During Lenten Season
The season of Lent began with Ash Wednesday. As you minister to others during this Lenten season, the American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) Chaplaincy and Specialized Ministries team thanks you for manifesting the love of God to those whom you serve. During this Lenten season, we pray that each of you  are able to reflect more deeply on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ--his suffering and his sacrifice, his life, death, burial and resurrection. May your reflections, study and prayer draw you closer to the holy, creating a most sacred Lenten season.   
Leadership Changes
In December 2016, ABHMS Executive Director Dr. Jeffrey Haggray appointed the Rev. Kristy Moeller, ABHMS director of Chaplaincy and Specialized Ministries, as denominational ecclesiastical endorser. In June 2015, Moeller began serving as director of Chaplaincy and Specialized Ministries.  
Plan Now to Attend Upcoming Events
Specialized Ministry Summit, April 8, Denver, Colo.
Come and join us for a free summit and free lunch 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, April 8, at Calvary Baptist Church, 6500 E. Girard Ave. All endorsed American Baptist chaplains and pastoral counselors will receive a gift for attending! The summit will begin at 11:30 a.m. with networking and announcements followed by regional, national and strategic updates. Learn more about endorsement and American Baptist life! RSVP at endorsement@abhms.org by April 2 to ensure that your meal is ordered.


ABCOTS Regional Conference, April 25-28, Houston, Texas
If you plan to attend American Baptist Churches of the South's (ABCOTS) regional conference, please let us know at endorsement@abhms.org. The Chaplaincy and Specialized Ministries team plans to attend and would enjoy meeting you over coffee or a meal! Additionally, if you have endorsement questions, plan to attend our endorsement workshop on Thursday, April 27.


ACPE, May 3-6, Minneapolis, Minn.
The American Baptist Faith Group breakfast is 7:30-8:45 a.m. on Thursday, May 4. If you plan to attend the breakfast and program, please let us know at endorsement@abhms.org to ensure that your meal is ordered.


APC, June 22-25, Houston
The American Baptist Faith Group breakfast is 7:30-8:45 a.m. on Friday, June 23. If you plan to attend the breakfast and program, please let us know at endorsement@abhms.org to ensure that your meal is ordered.


Biennial Mission Summit, June 29-July 2, Portland, Ore., with June 29 celebrating chaplains, pastoral counselors and those ministering in specialized settings with learning opportunities and a free lunch!
Noon-2 p.m. June 29: Chaplain and Specialized Ministry Luncheon, "Connect. Cultivate. Change." Connect with others who serve in specialized ministry settings! Cultivate your relationships with chaplains, pastoral counselors, the endorsement committee and ABHMS leaders. Change your level of understanding by learning about resources and endorsement. And celebrate our award recipients!

Lunch is provided by ABHMS Chaplaincy and Specialized Ministries. 

Plan to attend the following learning opportunities on June 29:

"Putting Our Best Foot Forward: Best Practices among VA Chaplains" 
by Chaplain Varner Perez;
 
"Holy Mama off the Chain: A Discussion about Grief and Empowerment" 
by the Rev. Elizabeth Ritzman;
 
"Self-Care for Clergy Today" by the Rev. Dr. Delois Brown-Daniels; and
 
"Remembering our Roots as Military Chaplains" by Chaplain (Col.) Sean Lee.

Register for Chaplaincy Day and Mission Summit at www.americanbaptists2017.com


Mission trip to Murrow Indian Children's Home and Bacone College, July 23-29, Muskogee, Okla.
Save the date! Join chaplains, pastoral counselors and others to make a difference as we build, construct, clean, paint and inspire! Evening activities include worship, learning about Native American culture, interacting with the children and increasing your competencies with children in healthcare settings.
Annual Reports
Most of you submitted an annual report for 2016. Thank YOU! The submission of your annual report is a requirement to remain in good standing. Annual reports for 2016 were due by Dec. 31, 2016. If you still need to submit your annual report, please do so online at www.abhms.org > Ministries > Chaplaincy and Pastoral Counseling Ministries > Submit Annual Report.

If you are retired from ministry but would like to remain connected to chaplaincy events, you can update your contact information (address, telephone, email) at the following email address: endorsement@abhms.org.

American Baptist Chaplaincy and Pastoral Counseling Ministries

Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Haggray
Executive Director/CEO
American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS)
 
Rev. Kristy Moeller
Denominational Ecclesiastical Endorser
Director, Chaplaincy and Pastoral Counseling Ministries, ABHMS
 
Alice Mitchell-Cross
Coordinator  of Ministry and Endorsement
 
Rev. Dr. Delois Brown-Daniels, BCC
Chairperson, Endorsement Committee
 
Rev. Elizabeth Ritzman, LCPC
President, Ministers Council, Chaplains and Pastoral Counselors Chapter




American Baptist Chaplaincy and Pastoral Counseling Ministries
800.222.3872, x2482 
  
American Baptist Home Mission Societies