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Volume XX October / November 2014 Number 6
God is moving in a mighty way to fulfill Vision 777for the Primera Iglesia Bautista Emanuel inBridgeport. Vision 777 involves establishing 7 newinternational missions, 7 new missions withinConnecticut, and 7 new missions in the Bridgeportcommunity.
On the local front, the church has combined forceswith other Bridgeport ministries to carry out thecampaign “Tomando Mi Nacion — Bridgeport ParaCristo” (“Taking My Nation — Bridgeport ForChrist”). They have united in bible study, leadershippreparation, a 21day fast, and prayer vigils for thecity with Pastor Carlos Siu from Guatemalathroughout the month of September. The Grandculmination will be at Seaside Park on October 4th
where they willpray forBridgeport byland, sea and air.
On theinternationalfront, the Men’sFellowship(EdificadoresEmanuel) are
visiting Honduras with Pastor William Gonzalez tocontinue building Iglesia Bautista EmanuelHonduras along withMissionary LuisMelendez. This is thethird overseas churchproject in process aspart of the 777 vision.They have alreadyinaugurated twochurches, IglesiaBautista Emanuel
Ecuador and Iglesia Bautista Emanuel Costa Rica.In addition, they have established Banco MedicoEmanuel (Emanuel Medical Bank) in theDominican Republic which provides free medicalclinics and medicines to impoverished areas in thecity of San Cristobal. And in Cuba they supportPuente Cubano Emanuel (Emanuel Cuban Bridge),a missionsupporting10 lowincomepastors andchurches.
InSeptemberthreemembersreturned from the Dominican Republic where theyhelped Pastora Christina Martinez provide medicaland dental care to the most needy.
Last month they inaugurated Iglesia BautistaEmanuel Meriden, the third church in Connecticut,along with Iglesia Bautista Emanuel Waterbury andIglesia Bautista Emanuel Norwalk, both of whichhave been steadily growing for the kingdom.
In October of this year Primera Iglesia BautistaEmanuel will be celebrating its 28th anniversary. Tocommemorate the occasion the church will bringthe pastors and missionaries that they are currentlysupporting to join with them in the celebration.
Throughout all of the work that church membershave engaged in, God has provided courage, energy,enthusiasm, and financial resources, and has openeddoors of possibility to extend the love of Christ inBridgeport, in other parts of Connecticut, andbeyond our country’s borders.
Bridgeport Church Continues to Fulfill 777 Vision
Worshipers in Cuba.
Medication stocks in the DominicanRepublic
Ministering in the Dominican Republic
October / November 2014
The American Baptist Churches of Connecticut (ABCCONN) are:
Churches in Partnership, Sharing Resources, Inviting and Equipping Disciples
“Do not remember the former things, or considerthe things of old, I am about to do a new thing; nowit springs forth, do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:1819a.
I learned to do something new this summer. Iknow, I know — we should learn something newevery day. In reality there were new learnings everyday as we explored the process and the suppliesneeded for this new thing. You see, our drivewayneeded to be resealed and being Yankees, wedecided that we could do it ourselves at a veryreasonable price. Now this took a period of time sodon’t think I learned this all in one day. The wholeprocess of preparing the driveway took time. (Oneof the things we learned was how to stall theprocess!) So the first thing I learned was how tocaulk the cracks. My oh my, we had a lot of cracks.Finally, after getting everything ready on saiddriveway, we were ready to pour and spread thesealer. We had stalled long enough and if we didn’tmove soon, it would be too cool or we would besealing leaves into the driveway. We watched avideo about how to properly apply the sealer andgot to work. My husband and I worked together.My job was to pour the sealer onto the drivewayand he spread it all out. Let me just say that thecontainers of sealer weighed 50 pounds. I learnedthat I do not easily lift and pour 50 poundcontainers and that learning cost me some clothesas I got the sealer all over myself, including on myface. It was not a picture I would have put onFacebook. Six sweatfilled hours later we had abeautiful new driveway. It was a great feeling toaccomplish something that we had never donebefore.
