2015 report- EAL 2pages only version

In Loving Memory
The following saints of the
Clifton Park Baptist Church
family departed from us in 2015
to be in the divine presence of our
Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We dedicate this report in honor
of their memory.
Lurline Facey
Member from 1998-2015
Robert Littlejohn
Member from 1993-2015
Doris Marvin-Thompson
Member from 1994-2015
Amera Williams
Member from 1991-2015

Table of
Contents
Purpose Statement .......................................... 5
Report of the Pastor ......................................... 6
Diaconate ....................................................... 10
Bereavement Ministry ............................... 11
Christian Education and Discipleship ............. 12
Fellowship Committee ................................... 16
Senior's Ministry ........................................ 17
Couple's Ministry ....................................... 18
Health Ministry .......................................... 20
Men's Ministry .......................................... 21
Hospitality ................................................. 23
Greeters .................................................... 23
Women's Ministry ..................................... 24
New Members ................................................ 27
Outreach Ministry .......................................... 29
Worship, Music & Arts ................................... 31
Trustees .......................................................... 33
Communications ............................................ 35
Stewardship and Finance ............................... 37

Purpose Statement
“Leading The Way. Teaching The Truth. Experiencing The Life”.
LEADING THE WAY.
Clifton Park Baptist Church
exists to impact lives and to
bring spiritual transformation
to people and places of the
world by sharing the love of
Christ. We are a church of
action that seeks to illustrate
heaven at work by meeting the
needs of the community,
inspiring Godly leaders and
intentionally using our gifts,
talents and abilities in the
furtherance of the Kingdom of
God.
TEACHING THE TRUTH.
The Word of God is truth that
transcends culture and transforms
lives. Clifton Park
Baptist Church is committed
to equipping every member
with an understanding of
God’s Word that they might
become authentic disciples of
God, following Him faithfully
and leading productive and
rewarding lives.
EXPERIENCING THE LIFE.
Clifton Park Baptist Church is
a people in relationship with
God, but also a people in
relationship with one another.
We are living, learning and
growing in a safe, multi-cultural
community that encourages
each member to reach their
fullest potential in the Lord.

Reverend Essentino A. Lewis, Jr., Pastor
God’s faithfulness is not always measured by
how “much” He is doing in a given moment.
Sometimes God’s greatest achievements
unfold in stillness. So then, it is not the increase
in activity, alone, that occurred at
Clifton Park Baptist Church in 2015 which testifies
of God’s faithfulness to our congregation.
Instead, we rejoice in the impact and quality
of the ministry; God was glorified through us
this year. As a people, we matured in our
discipleship and the neighboring community was impacted by our
presence. We embraced our purpose of leading the way, teaching
the truth and experiencing the life.
In Ephesians 3:14-21, the Apostle Paul prays the church will come to
know the vastness of God’s love—its width, length, height and
depth. He uses language which suggests the expanse of God’s love
is, in fact, unknowable. It surpasses knowledge (v.19). In the beginning
of 2015, we embraced Paul’s assurance that God could exceed
all our expectations and proclaimed, “God is up to something” at
Clifton Park Baptist Church. We felt that God was desiring to
demonstrate His love for our ministry in tangible ways, ways that
would go beyond what we could see.
To that end, we began positioning ourselves to recognize what
the Lord wanted to accomplish through the ministry. We opened
the year with Henry Blackaby’s seminal work, Experiencing God.
We adopted Blackaby’s conclusion that God is always at work
around His people and when they see what He is doing, it is an
invitation to participate. We began to take a hard look at the
ministry to uncover initiatives God has been speaking to us about
for years, but that we had failed to pursue. We began to pray in a
different way that God would make opportunities and resources
available to fulfill His plan at Clifton Park.
True to His Word, the results exceeded our expectations. Almost
immediately, the Lord began sending new members to our
ministry with gifting, passion and experience to match the direction
He is taking us. The Lord began renewing within the existing
leadership a spirit of openness and receptivity to inventive and
innovative ways of approaching ministry. We continue to discuss
how the Lord desires to make us even more effective in the areas
of worship, Christian Education and prayer. We have seen exciting
developments in fellowship and, in particular, integrating our
newest members into the congregation. Please take a moment to
read through this Annual Report, which provides details of many
of the programs and projects of the church in 2015. I pray you will
see it as a reflection of the Lord at work.

As you read through this report, you will notice a full page photograph
of our new church van. A van may seem like a small thing
in the life of a church. Indeed, some churches have a fleet of
vehicles at their disposal. We do not. For us, this van represents a
testimony of God’s faithfulness to our ministry in 2015. Clifton Park
needed a new van for at least the last 5 years and while varying
degrees of conversations had taken place, we had never moved on
finding one. Funding was certainly an issue; an allocation had been
placed in the budget in each of the two previous cycles, but competing
projects always seemed to take priority. But God is always
at work around us!
The Experiencing God class decided to do something. Believing
that God could use them to provide a van for the church, about 100
members of the congregation, began to pray and trust the Lord,
collecting over $28,000 in just over three weeks. From those
funds, a van was identified, purchased and dedicated for the
church. In those three weeks, the Lord completed a project that
had been in process for years and reminded us that He always
provides for His plan.
The momentum continues. The Lord continues to bless across the
ministry. I am confident next year’s report will contain exciting
details about new ways souls are being won for Christ and empowering
programs to equip disciples and train leaders. There are
awesome growth opportunities on the horizon to take advantage
of changes in our neighborhood and increase our community
presence. Clifton Park Baptist Church is a transformative church
that serves a transformative God.
As always, I want to express my sincerest gratitude to the church
staff who work tirelessly in support of the congregation. In addition,
a word of thanks is in order for each committed ministry
leader. You have extended yourself to great lengths to honor the
Lord through your service. I also want to acknowledge each of the
faithful members of Clifton Park. While you may not have an
official title, you regularly and consistently give your time, talents
and treasure to advance the Kingdom of God through this ministry.
More than that, your presence makes Clifton Park a wonderful
place to be. You are what makes this church more than a congregation,
but a family. May the Lord continue to bless each of you.
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all
that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to
Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations,
forever and ever. Amen (Eph 3:20-21).
With Love,
Pastor Lewis

