“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ has forgiven us” Ephesians 4:32.

Spring Mission Project - Blood Drive - March 10^th 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

The Evangelism/Outreach Team was excited to announce a Spring Mission Campaign to share the Good News of Jesus Christ to our neighbors.  The Team announced a blood drive hosted by the church.  They organized the missionaries of this church (that's you) to canvass the local neighborhoods to invite them to participate.

Meeting our neighbors will gave us an opportunity to get to know them better and for them to learn about us.  Who knows when you ask someone to give a pint of life saving blood you may even have a chance to share about the soul cleansing power of the blood of Jesus Christ!  Missionaries canvassed the neighborhoods; volunteers moved furniture at the church on to make room for the American Red Cross equipment and then to restored things after the drive; and of course, donors  gave Blood, 35 pints of Blood.  Thanks to all!

Celebrate, Celebrate!  -  Sunday, November 19th was a Day of Celebration for all of us as we celebrated what God has done in us and through us in out 40 Days of Community journey.  Truly, we are better together!  We capped our celebration with an all-church dinner and gala.   Dinner was followed with a program to  relive our stories, celebrate God's work, and rejoice in changed lives.  Nursery care was provided.  Jesus and the early church had some of their best times at the dinner table.  We are doing the same!

Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food and Warm Coat Collection

We collected non-perishable food items and your used warm coats on Tuesday October 31^st Halloween Night.  Wow, what a great response from the community.  We went to over 400 homes in the neighborhoods around the church.

Two van loads of good donations went to the Faith Baptist Church Food Bank and the Jonesville Food Pantry for distribution.

Well over 200 Warm Coats went to the First Baptist Church in Troy for distribution.

Thank You For Helping Your Neighbors!

All church Picnic  June 11

The picnic immediately followed the church service.  There was food, fellowship and games!  Water Slide, Bouncy-bounce, water games and more!

Mission Trip  -- June 25^th through July 1^st

Takin' a Ride on the Reading       Our team headed to the Group Workcamp In Reading, PA.  We Had 8 Teens and 5 Adults signed up for the trip. 

We traveled to Alvernia College to stay for a week in their dorms.  During the day we split up into teams to work on homes belonging to the poor, elderly or handicapped in the inner city of Reading.  We painted indoors or outdoors, built a ramp for a handicapped person, repaired porches and any other repairs needed to the homes.  In the evening, there was be worship and fellowship time,  Wednesday was our free day.  We went shopping in the Outlet Capital of the World and visited nearby Hershey.

One Voice  -- Friday April 7th and Saturday April 8th  7 PM

One Voice traces the story of two of the most pivotal figures in the hours following Jesus' death: the man who provided the tomb (Joseph of Arimethea) and the man who helped carry the body (Nicodemus). Together they took Christ from the cross, prepared His body for burial, and entombed Him. Both powerful Pharisees and members of the Sanhedrin, they arrived at their conversions to the Christian faith separately. They remained "secret followers" for some time. This resulted in their partnership during those fateful final days of Christ's earthly ministry. One Voice follows this dramatic, scriptural story that leads to the heart of the Easter events, delivering a powerful message of the necessity of not remaining a "secret follower" in today's dark world.

Certainly one of the boldest statements in the Bible is John the Baptist's lonely declaration that he is one voice crying in the wilderness, "Prepare ye the way of the Lord." Perhaps bolder still was the simple, muted message sent some three years later by two little known Jewish leaders, Joseph of Arimethea and Nicodemus. One awful Sabbath's eve, they took the crucified body of Jesus down from Golgotha's cross, and gave it a proper burial. In this simple act, they told the world that they, too, were followers of Christ. Though Scripture doesn't tell us what happened to them after that, we can only assume that Joseph and Nicodemus lost the privileges of their position and faced the same sufferings as the other believing members of the New Testament Church.

Iron Sharpens Iron  -  Saturday March 18th

A Great Men's Conference presented by Vision New England Men's Ministries entitled "Iron Sharpens Iron" was held at the Loudonville Community Church.  There were over 1000 men from all over New York and New England. Eight men and Pastor Bruce attended from our church. We were deeply blessed by the messages from the session speakers Dr. Steve Farrar, author of the book "Point Man: How a Man can lead his Family" and Dr. Stu Weber, author of the book "Four Pillars of a Man's Heart". There were ten morning and ten afternoon workshops offered that provided us with valuable information to share with our families and brothers-in-Christ.

