On June 12, 2011, the congregaton honored the teens from Cutting Edge that completed their secondary education and graduated from high school in our area.  During the morning worship service, the graduates wore the cap and gowns from their own school and processed while a brief biographical desciption was given about their accomplishments and their future aspirations.  Pastor Harkey and Youth Director Jeremy Harrrington greeted each graduate and presented them a new study bible from the Cambria Baptist Church congregation in celebration of their accomplishement and in support as they begin the next phase of their life.  “Way to go graduates” 

In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths” Proverbs 3:6

Cutting Edge Event

In the Fall, the teens from Cutting Edge will spend a day at the theme park CEDAR POINT.  Transportation will be provided for this event.  Teens will meet at the Cambria Baptist Church Family Life Center for the A.M. Departure and the P.M. Return.  The event is planned for a one day event.  Students will need to bring money to pay for the entrance fee, money for food, and any extra spending money for snacks, souvenirs, or games inside the park.  Teens also have the option to pack a sack lunch as the group will be meeting for lunch in the middle of the day as one of their check point times.

The day for this event is TBA (To Be Announced) as the best Saturday this Fall for our students is still being determined.  For questions, please contact our Youth Pastor Jeremy Harrington @ cambriabaptistchurch@fontiernet.net or call at (517) 357-4343.

Select this link to see more about Cedar Point Theme Park.  http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/park/rides/coasters/index.cfm

SMASH BASH

Cutting Edge Event

This event is held by local churchs for teens in the fall.  Cutting Edge has attended for the past few years entering a “used” vechile for the competition.  The hosts have had speakers and musical groups that are specific to the teenagers in attendance and create an atmopshere that make it possible for christian teens to invite friends to an interesting event and hear about the Lord.

Pictures from the 2010 Event

YOUTH Pastor- Jeremy Harrington

Jeremy is from Hillsdale and is a graduate of Spring Arbor University.  He was married to his wife Amy in 1994 by Pastor Harkey on the campus of Cambria Baptist Church.  Jeremy and Amy began working with teenagers in 1997 under Trent Kirkland who was the youth pastor from 1994-1997.  Jeremy and Amy continued to work with the teenagers here until January of 1999 when Jeremy moved to Pennsylvania to help a church during a transition between youth pastors.  Jeremy and Amy resumed service back at Cambria in 2000 and have been actively involved since they have returned.   Jeremy was asked to join the staff at Cambria part-time in 2005, and accepted a full time position in 2010.  Jeremy is currently working on his masters degree from Liberty University with a pre-pastoral emphasis.

Jeremy and Amy have three children, Chase age 16 a junior, Clayton 14 a freshman, and Carli 12 a sixth grader.

Jeremy believes in a relationship style approach of ministry.  Jeremy believes this is the same style of leadership that Jesus modeled for us during his earthly ministry.  “We want to give students something to come to, a place to feel loved, and a place to learn about God’s unconditional love towards them.  We want them to not only come to church, but also be involved in church.  We want them to be connected in such a way that when they graduate from high school, they will choose to continue to come to church because they are missed when they aren’t here.” Here are some ways of how we use relationships to build our youth ministry.

R.E.L.A.T.I.O.N.S.H.I.P.S.:

Relational approach

“We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us”.  (1 Thessalonians 2:8)

Encouragement

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing”.  (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Laughter and Celebration

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”  (John 10:10)

Acceptance

“My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism”.  (James 2:1)

Transparency

“I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.  My message and my preaching were not with the wise and pervasive words, but with demonstration of the Spirit’s power”.  (1 Corinthians 2:3-4)

Involvement of students

“Now the body is not made up of one part but of many”.  (1 Corinthians 12:14)

Outreach Orientation

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”. (Matthew 12:14)

Numerical Growth

“Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace.  It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit; it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.”  (Acts 9:31)

Spiritual Growth

“Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God”.  (Hebrews 6:1)

Holy Atmosphere

“In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple to the Lord”.  (Ephesians 2:21)

