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As the pandemic lingers, complaints do as well. Many of us are tired of wearing masks, wish we could sing without them, miss the handshakes and the hugs, and even the potluck suppers. Complaining is turning into an art. I've noticed that some folks are quite skilled at retorts and I haven't even brought up political advertisements or the upcoming election.
Ancient Israel, like us, often grumbled and complained. I have this picture in my head that God covers His ears when our complaining begins. Who wants to listen to complaints all day? They grumbled about food, about their leaders, about God's inactivity, and about each other. Grumbling and complaining take place during disruptive seasons when you are left without direction and feel out of control. What else can I do but grumble? At least, its something.
God's answer to grumbling is the same as my parents, "Stop it. It isn't going to change things and you don't look good doing it."
There is another reaction to living in troubled times which is different from complaining. It is being "greatly troubled", angst. Complaining is about situations and things. Angst is about soul search, the "heart-ache over the current situation or circumstance". Jesus, rarely complained. He did show angst. At the death of Lazarus, "Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb." The death of Lazarus wasn't a situation for complaint but angst. How long will death rule? How long will death bring separation from those we love? How long will this curse tear us apart? What have I contributed to this separation and loss?
Angst in an age of pandemic cries, "how long O Lord?", not because God is the author of the pandemic but because God is the only hope in the midst of the pandemic. When will the separation end? When can we be gathered again for worship, fellowship, and ministry? When will we be free?
Angst cries out against the circumstance or situation and prays toward God's preferred future. What, O God, will our gatherings be? How will they be different, richer because You have been with us and provided for us through this pandemic? What has your presence taught us? What will we hold sacred now?
The answer to Jesus' angst is the cross. In calling out Lazarus to life, Jesus seals His death. It will be through the journey of death and humiliation that Jesus will bring God's preferred future, resurrection and life. So it is with every lament. There is a cost to angst, a deepening of soul that testifies to the grace and love of God in a graceless and loveless situation or circumstance. It is costly.
As we journey, angst will accompany our prayers. We will thank God for His presence, plead with Him to end this pandemic, and in anticipation, long for the day that is coming. Angst prays in hope and expectation. What are you praying for? What visions is God stirring in your heart? What is the answer to the lament? "Joy comes in the morning"...What does the new day bring? What are you willing to bear in anticipation?
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King of my life, I crown Thee now
Thine shall the glory be
Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow
Lead me to Calvary
Lest I forget Gethsemane
Lest I forget Thine agony
Lest I forget Thy love for me
Lead me to Calvary
May I be willing, Lord, to bear
Daily my cross for Thee
Even Thy cup of grief to share
Thou hast borne all for me
Jenney E Hussey
ABCOM is keeping our churches updated through regular COVID-19 news briefs. Please keep your eyes open for these briefs. There is helpful information for you and your church. Remember to pray for each other and to keep in touch. Resources for Local Churches – Coronavirus COVID 19
As the country begins to think about reopening, here are several important resources for your local church. Covid 19 Prevention Checklist Organization Guidance (Religious Gatherings), ABCUSA Reopening Conversation Guide, A Three-fold Prayer, and Return to Work Checklist
During the pandemic, remember to keep your local church and pastor in your prayers. Remember the churches of your association and those within the American Baptist Churches of Maine. Your continued financial support of your local church and its mission is needed and very much appreciated. Remember, we give not because of services we receive from our church and pastor. It is part of our worship and devotion to Christ. We give because our church and pastor are critical to the mission and witness of Christ that needs to be furthered in our community and throughout the world. This is even more true in times like these.
Continue to check our website, abcom.org. On the front page of our website there is a link to a resource page that will help your congregation address needs associated with this pandemic.
Miles to go .....
al
Celebrating 216 years of mission, the American Baptist Churches of Maine exists by the grace of God, the covenant of our local churches, and the gifts and offerings of God's people. Make a difference for Christ in Maine by giving generously through United Mission or our Region Offering!
