2019 Buckeye Mission and Ministry Offering
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Since 2009, the "Buckeye Mission and Ministry Offering" (BMMO) has become a significant avenue for churches in the Region to support the ministries of American Baptist Churches of Ohio (ABC Ohio). BMMO helps make it possible for ABC Ohio to serve your church.
DOWNLOAD A BMMO BULLETIN INSERT HERE
Every dollar given to the BMMO goes to support the various ministries that benefit your church (see the list of ministries below). The most significant region ministry is that of the two Executive Ministers, Rev. Jane Gibbons and Rev. Mark Click, who serve faithfully to help in whatever way needed to equip you and your church for ministry.
The Region's theme for 2019 is "Sharing God's Hope for All Generations" from Psalm 78:6-7. "...that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments..."
BMMO gifts help develop, coach, and assist servant leaders. It provides new ministry resources for local churches and helps provide quality ministry gatherings to challenge and grow healthy churches.
Please consider giving to the BMMO in 2019. This is one way your church can partner with ABC Ohio to fulfill God’s mission in your community and beyond. Your faithful giving is appreciated and is needed to serve its member churches. Again, remember that every dollar given goes to ABC Ohio ministries that "help build healthy churches that impact the world for Christ."
American Baptist Churches of Ohio
People, Churches, Ministries
Impacting the World for Christ
Region Ministry Team: The ABC/Ohio staff are experienced and prepared ministry leaders who serve clergy and churches as coaches and consultants in a variety of ministries including congregational transformation, placement, and ministry resources.
Leadership Development: The Ohio Leadership Academy provides a three-year structured learning opportunity to increase and sharpen leadership and ministry skills for the local church.
Student-Youth Ministries: With determination to raise up new generations of disciples and church leaders, ABC/Ohio provides a variety of opportunities including an annual youth convention, youth ministry leader training, and mutual support.
Congregational Development – Transformation: With a commitment to congregational health, ABC/Ohio provides a number of resources to transform churches into ministries that will impact the world for Christ.
Pastoral Placement: The ABC/Ohio staff uses proven and effective resources as they consult with church search committees to discern new ministry direction and call new pastors.
Ministry Gatherings: Several times each year, ABC/Ohio offers ministry gatherings that provide fellowship, inspiration, learning from nationally-known experts, and opportunities to increase ministry capacity.
Ministry Resources: ABC/Ohio manages and awards ministry grants and scholarships for new ministries and outdoor ministries. The staff connects churches with cutting-edge ministry resources.
ARMS: ABC/Ohio commissioned a team of highly qualified Associate Regional Ministers who have agreed to make monthly contacts with solo and senior pastors throughout the region, offering encouragement and providing prayer support. A Youth Ministry ARM is also working with staff to coordinate student ministries in the region. Additional ARMs will be added to the ABC/Ohio team as needed.
ABCUSA General Secretary Lee B. Spitzer Announces Retirement Plans
In a letter dated March 1, 2019 and presented in person to the ABCUSA Board of General Ministries (BGM) Executive Committee at their meetings in Orlando March 13-15, Rev. Dr. Lee B. Spitzer announced his intention to retire from denominational leadership on December 31, 2019. Dr. Spitzer’s letter to the entire ABCUSA family was released March 14, 2019.
“It has been an honor and a joy to have served the ABC family for 4 decades, culminating in my tenure as General Secretary,” said Dr. Spitzer. “I am sharing my intention to retire 10 months ahead of time so that the denomination’s transition to new leadership can be accomplished in a deliberate and unhurried manner, and so that I can focus my energies and attention on the pastoral work that needs to be accomplished during this last phase of my journey as General Secretary. There is much to do!”
Face to Face March 29 & 30, 2019
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Face to Face is a day and a half event which brings clergy, church search committees and seminary seniors and/or recent graduates in the ordination process together in one location for a series of 45 minute “first time interviews.” Church search committees are assigned an interviewing space and pastors move from interview to interview. Deadlines for participation are approaching. Early savings deadline February 1. Final Clergy deadline February 20, 2019. Church Search Committee deadline February 27, 2019. Make your reservation now by using the link below.
A limited number of interview slots are available which may be scheduled during the event. Interviews are scheduled based on a preference request and matching process prior to the event.
Participants are scheduled with churches or clergy who have requested to meet with them and also scheduled with other matches that have been determined by the matching team based on interests, experience, gender and other background information. Get more information including registration forms by CLICKING HERE!
Biennial Mission Summit June 21-23, 2019
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The American Baptist Churches USA Biennial Mission Summit will be held at Virginia Beach, Virginia, June 21-23, 2019. Join us for the "Summit by the Sea"! Sign up now to receive updates as they are released:
Mission Summit 2019 will have multiple highlights, including: the Mission Summit Conversations, dynamic speakers, luncheon events held by American Baptist International Ministries, American Baptist Home Mission Societies, and the Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board, and more!
The Biennial Summit will feature an all new ABCUSA Biennial Academy. Academy Tracks offering continuing education and spiritual growth opportunities for both clergy and lay leaders will include: Social Media, Technology and Ministry, 21st Century Options for Church Planting and Renewal, Transition Ministries Training, Bible Studies and more.
Bring the whole family! Virginia Beach is a top family-friendly destination. VBS-style classes will be offered for elementary school ages along with an all new youth track for middle and high school students. Day care will also be available.
Beloved Pastor, Ben Peer, Goes Before Us
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Our own Pastor Benjamin Peer, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, February 5, 2019. He was born to the late Luther and Ruth Peer in Clearport, OH. He was a 1952 graduate of Linden McKinley High School in Columbus and served in the Army from 1956-58 first at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and then in the Chicago area.
Ben served as the North Suburban Chicago Area Director for Hi-C Bible Clubs where he met his first wife Marie. After the Army, he worked locally at Westinghouse, Devonshire Exxon, Columbus Public Schools and Westerville City Schools.
In retirement, he served as a lay pastor at Judson Hills Baptist Camp as well as churches in Reynoldsburg, Zanesville, Troy and Cincinnati. He loved nature, reading, sports and sharing his love of Christ. In addition to his parents, Benjamin is preceded in death by his first wife, Marie, and sisters, Edna and Patricia. Benjamin is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughters, Beth and Susan (Jim); step-children, Kim (Steve), Valerie (Mark), David (Michelle), Mike (Erin), Rick (Lisa); grandchildren, Ben (Ashley), Jess (Zach), Andrea (Shawn), and Jenna; cousin, Wilda Thompson; and numerous other extended family members along with wonderful friends from churches across the state of Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to our missionary friends Alise and Mark Juanes at International Ministries - Global Servant Support 1003 W 9th Ave, Ste A, King of Prussia, PA 19406-1210.
Ruth Fox Speaker Opportunity
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Ruth Fox will be available to speak to our ABC Ohio churches on various dates. Please contact Leslie Hoskinson at 740.587.0804 to schedule a church visit with Ruth.
The Speakers' Spotlight focuses on those speakers who might be of interest to our American Baptist Churches of Ohio congregations.