Diaconate
• Deaconess Diane Brockington, Chairperson
As demonstrated in Acts 6, the Diaconate seeks to show God’s mercy by providing care to members, while striving to grow more
sensitive to support those facing challenging situations with prayer and guidance.
Our Mission Statement: The Diaconate of Clifton Park Baptist Church is empowered by the Holy Spirit to enact our responsibilities
to God, our Pastor, and the Church. We are leading the way as we imitate Christ in service, teaching the truth according to the
Word of God, and experiencing the life through a personal relationship with God and each other.
Transitioned from care groups to weekly deacon/deaconess
on-call assignments.
Assisted with the administration of the Church ordinances,
which includes preparing for Communion and coordinating
the timely Baptism of eligible candidates.
Held learning, planning, and fellowship workshop.
Worked in conjunction with the Bereavement Ministry to
provide comfort to families during the passing of a loved
one and served at repasts.
Enhanced leadership abilities and skills by attending external
educational programs - Deaconess Workshop and
Stephen Ministry; plus several completed the 2-year Leadership
Training Institute program.
Served as Connection Point teachers, Faith Foundation
coaches, Awana and Great Commission Group leaders.
Led Wednesday night gathering of prayer/praise with members
and visitors seeking the Lord in prayer.
Held bi-weekly conference calls to pray for special needs of
members and concerns of the members in the congregation.
Prepared the congregation to focus on God when asked to
lead the call to worship, altar call, and offertory during
Sunday morning praise, revival and other services.
Officiated the Easter Sunrise Service.
Coordinated the annual Family Church Cookout .
Assembled care packages for group traveling to Greece and
Rome.

Conducted hospital/home ministry visits to members unable to attend services or
to be involved in the regular activities of the church; launched new telephone
ministry to further extend this outreach and express concern to the membership
experiencing an illness or injury.
Encouraged members to share the Gospel through ministering to the incarcerated.
Presented SHARE packages, which are full of healthy, wholesome food to
families and individuals in need, totaling such 60 assistance this year; plus
distributed 50 Thanksgiving SHARE packages.
Administered the distribution of the Fellowship Fund, which we received through
the outpouring generosity of members.
Bereavement Ministry
The Bereavement Ministry (BM) operates under the
Diaconate, providing support to bereaved members of
CPBC as they grieve the loss of a loved one.
With sadness for we will miss them deeply, three of our
members - Sister Amera Williams, Brother Robert Littlejohn,
and Sister Lurline Facey went to their eternal dwelling place
to be with the Lord. The Bereavement Ministry hosted the
repasts for Brother Littlejohn and Sister Facey and participated
in Sister Williams’s repast which was not held at
CPBC. Also, during this church year, some members lost their
parents and loved ones and the BM reached out to them
with cards, phone calls and attended the funeral services
and/or repast when able, to support them.
• Ifeatu "Ify" Sofela, Chairperson
FELLOWSHIP FUND REPORT
(as of November 30, 2015):
Total Receipts and Deposits
$17,986.91
Total Expenditures This Year
$16,346.16
Current Balance $6,744.57
The Sawo family, and Brother Les Harrell lost their fathers,
Sister Jan Baird-Adams, Brother John Slaughter, and Sister
Candi Freeman lost their mothers, and Sister Phyllis Basden
lost her sister.
The BM worked on ways to improve and extend its services
to bereaved members through visitation. Pursuant to this
desire, members of the BM attended the Stephen Ministry
Workshop and the BM plans to pursue more training in order
to be able to support and minister to our bereaved members
beyond the funeral/repast when everyone else is gone.

Christian Education and Discipleship
• Minister of Education, Janet Henley
The 2015 Christian Education year was an experiencing God year!
It was about His work in us, around us and through us.
We began the Fall 2014 session with an all-church study on
Experiencing God Together, by Henry T. Blackaby and Melvin D.
Blackaby. Sessions were held on Sunday morning and
Wednesday evening with a total enrollment of 105. This study
pointed us toward our corporate life together and how the
quality of our individual relationship and walk with God
impacts the church's spiritual health and mission effectiveness.
Although our relationship with God is personal, it is not
private. In addition, the emphasis on the necessity of corporate
prayer did not go unnoticed.
We entered the Spring 2015 study session going back to
Henry Blackaby's original work on experiencing God entitled,
Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God. In
addition, our Wednesday night prayer meetings prior to the
class became Experiencing God prayer meetings as the focus
of the lessons became the focus of our praise and praying.
Our children, teens and college students studied versions of
the book specific to their age. One of the primary messages
of Experiencing God is that God is wanting to do through us
what only He can do; our responsibility is to remain in His
hands. God is the one with the agenda and the plan. He is
always working around us and as we watch, He shows us, and
when we see, that is His invitation for us to join Him in what
He is doing. (See Pastor's report as he tells the Experiencing
God story of the purchase of our new church van.) However,
keep reading, as this report contains other experiencing God
stories.
CPBC's Leadership Training Institute (LTI) Inaugural Class
Graduation was held on May 30, 2015! Last year my annual
report marked us as having finished 10 of 12 modules in LTI, a
2-year biblical leadership training program. In this report, I
am praising God for our completion of it and the well planned
ceremony that honored it. Rev. Dr. Kirk T. Houston, Sr.,
pastor of Gethsemane Community Fellowship Baptist Church,
Norfolk, VA, was chosen as our keynote speaker. In addition
to Dr. Houston other special guests included two LTI corporate
team leaders. Thirty-one participants marched forward in
humility wearing graduation gowns as they received their
certificates of leadership, turned their tassels and took their
seats satisfied that they had achieved a significant feat
toward their leadership development for the Lord's glory.