Intimate

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.  The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective”.  (James 5:16)

Professional

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold”.  (Proverbs 22:1)

Strategic Follow Up

“Be sure to know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds”.  (Proverbs 27:33)

PASTORAL SECRETARY - Chasidy Berlin

Chasidy has lived in Hillsdale County all of her life and is a graduate of Jonesville High School.  She is married to Travis Berlin with whom she has three special blessings Laryssa, (15) a Sophomore, Corryn, (8) a Third grader, and T.J., (6) a first grader, all at Jonesville Schools.  Chasidy has worked in various administrative assistant positions in area businesses but has recently joined the staff at Cambria Baptist Church as secretary.  She has also been active at Cambria in other ministries including AWANA as a Sparkies leader and as Sunday School teacher for 5^th grade children. 

Chasidy says she feelsl very blessed, to have the opportunity to serve the Lord and by the church family at Cambria Baptist and she believes that this is truly “Your place for friends, family and faith.”

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  Romans 8:28

(add Family Picture)

Almost like the race around the world, we set up a race around Hillsdale County for the Cutting EDGE students to take during a Saturday in October. The students break off into teams of Two and are tested physically, mentally, spiritually as they compete for prize donated by the congregation. They have challenging clues that range from bible trivia, cooking challenges, physicals obstacles, changing tires, and eating interesting items (and usually right after lunch).   Each year the race includes a service project. Service project challenges in the past have included making blanket for alpha omega, building dog houses for the humane society, baking goodies for our senior citizens.  One year the race included student undergoing CPR training as one of their challenges.  It is one of their favorite activities and they begin planing and figuring out their team and strategies early. Congregation members volunteer to drive and are selected at random by the first clue. The challenges are also supervised by the congregation so it is a busy day for the entire church and one of our most fun and a great chance for fellowship. Come young and old, there is something for you in the Amazing Race.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Starting Line:  Cambria Baptist Church

2772 Lilac Road

Hillsdale, Michigan 49242

Racers must be in 7th – 12th grade and in teams of two

Advance Registration for Teams contact Jeremy:  cambriabaptistchurch@frontiernet.net or call (517)357-4343

No Entry Fee

      The Race Needs Many Volunteers & Donations from the Congregation to be a Success this Year and an outreach to our area Teens

Contact Deb Litzenberg @ deborahlitzenberg@yahoo.com for information, donations, and to sign-up for one of the following:

Drivers needed for each team

Locations (Homes)  Needed for Lunch and Dinner

Locations (Homes) needed for each Activity site

Adults needed for each clue site

Parents/Adults Food donation for Lunch & Dinner

Adults needed to assist with set-up/clean-up for Lunch

Adults needed to assist with set-up/clean-up for Dinner

Adults needed to assist with prize and clue preparation on Friday evening, October 14, 2011

Donations of Prizes needed – If possible donate in pairs so donated items can be given to teams.

Previous donated prize items:  Candy/Gum, sport drinks, gift certificates (cards) to restaurants or fast food or pizza, small electronic/toy, school supplies, gadgets, headphones, sports equipment/toys, small games…

THANK YOU to our generous congregation and friends for making this such a great event each year.  The teens look forward to the race and start their strategies early in anticipation.

Pictures from the 2009 & 2010  AMAZING RACE Days

Held on Saturday, August 27, 2011

Pot Luck Lunch

1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. enjoy activities and Fellowship

Egg Toss

Goliath – Rock Climbing Wall

Swimming

Paddle Boats

High Swing

Rip-Line

Volleyball

Basketball

Playground

Transportation was provided from different activity sites for seniors or those disabled.

Many of the congregation and friends enjoyed the Labor Day picnic last summer in 2010.  Take a look and see the fun….

We hope you were able to come and enjoy our church pot-luck and picnic activities.  Never be concerned if you are not able to bring a passing dish as the Lord always provides enough for each of us to enjoy.  We hope to see you at our next event so we can have some time to fellowship with you.