It was an experiment for us. We were willing toexperiment and try something new. How is yourchurch doing at experimenting with new ways of
being in ministry, new ways of serving the Lord?Do you have some experiments going? OurTransformed by the Spirit groups are going to beexamining, through prayer, conversation anddiscernment, the ways in which God is already atwork in our communities and in our neighborhoods.Rather than trying the latest new program beingpromoted, they are going to look into their scriptureand into their hearts. And then they are going toexamine the world right outside their doors to seewhat God is up to; perhaps then they can discernhow to catch up with the Holy Spirit in ministryexperiments. It is risky and exciting all at the sametime. We know some experiments fail. (Next time Iwill work harder to protect my clothing whenpouring driveway sealer!) But how will we know ifwe do not try?
If you recall in the last newsletter I spoke about theperceived need for people to be in conversationabout the important issues of their lives. We don’twant programs with set outcomes; we want to talkwith others to figure out where God is in our midst.We want to know how we can be better disciplesgiven our present situation in this world and culture.We want to know we are not alone and that we arenot the only ones going through a particularsituation.
In her act, Joan Rivers often said, “Can we talk?” Iam finding more and more people willing to riskthemselves and their hearts by sitting with others totalk about the ways in which God may be already atwork in their surroundings, indeed in their lives. Itis an experiment worth the effort.
In service to Christ,
Published by the American Baptist Churches of CT, 90A North MainStreet, West Hartford, CT 061071924; Telephone: 8605215421; FAX:8605213206; Email to staff: (first initial last name @ ABCCONN.org(e.g. [email protected])
ABC's Biennial Mission Summit will be returning. . . June 2628, 2015. Join us in fabulous KansasCity for the celebration!!! Additional events occurbefore and after the official Mission Summit dates check the schedule to make sure you don't miss out.Register your church today!
www.americanbaptists2015.com
SAVE THE DATE
SEPTEMBER
26 27 Camp MEGAOvernighter, for grades 46, CampWightman
OCTOBER
2 Healthy Boundaries Training, 8:30am4:30pm,ABCCONN Office
3 5 Camp Fusion, for grades 712, Camp Wightman13 ABCCONN Office closed in observance of
Columbus Day15 Dept. of Business and Finance, 6pm, ABCCONN19 Dept. of Educational Ministries presents the movie
Amish Grace followed by a discussion onforgiveness, 3:00pm5:00pm, FBC Meriden
20 Dept. of Camping and Conferences, 6:00pm21 Executive Committee, 6pm, CT Baptist Homes25 Camp Wightman Fall Workday, 9am4pm, Camp
Wightman25 Friends of ABCCONN Dinner / Talent Show, 6pm,
FBC Southington29 Commission on the Ministry, 4pm, ABCCONN
NOVEMBER
3 ABCCONN Board of Managers, 6:00pm8:00pm,CT Baptist Homes, Meriden
6 CT Baptist Homes Annual Meeting, 6pm, CT BaptistHomes
8 Lay Ministry Institute, cycle 311 ABCCONN Office closed in observance of Veterans
Day17 Department of Camping and Conferences, 6pm27 28 ABCCONN Office closed in observance of
Thanksgiving
On Friday, August 29th, American Baptists along with faithleaders from other traditions joined in a prayer service forCentral American children fleeing violence. Faith leaders helda vigil on both sides of the U.S. MexicoBorder — atFriendship Circle in Tijuana and in San Diego.
Rev. Dr. A. Roy Medley, General Secretary ofAmerican Baptist Churches USA, and Jim E.Winkler, General Secretary of the NationalCouncil of Churches, led the prayer vigil andcalled upon all faith communities to showwelcome to the children seeking refuge asthey flee gang violence and lifethreateningcircumstances in El Salvador, Honduras andGuatemala.
