ABCUSA Enewsletter - January 2024

January 2024

A newsletter to keep you informed about ABCUSA

ABCUSA NEWS UPDATE

Join us TODAY for the first of two United Mission Matters Zoom Events with Dr. Gary Comer

ABCUSA is excited to announce a special two-part United Mission Matters Zoom Event with Dr. Gary Comer, author of “Soul Whisperer: Why the Church must Change the Way it Views Evangelism.” The first of two events happens TODAY at 12:00 Noon EST.  Register here. Dr. Comer, the founder of Soul Whisperer Ministries, brings a fresh perspective to evangelism, challenging traditional approaches and introducing a more dynamic and biblically rooted paradigm. The interactive sessions will take place on January 25th and February 22nd, both starting at 12 noon EST. During these 90-minute sessions, Dr. Comer will share insights on redefining evangelism in today’s cultural context. Drawing from his extensive experience, including planting two churches and serving as the church planting coach for the Christian Missionary Alliance, Dr. Comer emphasizes a paradigm shift from mere “telling” to a more engaging “drawing” approach. Join us for a transformative experience as we explore innovative and effective ways to share our faith in today’s world. Get ready for Soul Whisperer’s insights to reshape your approach to evangelism and to deepen your impact on others.

Celebrate ABCUSA Sunday in February

American Baptists are joining together this February to celebrate ABCUSA Sunday! We believe that mission is at the heart of what we do, and this special occasion is an opportunity for us to come together in unity and purpose, celebrating our history and future together. On ABCUSA Sunday, American Baptists will learn more about what it means to be American Baptist through our history and Baptist distinctives. We will also join together in prayer – Include in your celebration prayer for our new General Secretary Rev. Dr. Gina Jacobs-Strain, pray for for our many partners in mission, including our leaders, pastors, global servants, staff, regions, and churches. Give thanks for how God has blessed us with a rich history and in faith as we continue to seek God’s mission. We are United in Christ, Together in Mission! Here are some important details for ABCUSA Sunday: Date: February 11 or 18 (Choose the date that works best for your congregation) Theme: Mission is at the heart of what we do Timing: The Sunday before and after Valentine’s Day All the tools your church needs can be found here.

A Reflection on Martin Luther King Jr. Day from ABCUSA General Secretary Dr. C. Jeff Woods

An excerpt is included below. Read the full reflection by General Secretary C. Jeff Woods here. As Heather McGee writes in her book, The Sum of Us, too often the work of antiracism is a Zero Sum Game. The majority of Americans believe that in order to Blacks to do better, whites must suffer. McGee sites many examples as evidence including the draining of swimming pools in the 1930s, that resulted in loss of a public good. In this radically polarized society of ours, too often political parties also believe that one side must suffer for the other side to accomplish something. This belief stifles solutions that could benefit all of humanity. We read in John 10:10 that the “thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. Jesus, however, declared, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Part of believing in God’s abundance is believing that justice is good for all of us. Justice benefits all of us. American Baptist Martin Luther King Jr claimed that, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” God doesn’t just offer trickles of justice. God has streams of justice; rivers of justice to offer that are available to collectives working together to do the right thing. The work of antiracism is a work driven by justice, as well as compassion and righteousness. It is work that ultimately benefits all of humanity. When we recognize the gifts of the other we present to God more gifts at the altar for God to accomplish mission and ministry throughout the world. Read the full reflection here.

Former ABCUSA Deputy General Secretary for Research and Planning Dr. Richard K. Gladden Dies Dr. Richard K. Gladden, 92, former deputy general secretary for Research and Planning for American Baptist Churches USA, died on Friday, November 17, 2023, at Warren Memorial Hospital, Front Royal, Va. Gladden retired on June 30, 1996, after a denominational career of 34 years. For more than a quarter century Gladden was a strategic resource person for the ABCUSA Office of the General Secretary, General Board and other American Baptist boards and agencies. He researched, wrote on, and provided expert advice in such matters as the denomination’s polity, bylaws and standing rules, policy planning, evaluation and assessment of programming. He served as staff to the denomination’s Standing Rules Committee, Planning and Evaluation Committee and Reference Committee. ABCUSA General Secretary Dr. C. Jeff Woods said, “I am extremely grateful for having known Dick Gladden. He served as Director of Research and Planning and as Deputy General Secretary for American Baptist Churches USA during my term on the General Board which began in 1988. Dick and I had several enriching conversations about research and evaluation and he always encouraged me to continue to be involved in the wider American Baptist family.” Read more.

