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Rev. Dr. Cheryl F. Dudley, Regional Executive Minister

Rev. Dr. Isaac J. Castañeda, Associate Regional Minister

Rev. Duvales Cineus, Consultant for Haitian Ministries

Ms. Yvette Hinds, Controller

Rev. Dr. Campbell B. Singleton, III, Associate Executive Minister

Mr. Geronimo D. Desumala, III, Consultant

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Scripture

A Greeting from our Board President

A Letter from our Regional Executive Minister

Thursday Order — Bible Study (November 5)

Our Bible Study Leader

Friday Order - One Sermon: Four Voices (November 6)

Our Preachers

Saturday Agenda - The Business Session (November 7)

A Responsive Prayer

Minutes

Proposed Budget

Board Resolution

Report: Church Development Committee

Nominations

Changes in Pastoral Leadership

Report: Association of Spanish Speaking Churches

Report: American Baptist Women’s Ministries

Report: Flemister House

Report: New York State Council of Churches

Gratitude

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In Christ’s family there can be no division into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free, male and female. Among us you are all equal. That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ. Also, since you are Christ’s family, then you are Abraham’s famous “descendant,” heirs according to the covenant promises.

(The Message)

Ya no hay judío ni griego, esclavo ni libre, hombre ni mujer, sino que todos ustedes son uno solo en Cristo Jesús.

(NVI, Spanish)

Koulye a pa gen diferans ant moun ki jwif ak moun ki pa jwif, pa gen diferans ant moun ki esklav ak moun ki pa esklav, ant fanm ak gason. Nou tout nou fè yonn nan Jezikri.

(Haitain Creole)

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

(King James Version)

Il n’y a plus ni Juifs ni non-Juifs, il n’y a plus ni esclave ni homme libre, il n’y a ni homme ni femme[a]. Unis à Jésus-Christ, vous êtes tous un.

(La Bible du Semeur, French)

因為 「凡血肉之軀的盡都如草， 他的一切榮美像草上的花； 草必枯乾，花

必凋謝， 惟有主的道永遠常存。」 這話就是傳給你們的福音。

(Revised Chinese Union Version – Traditional)

Ya no hay judío ni griego, no hay esclavo ni libre, no hay varón ni mujer; porque todos ustedes son uno en Cristo Jesús.

(Reina Valera Actualizada)

Faith in Christ Jesus is what makes each of you equal with each other, whether you are a Jew or a Greek, a slave or a free person, a man or a woman.

(Common English Version)

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November 7, 2020 Dear Friends of Faith, When our Regional Executive Minister, the Rev. Dr. Cheryl Dudley and the American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York team chose “GRace” as a thematic focus for this year, I decided that I would spend devotional time reflecting on my own experiences grace. This theme, in God’s providence, is exactly where my faith life needed to be anchored in a year that has brought so many challenges. As the year dawned, we saw American aggression overseas. As the year rolled on, we added new names to the ‘hash-tagged’ list of Black people killed extra-judiciously and often on video for all the world to see. This year, the whole world has watched the U.S. curtain being pulled back, exposing the devastating impact of politicized health policy on vulnerable peoples and communities. I would like to share with you two voices and a song. The first voice is that of the late theologian Dr. James H. Cone. In his book, “God of The Oppressed,” he reminds us that “our survival and liberation depend upon our recognition of the truth when it is spoken and lived by the people. If we cannot recognize the truth, then it cannot liberate us from untruth.” He went on to convey that truth was a way of life, saying “Truth is not reflection and theory, it is Divine action entering our lives and creating the human action of liberation.” The second voice is that of the American novelist Anne Lamott. In her book, “Grace Eventually,” she says, “I don’t understand the mystery of grace – only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it finds us.” In our brokenness, we commit to a truth-full way of life. We see the inequities we have tolerated, the pains we have ignored, and the chains we have imposed upon people because of their identities. Courage, willingness, and the work to face difficult truths present opportunities to experience God’s grace, and the manifold ways the presence of God – in the form of truth and allowed into our most difficult spaces – blesses us and changes us. I believe God’s grace is the power behind the enduring nature of our fellowship as Baptists. It is the “why” of our fellowship and the “how” of our diversity. As noted in our history and still true in 2020 –

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“The American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York reflects the diversity of its cosmopolitan citizenship and mirrors the rich composition of the Church. Every Sunday, multiple languages are spoken in our regional congregations. With new traditions and cultures continually arriving in a city that serves as point of entry for many immigrants, the multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-cultural fellowship of ABC Metro New York makes it one of the most diverse, most heterogeneous collaboratives in the country.” May our spiritual ancestors be pleased that we are “from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne” (Rev. 7:9), and still in fellowship with one another. And, may God be praised for the truth of God’s grace in every corner of our region. I am grateful to the members of the Board of Directors for their leadership, the time given to committee work, and their support of our region. I am ever inspired by our Regional Executive Minister and the ABC-Metro staff. Because of their diligence and creativity, we have been able to pivot so that our in-person meetings could be shifted to virtual gatherings. Because of that, new doors of engagement have been opened for us. Eyes have not seen, and ears have not heard, neither has it even entered our hearts what God has in store for our ministries. The prayers that Dr. Cheryl Dudley has sent up to God, and out to us each day have anchored us in our region, helping us to extend grace to each other even as we have been forced to mourn without ritual or in new ways. We remember all the people we have lost to COVID-19. We lift before God’s face the pastors and leaders who have struggled to offer solace and comfort to grieving people. And we give God thanks for you – for all our churches who, even as you have struggled with your own realities, have graciously shaped ministries to serve your neighborhoods and people in need. Even in these times, because of God’s grace, we are welcoming a new congregation into our fellowship. Welcome Good Hope Baptist Church of Brooklyn. We need your good hope. A song by a young artist Jonathan McReynolds conveys that no matter what happens in the world, truth-full living and God’s grace can change the world if the changing grace begins within each of us: “I needed Your grace more than I thought I ever would. You forgave more than I thought You ever would. I was stronger in my head – But truth is, I need Your grace.” Peace, Rev. Dr. Emma Jordan-Simpson President

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November 7, 2019

In Christ’s family there can be no division into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free, male and female. Among us you are all equal. That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ. Also, since you are Christ’s family, then you are Abraham’s famous “descendant,” heirs according to the covenant promises. (Galatians 3:28-29 from The Message) Beloved ABCMNY Members and Friends, This has been a year like no other in recent memory. Unless, one has been in a coma, no one has escaped the monumental shift of our lives that 2020 has unfolded. However, I believe our faith has been challenged, yet strengthened. Somehow we have acquired the spiritual strength to “keep keeping on” - persevering in Christ - knowing that God’s promises are trustworthy and true, even when our understanding of our work and witness in the world has changed. Sometimes it may seem like we are “dancing in the dark,” but this I know to be still true, God is walking with us through it. Our hearts have broken as we heard of the 100s of deaths within our regional family this COVID19 season. Yet many more who were diagnosed and became ill recovered. We are grateful to God for these recoveries. Others have been impacted by and suffered from other illnesses. Laity and clergy alike have been challenged by the disease. As Christians we certainly have not been exempt from suffering. As those among us have gone on to be present with the Lord, we ache in the experience and memory of losing those in this world who have been dear to us. The Pandemic has changed the way we pray, read and understand scripture and experience God’s presence with us. In our laments, tears, questions and our grieving, we have searched for God’s Grace, and sometimes find it in “real time” and other times we recognize it in retrospect. Our capacity to be adaptive in ministry has unfolded this year like never before. Out of necessity, we have discovered how to be more responsive, present, provide spiritual accompaniment, as well as practical resources to help us live through the pandemics of Corona Virus and social unrest and racism, clinging to every aspect of our physical, emotional, social and spiritual lives. A sage recently said to me, “the devil has been busy, but God has been busier.” This statement may not be the best theologically, but I liked how it sounded and her insistence in saying it. Those of us in the business of God have been amazed that God so far has been able to provide us enough out of a little bit. This year we have still been able to do a few things anyhow.

