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Camp Wightman's 60th Anniversary Celebration

9/26/2016

Are you planning to attend Camp Wightman's 60th Anniversary Celebration on October 8-9? If so, please let us know by registering HERE.

The celebration will feature a full range of activities, including hiking, swimming, boating, crafts, outdoor cooking, a campfire, a dance, a scavenger hunt, building a camp timeline, a service of re-dedication, a barbecue dinner, and lots of time to relive cherished memories and rekindle relationships with your camp friends. Lodging and meal packages are available forSaturday night. Please contact Camp Wightman (860-376-2179 or wightman@abcconn.org) for complete details. We look forward to spending time with you!

From the ABCUSA Interim General Secretary in Response to the Orlando Shooting

6/20/2016

In her first report to the Board of General Ministries at its meeting on Friday, June 17 in Green Lake, WI, American Baptist Churches of the USA (ABCUSA) Interim General Secretary Dr. Susan Gillies addressed the recent shooting in Orlando, FL, saying:

“We offer our deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the victims of the horrible tragedy in Orlando. We extend love to those of our family directly affected. We grieve with our American Baptist brothers and sisters who are part of the LGBTQ community. My message to them is, never mistake our debates and disagreements with the depth of our love for you as part of our family. To the rest of the ABC family my message is, even in the midst of profound disagreement, let us love as Christ loved.
American Baptists agree on many things and we have recently lifted up seven Mission Table priorities on which to work together. One of these includes dealing with the violence in our society which needs our attention now more than ever. We have an active Task Force at work on Race and Race-Based Violence. The American Baptist Home Mission Societies will take a leadership role in addressing wider issues of violence. I encourage all American Baptists to support this work.

American Baptists are participating in conversations with Muslim faith leaders. Our General Secretary Emeritus, Rev. Dr. Roy Medley, leads in these efforts. We will continue these efforts for understanding and peace in a spirit of love.

Historically, American Baptists believing deeply in individual responsibility and local church autonomy, have grappled with issues of our personal and public witness. We differ on biblical understanding. We are diverse in race, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnicity and we now learn from recent research, we are evenly divided Republican and Democrat. But through it all we’ve learned (and continue to learn) to trust in Jesus. American Baptists believe in and are guided by the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are driven in our proclamation and practice by the good news of God’s unceasing love.

Our diversity is a gift of God. We are called to bear witness to the world that living well in diversity can be done. We are who we are. We follow Jesus. For every time we falter, we ask forgiveness. For every time we succeed, we give thanks.”

ABCUSA WEBSITE

From ABCCONN Weekly E-News

11/23/2015

A Statement on Paris and Terror from the Killingly/Brooklyn Interfaith Council

It always seems to take us by surprise, yet it happens all too regularly. With an explosion, a fusillade of bullets, or the crash of vehicles of destruction, our breath catches in our throats again. Tears slide down our faces, bewilderment overtakes us, and again we find ourselves staring incredulously at a screen, straining to hear a radio, or shocked by the images and news feeds of our electronic media.

And the questions asked before, are asked again:

WHY??
How can this be happening again?
How can human beings do such awful things to each other?
Is there any place that is safe?
Where does this hatred come from?
When will this stop?
What can we do?

Violence in all its forms is a human tragedy. The taking of unsuspecting, innocent lives is especially troubling. And the perpetration of mass killings by a radical few who invoke the name of God and use religion as a cover for their anger, fear, and hatred, should appall all people of good will everywhere.

We, the member Faith Communities represented by the Killingly-Brooklyn Interfaith Council (KBIC), stand united with all those who have lost so much in this recent onslaught of violence and death in Paris – just as we stand with peoples in so many other nations and cities who have endured bombings, murderous rampages, rapes, and terror in all of its manifestations.

Your grief is our grief; your loss is a loss for us all.

Therefore:

We call upon governments and world leaders to respond in ways that bring justice, yet break the cycle of destruction and death; and to not wall ourselves behind national boundaries, to speak in terms of Us and Them, nor to wave our flags and send out our war machines.

These terror strikes are against all citizens of the world. We are all God’s people, and God’s people know no boundaries of religion or Nation State.
As a world, we must stand together for peace and justice, and not retreat to our baser instincts.

We call upon civic leaders and politicians to lead our communities with wisdom, not jingoistic vitriol; to promote responses that unite instead of divide, while offering a reassuring vision of hope in the face of fear.

We call upon the people of all faiths to remember the words of their prophets and Holy Writings that call for peace over violence; love as a response to hate; justice instead of retribution; courage in the face of fear; and a wisdom that banishes ignorance.

We call on the citizens of our towns and communities to embody and promote the ideals of freedom for all and bravery, that are woven into the fabric of our national identity.

We, the signing faith communities, pledge to do all that we can to encourage, enable, and sustain these ideals, and work together toward a day when peace and justice are the norm, and violence and hatred are banished.

