American Baptist Churches Of The South
A Region of American Baptist Churches, USA
"Strengthening and Caring for Church Environments for Strong Ministry & Missions"
P.O. Box 47277 Windsor Mill, MD 21244-0277
Website: www.abcots.org | (443) 551-3045 - Main Line | (800) 466-9571 |
gloria@abcots.org. jmharrison@abcots.org. abcotsadmin@abcots.org. pwhite@abcots.org
ABCOTS & ABC-USA News & Events
American Baptist Churches Of the South
Every Tuesday “Connecting ABCOTS…” A Virtual Conversation 11:00 a.m. (EST)
Meeting ID 929 6541 9729 Passcode 6Qi4WF
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February-March America for Christ Offering (AFC) (Funds Received to Support AB Home Mission Societies)
March 23 Region Event America for Christ (all virtual)
March 31 Resurrection Sunday
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April-May One Great Hour of Sharing Offering (OGHS) (Funds Received to Support Disaster Relief)
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April 30 - May 2nd, 2024 - 54th Annual Session of ABCOTS
April 30 ABCOTS Board of Directors Meeting 5:00 p.m.
May-June One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) (Funds support disaster relief)
July 14 “ABCOTS DAY” Region Offering - (Funds Received to Support ABCOTS administration)
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Aug 23-25 Area 7 Annual Meeting
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September-October World Mission Offering (WMO) (Funds Received to Support International Ministries)
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September 20-21 - 6 Annual Gathering
September 27-28 - Area 5 Annual Gathering
October 5 - Area 1 Annual Gathering
October 11 - 12 - Area 2 Annual Gathering
October 18-19 - Area 3 Annual Gathering
October 25-26 - Area 4 Annual Gathering
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November 6-8 ABCOTS Board of Directors Meeting
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November 27-29 ABCOTS Office Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
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November-December Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering (RMMO) - (Funds Thank You Gifts to MMBB Retirees)
December 23 ABCOTS Office Closed for Christmas Holiday
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2025
January 6, 2025 ABCOTS Office Re-Opens
March 22 Region Event America For Christ (all virtual)
April 21-25 55th Annual Session of ABCOTS
July 13 ABCOTS Day in our Churches
A New Year’s Message from General Secretary Rev. Dr. Gina Jacobs-Strain
Dear Beloved followers of Christ,
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, we look back with gratitude for the grace and peace that Christ has poured into our lives during this past year. Christmas has reminded us of the hope and joy that entered the world through the birth of our Savior, and as we move forward into the new year, we are called to carry that same hope into the future.We are assured by the words of Scripture that God is with us, guiding us into a future filled with promise. As the Apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Philippians, “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6, NRSV). This verse instructs us that the work God that has begun in us—through Christ—is a work that will be completed. We can have an unyielding hope in the certainty of God’s faithfulness, knowing that God is always at work, shaping us into the people we are called to be.American Baptists, as we step into 2025, let us remember that the same peace, love, hope and joy of Christ that we celebrated during Christmas continues to guide us. We are empowered by the work of the Holy Spirit in us to be ambassadors for Christ and agents of reconciliation. Together let us be instruments of peace, extending love to our neighbors, embracing the diversity of God’s creation, and working together to bring healing to our world.May we walk together in faith, embracing God’s plan for our lives and for the world God loves so deeply. Let us expand our definition of neighbor and lean into sharing grace and mercy.In 2025, let us look forward with enthusiasm and expectancy to participating in the movement of God in our families, churches, and communities near and far.Happy New Year! May 2025 be a year of growth, forgiveness, and abundant love as we continue to live out the mission entrusted to us.In Christ’s Love,Rev. Dr. Gina Jacobs-StrainGeneral SecretaryAmerican Baptist Churches USA
Save the Date for ABCUSA Sunday – February 9 or 16!
Dear ABCUSA Family,
Get ready for an uplifting and mission-driven Sunday as we celebrate American Baptist Churches USA through ABCUSA Sunday this February! This special event offers a wonderful opportunity for us to come together in unity and purpose, honoring our history while looking forward to our future. As Matthew 28:19-20 reminds us, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations… and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
This year’s theme, “Serving with Love, Transforming through Mission,” captures the essence of our calling. Choose to celebrate on either February 9 or 16, or a Sunday of your choosing, depending on what works best for your congregation.
All the resources you need are available on the ABCUSA website at abc-usa.org/abcusasunday:
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Videos: Downloadable videos are available for you to show to your congregation. Feel free to post them on social media, your church website, or include links in your newsletters/emails.
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Bulletin Inserts: Use our bulletin inserts to tell the ABCUSA story.
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Online Toolkit: Access a variety of resources in our United Mission Toolkit, including articles, sermons, webinars, and more. Visit abc-usa.org/united-mission-toolkit.
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Poster: A downloadable, legal-sized poster will be available for you to print and display, helping to promote ABCUSA Sunday within your community.
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Prayer: Include in your celebration a prayer for our ABCUSA leaders, partners, global servants, and local churches. Give thanks for how God has blessed us with a rich history and continue to seek God’s mission, as we are United in Christ, Together in Mission.
As part of this special observance, we invite you to give generously to support the vital work of American Baptist Churches USA. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful impact on lives and communities, advancing the work of Christ. Please join us in this important opportunity to give, pray, and serve.
Let’s unite in the spirit of mission and discipleship as we celebrate ABCUSA Sunday. Your involvement and support this February will help spread the message of our shared mission and provide a meaningful opportunity for a congregational offering that will strengthen our collective efforts.
Blessings,
Rev. Dr. Gina Jacobs-Strain