REGIONAL NEWS

Special Notification About Your Church's Tax Exempt Status

Does your church have a nonprofit tax status?
Is your church classified as a 501(c)(3) organization - which means that the church is exempt from taxation as a nonprofit or religious group?
        If you are a cooperating American Baptist Church in the South, you are eligible to be covered as a part of the Group of Members of the American Baptist Churches in the USA. Your church would not have to go through the complicated process of getting a tax exempt letter just for your church - and yet you would enjoy all of the privileges of the tax exempt status. This inclusion in the ABC group tax exemption is one of the benefits of your church's membership in ABCOTS.  Should your church decide to become a noncooperative member, then this benefit is no longer available.
        If you are interested in becoming a part of the Group of Members of the American Baptist Churches in the USA, please complete the Tax Questionnaire and submit it to:
Ms. Julie Thomas
ABCUSA - BNM
P.O. Box 851
Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851
Should you have any questions, feel free to call the ABCOTS Mission Center at (410) 947-0100.  All forms should be submitted to Ms. Thomas no later than September 1, 2007

ABCOTS CONTINUES AID TO NEW ORLEANS HURRICANE VICTIMS

      The ABCOTS Board of Directors, at its April 25, 2007 meeting, voted to provide 50 households of the Ninth Ward in New Orleans with voucher grants of $1,000 each. These funds will help in their rebuilding efforts. In addition, the Board voted to provide a limited number of voucher grants to ABCOTS churches in Areas V and VI who are still engaged in hurricane relief
projects.
      “We have not forgotten our brothers and sisters in this, the most devastated part of New Orleans”, noted Dr. Walter L. Parrish, II, ABCOTS’ Executive Minister. “Many are struggling to rebuild their lives and this type of assistance may make a real difference.” In the distribution
of these funds, priorities will be given to families who are affiliated with American Baptist Churches in the area. Churches and individuals interested in this effort should be in touch with the Regional Office.

United Mission Basics Giving Through April, 2007

$570,424 - What A Challenge - We Can Do It!
       The ABCOTS goal for United Mission is $570,424. That is far above the largest amount we have ever received! But, if we are to maintain our current level of services, we must reach that goal. We can do it!
ABCOTS has this challenge because the percentage of money returned to our Region is getting smaller. At one time — when we were a new, fledgling region, we received more than we gave. As we have matured, we are assuming more of our fair share of the family responsibility — and that means a reduction of the percentage return. This year that return will be lowered from 8 0.98% to 73.98% - a huge reduction. We are committed to meeting that challenge. We can do it!
It will require the efforts of all parts of our Region: Churches, Pastors, Mission Leaders, Area Program Board Members, Moderators, Regional Board Members, Regional and National Staff persons.
Here’s how you can share in this terrific campaign:
- Pray for ABCOTS in your private time and in public (at worship, etc.)
- Make a personal gift to United Mission Basics
- Encourage your church to increase its contribution to United Mission.
- Enthusiastically participate in your area’s mission enhancement project.
Yes, we can do it! For with God, all things are possible!