wfn.org | ABCUSA: AB Women's Ministries Staff Change Announced

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

American Baptist News Service (Valley Forge, Pa. 3/3/04)--American Baptist
Women's Ministries recently eliminated one full-time staff position due to
budgetary constraints.	Executive Director Virginia Holmstrom announced this
week that the development position, added two years ago, will be discontinued
and that Kristine Lutton, associate executive director for development, will
end her employment with the organization effective March 21. 

"Kris initiated a number of fundraising and marketing programs for AB Women's
Ministries that have helped our board build momentum toward its new vision
for ministries with women and girls," Holmstrom said.  She added, "Those
programs will continue to provide financial support."  

Holmstrom noted that the widening margin between costs over revenues prompted
the layoff in order to significantly reduce expenses for 2004.	

Lutton launched "Vital Partners for a Vital Ministry," a funding program for
AB Women's Ministries, in 2002.  The program has resulted in commitments from
almost 200 individuals to date who are regularly contributing on a monthly or
quarterly basis toward the operational needs of the organization.  In
addition to implementing a comprehensive fundraising plan for the
organization, Lutton also managed a marketing plan for resources.  

"I am thankful for the professional expertise Kris brought to her position
here," Holmstrom said, "and pray that God will provide a ministry setting in
which she can continue using her gifts for God's kingdom."

K/2004ABNS/04ABN27

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