American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware

ABCOPAD News

  • 3/1/2024 - Journeys of Paul 2025
    Embrace the opportunity of a lifetime as you trace the Apostle Paul’s footsteps on the Journeys of Paul tour. Experience the Word like never before as the pages of Scripture come to life before your very eyes. You will learn about his...
  • 2/16/2024 - In Memoriam - Rev. Robert C. Guldenschuh, Jr.
    Rev. Robert C “Bob” Guldenschuh, Jr., 70, of Erie, PA passed away unexpectedly Friday February 9, 2024 at St. Vincent Hospital in Erie, Pa. Born July 18, 1953 in Binghamton, New York, he was the son of Rev Robert and Marlene Ann (White)...
  • 2/13/2024 - ABCOPAD REGIONAL EXECUTIVE PASTOR: REV. MARK MAHSERJIAN-SMITH
    The American Baptist Churches of PA and DE (ABCOPAD) Board of Directors met Tuesday, February 13, 2024, to unanimously affirm Reverend Mark Mahserjian-Smith as the next Executive Minister for the Region, effective immediately. Search team...
  • 1/16/2024 - Pastor & Spouse Retreat '24
    Retreat is a strategic withdrawal from the battle lines -- whatever and wherever they may be in your life -- to take a breath, physically and spiritually, and reconnect with God. This year, ABCOPAD welcomes you to do precisely that: To intentionally...
  • 1/12/2024 - Museum Of The Bible - CU Road Trip
    Pastors and congregants of Central Union Association are invited to join an ABCOPAD Southeast Chartered Bus Tour of the Museum of the Bible in Washington DC (largely funded by ABCOPAD grants) Located in the heart of Washington, DC, the Museum of the...
  • 1/8/2024 - Christian Sympathy - David Earnest
    Pastor David Earnest, of Marianna, peacefully transitioned to his new home in Glory Saturday night, January 6, 2024 at the age of 54. He was home with his wife of 25 years, Amy and sons, Elijah David and Josiah David. David loved being outdoors,...
  • 1/8/2024 - Love The Lord Webinar
    Recognizing a tension between all-too-real issues of mental well-being within Asian American congregations and communities and an entrenched cultural hesitancy to acknowledge them, the Center for Continuous Learning (CCL) of American Baptist Home...
  • 1/1/2024 - ABCUSA Sunday '24
    Dear ABCUSA Family, Get ready for an inspiring and mission-focused Sunday as we celebrate ABCUSA Sunday in February! We believe that mission is at the heart of what we do, and this special occasion is an opportunity for us to come together in unity...
  • 1/1/2024 - America For Christ 2024
    Thanks to your generous donations to the America for Christ (AFC) Offering, American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) has provided financial support to American Baptist churches and affiliated organizations across the United States and Puerto...
  • 11/29/2023 - Christian Sympathy - Harry A Louis Jr
    Pastor Harry A. Louis, Jr., 82, of Bon Air, on Thursday, November 16, 2023 went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Harry was the beloved husband of 59 years to Carol A Louis. Devoted father to Harry A. Louis, III and Dawn (Raymond)...
  • 11/22/2023 - Christian Sympathy - Joseph R Faith
    Reverend Joseph R. Faith went to be with his Lord and Savior on 20 November, 2023. He was 97 years old. He was born in Camden, New Jersey, the son of Paul D. and Maggie Faith. He had two brothers and three sisters, all of whom predeceased him. His...
  • 11/12/2023 - The Essentials of Suicide Prevention for Busy Pastors
    ONE Day FREE Event April 4, 2024 - register by March 28 7:00 - 9:00pm Instructor: Dr. Karen Mason Professor of Counseling and Psychology Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary CEU's Available Click HERE to Register The U.S. suicide rate has steadily...
  • 11/8/2023 - Space For Grace '24
    ABHMS invites you to Space for Grace & Spiritual Caregivers Conference 2024, April 9-11, 2024, in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. The theme for this national event—“Engaging Intergenerational Faith, Listen. Learn. Live.”...
  • 11/6/2023 - IM Requests Prayers for Peace in Israel and Gaza
    As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, International Ministries (IM) urgently requests prayers for peace across Israel, Gaza, and the surrounding area. Together, along with the European Baptist Federation and Baptist World Alliance, we mourn...
  • 11/4/2023 - NEW General Secretary of ABCUSA
    VALLEY FORGE, PA (11/4/23)— The Board of General Ministries of American Baptist Churches USA has affirmed the call of the Rev. Dr. Gina Jacobs-Strain to be the next General Secretary of the denomination. Dr. Jacobs-Strain’s term of...
  • 11/1/2023 - Giving Tuesday 2023
    Click HERE to GIVE! Goal: $3000 Tuesday, November 28, 2023 Life can be challenging when you feel isolated and alone. It can be frustrating, confusing, and discouraging. But a genuine and vibrant partnership can be incredibly empowering and...
  • 10/23/2023 - ABCOPAD Regional Executive Pastor Application
    The American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware Search Committee is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the next Regional Executive Pastor Deadline to apply is November 20, 2023. For more details: American Baptist Churches...
  • 10/9/2023 - IM Emerging Leaders Cohort
    Are you between 16 - 29 years old and looking to grow in the lifelong journey of following Christ and serving others? Through IM's Emerging Leaders cohorts, we will walk alongside you in that journey! Applications are now open until October 30....
  • 10/9/2023 - Biennial Mission Summit 2025
    The Executive Committee of the Board of General Ministries is excited to announce that the 2025 Biennial Mission Summit will be held in Omaha, Nebraska, July 4-6, 2025 at the Hilton Hotel and Convention Center in Omaha. “We’re excited to...
  • 9/25/2023 - World Mission Conference - 2024
    May 21-22, 2024 Join International Ministries as we celebrate our 210th anniversary with not one but TWO online sessions featuring our global servants and international partners. There will be videos, interactive games, online quizzes, and music...
  • 9/8/2023 - Town Hall Listening Sessions
    for the ABCOPAD Regional Executive Pastor Search Committee Below are the available in-person and online zoom opportunities for the upcoming Listening Sessions with regard to the ABCOPAD Regional Executive Pastor Search Committee. You may choose to...
  • 8/8/2023 - In Memoriam - Frank E Girdwood
    Retired American Baptist pastor, Rev. Frank E. Girdwood, age 82 of Lewes, DE, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at his home, under the care of Delaware Hospice. He was born on September 7, 1940, in Pittsburgh, PA, son of the late...
  • 7/19/2023 - ABCUSA Releases New Tools for Churches
    American Baptist Churches USA is excited to release two new ways for churches, regions, and partners to get up to date information about United Mission. A new promotional video is now available in English and Spanish , highlighting the way American...
  • 6/1/2023 - 2023 Palmer Grants Available to Churches, Associations and Regional Ministries
    to Churches, Associations and Regional Ministries p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Helvetica} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Helvetica; color: #0563c2} p.p3 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px...
  • 5/1/2023 - Biennial Mission Summit - Virtual Attendance
    ABCUSA is excited to announce that some sessions at the 2023 Biennial Mission Summit will be offered ONLINE! Because many are unable to travel to the 2023 Biennial Mission Summit in San Juan, Puerto Rico, there is now an online option for a...
  • 4/26/2023 - ABCOPAD Men's Envisioning Retreat
    A message from Rev. Dan McDowell, ABCOPAD SE GPS Click HERE for ONLINE REGISTRATION Mens Retreat Registration.docx
  • 4/26/2023 - In Memoriam - Rev. Dr. Malcolm Shotwell
    The Rev. Dr. Malcolm “Mac” Shotwell, 90, entered his eternal home Sunday, April 23 at Memorial Hospital. Born August 14, 1932, in Brookneal, VA to John and Ada Puckett Shotwell, he married Pauline LaVerne Brown on June 19, 1954. Mac...
  • 4/20/2023 - One Great Hour Of Sharing 2023
    So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up… — Galatians 6:9 — This scripture held special meaning for us in the past year. War in Ukraine persists,...
  • 4/20/2023 - Burma Act Bill
    The Burma Advocacy Group believes the Burma Bill is our greatest opportunity to achieve: an end to the human tragedy and crimes against humanity in Burma, an end the brutal military dictatorship in Burma, and an opportunity to achieve a federal...
  • 4/4/2023 - Tornado Response
    In this Holy Week, American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) continues to pray for God’s comfort and strength for those devastated by the recent outbreak of extreme weather that swept across the Southeast, Midwest and mid-Atlantic...
  • 4/1/2023 - ABHS Torbet Prize
    The American Baptist Historical Society announces a Call for Papers for the Torbet Prize. Each year ABHS seeks essays on Baptist history from authors who have not already published a major scholarly work. The Research and Publication Committee of...
