We strive for MINISTRY that is USEFUL . . .
      to those inside and outside our church family

Our portfolio of missins and ministries continues to grow to include an increasing variety of ministries. We are pleased to offer a quality preschool for families of 3- and 4-year olds. The 2007-2008 school year is our 27th year of investing in the preschool ministry. Contact Jenny at the Children's Center (465-8580) for more information about enrollment.

In addition to the national and international missions we support through American Baptist Churches denomination and the Great Rivers Region, we are also intensifying our involvement with local organizations that are helpful to many in the greater Alton area. Some organizatinos with which we partner include the Crisis Food Center, Arms of Love, Cornestone, the Alton Area interdenominational Minsterial Aliance, and the Salvation Army.

Our church offers short-term mission trip experiences, too. Most recently a group of 12 adults went to the Gulf Coast to help Habitat for Humanity rebuild in Gautier, MS. In recent years past, we have sent our youth to Mexico, Philadelphia, Nashville, and Costa Rica.

Of course, there are also many ministries that are mainly intended to impact our own church family. The Over-the-Hill Gang performs basic maintenance and repair around the church facilities. The Jewel mission circl remains supportive of national and international ministries. A newly organized Care Team keeps in contact with those who are sick or shut-in. The Circle of Life is great at providing meals at times of celebration or mourning. Various fellowship grhoups -- like our women's ministries, Pioneer Clubs for kids, ATF youth group, and the Friends & Neighbors seniors group -- also help us in ministering to one another.