Thursday, September 14, 2023

ABCUSA Enewsletter - September 2023

ABCUSA NEWS UPDATE

A newsletter to keep you informed about ABCUSA

Join us on October 3 for an Everyday ABC Conversation on AI (Artificial Intelligence)

You’re invited to our next Everyday ABC Conversation event, “AI (Artificial Intelligence)” on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at 3:00 PM ET, with presenters Rev. Meriah Tigner and Joshua King.

To live is to experience change. Each day technology evolves and we are invited to respond with curiosity or fear. Join us for a conversation at the intersection of faith and artificial intelligence.

Josh King possesses 16 years combined in IT as a Systems Architect, 7 of those at Cisco. As an AI/ML champion, his passion is empowering public servants and educators with responsibly aligned networking/generative AI solutions.

Rev. Meriah Tigner is an ABC pastor in rural Indiana. Her experiences with change, navigating transitions, and growth in her personal life has informed her ministry. She sees the changes in technology as opportunities to engage with our community rather than something to avoid.

Learn more about Everyday ABC Conversations.

Churches/Pastors...

Keep an eye on your mailbox for an important message about United Mission in 2024!

Final Days for Registrants to Access

2023 Biennial Mission Summit Recordings

All event registrants may view recordings from the 2023 Biennial Mission Summit on the Attendee Hub. You may also login and view these in your local church setting! These are available for viewing through September 22, 2023.

More Information:

Access the Attendee Hub

Learn More about the Biennial Mission Summit

Check out our 2022 Mission Impact Summary

Our 2022 Mission Impact Summary is available online - learn more about the American Baptist Churches USA Office of the General Secretary.

View the 2022 Mission Impact Summary here.

We are United in Christ, Together in Mission

Support Those Affected by Disasters through

One Great Hour of Sharing

American Baptists are invited to support One Great Hour of Sharing, which may be distributed to those in need following natural disasters, such as the recent wildfires in Maui.

Your ongoing gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing throughout the year help American Baptists to be prepared to respond. Individuals may can donate via their church or directly online by selecting "One Great Hour of Sharing."

The World Relief Committee of the Board of General Ministries of American Baptist Churches USA administers One Great Hour of Sharing. The committee facilitates American Baptist emergency relief, disaster rehabilitation, refugee work and development assistance by establishing policy guidelines and overseeing distribution of the annual One Great Hour of Sharing offering received by churches.

A Generosity Project Reflection: Money Talks

The Generosity Project is a collaborative effort between ABCUSA, regions, and local congregations. The Generosity Project aims to help pastors re-frame the conversation around stewardship and generosity in their congregations. Bi-monthly blogs help support new growth and understanding as we deepen our ministry and discipleship. This month, Rev. Stacy Emerson provides a reflection, "Money Talks":

We make hundreds of financial decisions. In the way we earn money. In what we spend it on clothing, food, entertainment, recreation, and charitable donations. In what we decide to loan or give away or save for our children’s future. Every day we have an opportunity to give voice to what we value in our decisions about money. And in so doing, we express ourselves—our vision, our hopes, our individuality. Being aware of these choices is essential to making sure that we are making our voice heard in the ways we intend. It is how we are empowered to realize and understand that what we do matters in the world.

Read the full reflection here.

Faith-Based Apps: Your Faith in the Palm of Your Hands

In this age of technology, dependence on devices shows no signs of decreasing. Smartphones particularly, have become a lifeline when managing the stresses work and home bring into everyday life, but can they help us to grow in our faith?

Read the full article on MMBB's website here.

MMBB Launched their Spanish-Language

Website this Summer

To expand offerings to a Spanish-speaking audience, MMBB added an automatic Spanish-translation function on mmbb.org. Using this tool allows MMBB to better meet the needs of Spanish-speaking members in the American Baptist Churches USA denomination. The translation software, Google Translate, provides MMBB site users with an up-to-the-minute translation that is more than 90 percent accurate. However, as with any automatic translation tool, slight differences may exist due to the nuances in translating to a foreign language.

This move marks the first time MMBB has provided site visitors the entire website in Spanish rather than a few designated pages.

To experience the Spanish-language site, click the “Select Language” dropdown menu at the top of mmbb.org homepage, and then click “Español.” The translation tool will allow you to toggle back and forth from English to Spanish in seconds.

ABWM Offers Shalom Retreat

Enacting God's calling on our lives involves attending to our wellness: spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally. Join women from across the United States and Puerto Rico for an in-person Shalom Retreat, October 6-8, 2023, at Restoration Ministries of Greater Cleveland, Inc. in Euclid, Ohio. This weekend spent in the company of your American Baptist sisters will help you find refreshment and renewal, as well as learn new techniques for attending to your health. Learn more at www.abwomensministries.org/events.