What a joy it was to participate in the Biennial gathering. I was so impressed by the the creative use of technology in worship, where there was something for every soul. Whether it was through a centering video for meditation, or embodied movement through dance, or the wide array of musical styles and inspired preaching—the Spirit was in our midst. Every aspect of worship was an invitation to see and experience the richness of God’s love as manifested through the people of the ABCUSA.

-The Rev. Michelle Nickens, ABCUSA Vice President-Elect and Pastor of Washington Plaza Baptist Church, Reston, Va.

The American Baptist Churches USA 2021 Biennial Mission Summit—An Online Experience met virtually June 24-26, 2021, with several pre-event activities. Inspired by the event’s theme, Imagine, speakers and leaders fostered spaces and invited participants to work toward unity, experience healing, and have hope while envisioning new possibilities for ministry and communities. American Baptists logged on to the online event platform from all across the country and around the world. Read more about the event here.

Event registrants will continue to have access to recordings of the main sessions and the resources in the On-Demand Library and Exhibit Booths through September 24.

Those who were unable to attend the Biennial Mission Summit yet would like to benefit from the available recordings and resources can take advantage of a post-event registration of $40. Details of this option, along with additional helpful instructions and information about the event, can be found at www.abc-usa.org/imagine2021.

2021 Biennial Mission Summit Offerings

Over the course of the 2021 online Biennial Mission Summit three offerings were received, one at each of the three worship services during the event. These three offerings centered on the worship service theme for the evening, as follows:

• Thursday's worship service "Imagine—Unity" – dedicated to humanitarian aide for the people of Myanmar which will be distributed by the ABCUSA Burma Refugee Commission.
• Friday's worship service "Imagine--Healing" – to support anti-racism work at the individual, congregational, and institutional levels of the ABCUSA.
• Saturday worship service "Imagine--Hope" – to support scholarships for the upcoming 2022 ABCUSA Women in Ministry conference "Celebrating Ministering Women: Radical.Redeemed.Ready."

You can participate in the offerings here. The offering portal will remain open through September 24, 2021.

Biennial Mission Summit Survey

We hope you enjoyed your time participating in the online 2021 Biennial Mission Summit. Fill out the survey on the Attendee Hub and tell us about your experience! All persons who complete the General Event Feedback survey by 3:00 PM ET on Monday, July 19, 2021 will be entered into a raffle for a variety of prizes.

The Game at the Biennial--Congratulations to the Winners

Biennial Mission Summit participants were invited to play The Game, racking up points as they engaged the Virtual Attendee Hub online platform. Congratulations to our top leaders who won a variety of prizes, including complimentary registration to the 2021 Biennial Mission Summit for our 1st place winner!

First Place: Jonathan Villers

Second and Third Place: Genikwa Williams and Claudia McCain

Fourth thru Sixth Place: Bill McMurray, Kimberly Salico-Diehl, and Miriam Mendez

ABC Anti-Racism Task Force

Read the ABC Anti-Racism Task Force's July 2021 article here and explore the resources they have created for the denomination here.

This month, The Generosity Project published a blog from the Rev. Jill Harvey. The blog entitled "When Gift Giving Isn't Generous Giving" is available on the ABCUSA website and is intended to assist and support new growth and understanding as we deepen our ministry and discipleship. 

The Generosity Project examines the challenge of stewardship in the 21st century and looks at learning how to re-frame the conversation. It looks at how we can create experiments to nurture generosity in ourselves, our families, and our congregations.

Read the latest blog on gift giving here.

With questions, please contact Rev. Stacy Emerson, ABCUSA Stewardship Facilitator: 800-ABC-3USA x2010, or [email protected].

Save the Date! "Celebrating Ministering Women: Radical.Redeemed.Ready" Conference

ABCUSA Women in Ministry will host the "Celebrating Ministering Women: Radical.Redeemed.Ready" conference at Green Lake Conference Center in Green Lake, Wisc. from Wednesday, June 15 to Saturday, June 18, 2022. The conference will include engaging keynote speakers, diverse workshops, innovative worship services, and opportunities for fellowship.

Rev. Dr. Patricia Hernandez shares, “Don’t miss what will surely be an historic event looking back to the rich legacy of ministering women and looking forward to a new future in which all the gifts God has given to all God’s people will be fully accessed, embraced, and utilized. All are welcome! Come! Join us!”

