VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 7/5/11)—American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) is sponsoring “Immerse: The 2012 National Gathering of American Baptist Youth” July 24-28, 2012, at American University, Washington, D.C. Participants should be ages 14-19 and at least entering freshman year of high school.

“We invite young people from the entire American Baptist Family to come to D.C. and be ‘immersed’ in mission, discipleship, worship and fun,” says Rev. Y. Trevor Beauford, Immerse lead conference planner on behalf of ABHMS and DeiVision Minister for Children, Youth and Singles at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Charlotte, N.C. “It promises to be one of the best weeks of your life!”

The event will include advocacy training and feature a community-service focus that will engage youth in volunteer outreach efforts. The pulse of the U.S. capital will provide the backdrop for high-energy and transformative worship coupled with hands-on urban mission experiences.

“We’re pleased to sponsor Immerse in 2012,” says Rev. Marilyn P. Turner, ABHMS associate executive director, Missional Life and Leadership, noting that ABHMS has been involved with American Baptist national youth gatherings since 2003. “We’re excited about the commitment to youth. We see youth not only as our future but our current church. We want to make sure that they hear and understand that we are here to support and nurture their needs.”

As they meet daily in small groups and enjoy exciting recreation time, participants will get to know other youth from across the United States.

Activities will include visits to Capitol Hill and a prayer walk on the National Mall.
The $399 cost per youth participant or adult leader includes housing and food.

Immerse was announced with a video and display at American Baptist Churches USA 2011 Biennial in Puerto Rico in June.

Check for updates at www.abhms-immerse2012.org or on Facebook and Twitter at Immerse 2012.

American Baptist Home Mission Societies—the domestic mission arm of American Baptist Churches USA—ministers as the caring heart and serving hands of Jesus Christ across the United States and Puerto Rico through a multitude of initiatives that focus on discipleship, community and justice.

American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with 5,500 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.