In and Around ABCOTS Community

As we embark on a month of Native American Heritage, gratitude, men's health awareness, family caregivers, military families, novel writing, and family literacy, we ask that you consider participating in one or more of the following and sharing the knowledge with your family, church, and community. 

 

Healthy ministry leadership depends on preparation, trusted relationships, and the willingness to equip the next generation. Attached are the Judson Press Fall collection, recommended uses, and a brief description.

How can the church respond to HIV/AIDS with compassion and care?
Join Rev. Dr. Justin Shamell and Judson Press Author of 40 Years in the Wilderness: How the Church Can Support Those with HIV/AIDS for a webinar exploring the roots of HIV/AIDS stigma in the church, the experiences of people living with HIV, and practical steps congregations can take to create ministries of compassion.
Rev. Dr. Andrew Wymer will also share ways to include World AIDS Day (December 1) in preaching and worship.

November 3 | Noon CT | Online webinar | $40 | Sliding scale encouraged
Help your congregation move from silence to compassionate action.

How America's churches can lean toward healing and restoration for the LGBTQIA+ community
Join the Justice Dialogues for a powerful discussion exploring how America's churches can lean toward healing and restoration for the LGBTQIA+ folks and have the hard conversations that Rev. Teresa L. Smallwood delves deeper into in her book, Public Theology and Violent Rhetoric Examined in a queer Womanist Critical Ethnography.
📅November 4, 2026 | 🕑12:00–1:00 p.m.

What does intercultural leadership look like in practice? Join ABHMS’s Intercultural Leadership Institute for a public panel on Intercultural Leadership as Transformation and explore practical insights on leading across cultures, building relationships, and strengthening communities.

📅November 5, 2026 | 🕑2:00–5:00 p.m. | 📍The Baptist Church of West Chester | 221 S. High St., West Chester, PA | All are welcome

 

Every life has a story. Every story has a voice. Join Christine Smith for Stories in the Key of Life: Lived Experiences, Fables, and Songs, an interactive webinar exploring how storytelling through personal experiences, fables, and music can shape identity, faith, and community.

Discover how storytelling can help us:
✨ Hear our own voice and God’s voice in our stories
✨ Create pathways toward healing, freedom, and restoration
✨ Bridge generations and cultural expressions
✨ Honor the stories entrusted to us

📅 Monday, November 9 |⏰ 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET | 💻 Live on Zoom |💲10 | Individuals and small groups welcome

Register for Third Spaces and Fostering Belonging for Young Adults, part of the Chosen Generations: Ministry with Young Adults series. Learn practical ways to foster authentic relationships beyond traditional ministry settings.

📅 November 13 | 🕛 12:00 p.m. ET | 💻 Live on Zoom |💲10

 

You Are Not Alone: How writing and spirituality can bring balance to our lives - In the next session of You Are Not Alone, join Judson Press authors for a moderated conversation exploring the connections between writing, spiritual reflection, and personal well-being. Discover fresh perspectives on finding balance amid the demands of everyday life.

📅November 18, 2026 | 🕑2:00p.m. –3:00 p.m.

Faith Forward: The New Frontier of Ministry podcast is now available on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and YouTube, joining Spotify to bring inspiring conversations and fresh perspectives on ministry to even more listeners.

Lastly, save the date for our Space for Grace & Spiritual Caregivers Conference April 25-27, 2028 in King of Prussia, PA. Provide your contact info for the latest updates.

 

Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you have. Let's stay connected.

 

Grace, Peace, and JOY!

Denise Hall

American Baptist Home Mission Societies

ABHMS Resource Associate | p 610.768.2052