PLANTING CHURCHES…

Our partnership with Living Stone Church in Colorado is bearing fruit even in the midst of COVID-19. Their services are limited to 50 adults and 50 children. They host two services and are able to minister to the majority of their congregation. A similar dynamic is taking place with our other church planting partnership in Brownwood, Texas. 

SENDING MISSIONARIES…

This year we sponsored a missionary family to plant a church among the Bulgeda people in western Chad through our World Missions Offering. Part of that investment was the translation of the Gospel of Luke into their heart language. Your giving helps contribute to this important cause of making God’s word accessible to unreached/unengaged peoples.

Our partnership with Pastor R in West Bengal is also continuing to bear fruit. Due to COVID-19 they’ve met via audio conferencing for the past 6 months. They plan to meet together for the first time at the end of this month!

Covid has caused Broadview to cancel our mission trips this year except Spring Break Mission Trip in March to South Texas. We are about to finish the Youth/Children camp we have been working on for several years. We had nine men go on that trip and did a lot of work and had a good time with Pastor Omar.

The Rio Grande Valley (5 county area) is still in a Shelter at Home order and need our prayers.

Hello from the Worship Ministry!

If you have been watching over the last few months, the worship ministry has undergone a number of changes. Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, it has been our goal to find ways to continue our fellowship with one another. The primary medium that we have used is what is now called the “At Home Service.”

I don’t know if you were with us from the beginning, but the online service has come a long way since since then. At that point we were using an app and filming the services on iPads, which are not notorious for their camera quality. We tried just about everything. Or at least something completely different each week. We filmed in the Gathering Place, on the stage, off of the stage, with an audience, and without an audience. We both prerecorded music and then attempted to mix it live for the livestream. We really have tried everything to make online worship worth engaging.

Although it’s no replacement for meeting in-person, for worship and preaching, it has become increasingly clear that the online “At Home” service is here to stay. We simply have too many church members who are unable to come that we are still responsible to shepherd, and the online service has increasingly become the “preview” for people who are looking for a church home.

For this reason, we have turned the new entrance on the south side of the worship center into an audio/video room. This change allowed us to have both the sound booth and the video computers together in the same place. We also invested in some different sound and video equipment to improve our online and in-person presence. In laymen’s terms, we purchased some cameras and computer software that enables us to run the cameras and audio at the highest possible quality.

If you aren’t interested in the technical side of what we have done, feel free to stop reading. I wanted to give a little insight, though, into the different ways that we have improved both the online and in person gatherings.

First, we made a change in the connections to our projectors and side TV’s from a Coax to VGA chain to an SDI to HDMI chain. This massively improved the video quality that you see on Sunday mornings. The projector and side TV’s have a much brighter and clearer picture.

Second, we bought three 4k Cameras and a video switcher. If you watch the “At Home Service,” these cameras provide an amazingly clear picture for both the music and sermon. We also purchased what is called a Dante Virtual Soundcard enabling us to run all of our audio on Cat-6 cabling instead  of the traditional XLR cabling. This (1) takes all of the buzz/static out of the audio chain, and (2)  enables us to record our worship into a program called “Pro Tools.” Pro Tools is the best recording software on the market. If you go back a few weeks before we started using the software and compare that recent livestreams, there is a massive improvement in quality. This is important because worshiping at home is already hard. With these improvements, people are more likely to actually engage God in worship “at home,”

This really only touches the surface. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out and ask. With this increase in technology, we also have an increase in the need for volunteers. If you’d like to serve, email me at taylor@broadview.church. 

I sincerely want to thank you for your generosity during this difficult season. Obviously this has been a tumultuous time, but your faithfulness has allowed us to adapt & explore what future ministry at Broadview is going to look like. Our mission and vision have not changed, and we are excited for what the Lord will continue to do among us.

Taylor Miller

Traditional Worship

Broadview’s ministry for traditional and senior adult worship, like all the ministries at Broadview, was rocked by COVID and has undergone many changes in the past few months. As we transitioned to an online presence in mid-March, I set up a Facebook page for our Traditional Worship Choir to keep us all connected. A handful of us that could have also been meeting consistently throughout the spring and summer over Zoom at our normal choir time to check in on each other and pray for one another.

I also created a new resource on the church website, called “Singin’ With The Saints.” This page provides resources for worship through YouTube videos, as well as insight on many of our most loved hymns and Psalms (the original worship songs.) I have added to the page sparingly but in September I plan to create a more regular schedule on updating the page with new hymns, Psalms, and music videos.