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American Baptist Churches of Maine
The newly revived Christian Nurture Committee with Russ LaFlamme serving as Chair, is hard at work. The Christian Nurture Committee is a committee of the ABCOM Board which is responsible for developing, encouraging and coordinating ministries in the areas of evangelism and Christian education. They are asking for your input.
The Christian Nurture Committee of the American Baptist Churches of Maine invites you to help shape their ministry over the next several years. The Christian Nurture Committee has prepared a survey that will help discover local church ministry needs. These discoveries will help shape mission table events, Annual Convention speakers, and other resource needs. Thank you in advance for helping with this important project.
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Pray
- for God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.
- for what God is teaching us as He leads us through this pandemic.
- for all those dealing with illness, natural disasters, violence, injustice, and terror around the world.
- for Churches in transition: Court Street Baptist Church, Getchell Street Baptist Church, East Otisfield Baptist Church, Henderson Memorial Baptist Church, First Baptist Blue Hill, Cape Neddick Baptist Church, Bar Mills Baptist Church, Essex Street Baptist Church, Granite Hill Baptist Church, Lake Region, Sidney Second Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, Yarmouth, Lamoine Baptist Church, First Baptist Fairfield, First Baptist Church, Gardiner, Norridgewock Baptist Church, United Baptist Church, Oakland, First Baptist Church, St. George, Kenneduskeg Union Church, United Baptist Church, Milo.
- for Pastors and Church leaders, especially during this pandemic
- for School Teachers, students, and staff.
- for safety and renewal of our churches as they begin to return to meeting in their buildings.
- for openness in our churches, communities and beyond to honestly discuss the issues of our nation.
- for the continued proclamation that Jesus is Lord!
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Maine Mission Offering
Thinking Out Loud about Stewardship
Stewardship Campaigns seem to be a thing of the past. A Stewardship Campaign sought to enlist every member of a local church to prayerfully determine what financial contribution they would provide in support of the local church's ministry and mission budget. Stewardship Campaigns were often referred to as "pledge campaigns". The success of a stewardship campaign was easy to assess; How many and how much? The answer to those two questions provided all the information you needed to know in order to determine success or failure.
Stewardship Campaigns went out of vogue for several reasons: finding volunteers to address personal finance among church members became difficult, especially one on one. The local church at the height of stewardship campaigns often had more financial capital than was needed for operations. It was hard to argue the need when the coffers were full. Pastors became reluctant to talk about stewardship because it was often linked to their financial needs. Pastor felt that by maintaining a stewardship emphasis financial accountability shifted from the mission of the local church to raising their salary.
The most devastating effect of the demise of stewardship campaigns was the importance of stewardship education in the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ. For all the wrong reasons, discipleship and financial accountability separated. No longer are people challenged to give sacrificially as an act of stewardship. The word tithe is a foreign concept only recognized by a few of our older saints. In its place, local churches are often seen in the role of paupers, begging for its daily bread.
There are several important principles of stewardship that local churches need to address with members of their congregation. Each principle helps broaden a disciple's thinking about their financial resources and responsibilities. Stewardship that is limited to tithing and calls for church building programs fails to address Biblical stewardship which is so much greater than your wallet. It is a whole-life responsibility that is a part of being a follower, a disciple, of Jesus Christ.
Adam and Eve were the original stewards of God's creation. God entrusted into their hands His creation. They were commanded to "oversee", to steward, the creation to His glory and benefit. A steward in Old Testament times was a person who assumed responsibility and authority over the affairs of the household
R. C. Sproul has pointed out that “stewardship is about exercising our God-given dominion over His creation, reflecting the image of our creator God in His care, responsibility, maintenance, protection, and beautification of His creation."
In coming editions of this newsletter, I'll think out loud with you about several principles of stewardship that can help your church address this discipline of the Christian life. My hope is that our churches will deepen their teaching on this most important aspect of discipleship.
