American Baptist Churches of Ohio News from our regions around the state.
Rev. Al Wilkes Goes to Be With the Lord
Reverend Allan G. Wilkes went home to be with the Lord on December 20, 2012. Rev. Wilkes once served the First Baptist Church of Tiffin, along with other ABC/Ohio churches. He was born June 10, 1929 to the late Albert and Mary Wilkes in Pittsburgh, PA. He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife Esther Ruth Helman whom he married on October 9, 1954.
TAABA Churches Gather for Fall Rally
The Fall Rally & Pig Roast for all Toledo Area American Baptist Association (TAABA) churches gathered for a Fall Rally and Pig Roast on November 12, 2012 at Third Baptist Church. Everything kicked off with a pig display and photo shoot followed by a wonderful dinner. It was a lively scene as everyone enjoyed fellowship with our sister churches. Worship followed featuring a testimony and report from our International Ministries missionaries Emerson and Ivy Wu. Great music was presented by Third Baptist's Unity Choir and we celebrated the installation of our 2013 TAABA officers. A wonderful evening was had by all! Here is a video report of the evening's events:
Toledo American Baptists Celebrate the Licensing Of Jose S. Abodij
The Toledo Area American Baptist Association (TAABA) is excited to announce the official licensing of Jose S. Abodij at Good Shepherd Baptist Church (Iglesia Bautista El Buen Pastor) in Toledo. The licensing took place on Friday July 20, 2012 at 6 PM. Pastor James Willis and Pastor Truett Fogle were in attendance along with fourteen other church members who celebrated this wonderful event! TAABA continues the work we are called to by nurturing new pastors, churches and leaders in the communities we serve. We are building for the future with God as our guide!
Rev. Jim Kelsey Accepts Call as Executive Minister of ABC-NYS
The Rev. Dr. James Kelsey, American Baptist International Ministries (IM) missionary in Italy, has been called as the executive minister of American Baptist Churches of New York State (ABC-NYS). This announcement was made by the Region Board on Wednesday, July 11. Kelsey will begin serving in this position on August 16, 2012.
Jim’s wife Debbie, also an ordained American Baptist minister, will continue to serve as a missionary with IM. “We are in conversation with the European Baptist Federation and Italian Baptists about the scope of her ministry,” commented Charles Jones, IM area director for Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Debbie is currently on U.S./Puerto Rico assignment.
Read more: Rev. Jim Kelsey Accepts Call as Executive Minister of ABC-NYS
Rev. Mary Miller Called to New Ministry
Rev. Mary Miller has been called to serve as the new Associate Executive Minister of Mid- American Baptist Churches. Rev. Miller has 23 years of experience as an American Baptist pastor, serving congregations in urban and rural settings. In addition to pastoral ministry, Rev. Miller has served as Coordinator of the Conflict Management Network for ABC of Ohio and has been on the faculty of their Lay Pastor Training Program, teaching conflict management and ethics. While serving in Indiana, Rev. Miller was a Field Education Supervisor for Christian Theological Seminary.