  • 3/31/2023 - Clergy Health Survey
    The Charis Institute at Regent University is conducting a study of ABCUSA clergy and spouse well-being and help-seeking. The purpose of this research is to understand the well-being, occupational stress, and help-seeking attitudes of pastors and...
  • 3/31/2023 - Tempered Resilience
    A FREE WEBINAR FOR CHURCH LEADERS! Join us on Monday, May 22 at 1:00 PM ET as we hear from Tod Bolsinger, who will be sharing from his book "Tempered Resilience." Following the presentation there will be a short time of Q&A. Tod Bolsinger is a...
  • 3/10/2023 - 2023 Biennial Mission Summit
    The American Baptists Churches USA 2023 Biennial Mission Summit, June 23-25, 2023, at the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan, Puerto Rico, includes a full schedule beginning on Friday, June 23 with a Welcome Session. Learn more, below:...
  • 2/21/2023 - Women's History Month 2023
    Women's History Month Gathering Virtually on Zoom Mondays in March 12:00-12:30 PM Eastern Time During Women’s History month, ABWM curates a gathering every Monday during March. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating Women’s History...
  • 2/21/2023 - Holy Land 10-Day Tour 2024
    Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to witness the events of the Gospels? Imagine sitting in the boat with the disciples on the Sea of Galilee when Jesus spoke to the storm, or standing on the Mount of Beatitudes to hear Jesus...
  • 2/12/2023 - $10,000 in OGHS Emergency Relief
    International Ministries (IM) has sent initial grants totaling $10,000 in One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) emergency relief to partners who will be providing humanitarian relief to the survivors of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. The European...
  • 2/3/2023 - Christian Sympathy - David N. Knipel
    Rev. David N. Knipel, Esq., age 71, peacefully passed on to his eternal home on July 18, 2022. Born on May 15, 1951, in Hanover, PA., he grew up in York, Pennsylvania and was a graduate of Central High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts from...
  • 2/1/2023 - Come, See, Go, Tell
    Available for Purchase: $16 Contact Sue MacDonald - email Focusing on the thirty-three recorded sayings of Jesus after his resurrection and before his ascension, the invitation in this book is to come and see what Jesus said and did, and then go ,...
  • 1/26/2023 - A Community At Worship
    Embracing your congregation’s unique theology, culture, and practice of worship Join Pastor Dan Nicewonger and Dr. Christopher Wells as they help you discern your congregation’s unique worship norms. For a congregation to experience the...
  • 1/17/2023 - ABCUSA General Secretary Search
    Information about the American Baptist Churches USA General Secretary Search is now available on the American Baptist Churches USA website. Please visit the General Secretary Search page for more information about American Baptist Churches USA and...
  • 12/7/2022 - Harvester's Initiative
    Dear ABCOPAD Pastors, Stewards, and Congregations. Recently, we here at Wayne Park Baptist Church in Erie, PA, received a grant from the ABHMS for a program entitled “The Harvester's Initiative” . The program's is centered around youth...
  • 11/27/2022 - Retirement: Dr. Jeffrey Johnson
  • 11/21/2022 - Why We Light Those Candles
    When we light the Advent candle of hope, do we light it because we all live with a sense of hope and are simply celebrating that, or do we light it especially for those who feel hopeless? When we light the candle of peace, do we light it because we...
  • 11/17/2022 - Alliance AABC - Burma Act
    The Alliance of Asian American Baptist Churches has provided the following information and document concerning how you can support the Burma Act. They invite interested individuals and churches to participate in a signature campaign promoted by the...
  • 11/1/2022 - RMMO 2022
    FOR ALL THEY'VE DONE This past year has been one of both recovery and enduring struggles for our American Baptist Churches community—a year that reminds us of all that pastors do for our churches, congregations, and the communities they serve....
  • 9/28/2022 - ABCOPAD and USA Disaster Relief '22
    In the aftermath of extreme weather events t hat pummeled Kentucky, then Mississippi, then Puerto Rico, and most recently Florida, Volunteer Mission Teams from across the region have responded to the needs of many living in the wake of natural...
  • 9/21/2022 - Invitation to Covid-19 Survey
    American Baptists are invited to respond to a survey from the Interpreting the Impact of Covid-19 on Congregations task force. The deadline for survey responses is Friday, October 21. Take the survey here . Rev. Dr. Frank Frischkorn, chair of the...
  • 9/21/2022 - ABCUSA General Secretary Search Committee
    The American Baptist Churches USA President and Chair of the General Secretary Search Committee Rev. Dr. James O. Wolfe shares a report of the work of the Search Committee to date: The General Secretary Search Committee began its work with an...
  • 9/21/2022 - ABHMS Ramps up Disaster Relief
    NOTE You can provide direct financial support for our ABCOPAD Volunteer Mission Teams through your contributions to the ABCOPAD Disaster Relief Fund . Info HERE . In the wake of extreme weather that pummeled Kentucky, then Mississippi, and most...
  • 9/1/2022 - CoCreators Incubator
    God the Creator is constantly up to something new, forging fresh ways to stir hearts and change lives. Twenty-first century ministry is no exception. As churches shed their old wineskins to make room for new wine, ministry continues to move forward...
  • 9/1/2022 - Lorraine K. Potter Military Chaplaincy Merit Award
    The American Baptist Home Mission Societies’ Office of the Ecclesiastical Endorser is pleased to announce the names of American Baptist leaders in chaplaincy and specialized ministries who will receive its 2022 national-recognition ministry...
  • 8/31/2022 - Christian Sympathy - Grace Thornton Lawrence Shirk
    Grace Thornton Lawrence Shirk, who resided in Lancashire Retirement Village, is home at last. Grace was born in Johnstown, PA on December 6, 1935 to Reverend George and Eva Peterson Thornton. She was sister to Jeanne Allen and Helen Gervascio, who...
  • 8/1/2022 - WORLD MISSION OFFERING 2023
    Resources are now available HERE . Through International Ministries’ World Mission Offering (WMO), every September and October thousands across the country celebrate and give financial support to ministries that God is using to transform the...
  • 8/1/2022 - ABCUSA Officers 2024-2025
    Dear Friends, It is time to begin the nomination process for the positions of ABCUSA Officers for 2024-2025: President, Vice President, and Budget Review Officer. Please prayerfully search out candidates for these positions. The...
  • 8/1/2022 - WORLD MISSION OFFERING 2022
    Resources are now available HERE . Through International Ministries’ World Mission Offering (WMO), every September and October thousands across the country celebrate and give financial support to ministries that God is using to transform the...
  • 7/20/2022 - ABCUSA General Secretary Search
    The Search Committee for the next General Secretary of American Baptist Churches USA seeks your input! In late July and early August, the Search Committee will be holding a number of Zoom focus groups scheduled by region, and would like to invite...
  • 7/7/2022 - Christian Sympathy - Rev. James Belt
    James Leon Belt, 85 years, of Dalton, died Friday at Hospice of the Sacred Heart Inpatient Facility, Dunmore. The loving husband for more than 63 years, his widow is the former Patricia Joan Bolt. Born Feb. 4, 1937, in Greenville, Ohio, he was the...
  • 7/5/2022 - Missional Leadership in a Time of Disruption
    2022 WMI CONFERENCE AND W. DON MCCLURE LECTURE Oct. 7-8, 2022 At Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, the biennial WMI Conference and W. Don McClure Lecture will take place Oct. 7-8, 2022, with the theme "Missional Leadership in a Time of Disruption."...
  • 7/1/2022 - ACTS - Fall Semester 2022
    Academy of Christian Training and Service Fall Semester 2022 classes begin August 20 Registration is now open for the ACTS Fall Semester . Courses include: Pastoral Leadership [Rev. Alex Perednia, instructor] This is a course covering the basics of...
  • 6/3/2022 - ABHMS 2022 PALMER GRANT
    This ABHMS Palmer Grant cycle is seeking to support projects that focus on children, youth and young adults (CYYA) and create space for them to participate in the development of the project. ABHMS will be looking to fund projects that focus on...
  • 5/23/2022 - ABCOPAD Foundation Harvest Fund
    In 2022, we are celebrating 50 years of ministry and mission in ABCOPAD. During the past 50 years, there have been saints who have pointed us to Jesus and they have invested their resources in the ministry and mission of ABCOPAD. Their legacy has...
  • 5/9/2022 - Tiny House Spirituality
    On June 6 & 7, 2022 from Noon till 2pm(EST), the Short-Term Mission staff will facilitate a 2-Day virtual Ministry Immersion hosted by Revs. Joyce & David Reed, Global Coordinators of Spiritual Care. Come and encounter “ Tiny House...
  • 5/1/2022 - One Great Hour Of Sharing 2022
    One Great Hour of Sharing continues to be a tangible expression of love—walking with communities in times of crisis. Love responds. Love rebuilds. Love remembers. Love remains. Together, we provide immediate relief and long-term recovery...
