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   News & Notes from

   American Baptist Home Mission

   

      December 2015

 


In this Advent season, amid the shadows, comes the light

When I heard the news bulletin about the shooting in San Bernardino, Calif., my hand sprinted to the off button on my car radio. Enough already.
 
Turning off the radio, though, doesn't tune out the unspeakable pain of senseless and merciless taking of human life, even when it's a continent away from me. The horror still ripples through newspaper headlines, tweets and water cooler conversations, leaving fear and questions in its wake. What shadows in the human soul lead a couple to gun down people at a holiday party? It's hard not to allow San Bernardino--and Paris and Charleston, S.C., and the list goes on--to threaten trust in the decency of humankind.
Read more

Susan Gottshall
Associate Executive Director, Communications
American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS)


ABHMS urges support for Syrian refugees, recommends resource 
As American Baptists, we're called to "welcome the stranger," including Syrian refugees. Start with the prayers, bulletin insert and donation ideas offered in Church World Service's free online "How Can We Help?" resource.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

'Space for Grace' offers opportunities for affirmation, exploration
A minister shares about her "Space for Grace" experience, calling the event "both an opportunity to affirm who you are and also to explore outside of your comfort zone."
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
America for Christ Offering 2016 materials to arrive in January
Watch your postal mailbox for America for Christ Offering 2016 materials to arrive in January. This year's theme--"Discipleship: Becoming More Like Christ"--is based on Ephesians 2:10.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Children of incarcerated parents find healing at ABHMS-sponsored camps 
At ABHMS-sponsored sleep-over camps designed especially for them, children and youth of incarcerated parents and relatives find hope and healing by supporting each other while experiencing nature's beauty and serenity. 
 



 
ABHMS recognizes notable giving among board member congregations
During a meeting of ABHMS' board last month in Los Angeles, board members and their churches were recognized for notable America for Christ Offering 2015 giving among board member congregations. 
 

 

 


 
Judson Press offers FREE holiday shipping!
Avoid holiday gift-giving panic with Judson Press! To receive free shipping on each purchase of at least $20, visit www.judsonpress.com through Dec. 18 and use promo code ABNEWS at checkout.

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"Equipping God's people for the work of ministry... Building up the body of Christ."  EPHESIANS 4:12
 
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American Baptist Home Mission Societies

  
800.222.3872