“Faith communities across this nationcontinue to urgently respond to the physical, spiritual andlegal needs of thousands children and families who havesought protection in our midst,” said Jim Winkler. “We’re anation of more than 300 million. We can easily muster themoral courage and resources to protect children who arefleeing for their lives from violence, rape and exploitation. It’ssimply a matter of justice.”
Leaders prayed for members of Congress to maintain andextend due process and humanitarian protections forunaccompanied children. Clergy also called on PresidentBarack Obama to end the pain of deportations and provideadministrative relief to as many undocumented people aspossible. Community members and faith communitiesrecommitted themselves to work together to alleviate the
injustice of this crisis.
Rev. Dr. A. Roy Medley said, “We have come togetherbecause the love of God is not held back by borders, andneither should our love and care for our neighbor. Everyday
the International Ministries works toserve these people on the other side ofthis fence; we must do our part oncethey come to the U.S. side to ensurethey have humanitarian protection andassistance. Today we pray theseprotections stay intact and are extendedto not just Central American children,but also to Mexican children. We liftup our President up in prayer, that hemight be on the right side of history in
creating new administrative policies that keep familiestogether, and stop deportations.”
ABC Leaders Join in Border Prayer Service
A prayer vigil is held at the border to protestdeportations.
It sounds so simple. And, in some ways, it was. God’s servantsheard the call and they acted. (Acts 16:10)
But Luke tells us much more! He shows us that, when God’speople rise to the challenge of mission, searching and strugglecan be part of the process. That was just as true in the firstcentury as it is in the twentyfirst.
Even before Paul’s second missionary journey began, therewas trouble. Paul had a sharp disagreement with Barnabasabout John Mark. So Barnabas set out with John Mark, whilePaul left separately with Silas.
Paul’s goal was to strengthen the churches that had alreadybeen planted, and the plan went well at first. Timothy joinedthe mission team. Paul found the churches growing in depthand numbers.
But then things got difficult and puzzling. Luke does not tellus how God called Paul to move out beyond the establishedchurches and enter new territory, though Luke does give ussurprising news: Paul tried to head west, toward Ephesus, andwas promptly “forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the wordin Asia.” (v. 6)
The surprises continued when the missionaries tried to headnorth, toward Bithynia. Again, Luke tells us that “the Spirit ofJesus did not allow them.” (v. 7)
Prevented from pursuing mission opportunities to the left andto the right, Paul and his companions surely wondered whatGod was up to as they continued on the road. No wonder theywere so ready to jump when the Macedonian vision came! (v.9) After many false starts and over 400 miles of soulsearching uncertainty, when God finally opened a new door atthe seaport of Troas, the missionaries were eager to respond!
This, too, is part of mission. God uses everything—includingour struggles to see the way ahead—to shape us for moreeffective mission service. Clear visions in the night go handinhand with uncertainty on the road. God uses it all toprepare us to rise to the challenge when new missionopportunities appear.
In 2014, American Baptists are entering a third century ofparticipating in the international dimension of Christ’smission. The same God who called Paul to come to Christ,who enabled Paul to grow to maturity in faith and who sentPaul to change the world in the power of the Spirit is stillsending us today.
“Come over to Macedonia and help us!” Acts 16:9b
The same God who invited Paul and his companions to rise tothe challenge in Macedonia invites us to do the same today.With confidence in God’s call, in the power of the Spirit andin Jesus’ promise to be with us always, let us together Rise tothe Challenge!
Stan Slade Associate Executive Director for Program GlobalConsultant for Theological Education
Suena tan sencillo. Y de cierta manera, lo era. Los siervos de
El mismo Dios que invitó a Pablo y a sus acompañantes a Diosescucharon el llamado y actuaron. (Hechos 16:10).
responder al reto en Macedonia, nos invita a hacer lo mismo ¡PeroLucas nos dice mucho más! Nos muestra que cuando el pueblo deDios responde al reto de misión, la búsqueda y la lucha pueden serparte del proceso. Eso resultó ser tan cierto
hoy. Con la confianza en el llamado de Dios, en el poder delEspíritu y en la promesa de Jesús de estar con nosotros siempre,juntos ¡Respondamos al Reto! en el primer siglo a como lo es en elSiglo 21.
