Rev. Mindi Welton-Mitchell, Regional Executive Minister I like to jog for exercise, and at one time I regularly ran 5K’s. Over the years, my body has changed shape, I’ve struggled to find time to run, and I’ve slowed down. What was once my warm-up pace is now often my top speed. However, what bothered […]
By: Rev. Carolyn Dugan, Associate Regional Minister of Outdoor Ministries Tzimtzum in Hebrew was defined by the 15th Century mystic Isaac Luria in his doctrine that God began the process of creation by “contracting” his Ohr Ein Sof (infinite light) in order to allow for a “conceptual space” in which finite and seemingly independent realms […]
We have experienced a lot of transition in the life of ABCWI in a short amount of time. In February, we were saddened by the sudden loss of Rev. Karen Sundland, a gifted pastor and leader. She was serving as the vice president of the Board of Managers at the time of her passing. We […]
One year! March 1st officially marks my one-year anniversary with you all as Executive Minister. In this past year I have traveled as far north as Camp Tamarack in Waupaca, as far west as First Baptist Church in La Crosse, and as far south as First Baptist Church in Beloit and First Baptist Church of […]
Black History Month became a national celebration in 1976, but time set aside for celebrating and learning Black History goes back to at least February 1925 in observation of the birthdays of both Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. As Baptists, we celebrate George Liele, the first African-American licensed to preach and ordained in 1773. He […]
I think by now we’ve learned to temper our expectations of the new year, especially after the last few. We know better than to make resolutions that a global pandemic or political crisis might interrupt. However, I am reminded of the words of Jeremiah. The prophet lived during the invasion of Judah by the Babylonian […]
Advent means “arrival” but it’s not a finite action. A better understanding is “coming into view.” It’s like when you’re flying in and you see the city lights of your destination, but not necessarily the runway yet. It’s almost there. You know you will reach it. Advent is the season of waiting; waiting to celebrate […]
I am an autumn person. I love this season when things get colder and we pull out the sweaters and extra blankets, drink warm cocoa or cider and watch the leaves fall and prepare for winter. I like this time when things slow down a bit outdoors. I know this is not a universal feeling, […]
October is Pastor’s Appreciation Month, with Clergy Appreciation Day on Sunday, October 9th. Yes, this is another one of those holidays that was made up to sell greeting cards, but just like you wouldn’t miss out on Mother’s Day or Father’s Day or Valentine’s Day to show your appreciation to a loved one, don’t miss […]