We also are starting to tentatively move forward into the fall with in-person choir gatherings! Our first one is Wednesday September 2nd and is more of a hymn sing than a rehearsal, so we can get reacquainted with singing together. All members will be safely distanced and masks will be required. If this works, we will continue meeting and transition into a more formal rehearsal setting. If you’re interested in joining a traditional/southern gospel choir, come join us on Wednesdays at 5:30pm!

Our first priority is the safety and wellbeing of our members and guests, and yet we know music and singing is an important aspect of worship for many Christians and hope to provide safe ways to worship the Lord as a church family. This time of trial has reminded me more and more of the importance of our faith family and coming together as the body of Christ, and I look forward to exploring new ways to do that in this time.

Griffin Jones

WOMEN’S MINISTRY

We are so excited about reconnecting!  If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it is that we are better together! Broadview Women’s Ministry has several events planned for this fall semester!  Stay tuned for more details and information about each of these events coming soon!  Also, you can find us on Facebook at Broadview Baptist Women’s Ministry.

Women’s Bible Study starts September 9, 2020

Wednesdays at 10:00 AM or 6:30 PM

We will be studying Psalm 23.

Register online.  Books are $10.00

Women’s Fall Retreat

Saturday, October 24, 2020

One day only at Broadview 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Cost is $15.00 and includes lunch.

Deadline to Register is October 16, 2020

Register at broadview.life/retreat

Coffee and Dessert Night

Friday, November 6, 2020

6:30-8:00

Christmas Brunch

Saturday, December 5, 2020

10:00-12:00

S.A.L.T. Sisters Abiding in Light and Truth 

BROADVIEW WEST UPDATE

God will constantly test us through interruption and the needs of others. We must be ready to discern and answer those interruptions. – Detrich Bonhoeffer. We have been interrupted haven’t we? Since April the norm has been moved to the “I’m not sure but God has been faithful.”

God’s people have been faithful through all this too, through His power and presence. Over the last few months and through the summer we have had to change some things. As is the goal of most churches we are called to worship, disciple, equip & reach out to our community.

Of course it’s a little hard with a pandemic going on but it didn’t stop us. T.A. McMahon wrote; For the believer in Jesus, every trial of suffering is an opportunity to grow in the faith, to grow in our relationship with the Lord, and to see Him work in our lives in a uniquely personal way.

We have tried to continue to reach out to our community with teams that walk and pray. Understandably, many of our neighbors don’t won’t visitors so we left “God Promise” books/gospel tracts at their gates and had a chance to pray with some. I am very thankful for those who are willing to walk the streets and share the love of Christ with our community.

Our church family has been faithful also in loving and sharing the gospel with family and co-workers, we have had several professions of faith and baptisms. There has been stories of how families have come together and have had victories over struggles in their lives.

Not everything has been smooth though, especially when Judy and I came down with the Covid 19 (people love you, but don’t won’t to be close to you). We are very thankful for our Broadview family for the prayer and support they have given over the many years and the last few months. Many in our faith family have struggled during this time but because of your generosity and love we are able to help.

Continue to pray please, we have much work left to do and not sure what the future will hnew but we do know Who hnews the future. Thank you Lord and thank you church family.

Pastor Vernon Ferguson

WEST CAMPUS KIDS MIN

WOW! What a year it has been. We entered into a pandemic (covid-19) which caused us to shut down. But to God be the glory the church isn’t just 4 walls. Throughout the time of the lock down, we did several videos to keep our church members engaged. Pastor Vernon did sermons and devotionals via Facebook.

Since we couldn’t meet in person this was a great way to keep our members engaged and in the word. We had several members who also did devotionals via Facebook. Facebook has been our friend throughout this crazy time.

By the grace of God, we are now able to meet in person and fellowship together. For the first couple of weeks we just meet for services at 10:30. Praise the Lord we have recently started small groups at 10:00 along with our normal service. Which we are blessed to do so. We are steady figuring out ways that we can invite the community to church. We have several outreach events planned to do so.

For kids and youth ministry we have planned an outreach popsicle parade to let the community know that we are kicking off Wednesday nights on the 9th of September. We are so excited to have our kids back in the building teaching and loving on them. We envision Starting the Kids ministry by letting them know that God created them to be creative.

They will learn to imagine what they could do because they are made in Gods image. To let them know that there’s no limit to God’s creativity. To show them that they can trust God no matter what.

We want each child that comes through our church doors to know that they are loved. We are so excited to see what God has in store for the kid’s ministry this semester. Our vision for the youth group is to teach and instill in them that they have to own their own faith. So that when they leave the youth group, they have that foundation to sustain their faith.