  • 4/23/2022 - Planning Worship Theologically
    Cairn University is dedicated to educating students to serve Christ in the church, society, and the world. Within the context of the church, the school cares especially about equipping the shepherds who lead congregations Sunday after Sunday. As...
  • 4/11/2022 - How Did We Get Here?
    An Easter Week Reflection by ABCUSA General Secretary Jeff Woods As we enter Holy Week in 2022, we invite you to read the reflection below, “How Did We Get Here?”, written by American Baptist Churches USA General Secretary Dr. C. Jeff...
  • 3/31/2022 - Clergy Student Loan Forgiveness
    PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAM NOW INCLUDES CLERGY Since July 2021, clergy have qualified for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) through an amendment to the program. Full-time employees of religious not-for-profit organizations now may...
  • 3/28/2022 - Ukraine Response Update
    This is an edited version of a message from International Ministries. You can read the entire article on the IM website The response among IM's donors and partners to the humanitarian crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been...
  • 3/24/2022 - Narrative Worship Workshop
    Friday, April 22 10am – 6:30pm Lunch and Dinner Included HISTORIC FRIENDS MEETING HOUSE 320 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 This interactive workshop will focus on how to develop a simple impactful and memorable narrative that can be used...
  • 3/1/2022 - Hear The Call _ 2022
    July 1-3, 2022 Wondering if God is calling you into mission service? This event is for you! Explore your call to join God in global mission during this weekend retreat. Hear the Call is a powerful discernment experience for adults who feel called to...
  • 2/27/2022 - ABCOPAD Vision Team
    The American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware is engaged in a critical vision process to discover, anticipate, and prepare for the future which God had for our region's work and witness. The Vision Team includes the following; Re. Mark...
  • 2/25/2022 - OGHS Emergency Relief Funds to Ukraine
    In response to immediate needs resulting from the Russian invasion of Ukraine that began on February 24, 2022, International Ministries has sent an initial grant of $15,000 in One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) emergency relief to the European Baptist...
  • 2/22/2022 - Webinar: Financial Stewardship in Times Like These
    Join us for a Generosity Project webinar on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 1:00 pm EDT. Registration is now online . Are you wondering what the future will hold for your church going forward? Margaret Marcuson has been a pastor who has faced some tough...
  • 2/18/2022 - Youth Leaders Summit
    MAY 25 – MAY 27, 2022 2022 Youth Leader Summit Harvey Cedars Bible Conference ABCOPAD Student Ministry RMAs are excited to share we will be offering scholarships to all youth leaders whether full-time, part-time, or volunteer who sign up for...
  • 2/16/2022 - 2022 World Mission Conference
    WORLD MISSION CONFERENCE July 4 – 9, 2022 Green Lake Conference Center, WI The 2022 International Ministries World Mission Conference is going to be a special one! We are so excited to give you the opportunity to reconnect in person with our...
  • 2/16/2022 - 2023 Biennial Mission Summit Survey
    The American Baptist Churches USA Biennial Mission Summit will be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, June 23-25, 2023. The 2023 Planning Team welcomes your feedback as they make plans for this upcoming event. The theme for the 2023 Biennial Mission...
  • 2/15/2022 - PA Non-Profit Security Grant Program
    The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is offering grants between $5000 and $150,000 through its Non-Profit Security Grant Program . The grants are available to nonprofit organizations in the commonwealth that serve individuals, groups or institutions who...
  • 2/11/2022 - ABCUSA General Secretary Survey
    The Board of General Ministries, the American Baptist Churches USA governing board, is currently in the process of seeking information regarding the priorities for the next General Secretary, whose term will begin in 2024. The board has released a...
  • 2/10/2022 - In Memorium: Robert Walker
    Rev. Robert B. Walker, 80, of Natrona Heights, passed away Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh. He was born December 1, 1941 in Peabody, MA, to the late Richard R. and Dorothy (Knowles) Walker. Rev. Walker lived the...
  • 2/1/2022 - Chaplaincy Skills for Community Ministry
    Back by popular demand! American Baptist Home Mission Societies’ (ABHMS) six-week certificate program “Chaplaincy Skills for Community Ministry” Mondays from 6-8 p.m. ET: Feb. 28, March 7, 14, 21, 28 and April 4 Cohort celebration:...
  • 1/27/2022 - Financial Wellness Institute
    MMBB is pleased to announce the introduction of MMBB Financial Wellness Institute (FWI), a convenient new way for MMBB members to learn about money matters. It’s a visually engaging and interactive online learning experience designed for both...
  • 1/15/2022 - ACTS - Spring Semester 2022
    Academy of Christian Training and Service Spring Semester 2022 classes begin February 5 Registration is now open for the ACTS Spring Semester . The semester focuses on Biblical Studies; Courses include: New Testament [Rev. Scott Jones, instructor]...
  • 1/11/2022 - Interpreting the Impact of COVID-19 on Congregations
    In response to the interest of ABC congregations to continue to explore the impact of the global pandemic on congregational life, the ABCUSA Office of the General Secretary and Board of General Ministries is establishing a new task force entitled,...
  • 1/11/2022 - Strong Flexible Leadership: Tempered Resilience
    In this interactive Zoom Meeting Dr. Tod Bolsinger will provide a fly-over of the primary insights presented in his most recent book, Tempered Resilience: How Leaders Are Formed in the Crucible of Change . Drawing on his long experience as a pastor...
  • 1/11/2022 - The Pastor's Study: Tempered Resilience
    January 27 - March 24 We would like to invite pastors, church staff, and chaplains to join us in The Pastor’s Study for a discussion of the book Tempered Resilience: How Leaders are Formed in the Crucible of Change by Tod Bolsinger. We will...
  • 1/1/2022 - Space For Grace 2022
    September 21-23, 2022 The 2022 Space for Grace theme— Testify! —speaks to the need in these times for diverse voices sharing genuine, honest dialogue about issues of Christian leadership, discipleship and justice. Its biblical foundation...
  • 12/22/2021 - Pause and Pray
    Beginning January 1, 2022, wherever you find yourself at 8:22 am and/or 8:22 pm (2022 in military time), we are asking every member of our region family to PAUSE AND PRAY for one minute for our region during this year of transition. Pause and Pray...
  • 12/19/2021 - America For Christ 2022
    Thanks to America for Christ (AFC) Offering contributions, American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) supported communities distressed by the devastation of COVID-19 last year, as the pandemic swept our country and Puerto Rico. We also helped...
  • 12/15/2021 - Central Tornado Response
    All of us have watched in disbelief the devastation wrought by the tornadoes that swept through Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee and Illinois. Our hearts have been broken as the news has reported lives lost, homes destroy,...
  • 12/2/2021 - GPS: Geographic Pastoral Servants
    A week or so ago, through Constant Contact, we told you all the WHO. Now we will tell you all the WHAT … To assist ONLY during the transition period between Frank’s stellar leadership and what the Lord has in mind and in store for our...
  • 11/30/2021 - Christian Sympathy - Rev. Ronald Evans
    Rev. Ronald Dean Evans (May 9, 1942 - November 28, 2021), 79, resident of Trinity, North Carolina, went to be with his Savior and Lord on November 28, 2021 at Piedmont Crossing in Thomasville. He was born May 9, 1942 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, a...
  • 11/14/2021 - The Perfect Gift – IM Global Gifts!
    What do clean water, coffee, and clinics in other countries have in common? They all can bring hope to people served by International Ministries (IM) all over the world when you purchase them as Christmas gifts through the IM Global Gifts program....
  • 11/7/2021 - Woods as General Secretary for 2022-2023
    The Board of General Ministries of American Baptist Churches USA, during its November 5-7 meetings in King of Prussia, Pa., reviewed and adopted two documents to further the progress made on the Interim Proposal timeline, which will continue to...
  • 10/13/2021 - ABQ Call For Papers
    “Theological Reflections on Pandemic” The COVID-19 pandemic has created enormous challenges and surprising opportunities for Christian churches and organizations. Whatever the new normal is after the pandemic, it will not be the same as...
  • 10/7/2021 - ABHMS Discipleship Summit
    American Baptist Home Mission Societies’ Center for Continuous Learning will host the Discipleship Summit 2021 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Oct. 26 in the Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III Learning Center at the Leadership and Mission Building, King of...
  • 9/22/2021 - ABCOPAD Transitional Leadership
    Dear ABCOPAD Family: As we continue to journey through the final months of Rev. Frank Frischkorn’s ministry as our Executive Pastor and plan his November 6 virtual celebration, the ABCOPAD Board has been busy looking to the future. The...
  • 9/20/2021 - Bless Your Pastor
    What Is This All About? Across America and the world, pastors and their spouses faithfully serve and love the people in their congregations. Yet, our research shows that most pastor families face significant financial challenges. Many have been...