The Maine Mission Offering is just one way that you can reflect the image of our Creator by sharing in ministry that supports, affirms, and challenges local churches in their ministry.
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Pastoral Relations Committee
Does your church have a Pastoral Relations Committee? Over the next several months, I'll be outlining the work of a Pastoral Relations Committee and why I believe a well-functioning committee is beneficial to the mission of the local church.
What does a Pastoral Relations Committee (PRC) do?
• The Pastoral Relations Committee (PRC)
– Facilitates communication between the ministerial staff and the congregation
– Provides a middle ground to discuss and resolve concerns
. – Facilitates conflict
– Enhances a constructive relationship between clergy and congregation .
The PRC helps the church achieve its mission and ensures a vital and healthy church.
If you would like to know more about Pastoral Relations Committees and their work, I'd be happy to sit with your church and help.
What happened to the store that sold me my Bike?
The story is that a man bought a bike from the little shop on the corner. He enjoyed riding his bike for several years and then a problem developed with the bike. He went back to the place where he bought his bike only to find out that the little shop on the corner was now selling doughnuts. The bicycle shop no longer existed, so much for the purchase agreement. I hope he liked doughnuts.
There should be an interplay between a Pastoral Relations Committee and the Pastoral Search Committee. The Pastoral Search Committee is tasked with helping a local church identify their next pastor. Often, once the church votes on the candidate presented by the Pastoral Search Committee, the Search Committee ceases to exist. The agreement made between pastor and people rests in a file and there it remains.
If a problem arises between pastor and people, the original agreement is lost to the file and the people who shepherded the process no longer a committee. Where am I to get my bike fixed? The doughnut shop! Folks who know nothing about the original intent of the agreement or the negotiations that went into the agreement are no longer a committee. In the midst of the ensuing turmoil, a new committee is called and doughnuts are made.
If the Pastoral Search Committee formed a Pastor Relations Committee, the original intent of the agreement and the negotiations that went into the agreement are shaped and molded by ministry together. When situations arise, there is a natural way of addressing problems and concerns that arise between pastor and people. Bike shops remain in the bike business and doughnuts are left to another committee to make.
Also, the longer you serve on a Pastoral Relations Committee the more adept you are at identifying and solving problems long before they get to be problems. Why wait two years for the bike to break down? Schedule regular maintenance. Skills, learning, and problem-solving are part of the training needed and received by a Pastoral Relations Committee.
Here are several reasons for the need for interplay between a Pastoral Search Committee and a Pastoral Relations Committee:
1. To be effective as a Pulpit/Search Committee, a group needs to understand the pastor's role in the church.
2. Ongoing discussion with the previous pastor should have prepared the members of the committee to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of the congregation that became clues to the type of pastoral leadership needed in the future.
3. Members of the Pastoral Relations Committee can speak to questions regarding ministry in the church and they have a good idea of the pattern of relationships in the congregation.
4. Having all or some members of the Pastoral Relations Committee serve on the Pulpit/Search Committee can help insure that the church's commitments to the new pastor, as outlined in the letter of call are fulfilled.
5. Members of the Pastoral Relation Committee can interpret the termination process of the pastor, as well as serve as the primary bridge between one pastor and another.
NOTE: The by-laws of the church should state precisely how a Pulpit/Search Committee is constituted, including its relationship to the Pastoral Relations Committee.
* Adapted from The Work of a Pastoral Relations Committee adopted by the Ministerial Leadership Commission of ABCUSA.
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DiscipleSHIP
Have you ever thought about how many American churches resemble cruise ships in more ways than just their physical structure which are VERY expensive to upkeep and maintain? People who attend ”cruise ship churches,” much like cruise ship passengers, often come to be entertained and catered to by the staff. Very little is expected of these church attendees. In fact, they tend to rate the quality of their experience—the music, the sermon, and the way it made them feel—much as cruise ship passengers rate their satisfaction with various aspects of their trip.