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COVID19 RESPONSES I have coordinated with ABC regional and national partners to provide a reservoir of resources to help our churches survive or thrive in the time of being sheltered-in. These resources have been emailed to pastoral leaders, churches and posted on our ABC websites. In Spring we hosted a “ZOOM Gloom” webinar to help novices as well as the more experienced gain skills needed in this technology to keep ministries going. Since April, ABCMNY has hosted weekly ministers’ gatherings via ZOOM. Our region’s group of ministers have met without interruption since April 22nd. Similar groups in other geographic regions across the US and Puerto Rico have met or continue to meet, but the ABCMNY group is the only region that meets weekly. This group provides an opportunity for ministers to candidly share, support, and encourage each other in this most trying year. We are grateful to Rev. Margaret Lewis and Dr. Willard Ashley with our partner organization, the Career Development Center in Ministry, who have facilitated this weekly online gathering. The ABCMNY staff team and I have continued to be in contact with ministers throughout these months, and are encouraged by the resilience of our pastors, and their courage to continue shepherding in the midst of manifold trials. As was true prior to COVID19, we have continued to accompany churches despite the pandemic through their pastoral transitions, search processes, and other challenges in churches, including identifying resources for church building repairs, and helping churches manage conflict or grief. CELEBRATIONS We have shepherded inquiries from several church leaders and churches desiring or discerning affiliation with ABCMNY. We will welcome one new church into our fellowship at this meeting. This is a celebration and a blessing to our fellowship of churches. Some pastors began new ministries this year, and emerging ministers have followed through and completed their ordination processes. We celebrate and bless those

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among us who in this season have not denied or delayed the sealing of their call by responding to what God had already begun in them. Since this time last year, 5 persons have either been ordained or successfully completed their American Baptist ordination process. Four will be ordained by their churches as soon as prudently possible. One person also received Chaplaincy credentials through American Baptist Churches this month. Congratulations and blessings to each of these servants of God who have fully proven their readiness for ministry. One church in our region received a COVID19 One Great Hour of Sharing Grant. We are happy to report that two churches have received notice they will receive a Lilly Foundation Grant this year. We were happy to provide references for these churches. Their awards have not been yet announced by the Foundation, so I will not specifically identify them here. We celebrated with Ms. Faye Yarborough when she was commissioned as a Global Servant for International Ministries on June 20, 2020. Her moving commissioning service can be accessed at this link: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inoLGOvT5j0) . We were happy to witness her spirit last year when she was with us, and will remain in prayer for her, and encourage her tangible financial support as she serves as a mentor and teacher at the Teleios Christian School in King Williams Town, South Africa.

PUBLIC MISSION Housing Justice and Racial Justice have been the focus of the public mission work of the Board’s Public Mission Committee this year. There is a humanitarian crisis related to affordable housing in New York City. The percentage of New Yorkers with housing costs exceeding affordability benchmarks were among the highest in the nation. Housing is a fundamental right: it supports the health and well-being of individuals and families. It preserves the integrity, culture and character of our neighborhoods, and averts economic segregation. A part of ABCMNY’s strategic plan calls us to cross racial and economic boundaries to bring people into relationship and support of people who are in need of truly affordable housing. Our fuller Housing Justice statement, which was affirmed by the Board at the October 15, 2020 meeting, will be available on the ABCMNY website as a resource to your church’s interest and commitment to housing justice. Racial Justice in this country has been elusive. The United States is currently and has historically been a hot bed of racial resentment and human suppression. Current acts of racial injustice, infused with the lingering effects of historic racial inequities have converged, and remind us that hatred and violence toward targeted groups remains a constant reality. We read in Genesis 1:26-27 that all human beings were created in God’s image and likeness. Our human identity and purpose are therefore closely aligned to God. Racism distorts the image of God. Jesus taught disciples that the greatest commandment was to love God with all one’s heart, mind and soul and to love one’s neighbor as one’s self (Mark 12: 30-31). To love God and practice racial hatred and violence is incompatible with Christian teaching. Unity and inclusivity are priorities of our church. An ABCMNY GRACE Statement on Racial Justice, was affirmed by the Board at the October 15, 2020 meeting

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and will be available on the ABCMNY website as a resource to your church for their interest in and commitment to racial justice. REGIONAL GATHERINGS Our last “in-person” event this year, held February 29, 2020, was the Orientation to ABCMNY and ABCUSA Life – a gathering for new ministers, licensees, ordination candidates. We were blessed to meet with emerging ministers, of various ethnicities, women and men, and across the spectrum of generations, preparing themselves for ordained ministry. This Annual Meeting is our third online event this year for our members and friends. We began with our first ever Online Spring Rally. We believe our Spring Rally provided comfort and insight for those in the region who participated. If you missed it, or would like to experience it again, follow this link: http://www.abcmny.org/spring-rally. Anticipating we might be able to safely regather as ABCMNY in mid-summer, we announced an idea of a Summer Rally. Our plans for an in-person event were not manifested, but we hosted our first-ever ABCMNY Summer Rally. We were grateful for those who led in our thinking about GRACE-filled Conversations on Race at this Summer Rally. Click here to revisit it: http://www.abcmny.org/summer-rally. We are excited to welcome you back on-line to the 229th Annual Meeting of American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York. We have been planning and preparing for you all year, not knowing until late summer what our meeting platform would be. GRACE has been something we have lived into this year. The traditional understanding of God’s Redemptive Grace and G’RACE, a play on words, acknowledges the challenge and presence of race in the conversation of grace. Persons of various racial-ethnic identities have been assaulted on American soil – and the thirst for justice and the cessation of violence against people of color longs to be quenched in the society and the church. When we envisioned G’RACE as a theme this year, we found that as we needed to adapt along the way; God was ahead of us, and met us along the way. We are grateful for God’s leading. Our Bible study leader, the Rev. Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins, III helped us find ourselves in the reality and mystery of God’s GRACE on Thursday, November 5, 2020, as he taught from the theme’s surrounding context found in Galatians 3. If you missed the premiere of Dr. Wright-Riggins’ study, please tune in at your convenience. You may access it through our site. If you did see the bible study and participated in our time of prayer: we hope it was a blessing and will revisit this valuable study again and again. Our One Sermon: Four Voices time of worship on Friday, November 6, 2020 brought together four (4) different and compelling voices to break open our Galatian 3:28 scriptural theme. Rev. Dr. Marie Onwubuariri, Rev. Trevor Hyde, and Rev. Abner Cotto-Bonilla, and the Rev. Kadia Edwards, Thank you. You embodied the unity in Christ we were seeking.

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THANK YOU! A special word of thanks to the churches that continued to make supporting ABCMNY a part of their continuing regular monthly sacrificial and generous commitment in mission during the Pandemic. So much was uncertain, yet these churches, including Parkchester Baptist Church (Pastor Felecia Smith), St. Paul’s Community Baptist Church (Pastor David Brawley), St Mark’s Baptist Church, and Mariners’ Temple Baptist Church (Pastor Henrietta Carter). Thank you to Madison Avenue Baptist Church (Pastor Susan Grace Sparks) for your quarterly mission gifts. Thank you, to Trinity Baptist Church of the Bronx (Pastor Naomi Tyler-Lloyd), that made a generous early gift in mission before the pandemic rolled in full force. Trinity Baptist Church and The Riverside Church were among the top givers to American Baptist mission nationwide in 2019; Trinity Baptist Church of the Bronx is our leading mission giver at this point in 2020. To the churches that have sent generous mission gifts earlier than usual this year, including Abyssinian Baptist Church, (Dr. Calvin O Butts, pastor); Berean Baptist Church Brooklyn and Raleigh (Pastor Arlee Griffin and Pastor Trevor Hyde) you have helped us get through some lean times. All of our generous givers have provided American Baptist mission a life line. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! May God return manifold blessings to you. Thank you, Rev. Dr. Emma Jordan Simpson, who never imagined serving her first year as President during a pandemic. Your genius and spirit continue to stoke our fires. God sent you. To the officers and members of the Board, may God continue to bless you as you selflessly give in service to our Region and denominational network. Thank you for attending this significant meeting in the life of our region. We miss seeing you face-to-face, but one day, we will. By GRACE, Rev. Dr. Cheryl F. Dudley Regional Executive Minister

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Order of the Evening

Welcome Rev. Dr. Emma Jordan - Simpson Prayer Rev. Kei Okada Scripture Reading, Spanish & English Pastor Miguel Morales Galatians 3:26-29 Introduction to Bible Study Leader Rev. Dr. Cheryl F. Dudley Bible Study Rev. Dr. Aidsand Wright Riggins Preparation for Prayer Rev. Dr. Isaac Castaneda Community in Prayer in Breakout Groups Reassemble A Word about Friday’s Session Rev. Dr. Emma Jordan-Simpson Thanks and Good Night Rev. Dr. Emma Jordan-Simpson

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The Rev. Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins, III, an ordained American Baptist Churches USA minister has served as a pastor, professor, activist, denominational executive and public servant for 45 years. He is the Mayor of Collegeville PA, the Acting Executive Director of the New Baptist Covenant, and the Executive Director Emeritus of the American Baptist home Mission Societies.

Elected on November 7, 2017, he became the Mayor of Collegeville, PA; the first African American, and the first Democrat to be elected to this office. Frustrated with the vitriol witnessed with the 2016 national elections, he was determined to act locally to help overcome divisions of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation and political ideology in his community. As Mayor, he has launched initiatives to connect people across boundaries toward greater understanding.

Concurrently, Aidsand Wright-Riggins serves as the Acting Executive Director of the New Baptist Covenant (NBC), a national multi-denominational Baptist movement founded by President Jimmy Carter devoted to racial justice and bridging theological and geographical divides.

