Last week, Joy, Mary Beth, and I went to Atlanta to participate in the New Baptist Covenant Celebration. This was
a gathering of many different North American Baptist groups including the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (of which our church
is a partner), and it is estimated that about 15,000 were in attendance. This was a truly historic gathering of Baptists
and there was so much diversity (theologically, geographically, ethnically), yet a spirit of unity prevailed. It was
such a great time of fellowship, worship, and teaching! We heard Jimmy Carter speak from his heart about helping to
dream up this gathering and what it means to him, as well as from many others involved in politics and/or ministry including
Julie Pennington-Russell (former pastor of NABC), Bill Clinton (yes, THAT Bill Clinton), Senator Charles Grassley, author
John Grisham, and Tony Campolo, a well-known author, professor, and speaker. Mary Beth and I also attended the "Stewardship
of the Earth" luncheon presented by Al Gore and we were challenged and inspired by him and the reminder that the Earth
is God's creation and we have been granted the task of caring for it.
We heard fabulous choirs and inspiring
and heart-breaking testimonies from those who follow Christ in the Gaza Strip and Burma, as well as from those who advocate
for children, the poverty-stricken and those in need of healthcare in our country. My heart was burdened for those who
suffer and who are persecuted, and for all that is still to be done in this broken world. But I was also encouraged
and inspired by all that is being done and the passion with which we all came together- what we do in San Francisco as one
small church may not seem like much, but when it's added to everything that everyone else around the country and the world
is doing to show God's love and bring about justice and equality, it's truly overwhelming and I am reminded that what
we do is more than worthwhile...we are making a difference in the world. We heard and experienced so much, it's
difficult to relay it all to you in words. We were blessed to a part of such a gathering and you were with us in spirit.
I'm adding the link to the New Baptist Covenant website, as well as a link to Julie Pennington-Russell's sermon-
it was so wonderful!! You can also watch videos of many other speakers:
www.newbaptistcelebration.org
Julie's sermon- http://http1.deliveredvideo.com/dv/brainstormlab/thurs_russell.wmv
