| A monthly newsletter to keep you informed about ABCUSA |
ABCUSA Announces Search for Two Associate General Secretaries
The American Baptist Churches USA Office of the General Secretary is announcing a search for two Associate General Secretary positions. The positions include Associate General Secretary for Missional Initiatives and Partnerships and Associate General Secretary for Congregational and Pastoral Effectiveness.
Applications may be submitted for one or both positions. The deadline for applications is August 15, 2017.
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2017 Biennial Mission Summit - June 30-July 2, 2017
The 2017 Biennial Mission Summit, June 30-July 2, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Ore., was an exciting event highlighting denominational transition and new leaders of American Baptist Churches USA, who preached and addressed delegates and participants gathered in Portland.
 Rev. Sharon T. Koh, executive director/CEO of International Ministries, gave the message during the Friday evening Worship Experience; Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, executive director of American Baptist Home Mission Societies, preached during the Saturday evening Worship Experience; and new ABCUSA General Secretary Rev. Dr. Lee B. Spitzer gave the sermon during the Sunday morning Worship Experience.
Learn more about the event at the links below:
Didn't have a chance to attend?
View a photo album from the event, here
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Attendees: Take our Feedback Survey! Unable to Attend? See What you Missed!
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Discussion Around Seven ABC Priorities Continues
One of the major highlights of the 2017 Biennial Mission Summit was the Mission Summit Conversations, in which 553 people advanced the current ABC priorities through the sharing of their hopes, dreams, insights and practices with one another. In Portland, the Mission Summit Conversations featured these seven priorities: Anti-Violence, Discipleship, Ending Poverty, Gospel in a Rapidly Changing Society, Innovative Models of Pastoral Ministry, Next Generation of Leaders, and Women in Ministry.
American Baptists who did not attend the event are invited to join in the discussion about these topics through Groups on the American Baptist Churches USA
Facebook Page which were introduced prior to the event. There is a Group (click on "Groups" at left) for each of the seven priorities, with a goal of encouraging discussion and learning before, during and after the event. There is also an eighth, newer group for "Baptist Talk," where the purpose is "to increase our understanding and respect for one another as American Baptists."
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My Baptist Life: Rev. Kathy Longhat
Rev. Kathy Longhat serves as pastor of Watonga Indian Baptist Church, Watonga, Okla. The congregation is associated with the Oklahoma Indian Baptist Association of the Central Region. Her small
 congregation is comprised of Cheyenne and Arapaho people who live in and around Watonga. She ministers to them not only through the congregation, but also at local functions, such as pow-wows, wakes, funerals and home visits as needed.
"I'm an American Baptist because of my rich background, which started at Rainy Mountain Kiowa Indian Baptist Church when I was small," says Longhat. "My grandparents attended there years ago, and I would go to church with them when I visited them. I loved to hear Christian hymns being sung in the Kiowa language. The songs resounded through the whole church when they sang."
Learn more.
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Up to Camp: A Summer Reading Series (Part 3)
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American Baptist Women's Ministries Announces Search for Executive Director
The
 search for a dynamic leader to serve as Executive Director of American Baptist Women's Ministries (ABWM) is now open. Located in Valley Forge, Pa., the Executive Director of ABWM will be responsible for providing and implementing a vision for the organization's ministries with women and girls.
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Join Us! Rhythms of the Spirit - August 14-18 in Exeter, R.I.
Do you struggle for balance between prayer and activity? Do you long for more silence and solitude in your life and ministry? More energy for compassion, peace and justice? The Rhythms of the Spirit conference, offered in a retreat style, provides a unique opportunity to explore the transformed life and discover contemplative practices that invite us into deeper engagement with the needs of the world.
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Prayer Highlight: Matthew 25 Grant Recipients
This month, please pray for the many ministries that receive funding from the Matthew 25 Grant through the ABCUSA Office of the General Secretary.
 The Matthew 25 Grant is designed to channel gifts to help meet the needs of "housing, feeding, education and health with regard to the less fortunate." Each grant cycle, many American Baptist churches receive funding which aids in their ministry in local communities. Learn more about the ABCUSA Matthew 25 Grant
here.
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Recent Highlights from the ABCUSA Website
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STAY CONNECTED
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View a photo album from the Biennial Mission Summit here