Visit www.radicalredeemedready.com for more information and registration details as they become available.

We congratulate those who were recognized at the 2021 Biennial Mission Summit for being Top-Giving United Mission churches in various categories for 2020. Click here to see the video presentation.

IM to Host Online Mission Conference

Are you or someone you know being called to global mission? "Hear the Call" is an online, discernment experience for adults exploring if God is calling them to career and/or short-term mission. During 3 two-hour sessions on Friday, October 8 and Saturday, October 9, 2021 participants will interact with global servants on the mission field. They will hear about mission opportunities, be able to ask questions, pray together and see God’s heart for mission. Registration for Hear the Call opens Wednesday, July 21 online.

Baptist World Alliance Holds First Virtual Baptist World Congress

The Baptist World Alliance hosted the 22^nd Baptist World Congress July 7-10, 2021 on a virtual platform for the very first time. The event provided a one-of-a-kind opportunity for Baptists worldwide to stand together at this critical time. "The BWA staff and all those who joined their hard preparatory work did an extraordinary job in gathering over 4,000 Baptists from all parts of the globe virtually to share their gifts with one another," said Dr. Raimundo Barreto, chair of the ABCUSA Committee on Christian Unity and Interfaith Relations. 

ABCUSA Interim General Secretary, Dr. C. Jeff Woods said of attending the BWA Congress: "I always appreciate how the diversity of God’s people approach worship and the scriptures. It is good to worship and participate in Bible study with people from across the globe."

The event included a women's conference in which the ABCUSA Associate General Secretary for Women in Ministry and Transition Ministries, Rev. Dr. Patricia Hernandez participated. Reflecting on the experience, she shares, "Women came together from every continent, culture and ministry context. We worshipped together, prayed together, and broke bread together. We sang together, studied together, and shared a common cup! We left strengthened, renewed, and bonded as Baptist sisters around the world."

Watch recordings of select plenary sessions from 22^nd Baptist World Congress here.

MMBB Article: "Ready for Retirement?"

Too often, investing for retirement is the “elephant in the room.” Many professionals — particularly clergypersons — aren’t adequately prepared. Here, a panel of CFP® professionals from MMBB Financial Services (mmbb.org) and ministry leaders bring the topics down to earth.

REGION NEWS

The Rev. Dr. Frank Frischkorn Announces Resignation

On June 22, 2021, Rev. Dr. Frank Frischkorn announced his plans to resign as ABCOPAD Regional Executive Pastor. Read his letter to the ABCOPAD and ABCUSA family here.

Anniversary of ABC Settlement Agreement Celebrated

The Rev. Dr. Robin Stoops, executive regional minister of Nebraska, participated in a celebration of the anniversary of American Baptist Churches v. Thornburgh which resulted in the 1990 ABC Settlement Agreement. This agreement created access for some Guatemalans and Salvadorans with immigration benefits. Read more about the settlement on the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services Website.

The ABCNJ Hosts "Summer Conversations" Series

This past year has impacted ABC of New Jersey congregations in a variety of ways. One thing we were reminded of, however, is that ministering in this time requires us to try new approaches to reach our community. This new posture invites others to choose, cultivate, and practice a life of discipleship. These conversations will cover various topics and then have a group discussion to gather ideas from other ABCNJ colleagues. The remaining conversations will be held on July 27 and August 31. For more information visit ABCNJ's website.

International Ministries and TABCOM's Creation Care Host "What's in Your Cup?" Roundtable

Join IM and The American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts' Creation Care initiative on Tuesdays at 4pm EDT for this 3-part conversation series about the origins of the contents of our cups. How does God call us to respond to the intersection of faith, food, and social justice?

August 3: Tea with Justevia

September 7: Honey with Dwight Bolick

October 5: Sugar with Ketly & Vital Pierre



To register email [email protected].

ABC Central Region Hosts "4TEN" Youth Leadership Training

ABC Central Region is hosting 4TEN, a leadership skills training for youth entering 10-12th grades, during the fall of 2021. 4TEN was formed by the scripture I Peter 4:10: “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.” This youth leadership training is designed to empower our youth to employ their gifts to serve Jesus. Youth are not the leaders of the future; we need them to step up NOW in their local churches! Visit the 4TEN webpage to learn more.

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