  • 9/7/2021 - In Memorium - Pastor Daniel Howell
    Daniel and Linda Howell, husband and wife of 22 years, walked together into The Kingdom of Heaven, hand in hand, as inextricably linked as they were in life, into Jesus' loving arms on August 30, 2021 after both contracting and succumbing to...
  • 9/2/2021 - In Memorium - Pastor Frank Lane
    Norman Franklin "Frank" Lane, 71, of 1013 Rutledge Rd., Transfer, PA, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, August 30, 2021, at his residence. Frank was born in Mount Vernon, OH on August 16, 1950, to Claude Lee and Lois Minerva (Coleman)...
  • 9/1/2021 - Radical Redeemed Ready
    June 15-18, 2022 Green Lake Conference Center Green Lake, Wisconsin From the pioneering women of long ago to the trailblazing leaders of today, the movement of women into ministry has involved the whole family of faith from all across ABCUSA. With...
  • 8/25/2021 - Revelacion in Concert
    Your Invitation September 7 --- 7:00PM First Baptist Church 159 N. Bellefield Avenue Pittsburgh, PA
  • 8/20/2021 - IM Responds to Earthquake in Haiti
    International Ministries (IM) invites prayers and support for Haiti and the people of Haiti in the wake of the August 14 earthquake, which devastated the southern portion of the Caribbean nation. As of August 19, the deaths of over 2,000 persons and...
  • 8/19/2021 - WEBINAR: A Guide To MMBB Benefits Administration
    Don't miss out on valuable information from MMBB Financial Services. Register now for this upcoming webinar: A Guide to MMBB Administration - How to Administer the Plan November 18, 2021 2:00 pm Eastern Time This webinar will introduce church...
  • 8/19/2021 - WEBINAR: Planning Your Path To Retirement
    Don't miss out on valuable information from MMBB Financial Services. Register now for this upcoming webinar: Planning Your Path To Retirement - Creating an Income Plan (>50) October 21, 2021 2:00 pm Eastern Time This second of two webinars on...
  • 8/19/2021 - WEBINAR: Roadmap to Retirement
    Don't miss out on valuable information from MMBB Financial Services. Register now for this upcoming webinar: Roadmap to Retirement - Starting Out (<50) October 14, 2021 2:00 pm Eastern Time This first of two webinars on retirement planning is for...
  • 8/19/2021 - WEBINAR: Understanding Clergy Compensation and Taxes
    Don't miss out on valuable information from MMBB Financial Services. Register now for this upcoming webinar: Understanding Clergy Compensation and Taxes September 16, 2021 2:00 pm Eastern Time This webinar for clergy and church finance...
  • 8/10/2021 - Leading Out Of COVID
    American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) will present "Leading Our of COVID" via its Center for Continuous Learning. Leaders are needing to make lots of adjustments and they have questions about the big picture going forward. Figuring out...
  • 8/2/2021 - Appreciation Celebrations
    Rev. Dr. Frank Frischkorn, ABCOPAD Regional Ex ecutive Pastor has announced his resignation as of December 31, 2021. In gratitude for his 27 years of service to the Region, an online gathering will be held in his honor. Please join us and take this...
  • 7/30/2021 - WEBINAR: Building An Effective Facebook Page
    TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 7:00-8:30PM How effective is your church Facebook page? Is it current or out-of-date? Does it communicate clearly and accurately the life and character of your congregation? What essential content should be included? Throughout...
  • 7/29/2021 - World Mission Offering 2021
    Surprised by God's Glory Through International Ministries’ World Mission Offering, thousands across the country celebrate and support ministries that God is using to transform the world. For more than two hundred years, International...
  • 7/21/2021 - Intercultural Leadership Institute
    American Baptist Home Mission Societies’ Center for Continuous Learning will offer the 2021-2022 Intercultural Leadership Institute (ILI), a yearlong cohort experience that teaches intercultural competency skills. The deadline to apply for the...
  • 7/2/2021 - PASSPORT TO NICA
    A Virtual Mission Trip Experience with AMOS Health & Hope Via North Hills Community Baptist Church 5 Thursday Evenings - July 8 - August 5, 2021, 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. Going on an international mission trip can change your life, shift your priorities,...
  • 6/25/2021 - ABCOPAD Regional Executive Pastor Announces Resignation
    On June 22, 2021, Rev. Dr. Frank Frischkorn announced his plans to resign as ABCOPAD Regional Executive Pastor. The following letter was sent to the regional family: _____________________________________ Dear ABCOPAD Family: A scripture text that...
  • 6/6/2021 - In Memorium - Rev. Donald Rockwell
    Rev. Donald Rockwell entered the gates of heaven June 5, 2021, following declining health at the age of 89. Born on Sep. 15, 1931 in Canton, PA, Donald was the son of the late, Elmer Sr. & Edith Bates Rockwell. He graduated from Canton High...
  • 6/1/2021 - Horning Retirement Celebration
    You are invited! 35 Years of Service Celebration for the Rev. Russell J. Horning Pastor of the Shinglehouse First Baptist Church June 6, 2021 Following the 10:30 AM Worship Service In the Shinglehouse Assembly Park 1:00-5:00 PM All Pavilions have...
  • 6/1/2021 - Webinar: The Nones
    a free webinar with author, pastor and social scientist researcher Ryan Burge The term " nones " is used to refer to those who are unaffiliated with any organized religion. This use derives from surveys of religious affiliation, in which "None" (or...
  • 5/29/2021 - Christian Sympathy - Rev. Frank Vucic
    Pastor Frank M. Vucic, 78, of Rices Landing, died Wednesday, May 26, 2021, in Rolling Meadows Nursing Home, Waynesburg. He was being aided by Amedysis Hospice following his cancer surgery. Frank was born October 23, 1942, in Braddock, a son of the...
  • 5/28/2021 - SUMMER CAMP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
    Volunteers, 18 or older to be a camp counselor from July 11-16 at Camp Innabah in Spring City, Pa. The week of camp is a fun, full-experience camp --- canoeing, swimming, arts and crafts, field games, bible study, and more. The campers are adults...
  • 5/28/2021 - Webinar: Building An Effective Church Website
    TUESDAY, JULY 6 7:00-8:30PM How effective is your church website? Is it current or out-of-date? Does it communicate clearly and accurately the mission and ministries of your congregation? What essential content should be included? If your website is...
  • 5/17/2021 - New Regional Ministry Associates
    ABCOPAD introduces two new Regional Ministry Associates [RMA] to the regional staff. Rev. John Trojak has been appointed as the Congregational Life RMA, and Brently Pustelak has been named Student Ministries RMA (Northwest). Each brings to their...
  • 5/7/2021 - ABCUSA Mission Summit Scholarships
    The Office of the General Secretary announces scholarship opportunities for attendees of the 2021 Biennial Mission Summit – An Online Experience. Scholarships for the 2021 Biennial Mission Summit—An Online Experience will be awarded...
  • 4/30/2021 - OGHS 2021
    The year 2020 was unlike any year we have witnessed in our lifetime. Recordbreaking fires on the west coast of the U.S. devastated communities and burned millions of acres. An extremely active hurricane season brought destruction to the Gulf Coast...
  • 4/26/2021 - Reclaiming Your Marriage
    Kudos to Rev. Lisha Edmonds (Mount Olive Baptist Church, Canonsburg), as she launches the revised edition of her book "Reclaiming Your Marriage". It is a self-published 31-day devotional. Writes the author: "In the early years of our marriage my...
  • 4/13/2021 - Starting The Money Conversation
    “Starting the Money Conversation”—a virtual financial literacy program—will be held May 18 and 25, 12:00noon - 1:30PM EST . The program is co-sponsored by American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) and the Consumer...
  • 4/13/2021 - Jeffrey Johnson Surprise
    This past Christmas, ABCOPAD Regional Pastor With Congregations Dr. Jeffrey A. Johnson received a surprise “gift” that was 15 years in the making. The ABHMS national coordinator of Evangelism & Church Planting received a thank-you...
  • 3/18/2021 - Small Church Pastors' and Leaders' Conference
    May 20 – 21, 2021 First Baptist Church Savoy, IL Spend time with other Pastors and Leaders from smaller churches and be inspired by teaching from gifted Christian leaders and teachers. Choose from workshops highlighting innovative ministry...
  • 3/16/2021 - In Memorium: Rev. Nathaniel Jones
    The Reverend Nathaniel "Nat" N Jones passed away peacefully in Hagen Care Center on Friday afternoon, March 5, 2021. His wife, Virginia (“Ginny"), was with him at the time of his passing, and Nat and Ginny had precious moments together the...
  • 3/4/2021 - ABCUSA 2021 Biennial Mission Summit
    Registration is now open for the American Baptist Churches Biennial Mission Summit, meeting online Thursday, June 24 to Saturday, June 26, 2021. Plan now to experience the vitality of our American Baptist family together with other American Baptists...
