VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 3/27/19)—Join American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) for a variety of home mission-related happenings during “Summit by the Sea,” American Baptist Churches USA’s 2019 Biennial Mission Summit June 21-23 in Virginia Beach, Va.
On Sunday afternoon in the Hall of Ministries, ABHMS will host a party to celebrate the launch of ministrElife, the cutting-edge online networking platform it developed for American Baptist ministry professionals and lay leaders. In addition to refreshments, the event will feature a Microsoft Surface Pro 6 grand prize giveaway. As the latest Microsoft Surface model, the two-in-one tablet/laptop is perfect for logging on to ministrElife. Throughout the Biennial Mission Summit, attendees can stop by ABHMS’ exhibit booth to register for ministrElife and to learn how it can support and enhance their ministries.
Featuring emerging musical artists, Saturday’s ABHMS luncheon program promises to be an inspiring, multi-sensory experience that invites guests to explore the “Emerging Leaders and Innovative Models of Ministry” theme. The Rev. Anne J. Scalfaro, senior pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, and the Rev. Eugene Downing, pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, both of Denver, Colo., will speak collaboratively about their churches’ covenantal partnership that seeks to pursue relationship building and racial justice in Denver. Minister Sheena D. Rolles, owner of FHJ Strategies, Orlando, Fla., will speak from her 15 years of experience in community activism as well as about her role as a missional entrepreneur who answered God’s call to serve in an innovative space.
Also on Saturday, ABHMS will host two Biennial Academy offerings. In the morning, the Rev. Dr. Raphael G. Warnock Sr., pastor of the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta, will present “Jesus Was An Inmate: A Movement to End Mass Incarceration.” Based on the ministry of Ebenezer and its multi-faith partners, this workshop will explore the ways in which communities of faith can respond to the fact that the United States warehouses 25 percent of the world’s prison population. The land of the free is, by far, the incarceration capital of the world. And, in no area of American society are the legacies of slavery and segregation clearer than in the criminal justice system.
On Saturday afternoon, the Rev. Dr. Marilyn P. Turner-Triplett, ABHMS director of Community Outreach Ministries and Rizpah’s Children, will be joined by a panel to present “Whole, Healthy, Hopeful Children in Every Community.” They will discuss the adverse impact of the socio-economic and political climate on children in economically poor neighborhoods as well as the response of faith-based community organizations.
On Friday afternoon, Judson Press, ABHMS’ publishing ministry, will host a Coastal Café in the exhibit hall bookstore. It will feature activities, prizes, discounts and refreshments as well as the opportunity to interact with Judson Press authors.
ABHMS will serve as worship host on Friday evening; during the plenary, ABHMS will present the Edwin T. Dahlberg Peace Award and Suzan Johnson-Cook Religious Freedom Award. ABHMS will formally announce its three other national-recognition ministry awards during Saturday’s luncheon.
Reminiscent of Innovators Hall at “Space for Grace,” ABHMS’ exhibit booth will showcase faith-based arts on Sunday afternoon.
To register for the Biennial Mission Summit, visit www.americanbaptists2019.com.
American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.
Founded in 1824, Judson Press is a publishing ministry of American Baptist Home Mission Societies, American Baptist Churches USA. It is committed to producing Christ-centered leadership resources for the transformation of individuals, congregations, communities and cultures.
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.