Wright-Riggins served the American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) and Judson Press from 1991 to 2015 as Chief Executive Officer. In this capacity, Dr. Wright-Riggins provided oversight and leadership for 5,800 churches, 1.5 million people, 16 colleges, 9 seminaries, a host of neighborhood action centers, retirement homes and skilled nursing facilities. Upon his retirement, he was designated Executive Director Emeritus of ABHMS, the first time this designation has been bestowed in its nearly 200-year history. Aidsand fueled a daily devotional called “Word and Witness,” and he is the originator of the ABHMS “Passionaries movement” which encourages people to begin their day with three simple questions: How and where shall I follow Christ today? How can I demonstrate Jesus' love and justice today? How can I play my part in practicing the presence of Christ, right here, right now?

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Rev. Dr. Aidsand Wright-Riggins served as a pastor in California for nearly 20 years. Known as “Rev. Ace,” Dr. Wright-Riggins served as pastor of the Macedonia Baptist Church, one of the oldest and largest churches in South Central Los Angeles. Concurrent to his pastoral ministry, Wright-Riggins served as the Director of Peace with Justice with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which bridged civil and human rights concerns between African American and Euro-American communities.

Wright-Riggins serves on the Board of Directors of Morehouse School of Religion in Atlanta, GA; Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School in New York, and the Kaleidoscope Institute in Los Angeles. He is active in the Collegeville Rotary Club, and his local church, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Springhouse, PA. He loves historical novels, blues and gospel music and dabbles in acrylic painting.

Wright- Riggins earned his D.Min. in Family Systems Theory and Organizational Development from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. He holds a Master of Divinity from the Berkeley School of Theology and a diploma from the Ecumenical Center for Black Church Studies. He earned his B.A. in the Sociology of Comparative Religions from the California State University at Fullerton. Aidsand Wright-Riggins was further awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters from Benedict College and Doctor of Divinity degrees from Alderson-Broaddus College, Ursinus College and the American Baptist Seminary of the West.

The Reverend Doctor Mayor Wright-Riggins is married to the Rev. Betty Wright-Riggins, also an American Baptist minister, who serves as a spiritual director and an adjunct professor at Princeton Theological Seminary. Aidsand and Betty have three adult children and are parenting one grandchild.

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Order of the Evening

Welcome Words Dr. Emma Jordan-Simpson Introductions of the Four Preachers Rev. Timothy A. Pantoja Scripture Readings of Galatians 3:28 Rev. Dr. Randy L. Ware (English) Ms. Rosélie Cinéus (French Creole) Music Mr. Troy Ortega GRACE: One Sermon – Four Voices

Rev. Dr. Marie Onwubuariri (Jew or Greek) Rev. Trevor Hyde (Slave or Free) Rev. Abner Cotto-Bonilla (Male or Female) Rev. Kadia A. Edwards (One in Christ Jesus)

Community in Dialogue Rev. Timothy A. Pantoja Regathering in Community to Share a Word Rev. Timothy A. Pantoja A Word about Saturday Dr. Emma Jordan-Simpson Thanks, Closing Prayer and Good Night Dr. Emma Jordan-Simpson

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Rev. Dr. Marie Onwubuariri has been serving as Regional Executive Minister of

ABC Wisconsin since 2014, where she has nurtured a commitment to living into

their diversity across race/ethnicity, theology, socioeconomic status, and

urban/suburban/rural cultures, by seeking to embody an approach that

integrates cultural self-knowing, interpersonal and organizational practices that

affirm the value of and ensure equity for all people, and a deep trust in the

work of the Triune God.

Dr. Marie will be become Associate General Secretary of Mission Resource

Development with ABC-USA in January 2021, where she will have oversight of

fund development, communications, marketing, and public relations.

Dr. Marie has served as Director of Admissions at the Berkeley School of

Theology (BST; formerly American Baptist Seminary of the West), Pastor/staff at

three America Baptist churches in the San Francisco Bay area, ecumenical cross-

cultural competency trainer, volunteer roles throughout the America Baptist

denomination, and an executive in the retail industry in Manhattan and

the Bronx.

Her educational training includes a BS in Business Management at Binghamton

University (NY), and a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry at BST

(Berkeley, CA). She is co-editor of Trouble the Water: A Christian Resource for

the Work of Racial Justice (Nurturing Faith, 2017) and continues to develop her

doctoral work focused on holistic intercultural transformational leaders through

a character-forming spiritual practice of cultural self-knowing and negotiation.

Dr. Marie is excited to join her “home region-ABCMNY” for this event, having

grown up in Elmhurst Baptist Church in Queens, NY.

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Rev. Trevor A. Hyde, Jr. is the Pastor of the historic Berean Baptist Church in

Brooklyn, NY, where Dr. Arlee Griffin, Jr. is the Senior Pastor. Rev. Hyde is a

strategic administrator, gifted teacher, an incisive preacher and an effective

business manager. As the senior administrator for Berean Baptist Church, Rev.

Hyde’s role is to strategically plan and execute a path to successful ministry in the

21st Century. He oversees the church operations including supervision of staff,

management of all ministry servant leaders, planning all special worship services

and programs, oversight of the church’s operational budget, management of IT

services and community engagement.

Committed to community development, Pastor Hyde serves on the Board of

Directors of the Berean Housing Development Fund Corporation (Vice Chair),

Berean Credit Union, the Berean Community & Family Life Center, and Young

Harlem, Inc. (a youth development organization). Pastor Hyde was recently

appointed to the advisory board of Gold Coast Bank. Additionally, Rev. Hyde

serves as a program consultant to Life Support Inc., a therapeutic initiative

geared toward the reduction of gun-violence in the Brownsville section of

Brooklyn, NY.

Rev. Hyde received his B.A. in Business Administration from Metropolitan College

of New York and his Masters of Divinity from New York Theological Seminary. He

is married to Aleshia Hyde and has three beautiful children: Mykah, Amaya,

and Samara.

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Abner E. Cotto Bonilla is the Pastor of Misión Bautista Hispana de Westchester in

White Plains, New York, from 2016. He was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1984.

Over the years, Abner held positions as Treasurer, Vice-President, President of

Youth, Bible school teacher, Coordinator and Educator of the Institute of

Theological Training, and as Pastoral Assistant in the Baptist Church of Mamey in

Gurabo, Puerto Rico.

Pastor Abner has been an educator at the Biblical Institute of the Theological

University of the Caribbean in the Caguas region, Chaplaincy Assistant and Christian

Values Teacher at CeDin (School Laboratory of the Interamerican University of

Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR), and Teacher of Christian Education at the Baptist

Academy of Puerto Nuevo, Puerto Rico.

In his collaboration with the Baptist Churches of Puerto Rico, he was also Promoter

and President of the Union of Young Baptists of PR, and member of the Executive

Board. He was a member of the Intergenerational Think-Tank of the National

Council of Churches USA. He is the current President of the National Hispanic

Caucus of ABCUSA.

Pastor Abner received his Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in Pastoral

Studies from the Theological University of the Caribbean in Trujillo Alto, Puerto

Rico. In the discernment to continue his studies at the Masters level to the United

States, he arrived at Andover Newton Theological School (Newton, MA) in 2015,

and then transferred to Yale Divinity School (New Haven, CT), where he finished a

Master of Divinity in 2018, and a Master of Sacred Theology at Yale in 2019. He is a

member of the Board of Trustees of Andover Newton Seminary at

Yale Divinity School.

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Reverend Kadia Edwards, a native of St. Catherine, Jamaica, answered her call to

ministry in 2002 while serving as a Chapel Assistant at Andrew Rankin Memorial

Chapel at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Kadia is licensed and ordained

to public ministry in the American Baptist Churches denomination. She is a

graduate of Duke University where she received her Master of Divinity. Prior to

her enrollment at Duke, in May of 2005, Kadia graduated from Howard University

with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism. Kadia is expected to graduate

with a Doctor of Ministry degree in December 2020 from Lipscomb University in

Nashville, TN. Her DMin concentration in Theology, Ethics, and Narratives

informs her multivalent methodological approach to racial healing. Currently,

Kadia serves as the National Coordinator for Volunteer Mobilization and Disaster

Response Ministry with the American Baptist Home Mission Societies.

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Saturday, November 7, 2020—10:00 AM Rev. Dr. Emma Jordan-Simpson, Presiding

Welcome Rev. Dr. Emma Jordan-Simpson, President Adoration through Music The Hornrette Washington Ensemble Remembering our Losses Spoken and Silence Rev. Dr. Karen Pickler, Endorsed Chaplain Opening Responsive Prayer Litany Provided Dr. Emma Jordan-Simpson Words from the President Dr. Jordan-Simpson Business Meeting Dr. Jordan-Simpson

AGENDA ITEMS

1. Call to Order: ABCMNY Business Meeting

2. Minutes: 228th Annual Meeting

3. Annual Report Book

4. Proposed 2021 Budget

5. Resolution on the Sale of Property

6. Temporary Adjournment: ABCMNY

7. Call to Order: Metropolitan Baptist Camps

8. Minutes: MBC

9. Adjournment: MBC

10. Call to Order: Baptist Fresh Air Home Society

11. Minutes: BFAHS

12. Adjournment: BFAHS

13. Call Back to Order: ABCMNY Annual Meeting

14. Church Development – Good Hope Baptist Church

15. Nominations: ABCMNY & Flemister House

Music The Hornrette Washington Ensemble Regional Minister’s Reflections Rev. Dr. Cheryl F. Dudley Music The Hornrette Washington Ensemble Blessings of New Ministers, Pastors, Ministries Rev. Dr. Kirkpatrick Cohall Closing Thanks and Blessings Dr. Jordan-Simpson Adjournment Dr. Jordan-Simpson

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Inspired by Galatians 3:23-29

Liturgist: God of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob and Rachel…

Response: And also Hagar, Ishmael, Esau, Leah, and many more not named here.