STATEMENT OF FAITH

We Believe:

 - the Bible (Holy Scriptures) is the divinely inspired Word of God and is authoritative in all matters of Christian faith and practice

-  there is one God eternally existent in three persons:  the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who is the Creator and Sustainer of all things.

- in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ , His virgin birth, His sinless life, His atoning death on the cross, His bodily resurrection, and His ascension to the right hand of the Father.

- that God created man to glorify and enjoy fellowship with Him, but man in the person of Adam, sinned against God, thus making each of us, his descendants, sinners.  This sin is so ingrained in us that without God’s help there is nothing we can do to redeem ourselves from His judgments.

- that because of this sin, Jesus Christ is the only Savior of mankind.  Men and women, boys and girls are reborn through genuine repentance and personal faith in Him.

- in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit to convict, teach, guide and enable Christians to live a godly life.

- that the church is composed of believers in Jesus Christ.  He is the Head and the source of its life.  The Church, Christ’ body, exists to bring glory to Jesus Christ and to accomplish His purpose.

- in the literal, personal and glorious return of Jesus Christ.

 - in the bodily resurrection of the dead.  The believer will experience everlasting blessedness and joy in the glory with the Lord, while the unbeliever will encounter judgment and everlasting conscious punishment.

God Loves YOU…

“For God so loved the world (you) that He gave His one and only Son, that Whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16

All Have SINNED…

        “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  Romans 3:23

 Sin Earns DEATH…     

   “For the wages of sin is death (separation from GOD)…” Romans 3:23 a

Christ Died for Your SIN…

        “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:8

Christ Came To Give You LIFE…

        “…but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord,”  Romans 6:23b

        (Christ speaking) “I have come that they might have life, and have it abundantly.”  John 10:10

The Simple Path to SALVATION…

“If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”  Romans 10:9

        “If you confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and will purify us from all unrighteousness.”  I John 1:9

 Your Existence is ETERNAL…

        “A time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out, those who have done good (accepted Christ as savior) will rise to live, and those who have done evil (rejected Christ will rise to be condemned.”

1. God’s Purpose…Peace and Life

God loves you and wants you to know Him so He can fill you  with peace and give you real life — forever.

The Bible says: Because of our Lord Jesus Christ, we live at peace with God (Romans 5:1) God loved the people of this world so much that He gave His only son, so that  everyone who has faith in Him will have eternal life and never die (John 3:16).

Jesus said:  “I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest” (John 10:10).

Since God planned for us to have peace and real life right now, why are so many people hurting or angry inside?

2. Our Problem…Separation From God

God created us in His own image so we can know Him  personally and have a joy-filled life. He did not make us as robots to  automatically love and obey Him, but gave us a will and a freedom of choice.  Since the beginning of time, we have chosen to disobey God and go our own  willful way. We still make this choice today. This results in separation from  God and ends in misery.

The Bible says:  All of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s holiness (Romans 3:23).
The result of unforgiven sin is death. But God’s gift is eternal life given by Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23).

The Bible says that disobeying God results in being separated from Him.

Our attempts can never unite us with God. Through the ages, people have tried many ways to bridge this gap and reach God — without success.

The Bible says: Adam sinned, and that sin brought death into the world. Now everyone has sinned, and so everyone must die (Romans 5:12).
You may think you are on the right road and still end up dead (Proverbs 14:12).

There is only one way to reach God.

3. God’s Remedy…The Cross

Jesus Christ is the only answer to this problem. He is the only One who can bring us back to God. He died on the Cross and rose from the grave, paying the penalty for our sin and bridging the gap between God and people.

The Bible says: There is only one God, and Christ Jesus is the only one who can bring us to God (1 Timothy 2:5).

Christ died once for our sins. An innocent person died for those who are guilty.  Christ did this to bring you  to God (1 Peter 3:18).
But God showed how much He loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful (Romans 5:8).

God has provided the only way — we must make the choice.

