Dear friends, Christ is Risen, Indeed! The Easter season lasts 7 weeks until Pentecost (this year, Pentecost is on June 5th). In this Easter season, we remember that the disciples experienced the risen Christ as we experience the arrival of spring, as the old hymn “Now the Green Blade Riseth” sings: Now the green blade […]
Dear friends, I have spent my first month unpacking, getting settled into a routine, learning how to pronounce certain names like “Waukesha” (but don’t ask me to pronounce “Oconomowoc” yet) and meeting many of you! In my first month I have visited nine churches of our region, and I have scheduled most Sundays through mid-June […]
Dear new friends and colleagues, I am so delighted to be here in Wisconsin! We have settled into our home that we are renting in Brookfield, registered my son for school, obtained driver’s licenses and registered to vote. There are so many details to take care of when moving to a new place! I will […]
From the Wisconsin Baptist newsletter – September 2021 “Church Together” John Jones, ABC/WI Interim Regional Executive Minister So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. Romans 12:5 A lesson that I keep learning over and over again is how much I need other […]
John Jones, ABC/WI Interim Regional Executive Minister (from WB, summer 2021) Mark 7:37 –They were astounded beyond measure, saying, “He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.” Jesus saves! A simple phrase, but also the fundamental conviction of the Christian religion. It is the simplest […]
John Jones, ABC/WI Interim Regional Executive Minister “Do you have eyes, and fail to see? Do you have ears, and fail to hear? And do you not remember?” – Mark 8:18 One year ago, many organizations were framing the new year 2020 in terms including “vision” and “sight,” drawing on that obvious optical reference. […]
Fred Oaks, President, ABC WI Board of Managers Last May on this page Rev. Dr. John Jones acknowledged how coping with the pandemic had disrupted our cherished routines. Then he suggested that the Holy Spirit might be stretching us toward something needed and new: “Just maybe the changes, skills, and habits that have been forced […]
The American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin called Rev. Dr. John A. Jones IV as its Interim Regional Executive Minister. Jones will begin his service January 1, 2021. “Dr. Jones is a faithful minister and educator deeply committed to the values and mission of our region,” said Fred Oaks, President of the ABC WI Board of Managers. […]
By Marie Onwubuariri, REM Guided by Romans 12:2, at the Annual Gathering I noted the transformation I have begun to see in and among ABC/WI over the past six years. We have… …realigned practices and structures to foster the pursuit of mission, evident in our governance, gathering themes, standards of ministries, & our interactions. …resisted […]
By Marie Onwubuariri, REM I will hear what God the Lord will speak, For He will speak peace To His people and to His saints; But let them not turn back to folly. Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed. […]