The Passing of Rev. Dr. Lawrence O. Swain
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Dear Friends,
It is with profound sadness that we share with you the unexpected passing of Rev. Dr. Larry Swain last evening. He and Linda were visiting family in Kansas City.
Dr. Swain served as an Area Minister and later Executive Minister of the American Baptist Churches of Ohio until his retirement in December 2015. He returned last year to serve as ABC Ohio’s Interim Executive Minister after the death of Dr. Ernest Jones. He was serving as Executive Staff Coach for the Region at the time of his passing. Dr. Swain was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, outstanding leader, and man of God.
No information is yet available about calling hours or funeral. We will forward that information to you when it is announced.
In Christ,
Rev. Mark Click
Rev. Jane Gibbons
Executive Ministers
Collaborating to Provide Mattresses for Clients of ABHMS Partnering Organization
The importance of sleep is indisputable—especially as it relates to the developing minds and bodies of children and teens. That’s the reason that Mahoning Valley Baptist Association (MVBA), Youngstown, Ohio, partnered with the Campbell, Ohio-headquartered Heart Reach Neighborhood Ministries to provide mattresses to families in the low-income Youngstown metropolitan area. Heart Reach Neighborhood Ministries is a partner of American Baptist Home Mission Societies’ (ABHMS) Community Outreach Ministries.
The organizations had learned from a Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority survey that only 40 percent of apartments in the Kirwan Homes development, Campbell, had enough beds for the number of occupants.
“Children are sleeping on couches, chairs and, in some cases, extra clothing piles on the floor,” wrote Dr. Rudy Braydich, MVBA president, in a report to ABHMS. “Proper sleep translates into better attention in school and reduced health issues.”
MVBA churches raised money to purchase mattresses. Clients from Heart Reach Neighborhood Ministries’ three community centers—Kirwan Homes Community Center; Rockford Village Community Center, Youngstown; and Youngstown West Side Community Center—were invited to apply to receive mattresses. Volunteers from MVBA churches delivered 104 mattresses to residents’ doors.
Read more: Collaborating to Provide Mattresses for Clients of ABHMS Partnering Organization
2019 Buckeye Mission and Ministry Offering
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Since 2009, the "Buckeye Mission and Ministry Offering" (BMMO) has become a significant avenue for churches in the Region to support the ministries of American Baptist Churches of Ohio (ABC Ohio). BMMO helps make it possible for ABC Ohio to serve your church.
DOWNLOAD A BMMO BULLETIN INSERT HERE
Every dollar given to the BMMO goes to support the various ministries that benefit your church (see the list of ministries below). The most significant region ministry is that of the two Executive Ministers, Rev. Jane Gibbons and Rev. Mark Click, who serve faithfully to help in whatever way needed to equip you and your church for ministry.
The Region's theme for 2019 is "Sharing God's Hope for All Generations" from Psalm 78:6-7. "...that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments..."
BMMO gifts help develop, coach, and assist servant leaders. It provides new ministry resources for local churches and helps provide quality ministry gatherings to challenge and grow healthy churches.
Please consider giving to the BMMO in 2019. This is one way your church can partner with ABC Ohio to fulfill God’s mission in your community and beyond. Your faithful giving is appreciated and is needed to serve its member churches. Again, remember that every dollar given goes to ABC Ohio ministries that "help build healthy churches that impact the world for Christ."
American Baptist Churches of Ohio
People, Churches, Ministries
Impacting the World for Christ
Region Ministry Team: The ABC/Ohio staff are experienced and prepared ministry leaders who serve clergy and churches as coaches and consultants in a variety of ministries including congregational transformation, placement, and ministry resources.
Leadership Development: The Ohio Leadership Academy provides a three-year structured learning opportunity to increase and sharpen leadership and ministry skills for the local church.
Student-Youth Ministries: With determination to raise up new generations of disciples and church leaders, ABC/Ohio provides a variety of opportunities including an annual youth convention, youth ministry leader training, and mutual support.
Congregational Development – Transformation: With a commitment to congregational health, ABC/Ohio provides a number of resources to transform churches into ministries that will impact the world for Christ.
Pastoral Placement: The ABC/Ohio staff uses proven and effective resources as they consult with church search committees to discern new ministry direction and call new pastors.
Ministry Gatherings: Several times each year, ABC/Ohio offers ministry gatherings that provide fellowship, inspiration, learning from nationally-known experts, and opportunities to increase ministry capacity.
Ministry Resources: ABC/Ohio manages and awards ministry grants and scholarships for new ministries and outdoor ministries. The staff connects churches with cutting-edge ministry resources.
ARMS: ABC/Ohio commissioned a team of highly qualified Associate Regional Ministers who have agreed to make monthly contacts with solo and senior pastors throughout the region, offering encouragement and providing prayer support. A Youth Ministry ARM is also working with staff to coordinate student ministries in the region. Additional ARMs will be added to the ABC/Ohio team as needed.
We Are American Baptist Churches of Ohio - Our Heritage & Mission
“We Are American Baptist Churches of Ohio – Our Heritage & Mission,” was produced to provide a reminder of our rich heritage, mission, and covenant. The question for our congregations, leaders and pastors is: “What does it mean for you and your congregation to be a member of the American Baptist Churches of Ohio?”
ABC Ohio on Facebook
ABC Ohio is on facebook in addition to our web presence.
Keep up with the latest news, events and information concerning ABC Ohio by clicking the "Like" button on our page.
It's easy to find us! We have our own facebook address at facebook.com/abcohio.
Judson Press Program Rewards ABC/Ohio
American Baptist Churches of Ohio is pleased to announce a new partnership with Judson Press, National Ministries’ publishing ministry for the denomination. “Judson Press Regional Rewards” is an affiliate bookstore program that provides an easy way to generate funds for our region's ministries. Read more to find out how to participate in the program . . .