4. Our Response…Give Ourselves to Christ

We must trust Jesus Christ to forgive our sins and determine to obey Him for the rest of our lives. That way we can know God and find peace again.

The Bible says: So you will be saved, if you honestly say, Jesus is Lord, and if you believe with all your heart that God raised Him from death. God will accept you and save you, if you truly believe this (Romans 10:9-10).

Is there any good reason why you cannot turn your life over to Jesus Christ right now?

How to give your life to Christ:

1. Admit you are a sinner and need forgiveness.

2. Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the Cross and rose from the grave.

3. Through prayer, confess that Jesus Christ is the only way to God and commit to live for Him for the rest of your life.

Frequently Asked Questions?

 This link answers many of the questions that you may have about your life, Faith, God and Salvation.

• Is Jesus the only way to Salvation?  http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/BibleStudyAndTheology/discipleship/Why_Jesus.aspx
• Why do bad things happen to good people? http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/churchandministry/evangelism/Jones_BadThings.aspx
• If God is loving, Why is There So Much Pain in This Life? ttp://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/churchandministry/evangelism/Strasheim_pain.aspx
• Why Can’t I get to God through Other Religions? http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/churchandministry/evangelism/Burns_OtherReligions.aspx
• View More Questions  http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/questionsaboutgod/

Would you like to give your life over to Jesus Christ right now?

Jesus is the only One who can bring us back to God. The Bible says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” To give your life to Christ, pray the following prayer and accept Jesus as your Savior:

What to Pray

Dear Lord Jesus,

I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I believe that You died on the cross for my sins and rose  from the grave to give me life. I know You are the only way to God. So now I want to quit disobeying You and start living for You. Please forgive me, change my life and show me how to know You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Congratulations!  When you become a follower of Jesus heaven celebrates and rejoices with you!

May God bless you with His peace and joy!  The Bible describes how there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when you committed your life to God !

What do you do now?

As you draw close to God, He will  teach you His ways and give you His strength. Below we list some practical  steps you can take to come closer to God and to allow Him to guide you.

Important Next Steps

We would love to hear from you about your decision to receive Jesus.  OR  I just prayed to receive Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord I gave my life to Jesus Christ before and would like to  rededicate my life to Him.

Could you let us know so that we can pray for you and provide you with information on how to grow in your relationship with God?

1. Send Pastor Harkey an email at cambriabaptistchurch@frontiernet.net or call at 517-357-4343.  Pastor will arrange to mail you information about your new faith, email you, call, visit you locally, or assist you in finding a local church.

2. Know that you are forgiven

Once you have given your life to Christ the Bible, God’s Word, says:

You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better that we deserve. This is God’s gift to you, and you have done nothing on your own (Ephesians 2:8).

For those who put their faith in Jesus: He gave them the right to be the children of God… God Himself was the One who made them His children (John 1:12-13).

3. Prayer

It is important to spend time in prayer every day. Just as you can not grow without eating food each day, so your  must be fed in order for growth to occur in our walk with the Lord. The good news is that as children of God we have access to His presence any time we need it. You actually have the right to come before God and to share with Him your intimate thoughts, desires and fears. Prayer is simply talking to your heavenly Father.

 

4. Bible Reading

The Bible is the main way God has chosen to tell us about Himself. Learning what God says in the Bible is a very important part of your new life. As you read His Word, ask God to show  you how various passages apply to your life.

A good place  to start your study is in the Gospel of John in the New Testament.  Find an easy-to-read, modern translation like the New Living  Translation (The Book),  the New American Standard Bible, or the New King James Version Bible.    All are available in most book stores.

Memorize These Verses

“What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

“I write this to you who believe in the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13).

5. Fellowship

6. Grow in Your Relationship with Christ

Once you have accepted Christ as your savior and begin to engage in regular prayer, Bible reading and get plugged into a local Church, it is important develop a deeper, personal relationship with Christ. “Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love” (2 Peter 1:3-8).

The Bible says that we are to “to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4: 1-3). God wants us to grow in our “knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).

