Entries for January 2012

American Baptist Women’s Ministries announces C2R4: Confidence through Christ—Retreat, Reflect, Renew, Relate, a retreat for women between the ages of 18 and 40. Based on 2 Corinthians 3:4-6, C2R4 gives women the opportunity to experience the righteous confidence that is theirs through Christ. They will explore who they are in the eyes of God, build strong friendships to support them on their journey of faith, and have a time of renewal in beautiful New England in the fall.

The Russian Evangelical Alliance reports that Moscow City Church (MCC) led a celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 15, 2012. Members of the Moscow Protestant Chaplaincy came together with MCC for the event. It is believed that this is the first time the holiday honoring Dr. King has been observed in Russia.

The Region Board of American Baptist Churches of Indiana and Kentucky (ABC-IN/KY) announced Monday, January 23, that it has called Rev. Soozi Whitten Ford as the executive minister of ABC-IN/KY. Ford will begin serving in this position in mid-March 2012.

Go to a New Land: Journeying Toward God, a conference presented by American Baptist Churches USA and the Minister’s Council, is meeting this week at the Double Tree in Orlando, Florida. The conference marks the second time that the Orientation to American Baptist Life conference for new ministers and seminarians has joined together with the Ministry Renewal conference traditionally sponsored by the Ministers Council.

The Board of General Ministries meetings of American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) concluded on Monday, January 23, following its first official business session at the Double Tree in Orlando, Florida.

The Board of General Ministries for American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) began its meetings on Friday, January 20, 2012, at the Double Tree in Orlando, Florida. The Board of General Ministries is meeting for the first time since the new ABCUSA Bylaws, passed in June 2011 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, went into effect on January 1, 2012.

Starting this year, American Baptist International Ministries (IM) will begin celebrating 200 years of global mission. “This is a remarkable occasion for IM. Not many mission agencies have been able to reach this milestone. We are indeed grateful for God’s leading and guidance during our 200-year history,” commented Reid Trulson, executive director. “We are honoring the past while moving forward into the future.”

Paul V. Moore, 94, former deputy executive director and treasurer of the Board of Educational Ministries of American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA), passed away at Kobacker House, Columbus, Ohio, on Dec. 21. He is survived by Dorothy, his wife of 64 years.

Judson Press is kicking off the new year with a series of free webinars during the months of January and February. The diverse topics being presented include immigration, preaching on the economy, and discipleship during the season of Lent. Each will be presented by a Judson Press author.

American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) presented a $20,000 check last Wednesday to ACLAMO Family Centers, Norristown, Pa., to expand its Conexiones Familiales (Family Connections) program, an informal collaboration with Calvary Baptist Church, Norristown. The check is the second installment of a three-year $60,000 One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) grant that was approved by the World Relief Committee in November 2010.