February 2023

Registration is now open for the 2023 Biennial Mission Summit, meeting June 23-25 at the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Check out our schedule and exciting list of speakers, and Register Today!

Nominations and applications for the position of General Secretary of American Baptist Churches USA must be submitted by February 24, 2023. Please visit the General Secretary Search page for more information about American Baptist Churches USA and the General Secretary Search Process, to view the Search Advertisement, and to learn more about making a nomination or applying.

To have a confidential discussion about the opportunity, to make a nomination, or for process questions please email Karen Podsiadly, past president of ABCUSA and contact for the General Secretary Search Committee, at abcusaexecsearch@gmail.com. Please include name and contact information for both nominee and nominator with all nominations. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and statement of personal conduct to abcusaexecsearch@gmail.com.

Visit www.americanbaptists2023.com to learn more!

You’re invited to join us for our next Everyday ABC Conversation event, “Congregational Innovations” on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 3:00 PM ET, with presenters Rev. Dr. Greg Mamula and Rev. Travis Norvell. Mamula and Norvell will also be leading workshops at the 2023 Biennial Mission Summit.

Congregational Innovation happens in many ways across American Baptist Churches USA. We invited two American Baptist leaders to share about how they are innovating in their own ministry. Rev. Dr. Greg Mamula will share about Congregational Innovations around the Table, noting: “We are hard-wired to flourish within the context of community. Innovative opportunities like Table life are a holistic approach to faith and life while fostering thriving community connections.” Rev. Travis Norvell will share about Congregational Innovations while riding a bike, taking the bus, and walking on a sidewalk as a way to connect with your neighborhood and discover God already at work in the world around you.

Learn more.

The Generosity Project is a collaborative effort between ABCUSA, regions, and local congregations. The Generosity Project aims to help pastors re-frame the conversation around stewardship and generosity in their congregations. Bi-monthly blogs help support new growth and understanding as we deepen our ministry and discipleship. Read a reflection provided by ABCUSA Stewardship Consultant Rev. Stacy Emerson, "Generosity is...Doing Justice, Loving Mercy, and Walking Humbly With Our God."

In response to the earthquake which greatly impacted Turkey and Syria, International Ministries (IM) has sent initial grants totaling $10,000 in One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) emergency relief to partners who will be providing humanitarian relief to the survivors of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. The European Baptist Federation will receive $9,000 and Turkish Connections International will receive $1,000. Additional funding is needed - Learn more here.

Thanks to America for Christ (AFC) Offering contributions, American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) supported communities distressed by the devastation of COVID-19 last year, as the pandemic swept our country and Puerto Rico. ABHMS also helped families who lost homes to floods, wildfires and storms, along with children living on the edge because of poverty, and seminarians preparing to devote their lives to sharing the Good News. These are just a few of the ways ABHMS ministers to those in need; there are many more.

Please help us continue to bring healing and hope to communities, families, children and Jesus’ disciples in 2023 by supporting this year’s America for Christ Offering.

Domestic violence is a serious issue that impacts many women and families in our communities and congregations. As pastors and church leaders, we have a responsibility to help those who are affected by domestic violence. In partnership with Safe Haven Ministries, American Baptist Women’s Ministries is pleased to invite you to our Domestic Violence Workshop & Certification on Saturday, April 29, 2023. Virtually or at the First Baptist Church of Detroit, 21200 Southfield Rd, Southfield, MI 48075.

This important event will provide you with critical information and tools that you need to effectively address domestic violence in your church and community. The workshop will cover the following topics: 

• Biblical Exploration of Violence
• Domestic violence behaviors
• Supporting victims & survivors
• Issues of faith & domestic violence
• Safety planning for victims & the church
• Referring & issues of confidentiality
• Responding to & supporting abusers

ABWM hopes you can join us for this important discussion. For more information, please visit www.abwomensministries.org/events or contact info@abwomensministries.org.

February 24 is Deadline for General Secretary Nominations and Applications

American Baptist Women’s Ministries Awarded One Great Hour of Sharing Grant

$10,000 in OGHS Emergency Relief Funds to Turkey and Syria; More Help Urgently Needed

Earthquake Death Toll Surpasses 17,000

A Generosity Project Reflection – Managing Money

Visit the websites below

for happenings around the American Baptist denomination.

To view a full list of ABC ministry partners, click here.

ABC-related organizations who would like to submit upcoming news for a denomination-wide audience to this mid-month enewsletter may send submissions by the 10^th of the month to communications@abc-usa.org.