  • 3/2/2021 - Transformed by Pastoral Transition
    Designed as a practical and deeply spiritual guide for congregations facing pastoral transition, “Transformed by Pastoral Transition: A Guide for Congregations” uses the framework of the Christian worship service to help church leaders...
  • 2/24/2021 - Orientation To American Baptist Life
    Every year that we have an ABCUSA Biennial Mission Summit, the various parts of the family come together to offer an event called, "Orientation to American Baptist Life". The event is normally reserved for seminary students or new pastors to ABC...
  • 2/23/2021 - Prayer, OGHS Donations Sought for Winter Emergencies
    American Baptist Home Mission Societies is urging all concerned citizens to pray for residents of Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, who are under declarations of emergency because of conditions resulting from severe winter storms beginning Feb. 8. In...
  • 2/17/2021 - Black History Month 2021 Resources
    February is Black History Month! American Baptist Women’s Ministries invites you to join us to celebrate, honor, and reflect on the many contributions African American women have made! Visit this webpage daily to join us in recognizing women....
  • 2/17/2021 - 2021 Lent: A Time to Get REady.
    The American Baptist Churches USA Office of the General Secretary this Lenten Season highlights a Lenten Reflection Series available through our website at www.abc-usa.org . To mark the 2021 Lenten Season, the ABCUSA Office of the General Secretary...
  • 2/11/2021 - Spanish Workshop Series: Holy Week Sermons
    As part of CECALI XXI, American Baptist Home Mission Societies' (ABHMS) Latino Ministries will offer "De la crucifixión de Jesús a la resurrección de Cristo" ("From the Crucifixion of Jesus to the Resurrection of Christ"), a...
  • 2/10/2021 - Webinar: Prophetic Ministry in an Age of Exile
    GOOD NEWS FOR CHANGING TIMES February 15, 1:00PM How do we serve as prophetic pastors in our fast-changing culture? The 2020 Covid-19 pandemic and massive socio-political upheavals have accelerated societal and spiritual transformations that were...
  • 1/28/2021 - In Memorium - Rev. Dr. Larry A. LeFeber
    Rev. Dr. Larry LeFeber, the former pastor of the Clinton Baptist Church, Montgomery-Northumberland Baptist Association went home to be with Jesus (Saturday, January 16, 2021) following his struggle with cancer and coronary artery disease. Larry will...
  • 1/14/2021 - ABCUSA President and Interim General Secretary Release Statement Following Unrest
    Interim General Secretary Dr. C. Jeff Woods and ABCUSA President Karen Podsiadly released a statement to American Baptists on January 7, following a day of unrest in Washington, D.C. at the United States Capitol building. Read the statement below....
  • 1/5/2021 - In Memorium - Robert Lindemuth
    Pastor Robert "Bob" Miles Lindemuth, 88, of Brookville, PA, passed away on Monday, December 21, 2020, while a patient at the Penn Highlands Brookville Hospital. He was born on October 4, 1932, to Alma E. (Beatty) and Clyde W. Lindemuth Sr., in...
  • 1/1/2021 - America For Christ 2021
    Promotional Resources for AFC 2021 are available HERE Thanks to your America for Christ (AFC) Offering contributions, American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) ministers to families who have lost homes to floods, to children living lives of...
  • 12/4/2020 - The Importance of Online Ministry
    The Importance of Online Ministry (and the Blessing Provided by It) Written by Reverend Robert W. Rice Pastor, Muncy Baptist Church Regional Ministry Associate for Leadership Learning Communities December 4, 2020 In Paul’s first letter to the...
  • 12/1/2020 - ABC Reads 2021
    Judson Press, the publishing ministry of American Baptist Home Mission Societies, has named River of Life, Feast of Grace: Baptism, Communion, and Discipleship by the Rev. Dr. Jennifer W. Davidson as the “ABC Reads” book for 2021-2022....
  • 11/24/2020 - Volunteers to Sing Christmas Carols
    The Dunmore Healthcare Center; 1000 Mill Street; Dunmore, PA is asking for volunteers to sing Christmas Carols to their residents. Volunteers would be safe and Covid compliant. The performance will be held in their parking lot. They will sing to the...
  • 11/13/2020 - Finding Home Advent Webinars
    Finding Home An Advent Study on Welcoming Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Migrants December 2, 9, and 16 at 7:00 pm Downloadable PDF Flier Register HERE with ZOOM Sponsored by the Royersford Baptist Church ABCOPAD Partner Congregation and Grace Baptist...
  • 11/5/2020 - In Memorium: Rev. Dr. Robert Bouder
    We received word of the passing of the Rev. Dr. Robert Bouder, who entered into glory on Tuesday, November 3rd. Dr. Bouder's years of full time ministry service all took place here in ABCOPAD, serving first at FBC, Milton, then Westgate Baptist in...
  • 11/1/2020 - Giving Tuesday 2020
    Click HERE to GIVE ! Goal: $2500 Tuesday, December 1, 2020 To be sure --- 2020 has been an extraordinary year! Not only for individual and families... Not only for businesses and congregations... But for the ABCOPAD Region as well. Because of the...
  • 10/30/2020 - RMMO 2020
    HOPE FOR TODAY ... HOPE FOR TOMORROW The Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering (RMMO) originated in the mid-1930s, when American Baptist congregations received a Communion Fellowship Offering on the first Sunday of each month to support...
  • 10/13/2020 - ABCOPAD Regional Business Meeting
    ABCOPAD Regional Business Meeting Sunday, October 25, 2020 - 2 p.m. Let Your Voice Be Heard As we continue to walk by faith through this most unusual of years, our lives personally and corporately have undergone a number of changes. The same is true...
  • 10/8/2020 - AMAZON Prime Days
    Prime Day is back starting October 13 and will run through October 14. This is a great opportunity to support the ABCOPAD Foundation and increase AmazonSmile donations during this epic two days of deals and promotions. You can make a difference...
  • 10/1/2020 - NexGen Livestreams
    Live events to meet the next generation of IM global servants on Saturday, October 17 and 24 8:00 – 8:30 pm (Eastern time) Registration is now open and free through the NexGen webpage ! During the October 17th Live-Stream you will meet IM...
  • 9/16/2020 - ABHMS Awards COVID Recovery Grants
    Since May 2020, ABHMS has awarded $132,841 in One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) funds for COVID-19 recovery efforts in the United States and Puerto Rico. Sixty-one organizations have received grants for communities in need. “The state of...
  • 9/9/2020 - ABCOPAD IN AFRICA
    Would you help us grow a relationship with this new IM partner? God is using Good News Soldiers to grow the Kingdom of God in West Africa! Over the course of the last five years First Baptist Church of Kennett Square has grown in relationship with...
  • 9/2/2020 - Race and Justice Forum
    Three American Baptist regions have announced a weekly Multi Region Race and Justice Forum beginning on September 8, 2020. The forum will meet in the format of a Bible Study for Pastors and Church Leaders every Tuesday from September 8 through...
  • 9/1/2020 - In Support of Excellence
    Financial living and leading are uniquely difficult in this present moment. Thankfully, the promises of God and the vision of God’s economy we receive in scripture are as relevant today as when Jesus offered these teachings to his followers....
  • 8/27/2020 - Webinar: “Online Worship: Elements, Interaction and Technology”
    A webinar entitled “Online Worship: Elements, Interaction and Technology” was recently presented to the Regional Executive Minister’s Council by Dr. Jeremy Fackenthal, Managing Director of the Institute for Ecological Civilization....
  • 8/26/2020 - In Memoriam: Rev. Dr. Daniel E Weiss
    Rev. Dr. Daniel E. Weiss, who served as General Secretary of American Baptist Churches USA from 1988 to 2000, died on Saturday, August 22. Prior to serving as General Secretary, Dr. Weiss was Executive Director of the American Baptist Churches USA...
  • 8/7/2020 - ABCOPAD & Delaware Tornado
    The tornado that touched down in Delaware as Tropical Storm Isaias rolled through had a track of 29.2 miles, the longest path a tornado has taken in Delaware since records started being kept in the 1950s, the National Weather Service said. The...
  • 7/29/2020 - Pastoral Challenges (Covid) Survey
    Midwest Ministry Development Service and Southwest Ministry Development Service have been supporting persons in ministry for over 50 years. Now finding ourselves in an unprecedented time, we want to be as helpful as possible as we continue to live...
  • 7/28/2020 - American Baptist COVID-19 Memorial Wall
    American Baptist Home Mission Societies joins with many faith leaders across our nation who are pausing to consciously lament and mourn the loss of life due to the novel Coronavirus. A memorial page commemorates American Baptists who have died from...
