American Baptist Churches of Ohio

The 190th Annual Gathering

The 190th Annual Gathering of the American Baptist Churches of Ohio will be held October 4 and 5, 2016. All events will take place over two days (Tuesday and Wednesday only) at Crowne Plaza, Columbus North, 6500 Doubletree Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43229 (download the Hotel Information Sheet HERE). Please note that there will be no one day registrations. Download your registration form HERE.

The Gathering is highlighting and celebrating the Region's 2016 Ministry Theme, "Partnership in the Gospel" from Philemon 1:6.

The ‘Gathering’ will be only two days in length, beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday and concluding at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Download the full schedule HERE. There will be only three meal functions, the cost of which will be included in the Registration Fee. The three meal functions will be a Tuesday luncheon – Celebrating ABC/Ohio Region Ministries, a Tuesday dinner – Celebrating International Ministries, and a Wednesday All-Convention luncheon. Also included in the cost of registration is a continental breakfast on Wednesday morning. Election of officers and reports will take place on Tuesday morning. Lastly, Rev. Dr. Jones, ABC/Ohio Executive Minister will share an inspirational message as we close the ‘Gathering’ at the All-Convention Luncheon on Wednesday.

Association Task Force Proposes ABC Ohio Covenant and Addendums

For over three years the Association Task Force has been working to develop a covenant to put on paper what we have long believed about our relationship and mission. We have created a Proposed ABC Ohio Covenant and Addendums (you may download by clicking here and peruse them at your convenience).

We ask that you read the Covenant. During the Fall of 2016 and the winter months of 2017 Dr. Ernest Jones, Rev. Mark Click and Rev. Jane Gibbons will be seeking your thoughts and ideas. They will discuss the proposed document at clergy gatherings, association meetings and at the 2016 Annual Gathering in October. These discussions will provide insights into how we can all make a greater commitment to the mission of Jesus Christ through intentional authentic relationships.

Former Ohio Baptist Convention President Passes

Anna Jane Massie, age 94, of St. Paris, Ohio went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 18, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. She worked as the secretary at the First Baptist Church St. Paris. She was also president of Ohio Baptist Convention (OBC), served with her husband Francis on the Board of Trustees of OBC and served on several sub-committees. Anna Jane was President and Secretary of American Baptist Women Western Association and served as chairman of White Cross OBC. On the 50th anniversary year she traveled all over Ohio and went to many churches speaking and promoting White Cross. Anna Jane served on every board and committee at First Baptist Church St. Paris and sang in the choir. She also taught a Bible Study Group for St. Paris senior citizens.

Angel Tree Church Opportunity

Angel Tree is a program of Prison Fellowship that serves incarcerated parents by mobilizing the church to share the love of Christ with their children and families. Founded in 1982 by an ex-prisoner who witnessed ﬁrsthand the strained relationship between prisoners and their children, Angel Tree has grown to become the largest national outreach to the 2.7 million children of prisoners. We will have close to 15,000 children registered for Angel Tree this upcoming Christmas season in Ohio. Would you like to participate? Dr. Kevin Hairston is the Ohio Field Director for Prison Fellowship Ministries. He is available for presentations or association meetings. Contact him at 614.226.2621 or by email at kevin_hairston (at) pfm.org. You may also sign up now by downloading a registration form HERE and publicize your participation with a bulletin insert HERE. More information may be found at AngelTree.org.

American Baptist International Ministries Calls New Executive Director

In a historic celebration before a gathering of hundreds of mission supporters, the Rev. Sharon T. Koh of Los Angeles, California, was installed as executive director elect of American Baptist International Ministries (IM). She began her service as executive director elect on July 1, 2016, and will assume the role of executive director on September 1, 2016, following the retirement of the Rev. Dr. Reid S. Trulson on August 31. READ MORE HERE!

American Baptist Seminary of the West Seeking New President

American Baptist Seminary of the West (ABSW) is seeking a gifted leader to become its next president. ABSW is a multi-racial Christian seminary with historic ties to the American Baptist Churches USA and the Progressive National Baptist Convention and maintains a vibrant partnership with The Graduate Theological Union. These relationships createa diverse student body and a rich ecumenical experience with international reach. The Seminary is located in Berkeley, California within walking distance of the main campus of the University of California.