Aún antes de iniciar el segundo viaje misionero de Pablo, habíaproblemas. Pablo tuvo un fuerte desacuerdo con Barnabás acercade Juan Marcos. Así que Barnabás salió con Juan Marcos, mientrasPablo salió por separado con Silas.
La meta de Pablo era fortalecer las iglesias que ya habían sidosembradas. Las cosas salieron bien al inicio. Timoteo se unió alequipo misionero. Pablo encontró a las Iglesias creciendo enprofundidad y en número.
Pero entonces las cosas se pusieron difíciles y desconcertantes.Lucas no nos cuenta la manera en que Dios llamó a Pablo para quesaliera más allá de las iglesias establecidas para entrar en territorionuevo. Pero Lucas sí nos da noticias sorprendentes: Pablo trató desalir hacia el oeste, hacia Éfeso, pero “el Espíritu Santo les habíaimpedido que predicaran la palabra en la provincia de Asia (v. #6).
Las sorpresas continuaron cuando los misioneros intentaron salirhacia el norte, hacia Bitinia. Nuevamente, Lucas nos relata que “elEspíritu de Jesús no se lo permitió” (v. #7). Al ser impedidos deseguir oportunidades de misión a la izquierda y a la derecha, Pabloy susacompañantesseguramentesepreguntaronacerca de los planes de Dios, mientras continuaban por el camino.
¡No es ninguna sorpresa que estuvieran tan listos para saltarcuando llegó la visión de Macedonia! (v. #9) Después de tantassalidas en falso y más de 400 millas de introspección eincertidumbre, cuando Dios finalmente abrió una nueva puerta enel puerto de Troas, ¡los misioneros estaban dispuestos a responder!
Esto, también, es parte de la misión. Dios usa todo – incluyendonuestras luchas al intentar ver el camino hacia adelante – paraformarnos para un servicio en misión más efectivo. Visiones clarasen la noche van de la mano con la incertidumbre en el camino.Dios usa todo para prepararnos para responder al reto cuandosurgen nuevas oportunidades misioneras.
En 2014, los Bautistas Americanos estamos entrando a nuestrotercer siglo de participar en la dimensión internacional de la misiónde Cristo. El mismo Dios que llamó a Pablo a venir a Cristo, queayudó a Pablo a crecer a la madurez en Cristo y que envió a Pabloa transformar el mundo en el poder del Espíritu, nos está enviandoa nosotros aún ahora.
Stan Slade Director Ejecutivo Asociado para Programa ConsultorGlobal para Educación Teológica
Discipleship MattersOctober / November 2014
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Violence is everywhere and it seems that in spite of our efforts: prayer, education, andtaking a public stand against it, the violence just keeps increasing. Like many of you, Iwas glued to the TV during the Ferguson disaster. People are killed all the time but thisfelt so different. I think what kept me watching in horror and keeps me praying was thesight of the teenager’s body lying in the street for all those hours for all in thecommunity, across America, and ultimately, the world to see. I don’t know if it hit youlike it did me, but as I was watching, my mind immediately went to the children in thatcommunity; what was going through their minds? How were they feeling? How wouldthey possibly come to know peace and security with things like this happening in frontof them?
Tears then followed as I prayed for them, the mother of the teen, the community ofFerguson, the policeman who shot the teen, the police who have to protect and keeporder, the streets of New Haven, my community. Then my thoughts went back toSandy Hook, those children had to see dead bodies as well. How are they doing now? Ithought of my grandchildren because school was starting; what should we be tellingthe girls that will help them to increase their awareness of what is going on aroundthem without scaring them to death? How can we, the Church, help parents to teachtheir children to live in peace? We (ABCCONN) have produced our statement againstviolence, we have met and continue to meet to discuss what we can do to help to stemthe rising tide of violence across our communities and this nation, but what do we dofirst? There are so many issues concerning violence it is hard to know where to begin.