Peace/Shalom/Salaam
Member Faith Communities of the Killingly/Brooklyn Interfaith Council
Members indorsing this statement:
Brooklyn Federated Church - Brooklyn
St John Lutheran Church – Brooklyn/Moosup
Westfield Congregational Church - Danielson
Temple Beth Israel Preservation Society - Danielson
United Methodist Church of Danielson

Camp Wightman's Fall Work Day

10/5/2015

Camp Wightman's Fall Work Day will be held from 9:00 - 4:00 on Saturday, October 10. Do you have a day to help prepare the camp for winter? Perhaps bring a group from your church? There are jobs for people of all ages and skill levels. Lunch will be served. Please call 860-376-2179 or write to wightman@abcconn so we know to expect you

Strengthening the Beloved Community

10/5/2015

AN ABCCONN EVENT

STRENGTHENING THE BELOVED COMMUNITY
SATURDAY OCTOBER 24
CHRISTIAN TABERNACLE BAPTIST CHURCH
449 Newhall St. Hamden, CT

A DAY OF FELLOWSHIP, WORKSHOPS, REFLECTIONS ON THE BELOVED COMMUNITY
A DAY OF MEETING OLD FRIENDS AND MAKING NEW ONES
A DAY TO STRENGTHEN AND ENHANCE THE WORK YOU DO IN YOUR CHURCH
A DAY TO STRENGTHEN YOUR DISCIPLESHIP LIFE

A SAMPLING OF WORKSHOP CHOICES

Erica Wimber Avena: Strengthening Our People’s Faith

For Deacons and those who work with Deacons: this workshop will look at the work of the Deacon in today’s churches. Come with your questions and ideas, expect collaborative dialogue and to receive the tools necessary to identify the critical ministries for your Board to focus on in your community.

Fela Barrueto: Ministering to Prisoners and their Families

In this workshop we will explore ways in which churches can become Stations of Hope, and minister to incarcerated persons and their families. Tools and resources will be provided for your church to start or enhance your ministry.

Jerrie Shepard Matney: Let’s Retreat!

Thinking of having a retreat, but don't know where to start? Or where to go from there? In this workshop we will discuss and plan the steps for a church retreat, and the reasons for having one. Questions to consider: Who is it for? What will be accomplished? How long will it be? What is the perfect place - for you? Bring your own questions and concerns as well - we'll learn and have fun along the way!

Mike Wu: Recording and Financing Our Ministry

It's more than writing checks: the responsibilities and obligations of Church Treasurers, tips on staying on the correct side of the law, and how technology can help.

There are twenty workshops to choose from. Register on line today atwww.abcconn.org. Questions? Call the ABCCONN office at 860 521 5421

An Evening with Mercy Gonzalez Barnes

9/14/2015

Monday, October 26, 7:00 p.m.
Canton Community Baptist Church
125 Dowd Avenue, Canton, CT

Please join the members and friends of Canton Community Baptist Church for an evening with Mercy Gonzalez Barnes, an American Baptist Churches of the USA international missionary in Latin America, on Monday, October 26, at 7:00 p.m., 125 Dowd Avenue, Canton, CT.

Mercy has been serving as a missionary with International Ministries since she was commissioned in 2000. Fifteen years later, her ministry has entered an exciting period of transition as Mercy’s role has evolved from one of local mission work in Mexico to one of regional work. She will now take the experiences and skills accrued through 13 years of teaching, mentoring and walking alongside men and women who have felt the call of God and apply them to a wider ministry of responding to diverse educational and theological needs in Latin America. In addition, Mercy will be part of a team walking alongside the ministry of Cuban Baptists.

To read about Mercy's trip to Cuba, CLICK HERE

Mercy's husband, Rick Barnes, works alongside her. He talks about their mission and ministry in the video below.

The Beloved Community: Transformative Relationships

9/7/2015

American Baptist Women’s Ministries announces its mission focus theme for 2015-2016, “See…the Beloved Community: Transformative Relationships.” In response to current events, the mission focus provides American Baptist women and girls the opportunity to explore how we are drawn into reconciliation with God through the cross; how we are co-creators of the Beloved Community through authentic relationships with one another; and how our ministries and congregations can lead our neighborhoods, towns, and cities in becoming the Beloved Community. The one-year mission focus also builds on the organization’s 2015-2017 open-ended ministry theme, “See . . .”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Shine the Light Award

8/31/2015

AMERICAN BAPTIST WOMEN'S MINISTRIES

Nominations are being accepted now for the 2016 Shine the Light Award. The Shine the Light Award, established by American Baptist Women’s Ministries, serves to recognize a woman or a women’s ministry group that serves as outstanding light-bearers for Christ. The award highlights a specific ministry project or projects that best demonstrate how the individual or group receiving the award have spread the light of Christ through their congregation, their community, or the world.

FOR MORE INFO, CLICK HERE

American Baptist Foundation Job Opening

7/27/2015

American Baptist Foundation (ABF) is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of Development Advisor. The desired candidate for this position will be strategically located in the Midwest or Northeast Corridor; however, travel is not limited to a specific geographic region.

The Office of Human Resource Development will be accepting applications until August 15, 2015.

Job description and instructions are in the ABCCONN office.

Camp Wightman Mission Project

7/27/2015

Have you heard that Camp Wightman's summer mission project is a shoe drive? We're collecting gently worn shoes for people in countries affected by natural disasters who need shoes, and to help people in developing countries help themselves through a micro-enterprise program. This week we shipped over 1200 pairs! Can you help by collecting shoes in your church or neighborhood and sending them to camp? Want more information? Call us at 860-376-2179860-376-2179 or write to us atwightman@abcconn.org. Thanks!

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