IBSA News

Illinois Baptist State Newspaper

Churches ready families for fall with shoes, haircuts, and prayer

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The “Backpack Blessing” at First Baptist Church, Bethalto, started as a way to bless students and families headed back to school. It turned into a prayer service dedicated to sending kids, teachers, and administrators into the new school year on a high note. Before the Aug. 5 morning worship service, students brought in their backpacks, […]

Greear responds to Catholic abuse cover-up; White House rejects trade offer for Brunson

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Greear: Catholic abuse report requires ‘bold steps’ A Pennsylvania grand jury’s report alleging unprecedented levels of sexual abuse and cover-up by Roman Catholic clergy has drawn reaction from Southern Baptist Convention President J.D. Greear, who said Southern Baptists should respond to the report by taking “bold steps” to eradicate sexual abuse “from within our community.” […]

The Briefing: California church celebrates 50,000th baptism

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Saddleback reaches baptism milestone Saddleback Church celebrated its 50,000th baptism Sunday, Aug. 12. The Southern Baptist congregation headquartered in Lake Forest, Ca., has 19 campuses. Saddleback was founded in 1980 by Pastor Rick Warren. “Each of these lives represents an individual changed by and committed to a relationship with Jesus Christ,” the church tweeted about […]

Disaster Relief volunteers on mission

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“You give of your time, you give of your talent, you give of your treasure to come serve people who need someone who has not forgotten them,” Doyle told volunteers serving in Watseka this spring. “Thank you for doing that.” Illinois Baptist aid teams are currently serving in Iowa following several tornadoes July 20. Disaster […]

Big season for religious liberty

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Before the end of their 2017-18 term, the U.S. Supreme Court turned in several decisions cheered by religious liberty advocates. Some were familiar, marked by names that have been in the headlines the past few years. Jack Phillips, a baker who refused to design and decorate a cake for a same-sex wedding, found favor with […]