2015 CPBC Leadership Training Institute Graduates

College-Student Led Vacation Bible School. My heart's
desire and prayer to God for our college students is that they
may know the hope to which they are called and that they
may know and love God's word and walk in it and that they
live and serve and fellowship out of authentic relationship
with Christ and one another. To that end, the Spirit invited
our college students to give themselves to study on Tuesday
evenings and service on Sunday mornings. Instead of a one
week event, VBS 2015 was used to fashion Summer Sundays
where kids and teens had five weeks of sheer fun getting
more of God.
American University student, Asha Henley, worked tirelessly
decorating rooms and hallways to create the look and feel of
being on Mount Everest, the highest physical peak in order to
easily direct kids and teens toward God and His power, the
highest spiritual peak. Shanese and Darnell Gordon, University
of Maryland students, planned games to reinforce each
week’s teaching. Sierra Applewhite of the University of
Tampa guided the students in making delicious treats that
related to the lesson. Amaka Acholonu (University of Maryland)
and Brianna Mitchell (Bowie State University) were the
Imagination Station scientists who conducted various water
experiments that reinforced the biblical truths. And Howard
University senior, Elizabeth Jean taught the Bible lessons.
They were supervised by Gbemi Acholonu, Barbara Gordon
and Louise Cole. All participants walked away learning that
they can overcome any challenge with God’s mighty power!
Click icon to view pictures.
On Tuesday evenings about ten or more of the college students
gathered to complete and some to begin the Bible
study, Experiencing God: God's Invitation to Young Adults. It
was peer led by Amaka Acholonu.
Experiencing God Prayer Retreat! I followed the lead of
First Lady Cassandra Lewis, the Prayer Retreat visionary and
coordinator, in preparing materials for our first Prayer
Retreat, which we used as a culminating activity for the
Experiencing God study. Thirty-nine persons gathered at
the Hallowood Retreat Center in Dickerson, Maryland on
June 6, 2015, to spend the day in prayer. Following breakfast
persons dispersed to their own private spaces on the
lawn and inside the center to spend the morning in one-onone
communication with God; then following lunch, they
prayed with others at varying times, keeping the prayer
appointments they made prior to the retreat. We ended
the day as we opened it, with a time of corporate praise to
God. A few leaders gathered that Friday evening to prepare
for the all-day Saturday event. That leadership group had the
opportunity to dialogue by phone with Dr. Henry Blackaby.
Now age 80, Dr. Blackaby was pleased to hear that his work

was still impacting people and churches. He was especially
delighted to hear about the collection the two groups had
taken toward the purchase of the church van. Click icon to
view retreat photos.
The Joy of Prayer Summer 2015 study (led by Deaconess
Diane Brockington) was a natural transition from the
prayer retreat. This easy reading guide led interested
participants toward more growth in prayer.
Hosting Ministry Organizations to the Glory of God! God
loves to show off Clifton Park's hospitality gifting and so He
gave us two occasions on which to host ministries with whom
we have been intimately connected for more than 15 years:
LifeWay Christian Resources and AWANA Mid-Atlantic. From
June 1-3, 2015, we hosted LifeWay Christian Resources Beta
Conference for Ministers of Education, who came from as far
as Pennsylvania. The conference was led by veteran LifeWay
staff members, David Apple and Alan Raughton. Sister Cheryl
Callahan and Deaconess Carol Pettus were nearly kidnapped
by the participants who desired them to come show their
churches how hosting is to be done.
We followed the same hospitality standard of excellence
while hosting the Getting Started Awana training workshop
for our regional affiliate on Saturday, August 15, 2015.
Bill Bianco, our Awana missionary, presented along with
other missionaries during this one day event. They too
found the space (Fellowship Hall, gymnasium and classrooms)
and service beyond their expectations. The 10
CPBC Awana workers who attended were also enriched by
the day.
In partnership with Linda Kgasi, Health Ministry Chair, we
held our first Blue Christmas Service on December 21, 2014.
It is a service that acknowledges and tends to the
challenge of grief during the holiday season. This worship
experience offered persons an opportunity not only to
express their grief but also to be stirred toward the joy in
the morning.
Christian Ed remains committed to it's Awana and FAITH
Foundations programs. While one services children and
teens and the other adults, both lay the much needed foundation
for growth in relationship with Christ, that everywhere
we go we will talk about Christ to all who will listen
(Col. 1:29a).
Keep watching to see where the God who is always
working is working around you. And when you see,
remember, that is your invitation to join Him and
experience God!

