Check out pictures from past National Women's Conferences, Women's Day, mission encounter tours and more! Visit our photo album at http://abwomen.phanfare.com/.
at the Millennium Maxwell House Nashville
Nashville, Tennessee
We're excited to offer a national conference experience this year in a comfortable hotel setting at an affordable price. Join us in Nashville, Tennessee, for the time of your life! Meet American Baptist women from near and far, deepen your relationship with Christ, and engage in learning and sharing throughout the six-day event. I look forward to greeting you there!
—Virginia Holmstrom, Executive Director, AB Women's Ministries
Greetings from Nashville
Ms. Vernell Neely of First Baptist Church Capitol Hill, Nashville, TN, is a former national Coordinator of Personal Development Ministries of AB Women’s Ministries.
Conference Highlights: • Special Experiences for American Baptist Women in Ministry! ABWIM National Director Rev. Patricia Hernandez is planning fellowship and program times during the 2012 National Women’s Conference for women in professional ministry.
Meet guests from South Africa. • Participate in workshops on a range of topics, from prayer to praise, training to spiritual support. • Learn more about our national mission focus on violence against women and girls, “Break the Chains and Stop the Pain.” • Do hands-on mission through White Cross. • Experience the beauty and fun of “Music City”
Speakers and Leaders Our conference speakers & special guests:
Bible Study Leader Minister Rhonda White-Warner, M.Div. from Oakland, CA << Read Bio >>
Worship & Music leader Rev. Dr. Samella W. Junior Spence from Nashville, Tennessee << Read Bio >>
Keynote Speaker Reverend Becca Stevens from Nashville, Tennessee << Read Bio >>
Keynote Speaker Lois Olmstead from Livingston, Montana << Read Bio >>
Rev. Patricia Hernandez National Director of
AB Women in Ministry
from Michigan << Read Bio >>
Learning Experiences and Seminars Learning Experiences -- A variety of Learning Experiences are offered Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoon. Please review the list and descriptions of Learning Experiences before registering -- you will select your first and second preference on the registration form.
Learning Experiences descriptions can be found at: www.abwministries.org/events/event-details.cfm?id=129.
Seminars -- Explore a topic in greater depth in a 4-day seminar setting, that will meet each morning from Monday through Thursday. Please review the Seminar descriptions before registering -- you'll select your first and second preference on the registration form. Every attempt will be made to assign you to your first preference.
Seminar descriptions can be found at: www.abwministries.org/events/event-details.cfm?id=130.
Program Fees Program Fees for the 2012 National Women's Conference: FULL TIME $150 if postmarked before May 1, 2012, $180 if postmarked after May 1, 2012; $220 onsite without prior registration
After you register online or mail your registration form, call the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel to reserve lodging, which includes meals (see housing rates below).
PART TIME (staying overnight at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel) $35 per day (maximum program fee of $150; $180 after May 1st)
After you register online or mail your registration form, call the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel to reserve lodging, which includes meals (see housing rates below).
COMMUTER (not staying overnight at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel) $35 per day (maximum program fee of $150; $180 after May 1st)
On the registration form, you have the option to sign up for a meal package or individual meals.
Conference Scholarships The national board of American Baptist Women’s Ministries will award six (6) conference scholarships from its Leadership Development Fund in 2012. The scholarships will enable six first-time attendees demonstrating leadership potential for women’s ministries to attend full-time the National Women’s Conference, July 21-27, 2012 at the Millennium Maxwell House Nashville, Nashville, TN.
We will grant six (6) scholarships of $400 each to selected applicants. Each $400 scholarship will cover the recipient’s conference registration fee of $150, plus $250 to be applied to their meals and housing costs at Millennium Maxwell House Nashville. Each recipient will be responsible for her round trip transportation, balance of meals/housing cost, and personal expenses.
Each recipient must meet this criteria:
• Active member of a congregation of American Baptist Churches, USA
• First time attendee at National Women’s Conference
• Full-time conferee (July 21 – 27)
• Demonstrated leadership ability
• Demonstrated interest in women’s ministries
For more scholarship information and to apply, click on the teal scholarship button on the right.
Deadline for application and three recommendations is March 31, 2012.
Register Now Register by mail and pay by check:
Download the registration form by clicking the teal registration form button to the right. Send a completed registration form and a check payable to "AB Women's Ministries" to
American Baptist Women's Ministries
PO Box 851
Valley Forge, PA 19482
Register online and pay with credit card:
Click on the link that will represent your conference status:
Millennium Maxwell House Nashville Get comfortable in a truly Southern setting at the Millennium Maxwell House, the only music-themed hotel in downtown Nashville featuring distinctive art, design and music memorabilia. The Millennium Maxwell House Nashville is located just minutes from the Nashville Convention Center, Country Music Hall of Fame, LP Field and the shopping, dining and entertainment highlights of downtown.
Housing Rates*
$79.50 per person per night for a double occupancy room, plus state & local tax
$129 per night for a single occupancy room, plus state & local tax *room rates includes meals
Housing Reservations -- If you are attending conference full time or part time, call the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel (615-259-4343) to make your housing arrangements. Mention “American Baptist Women’s Ministries National Conference July 21-27” to get our special discounted conference housing rate. Reserve your hotel room by July 3 to ensure availability.