Liturgist: You created covenants with the patriarchs and matriarchs of old, and also with

those who were pushed out, left out, swindled, or cast aside . . .

Response: To give them hope and to establish a future for them.

Liturgist: People have been invited in or included differently within your Holy Realm.

Response: Now, because of Christ Jesus, we are no longer shackled and constrained by

our identity or social standing.

Liturgist: In our profession of faith and our baptism, through Christ, we are full heirs to

the promises you gave to the faithful in previous generations. Thank you, God

for this marvelous gift!

Response: Hallelujah!

Liturgist: From your Holy perspective, the distinctions and hierarchies that divide us have

been dismantled. We are no longer more or less worthy because of our ethnic

or gender identity, or our economic status. As co-heirs of the promises of God…

Response: Let us sing praises!

Liturgist: The Lord hath promised good to me, His word my hope secures;i

Response: He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.ii

Liturgist: Oh, to Grace how great a debtor, daily I’m constrained to be!iii

Response: Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to Thee.iv

Liturgist: And all of God’s people said:

All: Amen.

Amazing Grace, a hymn in the public domain, stanza from vs 3 Amazing Grace, a hymn in the public domain, stanza from vs 3 Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, a stanza from vs 4 Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, a stanza from vs 4

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Call to Order The Rev. Mark Snyder, ABCMNY President, called to order the 228th annual meeting of the American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York: the successor organization to the New York Baptist Association, the Long Island Baptist Association & the New York Baptist City Society. Minutes Received Rev. Snyder called on the Rev. Timothy A. Pantoja, Secretary, to present the minutes of the 227th Annual Meeting, held November 3, 2018 at Berean Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY. The minutes of the 227th Annual Meeting were accepted by the Corporation as printed in the 2019 Annual Report Book. Rev. Snyder thanked the staff of ABCMNY for its work compiling the Annual Report Book and producing the Annual Meeting. Rev. Snyder additionally thanked everyone who gave countless hours of service to ABCMNY mission and programs, as well as the larger ABCUSA family, and our ABC national, international and regional mission partners. Annual Report Book It was Moved, Seconded and Voted by the members to receive the 2018 –2019 Annual Report Book. Temporary Adjournment: ABCMNY Rev. Snyder temporarily adjourned the business meeting of ABC Metro New York to provide time for the meetings of the Metropolitan Baptist Camps, Inc., and the Baptist Fresh Air Home Society. These two corporations remain active entities in relationship to the American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York, and are also required, as ABCMNY, to hold annual meetings.

The Annual Meeting of the Metropolitan Baptist Camps, Inc., was called to order by the Rev. Mark Snyder, President; he directed the members to the minutes of MBC in the Annual Book. The Minutes of the 2018 Annual Meeting of Metropolitan Baptist Camps were presented to the Corporation. It was Moved, Seconded and Voted that the minutes, as printed in the Annual Report Book, be accepted. President Snyder called the delegates attention to the Auditor’s Report for Metropolitan Baptist Camps as presented to the Corporation. It was Moved, Seconded and Voted to receive the 2018 Auditor’s Report as printed in the Annual Report Book. The 2019 Annual Meeting of Metropolitan Baptist Camps, Inc. was adjourned.

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The Annual Meeting of the Baptist Fresh Air Home Society was called to order by Rev. Mark Snyder, President. Rev. Snyder directed members to the page in the Annual Book where the minutes of the 2018 Annual Meeting of the Baptist Fresh Air Home Society were presented to the Corporation. It was Moved, Seconded and Voted to accept the minutes as printed in the Annual Report Book. The Auditor’s Report for the Baptist Fresh Air Home Society was presented to the Corporation. It was Moved, Seconded and Voted to receive the Auditor’s Report as printed in the Annual Report Book. The 2019 Annual Meeting of the Baptist Fresh Air Home Society was adjourned.

ABCMNY ANNUAL MEETING RESUMES The President, Rev. Snyder called back to order the 228th annual meeting of the American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York. AUDIT ABCMNY Rev. Snyder called on the Rev. Marsha Scipio, Chair of the Audit Committee of ABC Metropolitan New York, to present the 2018 auditor's report. Rev. Scipio directed members to Audit Report for ABCMNY as provided in the Annual Book. It was Moved, Seconded and Voted to receive the Audit Report as presented. Rev. Snyder thanked Rev. Scipio for presenting the Audit Report. PROPOSED BUDGET Rev. Snyder called on the Assistant Treasurer, Brigette McLeod Williams, to present the proposed ABCMNY 2020 Budget. Ms. Williams directed the members to the Proposed Budget found in the 228th Annual Book. She stated that in accordance with our bylaws, the budget for 2020 was prepared by the Finance & Property Committee, and was now being presented for adoption at this annual meeting. Ms. Williams moved that the 2020 Budget, approved by the Board of Directors, be adopted by the members. It was Seconded and Voted to adopt the ABCMNY 2020 Budget. Rev. Snyder announced that with this vote, the 2020 Budget has been adopted. The president thanked the Assistant Treasurer for bringing this report on behalf of the Treasurer and the Finance & Property Committee of the ABCMNY Board. CHURCH DEVELOPMENT President Snyder called on Dr. Lavonne Erskine to bring recommendations to the Corporation from the Church Development Committee. Dr. Erskine referred delegates to the church development committee report in the Annual Book. The Church Development Committee examined and received the approval of the Board of Directors to present the following recommendations to the members for action:

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To remove Day Star Baptist Church of the Bronx from membership in the American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York, due to their non-participation since 2014. The region has lost contact with Day Star Baptist Church since 2014. There is no known current address, phone number or email address for the church. The last known address is 1137 - 45 Prospect Avenue, Bronx. There have been numerous and various unsuccessful attempts to contact the church over the course of years since 2014 to no avail.

To remove Powerhouse Church of Jesus Christ, New York, NY from membership in the American Baptist Churches

of Metropolitan New York, due to their non-participation since 2014. Powerhouse Church of Jesus Christ was started in 1993 as a new church sponsored by ABCMNY, with Rev. Lillian Brown as its pastor. The church moved several times mostly within Harlem. Since 2014, connection has been lost with the church. There is no known current street address, mailing address, email, or phone number for the church. The last known address of the church is 2031 Fifth Avenue. There have been numerous and various unsuccessful attempts to contact the church since 2014 to no avail.

To remove Prince of Peace Baptist Church of New York, NY from membership in the American Baptist Churches of

Metropolitan New York, due to non-participation since 2014. Contact with Prince of Peace Baptist Church, New York City has been lost since 2014. There is no known street address, mailing address, phone number or email address for the church. Their last known address is 1250 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY. There have been numerous and various unsuccessful attempts to contact the church since 2014 to no avail.

To remove Prospect Park Baptist Church of Brooklyn from membership in the American Baptist Churches of

Metropolitan New York, due to their non-participation since 2010. Contact with Prospect Park Baptist Church has been lost since 2010. There is no known current street address, mailing address, phone number or email address for the church. The last known address is 260 East 8th Street, Brooklyn. There have been numerous and various unsuccessful attempts to contact the church since 2010.

To remove Richmond Hill Baptist Church of Richmond Hills, Queens from membership in the American Baptist

Churches of Metropolitan New York, due to non-participation since 2014. Contact with Richmond Hill Baptist Church has been lost since 2010. There is no known current street address, phone number or email address. Last known address is 114-07 91st Avenue, Richmond Hill, NY. There have been numerous and various unsuccessful attempts to contact the church since 2010 to no avail.

To remove Potter’s House Church of Brooklyn, from the membership roster of the American Baptist Churches of

Metropolitan New York because it has disbanded. According to a letter from its pastor, the Rev. Armando Pantoja, the church disbanded in August of 2015 after careful discernment by the remaining members. All of the remaining funds of the Potter’s House were transferred to ABCMNY in 2019 for mission. The church, incorporated in 2000, joined ABCMNY in 2002. The last address of the church is 4614 4th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY.