Fellowship Committee
• Thelma Jackson, Chairperson
Vision Statement: We envision a multicultural, spirit-led and unified church expressing our love of Christ and one another
through creative and diverse fellowship activities.
The following represents some of the major ministry activities
completed by the Fellowship Committee in 2015.
Hosted New Members Reception, January 25, 2015.
Planned and participated in the Black History Month
Program in partnership with Minister Glenn Scott.
Reinstated and hosted the Sunday morning Coffee/
Fellowship.
Facilitated an Information Session for all Committee/
Ministry Chairs to review Guidelines for Planning Ministry
Events and Activities, including Building Usage,
Requests for Allocation of Funds and Requests for
Communications Support.
Organized the Potluck All-Church Fellowship Activity
(ACFA) including our first Cook-Off Competition on
Saturday, December 12. This was the culminating activity
for the Church’s 65th Anniversary. All members were
placed within the 12 Tribes and competed for first place
winner in 1) the Cook-Off competition and 2) creativity in
the presentation of Tribal facts.
The Fellowship Committee, comprised of the ministry
groups listed below is dedicated to providing Christcentered
activities and events within their own ministries
while simultaneously working to promote Church-wide
Fellowship Committee activities. Reports from each of
the groups are contained on the following pages.
Couples – Artis & Juanita Palmer, Chairpersons
Greeters – Jannie Harrell, Chairperson
Health – Linda Kgasi, Chairperson
Hospitality – Donna Sharp, Chairperson
Men’s Fellowship – Ed Jackson, Chairperson
Seniors – Lillie Shepherd, Chairperson
Women’s – Claudette Knight, Chairperson
Young Adults – Lola Olakanye, Chairperson
I extend a heartfelt thank you to the members of the
Fellowship Committee for their pursuit of ministry
excellence; their love and commitment; their hard work;
and, for the fellowship experiences we’ve shared while
working to glorify the Father. How great it is to be “In
This Place.”

Senior’s Ministry
• Lillie Shepherd, Chairperson
The purpose of the Seniors Ministry is to promote the participation
and involvement of seniors in the various ministries of the Church
and to provide opportunities for fellowship and spiritual growth.
We are always open to anyone 55 years of age and older,
encouraging everyone to participate in various activities within
CPBC and the surrounding community, and within the greater community.
In 2015, our Seniors Ministry were involved in several activities:
Project Neighbor Care (PNC)
Shepherd’s Table
DCBC Activities
support and care for our sick and shut-ins
Support staff at the Piney Branch Senior Center
Monthly Birthday Celebrations
Senior Appreciation Weekend
Ice Cream Social
Denise Whittington, Member 2015

Couples Ministry
• Artis & Juanita Palmer, Chairpersons
As we lead the way, teach the truth and experience life together, the desire of the couple ’s ministry leadership team is for every
married couple of the CPBC family to maintain a godly marriage --this marriage mirrors the plan designed by God. John 2: 1-11
describes the first miracle performed by Jesus, it was the wedding at Cana. We believe God can and will work miracles in our
marriages.
We began the year serving as the lead ministry for Project Neighbor Care in
February, packaging and distributing food to our neighbors.
On February 13-14, Pastor Lewis and the First Lady led a two-day
seminar entitled "The Art of Marriage". A snapshot of some of the sessions
included: Love happens--God’s purpose and Plan; Love fades--Overcoming
Isolation; Love Dances--Fulfilling our Responsibilities. As love dances, during
the evening of Valentine’s Day, couples were able to hold each other closely
as Lady Sax and her band played some of our favorite love songs.
In March, the Couples Ministry took part in the adventurous scavenger
hunt for the Pastor’s 7th Anniversary. Our October fall event provided
an opportunity for couples to enjoy a date night with jazz featuring
Lady Sax and her band, soul food, and comedian Joe Recca .
May the God we love and serve give us wisdom to apply his word;
we are determined to defeat the challenges that attack our marriage.
We are truly grateful for this opportunity to serve our Lord and the
CPBC family.
Augustus and Kimberly Sam, Member 2015

As a reminder to couples of the original commitment they made to one another on their wedding
day, a Recommitment Service was held. Fifteen couples participated in the service that was led by
our Pastor and First Lady.

Health Ministry
Or do you not know that your body is the
temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you,
whom you have from God, and you are not
your own? 1 Corinthian 6:19 is the foundational
scripture for the CPBC Health Ministry.
As a ministry we are grateful for
another year of service unto the Lord,
serving the people of Clifton Park, our
surrounding community and this year we
were able to stretch beyond our borders
to include an international outreach
project as well.
In April we were blessed to have speakers
from Montgomery Hospice who presented
as we hosted a breakfast symposium
on Caring for the Caregivers which
focused on the spiritual, social and emotional
care of those who are caring for
others with chronic health issues. While
the emphasis was on self care, information
• Linda Kgasi, Chairperson
and resources were available to enhance
the care of both the caregiver and the individuals
in their care.
We embarked on an international missions
project without leaving the state by participating
in the opportunity to support the
"Medicine Bottles for Malawi Project".
Each month the congregation brought in
their empty medicine bottles which were
shipped to Ohio and packaged for international
shipment. We collected nearly 1,000
medicine bottles which helped the Malawi
Project to collect over 1 million in total for
this small nation. This project provided a
safe, clean way for the dispensing and
storage of medications to the poorest in
the most rural areas of Malawi, who had
previously received medicines in slips of
folded paper. We Praise God for providing
us this great opportunity to serve in an
international capacity.
During our annual Day of Service the
Health Ministry led a prayer walk covering
a two mile perimeter of our immediate
community praying over the many social
and economic issues as well as the health
and wellbeing of the community.
In support of the efforts of the Outreach
Ministry, the Health Ministry organized
medical screenings provided by
Washington Adventist Hospital during the
community block party for our neighbors,
the residents of the Glenville Apartments.
In partnership with the Minister of
Education, Janet Henley, we held our first
Blue Christmas service comprised of a
special time of prayer, reflection and
candle lighting for persons who experienced
recent losses. As we enter into
2016, with a calendar of planned events
we look forward to what the Lord will do
in and through us to His Glory.