Cruise ship churches tend to be internally focused on the needs of their regularly attending members. The main goal in these churches, as on a cruise ship, is to keep the “customer” happy and the complaints to a minimum. Leaders in a cruise ship church focus on the existing members rather than pursuing those far from God or encouraging others to do so. Very little of a church’s money, calendar, training, or communication is spent on activities to reach the lost or help those in need outside the church. Overall, there seems to be little incentive or empowerment of church members to “get off the cruise ship” and into the real world. All their needs are being met.
There are, however, churches that are more like aircraft carriers. These churches are designed to empower all members to find their God-given purpose, to equip them, and to send them on missions into the world to reach and serve those who don’t know Jesus, much like the crew of an aircraft carrier is all about launching military planes and equipping them well to carry out successful missions. An aircraft carrier is the same size as many cruise ships, housing close to 8,000 people? A super aircraft carrier rises 20 stories above the water and stretches as long as a 77-story office building is tall. Besides its size, what distinguishes an aircraft carrier ship is its efficiency on the flight deck. The crew of an aircraft carrier can launch a plane every 25 seconds—all in a fraction of the space of a typical runway. The mission pervades every aspect of the ship. From the pilot to the person who peels the potatoes, everyone on a carrier knows his or her role and how it supports the overall mission—to equip, prepare, launch, and receive aircraft back from their crucial assignments. An “aircraft carrier church” has a clear mission. Everyone in the church knows why their church exists. They all understand their purpose. The annual budget, weekly sermons, monthly calendar, insider and outsider communications, and predominant conversations are all consistent with the stated mission of the church.
So, is your church more like a cruise ship or an aircraft carrier??? Are you lounging or launching???
Oh, speaking of cruise ships, probably the most famous was the Titanic. Do you know why 1500 of the 2200 passengers died when that cruise ship sank? Almost all of the far too few twenty lifeboats (with a capacity of 1178) were only half full. Only one boat finally returned to help, but it was too late. Only six people were rescued from the frigid (killing) North Atlantic waters. So why did so many die? Because those who were saved and safe wouldn’t go after those who were perishing.
Dr. Jeffrey Johnson
National Coordinator, Evangelism & Church Planting
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United Mission is the best way for American Baptists to support the whole American Baptist Family. Click on the logo to watch the video.
Stay connected with the latest ABCUSA news: ABCUSA Enewsletter
American Baptist Congregations' National Survey
Dear American Baptists,
The members of the National Executive Council and Regional Executive Ministers Council have requested a follow-up survey of American Baptist congregations to assess the impact of COVID-19. You may have participated in a similar survey earlier this year in May. Whether or not you were able to participate in the earlier survey, we are asking if you would be willing to respond to a brief survey to better ascertain the impact of the global pandemic. This is a point person survey in which the person most knowledgeable about your congregation is asked to complete the survey. In most instances, this would be the pastor of the congregation. The survey should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for taking the time to respond to the survey. The survey link is below. Responses received by October 15, 2020 will be most appreciated.
LINK: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/COVID19ABCCongSFall2020
Thank you again for your generous support of our American Baptist mission. In anticipation of your generosity, thank you for your financial and prayer support.
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Learning the Lessons of our History
American Baptist Churches of Maine
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- "The prevalence of intemperance at the opening of the nineteenth century awakened the deep concern on the part of many good men in all parts of New England. In Maine, as elsewhere, the custom of rum-drinking was constantly in evidence. Dr. Ricker has not stated the facts any too strongly in his reminiscences: "It was quite the expectation, when the entrance or exit, the birth or burial of any poor mortal transpired without the friendly offices of the rum bottle. Its aid was invoked alike to assuage the grief and augment the joy. At the raising of buildings, the harvesting of hay, the husking of corn, the music of wedding bells, the sad notes of the funeral dirge, the dedication of the churches, the ordination of ministers, the voting of precincts of citizens, the mustering of the soldiers for drill and duty, the annual recurrence of the nation's birthday, in a word at all merry-makings and, indeed on all social occasions, whether merry or mournful, its presence was anticipated as a matter of course, and its absence regretted if inevitable and resented if intentional. Did the pastor call? The decanter, sideboard or no sideboard, was set forth to give cheer to the occasion. Was a man elected to office? The treating of the crowd was a forfeit he must pay, or be called mean. Was one melting with heat? Rum or its equivalent was the sovereign remedy. Was he freezing with cold? The same antidote was prescribed with a sublime disregard to consistency."
