VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS)-National Ministries recognizes six churches in three categories for significant donations to the America for Christ (AFC) Offering. Awards were presented at National Ministries' board meeting on Friday.
"Bridges of Promise" awards recognize churches who are new contributors to AFC. Though their contributions may be small, they represent the hope that other churches will follow their lead and become AFC contributors. This year, "Bridges of Promise" recognition went to Dr. Howard McLendon and Mass Avenue Baptist Church, Cambridge, Mass., who contributed $500 in 2004 and 2005. Rev. Douglas Stowers and Mount Calvary Baptist Church, Atlanta, Ga., who contributed $50 in 2004 and 2005 and $100 in 2006, also received the award.
Commitments of churches receiving "Embracing Your Future" awards point to what tomorrow holds for ministry and service in America. Certificates for this award went to Peter Wolf and Bay View Church, Milwaukee, Wis., and Aaron Hickman and Calvary Baptist Church, Newark, Del. With approximately 50 members, Bay View's small congregation ranked 61 in total AFC giving in 2005, experiencing close to a 143 percent increase from 2004 to 2005. Calvary Baptist ranked 46 in 2005, giving $4,046 to AFC. Each of these churches is a longtime contributor to AFC. Among the top 250 giving churches in 2005 on a per capita basis, Bay View ranked 66 and Calvary ranked 44.
Recipients of the "Faith Shaping" award are also consistent, longtime, significant contributors to AFC. The first certificate was presented to Rev. Edwenia Brown and Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Anchorage, Alaska, ranking 26 in 2005. Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church has consistently given $5,000 to AFC every year since 2000. Rev. Wallace Smith and First Baptist Church, Indianapolis, Ind., who ranked 29 in giving to AFC in 2005, received an award as well. This church gave $4,995, an increase of $1,156 from the previous year. For 2006, they have already contributed $3,598.
The gifts given by all churches to the America for Christ Offering benefit many ministries and are appreciated by those who gain strength from their kindness. Tammy Dennis, Development Coordinator for National Ministries, said, "The faithful dedication of American Baptist Churches in support of America for Christ demonstrates the uniting of National Ministries, our regional offices, and the local church as partners serving those in need, along with shaping and developing their faith in Christ."
Andrew C. Jayne American Baptist Churches, USA Mission Resource Development http://www.abc-usa.org/