Men’s Ministry • Ed Jackson, Chairperson
The goal of the Men’s Fellowship Ministry (MFM) is to bring
the men of Clifton Park together as Spiritual brothers in Christ
to active participation in a fellowship of believers. We seek to
grow spiritually and morally by “walking along side” one
another. We will reach out to all men to share the love of
Jesus Christ and to put them on the path to salvation.
Major highlights during 2015:
The MFM held its Annual Super Bowl Celebration in February
with a Potluck Get-Together. The event was well attended by
the men and several members from the “Solid Rocks” mentoring
program.
The MFM celebrated Mother’s Day to show our love and appreciation
for all that mothers do at home and in the Church.
The MFM presented flowers to all of the mothers and a special
plant to the First Lady.
Men’s Day andWeekend, July 25-26, was very exciting. On
Saturday, July 26, we held our Annual Fish Fry and Cookout at
one of Montgomery County’s picnic facilities. The weekend
concluded with Sunday Worship Service with Pastor Lewis
Chesapeake Bay Fishing Trip

delivering a sermon entitled “Give God Control” so that He can complete His
work in us.” This sermon was based on “Phil 1:6.” God is moving us to maturity
and transformation. Under the leadership of Tony Small, our Minister of Music,
the men served in the Choir on that Sunday.
In August, a group of experienced and "first-timers" went fishing down at the
Chesapeake Bay. The trip was successful, but our catch was not as great as we
planned. To be honest, the first time fishermen were more successful than the
experienced fishermen. Most important, everyone had a great time.
Several members from the MFM participated in the “Annual Day of Service”
with a visit to a Homeless Shelter in Silver Spring. Under the leadership of
Harry Guy and Francis Wangendo, we shared our testimonies, read
scripture and fellowshipped with many of the temporary residents.
This was a great experience for many.
In June, the MFM was at the helm for Project Neighbor Care.
We led the effort and participated in set-up, food preparation,
distribution and clean-up. But, we could not have done this
without the support of the Women of the Church.
Marlin Jenkins, Batlina Boulandi, Arthur J. Glover, Jr., Members 2015

Hospitality
The Hospitality Ministry provides a warm and friendly environment
where the members of Clifton Park Baptist Church, our guests and
our visitors can freely fellowship with one another. In addition, we
provide support for fellowship events planned by other CPBC
ministries and committees.
In 2015 we have served our CPBC family, friends, and guests with
room set-up, planning, preparation, and serving of meals, and as
planning team members for special events. Some of the major
activities were:
Greeters
• Donna Sharp, Chairperson
Our greeters serve as ambassadors of Clifton Park. They are the first to meet visitors as they enter our doors, giving a
warm reception to our guests, and offering to assist them in finding their way around. The Greeters are the first
impression visitors have of Clifton Park and they exhibit an overwhelming expression of the Lord’s love in their greeting
and His kindness as they serve.
I am proud to report that we have greeters who are excited about serving and making people feel at ease when they
enter the church. In addition to serving at both the 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday services, we have served during numerous
special events held this year at the church when the need was required. We have greeters who do not wait to be added
to the schedule but call the ministry chair with enthusiasm to serve or show up willing to serve when there is a need.
I am very grateful for the many faithful workers who continue to serve diligently in this ministry.
• Jannie Harrell, Chairperson
Breaking of the Fast
Pastoral Anniversary
Celebration
Easter Sunday Breakfast
Sunday Coffee Hour Setup
Diaconate Reception
LTI Graduation Reception
International Sunday
STEAM Summer Camp
Lunch Assistance
Day of Service Breakfast
Montgomery County Wide
Revival Lunch
65th Church Anniversary
Reception
Membership Orientation
and RHOF Meal Service

