VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS)-The first annual Disciples' Dinner of the American Baptist Churches of Metro Chicago (ABCMC) took place at Hyde Park Union Church in Chicago, on Saturday, June 10. The theme was "Radical Evangels: Claiming the Promise, Quickening the Pace."
American Baptists from throughout Metro Chicago celebrated a vibrant inaugural event which featured Dr. A. Roy Medley, General Secretary of the American Baptist Churches USA, as keynote speaker. Two hundred and twenty-five individuals from twenty-four congregations gathered in the historic church. Rev. Dr. Larry Greenfield, Executive Minister, presented the 2006 theme with a passionate invitation for attendees to live the gospel as "bearers-of-good-news" in the "Evangel's cause." Dr. Greenfield and musical leader Mr. Willie Pickens, noted jazz pianist, unveiled an original song written for the event.
"Increasingly this region of American Baptist churches is recognizing how radical the claims of the Gospel," says Greenfield. "We realize how we must all quicken our pace to follow Jesus into the beloved community God is opening up for the whole world. We rejoice that Dr. Medley has blessed us with hope and inspiration on this journey of faith as evangels in the Evangels' cause. We pray that we were likewise a blessing to him."
The whole evening focused on Christian discipleship. Medley's message emphasized faithfulness in following the example and teachings of Jesus, even in the face of opposition.
Part of the reason for the event was to honor some of ABCMC's disciples. The event marked the first presentations of four new region-wide awards: The Elmer Johnson Award for Exemplary Service to American Baptist Churches of Metro Chicago, The William A. Johnson Award in Educational Ministries, The Esther Davis Award in Ministries of Social Justice, and The Jitsuo Morikawa Award for Relating Christian Faith to Contemporary Life.
In addition to these region-wide awards, each ABCMC congregation had the opportunity to honor one of their members as a "Daily Disciple." This was to be a person who demonstrated in day-to-day life their commitment to following Jesus as a faithful disciple. Dr. Medley personally presented ministry awards to these individuals and said, "The celebration of disciples was thrilling and life giving! What a wonderful way for a region to capture the flavor of our commitment to radical discipleship by recognizing those everyday saints whose commitment to Christ makes an irrevocable difference in the life of others."
The dinner raised funds for the region's ongoing ministry. In addition, a special offering given at the dinner will be divided evenly between the Office of the General Secretary and ABCMC's new church start, the Sub-Saharan Baptist Church (an endeavor undertaken in partnership with National Ministries, American Baptist Churches USA).
The June 10 gathering displayed Metro Chicago's Asian, Hispanic, African-American, and European-American tapestry of cultural and theological diversity. Rev. Dr. Craig Jenkins, pastor of Beth Eden Baptist Church in Chicago, concluded the evening's program by leading the gathered persons in a song he had learned on a recent visit with ministry partners in the Ghana Baptist Convention. The song rang out in prayerful unity: "Yesterday is gone, a new day is come, do something different in my life."
Andrew C. Jayne American Baptist Churches, USA Mission Resource Development http://www.abc-usa.org/