The New Hampshire Association, with which our Baptist churches in York county were connected at an early period, held its annual meeting in Northwood in 1793. In the Minutes occurs this record: "Whereas it has been of late the practice of some person to set up grog shops near the meeting-house where the association is held, Voted, that we disapprove of such practice and that application shall be made to the selectmen of where the association shall meet in future to use their influence to prevent such conduct. These annual gatherings called together crowds of people, many of whom had no interest in the meetings, and the rum seller found opportunity for his nefarious traffic.. The state of things was no better in the District of Maine. At the meeting of the New Hampshire Association in Sanford, in 1803, attention was again called to the evils connected with liquor selling in connection with the meetings, and the question was asked: "Whether something many not be done to prevent the riot and tumult that has heretofore been at our associations?"
- Burrage, 284
Lessons
1. The church is not immune from the ills of society. Churches when addressing social issues are addressing their own congregations. Local churches are not exempt from social evils.
2. Social norms of a society often legitimize unhealthy practices that wage war against the healthy practices of Christ's community. Churches need to instruct their congregations not only in sound doctrine but also in their general conduct in life.
- 3. Because everybody does it, doesn't make it right! (My mother's wise counsel!)
4. Challenging acceptable societal practices often places the challenger in a socially awkward situation. The degradation wrought by a societal ill is blamed on many things other than the societal ill and its attending by-products. Those that wage war against ill thinking or practice can be accused of "being the problem".
5. Social practices often are supported by an industry that sustains it. Workers, manufacturers, salesmen, and all the other accoutrements that support their industry help foster acceptability of a societal ill.
6. Those involved in the industry which undergirds a societal ill will legitimize their actions by moralizing the apparent positive values associated with the industry while ignoring the negative societal impact it sustains.
7. The Gospel and its attending freedom needs to be applied to those trapped in misery and degradation by harmful thinking and practices, and against the proclamations of a society which advocates degenerate thinking and practices.
The abuse of alcohol was a practice that society affirmed and propagandized to the detriment of families and individuals. While the effort to legislate against the abuse of alcohol proved ineffective, Baptists still raised concerns about its excesses and the accompanying problems that attend the practice among families and in society. However, alcohol is not the only societal ill that is being or needs be addressed in our current society.
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American Baptist Women of Maine
Please check our website, American Baptist Women of Maine, for details about our meetings, projects and conferences. It is updated as more information becomes available.
2021 Dates to Remember
February 1- Deadline for Potential Articles to Linda Deane
April 4 - Easter Spring Rally South -
April 17-in Topsham Spring Rally North -
April 24 - in Oakfield
May 30 - White Cross Reports due from locals to Association
June 1 - Deadline for Potential Articles
June 15 - Reports for Directory
August 12,13,14, 2021 Summer Conference
Doris Sherman, ABW Maine President
Quick reminders:
1) ABW of Maine has a newsletter that is published three times per year - Potential. You can get it for free by email, or have it mailed to you for $5.00 per year
2) White Cross is now online. https://www.internationalministries.org/white-cross/
Click for a copy of the ABW of Maine Newsletter: The Potential
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American Baptist Churches of Maine
Institute for Ministry
The mission of AIM is to provide ongoing theological, ministry, and discipleship education to pastoral leadership and laity in Maine. AIM is committed to providing excellence in learning, instruction, research, and equipping for ministry.
