August 2015
ABCUSA NEWS UPDATE
A monthly newsletter to keep you informed about ABCUSA
Connecting with Local Churches
Connecting is a new publication sharing how American Baptist local churches are connected with others across the American Baptist Churches USA denomination and around the world. Learn more about ABCUSA and how YOU are connected in this 8-page publication by clicking here! 
Matthew 25 Grant Applications Due September 1
Applications for the Matthew 25 Grant, sponsored by ABCUSA, are due September 1, 2015.

Applications must be sent electronically with all application materials included. Awards for the Matthew 25 grant are made twice a year, in April and October, with application deadlines of March 1 and September 1.  

To view the guidelines and download the application form, click here.
Biennial Mission Summit Recap - June 26-28, 2015
The 2015 Biennial Mission Summit weekend was filled with praise, conversations, learning and worship time at the Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, Kansas. 

Photos from Mission Summit 2015 are online! You are invited to view them, here.

You are also invited to view a video slideshow which includes photos from throughout the event. This compilation was played at the end of the final worship service during the 2015 event.

This event is made possible by your contributions to United Mission. Save the Date for Portland, Oregon, June 30-July 2, 2017! 
Lake Street Church Ministry Supported by the Matthew 25 Grant
The Lake Street Church in Evanston,
Illinois, is a recent recipient of the Matthew 25 Grant, sponsored by ABCUSA. 

"The Covenant of Lake Street Church is the foundation of our ministry. It reminds us of 'the living practice of Jesus to welcome the excluded and care for the vulnerable.'"

Read more about this ministry.
New 2015 Stewardship Emphasis Materials Now Available
New Stewardship materials for 2015 are now available through the Judson Press website. 

"Live Free" is a four-week stewardship emphasis produced by the Ecumenical Stewardship Center that invites your congregation to "take hold of the life that really is life." "Live Free" includes four sub-themes: "Free From the Money Trap", "Free to Be Rich", "Free From the Uncertainty of Riches", and "Free to Take Hold of Life". It encourages you to learn and grow together by inviting persons to share their testimonies and by engaging in congregational challenges that can strengthen your ministry throughout the year.

Why a Denomination? Read more in Connections - Summer 2015 Edition

 
For some Christian perspectives, we are living in a post-denominational world: an age when burdensome administrative structures and broad relationships necessarily have been replaced by smaller, homogenous and more centralized units of ministry and mission. For many, however, now more than ever the denominational model not only holds up well, but uniquely addresses the myriad opportunities and pressing challenges of 21st century life.
Mission Summit Conversations Continued!
An online bulletin board for posting learnings and insights from conversation groups at the 2015 Biennial Mission Summit, as well as other learnings from similar regional and national conversational teams, is active and available for use today! All American Baptists are welcomed and encouraged to create an account and join in current discussions. The goal is to share the learnings from existing groups and new groups with others who may be struggling with or perhaps making progress with the same issues that others are dealing with.

This site is being used to encourage conversation before, during and after the Mission Summit. Visit the bulletin board forum today, here: 
https://abcwiki.abc-usa.org/phpbb/index.php 
Prayer Highlight - American Baptist Women In Ministry
Please keep American Baptist Women In Ministry in your prayers, as along with National Director Rev. Patricia Hernandez, American Baptist Women In Ministry focuses on ACCESS: 
  • Advocating for women,
  • Cultivating their call,
  • Celebrating their gifts,
  • Educating congregations about the biblical basis for women in ministry and
  • Shining a
  • Spotlight on women in ministry
"Women In Ministry are accessing our gifts and gaining access to the world for the good of all and the glory of God!" says Hernandez.
Where in the World is General Secretary Medley?
General Secretary A. Roy Medley travels and represents American Baptist Churches USA wherever he goes. 

 

General Secretary Medley traveled to Durban, South Africa, in late July 2015 for the 21st Baptist World Congress, held by the Baptist World Alliance. There, Medley joined other American Baptists in participating and representing ABC among Baptist brothers and sisters from around the world. Medley also attended the ABCUSA and ABC of Rhode Island-sponsored Rhythms of the Spirit event in Exeter, RI, in early August, which focused on nurturing a transformed life and finding depth and renewal through a contemplative lifestyle.

 

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
American Baptists Respond to Devastation in Myanmar with $10,000 OGHS Emergency Grant

American Baptist Women's Ministries Holds G.I.R.L.S. Leadership Academy

2015 World Mission Offering Highlights International Ministries Partner in Hungary

American Baptist Women's Ministries Celebrates Women's Day

Judson Press & ABWM Scholarship Essay Contest Website Opens for Entrants

American Baptist Women's Ministries Announces New Officers

Registration Begins for Sacred Space: Bullying in Church Youth Groups

IM Sets Course for the Future: Areas for Focused Growth Identified

ABHMS Sponsors Service to Celebrate ADA

ABHMS Applauds New Resources on Mental Health for Faith Leaders
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