The ABCOPAD Minister's Council
Welcomes You!

Greeting from President:
            Welcome to Ministers Council for 2008!  I am very excited about what God is doing in and through our Council this year.  I hope that you will find these plans and upcoming events just as exciting.  
              Many people ask me, “What is the Ministers Council?  What does it do?”  The ABCOPAD Ministers Council is a gathering of pastors, certified lay ministers, students, and retired clergy who work together to support one another in our various ministries.  This takes place through several different ways:  annual membership dues, our annual retreat, providing opportunities for continuing education, and offering a place of connection and fellowship for those engaged in ministry.  
            In 2007, our Executive committee set about envisioning a new ministry that would reach out to pastors and their families in our Region.  Out of that envisioning process, the Barnabas Network was born.  Early in 2008, every pastor in the Region will have a contact from the Barnabas Care Pastor assigned to their Region.  The Care Pastor is there to listen, encourage, advise, share, and be a ministry partner.  The Care Pastor will be available throughout the year and will be a real support to our Region pastors and their families.        
            There will be other special events in 2008 as well.  We want to encourage the pastors in our Region to attend the “Fanning the Flame” national pastor’s conference taking place in Green Lake from April 22-25, 2008.  This event looks to be one with great learning and fellowship opportunities.  We are also planning a brand-new “breakaway” for pastors and families in late Spring.  This event will be held in a central location and will allow us to gather for fun, worship, and relaxation.  Watch the website for more details soon.
             In October 2008, we will gather at the Blair County Convention Center in Altoona for our Region Biennial meeting.  Ministers Council will host a luncheon at that event.  We hope to provide a continuing education opportunity in conjunction with the Biennial.
            Ministers Council is here to serve you and to provide resources to strengthen you and your ministry.   Anytime you have a question or a concern, I hope you will feel free to contact me directly. 

            May God bless you throughout 2008!     

Faithfully,
Rev. Margie McCarty, Ministers Council President