  • 7/23/2020 - ABC General Board Reconstitutes Task Force on Race and Racial Violence
    Photo by Amaury Gutierrez on Unsplash The American Baptist Churches USA Board of General Ministries Executive Committee voted at its June 2020 meeting to reconstitute the task force on race and racial violence. The new task force will have an...
  • 7/9/2020 - Webinar Series: Praying with Creation
    American Baptists are invited to participate in a webinar series hosted by the American Baptist Churches Creation Justice Network. The four session Thursday webinar series, entitled “Praying with Creation: Sabbath, Lament,...
  • 7/7/2020 - Webinar: Stewardship And Pandemic
    The American Baptist Churches USA Office of the General Secretary announces an upcoming webinar, “Stewardship and Pandemic,” Thursday, July 23 at 1:00pm EDT . The webinar is a part of The Generosity Project, an Office of the General...
  • 7/1/2020 - ABCUSA Survey Assesses Impact of COVID-19
    A survey regarding the impact of the global pandemic was sent to all of the American Baptist regions via each region's executive minister in May. On behalf of local churches, the person most knowledgeable was asked to complete the survey. Originally...
  • 6/11/2020 - 20/20 VISION in 2020
    20/20 Vision in 2020 IM’s World Mission Conference is moving online! 20/20 Vision I once was blind, but now I see. Mark 8:22-25 Join us for life-changing storytelling and the latest news and testimonies from IM’s global servants who will...
  • 6/8/2020 - Courageous Conversations Webinar
    Courageous Conversations A series of seminars address the challenges and opportunities for ministry during COVID-19. Topics include: Courageous Conversation: Financial Wellness Amid COVID-19 and beyond Courageous Conversation with H.S. Counselors...
  • 6/3/2020 - News From IM Missionaries Brian & Lynette Smith
    May 18, 2020 Dear Called To More Supporter, We wanted to thank you so much for your faithful prayers and support of us during our journey to the field, our time in Haiti, and through Brian’s recovery. We are praying that all is well with you...
  • 6/1/2020 - IM Prayer Call
    Did you know about IM’s Prayer Call? Every Wednesday, IM home office staff and missionaries gather for a time of devotion and prayer. You can join us in prayer by subscribing to IM’s Prayer Call. It’s a weekly prayer email from our...
  • 5/30/2020 - Acts of Racial Injustice
    On May 29, 2020, Interim General Secretary Dr. C. Jeff Woods published a letter to American Baptists with a message centered around justice and more specifically, racial justice. Read the letter below. Dear American Baptists, The death of George...
  • 5/29/2020 - National Day of Mourning Lament
    As the United States passes the mark of 100,000 COVID-19 deaths, American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) calls on American Baptists to mark the grim milestone on Monday, June 1, at noon, local time, as part of a National Day of Mourning and...
  • 5/28/2020 - You Are Not Alone Virtual Conference
    American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) invites pastors, lay leaders chaplains and spiritual caregivers to participate in “ You Are Not Alone : A Space for Grace Retreat,” a virtual three-day conference to be held 1-3 p.m....
  • 5/18/2020 - ABCOPAD Church Recovery Grant
    In response to the unprecedented and unique situation the churches of ABCOPAD find themselves in due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ABCOPAD Regional Board has made a decision to suspend the usual fall 2020 grant cycle and instead redeploy those funds...
  • 5/7/2020 - ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING 2020
    For over 200 years, American Baptists have been investing in the futures of people all around the world! From our local communities here in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and wrapping all the way around the globe, ministries have been undergirded by...
  • 5/5/2020 - Climate Webinar
    People are growing more concerned about climate change. As they witness and experience impacts to their health, livelihoods and communities, they are increasingly looking for guidance on solutions from people in their daily lives–including...
  • 5/4/2020 - OGHS COVID - 19 Grant Application Information
    Effective May 4, 2020 the American Baptist Home Mission Societies is launching the 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...
  • 4/30/2020 - ABCUSA Resources & Support Amid COVID19
    a note from Rev. Dr. Patricia Murphy Ecclesiastical Endorser, National Coordinator Chaplaincy, Pastoral Counseling & Specialized Ministries American Baptist Home Mission Societies Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in...
  • 4/20/2020 - In Sympathy - Herbert N. Brownlee
    Herbert N. (Herb) Brownlee, pastor, encourager and friend to many, passed away on April 11, 2020 at the age of 103. A native of Pennsylvania, Rev. Brownlee was in the pastoral ministry for 73 years serving churches across the country. He was an...
  • 4/7/2020 - A Message from Dr. C. Jeff Woods - Easter 2020
    A Message from American Baptist Churches USA Acting General Secretary Dr. C. Jeff Woods Watch the video below for a message from Dr. C. Jeff Woods, Acting General Secretary of American Baptist Churches USA, in the midst of the 2020 Easter Season and...
  • 4/1/2020 - COVID-19-Related Assistance – An Update from ABCUSA
    American Baptist Churches USA Acting General Secretary Dr. C. Jeff Woods published a letter to American Baptists with information about available COVID-19-related assistance. Read the letter below. April 1, 2020 Dear American Baptist Family: As the...
  • 3/30/2020 - MMBB COVID-19 BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO ABCUSA CLERGY
    THE MINISTERS AND MISSIONARIES BENEFIT BOARD RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS FROM NEC AND REMC OFFICERS MEETING ON MARCH 24, 2020 NON-CONTRACTUAL BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO ABCUSA CLERGY MMBB Premiums Ordained pastoral leaders, whose employers who cannot afford...
  • 3/27/2020 - A Letter from the ABCUSA Acting General Secretary
    Letter from the ABCUSA Acting General Secretary On March 27, 2020, Acting General Secretary Dr. C. Jeff Woods published a letter to American Baptists with a message centered around supporting churches, pastors and regions in light of the coronavirus...
  • 3/20/2020 - IM, Global Servants, and COVID-19
    Over the past few weeks, as response to the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified, we have received numerous inquiries and expressions of concern for IM global servants from our supporting friends and churches. All of us at IM thank you for remembering...
  • 2/24/2020 - PA State Sales Tax Exemption
    Pastor, Treasurer, or Church Secretary of a Pennsylvania Church, You may have noticed that your PA State Sales Tax Exemption certificate will be expiring on March 31, 2020. A few years ago, Pennsylvania changed how renewals for churches would...
  • 2/20/2020 - Faithful, Hopeful, Loving
    This new Ecumenical Stewardship Center resource is available at no cost to you. ABCUSA has purchased licenses for American Baptist churches who would like to use this online subscription for the 2020 theme Faithful, Hopeful, Loving. This...
  • 2/4/2020 - Reflections by Walter Rauschenbusch
    Today’s readers are invited to experience the influence and impact of the late Walter Rauschenbusch—renowned Baptist pastor, theologian and founder of the social gospel—via To Live in God: Daily Reflections with Walter...
  • 1/30/2020 - LECTURE: ABC Pioneer Missionary
    This event will be presented live-stream only at https://www.saintjameslancaster.org/event/the-scandal-of-a-female-missionary/ Former IM Executive Director Rev. Dr. Reid Trulson will be speaking at Lancaster History on Monday, March 23 . This public...
  • 1/29/2020 - IM Responds to Outbreak of Coronavirus
    The outbreak of the Coronavirus in Mainland China has been followed by reports of cases of infection in places from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan to the US, Canada, France, Japan, Singapore, Nepal, and South Korea. As of January 27, close to 20 cities in...
  • 1/25/2020 - Chaplains, Pastoral Counselors, Clergy and Specialized Ministers
    American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) announces that it is developing and sponsoring the "National Network of American Baptist Chaplains, Pastoral Counselors, Clergy and Specialized Ministers," a professional support and networking...
  • 1/23/2020 - Security Grant Available
    Assistance Available to Write Your Grant As you are aware, due in large part to the efforts of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition, the state has allocated $5 million to enhance security for houses of...
  • 1/15/2020 - Preaching with Screens
    Beyond Bullet Points: Preaching with Screens Wednesdays: Jan. 29; Feb. 5; Feb. 12; Feb. 19 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. $85 for PRC Members/$115 for Non-members Parish Resource Center 2160 Lincoln Highway East #18, Lancaster, PA Screens are ubiquitous in...
  • 1/14/2020 - America For Christ 2020
    Thanks to your America for Christ (AFC) Offering contributions, American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) ministers to families who have lost homes to floods, to children living lives of limitation in poverty, to seminarians preparing to...
  • 1/9/2020 - OGHS Funds Released to Puerto Rico
    In response to the 6.4-magnitude earthquake that shook Puerto Rico Tuesday morning, American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS), on behalf of American Baptist Churches USA, has released $15,000 in One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) funds to...
  • 1/8/2020 - ABWM Free Webinars for Women and Girls
    American Baptist Women’s Ministries will be returning January 9, 2020, with a highly interactive webinar that will help attendees to discover natural abilities, strengths and gifts in order to achieve full spiritual, personal and professional...
