ABHMS remains sensitive to uncertain times; continues to plan Space for Grace national event
VALLEY FORGE, PA (1/12/22)—American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) seeks the Lord’s guidance as we plan our national event, Space for Grace, with increased sensitivity during these uncertain times. When planning began, we could not have foreseen what was to transpire with COVID-19’s Omicron variant.
We remain optimistic that uncertainty will turn to certainty, as we continue to pray and to plan for an in-person gathering to be held Sept. 21-23 at the Westin Kansas City (Mo.) at Crown Center. The event will be preceded by the Spiritual Caregivers Conference for chaplains, pastoral counselors, spiritual directors and specialized ministers, Sept. 19-20. Rest assured that both events will follow public health and safety protocols for in-person meetings.
The 2022 Space for Grace theme—“Testify!”—speaks to the need for diverse voices sharing genuine, honest dialogue about issues of Christian leadership, discipleship and justice. Its foundation is biblical: “For it is the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4: 6-9). Those words are particularly powerful given what we face as a nation.
Testify! will offer a place and space for speaking and hearing God’s good news. When we testify to one another in God’s love, our testimonies become gifts of grace that strengthen and affirm the faith necessary for facing the challenges of daily life.
Space for Grace’s enriching learning experiences will focus on Leadership Empowerment, Discipleship, and Healing and Transforming Communities. Inspired plenary speakers will include Rev. Amy Butler, Dr. Eddie Glaude, Dr. Neichelle Guidry, Kathy Khang, Dr. Miguel De La Torre and Dr. Judy Fentress Williams. The Spiritual Caregivers event will feature Dr. Trace Haythorn and Lt. Col. Ruth Segres.
Visit abhms.org/spaceforgrace2022 to learn more and to register for conference updates.
American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.