The cost of registration is $44 per person which includes lunch.  Contact the Karl Hanson or the church office by Monday March 6th.

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner  Sunday March 26

A committee makes up a list for those interested who have signed up. It consists of Hosts and Guests. The hosts volunteer their homes, provide the meat course, and the guests each bring a dish to pass. The only information that the guests receive is what the meat being served at your host's residence is. The hosts do not know who is coming until their guests arrive. They only how many to expect. The guests are asked to provide a part of the meal, and only know that there will be a certain number and do not know where they are going until Sunday morning when they are given a card (not to be opened until later in the day) to tell them where they are going. If you have never attempted this, do plan to do it this year. It will be an experience that you will relish for a long time.

Polynesian Theme Dinner  Saturday February 11th

The Thursday evening small group hosted a fun evening to forget about winter and enjoy dinner and entertainment. Games and prizes, Hula lessons, Island music, tropical beverages, food and dessert were enjoyed by all.

EXCEL 2006 HIGH SCHOOL CONFERENCE -- January 13, 2006 - January 16, 2006

Close to 2000 students and youth leaders from around the Northeast attended YFC's annual student leadership conference. With Monty Hipp, Isaiah Six, Michael Peace, The Nubian Gents...

Senior Dinner - September 18

16 senior citizens attended the wonderful dinner done by the Stefani family and other members who helped cook and serve. The dinner was held following the church service on Sunday, September 18th.

Appetizers served family style, consisted of Shrimp with Seafood Sauce on Cream Cheese and Tomatoes with Basil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil. This was followed by a salad of Fresh massarella, prosciutte and peaches over salad greens and fresh Oranges, sweet onions, olives, cracked pepper salad topped with Feta cheese and extra virgin olive oil.

For the main course, we had a choice of either Roast Pork seasoned with garlic, rosemary and thyme; or Chicken breast, seasoned with sea salt, cracker black pepper, garlic, thyme, paprika, nutmeg and finished with Orange Blossom Honey Glaze. Accompaniments for this was mashed potatoes with sour cream and butter, or Greek rice pilaf with chick peas, olives, dried cherries, golden raisins, almond slivers and mandarin oranges; home made applesauce with cinnamon.

Following all of this, we then had again choices for dessert of three kinds of pie, or home made cheesecake served either plain or with a choice of several toppings.

It was truly a feast and to top off everything else, there were baskets of apples which they offered us to take home with us.

ABC/USA Biennial - Denver Colorado - July 2-3

The theme, “Lift Up Your Eyes” (Psalm 122) was an appropriate one for the mile-high city.  In addition to worshipping with Christians from across the United States, there was be an opportunity to visit with missionaries.  Nora and Pe\ieter Kalkman were be among those present to visit convention goers

Czech Republic Mission Trip - July 17-28

Sixteen people from our church traveled to the Czech Republic to work with our missionaries, Pieter & Nora Kalkman, to help build a new Youth Center across the street from the high school dormitories.  click here.

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner  - May 1

"Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" is an annual fellowship social event that occurs here at CPCBC. This year, there were four hosts with a total of thirty-one people attending. This occasion is enjoyed by all who have ever attended one. The event is an excellent way to meet and learn about some of the members of our Church family.

The committee makes up a list for those interested to sign up. It consists of Hosts and Guests. The hosts volunteer their homes, provide the meat course, and the guests each bring a dish to pass. The only information that the guests receive is what the meat being served at your host's residence is. The hosts do not know who is coming until their guests arrive. They only how many to expect. The guests are asked to provide a part of the meal, and only know that there will be (8 guests this year) and do not know where they are going until Sunday morning when they are given a card (not to be opened until later in the day) to tell them where they are going. If you have never attempted this, do plan to do it next year. It will be an experience that you will relish for a long time.

Pastor's Orientation Class - February 13, 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Topics include: How to be sure; Dealing with our sin problem; How to grow in faith; Finding my niche in church; Baptism; Membership expectations; Who are the Baptists and what do they believe? Led by Pastor Bruce Johnson.

