Friends, this past weekend found me in the Minneapolis/ St. Paul area preaching in the Park for Calvary Baptist Church and meeting with their leadership. I also met with some of our current Karen Baptist Churches and some that are interested in joining the Mid-American Region and the ABCUSA. And I also took some time to visit George Floyd Square.
Here are some pictures that I took.
A Meeting held at Hosanna Karen Baptist Church in their new building
with Karen Baptist churches interested in joining the Region.
Special thanks to Pastor Bill Englund and Pastor Saul Lu from FBC St. Paul.
And a picture of the worship service that was held on June 6th for the building's dedication.
Pastor Jeff Cowmeadow of Calvary Baptist Church - worship in the park -
I was honored to be asked to preach this past Sunday and meet with church leadership.
Pictures from George Floyd Square in Minneapolis
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The clock in days, hours, minutes, and seconds ignites both excitement and anxiety for all who are busy preparing and are eager to welcome you to the first-ever online denomination-wide event! |
We now have 30 confirmed groups and organizations who will exhibit at this year’s event, several starting as early as Monday, June 21 at 9:00 AM. Exhibitors will provide helpful information, inspiring videos, opportunities for personal conversations, and activities to add to all the sponsored events that are highlighted through the registration process. |
By the way, have you registered yet for the Biennial Mission Summit, and if so, have you added a visit with any of the sponsored events to your schedule? |
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MABC Region News:
Brought to you by the MABC Mission & Stewardship Team
The Mission and Stewardship Team will be sharing insights from book entitled: Double Blessing by Mark Batterson (2019),
in several upcoming editions of The BodyBuilder
“What is the double blessing? The first blessing is using our God given time and talent to make a difference in the world. For Handel that meant making music that stirs the soul.
The second blessing is using the treasure that our time and talent produce,
typically in the form of a paycheck, to generously bless others.
Handel used the proceeds from the Messiah to free 142 men from debtor’s prison
and much more.”
“God doesn’t bless us to raise our standard of living.
God blesses us to raise our standard of giving."
Highlights from the June 2021 Board of General Ministries meetings were held virtually on June 3 – 4, 2021 - by Bruce Van Der Beek, our Region Representative.
Here are some highlights of the meetings:
- Preparations for the Biennial Mission Summit are ready in anticipation of the event June 24-26. The speakers include Winterbourne Harrison Jones, Brianna Parker, Susan Sparks, and a video from the NEC. Workshop leaders include Executive Ministers Steve Van Ostran, James Harrison, Doug Avilesbernal, and representatives from MMBB, ABWM, ABHMS, and IM. The event includes approximately 16 hours of worship, workshops, information sessions, and conversations, as well as virtual exhibit booths and an ‘On-demand’ library that will be available for six months following the event. Many of the sessions will be interactive.
- Interim General Secretary Dr. Jeff Woods discussed the denomination’s response to the political crisis in Myanmar. (He noted that we are the most ethnically diverse denomination in the U.S. and many of our congregations are former refugees from Myanmar.) The response included meetings and prayer with some key American Baptist leaders, the Burma Refugee Commission and the Burma Diaspora. In addition, letters were written to President Biden, Vice-President Harris, National Security Advisor Sullivan, Secretary of State Blinken, General Secretary of the UN, U.S. Ambassador to UN constantly calling for:
- Recognition of the democratically elected leaders and release of the political detainees. U.S. Govt to cooperate with member nations of the United Nations and ask the formation of a UN Security Council resolution under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. Launch diplomatic conversations with China and other key countries in the struggle. Sanctions in cooperation with other countries focused upon military leaders. Humanitarian aid for the people of Myanmar and “Internally Displaced Persons”
- Some members of the BGM are part of an Anti-Racism task force, co-chaired by Dr. Wimberly and Rev. Thornbugh. The task force has shared updates in the OGS (Office of the General Secretary) newsletters and is developing a proposal for the BGM to help ABCUSA become the most anti-racist denomination in the U.S.
- Budget Review Officer Paul Higgins reported that the year-to-date financials show a surplus of $12K with the Biennial. The Net surplus without the Biennial is $151K. This is due to reduced travel/meetings and a reduction in staff costs by 2 net positions. United Mission and America for Christ giving is up over 2020.
The BGM will meet in person on November 5-7, 2021 in King of Prussia, PA., for the first time since November 2019. Please see the link below for additional meeting information.
Bruce Van Der Beek BGM representative for Mid-American Churches
Here is the link to the ABCUSA news release of the meeting.
First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines in Johnston, IA, is searching for a part-time music director, choir director, and organist.
In 2020, COVID-19 brought our music ministry to a Grand Pause. After counting rests for these many months, we are ready and excited to restart the music and rebuild our fine arts department!
A Des Moines congregation for over 170 years, First Baptist has a long history of excellence in musical performance. Preferred applicants would be classically trained, but also open to integrating newer musical applications into a worship setting. These positions may be separate or paired/combined with a start date as soon as possible. Job descriptions can be found HERE. For more information please contact the church office: 515-243-8161
STURGIS RALLY MINISTRY
Short Term Mission Opportunity
August 6-14, 2021
For the past 20 years, the American Baptist Churches of Nebraska and the Dakotas have worked together to coordinate the ministry of ABC Emergency Services during the Sturgis Bike Rally. Volunteers from both regions, and other ABC USA regions, gather every year to help feed, transport, and counsel dozens of individuals who find themselves in need of emergency assistance. More ministry information is provided here, along with registration information here. If you cannot participate, please pray for our volunteers and those they assist.
Attention MABC Pastors - noteworthy opportunities listed below:
Please consider applying for a grant. The deadline to apply is July 31st.
If you would like to discuss ideas and possibilities contact Jackie at exec@mid-abc.org.
www.abcofgiving.org
Associate Region Minister Gary Martin discovered this and wanted to share with you.
Here's a Continuing Education opportunity through Central Seminary
More information and
registration can be found here:
https://www.cbts.edu/reshaping-church/
Dayton Oaks Camp needs your Help!!!
Hi there everyone, We have been unable to fill all our staff positions for our summer camp season, so this has created a unique opportunity for summer volunteers. We are looking for responsible male & female volunteers to be cabin leaders for a week of summer camp. Background checks are mandatory for all volunteers. Right now, the two camps in the most need of volunteers are 1-4 Cabin that runs from Tuesday June 29- Friday July 2, and Specialty Camps which are July 11-16. If you are an adult and are looking for the "camp experience" that you didn't get as a kid, here's your chance to mentor young people. We are looking for responsible individuals 16 & up who are able to keep up with the kids in the cabins & throughout their daily activities. Contact Matt or Dani at the camp email mabcamp@lvcta.com or call 515-547-2417 if you or someone you know is interested.
Forest Lake Camp is embarking on a New Adventure
If you would like to read more about this new lodging opportunity (catering to adults) that the Forest Lake Camp Board
is embarking upon please read all about it HERE Donations are being accepted.