Many of us have heard the dramatic call, "We are in a battle for the soul of America". While these words make some nervous, some triumphant, and others indifferent, they are words Americans collectively and Christians particularly need to pay attention to in this time of moral struggle in our nation.
FBC will be thoughtfully and prayerfully taking a close look at what this "battle" is all about, in our book group, reading The False White Gospel: Rejecting Christian Nationalism, Reclaiming True Faith, and Refounding Democracy and in worship as we consider the biblical text in light of our current national upheaval. Together, we seek to understand the chaos around us and our call to be faithful disciples of Jesus.
May 19 Pentecost; "Holy Hearing" Guest Preacher Rev Dr Marie Onwubuariri
As director of Intercultural Ministries for American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS), Rev. Dr. Marie Onwubuariri is enthusiastic about continuing ABHMS’s historic commitment to relevant ministry within ethnic- and language-specific communities while also raising the attentiveness and ability of all leaders and disciples to engage in transformative work in an increasingly multicultural and multiracial society.
She says, “Transformative work that reflects the fullness of God comes through a life-long journey that includes all of God’s people. This shared journey requires commitment and intentionality by those who are privileged and/or positioned to shape the journey for others to remove all human-made barriers that limit each person’s engagement in the work and contribution to the transformation.”
Her hope is to lead a team who will walk alongside racialized, immigrant, refugee, and language-specific leaders and faith communities, identifying and engaging their particular mission and ministry perspectives, gifts, and needs, and who also will work collaboratively with others to raise the importance of and equip toward effective leadership in cross-, inter-, and multi- racial and cultural contexts.
May 26 Voting Rights and the Image of God From Raphael Warnock "...that democracy is the political enactment of a spiritual idea. The notion each of us has within the spark of the divine, that we were created in the image of God, imago dei."
June 2 Who's Truth? Ask yourself...What is your favorite lie? June 9 Final Exam June 16 When Making Trouble IS Making Peace June 23 Tribe or Community? June 30 The Remnant Church
Our mission for May is AMERICA FOR CHRIST OFFERING 2024.
Each year American Baptist Home Mission Societies awards grants from the donations that they receive from AFC. Here are some of the areas that are funded by AFC: - Grants to churches to fund ministry initiatives such as camps, daycare and youth and young adult initiatives - Grants to American Baptist seminaries and colleges n Grants to American Baptist Partners training opportunities, funding of learning opportunities that involve travel and housing, repairs, and upgrade to preserve our critical American Baptist spaces - American Baptist Regional Offices
AFC dollars also fund scholarships for which our own members may apply. Our churches are eligible to apply for ABHMS grants as well! ABHMS does not retain any AFC funds for operations or overhead. One hundred percent of AFC dollars support vital ministries.
AFC 2024 empowers us to provide “Grace upon Grace.” Give generously to this year’s AFC offering and to help reach the goals, partnering with ABHMS to provide support and share the Good News