Back to the top

Live Nativity (Indoors) – Sunday December 12     6:00 PM

The Annual Live Nativity was presented Sunday, December 12, at 6:00 PM in our church Sanctuary, a change from previous years' outdoor events.  Approximately 150 people, 50% of which were guests, attended the full scale presentation of the Birth of Christ. A reception afterward which included hot cocoa, coffee, and cookies was enjoyed by everyone

Back to the top

November 21        4:30 PM    40 Days of Purpose Celebration and Dinner

We had a church-wide dinner to finalize and celebrate what God had done in our midst during the 40 Days of Purpose Campaign. After the dinner a final presentation was given which included individual testimonies of how The Purpose Driven Life had affected those who participated.

NYS AB Youth Convention – November 12 – 14

On Nov.12-14 the American Baptist Youth had their annual convention in Syracuse, NY. This event consisted of small groups, games, worship and a talk was given to the youth by Rev. McCarroll. The theme for this year was Road Trip: A Spiritual Journey. The convention showed how we all enter into a spiritual journey in our Christian lives and how we come upon roadblocks on our way. This was organized by the American Baptist Youth Cabinet. The Cabinet consists of dedicated teenagers from grades 10-12. Most recently Christopher Stefani attended the convention and was selected to be part of 2005's new cabinet members. The 2005 convention will held in mid-November in Albany. Please plan to attend.

Back to the top

November 7        "Get in the Game" Ministry Fair

"Get In The Game" was a wonderful way for people in our church to get acquainted with the ministry teams that we offer. The ministry teams that were included at the fair were Men's Ministries, Outreach Ministries - Albany Damien Center (AIDS Ministry), The Eddy (Alzheimer Support) and Divorce Care, Wednesday Morning Bible Study, Tuesday Night Bible Study, Sonshine Gardeners, Music/Choir, Flower Committee, Friendship Circle, Library, Monday Afternoon Intercessory Prayer Group, Drama Ministry, Web Site Committee, Youth Group, Youth For Christ, Board Of Christian Education/Sunday School, Prison Fellowship/Angel Tree, and Fitness. Two guests that shared information were Wycliffe and CABA (Capital Area Baptist Association). Each table had a theme that made it very appealing to meet the members of that team and to learn what skills and time would be required in order to join that team. Putting your time and talents into action is a way to grow, a way to give back to the church, and a way to glorify God.

CABA Meeting – November 6   8:30 AM - 2:00

CABA Fall Gathering and Annual Meeting at Clifton Park Center Baptist Church

CABA hosted The Kalkmans, a missionary couple who spoke on their work in Europe. The Kalkmans gave brief testimonies before explaining the type of work they do. Peter, Nora and their daughter, Nora Elisabeth joined the CABA group for lunch which provided additional time for the attendees to become personally acquainted. After lunch a brief seminar was conducted on "Looking for People to be Transformed" - Guiding Transformation with Rev. Dr. David Olsen. Dr. Olsen is an American Baptist Pastor who currently serves as Director of the Samaritan Counseling Center in Scotia, New York

40 Days Of Purpose - October 24 - November 21

Clifton Park Center Baptist Church studied the 40 Days of Purpose Campaign Topics from Rick Warren's book The Purpose Driven Life. These topics were studied individually for six weeks both in church and in small study groups. The topics were very inspirational and thought provoking. Small groups were strongly encouraged to form deeper relationships with church members as well as new attendees in order to discuss the weekly topics in depth. A total of 125 people participated in this activity.

Week 1: WHAT ON EARTH AM I HERE FOR? (INTRODUCTION)

Week 2: YOU WERE PLANNED FOR GOD'S PLEASURE (WORSHIP)

Week 3: YOU WERE FORMED FOR GOD'S FAMILY (FELLOWSHIP)

Week 4: YOU WERE CREATED TO BECOME LIKE CHRIST (DISCIPLESHIP)

Week 5: YOU WERE SHAPED FOR SERVING GOD (MINISTRY)

Week 6: YOU WERE MADE FOR A MISSION (EVANGELISM)

September 24 - 25, ABWomen's Fall Retreat at Camp of the Woods

Ten women from our church journeyed to Camp Of the Woods for a time of spiritual renewal and Christian fellowship in a joint retreat with CABA  and Adirondack Regions.  The Theme was  "A Life of Prayer Keeps Me Balanced", Scripture:  Jude 24, 25 and Isaiah 54:10, with Devotions presented by Marie Schilling and Ruth Polgreen.  The Keynote Speaker was Ruth Polgreen, National Coordinator of Personal Development Ministries.  For a Mission Project, the group donated 1 Pound Bread Machine Mixes for Baptist Health, Nursing and Rehab Center in Scotia, NY. This is an annual fall retreat and women are invited to participate for the overnite or for the Saturday portion only.

