September 2017

 
ABCUSA NEWS UPDATE
A monthly newsletter to keep you informed about ABCUSA

Signs of Growth, Heralds of Hope

General Secretary of American Baptist Churches USA Lee B. Spitzer shares about two churches, one in the American Baptist Churches of Michigan and one in the American Baptist Churches of New Jersey, who are engaged in church growth in different ways within their communities.

Over the next few months, Spitzer will look at examples of ministry to highlight his five key ministry priorities for the denomination, which were originally introduced in June 2017. The priorities are as follows: unify our family based on core convictions and joyful mission; strengthen our regions as they serve our churches and clergy; promote the mission of our national agencies and mission partners; lead our family into new church growth, evangelism and creative service; and encourage creative partnerships.

Prayer, One Great Hour of Sharing Gifts Invited

Following the devastation caused by recent Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, American Baptists are encouraged to pray for those affected and are invited to support One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS), an offering of American Baptist churches that "makes the love of Christ real for individuals and communities around the world who suffer the effects of disaster, conflict, poverty or severe economic hardship, and for those who find themselves refugees or displaced within their home country."

Donations designated to "OGHS - Hurricane Harvey" and/or "OGHS - Hurricane Irma" can be made through your church; by visiting  www.abc-usa.org and clicking "Give Online" at the top right of the page (In the "Comments" section, type "OGHS - Hurricane Harvey"/"OGHS - Hurricane Irma"). Or, mail to the attention of Kim Wilkins at American Baptist Home Mission Societies, P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA, 19482-0851. One hundred percent of donations go to relief efforts; no dollars are retained for administrative costs.

Learn more here and here.
United Mission is the Vehicle: United Mission Helps American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island Serve
 
United Mission empowers ministries across American Baptist Churches USA regions.

In the American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island, Rev. Kathryn Palen, Associate Executive Minister for ElderCare Ministries, explains how United Mission support helps regions ensure that the oldest among us know they are cherished and celebrated.


Did you know?   United Mission also powers this Enewsletter!
New Ecumenical Stewardship Center Resources Available: Live Generously
 
Live Generously, based on 2 Corinthians 8:9, is the theme for just-released stewardship resources published by the Ecumenical Stewardship Center. Together, they provide a creative, comprehensive, and thought-provoking approach to encourage faithful stewardship that leads to generous giving. Live Generously is the third of four planned themes that focus on 1 Timothy 6:18-19 and the phrase "take hold of the life that really is life." Other themes are Live Free, Live Simply, and Live Courageously.

ACCESS: American Baptist Women in Ministry

American Baptist Women in Ministry believes that the health of our churches and the future of our denomination depend on fully accessing and embracing all God's gifts in all God's people for all God's good.

American Baptist Women in Ministry is highlighting mentors who have encouraged others. Personal video stories are now available online, highlighting how mentors have influenced leading women of American Baptist Churches USA. View American Baptist Women in Ministry Mentor Stories here.

Prayer Highlight: Hurricane Relief and Recovery


Following Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma, which deeply touched people in the United States, Puerto Rico and surrounding islands, we invite you to join together in prayer for the communities working toward recovery, as well as the victims and families affected by these two natural disasters.
Recent Highlights from the ABCUSA Website





American Baptist Churches USA
PO Box 851  Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851  
800-ABC-3USA


American Baptists serving as the hands and feet of Christ.