Endowment Fund by the November conference. This project was entitled Five for Five Thousand. We are pleased to say that we met that goal and even exceeded it, which means that this fund is now fully endowed and will help finance informative and motivational conferences along with the possible provision of scholarships for ministry assistants. Thanks again Betty Walker for your vision and inspiration over the years!

A wide variety of breakout sessions were offered. Ways to make our journey better through spiritual enrichment were presented through classes such as Angels, Lord Teach Me to Pray, The Potter, and Living Supernaturally. Our ministry assistants were offered classes in professional development including Grammar, Basics of Web Page Design, several different computer courses some of which were Microsoft Excel XP and Microsoft Word, ACS Membership-Contributions and Questions & Answers, Church/Non-Profit Contributions and Taxes, and Finding a New Minister. We also had the opportunity of taking classes in personal effectiveness which included Midlife Checkup, Four Traits that Perpetuate Anxiety, Discovering Opportunities to Minister, Heartcall, Spiritual Gifts, Finding a Way to Deal with Demands, and Annuity Board Benefits. A stained glass class was offered just for the fun of it and, by the responses from our ladies, they would like to have that class repeated!

Barbara Joiner, our keynote speaker, joining us for the third time kept us in tears one minute and laughter the next as she shared some of her mission experiences of her journey in life. She told us about her love for missions and that even though we may think we cannot make a difference in another's life that in fact by allowing our light to shine we can with God's help make a tremendous difference for the good of others.

Other highlights of our Twentieth Anniversary Celebration included a fellowship time on Monday night in which we answered questions in a get-to-know each other better game followed by delicious refreshments and a 20^th Anniversary Cake. Also Renea Henderson "Hillbilly" entertained us and continued to keep us laughing. A time of fellowship was enjoyed by all as we met new friends and became reacquainted with old ones and secured signatures in an activity that allowed us to get to know more about one another. We enjoyed musicians, Tonya and David Hudson with "Out of Egypt Ministries," as they provided and led praise and worship music throughout the conference. Each conference attendee had her picture made by Olan Mills and will receive a free 8 X 10 photo along with a free directory of the 2002 NCBSA Conference, thus giving us another keepsake of this very special occasion. Judy Wood was recognized for her many years of contributions to NCBSA and was named a lifetime member. Amy Goode-Hanaway, daughter of Billie Goode, shared her testimony and once again reminded us of the legacy that Billie left with us.

And if that wasn't enough we were then treated royally to a banquet in our honor on Tuesday evening as tour buses chauffeured us to First Baptist Church in Asheboro where we shared in wonderful fellowship, enjoyed a delicious dinner, and received a lovely Lenox china bowl as a keepsake remembrance of our Twentieth Anniversary Celebration. Charter members Kay Beamon, Katherine Huggins, Jean Kirk, Jeanette Robinson, Evva Spurgeon, Betty Walker, Judy Wood and Bobbi Young were recognized and given a corsage as a token of appreciation of what they have done and what they mean to our organization. To top the evening off we were entertained by Chi Rho, A Christian men's a capello ensemble from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, that had us all enthralled as they shared their excitement of Christ's salvation and exalted and honored the glory of God.

As we shared time together in Celebrating the Journey we were made even more aware of how God uses us as his positioning satellite, giving us the knowledge and equipping us to allow our lights to shine in our daily lives. We felt God's presence with us and trust He will continue to guide us on our journey.

Our officers are: President-Sandra Hall, Pilot Mountain Association; President Elect-Deborah Richardson, FBC, Aberdeen; Second Vice President-Sheryl Shankles, Baptist State Convention of NC; and Secretary/Treasurer-Darlene Lambert, FBC Hendersonville.

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this:
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
The justice of your cause like the noonday sun."
Psalm 37: 4-6 NIV

NCBSA Conference - November 2001
(Check out these photos from Putting the Pieces Together.)

Great things are happening in the North Carolina Baptist Secretaries Association.

We are excited about what God is doing in North Carolina. Our conference, November 5-7^th, 2001, was a huge success. The theme was Putting the Pieces Together and was represented by puzzle pieces. We talked about the many pieces that make up the life of a ministry assistant (secretary) and the importance of Jesus being the central piece.

To help our ladies do their best at work, we offered classes on topics such as, The Essentials of an Office Manual, Solutions for Computer Glitches, and Dealing with Conflict and to help them increase their spiritual depth we offered Opening Our Hearts to God and Freedom in Christ. Our keynote speakers were Renea Henderson from here in North Carolina who used humor and drama to convey God's truth and Wendy Minton Edwards who is the Eastern Regional Resource Director for the Baptist State Convention of NC. Wendy caused us to think about who we are as Baptists and how we can know and serve God better.

During the conference we also enjoyed a Scavenger Hunt, a concert by the Rick Webb Trio, and special refreshments provided by several of our members on Monday and The Biblical Recorder on Tuesday.

God's guiding hand was evident throughout the planning and preparation stages, but surprisingly enough, it was when our careful plans had to suddenly change that we saw clearly how God brings His perfect plan into being. Then all we can do is stand amazed in the presence…As we begin to plan for next year's conference we trust that God will again put the pieces together.

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