September 19 Luncheon for Seniors (70+)

Back to the top

September 19 7-9 PM Youth-Oriented Worship Service

"Sparks" led by former members of Gravity's Angel. This was a kick-off event for our regular youth group meetings for both Middle School and High School on Sundays at 7:07 PM.
 

September 8, ABWomen's Friendship Circle

Our new year of programs began with a delightful presentation by Brenda France.  She told us of her work in Mongolia and taught us to sing "Jesus Loves Me" in Mongolian.  She has been there several times and is going back again the end of October. We invite you to join us on the 2nd Wednesday each month to learn more about mission opportunities.
 

August 22, Waterfest

As the wrap up for Lava Lava Island and an opportunity for people who were new to Clifton Park Center Baptist to enjoy some fellowship with current members, a great time was had by all. A Bouncy-Bounce, a 40 foot inflated water slide, and a dunk tank kept everyone busy, not to mention wet. A cookout including hot dogs and cotton candy kept tummies full. The event was capped off by a water balloon launch which soaked very few due to poor aim!

Back to the top

August  13 – 15, ABMen of NYS, 72^nd Annual Conference

The American Baptist Men of New York State held their 72^nd Annual Conference at Keuka College on August 13-15.  The theme was “Biblical Leadership in the Life and Ministry of the Church”, scripture:  2 Kings 2:13.  Reverend Dr. Clayton Woodbury, Executive Minister of the American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware was guest speaker. He has over 25 years of experience using Biblical storytelling in the life and ministry of the local church.  Kermit Buckman was the music leader.  Special activities for Youth included a ropes course, swimming and sports.  Workshops are:  Disaster Relief; How to Start a Men’s Group or Rekindle an Existing One; and Biblical Storytelling.  Karl Hanson of Clifton Park Center Baptist Church was named Man of the Year in “recognition of a lifetime of Christian service to church, community and the ABM/NYS.”

July 20-25, Youth Ministry Team from Holland

Church youth and families were hosts to sixteen Dutch youths and leaders from Atlantic Bridge, a cultural exchange program that brings together Europeans and Americans.  They assisted a half dozen of our local teens in beautifying the rear of the town’s Public Safety Building by pulling weeds, spreading mulch and planting bushes.  During their stay they visited the Lake George outlets and beach, attended a play in Albany’s Washington Park and an all-night youth event in Amsterdam.

July 22,  “Fiddler on the Roof”, Play in the Park, Washington Park Playhouse, Albany,

Over 40 church family members and 16 Dutch youths and leaders enjoyed a picnic dinner and fellowship while attending a play in the park in Albany. 

Back to the top

Family Fun Night - Wednesdays, July 7 – August 25

For Teens through Adult - Find Your Niche?  Understanding God's Design for You in the Church.

Summer Bible Study each Wednesday Evening at 7 PM will focus on discovering your Spiritual Gifts, your Personal Style and your God-given Passion.  Pastor Bruce will lead us in study, exercises and video vignettes to explore how God has designed each of us for a unique place of service in Christ's body. 

Bring the kids along - programming for the children is offered at the same time, so bring the whole family!  We will dismiss by 8:30 PM.

Fitness for the Fun of It! (ages 29+) - Thursdays, 7:00 PM (discontinued for winter, will resume in the spring)

This healthy body and fitness program includes short discussions regarding lifestyle, eating habits (the good and bad), pros and cons for dieting.  It doesn't matter if you are tall or short, slim or not so slim, young or old, as long as you are physically able to do some walking.  The age group for this program will begin at age 29 up to age (?).  We will meet on Thursday evenings at 7 o'clock.  Wear comfortable sneakers and clothing and bring a bottle of water.  There will be no competition and everyone will go at his or her own comfortable pace.  No registration necessary.  Just show up. Contact the office for more information.