  • 12/30/2019 - Christian Sympathy - Reverend Beverly Frank
    On Saturday, December 28, surrounded by family, the Rev. Beverly Frank went from her home to the Lord's House after her most recent battle with cancer. It is just hard for many of us close to her to believe how quickly this all played out since the...
  • 12/9/2019 - Parkesburg Baptist Church Recipient of 2018 Widow’s Mite Award
    On behalf of American Baptist Churches USA, MMBB Financial Services honors Parkesburg Baptist Church in Parkesburg, Pennsylvania with the 2018 Widow’s Mite Award. MMBB recognizes Parkesburg Baptist Church for the congregation’s...
  • 11/25/2019 - The Christian Citizen Advent Readings 2019
    Beginning this week, The Christian Citizen is publishing a series of Advent-themed articles including “Waiting and Resistance: Advent and Star Wars” by Mindi Welton-Mitchell and “Keeping it Purple—celebrating Advent as a...
  • 11/15/2019 - KINGDOM BUILDER EMERGENCY RESPONSE TRAILER
    Disaster Relief and Kingdom Builder Emergency Response Trailer to Be Based in Centre County at Liberty Baptist Church of Blanchard Liberty Baptist Church located at 100 Bald Eagle Street in Blanchard, PA, will be accepting delivery of one of six...
  • 11/12/2019 - RMMO 2019
    The roots of the Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering (RMMO) originated in the mid-1930s, when American Baptist congregations received a Communion Fellowship Offering on the first Sunday of each month to support retired ministers,...
  • 11/10/2019 - OGS Dedicates Robert A. Roblee Ministry Building
    The American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) Robert A. Roblee Ministry Building was dedicated on Friday afternoon, November 8. The dedication and celebration service was preceded by an open house for attendees visiting the new home to the ABCUSA...
  • 11/10/2019 - Woods Elected as Acting General Secretary of ABCUSA
    At the November 2019 meeting of the Board of General Ministries yesterday, the Board voted to approve the nomination of Rev. Dr. C. Jeff Woods as Acting General Secretary of American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA). Woods has served in the role of...
  • 10/23/2019 - Christian Citizen: Readers Write
    TELL YOUR STORY Advent is a time of expectant waiting. It is also a penitential season. The Christian Citizen invites readers to offer a personal reflection on words commonly associated with Advent. Pick one word from the list below . What does the...
  • 10/22/2019 - Happy Birthday To Us
    Happy Birthday to Us, Happy Birthday to Us, Happy Birthday, Dear ABCOPAD... Happy Birthday to Us! It was 47 years ago these past few days, the third weekend in October 1972, that ABCOPAD was born by the merger of the Pennsylvania Baptist Convention...
  • 10/18/2019 - Anna Young - ABHMS Ministry Award
    ABHMS’ Longest-Serving Volunteer Receives Ministry Recognition Award American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) Executive Director Dr. Jeffrey Haggray has presented the 2019 national-recognition Jitsuo Morikawa ABHMS Healing and...
  • 10/17/2019 - Christian Sympathy - Rev Allan Campbell
    Rev. Dr. Allan Neal Campbell, 72, of Indiana, PA passed away on October 15, 2019 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. The son of the late Ralph Campbell and the late Grace Lorig Campbell, he was born on May 10, 1947 in Pittsburgh. Allan...
  • 10/14/2019 - Rising Insurance Costs -- ABCUSA Opportunity
    These days ministry resources are stretched to their breaking point. For churches, simply sustaining current operations can be a real challenge; costs are continually increasing. One area where this is particularly true is Property and Casualty...
  • 10/13/2019 - Pastor Appreciation Dinner
    Esperanza College of Eastern University cordially invites you to our upcoming Pastor’s Appreciation Dinner. If you have a church member who attends our college, we would like to take the opportunity to thank you. If not, we would like to...
  • 10/7/2019 - ABCUSA Office of the General Secretary Relocates
    The American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) Office of the General Secretary, along with the American Baptist Historical Society (financial secretary’s office), will transfer into their new offices located at 1015 West Ninth Avenue, in King of...
  • 10/3/2019 - Golden Rule 2020
    The ABCUSA Office of the General Secretary invites participation in Golden Rule 2020: A Call for Dignity and Respect in Politics. On Sunday, November 3, 2019?exactly one year before the 2020 election?American Baptist Churches USA is joining with...
  • 9/16/2019 - Hopevale Commemoration Sunday
    ABCUSA Hopevale Commemoration Sunday December 2023 / January 2024 In response to the 75th Commemoration (in 2018) of the Hopevale martyrdom in the Philippines in which missionaries of the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society (now International...
  • 9/14/2019 - Sister's Guide to Survive and Thrive in Ministry
    From the best-selling author of Sister to Sister: Devotions for and from African American Women comes The Sister's Guide to Survive & Thrive in Ministry . Previously published as The Sister's Rules for Ministry , this newly revised and expanded...
  • 9/10/2019 - Spitzer Retirement Letters Invited
    As previously announced, Rev. Dr. Lee B. Spitzer, general secretary of American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA), will be retiring on December 31, 2019. Spitzer originally took office on June 1, 2017. Submissions of letters or words of appreciation for...
  • 9/10/2019 - ABHMS Monitors Hurricane Dorian; Accepts Donations for Relief Efforts Through OGHS
    American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) is monitoring the status of Hurricane Dorian. If a need in the Carolinas or other U.S. area arises, a response will be determined at that time. ABHMS will collaborate with American Baptist Churches of...
  • 9/5/2019 - ABCOPAD Responds to Hurricane Dorean
    Over this past Labor Day Weekend, the news was dominated by Hurricane Dorian. Initially expected to strike Puerto Rico, Hurricane Dorian turned and then slammed into the Bahamas, causing catastrophic devastation and loss of life. Leaving the...
  • 9/4/2019 - Hurricane Dorian Response
    Hurricane Dorian, which over the Labor Day weekend was one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record, pounded Grand Bahama Island for more than an entire day, killing at least seven people. Floodwater inundated homes in the Abaco Islands in...
  • 9/4/2019 - New Title Explores Baptism, Communion from Baptist Perspective
    New from Judson Press, “River of Life, Feast of Grace: Baptism, Communion, and Discipleship” considers the historic theology of the Christian rites of baptism and communion from a Baptist perspective. It then explores the practical...
  • 8/26/2019 - Christian Sympathy - Rev. Dr. Lawrence O. Swain
    It is with profound sadness that we share with you the unexpected passing of Rev. Dr. Larry Swain last evening. He and Linda were visiting family in Kansas City. Dr. Swain served as an Area Minister and later Executive Minister of the American...
  • 8/19/2019 - Adoniram and Ann Judson - Video
    Check out the new video, "Adoniram and Ann Judson: Spent for God," starring Reid Trulson (Former Executive Director - IM) and author Rosealee Hall Hunt. The 60-minute documentary will not disappoint. With the help of three authoritative sources,...
  • 8/18/2019 - American Baptists Called to Prayer - Kachin Baptists
    On behalf of the Burma Refugee Commission, American Baptist Churches USA General Secretary Lee B. Spitzer, Rev. Sharon Koh, executive director/CEO of International Ministries, and Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, executive director of the American Baptist Home...
  • 8/18/2019 - Fall Green Lake Work Party
    Green Lake has just completed their 75 th anniversary celebration and while the grounds looked fantastic, there is always a lot of work to do and many of our ABMen and some ABWomen as well love this opportunity to serve our wider family. This...
  • 8/18/2019 - Youth Leaders Online Gathering
    A new school year is here and once again we are calling all those who care about our younger generations to gather online on to support each other in our desire impact youth for Christ. Our discussion for September will be focused on leading...
  • 8/1/2019 - 2019 World Mission Offering
    This year’s World Mission Offering resources are now available, themed around Jesus’ words to the woman at the well, “Whoever drinks of the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a...
  • 7/27/2019 - Christian Sympathy: Cindy Swogger
    The region shares the news of the homegoing to heaven of Rev. Cindy Swogger, a sister in the Lord, clergy colleague, home missionary, and partner in ministry. Cynthia Rae (Cindy) Swogger of Masury died this past Thursday evening, July 25, 2019, in...
  • 7/18/2019 - Recognized Pulpit Speaker Training Program
    This year's class is FULL Look for another opportunity to be scheduled in 2020 ABCOPAD staff in conjunction with our Academy for Christian Training and Service (ACTS) will offer a 6-week Recognized Pulpit Speaker Training Program . This 6-week...
  • 7/15/2019 - Christian Sympathy: Lloyd H Kenyon
    The Reverend Doctor Lloyd H. Kenyon Jr. died on July 10th, 2019. With his wife of 65 years, Betty, he had lived in retirement at Birchwood Lakes in Dingmans Ferry, Pa for the last 25 years. He was born in Rhode Island and attended Eastern Baptist...