The Apostle Paul wrote this about his spiritual growth: “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me” (1 Corinthians 13:11).

TOPIC LINKS

•Life as a New Believer    http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/CBNTeachingSheets/NewHorizons.aspx

•Understanding Biblical Repentance  http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/CBNTeachingSheets/promises_repentance.aspx

•God’s Promises about Sin and Redemption  http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/CBNTeachingSheets/promises_sin_redemption.aspx

•Receiving Mercy  http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/CBNTeachingSheets/promises_receiving_mercy.aspx

•Choosing a Church  http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/CBNTeachingSheets/Choosing_A_Church.aspx

•Articles about Jesus & Salvation  http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/CBNTeachingSheets/index.aspx?wt.svl=splmenu#Jesus

•Articles about Eternal Life  http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/CBNTeachingSheets/index.aspx?wt.svl=splmenu#Eternal

LIFELINE MINISTRIES

Churches Working Together the Way God Intended

LIFELINE  is a joint ministry of several churches from southern Hillsdale county.  Lifeline exists to help meet the physical needs of area families  in need.    LIFELINE serves dozens of families every week, providing them with inexpensive clothing  and free food.

LIFELINE is open each Tuesday from 8:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.  and is located on the campus of

New Hope Church is located north of Camden at

5051 W Montgomery Rd

Right next to Camden-Frontier Schools

If you would like more information about LIFELINE at New Hope Church,

you can contact them by:  Telephone: (517) 368-5454  Email:  Church Office Email

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The website for LIFELINE is:  http://www.youhavenewhope.com/ministries/lifeline

The congregation at Cambria Baptist Church is supporting LIFELINE by collecting items for the food bank that are always needed but are not purchased by the food bank.  These donated items can be delivered directly to LIFELINE or dropped off at Cambria Baptist Church for delivery to the food bank.  This a list of the needed items.

Elbow Macaroni

Peanut Butter

Saltine Crackers

Instant Oatmeal

Canned Pineapple

Pancake Syrup

Shampoo

Deodorant

Toothpaste

Toilet Paper

Bar Soap

Dish Soap

LIFELINE is always in need of children’s clothing and accepting all clothing.  However, they are no longer accepting household items or appliances.

Here are some articles or links to articles and website entries about events or people at Cambria Baptist Church.  If you have a link that should be added, send it to cambriabaptistchurch@frontiernet.net attention “website” and we will add it our “Praise the Lord” list.  It is a blessing how many ways the Lord uses people willing to serve Him with whatever gifts He has provived in service to Him.

A Tribute to Pastor & Mrs. Harkey – 40 Years at Cambria Baptist Church! Pastor by Tim Van Loh, Grove Bible Church 3/10/2011

http://www.grovebiblechurch.org/1/post/2011/3/a-tribute-to-pastor-mrs-harkey-40-years-at-cambria-baptist-church.html

A Faithful Teacher, A tribute to Mrs. Jan Harkey by Jane Pierpont

http://jane.wpatch.com/2008/11/11/a-faithful-teacher/

“Forty Years of Ministry”

Cambria Baptist Church celebrating Pastor Don Harkey
Ben Hocking ben.hocking@hillsdale.net

3/5/2011 Hillsdale Daily News

Pastor Donald Harkey said he didn’t have much of an idea what he was doing when he came to the small Baptist church in Cambria at the age of 27.  “I was really green and I made my fair share of mistakes,” he said, remembering the time he moved into a small home in
Cambria.   Harkey said he and his wife Jan moved in on an extremely stormy day in 1971.

“We joked about putting the dog on top of the covers so the covers wouldn’t blow off.” he said. “We were in a primitive house at that time without any insulation.” Harkey weathered that storm and many others and will celebrate his 40-year anniversary Sunday as the pastor of Cambria Baptist Church. A special service celebrating the career of the longtime leader and his wife will begin at 11 a.m. with a dinner to follow at the church.