Please check our website, abcominstitute.net, for details about our courses and their locations in 2020. Our website is updated as more information becomes available.
In light of the Coronavirus COVID - 19 pandemic, any questions regarding AIM class attendance may be directed to the course instructor or the director of AIM.
NEW! Courses are being posted on our Website!
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Click on a logo for more information!
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In 1871 Byron Greenough of Portland, Maine bequeathed $10,000 to an investment trust fund, which was subsequently incorporated as the Greenough Church Edifice Association, and administered by nine Trustees.
For more than 140 years, careful investments and compassionate judgement have allowed Greenough Trustees to distribute over $2 million to assist American Baptist Churches of Maine to buy, build or improve meeting houses.
Grant Conditions
Grants from the Greenough Church Edifice Association are to be used solely for capital outlay.
- This means that grants may be used for purchase of land and/or buildings, building construction costs, major renovation costs and major equipment costs.
- Qualifying renovation grants include, but are not limited to, such items as
- furnace replacement
- re-roofing a building
- re-siding a building
- new parking lot
- major foundation work
- steeple renovation or replacement
- If a project is to be completed in phases, it is necessary to submit a new request annually.
- General operation expenses (heat, utilities, salaries, etc.) are NOT eligible for grant reimbursement.
Awards
There is no set amount for any grant. The dollar amount awarded is subject to several factors, including the funds available, number of requests received, and purpose of the grant. For example, emergency furnace replacement or renovations to stop further water damage have a higher priority than furniture replacement.
Trustees use a Cost Sharing approach in determining the amount of an individual grant:
- Churches are expected to raise the major portion of the project cost.
- A Greenough award is designed to supplement project funding, and provide incentive to reach the goal and complete the project.
It is expected that most projects will be completed within the same calendar year. For larger projects that are completed in phases, or extend over several years, a new request must be submitted annually.
Grant Proposals
Grant Application Forms are available at www.greenough.org for downloading, completion, and return by U.S. Mail; the completed form must be posted to the Secretary of the Association.
You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer to view and complete these forms.
ALL FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY JANUARY 15TH, for consideration at the Annual Meeting in mid-May.
Applications received after the deadline must wait until the following year for consideration.
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Gradia McKinney wants you to know that "MMBB retirement plan is not just good for the pastor; it’s good for the church too!"
Let MMBB Financial Services customize an affordable retirement plan for you and your church. MMBB can even customize a plan for churches with bi-vocational clergy and part-time staff. MMBB Financial Services is the American Baptist Churches’ preferred retirement plan provider that has helped thousands retire securely since 1911. Gradia McKinney, our region’s retirement benefits consultant, is available to discuss your needs and options.
MMBB Tomorrow Newsletter
Let MMBB Financial Services help you to and through your retirement journey. Participate in a live webinar or listen at your convenience to a pre-recorded webinar. Follow this link to view upcoming and previously recorded webinars.
To learn more about your benefits, or to enroll your church into MMBB, contact our Retirement Benefits Consultant, Gradia McKinney at 347.703.1582, or by email at gradia.mckinney@mmbb.org.
Please share Gradia’s contact information with our colleagues who could also benefit from an MMBB retirement plan.
If you have questions about your MMBB account, please call 800.986.6222. If you are interested in joining MMBB, please contact our local Retirement Benefits Consultant, Gradia McKinney at 347.703.1582.
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WHY PAY TOO MUCH IN TAXES?
Each year, thousands, perhaps millions, of people pay too much in taxes, never knowing they did not need to pay them. Don’t be one of those people. Recent tax law changes make it especially important that you know what deductions and strategies are available for you. The end of the year is the perfect time to learn all the ways you can save taxes.
Give yourself a present in the New Year by lowering your taxes now. Because tax savings often include a charitable gift, you can also end the year by helping the causes important to you.
