wfn.org | ABCUSA: John Sparrowk, Lay Leader, Dies

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

American Baptist News Service (Valley Forge, Pa. 11/18/04)--John Sparrowk, an
active American Baptist lay leader who with his wife, Cora, established a
major denominational award to honor American Baptists for distinguished
lifelong Christian service, died Nov. 13. 

After Cora Sparrowk served as president of American Baptist Churches in
1978-1979 the Sparrowks inaugurated the Cora and John Sparrowk President's
Award, which is presented at Biennial Meetings of the denomination to honor
American Baptist individuals who "have over a period of years made
exceptional and outstanding contributions to the life of Christ's church; and
in life and service manifest richly the fruits and gifts of the Spirit."     
			    

Among other denominational and ecumenical work the Sparrowks have been
involved in ministries of American Baptist Churches of the West and Baptist
World Alliance.  

Services were held Nov. 20 at First Baptist Church in Stockton, Calif. 
Condolences may be sent to Cora Sparrowk, 2352 Grenable Dr., Lodi, CA 95242.

K/2004ABNS/04ABN124

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