September 2014
ABCUSA NEWS UPDATE
A monthly newsletter to keep you informed about ABCUSA
Urgent Appeal from the Supreme Council of the Evangelical Community in Syria and Lebanon

On September 10, we posted an urgent appeal from the Evangelical Community of Syria and Lebanon as a reminder of the crisis facing the churches in the Middle East.

 

Following that posting, the Board of General Ministries Executive Committee voted on a resolution.

 

VOTED: That in response to the letter we have received from the Supreme Council of the Evangelical Churches of Lebanon and Syria regarding the crises for Christians in many Muslim majority countries, we consider relief and refugee resettlement efforts a priority for our denomination.

 

ABC has been active on a number of fronts both with advocacy with our government, funding through the World Relief Committee for refugees, consultation with Muslim and interfaith groups for an end to violence against Christians and other minority religions in the region, and working through the Baptist World Alliance, World Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches on support for the churches. Learn More 

NEW (Short!) Survey: Mission Summit 2015

Dear American Baptist,

 

If you have an interest in attending the next Mission Summit to be held in Overland Park, Kansas, June 26-28, 2015, then we invite you to share your ideas and opinions with us regarding the next round of Mission Summit Conversations. The first round of Mission Summit Conversations were held in 2013 and we are still living out those ideas and conversations in our congregations and our denomination.  Help us make the next round of conversations even better by clicking on the link below and spending about 5 minutes to take the brief ten-question survey.  Your responses by Nov. 30, 2014, will help shape Mission Summit 2015!

 

Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ABCMSC2015 

 

We are also asking all young adults to take our survey focused at 16-23 year olds, here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ABCMSC16-23  

 

Susan Gillies
Chair of the 2015 Mission Summit/Biennial Planning Committee

September-October, 2014: New Resources and Opportunities!

Check out our newest "Footprints of Generosity" bulletin insert, published on September 17, 2014!  Click here to view the printable PDF

 

On October 23, we will also be presenting a webinar titled "UNCOMMON CENTS: A Christian Approach to Modern Stewardship & Giving," presented by: Reverend Bill Keane, Senior Minister, First Baptist Church of Branford, CT. Join us as we consider: What are your own thoughts and feelings about the relationship between faith and money? Learn More

 

Liberia Reeling from Ebola

The Ebola epidemic in Liberia has led to the shutdown of many activities in the West African country. A state of emergency has been declared, the capital Monrovia is under curfew, schools are closed, only essential government services are being provided and private businesses and offices have scaled back production and services.

 

The Baptist World Alliance (BWA) sent an initial sum of $10,000 to Liberia through Baptist World Aid, with additional sums earmarked to counter the growing menace. American Baptist Churches through the annual One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) offering has sent over $20,000 in funding so far.

 

"I hope that American Baptists will be generous in sending and directing aid to fight the Ebola outbreak through our ABC World Relief Committee and One Great Hour of Sharing offering," said ABCUSA General Secretary A. Roy Medley. Learn More 

Has your Church Registered for Mission Summit 2015?
Are two or more people from your church planning to attend Mission Summit 2015, the American Baptist Churches biennial event, June 26-28? SAVE MONEY by registering your church now! Don't miss this great opportunity to cut down on your registration fee. In 2015, church registration will close in February when individual registration opens. Don't miss out on this lower registration rate - check with your pastor, and make sure you church is registere d!

Church Registration is open at: www.americanbaptists2015.com.

Check out our Mission Summit video
Time is running out! General Secretary Nomination and Application Process Open Through October 31, 2014
The nomination and application process for the next General Secretary of American Baptist Churches is now open.


American Baptist leaders and friends are welcomed to encourage and nominate persons whom you believe would make good candidates for the position. The application process will close on October 31, 2014. Learn More 

 

Where in the World is General Secretary Medley?

General Secretary A. Roy Medley travels and represents American Baptist Churches USA wherever he goes.  

 

On Friday, August 29, Medley attended a prayer vigil which met on both sides of the Mexico-United States Border at Friendship Circle in Tijuana and in San Diego, California.

 

Medley, standing on the Tijuana side of the wall, taken from the San Diego side (photo from
Church World Service)

There, American Baptists along with faith leaders from the Episcopal, United Methodist, United Church of Christ, Catholic and Jewish traditions joined in a prayer service for Central American children fleeing violence.

 

About the event, Medley said, "We have come together because the love of God is not held back by borders, and neither should our love and care for our neighbor." Learn More   

 

Please continue to hold Dr. Medley in your prayers as he travels nationally and internationally, representing American Baptists at events in the coming months.  

More Recent Highlights from the ABCUSA Website
ABHMS Encourages Church, Family Disaster Preparation

American Baptist Women's Ministries Announces New Logo and Website

Special ABHMS Podcast Focuses on Ferguson

Congregations Kick Off 2014 World Mission Offering on September 1

ABHMS Posts Resources Regarding Child Refugee Advocacy

Christian Organizations in Egypt, Armenia and Poland Sign Covenants of Agreement with IM

Judson Press Book Offers a Roadmap for Constructive Relationships with Millennials

Faith Leaders Pray for Central American Children on Both Sides of Border Fence

Mitchell Draws Lessons from Slavery and the Holocaust 

Ministers Council Senate Pours New Wine into New Wineskins
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