In December 2019, Congress passed a law that has special significance for those of us over age 70.
To learn how to use your IRA, develop charitable gifts, save yourself taxes and bless ministries you want to support without writing a check read more here.
American Baptist Foundation Personal Planning Newsletter
Kristine Lutton
Development Advisor
American Baptist Foundation
Email: Kristine.Lutton@abc-usa.org
ABF Office: Mailing: 420 W. Germantown Pike, East Norriton, PA 19403
The American Baptist Churches of Maine and the American Baptist Foundation
are in partnership serving local churches.
The American Baptist churches of Maine have been in a mission covenant for 216 years. For 216 years, the American Baptist Churches of Maine has worked to support, affirm, and challenge local churches to fulfill the mission of Jesus Christ in their community and throughout the world.
In every stage of American history, the American Baptist Churches of Maine was there presenting a witness for Jesus Christ. Our local churches have borne witness to the generosity of our God who gave His Son for us. Together we have sent missionaries and ministers from our churches into the world. We continue to do so today.
Jesus taught, "And He was saying, “The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil; and he goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows—how, he himself does not know. The soil produces crops by itself, first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” As our leadership considered the history of our region here in Maine, God stirred our hearts in remembrance of those who have gone before us, the incredible responsibility we have for those we serve today, as well as those who will come behind us. We considered these questions: how do we encourage today, provide for those we serve now, and plan for the next generation who come behind us?
As American Baptist churches we have a rich history that has provided a gracious witness ministering to the least, the last, and the lost with the grace of Christ that shaped and continues to transform us. In many of our local churches, the gracious outreach into their community provides hope. The American Baptist Foundation through their expertise and skills help local churches find the resources for today's outreach while planning for future mission endeavors.
There is always a cycle on ministry. There is a season to plant seeds, a season of growth while the plant matures, and a season to harvest and celebrate. Throughout our history, plantings have taken place, growth occurs, the harvest ensues, and we celebrate those who come to Christ through our ministries. The Green Shoots Endowment believes that this cycle of renewal and reform is always at work among God’s people. What we plant now, we may never see harvested or know how fruitful a seed will become. We are called to plant in hope, trusting God for the increase. This is your opportunity to plant in hope and expectation, trusting God to bless and multiply your financial gifts into ministries that will continue to transform Maine and the world for Christ.
Our local churches have practiced a transforming witness in their communities through their relationship with Christ and with each other. It is the community of Jesus Christ, His Church, that lives are shaped by His Kingdom values and for the furtherance of His great cause.
American Baptist churches are stewards of what God has entrusted to us. We believe that our witness and our mission continue until Christ returns. As a people who have been entrusted with a mission that began in 1804, we strive with every generation of American Baptists to entrust our faith and practice into the faithful hands of the next generation. By planting seeds today, we that today’s cultivation will bring a future harvest.
We are called to be faithful. The American Baptist Churches of Maine recognizes the need to provide an opportunity for you to share your passion and commitment to furthering the cause of our Savior in Maine and beyond. Our Board has established the Green Shoots Endowment for such a purpose. This endowment will be used by the American Baptist Churches of Maine to further our mission by raising up church leaders, assisting congregations in their mission, providing opportunities in local outreach and mission events, and encouraging our region to continue to bear witness to the rich history and heritage of our American Baptist faith and practice in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
Will you today be a “Green Shoots” planter? Will you plant seeds now trusting that God will bless and multiply them in the future? Will you join with a Great Cloud of witnesses who have used their time, talents, and treasure to further the cause of our Divine Redeemer? Thank you in advance for your generosity and faith. May God continue to bless you as you pursue Christ and make Him known.
In His Service,
Rev. Dr. Alfred J. Fletcher
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We’re thinking of you. As winter approaches and our buildings remain lightly used, the possibilities for damage caused by freezing weather or inattention is a reality. Church Mutual has a sensor system to help you address these seasonal concerns.
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