This all led me to do some research on the internet. The following article fromChildren Now* helped me, and I thought it might help others. It is longer than ourusual insert, and because of this I have edited it. At the end of this insert you will findthe link to the full article, which I hope you will share with the parents in yourcongregation.
Joyce Blandon, Chair of the Department of Educational Ministries
Talking with Kids about Tough Issues:
Violence
... Violence in today’s world, in the media, in our neighborhoods and even in ourschools can make our children feel frightened, unsafe and insecure. Yet, there is hope.Parents and other caring adults have a unique opportunity to talk with their childrenabout these issues first, before everyone else does... Here are some tips on gettingstarted.
DEVELOP OPEN COMMUNICATION: It is important that you talk with your kidsopenly and honestly. Use encouragement, support and positive reinforcement so yourkids know that they can ask any question, on any topic, freely and without fear ofconsequence...If you don’t know the answer, admit itthen find the correct information
American Baptist Churches of Connecticut, 90A North Main Street, West Hartford, CT06107; Telephone: 8605215421; Fax: 8605213206.
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and explore it together. Use everyday opportunities to talk as occasions for discussion.... So talk, talk and talkagain.
ENCOURAGE THEM TO TALK IT OUT: Children feel better when they talk about their feelings. It liftsthe burden of having to face their fears alone and offers an emotional release...And if he has been violent or avictim of violence, it is critical to give him a safe place to express his feelings.
MONITOR THE MEDIA: ...Over the years, many experts have concluded that viewing a lot of violence inthe media can be risky for children. Studies have shown that watching too much violencewhether on TV, in themovies, or in video gamescan increase the chance that children will be desensitized to violence, or even actmore aggressively themselves. ..Encourage your children to think about what they are watching, listening to orplaying; how would they handle situations differently?
ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR CHILDREN’S FEARS AND REASSURE THEM OF THEIR SAFETY:Children who experience or witness violence, as well as those who have only seen violent acts on TV or in themovies, often become anxious and fearful. That’s why it’s important to reassure a child that their personal worldcan remain safe.... By providing consistent support and an accepting environment, you can help reducechildren’s anxieties and fears.
TAKE A STAND: Parents need to be clear and consistent about the values they want to instill. Don’t cave in toyour children’s assertion that “everybody else does it (or has seen it).”... You have a right and responsibility tosay, “I don’t like the message that game sends. I know that you play that game at your friend’s house, but Idon’t want it played in our house.”
CONTROL YOUR OWN BEHAVIOR: When it comes to learning how to behave, children often follow theirparents’ lead, which is why it is important to examine how you approach conflict....
SET LIMITS REGARDING CHILDREN’S ACTIONS TOWARDS OTHERS: Let your child know thatteasing can become bullying and roughhousing can get out of control. If you see your child strike another,impose a “time out” in order for him to calm down, and then ask him to explain why he hit the child. Tell himfirmly that hitting is not allowed and help him figure out a peaceful way to settle the problem.
HOLD FAMILY MEETINGS: Regularly scheduled family meetings can provide childrenand us with anacceptable place to talk about complaints and share opinions. Just be sure that everyone gets a chance to speak.Use these meetings to demonstrate effective problemsolving and negotiation skills. Keep the meetings lively,but well controlled, so children learn that conflicts can be settled creatively and without violence....
TALK ABOUT GANGS AND CLIQUES: Gangs and cliques are often a result of young people looking forsupport and belonging. However, they can become dangerous when acceptance depends upon negative orantisocial behavior. If you believe your child might be exposed or attracted to a gang, talk about it together....
To read this article in full go to: http://www.childrennow.org/index.php/learn/twk_violence
*Children Now is the leading, nonpartisan, umbrella research, policy development, and advocacy organizationdedicated to promoting children's health and education in California and creating national media policies thatsupport child development. The organization also leads The Children's Movement of California.
