ABHCM Members’ Forum

As American Baptists look forward to celebrating our Biennial this month, this is a perfect time at ABHCM to reflect upon those people who make it possible for us to continue our good work day in and day out.

Among the many who contribute to our ministry, the following four leaders will be honored with Special Merit Citation Awards at the ABHCM Breakfast June 26 as part of the American Baptist Churches’ Biennial Celebration in Pasadena, Calif.:

• William Mills Jr., board chair of American Baptist Homes of the Midwest, Castle Rock, Colo. – Bill, as he is known to his friends, displays boundless energy and devotion to ABHM’s work, including his participation in drafting its bylaws, streamlining board meetings and improving participation in the ABHM Foundation.
• Raymond Whitbeck, board member of Baptist Health Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Delanson, N.Y. – Ray’s influence spans generations and continues today as the 90-year-old still serves on the board. His unwavering faith and consistent innovation still contribute to the lives of residents and employees at BHNRC.
• Bill Gillis, chief operating officer of Kids Hope United, Chicago, Ill. – Having spent his entire working life in the service of children and their families, it was only natural that Bill would find himself leading an organization like Kids Hope United. There, his passion benefits countless vulnerable children and families each day.
• Jack Pitkin, board member of Springbrook, Endwell, N.Y. – In addition to active participation with his home church and a variety of charitable boards, Jack continues to devote considerable time, tenacity and sharp thinking to various Springbrook projects, serving as a constant inspiration to those around him.

Along with these formal honorees, we also recognize our members’ staff and volunteers who care for people every day. In many ways, volunteers are the backbone of our organizations’ efforts, giving selflessly of their time and talents to enrich the lives of others. Employees combine their need to earn a living with a belief in service and caring.

If we define ministry as serving others, then our volunteers and staff truly embody that ministry.

Peace and blessings,

Bill Painter
President of the Board
ABHCM

On a recent vacation, I read in a number of newspapers about more and more churches taking an active role in assisting those made homeless by the current economic downturn by helping them find apartments and new jobs.

These efforts are stark reminders that in good times and bad, we as God’s people are called to assist those in need. In Matthew 25, Jesus tells us that when we help others, it is as if we are helping him, saying “As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.”

This call from Christ applies not just to aid for the young and the old, the poor and the marginalized, but people from all segments of society. Even for those more economically well off, there is still a need for social, emotional and spiritual support.

Again in Matthew, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus assures us that God will provide for our needs. But while many ascribe God’s provision to magic or mystery, we must remember that God most frequently provides through other people. As members of ABHCM, we are the caring hands, feet, arms and heart that fulfill the gospel.

Peace and blessings,

Bill Painter
President of the Board

ABHCM

It is my pleasure to introduce ABHCM’s new blog spot and invite you to visit here often! We’ll be posting news, resources, notices, invitations, notes of appreciation and more in this space, for the enhancement of your work and relationships in the ABHCM community.

Please help us enhance our communication and partnerships by responding to posts (click on “comments”). We’ll reply back individually where appropriate, and via this forum when a concern is of common interest to the membership.

We open this new virtual bulletin board with a wonderful word from our Board President, Bill Painter (read here).May God continue to bless our ministry.

Thank you for your part in this!

Aundreia Alexander
Director
American Baptist Homes and Caring Ministries

As I begin to write, the sun is just peeking over the horizon of Seattle and light glistens on Puget Sound. It’s going to be a beautiful day in the Pacific Northwest, one that inspires anticipation for what the day will bring.

It’s the dawn of an exciting new day at American Baptist Homes and Caring Ministries as well. In recent years the board and the executive director have been defining a new path for the association that I believe will increase value to our members. Because of this diligent effort much is happening at ABHCM.

First, and most notably, is our new name. We are a diverse organization of Caring Ministries. Our name now reflects more accurately who we are. In addition to homes for elders, we are children and family services, homes and services for individuals with disabilities, adoption services, child care, foster care, family education and more.

I’m sure you have noticed our new logo. It is more contemporary, but more importantly, it portrays the coming together of individuals to provide a caring shelter for many in need. We are “Creating Communities, Transforming Lives.”

In 2006 the board completed the necessary steps for incorporation as a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit under the umbrella of National Ministries. This status will enhance the association’s ability to create and offer programs that provide support and education for our members.  Programs ABHCM sponsors and supports, such as the Vocation of the Trustee, Faith-Based Leadership Institute, and Spirituality in Life and Work, will continue to be valuable resources for our members.

In 2008 we will partner with Mennonite Health Services in a national gathering of our associations in St. Louis, Mo. This will be the first time in many years that our members have an opportunity to gather on a national level for education, support and networking with other professionals in the American Baptist family.

I wish to extend my appreciation to current and former board members and volunteers who have given graciously of their time and talent to ABHCM. In addition to these faithful volunteers, our staff is a valuable asset: Aundreia Alexander, executive director, and Marge Jones, secretary. Thanks to these caring folks, our association is stronger. It is my privilege to work with these leaders and to serve our members as president of the board.

There are many changes taking place in ABHCM, but one thing remains the same - our commitment to the diverse ministries of American Baptist Homes and Caring Ministries. The board and staff are dedicated to making the association a valued asset and resource to our members.

The sun is up now. It’s time to get busy. A new day is dawning.

Bill Painter
President of the Board
American Baptist Homes and Caring Ministries