If booking a double occupancy room, you must provide the hotel (then or later) with the name of your roommate. Your roommate cannot call the hotel and request to room with you; it will be your responsibility to notify the hotel.
Come early or stay later and enjoy Nashville! A special $99 per room per night rate is available to conferees arriving up to 3 days before Conference or staying up to 3 days after Conference. This rate does not include meals, and is based on availability.
Travel Information If you are driving -- The Millennium Maxwell House Nashville's address is as follows:
2025 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37228-1505
If you are flying -- Fly into the Nashville International Airport (BNA). The Millennium Maxwell House Hotel provides complimentary shuttle transportation between the airport and the hotel. Shuttles are available daily 7:00 am – 10:30 pm.
Upon your arrival in Nashville, contact our concierge at (615) 259-4343 or from the courtesy phones located in Ground Transportation and request the Airport Shuttle. For departure, the Airport Shuttle departs from the Millennium Maxwell House every half hour on the hour.
If you are arriving by bus -- Greyhound serves a depot in Nashville. In February 2012 Greyhound opened its brand new modern environmentally-friendly Greyhound station located at 709 Fifth Ave. South, Nashville.
Questions?
Contact:
AB Women's Ministries
PO Box 851
Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851
1-800-ABC-3USA, ext 2288 info@abwministries.org
2012 Mission Encounter Tour to Alaska
2012 Mission Encounter Tour to Alaska
May 18-27, 2012
C0-Sponsored by American Baptist Women's Ministries
and American Baptist Home Mission Societies
The beauty of Alaska can take your breath away.
But distances between communities and long periods of darkness present special challenges for evangelism and church planting.
Plan now to join this exciting home-mission encounter!
On this encounter you will: Visit American Baptist mission sites in Anchorage, Cordova and Kodiak Meet American Baptist missionaries who serve in our 49th state See Woody Island, where American Baptist mission in Alaska began in 1893 Learn about special needs in small villages
You will visit:
• Alaska Children’s Services provides residential and home-based treatment for youth with severe emotional and behavioral disturbances. With a broad range of services, Alaska Children’s Services is able to provide the level of treatment the child needs in as least a restrictive environment as possible—from residential treatment to therapeutic foster care to home-based case management and therapies. www.akchild.org
• Kodiak Baptist Mission, as a social service organization, the purpose of Kodiak Baptist Mission is to improve the quality of life of children and their families by ministering to their unmet physical, social, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual needs, by following the examples set forth by in the life of Jesus Christ. www.kodiakbaptistmission.org
• Camp Woody is located on Woody Island, where the first American Baptist mission in Alaska was founded in 1893. The camp offers hiking, adventure-based programming, and camps with daily Bible study. www.kodiakbaptistmission.org/woody/index.html
• Cordova Community Christian Center is an integral part of the community of Cordova and is a witness of love and faithfulness to all who come to its programs and ministries. At the center those who come find the many people who volunteer to make these activities possible ready to meet and greet them and share the gospel of Christ. We are always grateful for the love and thoughtfulness of our dear family in Christ who provide the supplies and most importantly of all, the love and prayers that undergird the ministries of the Christian Center. Together we serve Christ in this remote and isolated spot in Alaska.
Anticipated cost is $2,400, including overland travel within Alaska, overnight accommodations, entrance feeds, food and tips. Travel to and from Alaska is not included.
Participants are liable to pay any price increases. The sooner your payment gets in the better chance we have of holding pricing.
Register
Register now for the Mission Encounter to Alaska! Download registration forms by clicking the teal registration form button at the top right of this page.
Registration is still open until January 31!
We are limiting the number of participants to 15 including Victoria Goff, American Baptist Home Mission Societies Coordinator and Tour Leader. Hurry and register! It's filling up.
You will be notified as to whether you have been chosen as a participant. Consideration will be given to the postmark on your application and the number of previous mission encounters in which you have participated. We will give priority to those who are first-time applicants. Interest in this Mission Encounter is high, so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. If you are not accepted, your initial $200.00 payment will be refunded, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!
Important Dates
January 31, 2012 -- Application, $200 deposit, and three references due
February 15, 2012 -- Second payment due $1,100.00.
March 15, 2012 -- Physcial examination form, and third payment due $1,100.00.
Participants are liable to pay any price increases. The sooner your payment gets in the better chance we have of holding pricing.
Questions?
Contact Phyllis Brown in the AB Women's Ministries office at (610) 768-2285 or info@abwministries.org
Immerse: 2012 ABC National Youth Gathering
2012 Gathering for American Baptist Youth
July 24-28, 2012
Washington, D.C.
The national leadership team of AB GIRLS, a ministry for girls sponsored by American Baptist Women’s Ministries, encourages girls and young women to attend Immerse in July, 2012, sponsored by ABHMS. The national leadership team of AB GIRLS has
chosen to put on the National Gathering for Girls on hiatus in 2012 to support the joining together of American Baptist youth from across the U.S. and Puerto Rico in Washington, D.C., for an event of mission, advocacy, and spiritual growth.