© 2014 Children Now. All Rights Reserved.
ProKid is a registered trademark of Children Now.
CAMP WIGHTMAN
October/November 2014 Volume 58 Edition 6
Dear Friends:
Greetings from Camp Wightman! God blessed us with another summer of ministry growth here are Camp Wightman! We
are excited to report that participation in our summer program increased overall by 4%! We had an increase of 6% in youth camper participation which is pretty exciting as well.
Here’s a Shout Out to four ABCCONN churches for their Double Digit support: Cornerstone Baptist in Danielson sent 28 folks to camp this summer, South Woodstock Baptist sent 14, Central Baptist in Hartford and Noank Baptist each sent 10!
What are our campers saying? Take a look: I learned that friendship with God is the most important friendship to have. I learned that it does not matter who, what race, or religion you are, you can still
help others. I want to come back next year because camp is the greatest place on earth and
everyone deserves it! What are our parents saying? Take a look:
This was our first year and we found a perfect blend of rugged, summer camp with safe premises as well as appropriate supervision (some interaction, some independence, always safe).
Our daughter loved it and wanted to stay longer! She can’t wait to go back next year! What a beautiful, positive first camp experience! Thank you, Tink and Tom, for this!
Our son loved it so much he cried when it was over! My son has renewed interest in church experiences. He is more involved and positive
in church now than ever and I believe this is due to his time at camp. He loved the Bible exploration times spent with his counselor and boys in his cabin, as well as the chapel times after dinner each night. Thank you!
And in closing we want to send a HUGE thank you to our 2014 Dream Team! The Camp Wightman Summer Staff were incredible. These young adults shared their love of Jesus and faith all summer with kids and adults, volunteers and staff, folks in the local community and each other. We urge you to continue to remember them by name in prayer as they head back to school and work. Please pray for Michelle, Tori, Nicole, Hope, Heidi, Eric, Jared, and Trey!
Tending the campfire, Tom Hall Minister of Camping & Conferences, ABCCONN
Connect with Camp Wightman today Address 207 Coal Pit Hill Road, Griswold CT 06351 Office 860.376.2179 Fax 860.376.7059 Email [email protected] Website www.CampWightman.org Find us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest! To connect, type the URL of the site, add a forward slash (/), then add “CampWightman” (yep, run it together).
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Camp Wightman Wish List Can you provide any of these items? Please contact Tom at 860.376.2179. Thank you! Check out our Amazon.com Wish List – Go to Amazon, click on the top box on the right margin (Wish List), then
enter “Camp Wightman” in the Find box. Gently used books – Preferred: for ages 6-16 and generally newer or classic Instruments – acoustic guitars, bass guitar and amp, ukuleles, drums/percussion instruments 25’ x 25’ bound durable carpet Fender Passport Portable Sound System – Call us Gently used, road-worthy minivan for town runs, church visits, and camper transportation Gently used Costumes/Dress-up items for Skit Closet
Will you pray for Camp Wightman? We’re looking for a few good men and women of any age who will join with us in praying for the ministry at Camp Wightman. Post this on your fridge or over your desk, keep it with your Bible or devotional – anywhere that will remind you to pray for us on a daily basis. Here are our prayer concerns for the upcoming months:
Preparations for Summer 2015 Donations for camperships and for God to provide
additional monthly ministry donors Retreat programs being offered this fall and winter
Year-round staff – Tom, Tim, Michelle, and Joanne Year-round volunteers – Kathy, Tink, Thursday Crew
Mark your calendars NOW! October 3-4 Fusion for Grades 7-12 October 25 Fall Work Day Dec 30-Jan 1 Camp Echo 2014 for ages 6-18
Thinking Ahead Now is the time to schedule your Winter 2014 or Spring 2015 events at Wightman! Retreat Season is in full swing, our fall weekends are busy, and planning for Summer 2015 is underway. We hope you have an opportunity to enjoy the Autumn colors on Billings Lake! Call today – 860.376.2179 – to find a date for gatherings, retreats, and more!