We want our students to be able to stand up for their faith if they need to. We are so blessed to be able to start the semester back with our kids from the community. We are hopeful that not only we reach the kids in the community but the adults as well. Be in prayer with us as we kick off Wednesday nights and as we go out to reach the community.

– Tonya Holland –

YOUTH MINISTRY UPDATE

In 2 Timothy 4:2, Paul admonished Timothy to, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season.” Paul was reminding Timothy that the task of ministry is not done in the safety of one’s comfort. The past few months have been challenging. But through the challenges, God has been faithful. Like a hurricane, the pandemic exposed us, and like a good teacher, it taught us how to do better, and what matters most.

To rise to the challenge of ministering to our students, various methods and approaches were implemented. We had social media devotionals, Zoom meetings and a study series via Zoom. I also started Sunday evening devotional videos (you can them find on YouTube or Facebook). We had some of our leaders send videos encouraging our students. We also attempted Instagram Live and a movie night; both of which were unsuccessful. We were able to meet twice in the summer for an ice-cream, pizza, and games hangout, and we also had a swim party before there was a spike of COVID-19 in Abilene, and we had to suspend other plans we had for the summer. 

Challenges

It was challenging to stay connected with our students during these past months. Interest for most of our online events was inconsistent at best. When we met in person during the summer, we had more students show up than we anticipated. This revealed that student’s preference is towards in person gatherings. Their understanding of social media, and its usage, differs from our attempts to use the platform as means for discipleship. Also, I learnt that online interactions are possible and better done, when there is an existing in-person interaction. It was hard to measure the effectiveness of what was done.

Areas of Growth and Plans into the Future

The experiences of the past months reveal certain areas that we can improve as a ministry. First, we are going to make our ministry deeper; teaching deep theology, to give our students a good grounding and foundation in God’s word. We are reminded how fragile and illusionary the idea of control is. If our students need anything, it is to have what it takes to stand on their own in the midst of any storm. Secondly, we will work to create a better culture that will enhance healthy relationships and interactions amongst students. Thirdly, we will work to implement a student leadership team. This is important because we will consciously pour into those that will be able to interact and engage other students, thus bridging context and meeting students where they are. Fourthly, we will work towards a creative use of social media to reach and enhance student’s walk with God.

Final Thoughts

We are now back to having our in-person gatherings. While things are not the same, we are grateful that we can have a semblance of normal. We will continue to work hard to reach students with the unchangeable Word in a constantly changing culture. I will invite you to consider encouraging your child to be a part of the student ministry. There is no foundation that is sure, and no place safe, outside the arms of Jesus Christ. He is the way, He is the Truth, and He is the Life (John 14:6).

Joseph Tobias

Student Pastor

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY UPDATE

The Lord gave us a year we will never forget for sure. We have seen God work in many ways especially our time of shutdowns due to Covid19. In April we came together as a staff to seek wisdom from the Lord to learn how to do online services for our families. This was very new and to be honest hard for me as I am not a fan of the camera. We invaded your homes with services that included crafts, worship, and bible story. Some days there were more bloopers than you can imagine as we made these videos.

In May we made the decision to cancel VBS, mission trips, and church camps. I know for many this was a sad time and a hard decision to make on our end. The church was never truly shut down, we just had to adjust to a different time. We found different ways to stay connected to our families and our kids.

We heard many stories from families of how homeschool and church at home was so different and hard for some. Then summer hit (and parents said AMEN)!!!

For the kids ministry, summer looked nothing like it did in the past: we tried to plan things, but we had to cancel them all! We did a drive by grab bag and prayer. This was such a special time to see our families and pray for them as they started school. We had a swim gathering at the pool and got to see the kids excited to have fun and seeing some of their volunteers was a treat. We prayed and prayed and sought the Lord’s wisdom to slowly open our Sunday services again.

July 26  we began to have one service for kids and our hearts were so full as we saw God bring more and more families back each week. Here we are in September and we have fully returned to our new normal.  Throughout this time we were able to see you take on the role of teacher and discipler of your kids.

So as James 1:2-4 reminds us, “Count it all joy, my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

We have seen the Lord work in so many good ways even through the hard times. God is Good!!! For more info on how to get involved in the children’s ministry email ora@broadview.church

– Ora Morrison –

PRESCHOOL UPDATE

What a wild and exciting ride this year has been so far! In March, we not only had a transition of leadership, but we were also impacted by a global pandemic that changed how and where we did ministry for preschool children. Looking back, I cannot thank God enough for stretching us, providing for us, and allowing us to continue to serve our preschoolers and their families through drive-thru activities, livestream services, and engaging on social media.