C2R4: Confidence through Christ: Retreat, Reflect, Renew, Relate
a National Young Adult Women’s Retreat
Friday, September 28 — Sunday, September 30, 2012 Canonicus Camp and Conference Center Exeter, Rhode Island
Sponosored by American Baptist Women's Ministries
Join women ages 18-40 in Bible study, fellowship, exciting worship and inspirational times of prayer in the heart of New England during the beauty of the fall. Located in the hills surrounding picturesque Lake Adams and just a short drive from Providence. Canonicus has miles of walking trails through meadows, woods, or along the shore, and has a labyrinth for quiet times alone with God. For more information about Canonicus Camp and Conference Center, visit www.canonicus.org.
Speakers Bible study leader: Rev. Dr. Trinette McCray The Rev. Dr. Trinette McCray, past president of the American Baptist Churches USA; executive director of the Office of Vocation Development and adjunct faculty member in Religious Studies teaching Urban Ministry at Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dr. McCray is also a spiritual director and retreat leader in spiritual formation, as well as a published author and extremely popular speaker and preacher. Her experiences in the local church, national church leadership and community affairs, as well as the consulting ministry that she established, named SANKOFA Ministries in Spirituality, make her an excellent ministry resource for the Body of Christ.
Worship leader: Hornrette Washington Hornrette Washington is the minister of music at the Antioch Baptist Church in Corona, NY. Psalm 34:1-3 is her life theme. Hornrette is a popular worship leader at regional and national gatherings of all ages, and is particularly gifted in creating interactive worship experiences and helping conference participants lead worship themselves.Hornrette recorded “The Essence of Gospel,” a CD that is ministering to listeners all over the world. Her ministry in music will lead you to the throne of grace!
Help Promote Click here to download the flyer to hand out to young women or to post at your church or region event.
Regions: Promote and plan now to offer scholarships for young women wanting to attend!
Retreat Fees Register for C2R4 before September 1, 2012. A late fee of $35 will apply for those who register after September 1.
Full-time (including lodging and all meals): $190
Full-time commuter (includes no lodging, all meals): $100
Saturday only, commuter (includes no lodging, lunch and dinner on Saturday only): $50
Register Now!
Register online and pay with credit card by clicking the "Register Online Now" link.
If you prefer, you may request from info@abwministries.org a C2R4 registration form to print, complete, and mail in with a check. You must either register completely online, or completely by paper mail/check; you may not register online and then pay by check.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations received June 25th or prior will forfeit $50.00 administration fee. Cancellations received after June 25th will be entitled to 20% refund of total paid in. No refunds after September 1, 2012.
Cancellations must be written and faxed to 610-768-2286 or mailed to: Phyllis Brown, AB Women's Ministries, PO Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851
2012 Ecumenical Advocacy Days
Ecumenical Advocacy Days March 23-26, 2012 in Washington, DC
"Is This the Fast I Seek?": Economy, Livelihood & Our National Priorities
and reflections from Isaiah 58
Join other Christians in seeking a global economy and a national budget that break the yokes of injustice, poverty, hunger and unemployment throughout the world heeding Isaiah's call to become "repairers of the breach and restorers of streets to live in." Worship, dialogue and be inspired and equipped to speak boldly as people of faith. Rousing preachers, stimulating theologians and internationally known policy experts will offer a faith-based vision for a just economy and a healthy livelihood, along with training on key policy issues and grassroots advocacy -culminating with lobby visits on Capitol Hill. In addition, area specific workshops will be offered on Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, Domestic U.S., Eco-Justice, Global Economic Justice and Peace & Global Security. Ecumenical Advocacy Days for Global Peace with Justice is sponsored by the ecumenical Christian community and is grounded in biblical witness and our shared tradition of justice, peace and integrity of creation. The goal is to strengthen our Christian voice and mobilize for advocacy on specific U.S. domestic and international policy issues.
Bible Study leader: Minister Rhonda White-Warner, M.Div. Minister Rhonda White-Warner, a 2006 graduate of the American Baptist Seminary of the West, is a native Californian, born and raised in Oakland. Licensed as a minister in 1998, she has served in new church plants and in ministries of Life Development, Children and Youth, and in Pastoral Care ministries for single mothers and those who grieve. Focusing on using expressive therapies to foster spiritual development, she seeks to advance a broader engagement with prayer/meditation, self/soul esteem and providing pastoral care in traditional church settings. Her gifts and interests include administration, human development, theater, teaching Bible Study and Womanist Theology, and making the Scriptures "come alive." Her 2005 experience in Johannesburg, South Africa working with women and children affected by HIV/AIDS resulted in her becoming the Program Manager for Allen Temple AIDS Ministry's East Oakland HIV Prevention Project, a three-year campaign toward risk-reduction among youth, young adults and African American women.
White-Warner has spoken and led workshops at numerous AB Women's Ministries events in her region. An innovator, she developed a series of "Chat and Chew" and "Lunch and Learns" for clergy to create safe spaces to dialog around difficult topics. She has also served as a chaplain for victims of domestic violence and is spearheading a movement to look closely at teen dating violence.
She currently serves as the Servant Leader of the Fellowship of Ministers at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Vallejo, California where Rev. Dante' R. Quick is the pastor.
