November 2018

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

Giving Thanks and a Call to Prayer for Persons Touched by California Wildfires

At this time of year
We give thanks for air to breathe,
Food to eat,
And shelter over our heads.

We pray for those who have lost loved ones, are missing loved ones, and for those who have lost or are in fear of losing the basic necessities of life due to the recent California wildfires.

Three major wildfires in California have destroyed a record number of homes and buildings and destroyed over 250 acres of land. Over 1,000 people remain unaccounted for as a result of the fires.

As you worship, expressing gratitude and remembering those in need please especially remember those affected by the California wildfires.

And let us always remember to pray for those who have no daily expectation of food, shelter, clean air or water.

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Colossians 4:2

Sincerely,

Dr. C. Jeff Woods
Acting General Secretary

View online here.
ABCUSA Board of General Ministries Meets, Endorses National Call for Reflection, Prayer and Reconciliation

At its recent meeting, November 9-11, 2018, in King of Prussia, Pa., the Board of General Ministries of American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) voted to endorse the National Call for Reflection, Prayer and Reconciliation of the National Institute for Civil Discourse (NICD).

Highlights of the meeting included a visit from Dr. Carolyn J. Lukensmeyer, executive director of the NICD, and a delegation from the Burma Refugee Commission.


Baptist World Alliance Leaders to Speak at 2019 Biennial Mission Summit
BWA General Secretary Elijah Brown

The American Baptist Churches USA 2019 Biennial Mission Summit will feature two speakers who are leaders of the Baptist World Alliance. Elijah Brown, general secretary of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA), will speak during the Saturday evening worship service. Ngwedla Paul Msiza, BWA president, will bring the message on Sunday morning.

"Summit by the Sea" is the theme of the June 21-23, 2019 event, to be held in Virginia Beach, Va. American Baptist Churches USA has historically welcomed BWA leaders to its Biennial event, held every two years in different locations throughout the United States.

"The Planning Team is excited to announce two powerful speakers for the event in Virginia Beach. BWA General Secretary Elijah B
BWA President Ngwedla Paul Msiza
rown and President Ngwedla Paul Msiza will bring a stimulating worldview to our event and I hope that American Baptist are challenged and inspired as they hear from these two significant Baptist leaders," said Rev. Dr. Philip James, chair of the Biennial Mission Summit Planning Team.

Learn More.

Sign-up to receive email updates about the Biennial Mission Summit as they are available here: www.americanbaptists2019.com.
ABCUSA Announces 2018 Awards for Matthew 25 Grant

Forty Matthew 25 Grants ranging from $250 to $3,000 were awarded in October to applicants who provide a large variety of service to people in need across the United States and Puerto Rico.

Detailed stories about the outcomes of Matthew 25 Grant awards can be found here, as recipients send in progress reports about their ministries.

Read the full announcement here.
Nominations Invited for Mowbray Ecumenical Award

American Baptist Churches USA seeks nominations for the Luke Mowbray Ecumenical Award, which recognizes an individual for outstanding ecumenical work at the local, state, national or international level, either as a volunteer or paid professional. This award will be presented at the American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) 2019 Biennial Mission Summit, June 21-23, 2019 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The award winner will be selected by the ABCUSA Committee on Christian Unity and Interfaith Relations. The deadline for nominations January 30, 2019.

New Region Executive Ministers Called

Four American Baptist Churches regions have called new Executive Ministers this fall. Click the titles below to read news releases about the new Regional Executive Ministers.

Prayer for those touched by recent natural disasters

This fall, hurricanes Michael and Florence hit the southeastern United States and left great  damage. Fires continue to burn in California, a church in Massachusetts was destroyed by a fire caused by a lightning strike, and other regions and churches have been effected in varying ways by natural disasters of different scales.

"Please continue to pray for those who have been so devastated by natural disasters in recent years," said Jeff Woods, acting general secretary of American Baptist Churches USA.

One Great Hour of Sharing funding, administered by the World Relief Committee of the Board of General Ministries of American Baptist Churches USA, is released in many of these scenarios, as regions and churches survey damage and work to rebuild. Both designated and undesignated gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing are utilized to help those in need and show the love of American Baptists to churches, partners and friends.

Please be in prayer for those dealing with, and recovering from, natural disasters in our nation and world.
Recent Highlights from the ABCUSA Website




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