Rev. Mindi Welton-Mitchell, Regional Executive Minister
Family reunions are wonderful times that remind us of where we come from and who we belong to. One side of my family used to gather yearly and play puzzles and games, and we loved helping those married into the family understand the rules of the card games and the scavenger hunts and other traditions we held over the years. Just like any family, sometimes we all got along, and sometimes we didn’t, but at the end of the day, we’re family. We would take the group family photo, join in the family potluck, and we’d always hug each and every person and be glad they came and look forward to the next year.
Our American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin Annual Gathering is a family reunion! We invite you to join us for our 182nd Annual Gathering October 9-10 for worship, fellowship, business, workshops, and fun! We come from different backgrounds and have different church traditions. And just like families, sometimes we’re drawn to certain members more than others, but at the end of the day, we all belong to this American Baptist family. Our theme this year is “Radical Hospitality in a Hostile World,” based on Hebrews 13:2. Our ABCWI family continues to grow and change in exciting ways, with new cultures and languages, new ministries and communities we are connected to, and new partners in ministry.
We start on Friday afternoon with a clergy workshop, followed by dinner for everyone and worship. On Saturday morning, learn about our various ministry partners at our Ministry Fair. During our business meeting, learn about the ministries we support including Camp Tamarack, education opportunities, New Wineskins grants, and much more! We’ll worship together and have lunch, with a cake celebrating Central Seminary’s 125th birthday! In the afternoon learn from our panelists on practicing radical hospitality and workshops afterwards. We’ll conclude with a commissioning and blessing for all of us.
But just like a family reunion, we’ll have some fun! We’ll have commemorative T-shirts, a family photo, and our first annual Spirit of ABC Wisconsin award with someone who has been an outstanding example of our Baptist family.
Register today for our family reunion this October! www.abcofwi.org/annual-gatherings/
REGISTRATION DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 23!