She is the mother of two adult children, and she is "Kizzy" (Swahili for "granny") to three rambunctious grandsons. She enjoys thrift shops and flea markets, re-purposing furniture, and surrounding herself with books. "She did what she could" are five words drawn from Mark 14:8 that fuel White-Warner's passion for ministry, her love of Jesus the Christ, and her willing to be a servant for God.
Worship & Music leader: Rev. Dr. Samella W. Junior Spence The Rev. Samella W. Junior Spence, Ph.D., is a professional musician, choir director, and educator, having taught in public schools, college, and seminary. She is on the faculty of Emmanuel Bible College in Nashville. She brings her theological training, music education and performance experience to National Women’s Conference; our hearts will soar with her music and worship leadership.
Keynote Speaker: Lois Olmstead Lois Olmstead, from Livingston, Montana, is a motivational speaker, Christian author, and acclaimed humorist. She has spoken at national conventions, state-wide training sessions, and meetings across the country and in Canada. Her rollicking sense of humor has audiences falling in the aisles with laughter one minute and wiping tears from their faces the next. She speaks and writes about the grace of God in her life and the joy of walking with God. She is a recipient the Montana American Cancer Society Hugh B. Anderson Award for outstanding courage and personal integrity while facing the challenge of cancer, a topic she has written about in her book Breast Cancer & Me. Other books she has authored are Enjoying the Journey, Denim & Lace (co-authored with Phyllis Rowe), and The Dude, the Ducks and Other Tales of Country Living. She has hosted a daily radio talk show in Billings, owned a gift shop and art gallery, and says she "has raised three sons, one husband and 24 ducks."
Thursday Evening Speaker: Reverend Becca Stevens The Reverend Becca Stevens is an Episcopal priest serving as Chaplain at St Augustine's at Vanderbilt University, and founder of Magdalene & Thistle Farms, a community and social enterprise that stands with women recovering from violence, prostitution, addiction and life on the streets. Magdalene, the residential model, serves women for two years at no cost to residents. Thistle Farms employs 35 residents and graduates who manufacture, market and sell all natural bath and beauty products in over 200 retail stores across the globe. Stevens is the author of eight books and has been featured on NPR, PBS, CNN, Huffington Post, Southern Living, Christian Century, and Victoria Magazine. She was named "Nashvillian of the Year" and "Tennessean of the Year" by the Nashville Scene and The Tennessean respectively. In 2010, she became the youngest and first female recipient of The University of the South's "Distinguished Alumnus" award. Most recently, Stevens was named by the White House' as one of 15 "Champions of Change.” She was named the 2011 Social Entrepreneur of the year in Nashville, TN and has received awards from the Frist Foundation and the Academy of Women of Achievement. To date, she has raised more than $13 million for the organizations she supports. Stevens lives in Nashville with her husband, Grammy-winning songwriter Marcus Hummon, and their three sons.
Rev. Patricia Hernandez Rev. Patricia Hernandez was born in Geneva, Switzerland and spent the first two years of her life in Yugoslavia, before her parents, who were missionaries at the time, returned to the United States. She received her B.A. from the University of Chicago, MDiv. from Colgate Rochester Divinity School and a Certificate in the Foundations of Christian Leadership from Duke Divinity School. Having a passion for the life of the Spirit she has studied at Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation as well as spent time at the community of Taize with Brother Roger in France and L’Abri with Francis Schaefer in Switzerland. After serving in a ministry to migrant farmworkers, she pastored churches in New York and Pennsylvania before being called to serve the American Baptist Churches of Michigan as the Consultant for Leadership Development. Currently, she serves as the new National Director for American Baptist Women in Ministry. In all aspects of her ministry, she strives to reach out to those who have been rejected, empower those who have been disempowered, and heal those who have been hurt by sharing with them the accepting, loving, and healing power of the Spirit.
More than degrees or position what is important to her is to love God and love others as she lives out God’s call on her life, inviting others to do the same. “in all that I do,” she says, “I hope to be a Christ-bearer, a witness to the Good news, so that by my example, others will know Christ and be called to live accordingly. My ministry is not separate from my life. For me, being a minister is not my job...it’s my life!"
NABWU Assembly
Fifty-sixth session of the Commission on the Status of Women
Fifty-sixth session of the
Commission on the Status of Women February 27 - March 9, 2012
The fifty-sixth session of the Commission on the Status of Women will take place at United Nations Headquarters in New York from Monday, February 27 to Friday, March 9, 2012.
In accordance with its multi-year programme of work (ECOSOC resolution 2009/15), the 2012 priority theme of the Commission on the Status of Women is "The empowerment of rural women and their role in poverty and hunger eradication, development and current challenges".
The Commission will also evaluate progress in the implementation of the agreed conclusions from its fifty-second session on "Financing for gender equality and the empowerment of women".
During UNCSW, there are a host of free side events: workshops, lectures, worship experiences, and other opportunities to learn about issues having impact upon women and girls worldwide, make connections, and experience God’s spirit at work. Join American Baptist women who attend this event faithfully every year as a way to expand their understanding and grow in their faith.
Program Fees Program Fees for the 2012 National Women's Conference: FULL TIME $150 if postmarked before May 1, 2012, $180 if postmarked after May 1, 2012; $220 onsite without prior registration
After you register online or mail your registration form, call the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel to reserve lodging, which includes meals.
