wfn.org | ABCUSA: 'Seek It!' Web Site Is Up and Running

["SCHRAMM, Richard" <Richard.Schramm@abc-usa.org>]

American Baptist News Service (Valley Forge, Pa. 1/12/04)--Detailed
information and resources on "Seek It!", the spiritual discernment process
underway throughout American Baptist Churches USA, now are available at
www.abc-usa.org/seekit/  The site contains an overview of the process, a
timeline, answers to frequently asked questions and downloadable resources
that will assist churches and individuals that are considering
participating.

"Seek It: Finding God's Way for a New Day" is built on prayer and a series
of conversations between two or more people focused on how the transforming
power of God is at work in their lives and in the lives of their
congregations and other groups that make up American Baptist life.
Participants also share the hopes God has placed in their hearts for what
their congregations and groups would become if God moved among us in a
mighty way.  These inspirational conversations will be happening in
congregations, associational and regional meetings, within other ABCUSA
groups of all kinds and one-on-one among American Baptists concerned to help
shape the future of the denomination.  The "Seek It!" conversations will be
shepherded and encouraged by a group of about 70 leaders from local
churches, American Baptist regions and national staff.	Interviews across
the U.S. will take place from December 2003 through May 2004. 

The fruit of all the "Seek It!" interviews will be brought together for an
intensive time of prayer and discernment June 18-21 at Green Lake.  The
"Seek It!" Discovery Team and Task Force will join as many as 180 additional
American Baptist leaders and devote themselves to discerning what God has
expressed through the voices of all the American Baptists who participate in
the "Seek It!" process.  They will identify major findings, develop a draft
vision statement and recommend action steps for responding to the call of
God that they have heard.  The proposals resulting from the process will be
sent to the General Board for consideration in November 2004.

"Seek It!" is a special opportunity for American Baptists to share their
dreams and help shape the future focus of mission within their denomination.
Please visit www.abc-usa.org/seekit/ for important information and
resources.
  
K/2004ABNS/04ABN5 

American Baptist News Service: Office of Communication, American Baptist
Churches USA, P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851; (800)ABC-3USA x2077
/ (610)768-2077; fax: (610)768-2320; www.abc-usa.org;
richard.schramm@abc-usa.org