Dr. Erskine moved that these recommendations be accepted. It was seconded, the motion was passed by the membership. President Snyder thanked Dr. Erskine for the work of the Church Development Committee. ABCMNY BY-LAWS AMENDMENT RECOMMENDATIONS Rev. Snyder presented the recommendations of the By-Laws Committee. The ABCMNY By-Laws were last amended in the year 2000. Although the ABCMNY By-Laws continue to be solid and reliable, by which we govern ourselves, they need updating. The By-Laws amendment recommendation were included as a separate insert in the Annual Book. The By-Laws Committee presented the amendments to the Board of Directors for their approval at the October 15, 2019 meeting, and are now being hereby presented at their recommendations as a motion for adoption by the members. The motion was seconded. The amendments were approved.

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NOMINATIONS: ABCMNY & FLEMISTER HOUSE Rev. Snyder called on Dr. Sharon Downer, Chair of the Nominations Committee to bring the report of the 2019 nominating committee of nominees to the Board and nomination of officers of the American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York for 2020. Dr. Sharon Downer referred the members to the proposed slate of board members and officers as presented in the Annual Meeting Book. The officers and board member nominations were presented. 2020 OFFICERS President Emma Jordan Simpson Vice President Timothy Pantoja Treasurer David Vaughn Assistant Treasurer Bridgette McLeod Williams Secretary Sharon Downer Assistant Secretary Carla Frances Chairperson, Finance & Property Committee David Vaughn Chairperson, Church Development Committee LaVonne Erskine Chairperson, Public Mission Committee Derrick Harkins BOARD NOMINATIONS At-Large Derrick Harkins (2022) Lai Fan Wong (2022) Kings County Althea Bailey (2022) Evelyn Perez-Almonte (2021) Queens County Andrew Simpson (2022) Suffolk County Diego Benitez (2022) Ex-Officio Mary Flowers, ABWM of Southern New York (2020) Ruby Henry, ABWM of Long Island (2020) Noemí Nunez, General Ministries ABCUSA (2020) Tom Ross, General Ministries ABCUSA (2020) Mark Snyder, Immediate Past President of ABCMNY (2020)

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Dr. Downer moved that the nominees of persons to the Board of Directors, and the Officers of the American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York be received. The motion was seconded. Rev. Snyder asked for any nominations from the floor? None were given. The motion passed. Dr. Downer presented the nominations of board members to the Flemister House Development Corporation as presented in the Annual Book. The nominees:

Morine Bowen-Avery (2020) Monte Chandler (2020) Cheryl F. Dudley (2020) Lois Silvestri (2020) Karen D. Lofton (2020) Armando Pantoja (2020) Tom Ross (2020) James O. Stallings (2020)

Dr. Downer moved that the nominees to the Board of Directors of Flemister Housing Development Corporation be received. The motion was seconded. Rev. Snyder asked for any nominations from the floor. None were given. The motion passed. The members of the Board of ABCMNY and FHDC were received with a round of applause. Rev. Snyder acknowledged with gratitude and blessings the service of Board members whose terms will be completed at the end of 2019.

Rev. Myo Maw, Queens County Representative Rev. Marsha Scipio, Kings County

ADJOURNMENT: ABCMNY Rev. Snyder asked if there was any additional business to come before the 228th annual meeting. No further business was indicated. He moved that the business session of the American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York be adjourned. The motion was seconded. The body voted to adjourn the meeting with an “Amen,” and the 228th Annual meeting of the American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York was adjourned.

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AMOUNT

REVENUE:

Support

American Baptist Mission Support $ 123,000.00

Shared Program Support $ 100,000.00

$ 223,000.00

Investments

Dividends $ 421,000.00

Interest $ 3,600.00

$ 424,600.00

Other

Workshops & Seminars $ 20,500.00

Special Sources $ 119,100.00

$ 139,600.00

TOTAL REVENUES $ 787,200.00

PROGRAM & OPERATING EXPENSES:

Ministries For Pastors And Congregations $ 13,500.00

Youth And Community Outreach Ministries $ 1,500.00

Cooperative Ministries $ 2,850.00

Representative Process $ 18,900.00

Shared Program Support $ 3,950.00

Administrative and Program Ministries $ 510,500.00

Support For Ministries $ 235,500.00

TOTAL PROGRAM &

OPERATING EXPENSES $ 786,700.00

Staff Development $ 500.00

TOTAL EXPENSES $ 787,200.00

EXCESS REVENUES OVER/(UNDER) EXPENSES $0.00

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Adopted by the Board of Directors on October 15 200, for Presentation to the ABCMNY members at the Annual Meeting, November 7, 2020

The American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York, a New York religious corporation (hereinafter called the Corporation), in a settlement with the Memorial Baptist Church of West Harrison, NY is the owner of the property located at 136 E Gainsborg Avenue in West Harrison, New York.

WHEREAS, the property located at 136 E Gainsborg Avenue has been vacated and is being maintained by the American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York and is currently unoccupied.

WHEREAS, the cost to the Corporation of the settlement with Memorial Baptist Church, West Harrison, has exceeded $331,128.00 in legal costs,

WHEREAS, $7851.00 has been spent in 2020 to maintain the 136 E Gainsborg Ave property, and $8000.00 has been budgeted for maintenance of the property in the year 2021, and the Corporation has no plans for use of subject premises for its ministries,

WHEREAS, an appraisal of 136 E Gainsborg Ave, West Harrison, NY was obtained in September 17, 2020, indicating “highest and best use” value of the property, and comparison to other real property in the area of location,

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the Corporation to sell said premises and use the net proceeds to further the purpose and mission of the Corporation; it is

RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors recommends the Corporation adopt the following resolution:

RESOLVED, that the American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York sell the real property known as 136 E Gainsborg Avenue, West Harrison, NY, and it is further,

RESOLVED that the Executive Minister and/or President of the American Baptist Churches, or such other officers of the Corporation, as authorized by the Bylaws or Board of Directors, acting singly or together, are authorized and directed to negotiate the specific terms and conditions of the sale, including but not limited to the price in connection therewith, and to execute and deliver on behalf of the Corporation, a deed and all such documents necessary to effectuate said sale. It is

RESOLVED, that the Corporation shall sell the premises at 136 E Gainsborg Avenue, West Harrison, NY at top value at its “highest and best use.”

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York Regional Minister and Officers, acting together, be and are authorized and directed to take such further action as deemed necessary to effectuate the sale of 136 E Gainsborg Avenue, West Harrison, NY.

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The ABCMNY Board of Directors, upon recommendation of its Church Development Committee, recommends to the ABCMNY members at this 229th Annual meeting:

GOOD HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH, BROOKLYN 1051 Rogers Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11226 RECOMMENDATION FOR MEMBERSHIP On September 29, 2020, the Church Development Committee met with official representatives of the Good Hope Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY, to consider its membership application. After reviewing all pertaining documentation, and conducting an interview, the process and dialogue with the church resulted in the following recommendation to the Board of Directors at their meeting on October 15. 2020:

That the Good Hope Baptist Church, located at 1051 Rogers Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, be received in full membership in the American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York and the American Baptist Churches in the USA. All application requirements for membership have been met.

The Good Hope Baptist Church of Brooklyn, NY is the outgrowth of 15 initial members, who started a new church in the neighborhood of Flatbush, Brooklyn. The church was incorporated in the State of New York in January 1984 and currently has 31 active members. In time, several ongoing ministries have been developed, such as Women’s and Youth Ministries, and a feeding program for the community that provide meals twice a month to more than 100 persons. The arrival of its new pastor strengthen these passions, and there are plans to expand those ministries and build a stronger organization for mission.

The church has moved several times, renting various spaces, in search of a more suitable location, which will give them a real sense of belonging in community. Its ministry is organized with a Board of Deacons, entrusted to assist the pastor with the spiritual welfare of the congregation, and a Board of Trustees to carry out the fiduciary responsibilities of the church, as well as several ministry committees. Throughout the years the congregation has found ways to join efforts with agencies to help people with basic necessities.

Rev. Adam Pryce is the current pastor, who beginning in 2015 started preaching and later assumed full responsibilities early in 2020. Rev. Pryce is an ordained American Baptist Minister, who was until recently an Associate Pastor, in the area of pastoral care at the Lenox Road Baptist Church in Brooklyn. As soon as he became the pastor of Good Hope Baptist, he joyfully directed the congregation toward a sound mission identity with the American Baptist Churches. Pastor Pryce is very gifted, with ample chaplaincy experience, and also a Certified Public Accountant.