PART TIME (staying overnight at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel) $35 per day (maximum program fee of $150; $180 after May 1st)
After you register online or mail your registration form, call the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel to reserve lodging, which includes meals.
COMMUTER (not staying overnight at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel) $35 per day (maximum program fee of $150; $180 after May 1st)
On the registration form, you have the option to sign up for a meal package or individual meals.
Register Now
Register by mail and pay by check: Download the registration form by clicking the teal registration form button to the right. Send a completed registration form and a check payable to "AB Women's Ministries" to
American Baptist Women's Ministries
PO Box 851
Valley Forge, PA 19482
Register online and pay with credit card:
Click on the link that represents your conference status:
Millennium Maxwell House Nashville Get comfortable in a truly Southern setting at the Millennium Maxwell House, the only music-themed hotel in downtown Nashville featuring distinctive art, design and music memorabilia. The Millennium Maxwell House Nashville is located just minutes from the Nashville Convention Center, Country Music Hall of Fame, LP Field and the shopping, dining and entertainment highlights of downtown.
Housing Rates*
$129 per night for a single occupancy room, plus state & local tax
$79.50 per person per night for a double occupancy room, plus state & local tax *room rates includes meals
Housing Reservations -- If you are attending conference full time or part time, call the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel (615-259-4343) to make your housing arrangements. Mention “National Women’s Conference on July 21–27” to get our special discounted conference housing rate.
Conference Schedule
Daily Conference Schedule For chart of the conference schedule, click the "click here for print-friendly version" button to the right.
Saturday, July 21, 2012_______________________________ 2:00 PM — Registration Begins
3:00 PM — Room Check-in
5:00 PM — Conference Leaders Prayer Time
6:00 PM — Dinner
Special Dinner: Conference Leaders' Dinner (For speakers; Bible
study leader; workshop leaders; seminar leaders; musicians and
all program participants)
6:45 PM — Opening Session with Lois Olmstead
Sunday, July 22, 2012________________________________ 8:00-8:50 AM — Breakfast
9:00-10:30 AM — Worship Service
10:30-10:45 AM — Break
10:45-11:45 AM — Meet & Greet Section Receptions (East - Midwest – West)
12:00-1:00 PM — Lunch
Special Luncheon: Alumnae Luncheon (This is for those who have served
on the National Board of AB Women's Ministries and the National
Leadership Team of AB GIRLS) 1:15-3:00 PM — AB GIRLS Auction
3:15 PM — Annual Business Meeting & Election of Officers
6:00 PM — Dinner
7:00 PM — Evening Worship with Lois Olmstead
Monday, July 23, 2012________________________________ 7:00 AM — Let's get Physical
7:15 AM — Java & Jesus
8:00-8:50 AM — Breakfast
9:00 AM-10:30 — Morning Worship with Minister Rhonda White-Warner
10:30-10:45 AM — Break
10:45-11:45 AM — Seminars
12:00-1:00 PM — Lunch
Special Luncheon: Love Gift (This is open to anyone wishing to attend) 1:15-2:00 PM — Hear the Call
2:00-3:00 PM — Learning Experience A
4:00-5:00 PM — Learning Experience B
6:00 PM — Dinner
7:00 PM — Evening Session with International Ministries
Tuesday, July 24, 2012 -- Wear Purple Day_______________ 7:00 AM — Let's get Physical
7:15 AM — Java & Jesus
8:00-8:50 AM — Breakfast
9:00 AM-10:30 — Morning Worship with Minister Rhonda White-Warner
10:30-10:45 AM — Break
10:45-11:45 AM — Seminars
12:00-1:00 PM — Lunch
Special Luncheon: Young Women Luncheon (Although open to anyone,
this is especially for those ages 18 to 35.)
1:15-2:00 PM — Hear the Call
2:00-5:00 PM — Free Time
6:00 PM — Dinner
Special Dinner: AB GIRLS Heritage Dinner (Although open to anyone, this is
especially for those who were and are active in World Wide Guild, Girl's
Fellowship Guide and AB GIRLS.)
7:00 PM — Evening Session with American Baptist Home Mission Societies
Wednesday, July 25, 2012 -- Wear Teal Day______________ 7:00 AM — Let's get Physical
7:15 AM — Java & Jesus
8:00-8:50 AM — Breakfast
9:00 AM-10:30 — Morning Worship with Minister Rhonda White-Warner
10:30-10:45 AM — Break
10:45-11:45 AM — Seminars
12:00-1:00 PM — Lunch
Special Luncheon: White Cross (This is open to anyone wishing to attend)
1:15-2:00 PM — Hear the Call
2:00-3:00 PM — Learning Experience C
4:00-6:00 PM — Free Time
6:00 PM — Dinner
7:00 PM — Evening Session with AB GIRLS
Thursday, July 26, 2012______________________________ 7:00 AM — Let's get Physical
7:15 AM — Java & Jesus
8:00-8:50 AM — Breakfast
9:00 AM-10:30 — Morning Worship with Minister Rhonda White-Warner
10:30-10:45 AM — Break
10:45-11:45 AM — Seminars
12:00-1:00 PM — Lunch
Special Luncheon: Vital Partners (This is open to anyone wishing to
attend.)
