February 2015
ABCUSA NEWS UPDATE
A monthly newsletter to keep you informed about ABCUSA
Biennial Mission Summit Church Sponsorship Deadline Approaching, Individual Registration Opens
The Biennial Mission Summit in Overland Park, Kansas, June 26-28, 2015, will be here before you know it! The deadline for Church Sponsorship has been extended to February 27, 2015. There is only one week left to register your Church as a Sponsor. Individual Registration is also now available. Individuals may visit www.americanbaptists2015.com for additional details, to register online or to download a PDF registration form.

We encourage you to register as a Church Sponsor ahead of the final February 27, 2015 deadline. More information, including pricing and savings, can be found here.  
Creating Space for All - A Reflection Written by
ABC President Don Ng
ABCUSA President Don Ng was invited by Al Fletcher, Executive Minister of ABC-Maine, to participate in a Table Conversation in the region as they jointly affirm and celebrate the importance of having Millennials and young adults in the life of the church. Ng wrote a reflection about his experience at the January 3, 2015 event. Read it here. 
Grant Opportunity: Earn Funding for a Church Ministry by Sharing your Ministry Story

Want to earn grant funding towards a ministry that your church is doing in your local community? You are invited to share your Ministry Story with the American Baptist family and with the world! Grants totaling $5,000 will be given to the top stories, and the funding received will go right back to the church ministry. Learn more.  


These ministries will be celebrated at the Biennial Mission Summit in Kansas City in June 2015. You do not need to attend the event to be a recipient, although we encourage you to consider attending so that you may help to share your story. We want to tell the stories of the great things our ABC churches are doing across the country! Learn how YOU can enter.
Time is Running Out! Sign-Up to Explore Taizé

We invite you to participate in a pilgrimage to Taizé, led by experienced guide Brad Berglund. The Taizé community in France has become a gathering place for young adults from all over the world to meet one another, connect through Christ, and grow together in a community atmosphere unlike any other. Geared towards young persons 17-29, the trip is open to all. Scholarships are available! We also invite you to consider a young person you might encourage to take advantage of this life-changing opportunity.

  

Learn More.

  

View photos from the June 2014 trip.
Prayer Time: Biennial Mission Summit Planning Team, Local Arrangements Committee and Hosting Region

Please pray for the Biennial Mission Summit Planning Team, the Local Arrangements Committee and the Hosting Region (ABC of the Central Region), along with partner regions, as they work to plan and execute our family reunion in Overland Park, Kansas, June 26-28, 2015. Check out the website at www.americanbaptists2015.com for additional information and to register. There are many hours being spent by many people to plan exciting events for the ABC family, and we look forward to seeing the Spirit of the Lord shine through work of the numerous staff and volunteers involved in Mission Summit 2015. 
New in 2015: Change in United Mission Designations

On December 20, 2014, churches were sent a letter about a change in United Mission  Designations (UMD) as found on the current mission support receipt. The United Mission Designations category is being eliminated, effective with the January 2015 receipts.

 

Learn more about this change.
Where in the World is General Secretary Medley?

General Secretary A. Roy Medley travels and represents American Baptist Churches USA wherever he goes. In late January and February, Medley is traveling with an ABC delegation in Thailand and Burma, visiting refugee camps and building connections with Burmese people. Can you find him in the photo, below? 

 

Please continue to hold Dr. Medley in your prayers as he travels nationally and internationally, representing American Baptists wherever he goes.  
More Recent Highlights from the ABCUSA Website
ABHMS Board Studies Connection Between Spiritual Practice, Effective Leadership

Kristy Engel Named Global Consultant for Health Care by IM

Kathy Charland Assigned to Serve Women in Zambia

American Baptist Women's Ministries Announces 2015 Women's Day

ABHMS Calls for Children in Poverty Grant Applications by April 29

ABWM Announces June 2015 G.I.R.L.S. Leadership Academy

ABWM Announces "Crisis at the Border: What Could I Do?" A Virtual Mission Encounter for Women

ABHMS Seeks Volunteers for Various Summer Volunteer Mission Opportunities

Church Sponsorship Deadline Extended! Biennial Mission Summit Individual Registration Opens

Cochran Called to Lead DCBC as Next Executive Director/Minister

American Baptist Quarterly Features Black History Resources

American Baptist Women's Ministries Acts on Behalf of Kachin Women in Myanmar

ABHS Announces Younger Award Nominations Open
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