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OFFICERS

President (2021) Emma Jordan Simpson

Vice President (2021) Timothy Pantoja

Treasurer (2021) David Vaughn

Assistant Treasurer (2021) Brigette McLeod Williams

Secretary (2021) Sharon Downer

Assistant Secretary (2021) Carla Francis

Chairperson, Finance and Property Committee David Vaughn (2021)

Chairperson, Church Development Committee LaVonne Erskine (2021)

Chairperson, Public Mission Committee Derrick Harkins (2021)

KINGS COUNTY

Barrington Foster (Second Term, 2023)

NASSAU COUNTY

Javier Castro (First Term, 2023)

NEW YORK COUNTY

Aleesha Taylor (Second Term, 2023) Itang Hope Young (Second Term, 2023)

QUEENS COUNTY

Karen Jones (Second Term, 2023) Brian Ware (Second Term, 2023)

MEMBERS-AT-LARGE

Jennette Selig (Second Term, 2022)

EX-OFFICIO

Mary Flowers, American Baptist Women of Southern New York (2021) Ruby Henry, American Baptist Women of Long Island (2021) Noemí Núñez, ABCUSA General Board (2021) Tom Ross, ABCUSA General Board (2021) Trevor Hyde, ABHMS (2021)

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Morine Bowen 2021

Cheryl F. Dudley 2021

Karen D. Lofton 2021

Armando Pantoja 2021

Tom Ross 2021

Lois M. Silvestri 2021

James O. Stallings 2021

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Kings Rev. Rashad Moore, First Baptist Church of Crown Heights (Installed January 9, 2020)

New York Rev. Dr. Shane Hilliard, Pastor-elect, St. Luke’s Baptist Church, Harlem (August 2020)

Kings Rev. Adam Pryce, Good Hope Baptist Church (Called February 9, 2020)

Suffolk Rev. Calvin Leander Gibson, Interim Minister, Unity Baptist Church, Mattituck (March 2020)

Westchester Rev. Richard Burke, Interim Minister, Scarsdale Community Baptist Church (September 2020)

Rev. La-Tonia Middleton-Jackson, Convent Avenue Baptist Church, New York

Min. Kendrick Kemp, Judson Memorial Church, New York

Min. Brenda Harmon-Saunders, Queens Baptist Church, Queens

Min. Robin Wilkins, Mariners’ Temple Baptist Church, New York

Min. Stephen Raschaad Hoggard, Abyssinian Baptist Church, New York

Rev. Scott Holcombe, Pastor Huntington Baptist Church, Huntington (April 2020)

Rev. Mark Snyder, Pastor Scarsdale Community Baptist Church, Scarsdale (July 2020)

Pastor Elieser Valentin Iglesia Bautista Evangélica, New York

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Dear sisters and brothers in Christ: What follows is a summary of significant activity carried out this year at by the Association of Spanish Speaking Churches of ABCMNY. This was the 50th year of ministry, the jubilee year of the Association. We are concluding our golden celebration with great gratitude. During this atypical year that we have faced, we cannot deny that the presence of our God was with us, and we have been experiencing his power during this unnerving time. We were challenged in every way and area of our lives, managing to bring out creative ways of being church. Our ecclesial communities were incredibly impacted, and we witnessed moments of pain, anguish, and despair. However, we saw God’s prodigious hand and miracles. According to our strategic plan, we wanted to work on four areas this year: Baptist identity, commitment to the community, generosity in offering, and sacrificial service. Baptist identity: We activated a Leadership Institute to strengthen our Baptist identity. The core teaching of the institute consists of 4 workshops, and this year, we celebrated the third with the theme: denominational structure as a resource for growth. The speaker was Rev. Salvador Orellana from the American Baptist Home Mission Societies, 30 leaders participated in this event. The reviews were great, and we are looking forward to offering the last workshop and complete this dream. Committed to being a community: We held a Christmas dinner for pastoral families convened by the Ministerial Alliance. The First Baptist Church of the Bronx, and its pastor, Miguel Morales, welcomed us, and, together with the other pastoral families made the meeting very pleasant, and a well-deserved time of recreation. We enjoyed an exquisite Christmas dinner, and each family took a gift. We thank the Board of the Ministerial Alliance for planning the event. Social networks linked us and helped us continue to be present in the lives of others. Not being able to meet in person, we were still together through the networks with motivational messages. We were able to conduct our Easter Service online, using videos with messages of hope. We thank sisters Nayeli Caballero and Noemi Núñez, Pastor Diego Benítez, and the Reverends Abner Cotto and Isaac Castañeda for their words of inspiration, and Pastor Gerardo Sánchez for serving as editor.

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Generous in giving and Serving sacrificially: We had the Christmas celebration for our children in December 2019 at Fordham Baptist Church. It was a beautiful experience where the children of our churches enjoyed a fun program planned by the Christian Education Committee. Children enjoyed games, gifts, food and singing. Casa Deborah ministries in Tijuana Mexico and Expect Hope, a private sector-funded non-for-profit that serves women in the Bronx, New York, were earmarked for financial support, and we were able to send 54 basic hygiene packages with toys to children in Haiti. During the first few weeks of 2020, when we recognized the seriousness of the COVID-19, which forced the closing of the temples, we met with the executive committee to see how we could be supportive in caring for our pastors. We were intentional in their care, providing a little financial help to our pastoral families as a gesture of love, in wishing that they would not lack anything. Through the youth ministry, we provided material help to 19 families, which included 76 persons (older adults, adults, youth, and children), including cancer patients. This help totaled $5,988.00. We were able to provide financial assistance to three theological students, 2 seminarians and 1 pastor, who received scholarships for two semesters. In facing the challenge of closed church buildings, God activated the church for service. We did our part in our contributions to help the pastoral families and families of our churches. To God be the glory, and to God be given thanks, Anátalys Gonzalez Rev. Dr. Isaac Castañeda Chair Associate Regional Minister

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The COVID-19 pandemic presented a challenge to the ABW/LI Region Ministry. As usual, we accepted the challenge and adjusted to the new technology of online meetings. In December we plan to do our virtual gift wrapping for our nursing homes and selected shelters. We know that with God’s help, we can do anything. The Women’s Baptist Mission Society of Long Island (WBMS/LI) is part of the regions that are in American Baptist Women/NYS. Our members are churches from Queens and Brooklyn. We have eleven active churches in our group, Our main goals continue to be (1) support our mission and programs. (2) get more churches involved in our ministry, and (3) increasing the AB Girls participation. Some of our highlights for 2020 are: Supported the ABW/NYS Project, “Not On My Watch”, an organization in the Bronx, NY headed by Rev.

Que English, pastor of Bronx Christian Fellowship, to stop Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking through education and training and providing resources to the victims. The ABW/LI Region hosted an information session at the New Jerusalem Worship Center and also made a financial donation to ABW/NY State.

ABW/NYS conference in Rochester, New York, April 24-26, 2020 was canceled due to COVID-19. ABW/LI women were prepared to attend as a group. The 2021 conference is scheduled for April 23-25 in Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, Celoron, NY.

Donated 400 pairs of socks to the Salvation Army Shelter. Our LI region group meets September, October, December (2020) and March, May (2021). Our mission focus for 2020-2021 is Addiction, the mission focus of the national organization. The national organization is presenting webinars on Addiction and ABW/LI members will join and share during our meetings. You may contact Ruby Henry, president of WBMS/LI, or Joyce Barron, ABW leader at New Jerusalem Worship Center for more information.

Mrs. Ruby Henry Mrs. Joyce Barron 135-45 232nd Street 23 Cleveland Ave. Laurelton, NY 11413 Valley Stream, NY 11580

718 949 2574 516 599 0577

Ruby6442@aol.com Barroness0@aol.com

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The American Baptist Women's Ministries has a long heritage of being in the forefront of mission and

ministry with women and girls worldwide. Issues of domestic violence, poverty, equal voice, safety and

security, leadership development, and spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. Scripture text: Isaiah 61: 1-3,

Luke 4: 18-19.

During this period, we have been hit by a pandemic called Covid-19. It has forced us to shelter in place, and

operate differently.

I am grateful to the leadership of our state and national officers of American Baptist Women's Ministries. We

have been provided with outstanding programs (virtual).

The program themes are as follows:

2019-2021 Sisters Seeking Wholeness: This theme will help us to reorder our day to intentionally start with

God and to develop spiritual practices & self-care tools that will enable us to be well and whole.

2019-2021 Mission Focus: Addiction. This theme was chosen in response to the increase in addition in the

United States. It provides American Baptist Women the opportunity to explore this issue, especially its impact

on women and girls, and how our faith calls us to respond. To that end, the webinars on Avenues to

Wholeness, and Addiction have been outstanding. The delivery and content are excellent.

The following are three presentations on "Addiction", and one for "Domestic Violence":

9/24/2020-Cheers (Drink to that) or Not: Let's Talk about Alcohol & Drugs in the Lives of Young Women.

The presenter was Dr. Lynda Morris Parham, licensed Psychologist.

10/22/2020-A Call to Action Addressing Unique Treatment & Recovery Needs of Women in Addiction. The

presenter was Dr. Brenda Edward's, counselor, educator, and psychotherapist.

9/12/2020-Domestic Violence Prevention & Education Virtual Training. American Baptist Women partnered

with Safe Haven Ministries. It provided a safe space to learn ways to support and aid those in our

communities that are suffering from domestic violence. Those who participated gained knowledge, insight,

and skills that are useful in addressing and preventing domestic.