Mission Trip to Panama City, Panama (Individual youth) - June 28

Brio Magazine, through "Focus on the Family", sponsored this short-term missions trip to Panama City, Panama. The two-week trip began on June 28, 2004 in Miami with training on foreign language phrases, cultural sensitivity and presenting an evangelistic mime.  The group of 900 ministered to people through the drama presentation in parks, orphanages, schools, neighborhoods and churches with follow-up by volunteers from local churches. Also, small teams traveled over two hours by canoe downriver for an overnight visit with the villagers.

Back to the top

Church Picnic – June 27

All those attending an old fashioned church picnic following the worship service on June 17, 2004 had a good time.  Each family brought a picnic basket filled with lunch goodies, and a dessert or salad to share.  There were games for all ages and lots of laughs.  This is an annual event to welcome summer.

ABMen of New York State Rally, “Man to Man Revival 2004” – June 11-12

On June 11 & 12, men from our church attended the American Baptist Men of New York State Men’s Mega Rally at the First Baptist Church of Elmira.  The keynote speaker for the rally was Dr. Tony Campolo, and the theme was “Come With Me and Get Some Rest”, from Mark 6:31.  It was an inspiring time together with exciting worship, fellowship, great teaching and learning how to be a more effective “Man of God”.  Music is by East Bronx Baptist Gospel Choir, Kurios, and a Special Men’s Choir.  Learning labs were offered in Mentoring, Life Style, Evangelism, and Prayer.

Promise Keepers 2004, “The Revolution of a Man’s Soul” – June 4-5

A number of Men and Teens attended Promise Keepers 2004 “Revolution of the Soul” at the Pepsi Arena in Albany. 

Back to the top

Installation of Rev. R. Bruce Johnson, Pastor – May 16

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

--Ephesians 4:11-13 NIV

The installation of Rev. R. Bruce Johnson, M. Div., as Pastor and Teacher was held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 16, followed by a celebration reception and dinner.  Pastor Bruce began his ministry here on Sunday, November 2, 2003.   The church voted unanimously to call Johnson.  In extending the call, church clerk David Free said, “The enthusiastic spirit of our people in accepting the search committee’s recommendation was a joy to us as we hope it will be to him.”

He is the eldest son of Elizabeth Johnson-DuCoin and the late George I. Johnson.  He grew up in the First Baptist Church of Collingswood, New Jersey.

Educated at Drexel University and Eastern College, he earned a Masters Degree from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary.  He was ordained to the gospel ministry on May 4, 1974.  Pastor Bruce has served as campus minister and new church planter, and has pastured churches in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  Active in community life, he has been Red Cross chaplain, Assistant Scoutmaster, camp chaplain, A.Y.S.O. soccer coach, and has led disaster relief trips.  In the wider Baptist family, he has served on various regional committees and task forces, was a trainer in adult education and is a past president of the Ministers Council of the American Baptist Churches of New Jersey (ABCNJ).  His was most recently on the staff of ABCNJ as Consultant for World Mission Support.

CABA Men’s Ministries, “Men on the Right Track” – May 15

Men’s Ministries met at First Baptist Church, Saratoga Springs, at 9:00 AM, Saturday, May 15, for a time of Visioning, Fellowship, Learning and Worship.  Presentations by Dave Cross, President of ABMen/NYS are “Finding the Right Track”, “How to Start a Men’s Group or Rekindle an Existing One”, and “Mentoring 101”.  Sue Cross of Community Baptist Church of Port Dickinson led worship in music.

Back to the top

Back to the top

This page was last updated 10/19/07

[ About Our Church ] [ Church Ministries ] [ Missions ] [ Christian Education ] [ Event Calendar ] [ Meet The Staff ] [ Contact Us ] [ Christian Links ] [ Preschool ] [ Photo Album ] [ Articles ] [ Forms ] [ VBS Home ]

CPCBC

cpcbc@cliftonparkcenterbaptist.org

Copyright Clifton Park Center Baptist Church © 2003 . All rights reserved.