VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 2/1/21)—Churches nationwide have been coping with a global pandemic, which has caused concern everywhere. American Baptist congregations have a special opportunity on February 21st to open a new chapter in church life as they gain enthusiasm by focusing on Legacy Sunday, the first Sunday of Lent. This can INSPIRE Today, EMPOWER Tomorrow.
The American Baptist Foundation (ABF) has materials to assist church leaders in challenging their congregations to plan an exciting future for ministry even as the 40 days of the Lenten season anticipate the triumphant story of the empty tomb. The Foundation’s focus on estate planning expands the usual thoughts about death and dying by going to the resurrection message and declare, “Do your giving while you’re living!”
For pastors who refer to the lectionary, the scripture texts for the first Sunday of Lent begin with an emphasis on God’s covenant with Noah (Genesis 9:8-17). God creates the rainbow, the sign of God’s promise for the future, saying, “I will remember.” The Gospel reading of Mark 1:9-15 also contains God’s proclamation. The words from heaven about Jesus are, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” God remembers our situation and has sent Jesus as the one who saves us. This message builds enthusiasm—especially in these challenging days—to embrace the victorious good news of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection and to share that with the whole world.
ABF’s resources for Legacy Sunday are designed to emphasize this enthusiastic, empowering message as they accompany each congregant’s Lenten journey. These materials can easily be accessed by;
To download brochures and other planned giving materials: https://www.abcofgiving.info/PlannedGifts/Index
For inquiries about Legacy Sunday marketing materials email: abfmarketing@abc-usa.org.
For inquiries about Ways to Give: abfadmin@abc-usa.org
Since 1985, the mission of the American Baptist Foundation (ABF) is to support and strengthen the Christian witness fulfilled by our partners in ministry and mission. These include: American Baptist Home Mission Societies, American Baptist International Ministries and the Multi-Region Corporation (comprised of a majority of American Baptist Regions.).
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.