VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 8/18/06)-National Ministries seeks nominations for nine national recognition awards to be presented at the 2007 Biennial in Washington, D.C. Awards honor American Baptist individuals or congregations for exceptional faithfulness in ministry.
"In presenting these awards, we recognize the invaluable contributions of American Baptists past and present who have modeled for us the way of Christ-like service. They have inspired and encouraged us in our faith walk as they have humbly shared their time, talents, and resources, all in the name of the One who came not to be served, but to serve," says the Rev. Joel Hawthorne of Silver Spring, Md., chair of the Board of National Ministries' Recognition and Awards Committee.
Nominations submitted by e-mail, fax, or U.S. mail (postmarked) must be received by Oct. 13, 2006 for these awards:
Edwin T. Dahlberg Peace Award to an individual or church for outstanding work for peace; Jitsuo Morikawa Evangelism Award to a layperson for outstanding leadership in holistic evangelism; Rosa O. Hall Town and Country Award to a pastor for exceptional effectiveness in rural ministry; Edward H. Rhoades Urban Ministry Award to a pastor for exceptional effectiveness in urban ministry; New Life Award to an individual or church for ministry resulting in congregational transformation; Richard Hoiland Award to an individual for faithful, effective leadership in Christian education; Luther Wesley Smith Award to an individual for faithful, effective leadership in strengthening Christian education at an American Baptist-related seminary; Kenneth L. Cober Award to an individual for faithful, effective leadership in discipleship education in an American Baptist region; Newton C. Fetter Award to an individual for significant innovation in campus ministry.
A mid-October deadline allows the committee to consider nominations during National Ministries' board meeting in November, when final selections will be made.
For nomination forms, instructions, and criteria for each award, visit www.nationalministries.org (see link on the home page) or call 1-800-ABC-3USA, ext. 2028.
Andrew C. Jayne American Baptist Churches, USA Mission Resource Development http://www.abc-usa.org/