VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 04/21/08) - To celebrate the gifts of thousands of volunteers, American Baptist churches throughout the United States and Puerto Rico will recognize the faithful service of their members with American Baptist Volunteer Sunday on May 4, 2008. The Sunday celebrations will culminate a week-long observance, which begins April 28.
Volunteerism begins in congregations with Sunday school teachers, choir members, youth leaders, and Bible school helpers who give life to a church. Volunteers also bring life and hope -- along with God's love -- into our neighborhoods, communities, and around the world.
Lew Kuniegel, a volunteer who served in Chile, shared, "If you have ever considered doing mission work, regardless of what you think your talents are, do it! You will find out that your talents are not what count. It is sharing of the love of being Christian brothers and sisters that matters."
Thousands of individuals -- on their own and in groups -- serve as short-term missionaries in the United States and Puerto Rico, and around the world with National Ministries, American Baptist Churches USA and American Baptist International Ministries respectively. In 2007 alone, more than 2,500 volunteers participated in programs run by the volunteer teams at both mission agencies. With International Ministries that team is Volunteers in Global Mission. With National Ministries that team is Volunteers In Mission. Volunteer Sunday provides an opportunity to thank thousands of faithful believers for sharing their time and talents.
Free resources for Volunteer Sunday celebrations are available over the Internet and from the volunteer office of National Ministries. The packet includes sermon outlines, recognition suggestions, volunteerism scripture references and samples of a recognition certificate and thank you letter. The materials were put together by American Baptist Volunteer Services, a committee made up of several American Baptist-related agencies.
To download these resources, click here. If you would like to order a packet for your church over the phone, call 1-800-ABC-3872, extension 2366 or 2449. Information is available online about U.S. and Puerto Rico mission opportunities and global mission opportunities.
Andrew C. Jayne American Baptist Churches USA Mission Resource Development http://www.abc-usa.org/