Women’s Ministry • Deaconess Claudette Knight, Chairperson
The Women’s Ministry of CPBC seeks to
provide women with opportunities to connect
with God and each other, to grow in
faith, to build deep relationships with each
other and to demonstrate Godly love in
the community. We hold to the expectation
that as we connect with God and each
other, His power is manifested in our lives,
and we become His instruments of righteousness
and power.
Our first order of business entering into
2015 was to redevelop a leadership structure
that would represent and address the
broad spectrum of needs of all the women
at CPBC. Through prayerful consideration
the Women’s Leadership Team was
reformed to reflect the pillars of the
church - Hospitality/Fellowship, Discipleship,
Christian Education, Outreach,
Balance and Prayer. Throughout the year,
the Women's Ministry Team organized
various fellowship and outreach opportunities
for the women of CPBC around each
of these areas. A few of our ministry highlights
are below:
Fellowship Nights
‘Don’t Flip Flop on Your Faith’, a beach
theme encouraging the women to stand
fast in their faith regardless of life’s
circumstances. The revamped Women’s
Ministry Leadership team consisting of
Tasmiea Broomfield, Van Goodwin, Renee
Washington, Sillo Ngoo, Deborah Freeman,
Kathy Williams, Linette Baxter, Selina
Hunt, Yvonne Atis, and Deaconess
Hyacinth Salmon were introduced.
Our "Don't Fall Apart" event brought
women of all ages out for some serious
fellowship in their PJs. We identified and
discussed ways to praise God and release
the stress that often times try to take us
over. Prayer, food and a team dance
competition was definitely a hit that
brought our 2015 fellowship events to a
fabulous closing. View winning team.
Women's Weekend
Our Women's Weekend was held April 25-
26, under the theme, ‘Experiencing God
Together through Prayer, Praise and Healing’,
supported by Psalm 22:3.
Saturday's session began with a healthy
breakfast, a season of praise, worship and
prayer, followed with several Just 4 U
activities which embraced fellowship, fun,

“Don't Fall Apart" Pajama Night Fellowship

teamwork, discussion, appreciation for
each other and just pure joy. An unexpected
surprise was the provision of free
mini manicures and hand massages, generously
donated by Maisie Dunbar of the
award winning Maisie Dunbar Spa Lounge
and her staff. Sister Carletta Lundy led a
devotional on Spiritual Cleansing entitled
‘Come Clean Before GOD’, and Deaconess
Claudette Knight led a practical Cleansing
Ceremony. The session closed with a time
of personal application and public testimony.
On Women's Day, Rev. Dr. Cynthia
T. Turner, Pastor of Dayspring Community
Church, Lanham, MD., preached the occasion
and blessed the house! We also took
time to give special recognition to our First
Lady, Dr. Cassandra Lewis; and to reveal
with much joy our identified Woman of the
Year, Sister Thelma Jackson, who was
highly praised and rightly recognized for
her faithful, tireless work and leadership
unto God, especially in her role as Chair of
the Fellowship Committee.
Outreach
In July we began a relationship with Generation
Hope – a nonprofit organization that
exists to assist Teen Parents to complete
higher education and provide a better future
for themselves and their children.
Through the Women’s Ministry, CPBC
provides one mentor for one teen mom.
Our mentor to the Generation Hope scholar
is Sister Cheryl Callahan. We are also a
sponsor for another teen mom and have
made a commitment to provide $2400/yr
towards her tuition for two years. The
funds are secured from women of CPBC
who have graciously volunteered to make
contributions toward this commitment. We
continue to seek more volunteers so we
can be a bigger blessing!!
We incorporated our outreach efforts with
Generation Hope into CPBC's Annual Day of
Service with a pledge to collect, package
and donate identified school and life items
to 30 scholars. The Women’s Ministry
showed God’s love in an overwhelming
way! We actually made 40 bags and
enough extra miscellaneous supplies
that all 65 scholars in the program
could be blessed. Handwritten notecards
of encouragement and tracts were also
included for all 65 scholars! The Program
Director and a scholar who shared her
testimony joined us on the Day of Service
activity which we concluded by praying for
every scholar by name.
And of course, movie night! The team
organized a church wide communal viewing
of the movie ‘War Room’ at the Regal
Theatre Cinemas in Silver Spring.
Very Special Thanks to the members of the
Women’s Leadership Team for their dedication,
faithfulness and hard work in
making this year a memorable one. Our
goal remains to be of service to our Sisters
in the Lord, and to put a smile on God’s
face as we serve. “Serve wholeheartedly,
as if you were serving the Lord, not
people.” Ephesians 6:7.

New Members
We have been immeasurably blessed to welcome the following new members into the Clifton
Park family. God has intentionally placed them into this body of believers as each one has a
special purpose and gift to be used in fulfilling His work through the people of Clifton Park
Baptist Church.

Outreach Ministry
• Nana Dolce, Outreach Director
Clifton Park Baptist Church (CPBC) had an exciting year of outreach in which
God’s grace was displayed through amazing provision for and fellowship with
the community.
Project Neighbor Care
2015 ended four full years of Project Neighbor Care (PNC. The initiative, which
was launched in February 2011, offers free fresh produce, seasonal clothing and
household items to families every first Saturday of the month. An astounding
94,062 pounds of food was distributed to nearly 2,500 households. These homes
represent 8,057 individual persons, including 3,024 children and 1,997 seniors!
Our 2015 numbers include a thousand more households served than in 2012.
How good and gracious is our God who has been pleased to provide “daily
bread” from our hands to so many men, women and children!
All-Church Day of Service
CPBC had its third annual All-Church Day of
Service (DoS) on Sunday, September 6, 2015.
DoS is a single day of action in which CPBC
demonstratively shows God’s love to our
neighbors through community engagement,
evangelism, prayer, and service. 200 members
into teams of 10-30 people. Groups scattered
across the county in thirteen different
service activities.
We continue to deepen our partnership with Iglesia Bautista Cristo Vive. Pastor
Jose Amaya and Cristo Vive have acquired a space at PNC where they provide
monthly Spanish-speaking volunteers who minister to neighbors in prayer and in
the sharing of the gospel. CPBC’s evangelism ministry also continues its monthly
ministry at the market. May the LORD bring the fruit of salvation!

