VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 2/7/13)—Arthur J. Munson of Phoenixville, Pa., was presented with the 2013 Judson Press Ministry Award during a ceremony at American Baptist Churches USA Mission Center Tuesday.
“It’s an honor,” said Munson. “And it’s always been a privilege working with Judson Press.”
Munson brought dedication to the various roles he enjoyed during his 35-year career with American Baptist Educational Ministries and Judson Press. He managed the printing plant until it closed in 1985. He also served as publisher and business manager of Judson Press. Before his retirement in 1998, Munson worked in Human Resources for the Office of the General Secretary, American Baptist Churches USA. In 2003, Munson left retirement to assume the post of interim executive director of Educational Ministries for a year. After returning to retirement, Munson volunteered as an editorial reader for Judson Bible Journeys curriculum for adults, and also, for “The Secret Place” daily devotional guide.
“Art has been a loyal and valuable Judson Press advocate for many years,” said Laura Alden, Judson Press publisher. “Recognition for his faithful support, which I know he saw as service ‘unto the Lord,’ is long overdue.”
The Rev. Dr. Frank Frischkorn, executive minister of American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware (ABCOPAD), also expressed his appreciation for Munson’s ministry: “In the book of James we read, ‘In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.’ Art Munson is a man who has a deep faith in Christ and lives that out in every corner of his existence: as a husband, as a father, and as a servant of his God. While using his gifts to serve at Educational Ministries for many years, Art has also been deeply engaged in not only the life of his local church, but also his association and region. He has served on a variety of levels in ministry over the years: liaison to Camp Swatara, committee member on the Pennsylvania Council of Churches as well as a member of our regional Conflict Mediation Network. Most recently, Art took his passion for Habitat for Humanity and served with distinction as our project coordinator for the construction of a home in the greater Altoona area, as ABC OPAD partnered with Blair County Habitat for Humanity. Although he resides in Phoenixville, Art was present on site for most of the build, and brought not only his skills in administration and building, but also his passion and care for those in need.
“When I think of Art Munson,” Frischkorn continued, “there is one thought that comes to mind: humble servant. It is a privilege to know him and to serve with him, and I can’t think of a more fitting person to honor with this award.”
The Judson Press Ministry Award recognizes individuals “who share Judson’s publishing ministry in a significant way with a ready and Christian spirit and for the joy of service and contribution.” The award was first presented in 2007; Victoria Goff, American Baptist Home Mission Societies national coordinator of Volunteer Services was the recipient. Other recipients have included Dr. Wilda “Wendy” Morris, the Rev. Dr. Samuel B. McKinney, Peter and Peggy Wolf, and Dr. Gardner Taylor.
As the 2013 Judson Press Ministry Award recipient, Munson received a framed citation. He or his designee will also receive a free copy of all newly published Judson Press books. In addition, his name will be inscribed on a permanent plaque that hangs in the Mission Center.
“Without people like Art Munson, there would be no current American Baptist ministries of discipleship, education and publishing,” said ABHMS Executive Director Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III. “When we changed our name to American Baptist Home Mission Societies, we claimed and embraced these historic ministries, and now date our mission to 1824 and the founding of the Baptist General Tract Society. Art was a key person in making sure that this transition happened in a holistic and effective way.”
To order Judson Press resources, visit www.judsonpress.com or call 800-458-3766.
Founded in 1824, Judson Press—a publishing ministry of American Baptist Home Mission Societies, American Baptist Churches USA—produces Christ-centered leadership resources for the transformation of persons, congregations, communities and cultures.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with over 5,200 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.