This post is shared as a COVID-19 resource on our resource page at www.abc-usa.org/coronavirus. Visit this page to find helpful resources and information, and see regular updates from American Baptist regions and national partners.
June 23, 2020
VIRTUAL Annual Gathering
Sunday, August 2, 6 pm
Hosted online by
New Era Church (www.nne.org)
A downloadable worship guide will be posted soon. Stay Tuned for more details!
As You Look to Re-Open Your Building
While things change, they still stay the same. You have the freedom to gather once again, however we urge great caution in moving too quickly.
Protecting vulnerable groups (those over 60 and those with medical conditions) is a key factor in making your decisions. We are anxious and ready to be gathered together for worship. We miss seeing one another! At the same time at least five of our churches will face the grief of having had members die from COVID19 and caring for others who are sick.
Take things slow. Take precautions. Keep your masks and social distancing guidelines. Keep using on-line worship. All these things will help us be safe and healthy. (See below for the re-opening discussion guide provided by ABC.)
We are learning many ways to still be the church without meeting in our buildings. Others are seeing the care we have for our neighbors in providing food and other resources. God is using this time in ways we don’t yet see.
A big thank you to those who have been providing extra funding for your church’s ministry and are contributing to our regional work. Together we can do this!
Church Mutual Insurance has provided a guide entitled “Safely Returning to Worship Q & A: American Baptist Churches USA.” CLICK HERE to read it.
The American Baptist Churches USA Office of the General Secretary has released a new resource for American Baptist churches. The resource, “Discussion Guide for Reopening Your Church Building,” is designed to help American Baptist churches look at various points of consideration as they implement new methods, policies and procedures in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is available in English and Spanish. To read the release CLICK HERE.
American Baptist Home Mission Societies has launched a process to apply for COVID 19 related One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) grants. Our goal for the next 12 months, is to raise and disburse OGHS funds totaling one million dollars to American Baptists in the United States and Puerto Rico to provide emergency assistance relating to the Coronavirus pandemic. We anticipate that these grants will be awarded on a quarterly basis in amounts of one to five thousand dollars per recipient.
All American Baptist national and regional partners are eligible to apply for these grants. Organizations may apply for a OGHS COVID 19 related grant in one or more of the quarterly cycles. However, priority for awarding grants will be given to organizations who are first time applicants.
The OGHS COVID Grant Application form may be submitted on the ABHMS website by CLICKING HERE. The passcode is: COVID1920
The grant cycles are as follows:
1. First Quarter: April-June, 2020
2. Second Quarter: July – September, 2020
3. Third Quarter: October – December, 2020
4. Fourth Quarter: January – March, 2021
During the pandemic, we’ve moved our workshops to an online format. And they’re free! Registration is available now.
Thursday, June 25th from 1:30-3 pm (EST)
This live online event explores the psychology and neurobiology behind the cycle of conflict. CLICK HERE to register.
Embracing Change: Faith Formation in 2020-2021
Tuesday, June 23 from 10-11:30 am (EST)
You have worked to move weekly gatherings and faith formation into homes and daily life using technology. Facing a new normal, how should your congregation move forward to plan for faith formation in 2020-2021? CLICK HERE to register.
Digital Engagement: Staying Connected to your Congregation
Thursday, June 25 from 10 -11:30 am (EST)
Tuesday, June 30 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (EST)
It’s time to move to the next level of direct engagement. This workshop will help you apply emotional intelligence strategies to how and where you engage your congregations online. CLICK HERE to register.