  • 7/4/2019 - Green Lake's 75th Anniversary Celebration
    Recreate, Recommit and Reunite at Green Lake August 6-9, 2019 We are celebrating the past, present and future of people experiencing a closer walk with God at Green Lake. We are celebrating the many ways God has changed lives, through being loved at...
  • 6/27/2019 - Anna Young Receives ABHMS Award
    At the Biennial Summit, our own Anna Young was the recipient of the ABHMS Jitsuo Morikawa Healing and Transforming Communities Award. Anna is the longest serving ABHMS volunteer, leading worship and Bible study at the Lackawanna Prison since 1982....
  • 6/26/2019 - Summit By The Sea [Summary]
    The American Baptist Churches USA Biennial Mission Summit met June 21-23, 2019 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center in Virginia Beach, Va. The event centered around the theme “Summit by the Sea” and throughout the event, the speakers...
  • 6/4/2019 - 2019 Palmer Grants Available to Churches, Associations and Regional Ministries
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  • 6/4/2019 - OGHS Funds Released in Response to Tornadoes, Flooding in Midwest, Central Plains
    American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) has released two rounds of One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) disaster-relief funds, on behalf of American Baptist Churches USA, in response to recent deadly flooding and tornadoes in the Midwest and...
  • 6/3/2019 - American Baptists to Meet in Virginia Beach and Express Solidarity and Sympathy to Its Residents
    Twelve people were killed in a mass shooting on Friday, May 31 at the municipal center in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Four people were injured and were treated at hospitals. The suspect, a longtime employee, also died in a gun battle with police,...
  • 5/16/2019 - Charles and Marie Mercer: Sparrowk President’s Award
    In retirement, the Mercers have been active in ABCOPAD, and Charles has served as interim in several churches. Charles and Marie Mercer have been named the 2019 co-recipients of the Cora and John Sparrowk President’s Award. The award will be...
  • 5/14/2019 - Phishing Alert
    Do you remember the days when you had to put a stamp on an envelope and actually physically MAIL a letter to someone, and then WAIT for a reply? Sounds antiquated in light of the wonders of technology these days, but with the immediacy of email and...
  • 5/7/2019 - Recommended Reading: The Changing Church
    Continuing on our region's biennial the theme .... "At The Edge" ----- “The Changing Church: Finding Your Way to God’s New Thing” tackles the reality of the changing Christian church in a rapidly shifting culture. It explores eight...
  • 5/1/2019 - American Baptist Foundation Seminar
    Saturday, May 18 RSVP Deadline: Tuesday, May 7, 2019 The financial support needed to sustain the continuation and longevity of ministry has become an area of high priority within our American Baptist family. Along with our Endowment and Investment...
  • 5/1/2019 - One Great Hour Of Sharing 2019
    Everywhere we turn, it seems there are communities in conflict and chaos around our world. We hear of families being separated from their homes or each other because of disasters. Maybe it is because of a volcanic eruption in Indonesia, or because...
  • 5/1/2019 - Christian Sympathy John Staje
    Heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family of Pastor John Christian Staje, Jr. Pastor Staje passed away on April 30, 2019, after an extended illness. An avid lifetime learner, John attended Williamsport schools (Class of 1968), the Williamsport...
  • 4/29/2019 - Pastoral Letter from ABCUSA General Secretary Lee B. Spitzer
    Read a pastoral letter from General Secretary Rev. Dr. Lee B. Spitzer, written April 29, 2019, below. If you would like download a printable copy, please click here . “Hate and Violence Cannot Defeat Love and Faith” A Pastoral Letter to...
  • 4/26/2019 - Hear The Call 2019
    What is Hear the Call? Hear the Call is for adults who are exploring a personal call to join God in global mission. Participants will interact with global servants and staff of International Ministries who will answer questions, address...
  • 4/16/2019 - Approaching Politics, Religion, Money Like Jesus
    Just in time for Holy Week... Read and Hear Jeffrey Johnson's excellent essay "Approaching politics, religion, money like Jesus". The article was recently published in "The Christian Citizen." Johnson addresses three taboos of courteous...
  • 4/15/2019 - IM Responds to Destruction Wrought by Cyclone
    “The people of Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe are still reeling from the massive Cyclone Idai that hit them hard in mid-March,” reports the Rev. Dr. Eleazar Ziherambere, International Ministries (IM) area director, who is currently...
  • 4/15/2019 - Memorial Day at Parkerford
    A Moment With Living History Sunday, May 26, 2019 Parkerford Baptist Church 92 Baptist Church Road Spring City, PA 19475 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Special Guests The Greater Philadelphia Chapter Tuskegee Airmen
  • 4/13/2019 - Christian Sympathy Rev. Gordon Wilson
    The Rev. Gordon Spackman Wilson, 87, of Wilkes-Barre, died Monday morning, April 8, 2019, at his home, following an illness. His wife of 62 years is the former Joan G. Palmer. Born Sept. 22, 1931, in Chatham, Ontario, Canada, he was the son of the...
  • 4/8/2019 - Summit by the Sea
    The American Baptist Churches USA 2019 Biennial Mission Summit will be held June 21-23, 2019 , at the Virginia Beach Convention Center in Virginia Beach, Va. Join us for a “Summit by the Sea” as the Biennial Mission Summit returns to the East Coast...
  • 3/25/2019 - OGHS Grants for Midwest Floods
    To help American Baptist regions and churches in efforts to assist survivors of recent floods in the Plains and Midwest, American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) has released $25,000 in One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) disaster-relief grants,...
  • 3/25/2019 - Alliance of Asian American Baptist Churches
    In 2011, it was announced to the denomination at large that the Asian American Baptist Caucus would be making official steps into what would later become the Alliance of Asian American Baptist Churches. Per the vote of the Asian Caucus Constituency...
  • 3/22/2019 - Corey Fields and The Christian Citizen
    Kudos to Rev. Dr. Corey Fields, pastor at Calvary Baptist Church, Newark, DE. His article, Privilege, power, and the myth of "all things equal," was recently published in the February issue of The Christian Citizen magazine. In the brief but...
  • 3/20/2019 - ABCOPAD Responds to Midwest Floods
    In response to floods in the Plains and Midwest caused by rapid snowmelt and heavy rains, American Baptists are responding with a campaign to raise much-needed funds for victims. At least two people have been killed and several others are missing,...
  • 3/15/2019 - Clergy Housing Allowance
    Appellate Court Rules to Uphold the Housing Allowance A note from Louis P. Barbarin, Chief Executive Officer, MMBB I am extremely pleased to announce that we received news this afternoon that the Seventh Circuit issued a unanimous decision in the...
  • 3/14/2019 - ABCUSA General Secretary Announces Retirement
    American Baptist Churches USA General Secretary Rev. Dr. Lee B. Spitzer published a special pastoral letter today. Read the full letter below. Please Note: A version of this letter was presented in Executive Session to the Board of General...
  • 2/20/2019 - Christian Sympathy Robert F Cunningham
    The Rev. Robert F. Cunningham, age 98, of Franklin Park Boro, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 16, 2019, at his home and in the company of his family. The Rev. Cunningham was born in...
  • 2/11/2019 - Women’s History Month Devotional
    In time for Women’s History Month in March, Judson Press releases “ Devotions from HERstory : 31 Days with Women of Faith,” perfect for women’s group study or individuals...
  • 2/7/2019 - Devoted To Generosity
    American Baptist Churches USA Office of the General Secretary is pleased to offer the 2019 Year-Round Stewardship Resource theme Devoted to Generosity , published by the Ecumenical Stewardship...
  • 2/7/2019 - ABCUSA OGS Purchases Building
    The American Baptist Churches USA Office of the General Secretary purchased a new office building located at 1015 West Ninth Avenue, King of Prussia, PA 19406. The new location is close to the...
  • 1/24/2019 - America For Christ 2019
    We live in a time when polarization and alienation are common. Diverse persons in our society often feel shunned, and differing voices are at times muted. American Baptist Home Mission Societies'...
  • 1/24/2019 - ABCUSA Biennial Academy
    On Saturday, June 22, 2019 , an ABCUSA Biennial Academy will be held during the American Baptist Churches Biennial Mission Summit. The ABCUSA Biennial Academy will offer continuing education and...
  • 1/18/2019 - Younger Award Nominations
    The American Baptist Historical Society is accepting nominations for the George D. Younger Award for Excellence in Local or Regional American Baptist History. The deadline is May 1, 2019. If your...
  • 12/17/2018 - 2019 Biennial Mission Summit Speakers Announced
    Plan now to attend the American Baptist Churches USA 2019 Biennial Mission Summit event, June 21-23 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia! The theme is "Summit by the Sea." Registration will be available in January 2019...