We are excited to launch Beach Break - A youth conference at the 2019 Biennial Mission Summit. This year we are doing a new thing!  While the adults are enjoying the Biennial Mission Summit, the youth will take part in a dynamic conference designed with them and for them. The Biennial Youth Conference will be held at the Holiday Inn, North Beach, from Friday, June 21 to Sunday, June 23. Themed, "Lessons at the Seashore," youth will explore the teachings of Jesus that emerged as he interacted with his disciples along the water. Youth will experience dynamic preaching, interactive workshops, Holy Spirit-filled worship, fun fellowship - all with the goal of youth attendees having an unforgettable Encounter with Jesus Christ.

View more about the youth conference here, or learn more about the full event and register online at www.americanbaptists2019.com.

	Marie and Charles Mercer

Charles and Marie Mercer have been named the 2019 co-recipients of the Cora and John Sparrowk President's Award. The award will be presented at the Biennial Mission Summit, June 21-23, 2019, on behalf of the Board of General Ministries. The recipient must be an American Baptist, who has over a period of years made an exceptional and outstanding contribution to the life of Christ's Church and who in life and service manifests richly the fruits and gifts of the Spirit. In 2017, Emilie Ballard and Newton Old Crow, Sr., were Co-Recipients of the Sparrowk Award, presented at the Biennial Mission Summit in Portland, Ore.

Read more here.

Throughout the 2019 Lenten Season, the Office of the General Secretary has been sharing a periodic online devotional for prayer and contemplation on the American Baptist Churches USA website.

The devotional series seeks to recognize the desert that Jesus journeyed through as well as the deserts that we journey through in our own lives.

Read the postings, here.