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Even though we face the challenges of Covid-19, a virtual celebration of ABW’s 69 years of ministry was held

on June 11, 2020. There were outstanding speakers and music. Rev. Dr. Zina Jacque was the

speaker. Musically, our own Hornrette Washington, and Jennifer Shaw led. The spoken word was by

Minister Barbara Florvil.

We continue to support Overland White Cross monetarily: Lake Avenue Memorial Baptist Church (Abyssinian

Baptist Church ABWM). In addition, National Support. A monetary donation was given to White Cross -

International.

Association: Due to concerns of safety, plans for regular meetings were put on hold. However, there was a

wonderful meeting/celebration held on March 7, 2020.

3/7/2020 (Abyssinian Baptist Church)-World Day of Prayer: Rise! Take Your Mat and Walk. This was a

celebration of the culture of the people of Zimbabwe. Prayers, readings, music, food, and fellowship. Our

Bible study was led by Rev. Tamara Kabemba.

I pray that everyone remains safe and healthy during this time. Continue to pray for the leadership of our

country.

These are challenging times, put your trust in God and hold on!

Read these words found in Psalm 135:13-14

. . . For the Lord will give justice to his people and have compassion on his servants.

Please join American Baptist Women's Ministries!!

Peace and Blessings,

Mary L. Flowers

President

marylouflowers@gmail.com

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Flemister House is a non-profit agency whose mission is to provide the highest level of

housing and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS in a safe and nurturing

environment which respects the autonomy, dignity, and welfare of all resident members.

FHDFC YEAR 2020 ANNUAL REPORT

The Corona Virus Pandemic this year has brought with it extraordinary challenges for households, businesses and communities and has created economic challenges throughout the world and across America. As Flemister House was met with the same challenges, we are pleased to report that Flemister House met these challenges with great fortitude.

As Covid-19 began to spread across America, the outbreak became a big challenge for us. With very limited information about the virus, so many questions lingered in our minds early on, but Flemister House continued to implement services as effectively as possible and have remained committed to our organization’s long-term mission even during these unprecedented times. We have squarely faced the challenge and have never wavered and perceived it as a chance to support our goals, and make sure our services and activities will continue to bring more benefits to our residents, as we simultaneously address our continued restoration from Hurricane Sandy under the Build-it-back program.

It has been twenty-five years that Flemister House has been providing housing and essential supportive services to individuals with HIV/AIDS, and has since demonstrated a track record of success in improving the quality of life of our residents. Throughout this 25-year legacy of providing flagship services, we have made a significant difference and had a positive impact to the lives of our residents. The congregate environment has enabled residents to effectively: i) obtain optimal overall heath; ii) become independent and productive contributors to society; iii) continue education/vocation; iv) improve their diet and eating habits; v) re-engage with their families, and vi) secure gainful employment.

Despite the many challenges, we continue to flourish by evolving and responding to the changing needs of those we serve. The help of our partners and supporters allowed us to make sure that our programs and activities will bring more benefits to our residents. As we look toward next year, we want to look back and review our accomplishments for 2020. For this year, the following are the highlights of our accomplishments:

Support Services

The pandemic prompted Flemister House to gather all the necessary resources to equip the staff and residents with the knowledge and information needed about the Corona virus. One source is the Human Resource Administration (HRA), which regularly updates and provides detailed publicly available technical guidance for its HIV programs in the context of COVID19. This guidance supports prioritizing continuity of care for people living with HIV/AIDS, leveraging existing health systems and infrastructure, reducing exposure of staff and clients to healthcare settings that may be overburdened, and/or sources for potential exposure to COVID19, and providing flexibility for programs in how to optimally serve clients in areas affected by COVID19. Guided with these materials, we provided our residents with the necessary information about the virus – how it is passed on, how to be protected, how to stop the spread (e.g. washing hands with soap, wearing of mask and social distancing). Likewise, we posted all our COVID19 infographics (i.e. gathered from various sources) in a strategic location, particularly in the bulletin board, which can easily be seen by the residents. The contents were discussed/reviewed with residents during office/home visits. We increased our sanitizing procedures (i.e. hand wipes and sanitizers are made available at the front desk for persons going in and out of the building) and came up with new visitation procedures in consideration of the outbreak. Clients were also provided with personal wipes and face masks.

BOARD MEMBERS Thomas C. Ross, President Ms. Lois Franco Vice President Rev. Armando Pantoja, Secretary and Treasurer Rev. James O. Stallings Rev. Dr. Cheryl Dudley Rev. Monte Chandler, Esq. Rev. Morine A. Bowen-Avery Ms. Karen D. Lofton SENIOR STAFF Rev. Timothy Mitchell, LMSW Executive Director Carolyn Abernathy, Residence Director Allana Joy Richardson. Assistant Residence Director

527 WEST 22ND STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10011 (212) 604-0124 phone (212) 604-0180 fax

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In our resolve to provide the highest level of efficiency and quality in the services that we deliver especially during the pandemic, our Case Management Staff, have been working hard: - engaged with medical providers on behalf of the residents as needed to address concerns about HIV in relation to COVID19 vulnerability; engaged clients regarding on-site and off-site COVID19 testing; integrated COVID19 awareness/practices during office and home visits and involved our clients in the 2020 Census where 90% of the residents participated. While our priority in 2020 was protecting our residents from the virus, it did not deter us from providing other important/necessary support services. We were still very active in providing resource assistance and counseling with regard to employment opportunities and the individual readiness of our residents to pursue independent housing. Given the situation however, only one (1) resident was able to move/transition to independent living this year.

We were also able to work with Housing Works Community Healthcare, in coordination with the New York City Human Resources Administration, to provide free COVID19 testing for our residents and staff on November 4, 2020 at the lobby office in our facility.

Resiliency Improvements

Even during the pandemic, the construction work for the Build-It Back (BIB) project was continued right after the New York City gave a go-signal/clearance for all construction projects to proceed. It will be completed towards the latter part of 2020. The BIB program of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) enabled us to improve the resiliency of our facility and maximize preparedness for future weather emergencies. The project was funded through a “forgivable loan” that has no regular payments of principal or interest; it will evaporate 1/10th a year from completion of construction; and will be forgiven at the end of the 10-year term, provided there shall have been no defaults (i.e. sale, transfer or refinancing of the Property during the loan term) and the project has met all the requirements.

The project for our facility consisted of: 1) relocation of the electrical switch gear from the basement to a higher floor; 2) HVAC alterations; and 3) installation of a generator. While this will not eliminate all potential damage from a natural hazard, we know that this will reduce our vulnerability and enhance the resiliency of our facility. Our enhanced ability will enable us to maintain critical operations and functions in the face of crisis, ultimately leading to reduced costs and misery (particularly for the residents). The HVAC alterations is anticipated to reduce the total energy costs by 30%, thereby improving our cash flow and revenue, and create a greener and more energy efficient environment that will benefit the health, safety and comfort of our residents and staff.

We are moving forward with a plan that will see us through 2021. We are grateful to each and every one of our partners and supporters for our accomplishments and for remaining steadfast in their commitment to our mission and believing in the work we do on every front: to the Chelsea community; Community Board 4 and those organizations (i.e. NYC HRA/HASA; NYC HPD) that have vested themselves in our mission; to the agencies that helped us in our recovery process from the damage of Hurricane Sandy; and most importantly, to the American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York, our partner and sponsor, whose vision continues to live on. None of our work could have been possible without their enduring commitment for supporting our program and services. This unified spirit and civic-mindedness has allowed us to continue addressing our needs and ongoing resiliency. We are excited about what the outlook holds for Flemister House knowing that our supporters and friends are there to guide us and shape our future.

Once again, we would like to profoundly thank, as always, our Board of Directors for their tenacious support, guidance and unrelenting leadership. And, finally to our residents, who have continuously inspired us to realize our objective of helping them restore, maintain and enhance their functioning, self-care, self-responsibility, independence and quality of life.

Respectfully,

Rev. Timothy Mitchell, LMSW Executive Director

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1580 Central Avenue, Albany, New York 12205 www.nyscoc.org 518–436-9319 Fax 518-427-6705 E-mail: nyscoc@aol.com

Report to the ABCMNY Members 229th Annual Meeting, November 7, 2020

The New York State Council of Churches, founded in the late 19th Century, represents 7,000 congregations

across the State of New York. We are comprised of eight partner denominations including American

Baptist Churches, Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Presbyterian Church USA,

Reformed Church of America, Society of Friends, United Church of Christ, and United Methodist Church.

The New York State Council of Churches:

Certifies and supports chaplains in Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Office of

Mental Health and Office for Children and Family Services, as they seek to offer love and hope to so many

who feel hopeless and have had little experience of being loved unconditionally. We urge fully ordained

pastors, including those who may be serving as parish ministers, to consider applying for certification. We

continue to have a chaplain shortage and need qualified applicants.

Advocates for laws and policies, consistent with our denominational partner’s social principles, which

aid people who are poor and the disenfranchised.

