ABCUSA Monthly Enewsletter - September 2022

ABCUSA NEWS UPDATE

A monthly newsletter to keep you informed about ABCUSA

American Baptists Invited to Respond to New Survey from "Interpreting the Impact of Covid-19 on Congregations" Task Force American Baptists are invited to respond to a survey from the Interpreting the Impact of Covid-19 on Congregations task force. The deadline for survey responses is Friday, October 21. Chair of the Task Force Rev. Dr. Frank Frischkorn notes, “All our lives have been changed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The way we look at the world, the way we engage with one another and even the way we encounter the God we serve has been impacted by this challenging foe that we can’t even see....Out of our conversations and in a desire to discover the myriad of ways this pandemic has impacted the life of American Baptists, the task force has created a brief survey. As you’ll see, we’re not looking to create another set of statistics, but rather our heart’s desire is to get below the surface and learn the ways God is working in the life of the Church through the pain and promise of these last two years. We hope you will prayerfully consider the questions that follow and share the survey with others so we can have the richest results possible for the furthering of God’s Work in our midst.” Learn more.

Take the Survey Here

Join us for our next Everyday ABC Conversation: Advent in a Post-Pandemic World: Rethinking our Worship Join us on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at 3:00pm ET, with presenters Rev. Dr. Marvin McMickle and Rev. Mindi Welton-Mitchell. Advent is the season of watching and waiting for signs of Christ’s presence in our world and in our lives in a new way. In the northern hemisphere, this happens at the darkest time of the year, and it is in the darkness that we see things differently. Darkness is not negative; darkness allows us to see in new ways as we prepare for the return of daylight. In this “pre-post-pandemic” world, what is the darkness revealing to us? What did we learn over the past two years that helps us to prepare for Christ, to recognize the incarnate God in our world and in our lives, as we prepare for a new post-pandemic world?

Learn More

Register Now

SAVE THE DATE! Plan Now to Attend the Biennial Mission Summit, June 23-25, 2023 in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Save the Date now for the 2023 Biennial Mission Summit event, coming June 2023 at the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Registration will open in November 2022 at www.americanbaptists2023.com. The Biennial dates are June 23-25, but make sure you save extra time as events will be held before, during and after the larger Biennial Mission Summit event. To learn more about the 2023 Biennial Mission Summit as information becomes available, please continue to visit www.americanbaptists2023.com

ABC Creation Justice Network Offers New Free On-Demand Training More Info: The American Baptist Churches Creation Justice Network is excited to offer the ABCUSA Blessed Tomorrow Ambassador Training. The ABC Creation Justice Network worked directly with Blessed Tomorrow staff to create a training that highlights American Baptist work and lifts up partnering with others to inspire and empower clergy and congregations to advance climate justice. Individuals can complete this four-hour training online and on their own time through Blessed Tomorrow’s Learning Management System, and through it will strengthen knowledge about climate change, working for climate justice, and how to speak and advocate on the issue with confidence and success. Access instructions: Go to: https://ecoamerica.litmos.com/self-signup Enter you information and use the Code ABCUSABTAmbassador22 to register Then, check your email for the invitation to set up your profile and get started! You will have 6 weeks to complete the training and sign up as a Climate Ambassador. Click Here to Sign Up

Did You Know? Gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing help both nationally and internationally during times of need. One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) OGHS supports disaster relief, ministries to displaced persons, and development projects of the American Baptist Churches and its partners. Gifts are always invited, and will help to aid communities following recent disasters in Puerto Rico, Mississippi, Kentucky,and most recently Hurricane Ian.

Nominations Invited for Mowbray Ecumenical Award American Baptist Churches USA seeks nominations for the Luke Mowbray Ecumenical Award, which recognizes an individual for outstanding ecumenical work at the local, state, national or international level, either as a volunteer or paid professional. This award will be presented at the American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) 2023 Biennial Mission Summit in San Juan PR, June 23-25, 2023. The deadline for nominations is October 14, 2022. Learn more or view the nomination form here.

Update on the Work of the General Secretary Search Committee On September 21, American Baptist Churches USA President and Chair of the General Secretary Search Committee Rev. Dr. James O. Wolfe shared a report of the work of the Search Committee to date. Learn the latest here.

A Generosity Project Reflection - What is your Congregation's "Why"?

Have you considered, "What is your Congregation’s 'Why'?" Read a reflection provided by Rev. Stacy Emerson considering this question. The reflection is provided as a part of the Generosity Project, a collaborative effort between ABCUSA, regions, and local congregation that aims to help pastors re-frame the conversation around stewardship and generosity in their congregations. Read the full reflection.

Rev. Dr. Daniel Cash Called as Executive Minister of ABC of the Dakotas

The American Baptist Churches of the Dakotas Executive Committee, which served as the Region Executive Search Committee, unanimously voted in August to call the Rev. Dr. Daniel Cash as the region’s new Executive Minister. Cash will begin to serve in this new role on October 17. Rev. Soozi Whitten Ford, American Baptist Churches USA interim associate general secretary for Regional Ministries, said “Dr. Dan Cash brings to the American Baptist Churches of the Dakotas a pastor’s heart; a deep understanding of the tremendous challenges facing churches and pastors; and significant ministry experience as both a local church pastor and as a previous regional staff member. He is a wise and innovative leader and will bring unique perspectives as he guides this next season of the Dakotas’ regional ministry.” Read more.

Five Investment Basics for New Investors

 Do you feel you are interested in investing but afraid you don’t know enough? Or are you concerned about losing money? Well, you aren’t alone! Learn more from MMBB Financial Services, here.

Recent Highlights from the ABCUSA Website

Interpreting the Impact of Covid-19 on Congregations Task Force Invites Survey Responses Update on the Work of the General Secretary Search Committee ABHMS Ramps up Relief for a Re-Traumatized Puerto Rico; Supports Mitigation of the Jackson, Mississippi, Water Crisis; and Continues Efforts to Help Struggling Kentucky Communities The American Baptist Foundation Establishes Mission-Supporting Endowment with Midwestern Couple Former Green Lake Conference Center and Lawsonia Inc. President/CEO Ken Giacoletto Dies ABHMS Chaplaincy and Specialized Ministries Announce 2022 Merit Award Recipients

Visit the websites below for happenings around the American Baptist denomination.

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ABC-related organizations who would like to submit upcoming news for a denomination-wide audience to this mid-month enewsletter may send submissions by the 10th of the month to communications@abc-usa.org.