Camp Echo 2014 December 30, 2014-January 1, 2015
For ages 6-18 All the fun of summer camp
with the excitement and celebration
of New Year’s Eve! Register today at
www.welovecamp.org… your camp buddies already have!
It’s our last work day of the season! Won’t you come help put part of the site
to bed for the winter?
Please call or email to let us know you are coming and how many to expect with your
group. Lodging packages available!
Fall Work Day October 25
9 AM to 4 PM
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Department of Missions & Stewardship
October / November 2014
A note from the new chair of the department, Sandra Hadland.
The goal of the Department of Missions and Stewardship is: Tointerpret, promote, and involve ABCCONN churches in the widerministry and mission of ABCUSA, and to educate and promotemodels of generosity through stewardship programs.
On behalf of the Department of Missions and Stewardship, I am taking thisopportunity to resend the information listed below. It is my prayer that all hearts andminds will be opened for collaboration and followthrough as we seek together towork in the vineyard of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I have listed above the goal of this Department with the hope that it might serve tocrystallize the intent of my note to all of you. I am sure we would agree that toreflect the nature of Christ Jesus there should be a passion and excitement within usthat just cannot be contained. It is out of this passion and excitement that I reach outto you, members of one body in Christ, to join with us in the wider body of theAmerican Baptist Churches of Connecticut in assisting and strengthening each otherand being purposeful about our mission and generosity building. While werecognize and respect each congregation’s autonomous status, the members of ourdepartment are praying that a united effort such as is being proposed below can onlyserve to strengthen our individual congregations and promote an even more visibleoverflow of Christ’s love in the community at large.
With this in mind, and in the spirit of love, we therefore propose the following foryour consideration, collaboration, and ultimately, support:
• Association Mission Opportunities
Pastors from the five ABCCONN Associations will be asked todiscuss mission possibilities within their association areas andcongregational participation within their churches.
• Adopt A School – “Youth on a Mission for Jesus”
To invest in kingdom building by generating financial assistance forschool supplies where needed. To teach and expose children andyouth to be doers of the word. A purposed sample guideline is on thereverse side.
Finally, in the spirit of obedience and love for Christ, one of our representatives fromthe Department of Missions and Stewardship will contact pastors shortly with thehope that we can have a healthy and productive dialogue concerning the abovenamed mission categories. May we as American Baptists work together on missionsin our state.
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The Rev. Dr. Judy G. Allbee, Executive Minister, American Baptist Churches ofConnecticut, 90A North Main Street, West Hartford, CT 06107; Telephone: 8605215421;Fax: 8605213206; Email: [email protected].
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF CONNECTICUT
DEPARTMENT OF MISSION & STEWARDSHIP
“YOUTH ON A MISSION FOR JESUS”
ADOPT A SCHOOL
WHAT: A mission driven effort to purchase school supplies.
WHY: To invest in Kingdom Building Planting the future. To teach, expose, and involve our youth to bedoers of the word by reaching out to help others in need.
WHEN: An ongoing yearly project that will lend assistance at the beginning of each school semester, aslong as supplies last.
HOW: Funds for school supplies might be raised by:
a) Recycling drives – water and soda bottles
A year round effort
b) Garage sales – resalable items only
Once or twice a year, determined by the church team
Each pastor will need to introduce the mission drive to his/her congregation and to employ members of thecongregation to see the vision and to encourage and assist in the participation of their church’s youth.Designated drop off areas to be determined by each church.
All funds raised from these endeavors will go toward the purchase of school supplies. Each church will beresponsible for their own drive.
At the end of the year (time and details to be determined) each church might have a pizza and awardspresentation celebration for all participating youth. Mission and Stewardship certificates can be given.
PLEASE NOTE: Recycling drives and garage sales are suggestions. Each church can be unique in whateverdrives they wish to engage in.
