Black Church pastors, preachers and laypersons have called American Baptist Churches USA home for nearly two centuries. Our stories and histories are diverse, intertwined and intricately woven. The journey has stretched from the ancient shores of Africa, the Caribbean and Haiti to American slavery, through the tumultuous and riotous 60s and the early 70s, to the hundreds of pulpits across the nation that reflect the changing face of the Black Church today.
Our history provides a rich legacy of faithful witness to the Gospel and calls us to accomplish even greater things in mission in this present age. About 1,200 Black American Baptist churches are poised throughout the United States for the work ahead.
Coordinator's Update
 On behalf of National Ministries, ABCUSA and The Balm in Gilead I want to personally invite you to become an active participant in the 19th Annual Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS March 2-8, 2008. As a participant your church is asked to do one or more of the following:
- Make HIV/AIDS education and awareness the focus of the worship experience on Sunday, March 2, 2008.
- Host an educational program, prayer service, conference, or workshop during the week of March 2-8, 2008 at your place of worship.
- Provide ongoing HIV/AIDS education information and promotional materials for your congregation and community.
- Develop a partnership with local AIDS service organizations, community based organizations, faith-based organizations, public health agencies, and health departments, who are also active participants in the Black Church Week of Prayer.
- Partner with the Balm In Gilead by making a commitment to serve as a community center for HIV/AIDS awareness, education, support, and compassion year around!
Upon registering at www.balmingilead.org or calling 888-225-6243 as an active participant in the Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS 2008, your church will receive:
- Membership in the National Black Church HIV/AIDS Network of the Balm In Gilead, Inc.
- Online access to the Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS 2008 Planning and Implementation Guide, including HIV/AIDS Fact Sheets, Products and Liturgical Resource information
- Access to ongoing technical assistance, training, and capacity building services provided by the Technical Assistance and Training Department of the Balm In Gilead, Inc.
Read/print the complete letter here.
Bearing joyful witness!
Rev. Brenda Halliburton, D.Min.
National Coordinator for Intercultural Ministries
Black Churches Strategist |
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