Under Harkey’s guidance the church has blossomed from a small gathering of less than two dozen members to a full-blown spiritual complex.  The ministry now has pew seating for up to 450 worshipers, including room for a choir. The church went from uncarpeted and unfinished, to having a basement lined with Sunday school rooms and a gym facility next door. The church has members who attend from across the county, with some traveling as far as Ohio and Indiana.

“Back then the church was really small,” he said. “I think the first Sunday I was here we had 20-some members. The church started growing and we eventually ran out of room.” Harkey attributes the success of his church to strong involvement in youth and family programs over the years, especially the Awana program, which draws 150 kids on Wednesday night. He said the children in
the program receive points they can redeem for good behavior, such as household chores.

“It’s a Christian version of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts,” Harkey said. “That program really sells itself.  It’s built more every year.” Harkey said he is brought back year after year by the satisfaction he gets out of helping those in need of guidance.

“I enjoy being there for people when they are in distress,” said Harkey, who routinely visits the hospital to tend to members of his ministry. “Being part of people’s lives is what I really enjoy. It’s been an exciting ride.”

Cambria Baptist Church opens annual Easter play tonight.  “My Cross runs through Sunday”  4/21/2011

http://www.hillsdale.net/entertainment/arts/x1520793561/Cambria-Baptist-Church-opens-annual-Easter-play-tonight

13th Annual has evangelistic message, Amy Bell, Hillsdale Daily News,   4/9/2009

http://www.hillsdale.net/local_news/x1931066744/13th-annual-show-has-evangelistic-message

Enormous Easter musical provides drama and music

Nancy Hastings, Hillsdale Daily News, April 5, 2007

An Easter musical portray-ing the story of Christ will be held beginning Thursday.  A total of four performances of “Follow Him” are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, at the Cambria Baptist Church, 2722 Lilac Road, Hillsdale.

The musical will also be presented at 7 p.m. Good Friday, and Saturday. On Easter Sunday the final presentation will be made at 10 a.m. Admission is free, but seating is first come, first served.

Director Dawn Sigler-Miller said the large musical features more than 100 singers plus cast and crew. Others involved are the technicians, stage crew, costume crew, set design and props crew. Also included are prayer partners and child care providers

This year marks the 11th time Sigler-Miller and her husband, Warren Miller, have directed the annual Easter presentation. Both are choral directors at East Jackson Community Schools. Also directing is Deb Simmons who leads the children’s choir.

“Last year we had over 1,400 people attend,” Sigler-Miller said. “Having a Thursday and Friday perfor-mance enables people who have events to attend at their own churches the opportunity to come. The Sunday perfor-mance is for our home church and for those who have no place to worship.”

“Deb and Dave Simmons worked on the creative part of the set, 13 levels in all,” Sigler-Miller said. “They figure out what materials to use to cover the mountains and other scenery. This year the boat, where Peter appears, is really done up right.”Larry Fall, head of construction and his assistant, Steve Dewey, have been instrumental in the set design, she added.   Costume designer Brenda Lemke had the challenge of creating water out of children’s costumes, 26 in all.

Warren Miller portrays Jesus, his fifth year to portray him. ”Randy Lemke, who plays Peter, is very much a lead part as he does many
solos and speaking parts,” Sigler-Miller said. “His depth of emotional and physical acting is really good. He has to cry through a song on his knees. Usually there’s not a dry eye in the audience.”

“Pastor Harkey has ministered at Cambria Baptist Church and in Hillsdale County for 36 years,” Sigler-Miller said. “He has a vision to reach people and he has a heart for people and what they need.”  Sigler-Miller lauded Pastor Don Harkey’s support to the production and his long-standing presence at Cambria Baptist Church.

“Our prayer is that people in our community will use it (musical ) to invite other people to come, so that they may have the Lord in their life,” she said. “And for those that do, that they may be refreshed by uplifting their spirit of praise to our creator and Savior.”

Church’s Easter celebration delivers music and drama
Nancy Hastings, Hillsdale Daily News, April 12, 2006