+ With the Fiscal Policy Institute and a broad coalition of many organizations, we continue to address the

problem of severe wealth inequality in New York by urging that new revenue be derived from the very

wealthiest New Yorkers to prevent cuts to human services, including Medicaid, while also offering property

tax relief for homeowners.

+ Sponsorship of our Second Annual Statewide Ecumenical Advocacy Day in conjunction with the Fiscal

Policy Institute. 70 participants were in attendance as we focused on alleviation of homelessness,

expansion of affordable housing, retention of new bail and discovery laws, limiting solitary confinement,

stopping wage theft, protecting our courts from inappropriate ICE activity, requiring disclosure in state

agencies of immigrant children separated from their parents, divestment of fossil fuel stocks from the state

pension fund, and proper funding and investment in a clean energy economy. The full description of our

2020 legislative asks can be found by going to www.nyscoc.org.

+ A big feature of our work has been resourcing congregations on COVID prevention strategies and pushing

for needed Federal stimulus to avert the negative effects of the pandemic.

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We continue to sponsor Who is My Neighbor? Seminars in conjunction with the Pace University Land Use

Law Center and Goldstein Hall Attorneys at Law and many others. The seminars, which can be viewed at

www.nyscoc.org, have helped congregations reassess their mission, reach out to their communities and

imagine how they can use their property to helping their neighborhoods be more racially and economically

inclusive. We received a grant from Trinity Church Wall Street in conjunction with Bricks and Mortals

(Reverend Dudley serves on the board), Interfaith Assembly on Homelessness and Housing, and Interfaith

Affordable Housing Collaborative. The grant enabled us to hire a full-time project manager, Rhonda Lee

Davis, and to have dollars for pre-development grants to New York City congregations. We urge

congregations interested in predevelopment help to contact Rhonda at rhonda@judson.org to schedule a

pre-assessment conversation. A key feature of our work is to help congregations advocate for expansion of

affordable housing funding and laws and policies which make such development possible.

We completed a high school trip to Washington DC from February 18-21, 2020. Thirty-nine high school

students and chaperones participated in a seminar arranged by Church and Society of the United Methodist

Church focused on countering racism and visited National Museum of African American History and Culture.

After a trip to India, the Council continues to strengthen bonds with our partner, the Church of South India

and other religious minorities, in their struggle against large scale religious freedom and human rights

violations under the Modi Government. Recent advocacy includes calling on the State Department to adopt

the United States International Religious Freedom recommendation that India be placed on the list of

Countries of Particular concern. You can also see monthly educational videos at www.nyscoc.org.

We thank our denominational partners for their support. For more information go to www.nyscoc.org, 85

Chestnut Avenue Albany, New York, 12210 518-436-9319. The Reverend Peter Cook is Executive Director.

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Abyssinian Baptist Church, Manhattan

Antioch Baptist Church, Corona

Antioch Baptist Church, Jamaica

Assembly of Prayer Baptist Church, Roslyn Heights

Baptist Church of the Redeemer, Brooklyn

Beulah Baptist Church, Manhattan

Bensonhurst Chinese Christian Church, Brooklyn

Berean Baptist Church, Brooklyn

Berean Baptist Church, Raleigh, North Carolina

Bethesda Baptist Church, New Rochelle

Brown Memorial Baptist Church, Brooklyn

Chinese Christian Church-Queens, Flushing

Church in the Garden, Garden City

Concord Baptist Church of Christ, Brooklyn

Devoe Street Baptist Church, Brooklyn

Église Baptiste Communion Fraternelle, Brooklyn

Elmhurst Baptist Church, Elmhurst

First Baptist Church, Riverhead

First Baptist Church, White Plains

First Baptist Church, Bronxville

First Spanish Baptist Church, Central Islip

First Spanish Baptist of Hempstead, Long Island

Friendship Baptist Church, Brooklyn

Grace Baptist Church, Bronx

Grace Baptist Church, Brooklyn

Greenwood Baptist Church, Brooklyn

Greater Calvary Baptist Church, Manhattan

Greater File Chapel, Manhattan

Iglesia Bautista Central, Brooklyn

Iglesia Bautista Cristiana de Soundview, Bronx

Iglesia Bautista De la Gracia, Brooklyn

Iglesia Bautista Hispana de Fordham, Bronx

Iglesia Bautista de el Valle, Central Islip

Judson Memorial Church, Manhattan

Kenilworth Baptist Church, Brooklyn

Lenox Road Baptist Church, Brooklyn

Madison Avenue Baptist Church, Manhattan

Majority Baptist Church, Jamaica

Mariners’ Temple Baptist Church, Manhattan

Merrick Park Baptist Church, Jamaica

Misión Bautista Hispana, White Plains

Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Manhattan

Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, Brooklyn

Myanmar Baptist Church, Flushing

New York Chinese Baptist Church, Manhattan

North Yonkers Community Church, Yonkers

New Jerusalem Baptist Church, Jamaica

Parkchester Baptist Church, Bronx

Queens Baptist Church, Queens Village

Scarsdale Community Baptist Church, Scarsdale

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Second Spanish Baptist Church, Manhattan

Solid Rock Baptist Church, Brooklyn

St. John’s Baptist Church, Manhattan

St. Luke’s Baptist Church, Manhattan

St. Marks Baptist Church, Brooklyn

St. Paul’s Community Baptist Church, Brooklyn

St. Philips Baptist Church, Staten Island

St. Matthew’s Baptist Church, Manhattan

Thessalonia Baptist Church, Bronx

Tremont Baptist Church, Bronx

Tried Stone Baptist Church, Bronx

Trinity Baptist Church, Bronx

Trinity Baptist Church, Brooklyn

Third Spanish Baptist Church, Bronx

The Riverside Church, Manhattan

Union Baptist Church, Manhattan

Unity Baptist Church, Mattituck

Victory Baptist Church, Bronx

Walker Memorial Baptist Church, Bronx

Warren R. Colbert

Cheryl Dudley

J. Gayle Gaymon

Glover Memorial Baptist Church

Arthur W. Harris

Ruby J. Henry

Maureen Hoyte

Doris and Jerome Howard

Network for Good

Jacqueline McMickens

Timothy Pantoja

Marcia Scipio

Campbell B. Singleton, III

Lois M. Silvestri

Union Baptist Church of Montclair

David Vaughn

Catherine Turner-Yeiser

*If you don’t see your church’s name here, please be in contact so we can correct any omissions.

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Baptist Church of the Redeemer, Brooklyn

Elmhurst Baptist Church, Elmhurst

First Baptist Church, White Plains

Lenox Road Baptist Church, Brooklyn

Madison Avenue Baptist Church

Mariners‘ Temple Baptist Church, Manhattan

Parkchester Baptist Church, Bronx

Scarsdale Community Baptist Church, Scarsdale

The Riverside Church, Manhattan

Trinity Baptist Church, Bronx

Abyssinian Baptist Church, Manhattan

Assembly of Prayer Baptist Church, Rosalyn Heights

Bensonhurst Chinese Christian Church, Brooklyn

Berean Baptist Church, Raleigh, North Carolina

Berean Baptist Church Brooklyn

Bethesda Baptist Church, New Rochelle

Beulah Baptist Church, Manhattan

Church in the Garden, Garden City

Concord Baptist Church of Christ, Brooklyn

Convent Avenue Baptist Church, Manhattan

Devoe Street Baptist Church, Brooklyn

Elmhurst Baptist Church, Flushing

Greenwood Baptist Church, Brooklyn

First Baptist Church, Bronxville

First Baptist Church, White Plains

First Spanish Baptist Church, Central Islip

First Spanish Baptist Church, Manhattan

Iglesia Bautista Central, Brooklyn

Iglesia Bautista Hispana de Fordham, Bronx

Iglesia Bautista de la Gracia, Brooklyn

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Iglesia Bautista Cristiana de Soundview, Bronx

Judson Memorial Church, Manhattan

Kenilworth Baptist Church, Brooklyn

Lenox Road Baptist Church, Brooklyn

Madison Avenue Baptist Church, Manhattan

Mariners’ Temple Baptist Church, Manhattan

Misión Bautista Hispana, White Plains

New Jerusalem Baptist Church, Jamaica

Parkchester Baptist Church, Bronx

Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana de Flushing

Queens Baptist Church, Queens Village

Scarsdale Community Baptist, Scarsdale

Solid Rock Baptist Church, Brooklyn

St. Marks Baptist Church, Brooklyn

St. Paul Community Baptist Church, Brooklyn

St. Paul’s Baptist Church, Manhattan

Trinity Baptist Church, Bronx

Third Spanish Baptist Church, Bronx

Unity Baptist Church, Mattituck

Victory Baptist Church, Bronx

Juliette Bowen

Cheryl Dudley

Laurette A. Harper

Doris and Jerome Howard

Maureen Hoyte

Julie Johnson Staples

Rosetta Dudley Tilghman

Union Baptist Church of Montclair

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