The President’s Ponderings…Fall 2015

by Laura Palada

We recently held our Fall Board Meeting of AB Women’s Ministries of New York State. As always, it was a wonderful time of fellowship and renewal along with the “business” of our ministries. We have continued on a journey began last fall with our Board retreat with Rev. Sandra Hasenauer.

Friday evening of our Board meeting was spent working in small groups considering how we can care for our ministry, the ABW Ministries of New York State. We also spent time considering and making some recommendations on how we can look different regarding our Board and it’s configuration. These are challenging and yet exciting times. At the meeting, in my President’s report, I shared some of my learnings gleaned from the National Board meeting this past June.

The scripture from Jeremiah 29:11 continues to bring me comfort and hope in our journey:   “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”.

I shared information on our new National President: Rev. Angel Sullivan. She currently lives in Florida, but has roots in NYS, Rochester – Genesee Region, and Colgate Rochester Divinity School. She is a delightful younger woman with enthusiasm and a passion for young women.  Our new Eastern Section Geographical Coordinator is Ellen Teague, from Washington, DC Baptist.

Executive Director, Virginia Holmstrom spoke to us about our work on building relationships. Our focus should be “people not programs”. This resonated with me. It’s not about our structure, but how our ministries can help us build relationships.

So I ask you to think about the relationships that you have with other women.

Who have been your mentors? Who are those saints who have gone on before and are now the “great cloud of witnesses” cheering us on?

Now, consider who in your life you would like to build relationships with. It might be a co-worker or a neighbor. It might be someone in your community who needs a friend.

There is much for us to ponder as we seek to re-discover our vision and who we are as American Baptist Women. We voted at the board meeting to update our mission to again align with National ABW Ministries change in mission.

AB Women’s Ministries is a Christ-centered ministry with a commitment to encourage and empower women and girls to serve God.

This is our mission. This is who we are. Can you “See…” it?

Laura