c o n n e c t i o n s
t h e a l l i a n c e o f b a p t i s t s
n e w s l e t t e r
December 2, 2020
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A Conversation with James Forbes, Jr. and Mahan Siler
Moderated by Nancy Sehested and Christine Wiley
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The winds of the Spirit have been stirring up a conversation. Come conspire with us as we hear from our elders as they sound the call to the work of anti-racism to the larger Alliance family.
Some of the Alliance elders have been gathering for conversation with Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr. around the work of anti-racism. As Mahan Siler writes, “Dr. Forbes, former professor at Union Seminary and Senior Minister of Riverside Church both in New York City, retired with his wife, Bettie, to his hometown, Raleigh, North Carolina. Through Dr. Nancy Petty, pastor of Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, he learned about the Alliance and our ever-deepening commitment to anti-racism work within the Alliance leadership and congregations.”
Siler continues, “[Dr. Forbes’] “White Manifesto” was offered as a gift to the Alliance. I was one of four Alliance members who met with Dr. Forbes to discern the ways we could receive the challenge of his Manifesto. In those interactions I realized I was in the presence of a spirited, wise black elder of the church in our time. His Manifesto addresses the nation. I felt him addressing me and my Alliance family. I was called out by his “Plea and Petition” to find my white elder voice in response.
In response, Siler wrote, “A White Manifesto: called out by a black elder, James A. Forbes, Jr. by his suggestion, White Manifesto, a Plea and Petition” (which can be read by clicking here). Siler’s work is not a finished word; rather, it is a starting place for white members of the Alliance of Baptists to engage in the conversation of anti-racism.
On December 14 at noon EST, James Forbes and Mahan Siler will be joined by Christine Wiley and Nancy Hastings Sehested to discuss how they have felt the Spirit stirring. You are invited to join in on the conversation. As it often is with the Spirit: The journey before us has not been made clear, but the next step is right before us. We hope you’ll join us.
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by Nancy Hastings Sehested
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"This year I find myself resonating most with old Zechariah. I certainly can find a blessed companionship with Elizabeth. I can still sing the bold revolutionary song with Mary. Hanging out with the shepherds on a hillside and hearing angelic voices of peace is heavenly. But Zechariah, that off-stage character who is not included in Christmas pageants or portrayed in a creche, is the one who speaks to me. It is his silence that sounds an echo in my soul."
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'Clergy leadership can be a lonely enterprise. Added to this loneliness the particularity of race, gender, geography, and culture, and leading a congregation--especially in the midst of a global pandemic--can become all the more isolating. Having served as a parish pastor, university chaplain, seminary professor, and denominational leader, all in a historically and predominantly Black context, I am increasingly grateful for the Alliance of Baptists’ Covenant, which embraces “the calling of God to all peoples to repentance and faith, reconciliation and hope, social and economic justice.”'
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Thank you to all who donated to support the Alliance of Baptists on Giving Tuesday! The Zoom-a-thon was a success and we raised $14,245 to support CAIRN Journey Groups from 44 donors, one generous donor who matched all gifts up to $5,000, and four sponsors.
If you would like to give to support the Alliance, I invite you to do so before December 31.
Thank you for your support of the Alliance!
Jason Smith
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Stay up to date on what's happening around the Alliance:
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The Alliance Nominating Committee is seeking the names of potential nominees for the class of 2024 to serve on the Alliance of Baptists Board of Directors. Desired skills include knowledge of and experience with nonprofit organization leadership focusing on racially-just practices. We especially seek candidates who contribute to broaden our racial and regional diversity. You may submit your own name or recommend someone else. Please send names and biographical information by email to Karen Ballard, ([email protected]) chair of the Nominating Committee, by Jan. 9.
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The 2020 Sacred Seasons Advent/Christmastide Packet from Seeds of Hope is here! This year's theme is "Breath of God." Our team began the planning for this packet with the terms "short of breath" and "I can't breathe" in the forefront of our minds, so we followed that leading to many layers of biblical and current meanings through the traditional themes of Advent and Christmastide. Find it here.
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Did you hear the news that our mailbox moved? Please update your records with our new address: 1801 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27605-1697.
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Do you have a prayer request you want to share with the wider Alliance community? Submit it here.
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Calendar
December 14
12 noon EST/11 am CST
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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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