What's Up, Buttercup?

What’s Up, Buttercup?

The picture here is of the cow who lived outside my window when I was in Kodiak, Alaska. Her name is Buttercup! (See the rest of this newsletter for more info on Kodiak!)

For now, Buttercup and I are looking ahead. This Fall and Advent season, I will be including in my sermons a series of topics which were discussed at our American Baptist Churches, USA Biennial (in June), and which are still being discussed via online forums. These topics are considered by the ABCUSA to be central to ministry in 2017 and beyond. I invite you to come hear these sermons, to be in conversation about them with me and with each other, and if you use Facebook® to join the online conversations!

Here are the topics, and the days I will most likely consider them in sermons:

• Innovative Models of Pastoral Ministry (Sept. 10)

• Anti-Violence (Oct. 1)

• The Gospel in a Rapidly Changing Society (Oct. 15)

• Ending Poverty (Oct. 29)

• Discipleship (November 26)

• The Next Generation of Leaders &/Or Women in Ministry (Dec. 24, 11:30pm)

We live, as the ancient curse says, “in interesting times.” One could despair nightly. Or, we can hold on, to our God and to each other, and use the energy in our times to make the world a better place for our generation and for generations to come.

Together, with Jesus, we are all that is needed. Amen.

Love,

Pastor Steph & Buttercup