1:15-2:00 PM — Hear the Call
2:00-3:00 PM — Learning Experience D
4:00-6:00 PM — Free Time
6:00 PM — Dinner
7:00 PM — Closing Worship with Rev. Becca Stevens
Friday, July 27, 2012________________________________ 8:00-8:50 AM — Breakfast
Check-out by 12:00 PM (noon)
Conference Workshops
National Women’s Conference Learning Experiences July 21-27, 2012
Learning Experiences "A" for Monday Afternoon 2:00 to 3:00 PM
A-1 “Celebrate Love” — Minister Betty Holmes, national coordinator of Love Gift
I. Through Giving - John 3:16 “For God so Loved the world that He Gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting Life
II. Through Life - Matthew 19:16 “And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I might have eternal Life?”
III. Through Obedience - Romans 5:19 “For as by one man’s disObedience many were made sinners, so by the Obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”
A-2 Transformed by the Spirit — Rev. Cheryl Harris, coaching consultant
This workshop will ask the question: "What challenges are we facing for which we do not presently have an answer but which must be addressed if we are to live into the future God has for us?"
A-3 Are You a Bag Lady? — LaKeeyna Cooper, national coordinator of Young Adult Women’s Ministries
Too often as young adult women we walk around with bags that are too heavy for us to carry. Even though our Coach and Gucci bags are big enough to hold all our stuff, God didn’t create us to be weighted down by what’s in them. Whether you are carrying a book bag, a baby bag or a briefcase, come to this workshop to learn how to balance the items in the bags that are weighing you down.
A-4 The Bee — Rev. Sandra Hasenauer, associate executive director of AB Women’s Ministries (and a quilter)
Since ancient times, women have been gathering together to help one another in doing communal work. These gatherings have traditionally been referred to as "bees" (spinning bees, husking bees, quilting bees). Bees have become opportunities to provide companionship, swap ideas, and inspire and encourage one another while sharing in the joy of creating.
You're invited to bring your own portable handwork—knitting, crocheting, hand-quilting, scrapbooking, or whatever you can fit in your suitcase and bring along! We'll join together in a bee and entertain one another while we work on our projects. Have you always wanted to learn how to do something like knit or quilt or whatever? Come along! You'll be able to reap the benefit of the gathered knowledge in the room. You will also hear about Sandy’s sabbatical experience related to textiles and women and join in some fun activities while working on your projects.
A-5 The Fabulous You! — Dr. Tommie Morton-Young, author, leader of Out Reach Ministry at First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill, Nashville.
Using the premise from her book Women Claiming and Celebrating the Fabulous Self: Mind, Body, Spirit, you’ll learn how women were molded by the Great Potter as a “fabulous being,” "not given a spirit of fear but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7) Believe it! Claim it! Act on it!
A-6 Coming Out with My Head Up — Vanessa Shorter, a ministry leader at New Vision Baptist Church, Nashville
In this workshop we will look at the needs of woman in prison for re-entry into society as well as the engagement/relationship that needs to happen to facilitate ministering to their needs. Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. — Philippians 4:6-7
Learning Experiences "B" for Monday Afternoon 4:00 to 5:00 PM
B-1 Networking Women: Stories of Women Leaders Past and Present — Dr. Deborah Van Broekhoven, executive director of the American Baptist Historical Society
Since 1800, when Mary Webb organized the Boston Female Society for Mission Purposes, American church women have been organizing in support of church ministries and community service. Dr. Van Broekhoven will share some sample biographies and suggest ways in which women today can collect, preserve, and share their stories, as well as those of persons who mentored or inspired them.
B-2 Fun with AB GIRLS — Becky Howard, AB GIRLS National Leadership Team member
Learn games and ice breakers to take back home to start a relationship with your AB GIRLS.
B-3 Violence Even Among Church Folk — Peggy Burke, missions advocate and speaker
Violence against women is everywhere. This workshop will be devoted to advocacy and up-to-date information to Stop the Pain of violence against women.
B-4 Reader’s Theater — Andrea Dresser, national coordinator of Personal Development Ministries; assisted by Cheryl Felch, president of AB Women’s Ministries of Michigan
Reader's Theater participants will need to wear black clothing. Do you like drama, but have a hard time remembering lines? Come and learn how to do a reading in front of an audience with your lines right in front of you. The only condition is that you must wear a black outfit when you perform. This workshop will prepare you to do a reading in front of American Baptist women at the conference. It is fun and exciting; you will also learn that you can take just about anything and turn it into a play to read in front of others.
B-5 “Jonah: Navigating a Life Interrupted” Interactive Bible Study — Rev. Dr. Etheleen Hill, ministry leader, Nashville
Is God calling you out of your comfort zone to do something that you’d rather not do? This study of Jonah, written by Priscilla Shirer, helps to redefine “interruption” from a spiritual perspective. Many of us are like Jonah when God interrupts our lives and we run in the opposite direction. These interruptions can actually be “divine interventions” in our life’s circumstances in which the hand of God is moving to give us the opportunity to partner with Him in His purposes. Many men and women in the Bible who made a mark in history for the kingdom of God (including Peter, Mary, Esther, Rahab and others) came to a point in their lives where they had to make the decision to be obedient to God’s call or to continue on their own path instead. If our significance is found in the degree to which we yield to God’s purposes for our lives, rather than what we do or where we are from, we too will leave a mark that has eternal significance.