We were also able to do some needed construction during this time that allows for a more open and inviting welcome area, as well as a new “mother’s room.” At the end of July, we re-opened our in-person Preschool Ministry and God is continuing to bring more and more families each week! Franklin, our favorite turtle mascot, is also happier than ever to have his preschool friends back!

We are thrilled for the future of this ministry and have exciting things planned! We are going to continue working on making the Preschool Welcome Area bright and inviting for the children and their families. New curriculum and a new logo will also inspire and serve as a reminder of our main goal for this ministry: Preschoolers growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. Preschoolers who are excited about Jesus and His abundant love for them!

Contingent on current health recommendations, we are also going to start hosting events that encourage families to come together and fellowship while allowing their children to enjoy exciting, age-appropriate activities. We want this ministry to not only disciple children, but also equip and encourage the whole family as well.

With all of these exciting things coming, and our ministry continuing to grow each week, we are needing more volunteers! For more information on how to get involved with this ministry, you can email Tiffany@Broadview.church.

Tiffany Lohse

BLESS THE CITY UPDATE

This year has definitely been different for everyone since COVID-19 has entered our midst. We’ve had to learn to do things a little differently than before. We live in a world of unknown and change anyway. Though there is one thing that will never change, and that is God our Father. We can have faith knowing that He is the one carrying us in this life.

I know for me personally; I always try to focus on the positive of any situation. The enemy is always trying to bring division. All that is happening has only pushed us to become more creative in loving and reaching people.

Our church has the most loving and devoted people.  They persevere in being the hands and feet of Jesus to our church and in our city. Here are a few things that have taken place this year.

We started by loving our neighbors & complying with the limited shelter in place/mask mandate. We also mobilized our church to pray for our city, its leaders and all the front line workers. Many people went around to specific locations in our city just praying. Our police department, first responders, healthcare workers, city officials, the grocery industry, the trucking industry, senior living facilities, closed businesses, churches, schools, and other key locations in our community.

There was a church-wide participation in writing letters with words of love, encouragement, and prayers to respiratory therapists, prison unit counselors and chaplains, and our home ministry. Over 250 letters were sent out. A few members of our church would go shopping or take care of any needs someone may have among our high-risk population. If there was a family in crisis, people loved on them, provided support, meals, and any thing else they needed.

There were tons of masks made and donated to our church by members. That alone was very thoughtful and appreciated. Lots of love and time went into the mask production. Volunteers made it possible to serve appreciation dinners for staff at the Fire Station,  Hendrick Birthplace, and the Taylor County Jail. Overall, we fed about 200 people.

Broadview also donated 200 Bible Promise books to all 4 units in the Hendrick Birthplace at the Hospital. The NICU, mother baby unit, labor and delivery, and pediatrics. Bible promise books were also set up to grab at the Taylor County Jail as well.

Church members donated & installed a window unit for a fellow member. A wheelchair ramp was built for a member at their new home. A home with broken windows was also repaired because of volunteers who stepped up to the plate to meet the need.

All this probably doesn’t even touch the surface of everything that is continually happening behind the scenes. Our people are always busy being the hands and feet of Jesus.

Broadview has a whole church of loving people ready and willing to do the will of God in their lives. I truly believe if Broadview was gone tomorrow it would be deeply missed by people in our community. It’s a true blessing to belong to such a loving, mission-minded, Jesus-serving, obedient church. Join me in praying for continued unity and strength around the mission God has called us to fulfill..

-Bonnie Barlow-

THE NUMBERS AT A GLANCE

WORLD MISSIONS

Balance 12/1/19 $19,886.84

Income: $30,131.28

Expenditures:

IMB (Lottie Moon) $10,000

NAMB (Annie Armstr) $1,500

Texas (Mary Hill Davis) $1,000

Reach TX $1,000

Run Summit $3,000

Church Partnerships $26,891.16

Balance 8/25/20 $13,680.38

GENERAL FUND

Income

Offerings $650,896.22

PPP loan $107,766.00

Budgeted Expenses $567,411.00

Balance 8/25/20 $144,348.63

FAMILY CRISIS FUND

Balance 1-1-20 $11,005.71

Income $24,462.08

Balance $22,254,94

Ministry: We have helped 20 families with $13,212.85 financial assistance.

NEW MEMBERS

YTD BAPTISMS: 6 adults, 3 youth, 4 children.

TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP: 12 adults.

Total: 25 new members.