From the Interim Executive Minister

Dear Friends of the Region,  My husband James, and I, lived in Grand Rapids, MI for the first 18 years of our marriage. During that time, I came to love Lake Michigan. It has a different personality than Lake Ontario. Lake Michigan has great rolling waves, is clean, has beautiful sandy beaches and is super fun to swim in. And...there is a strong undertow.
 
One beautiful summer day, after attending a workshop on Children in Worship at Western Seminary in Holland, Michigan, I met some friends at the Lake. I was in professional clothes, but the lake drew me in. I had dress in hand as I waded into the beautiful cool lake waters. 
Read more.
Historic Massachusetts Church Burns to the Ground

From Rev. Mary Day Miller, Executive Minister, The American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts on Oct. 24th:
 
"I just came from FBC Wakefield which was totally destroyed by fire tonight.  The steeple was struck by lightning.  I prayed with a stunned group of church folks as they watched the building burn.  It was a beautiful and historic building and a landmark in the community.  

"FBC Wakefield is currently in an interim time.  They are a strong ABC supporting congregation.   I wanted to let you all know to ask for your prayers, and would welcome any assistance for this church family."   Read more .

Note: Click here to go to the church website and access a Go Fund Me account.

Clergy and the Courts

Bishop Hickey Conference Center 
1150 Buffalo Road Rochester
Thu., Nov. 1 ~ 6 pm

This event is being sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese and the New York Court system to assist clergy in knowing what resources are available.  Specifically,  Clergy Day seeks to connect the courts of New York State to the communities they serve by providing clergy members with a greater understanding of how the courts work and awareness of the resources to which clergy members might direct those who seek their guidance and assistance.   There will be presentations on topics including young people and our courts, drug courts and other specialized courts, security at courthouses, availability of legal representation, juror outreach. Please RSVP by Oct. 26 at (585) 371-3834 or [email protected].
Read more.
Alaska Mission Opportunity Summer 2019

Kodiak Baptist Mission, Alaska

There are so many individuals across the country within church congregations who need a nudge to help them grow in their faith, leadership potential and commitment to their local congregations.   A summer at Kodiak Baptist Mission, working in our summer programs will not only help someone grow personally in their relationship with Jesus Christ, but will also encourage commitment to leadership within their local church community.  Read more.
2018 Young Women's Conference

Mary McLeod Bethune School #45
1445 Clifford Avenue, Rochester
Sat., October 27 ~ 10 am

Come be uplifted and inspired by women and youth sharing their stories of success and struggle. They will be empowering and inspiring our young women to "always dare to dream." 

For girls in grades 6 - 12, college students, parents, guardians, mentors, and teachers.
Read more. Registration form click here.
Mt. Olivet to Host World Community Day
GRCC Retreat
 
Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse
150 French Road, Rochester
Wed., Nov. 7 ~ 6 pm to 9 pm

This "Evening Apart" is centered on "Finding Our Breath in Today's World: Goodness to Go."  In a climate of raw division and mass confusion, people of faith are returning to our sources to breath afresh the wind of the Spirit.  This is not only for ourselves but also that we can be instruments of the Beloved Community in this time by word and deed.  The evening begins with finger foods, and the cost is $10. 
Read more .

Community Concert Series
First Baptist Church of Rochester
175 Allens Creek Road
Fri., Nov. 9 ~ 7:30 pm

Established in 1956, the YellowJackets are an all-male a cappella group comprised of University of Rochester students. This concert at First Baptist will also include a short performance by the Baronettes - an all-female a cappella group from Brighton High School. Join us for this special evening featuring local, young talent in a program of exciting vocal music!  Admission is free and open to the public.
Praying for our Region Churches and Staff


Week Church
Nov. 4 Waring Baptist Church
Nov. 11
Nov. 18 FBC Fairmont, WV
Nov. 25 Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School


Thank You for Your Support of the Region


Golden Friends ($1000 or more) - Glenn Loafmann/Kathie Linehan
ABC-USA Press Releases


To read press releases for ABC-USA, click here.