O God of love,
Grant to your faithful ones the grace
To represent you effectively in our Discordant world.
Give us courage enough
To put our lives on the line
In communicating truth and hope
To people all around us,
Wherever they may be found.
Where there is injustice,
May we diagnose its cause
And discover its cure.
Where there is bigotry and hatred,
Teach us to love and how to encourage others to love.
Adaptation of Psalm 72, by Arville Earl, High Point, N.C.
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We pray for all those affected by the wildfires out west and the hurricanes hitting the coastal areas of the southwest, especially family and friends who are directly impacted by these natural and unnatural disasters. We pray for firefighters and first responders, residents, wildlife and domestic pets; we pray for those who have lost everything and for those who are afraid, for those whose very air is acrid and for those whose electricity has been shut off to prevent further harm. We pray for safety and wise decisions and the ability for us as humans to learn and change.
The family of Mike Gregg and Amanda Miller Gregg, Dallas, Texas, whose infant son Ford will have surgery on Wednesday, September 16, at 1:00 p.m. CST. The surgery to repair hernias and insert a g-button placed for feeding is hoped to enable little Ford to come home very soon. Mike is Pastor at congregational partner Royal Lane Baptist Church in Dallas. Baby Ford was born at 29 weeks and weighed only 3 lbs and 12 oz. and has had to remain in the NICU since birth. Friends have created a gofundme page for those who wish to help support the Greggs with their mounting medical bills.
Igreja Batista do Pinheiro, Maceio, Brasil, as the congregation is located in an area where the land has become unstable as a result of underground mining. Pastors Wellington Santos and Odja Barros write asking our prayers for the uncertainty facing their congregation. Read the story of what’s happening to the region in Maceio, Alagos here.
Maricela Muniz Lamelas, Havana, Cuba, who at 28 weeks into a pregnancy has been hospitalized. Maricela is one of the pastors of Iglesia Bautista Ebenezer de Marianao, Cuba, a founding church of Active Hope Partner Fraternidad Iglesias Bautistas de Cuba.
Terryn Nelson, Woodbridge, Va., as she is the primary caregiver for her father, Robert Nelson. Because of the pandemic isolation, Terryn has brought her father from assisted living to live with her. Terryn is a member of congregational partner Riverside Baptist Church, Washington, D.C., and served on the Alliance’s board of directors 2016-2020.
The family of Gerald W. Pollard, Austin, Texas who died Sept. 4 after battling Parkinson’s disease. His death is grieved by his brother James Pollard, Mars Hill, N.C., a retired Alliance endorsed CPE supervisor.
Kristy Arnesen Pullen, Ashburn, Va., whose 97-year-old father is at the end of his life in a nursing home in Vermont. Kristy is website specialist on the Alliance staff.
Doris García Rivera, San Juan, Puerto Rico, interim chief executive officer at BPFNA~ Bautistas por la Paz, who is recovering from an optic nerve vitreous gel detachment in her right eye.
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Jann Aldredge-Clanton, Dallas, Texas, on the publication of her latest book The Gathering, A Womanist Church Origins, Stories, Sermons, and Litanies. Jann teaches writing at Richland College in Dallas and is co-chair of the Alliance's Equity for Women in the Church Community.
Jaime Clark-Soles, Dallas, Texas, whose most recent book, 1 Corinthians: Searching the Depths of God, is now published. Jaime is professor of New Testament at Southern Methodist University and directs the Baptist House of Studies at Perkins School of Theology.
Reba Delzell who was installed as pastor of congregational partner Williston-Immanuel United Church, Portland, Maine, in a beautiful virtual service of installation Sunday, Sept. 13. Blessings to church and pastor in their ministry together!
Rebecca Hewitt-Newson, Raleigh, N.C., who has been called to serve Emmaus Way, Durham, N.C. as co-pastor. Previously the Wake Forest University School of Divinity alumnus served as associate pastor of congregational partner Millbrook Baptist Church, Raleigh, N.C. Congratulations on this new ministry, Rebecca!
Christian McIvor, Greensboro, N.C., who has accepted a call to serve Greystone Baptist Church, Raleigh, N.C. as minister of music, worship and the arts. Christian graduated from Wake Forest University’s School of Divinity in 2020 and has been serving at congregational partner College Park Baptist Church, Greensboro, N.C., as minister of music and worship.
Rebecca Pettit, Waco, Texas, who was ordained by congregational partner Lake Shore Baptist Church on August 30. Rebecca has completed a year as a chaplain resident at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center, Temple, Texas, and has been accepted for a second year residency at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital, Asheville, N.C.
Garry Walton who recently received the honor of professor emeritus after teaching for over 37 years at Meredith College. The Alliance supporter is a member of congregational partner Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, Raleigh, N.C., and recently relocated to Staunton, Va.
Brooks Wicker, Raleigh, N.C., upon her retirement from serving as church administrator at congregational partner Pullen Memorial Baptist Church. The long-time advocate for the Alliance, who has served in numerous capacities within the Alliance including as president, was celebrated at Pullen with a drive-by parade honoring her dedication and service. We join the celebration of gratitude for the contributions Brooks continues to make!
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John Torbert, Pineville, La., died August 9 at the age of 95. The World War II veteran worked as a chemist at Louisiana State University for 33 years. He, along with his deceased wife Betty seen in this photo, were active lay leaders in their local congregation as well as supporters and sustainers of the Alliance from our earliest days. We celebrate the life and legacy of John and Betty Sue Torbert! Because of people like the Torberts, the Alliance has unapologetically pushed the envelope of inclusion for more than 30 years! |
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The Alliance of Baptists is a vibrant movement of people, faith communities and ministry partners who are deeply passionate about ecumenism, partnership in mission, relentless hospitality and racial and social justice. |
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