Learning Experiences "C" for Wednesday Afternoon 2:00 to 3:00 PM
C-1 Joyful Noise — Conference Choir led by Rev. Dr. Samella Spence
Come share your joyful voice as Choir Director Samella Spence teaches and leads. The Conference Choir will perform during our final session.
C-2 The Act of Intimate Communication — Andrea Dresser, national coordinator of Personal Development Ministries
Come and learn the art of getting even closer to God; everything starts with prayer. In the same way that God took a rib from Adam’s side to make a soul mate for him, God took something of Himself and placed it within each of us. According to Ecclesiastes 3:11, God put “eternity in the human heart”—a mysterious part of His essence that would not only be in us in this lifetime with wonder, but also would continue to give our existence joy and meaning into perpetuity with Him. It is a longing to experience an intimacy with God, the insatiable appetite in each of our hearts that is never satisfied without experiencing more and more of Him.
C-3 Claiming Our Call: Finding Our Voice as God's Sculpted Vessels — Rev. Carole Moore, associate minister, Trinity Baptist Church, San Mateo, California
Are you wrestling with the whispers of God or struggling with God's silence? Are you dancing in God's demonstrative shouts or wavering in uncertainty? Wherever you are on your journey, this workshop will help you to claim or clarify God's call.
C-4 Calling a Woman Pastor — Rev. Patricia Hernandez, national director of American Baptist Women in Ministry
Would my church call a woman pastor? We will explore issues and concerns around calling woman pastors as well as examine the biblical and theological bases for women in ministry.
C-5 The Common Threads — Dr. Tommie Morton-Young, historian, author, and teacher
As human beings we tend to place judgment on all things and most people. Yet there are common threads in the life of groups of people who have survived to this day, and those threads link humankind to common roots, beginnings, and survival. A brief look at markers that sustain humankind and how acceptance and appreciation of these markers move us toward “a more perfect community.”
C-6 Leadership Tips — Virginia Holmstrom, executive director of American Baptist Women’s Ministries
Virginia will share helpful leadership hints and tips she's learned, sometimes the hard way! Leadership is a journey; come, learn, and be encouraged along the way.
Learning Experiences "D" for Thursday Afternoon 2:00 to 3:00 PM
D-1 Pregnant With Possibilities — Dr. Linda Plummer Ward, M.D., ministry leader in Nashville
God has planted within each person gifts for ministry and God calls us to use our gifts to build up the Body of Christ. In our weakness, God can use our gifts. When we use our gifts, we equip and enable others through a circle of influence and by example.
D-2 Christian Stress Management Bible Study — Quinester Calloway, New Vision Baptist Church, Nashville
When your stresses are greater than your stress, what do you do? There’s no way for us to avoid all the stresses life has to offer. Some of us are more prone to stress than others, but all of us will at times be faced with situations that cause stress. Be assured there’s a place for believers to go in times of need. We will look at Psalm 46 and other scriptures as God’s Word will give us answers we seek.
D-3 Storms and Maps and Post-Its, O My! — Rev. Sandra Hasenauer, associate executive director of American Baptist Women’s Ministries
Are you looking for new ways to help your ministry leadership team envision the future of the ministry? Often we get into a rut of simply plopping new titles on the same events, or we face the tyranny of the blank calendar and grab at the first ideas that come to fill it up. In this workshop, we'll explore several ways to engage in envisioning using methods that are creative, effective, and fun. We'll burrow into brainstorming variations, mess around with mind maps, and play with post-its.
D-4 AB Women's Ministries Organizational Financial Tools — Diana Shutt, president of AB Women’s Ministries of Pennsylvania and Delaware
Have you ever wondered why your ABWM needs a budget? Do you create a registration amount for your event before first sitting out to figure out how much it will actually cost? Have you done things the same way year after year? Have you wondered why in the past there was extra money left at the end of the year, but now it seems as though you don't receive enough funds to cover the expenses? We will delve into these questions as well as others that may affect your ABWM's financial health. We are called to minister, but we may need to do things differently in order to be good stewards of the ministry that God calls us to do.
D-5 Let Your Fingers Do Something New! — Rosalyce Grubbs, crafts learner and teacher
This craft workshop is for those looking for something to keep their fingers busy and having fun with others while creating something different. You just might be surprised at your ability to make something interesting and useful. Bring $1 for workshop supplies.
Conference Seminars
Four-Day Seminars at National Women’s Conference
This year’s conference includes the opportunity to explore a topic in greater depth in a 4-day seminar setting. Conferees may select a seminar that will meet each morning from Monday through Thursday. When registering for National Women’s Conference, indicate your first and second preferences from among the seminar topics. Every attempt will be made to assign you to your first preference.
S-1 Mission in Action — led by Chris Marziale, International Ministries consultant to AB Women’s Ministries, and the Rev. Glynis LaBarre, Transformation Strategist, American Baptist Home Mission Societies
Mission Encounter: Footsteps in South Africa — Chris Marziale will facilitate two sessions focused on “Call to Ministry.” You’ll be inspired by international guests from South Africa—Theodosia Sundhari Rangiah and Milrid (Charmaine) Pandaram—and International Ministries Missionary Anita Gutierrez as they describe their calls to ministry. Learn from our two international guests about the relationship between their two Baptist Associations in South Africa and how the women relate to each other and the communities in the Durban area. Hear from Anita about her call and personal journey to the ministry that she and Rick are doing in South Africa. (The 2012 World Mission Offering theme is “The Call”.)
