By Rev. Carolyn Dugan, Associate Regional Minister – Outdoor Ministries
“Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together…but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”—Hebrews 10:24–25 (NRSVUE)
There are seasons when God meets me most clearly in the quiet. As an introvert, I can spend hours on the farm or at Camp without noticing time passing. The rhythm of the animals, the wind, the familiar voices of podcasts or music—these become a kind of sanctuary. In that stillness, my soul settles. I feel known.
But even in the solitude, the Spirit reminds me that we were created not only for quiet places, but for one another. God formed us for community—imperfect, sometimes messy community. It is within the gathering of community that we learn, grow, and are shaped into the likeness of Christ. It is where burdens are shared, joys multiplied, and resilience strengthened. Community is one of God’s gifts to us.
As American Baptists, we honor the autonomy of each congregation, yet we also recognize the blessing of belonging to a wider family. Our regional fellowship allows us to support one another’s ministries, celebrate God’s work, and walk together through seasons of loss and renewal. We are not alone in this calling; God knits us together for a purpose.
In that spirit, I invite you to join us for our Annual Gathering, October 9–10 at Emmanuel Chin Baptist Church in Greenfield. Our theme, Hospitality in a Hostile World, speaks to the heart of our witness today. We will hear from leaders across our denomination—voices that will challenge, encourage, and inspire us. It will be a time to listen deeply, to learn widely, and to strengthen the bonds that hold our regional family together.
More information is available at abcofwi.org.
This introvert—who cherishes quiet places—is genuinely looking forward to stepping into this sacred space of fellowship. I am eager to encourage one another, to witness what God is doing across Wisconsin, and to be reminded once again that the Body of Christ is stronger when we gather.