Neighborhood Block Party
The Outreach Team coordinated a neighborhood block-party in partnership
with Montgomery Housing Partnerships (MHP), IMPACT Silver Spring
and neighbors at the Glenville Road apartments. The event was packed
with food, games for kids and adults, and community conversations.
IMPACT Silver Spring facilitated a special neighbor’s exchange conversation
that connected neighbors around shared concerns.
Evangelism
In 2015, we partnered with the Anacostia River Church in Southeast
Washington DC for three months of door-to-door evangelism and street
ministry in wards seven and eight. We were encouraged by the experience
and were motivated to begin a once a month door-to-door and street
evangelism in Silver Spring MD. CPBC partners with Pastor Jose Amaya
and Cristo Vive in this ongoing monthly gospel-focused ministry.
Turkeys and Toys for New Hampshire Estates Elementary School
CPBC was approached by the New Hampshire Elementary School (NHEES)
for food and toy support during the holidays. The school is the second
most impoverished in the county--93.50% of the students at NHEES are
below the poverty line and qualify for free and reduced meals at school. In
partnership with the Capital Area Food Bank, CPBC welcomed and served
some 130 families. In addition, 200 toys, donated through Second Chance
Toys were delivered to students at NHEES .
Neighborhood Block Party

Worship, Music & Arts
• Carletta Lundy, Chairperson
The Worship, Music & Arts Ministry (WMA)
blesses the congregation each Sunday diligently
striving to give God our very best through
worship in song, liturgical dance, drama, and
other visual mediums through the Audio Visual
Ministry that is always present to broadcast
during Sunday services, and special ministry
events. For 2015, in the Spirit of collaboration
the WMA had another productive year sharing
the gifts that God bestowed.
2015 Worship, Music & Arts In Review:
WMA collaborated to support other ministry
events and programs, for example: the Clifton
Park Baptist Church Christian Academy's
STEAM Summer Camp; Christian Education,
Experiencing God...The Musical; the Annual
Men's and Women's Day celebration;
Fellowship & Youth Committee Black History
month presentation; and the Youth Ministry
Christmas Eve presentation.

God's glory is often found when these ministries manifest the
presence of God through their talents to glorify the Lord and
2015 was a perfect example:
Dance Ministry
Vessels of Praise (VOP), Lola Olakanye, Group Lead
Women of Virtue (WOV) Linda Slaughter, Group Lead
Vessels of Praise ministered to the congregation this year during
the revival and International Sunday. God graciously allowed his
gifts to be used in the community at the nursing home during
the CPBC Day of Service activity, and at the 2015 Miss Africa
Pageant. The Women of Virtue Dance Team, under the leadership
of Linda Slaughter, ministered during the revival, Women's
Day, Senior’s Sunday, and at the Woodside Senior Center.
Usher's Ministry, Michael Grant, Head Usher
This year the theme for the Usher's Ministry was, "New Beginning."
Our main objective was to continually seek a closer relationship
with God and the people of God. We welcomed four new members
into the Usher's Ministry. In September, the church acknowledged
and celebrated the seven year anniversary of the Usher's Ministry.
One of the things we continue to do as a ministry is meet every
fourth Saturday to enjoy a time of fellowship, and have fun. We
closed out the year with our annual Usher's Anniversary fish fry.
We continue to pray asking God to guide and lead this ministry into
His Holy presence and serve with the passion and love of Jesus
Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Trustees
Colossians 3:17 and whatever you do in Word
or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Montgomery County and the State of Maryland
require specific inspections to meet code
requirements; note inspections completed and
approved this year:
Boiler Inspection
Elevator and Dum waiter inspection
Storm water management inspection
Sprinkler system inspection
Fire Alarm Panel inspection
Fire extinguisher inspection
Kitchen hood inspection
Fire Marshal inspection to finalize code
requirement
Backflow valves
Fire hydrant inspection
• Juanita Palmer, Chairperson
The Clifton Park Board of Trustees is tasked to maintain the building and
grounds; our facility is to be safe and secure for all. In addition, our
responsibility includes managing all contractual obligations that bind or
obligate CPBC. The Van, kitchen, and the security ministries are under the guidance
of the Board of Trustees. Specifically with the approval of the church
body, we are charged with the following:
Acquire and dispose of real and personal property
Maintenance for the church property and grounds
Schedule and monitor use of church property by external organizations
2015 Highlights
Purchased new church van
Emergency Management Plan
underway
Implemented use of incident
report form
Building/Grounds Repairs and Improvements
Mulched court yard garden and
trees
Ice maker repaired
Repaired pot hole on driveway
Painted ramp entrance and added
new chair railing around the wall
Painted Diaconate room, first
floor rest rooms, and several class
rooms
Building Use
Reviewed internal building use
requests for CPBC ministries
members and external requests
Three weddings were held at the
church
STEAM summer Camp
Host to the DCBC Annual Meeting
Operation Christmas Child Dropoff
location