America: God’s Mission Field — Glynis LaBarre will facilitate two sessions on mission in America. Many American Christians are not aware that the United States is now the 3rd largest mission field in the world; behind China and India. What can you and your church do to bring the gospel of Jesus alive to the 3 generations of Americans under 40, when only 1 out of 10 goes to church regularly? Come learn how the American Baptist Home Mission Societies is helping American Baptist like you reach America for Christ.
S-2 Creating Community Through Understanding — led by Barbara Anderson, American Baptist Women’s Ministries President, and Sharon Gallo-Dunn from Massachusetts
Join us as we learn about the faith, customs and culture of our Muslim sisters, in addition to how American Baptists have been building bridges through the Baptist-Muslim Dialogue. Through film, literature, and other hands-on experiences, you will gain an understanding of our sisters which can begin to dismantle the barriers between us. Through understanding, we can build bridges towards a peaceful world.
S-3 Creative Giving in New Economic Times — co-led by Linda S. Cassel, CAP® Director of Development American Baptist Foundation, and Rev. Soozi Whitten Ford, stewardship facilitator and executive minister of American Baptist Churches of Indiana and Kentucky
This track will highlight the biblical foundation for money management, even in these challenging economic times. We will look into maximizing generosity while minimizing taxes in our financial and estate planning. Learn techniques that will help us shape the future and become vessels that model generosity while maintaining security for our family and retirement; investment strategies to balance both risk and growth potential; and a look at the social security and health care issues facing women, today. Be surprised at just how well you may be shaped for generosity!
*Bonus for all women who attend these sessions: complimentary book Provide and Protect by Charles Shultz, along with other free resource planning tools.
S-4 Chosen by God to be His Vessels — led by Pastor Sharon Farral, national coordinator of Mission and Service Ministries
…declares the LORD, “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand…” (Jeremiah 18:6b)
Journey with Leah of the Old Testament, Mary Magdalene in the New Testament, and the famous poet and hymn writer Fanny Crosby (1820-1915): God molded each of these women in His hands, prepared by God to be His vessels. Then contemplate the Woman of Proverbs 31; we see ourselves in her and the wisdom of God molding each of us day by day to be His vessels of service.
“Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter. We are all the work of your hands.” (Isaiah 64:8) We will share how each of us is yielding day by day to the love and the will of our heavenly Father as we consider these women of faith.
S-5 Living in the Gap or Laboring in the Rut? — led by Rev. Sandra Wimpelberg, professional trainer and life coach
Consider Romans 12:1-2 as we look at Gaps and Ruts. G A P – Good, Acceptable, Perfect. R U T – Reactionary, Unbalanced, Temporary. A GAP is the space that exists between where we are and where we want to be. And the only difference between a RUT and a grave is the depth! We’ll look at the GAPS and the RUTS in our lives. When God’s Good, Acceptable and Perfect Will is at work in our lives, we will then find that GAPs become life-giving, holy and whole places. The four interactive learning seminar sessions will include a “Wheel of life” reflection guide (looking at areas where our wheel is off balance), “Allowances, Budgets, Checks, Debits...” (looking at areas where our ways don’t balance with our means), visioning and spiritual gifts (finding the “shape” of our calling), and planning the steps of commitment and accountability.
We're excited to offer a national conference experience this year in a comfortable hotel setting at an affordable price. Join us in Nashville, Tennessee, for the time of your life! Meet American Baptist women from near and far, deepen your relationship with Christ, and engage in learning and sharing throughout the six-day event. I look forward to greeting you there! 
Get comfortable in a truly Southern setting at the Millennium Maxwell House, the only music-themed hotel in downtown Nashville featuring distinctive art, design and music memorabilia. The Millennium Maxwell House Nashville is located just minutes from the Nashville Convention Center, Country Music Hall of Fame, LP Field and the shopping, dining and entertainment highlights of downtown.
Visit American Baptist mission sites in Anchorage, Cordova and Kodiak 
Susan Harding
Trevor Jones 
The Rev. Dr. Trinette McCray, past president of the American Baptist Churches USA; executive director of the Office of Vocation Development and adjunct faculty member in Religious Studies teaching Urban Ministry at Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dr. McCray is also a spiritual director and retreat leader in spiritual formation, as well as a published author and extremely popular speaker and preacher. Her experiences in the local church, national church leadership and community affairs, as well as the consulting ministry that she established, named SANKOFA Ministries in Spirituality, make her an excellent ministry resource for the Body of Christ.
Hornrette Washington is the minister of music at the Antioch Baptist Church in Corona, NY. Psalm 34:1-3 is her life theme. Hornrette is a popular worship leader at regional and national gatherings of all ages, and is particularly gifted in creating interactive worship experiences and helping conference participants lead worship themselves.Hornrette recorded “The Essence of Gospel,” a CD that is ministering to listeners all over the world. Her ministry in music will lead you to the throne of grace!
