October 2024: The GRR Gathering was held at the beginning of October. On October 4, Charlene Quint,Esq. presented “A Biblical Response to Abuse” for our Region Ministry Board,Region Staff, and pastors as a continuing education event. Ms. Quint grew up in the GRR, attended Lake Springfield Baptist Camp, and is a practicing attorney in Chicago. She shared how her ministry over the past few years has been to help men and women who have been abused and to educate churches and pastors how to come around them with love and support. Charlene’s presentation was moving and informative. Her presentation is available on YouTube and she will be presenting a webinar for ABCUSA.
On Saturday, October 5, the official 57thGathering of the American Baptist Churches of the GRR began at First Baptist Church of Peoria. We began with our Business Meeting in the presentation and vote of the new President, Charlie Nilon, and Vice President, Brian Hastings. Thank you for agreeing to lead the region for the next few years. Current President, Stephen Jones presented the new covenant and explained the history that brought us to this point. It passed unanimously. The region board is thrilled to have something more up-to-date to share with congregations coming in to the GRR and ABCUSA and to utilize in our congregations to understand who we are as a people as we partner with Jesus Christ to transform the world. A big Thank you goes to Stephen Jones and the team for reaching out to the board, pastors, and leaders for its formation. Stephen shared an address on being “big tent Baptists” on a mission to share the Good News. I gave an address on the Parable of the Sower sharing how we have to workto transform the soil to lead others to Jesus Christ. I also explained how the GRR will be focusing on “Living as a Healthy Congregation” over the next couple of years. We also celebrated 4 new congregations who have recently joined the GRR and ABC family.
The Music Ministry of FBC, Peoria was sensational! Thank you so much for leading us in worship with the choir, handbells, and two praise teams. It was beautiful!!! Charlene Quint was the keynote speaker sharing how the church can minister in the church to those who have been abused and what it takes for abusers to come to repentance. Several workshops were also held to provide helpful tools for church leaders.
The closing worship was presented by Rev. Dr. C. Jeff Woods, Associate General Secretary of ABCUSA. He preached following the theme and offered encouragement as we minister to a hurting and broken world. We finished with sharing communion together.
I am grateful for the endless hours our Administrator Nancy Fromme spent working on this event; Kim Runkle for designing the conference book; Rob Collins and FBC Peoria for your willingness to say yes and how you went above and beyond to make this a blessed event. You are truly appreciated! We also collected a full trailer of religious books and materials for Love Packages. They were thrilled with your donations. This is something we will continue to do in the future!
I am so blessed to serve as your Executive Minister. It’s always fantastic when we come together as a family. There will be webinars, smaller conferences and events in the future. Be watching! The 2026 Biennial Gathering will be held at FBC Bloomington October 23 AND 24. Please mark your calendars now!
Patty