International Ministries Mourns the Passing of Global Servant Rev. Madeline Flores-López

With great sadness, International Ministries (IM) shares news of the unexpected passing of Global Servant Rev. Madeline Flores-López early on Monday, December 18, 2023, following a brief illness. Rev. Flores-López, a long-time global servant from Puerto Rico, was in the Dominican Republic where she served for twenty-two years. IM shares that Madeline was an exceptional mission coordinator who facilitated service opportunities for thousands of volunteers from the United States and Puerto Rico. She helped them grow in their faith while empowering them to make a positive impact in the world. Madeline was also committed to serving the severely impoverished batey communities in the Dominican Republic, which are villages of sugar workers. She spent most of her ministry in these communities, where she brought hope and joy to countless families. The day before her passing, Madeline visited several bateyes, distributing gifts to families to celebrate the joy of Christmas. IM gives thanks to God for the life of Madeline, a sister, friend, and colleague. The IM family is encouraged to pray for comfort for her family and friends during this difficult time and to honor the life of this great servant of the Lord. They remember Madeline through the words of Matthew 25:23, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!" Read the full message in English and Spanish, here.

United Mission Matters! Check out the first edition of “United Mission Matters” newsletter, a new enewsletter that will be released on a quarterly basis, aiming to share the valuable insights of our Regional Executive Ministers, local churches, national partners, and others on matters related to Discipleship. United Mission Matters will include a wealth of resources, inspiring stories, and insights into how churches throughout the United States are dedicated to instructing and engaging with their communities to align with Jesus’ mission in our neighborhoods. View the first edition of United Mission Matters here.

Sign Up for United Mission Matters Here

The Way of Discipleship | Giving

Watch our newest video made, available for ABCUSA Sunday, below:

America For Christ Offering 2024: Grace Upon Grace Thanks to a history of generous donations to the America for Christ (AFC) Offering, American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) has provided financial support to American Baptist churches and affiliated organizations across the United States and Puerto Rico year over year. Learn more or download AFC Resources here.

MMBB Financial Conference March 10-13, 2024 Early-Bird Registration extended until January 31 Mark your calendars and join MMBB at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown for the MMBB Re-think Re-invest Financial Conference this March. This engaging, inspirational and transformational event will help you take charge of your finances so you can focus on what matters most -- your ministry. We'll look at your financial wellness holistically, providing resources you can use right now to feed your mind and your spirit. You'll walk away with the following: financial insights from keynote speaker, Ms. Jill Schlesinger, Emmy-winning CBS News business analyst guidance on becoming debt-free from keynote speaker, Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., founder of the dfree® Financial Freedom Movement tips for negotiating clergy compensation clergy tax guidance, including the housing allowance ways to meet your investment goals in the current market wellness and career development workshops an opportunity for a financial planning session with one of MMBB's financial planning specialists an opportunity to hear about career coaching and counseling sessions with MMBB's wellness partners fellowship and networking opportunities with clergy and church lay leaders inspiration for your journey to financial wellness and more! You don't want to miss Early Bird Registration, which has been extended until Jan. 31. Click the link to learn more.

Virtual Domestic Violence Awareness Workshop Offered on January 29 American Baptist Women's Ministries and American Baptist Home Mission Societies in partnership are hosting a domestic violence awareness workshop for Clergy. This workshop will enable clergy to come together safely and intentionally to learn ways to support and aid those in their communities who are suffering from Domestic Violence. The Bible study will take familiar scripture text and look at it through the lens of domestic violence. Together, we will reflect and see how our actions and inactions may impact a survivor in our families, churches, and communities. Clergy will receive Continuing Education Units (CEU) for this workshop.  The workshop takes place Monday, January 29, from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM EST. Click here for more information or to register for the workshop. Registration fee is $79. Click here to register using ABHMS' Center for Continuous Learning.

The Best Jobs for Retired Clergy

By Rev. Earl Thorpe, Ph.D. While many retired clergy choose to enjoy their well-deserved season of rest, some seek ways to continue nurturing their spiritual calling. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best career options for retired ministers, each allowing them to leverage their unique skills, experiences, and passion for serving others. Read the full article.

Recent Highlights from the ABCUSA Website

ABHMS Center for Continuous Learning Issues Call for Baptist Theology Webinar Proposals American Baptist Women’s Ministries Calls Interim Executive Director ABHMS Executive Director Decries Political Violence, Urges Peaceable Discourse at Interfaith Vigil ABHMS Webinar Series Addresses Mental Well-Being in Asian American Congregations and Communities Hope for Her – A Collaborative Initiative Between International Ministries and American Baptist Women’s Ministries

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

To view a full list of ABC ministry partners, click here.

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