ABC-USA Upcoming events

[Ed Pettibone]

From E-mail Recived 2/1/07

MMBB:
In 2006—another outstanding year—all MMBB funds advanced and the International Fund again led the pack with 22.11% return. Five funds posted double-digit returns. As ever, the Finance Committee has been diligent in monitoring the performance of asset managers and making changes as needed in an effort to achieve the highest possible return with an acceptable level of risk. Of course, past performance does not guarantee future results.

MMBB recognizes the importance of providing financial education to members. To this end, seven staff are studying for their Certified Financial PlannerR (CFPR) designations including three Regional Representatives and three Member Service Representatives, joining Augie Bau, Jim Cook and Matt Hoffman who have completed theirs.

OGS:
In following the General Board mandate to explore the sale of the ABCUSA Mission Center in Valley Forge, PA, the firm of CB Richard Ellis, an international real estate brokerage and development firm, has been selected to represent the denomination in the sale of the building.  They are completing the development of a marketing plan while OGS awaits the results of a survey listing the exact measurements of the building which will be included with other information given to prospective buyers. The property is not yet on the market so no bids have been received.
American Baptists are encouraged to cover the Biennial and Centennial Celebration with prayer support and are invited to view the Prayer Push schedule to find out when others are gathering for prayer. Churches are also encouraged to register their delegates early to beat the rush.


IM:Missionaries in the news:  Hope Unlimited, a ministry to Brazilian street children led by IM missionaries Phil and Corenne Smith, was a “Making a Difference” feature on “NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams” on December 29, 2006. Additionally, a team of 8 Xtreme Teamers, staff, volunteers and a missionary represented IM among the more than 20,000 students and over 300 other mission agencies that gathered at InterVarsity’s Urbana Missions Conference, December 27-31, 2006.
Bruce Borquist, missionary to Brazil and former treasurer, is serving as IM’s interim treasurer while the search is under way for a new IM treasurer. In the interval, Centennial Celebration Mission Trips continue: From Mexico to Myanmar, during 2007 IM is taking American Baptists on 13 international mission trips to see and get involved in God’s global mission.

NM:“Making New Connections,” the Central Section Black Church Education Conference, will be held in Columbus, Ohio on April 19-21. Pastors, Christian educators, professional and lay church leaders, and all who are interested in discipleship ministries may attend. Seminars, workshops, and a pre-conference event on equipping for intercultural ministries are highlights. Co-sponsors are National Ministries and ten ABC regions in the Central Section. For information, visit http://www.nationalministries.org/ or contact the Rev. Yvonne Carter at 1-800-ABC-3USA, ext. 2257.

Register now for two important events in the Washington, D.C. area related to NM’s Children in Poverty initiative. Ecumenical Advocacy Days, March 9-12, will examine public policy affecting children in the U.S. and abroad and will be capped by a visit to congressional representatives on Capitol Hill. Fixing No Child Left Behind, March 9, 2007, will address concerns about the No Child Left Behind Act before its planned reauthorization by Congress in 2007. Sponsored by the National Council of Churches. Contact Aisha Howard at (216) 736-3714

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Faithfully,

Bill Carlsen

William A. Carlsen
American Baptist Churches of New York State