American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin

State of the Region

October 2006 - Annual Meeting

Report from Rev. Dr. Arlo R. Reichter, Executive Minister

American Baptist Churches/USA will celebrate its centennial at the June 2007 in Washington, D.C. and as we do so we are experiencing seismic reformation. It is not unlike the Modernist-Fundamentalist controversies of the past and ABCUSA will not be the same "when the dust settles". In fact, we are already changed as one of the 34 regions (Pacific Southwest) has withdrawn from the Covenant of Relationships. Financial issues threaten the function of the General Board (the national board) and the Office of the General Secretary.

Yet in the midst of these times American Baptists locally, regionally, nationally and internationally continue to be involved in transformational ministry and mission.

American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin was relatively unaffected this year by the controversies taking place in many other areas of the denomination. Perhaps that was because congregations were too engaged in mission to get involved with conflict. Giving to American Baptist mission causes has continued strong-a contrast from many other ABC regions.

Central Baptist Theological Seminary-Milwaukee Extension Center. One year ago we stood at the beginning of our first full academic year. The first year went very well and the number of course registrations has more than doubled for our second year. Our sixteen seminarians come from ten different congregations. At our center's fall convocation three Key Ministry Partners were recognized: Community Baptist Church of Greater Milwaukee-Roy Nabors, Pastor; Housing Ministries of American Baptists in Wisconsin-Carmen Porco, Director and First Baptist Church of La Crosse-Timothy Ashley, Pastor. Each of these organizations provided resources that were essential to the integrity of the centre. Leadership for this effort is provided by Timothy Ashley, Site Director and Adam Bond, Enrollment. Both also served in faculty roles during the first year.

Healthy Church Initiative. With the support of a grant from the Palmer Trust of the American Baptist Foundation, training was held for several pastors to serve as coaches to aid congregations in achieving higher levels of health. ABCUSA is also a vital partner in this initiative.

Commissions "do" the work of regional ministries. Outreach, Congregational Ministries, Ministry, Camping, and Finance all regularly pursue their work with diligence and skill. At each annual meeting folks are elected to serve in these positions for three year terms-without their volunteer service the region would not be effectively guided or engaged in meaningful ministries.

Church Relationships: We welcomed back into affiliation the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church of Racine, Wisconsin. Pastor Lawrence Kirby is celebrating his 25th year as pastor of this dynamic ministry in 2006. The Friendship Baptist Church of Walworth founded in 2003 closed at the end of September.

Camp Tamarack: The "Pass It On" capital campaign surpassed its $850,000.00 goal in March 2006. The total in gifts/commitments stands at $868,192.71 of which 98.5% is paid. The upper level of John Gray Lodge has been renovated and work has begun on the lower level. Cabin renovations are continuing.

Jon Gage was elected in 1985 to serve as Region Treasurer and has served with distinction since then. His service will end as the annual meeting closes. His hours of volunteer service are countless. The region auditor has consistently told me that Jon's detail work in preparation for the audit has saved the region thousands of dollars every year. Thank you, Jon!

Peggy Wolf will retire as Director of Camping (a position she has held since June 1993) and Office Secretary (a position she has held since August 1994) on December 31, 2006. We are grateful for her years of service. Her commitment to ministry with children and youth has been outstanding. Peggy was honored on August 6th at camp when the cabin she has occupied was named "The Wolf Den". It was also announced that day that individuals and churches were invited to make a gift in Peggy's honor to the camp endowment fund. Contributions are still being accepted to that fund that is nearing $5,000. Thank you, Peggy!

Region Staff: The retirement from service of Jon Gage and Peggy Wolf has meant many adjustments for Marilyn Merrill, region bookkeeper, Sue Kindl, office administrator, Mark Lembke, camp site manager and Deb Lembke, camp reception manager. I am grateful for their skill and grace in dealing with these changes. As of January 1, 2007 we will welcome Jane Mathison as Director of Camping Ministries. Sam Brink is a tremendous gift to our ministry who keeps in tune with emerging trends and seeks to help us cope with them.

Leadership: Our region is known throughout the ABC as one with strong leadership. We can be particularly proud that our General Board Representative, Peter Wolf, is currently serving as Vice President of the ABCUSA Board of National Ministries. Further, we can be proud that Trinette McCray is serving as President of the American Baptist Historical Society. These responsibilities have been, and continue to be, awesome in this time. How proud I am to have two persons in such important positions-they represent us well!

Once again I conclude my State of the Region report by thanking you for the privilege of serving as your Executive Minister. May we continue to be "Centered in Christ and United in Mission".

Last Updated on 11/11/2006