The Baptist World Alliance is hosting a holistic webinar TODAY, Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at 3:30 PM EST (5:30 PM BST - Sao Paolo Time). The webinar will be guided by the theme: "New Models of Doing Church."

Presentations will be made by Jerson B. Narciso from the Philippines on the topic: "Leading the Church beyond the Pandemic," and Lilla Dias Marianno from Brazil on the topic: "Be the Church Outside the Temple."

You are invited to register for today's webinar by using the below link:

Register for the Webinar

New Service Opportunity: Task Force on Interpreting the Impact of COVID-19 on Congregations

With commitment to supporting American Baptist congregations, the ABCUSA Office of the General Secretary and the Board of General Ministries have announced the formation of a new Task Force focused on "Interpreting the Impact of COVID-19 on Congregations." The purpose of this task force is to gather and share information regarding ways that ABC congregations can adjust to new realities created by the global pandemic so that they can become all that God intends them to be.

Please consider the opportunity to apply and voluntarily serve on this task force if you have:

• A commitment to follow Jesus, to the ministry and mission of the American Baptist Churches USA, and to participate in Christ’s mission through congregational life
• A desire to serve effectively on a diverse and inclusive task force and assist ABC congregations in fulfilling their mission
• Knowledge that can assist ABC congregations in adjusting to new realities created by the global pandemic and implementing change processes and developing new habits and practices in congregations or institutions

Former Executive Minister of the American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware, Rev. Dr. Frank Frischkorn, will serve as chair of this task force, which will meet virtually every 4-6 weeks beginning in mid-March. The work of the task force will be evaluated after one year of service. Applications are being accepted through February 7, 2022.

Click here to learn more or to apply.

The 2022-2023 ABC Directory and Planning Calendar is now available. We invite you to use this calendar as a reference tool for weekly planning throughout the calendar year and into 2023. You may download a printable .pdf file, or an .ics file and add the calendar dates to your own calendar to keep you up to date throughout 2022 and 2023.

Download the calendar in .pdf or .ics format, here.

A high-impact program for today’s borrowers

Student loan expert Heather Jarvis joined ABHMS and ABCUSA this fall for an engaging and practical presentation on managing student loans. Jarvis’ presentation covers:

• The big picture: student debt as part of your total financial picture
• How COVID 19 and the CARES Act impacts student loan borrowers
• Understanding the eligibility requirements of the various repayment plans
• Loan forgiveness from A to Z
• Tax issues specific to student loan borrowers
• Pros and cons of private student loan refinancing

Attendees in the live session were able to ask questions, so portions of the presentation are responses to specific situations faced by American Baptist pastors, parents, and students.

Access the session on-demand through ABHMS' Center for Continuous Learning, here.

From the pioneering women of long ago to the trailblazing leaders of today and all women who have responded to the call of God along the way, the movement of women into ministry has involved the whole family of faith from all across American Baptist Churches USA. With women serving in a multitude of ways and a variety of roles throughout the United States and around the world, American Baptist Women in Ministry (ABWIM) is hosting a unique conference: Radical. Redeemed. Ready. The conference will feature a number of unique workshop opportunities, inspiring conference leaders, creative worship, and multiple ways to connect while experiencing innovative approaches to ministry.

Save the Date for June 15-18, 2022! We continue to monitor the situation regarding Covid-19, but as of now are moving forward with plans for an in-person event with registration opening in February.

Visit www.radicalredeemedready.com for more information.

All are Welcome!

And we do mean all…all ministerial roles, experiences, and contexts;

all ages, cultures, and genders;

American Baptists and any and all friends in faith

The ABCUSA Anti-Racism Task Force, formed in fall of 2020, concluded its year-long goals of planning a symposium that explores and equips for the work of anti-racism, and identifying and surfacing anti-racism resources for individuals, congregations, and institutions. The Anti-Racism Task Force held an Anti-Racism Symposium on October 30, 2021. The recording for this symposium can be viewed here. The Resource List and published articles from the Anti-Racism Task Force, along with its final report, can be found here.

Learn more.

NRSV Updated Edition Available

Get started on your NRSV Updated Edition (NRSVue) eBible:

•    Download the Word@Hand app.
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•    Tap the BUY icon (in the blue bar at the top) to purchase your NRSVue eBible.