Mission Summit 2015: New Sunday Afternoon Workshop Opportunity

On Sunday afternoon at the Biennial Mission Summit, there will be new workshop opportunities available for attendees. In 2:15-3:15pm and 3:30-4:30pm sessions, attendees can join others with similar interests to connect about different topics. Workshop listings are included below. Register for the Biennial Mission Summit by Friday, June 12.

2:15 PM-3:15 PM Events:

ABC Creation Justice Network with Ian Mevorach and Tom Carr

In this workshop we will explore the meaning of the Gospel in relation to the ecological crisis and the movement to a life-sustaining society. We will have the opportunity to share stories with one another about how the Spirit is at work in and through our churches and the larger interfaith movement for the healing of the Earth. Part of our hope is to begin to build an ABC Creation Justice Network for mutual support and inspiration for those in our denominational family who are called to this important work. Please join us whether you are already committed to healing the Earth or just curious as to how Christian faith speaks peace to the ecological crisis.

Rev. Dr. Ian Mevorach is the founding pastor of Common Street Spiritual Center in Natick, MA, a　faith community which　is increasingly　active in the movement for the healing of the Earth. Rev. Tom Carr is pastor of the Second Baptist Church of Suffield, CT, co-founder of the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network (CT) and serves on the steering committee of the Interfaith Moral Action on Climate and the National Religious Coalition for Creation Care.

Bible Study with Marshall Peters

Navigating the Journey: Lessons from the travels of Paul using selected passages from the book of Acts. Dr. Marshall Peters is executive minister of Mid-American Baptist Churches.

Bible Study with Sara Day

“The Walk to Emmaus,” based on Luke 24:13-35.　 This will be a participatory Bible Study looking at the text from various perspectives.

Rev. Dr. Sara Day, CFP® serves as director of Employer Relationship Management with MMBB Financial Services.

Building Bridges of Understanding Between Baptists & Muslims with Alan Newton

So much of what we know about our Muslim neighbors comes from internet and media news. Much of the coverage is on focused on extremist distortions of the Muslim faith, which causes most Christians to fear contact with Muslim neighbors. This workshop will shed light on the other side of the Muslim faith that comprises more than 90% of the true faithful and will suggest practical ways to enter into dialogue.

Session Leader Rev. Alan G Newton, Executive Minister of ABC Rochester/Genesee Region, has been in such conversations for the past 41 years.

Next Steps in the Mission Summit Conversations with Jeff Woods

Want to take the Mission Summit Conversations to a deeper level? Come and explore ABC resources that are available to do just that. Persons who have led “Adaptive Challenge Teams” and “Joining God in the Neighborhood” groups will share their experiences and show you how to use these resources that will allow you to engage your own local congregation in conversations that make a difference.

Rev. Dr. C. Jeff Woods serves as associate general secretary for Regional Ministries with American Baptist Churches USA.

Spiritual Direction with Rene Colson Hudson

There will be two workshop sessions on Sunday afternoon around spiritual direction, one to learn and share around the ministry of spiritual direction (from 2:15 pm – 3:15 pm), and the other to serve as a Gathering for Spiritual Directors for the purpose of connecting and fellowshipping (from 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm).

The Price of Purpose: Planning, Investing and Borrowing with ABEC 　　　　　　　　　　　 *Sponsored by The American Baptist Extension Corporation

3:30 PM-4:30 PM Events:

Bible Study with Dwight Stinnett: “A Journey of Radical Obedience” Genesis 22:1-18

This terrifying story will be springboard for a study of the discipleship journey of radical obedience. It will move through Jesus’ final journey to Jerusalem, and the call to take up our own cross. It is a journey in response to God’s call – so it has a destination. But the trip is full of uncertainty and anxiety. Our preparation may be inadequate. God’s grace (which includes traveling companions) is sufficient.

This Bible Study session will be led by Dwight Stinnett, Executive Minister of the American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region.

Reconciliation: The ongoing work of Community in the Gospel of Luke with Leslie Braxton

This Bible Study will focus on Luke 15:11, on Luke’s preoccupation with the work of reconciliation as the opportunity for building and/or restoring community within the body of Christ and beyond. Attention will be given to identifying factors that threaten community and to developing corresponding strategies to overcome them.

Rev. Dr. Leslie David Braxton serves as senior pastor of New Beginnings Christian Fellowship in Kent, Washington, and is a member of the Biennial Mission Summit Planning Team.

I Was a Stranger: Understanding Immigration in Our Context with Ray Schellinger

Ray Schellinger ministers to victims of domestic violence, strengthening the work of Deborah’s House in Tijuana, Mexico. This ministry includes counseling services for families in crisis, as well as a shelter for women and children. Ray and his wife, Adalia, helped found this ministry and now Ray is shepherding it through a transitional period toward self-sufficiency. In this time, Ray will be reaching out in support of IM partners and colleagues around the world who would like to strengthen their witness to families suffering from violence. Ray is also working as part of a denominational task force on immigration to help churches see beyond the difficulties and begin to embrace the possibilities of mission to and partnership with immigrant individuals and communities.”

Next Steps in the Mission Summit Conversations with Jeff Woods

Rev. Dr. C. Jeff Woods serves as associate general secretary for Regional Ministries with American Baptist Churches USA.

Spiritual Direction with Rene Colson Hudson