Communications
• Robin Bellamy, Chairperson
2015 was a year full of continued movement towards progress and
success for the Communications Ministry. A major priority for our
team has, and remains to be continual efforts towards improving
our technology infrastructure. This year we focused on doing complete
assessments of our IT structure to identify the successes and
areas for improvements. Part of that process included having consultations
with select vendors to help achieve our end goal of having
optimum IT services on board that will support and maintain our
technology equipment and service needs.
One of the main functions for Communications is to provide support
to all ministries of the church. We are confident that in 2015
we accomplished this task. Our small, yet dedicated and skilled team
was instrumental in various projects. Some of these included development
of personalized recruitment and registration systems used
by the Christian Academy who partnered with Minister of Music,
Tony Small, to present the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering,
Math and Arts) Camp for the surrounding community. Our system
enabled parents to register kids for specific categories of the
camp, and volunteers were able to sign up for preferred time slots.
Simultaneously, we were in full development mode to prepare the
online registration system for our third Annual Day of Service, and
the design and production for the LTI graduation materials.
Highlights
This year, the Trustees were able to secure a new van for church
transportation. The imagery that you see on the vehicle was done
by Communications. As you can see, our services cover “a wide
area”.
Another major highlight for Communications was the launch of the
newly designed Visitor Packets that debuted on Easter Sunday. The
new packets provide visitors with a comprehensive overview of
CPBC, its mission and it’s ministries.
Our ministry works tirelessly to ensure that all ministries at CPBC
have the needed resources and tools to communicate and promote
their activities and programs. In 2015, a few of these have been:
print materials for the Neighborhood Block Party
Couples Ministry events
Women’s Weekend
Leadership Training Institute Graduation promotion and event
materials
Youth Ministry promotional content
STEAM Camp promotional materials
Evangelism Cards

Digital Services
We continue to increase our digital presence.
The CPBC Facebook page received a facelift
this year and is well-maintained with up-todate
information for members and visitors
alike who want to know about upcoming
events.
The website remains a vibrant source that
draws visitors and potential members to
CPBC. It is well managed and integrates information,
resources and interactive tools for
both visitors and members of CPBC.
We continued efforts to encourage members
to utilize the MyLink system. This system
provides information that connects them with
other members, easily register for events,
simplifies the giving and tithing process by
setting up automatic contribution payments,
and have access to their giving records. We
will continue the initiative in 2016 of
providing members with how-to documentation
and offer “getting started” help sessions
in an effort to get a larger percentage of our
membership engaged and using the system
that proves to be a great benefit to them.
Member Communications
We consistently maintained our role in
providing members with information and
news by way of weekly email blasts, monthly
bulletin supplements, ramp entrance monitor,
and Sunday announcements which are
now being posted to the Calendar page on
the website for those who need to refer
back to specific event information.
We look forward to 2016 as we continue to
maintain and improve our technology infrastructure,
collaborate with various ministries
to promote events and programs that will
glorify God, in addition to bringing new
technologies that can be used to enhance
the work that the leadership and ministries
of CPBC are doing as we walk alongside God
in his work.

Stewardship and Finance
• Ed Jackson, Chairperson
The Stewardship and Finance Committee (SFC) is responsible for recommending to the Church Council the ways and means of financing
ministries, programs and activities of the church, and for promoting Christian Stewardship based on biblical principles.
The SFC has two ongoing performance goals which are intended to measure progress toward effective stewardship. The first goal is to
establish and maintain an effective stewardship education program as measured by the growth in giving by individuals and families in the
congregation. The second goal is to oversee and maintain accountability and integrity over the Church’s financial resources in cooperation
with the Church Treasurer.
Accomplishments: During 2015, there were some major accomplishments
in the financial area, which are particularly noteworthy.
A process was established to allocate funds to Ministry leaders for
planned activities and events. This process states the rule for
requesting funds and/or reimbursements for out of pocket spending
under certain circumstances. Beginning in 2016, each Ministry
leader will get a copy of their own budget, which will help them
develop their spending plan for the year.
Corporate Financial Reports show continuous improvement in
accuracy, integrity and reliability of our financial data. Our ultimate
goal is to maintain accurate accounting procedures and standards
to meet acceptable accounting standards and recordkeeping for
success in the financial marketplace.
In cooperation with the Church Treasurer, SFC prepares monthly
financial budget reports for review by the Church Council to assure
accountability and effectiveness in the management of the
Church’s financial resources. Financial reports are also available to
members of the congregation during quarterly Business Meetings.
2015 Stewardship Promotion:
The Fall Stewardship Promotion emphasized the importance of
Christian Stewardship in support of mission and ministry. Pastor
Lewis preached on several stewardship themes during the year
which has been very impactful as shown in the significant increase
in submission of commitment cards in support of giving among the
congregation.

The proposed 2015 Unified Budget of $870,628
which was as approved by the Church Council
was an increase of 8 percent above the 2014
Unified Budget level of $798,562. The 2015
Unified Budget was approved unanimously at
the Church's First Quarterly Business Meeting
on January 28, 2015.
Finance
2015 Budget Status:
Budget income through December 31, 2015 was
$740,172.53 which was 6 percent below the
comparable period in 2014. During this period,
expenditures increased two percent.
Conclusion
The SFC continues to be optimistic about
CPBC’s financial growth in the upcoming year-
2016 and beyond. Our prayer is that the members
of CPBC will continue to grow in the grace
of giving, and that God will provide abundantly
for all of our needs for mission and ministry.
The SFC thanks those members of the
congregation who are faithful and obedient in
their giving of their time and talents, and
financial resources to support this Ministry.
Investment Account:
The total value of our investment account with
Morgan Stanley as of November 30, 2016 was
$90,096. Earning have been slow during the
4th quarter, but we expect that earnings will
grow steadily in the New Year. Our investment
strategy is moderate and diversified in several
asset categories.

8818 Piney Branch Road
Silver Spring, MD 20903
www. cpbc.net
CPBC 2.2016