OGS Building Dedication

Recently, the ABCUSA Office of the General Secretary (OGS) dedicated it new office site now called the Robert A. Roblee Ministry Building.

As a part of the dedication, the member of the Board of General Ministries also shared a brief time of recognition in honor of Dr. Spitzer’s upcoming retirement, presenting him with a book of letters from colleagues in ministry.

Located about a mile from the former ABCUSA Mission Center, the site will serve as a comfortable and functional site for the ongoing mission efforts of our wider ABC Family. The new ministry building for OGS was funded through a gift of the Robert Roblee family, which had its success in the shoe business.

To honor Lee’s retirement, IM Executive Director Sharon Koh gave Dr. Spitzer a new pair of shoes as he heads into his retirement, referencing Romans 10:15 – “...How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”... It was a fun moment, for sure!

Active Shooter Training

The congregation at FBC Pittsburgh hosted an Active Shooter Training gathering. The Pittsburgh Baptist Association along with sister churches from other associations and even a sister church from another denomination attended the workshop with Sergeant Eric Kroll from the Pittsburgh Police presenting.

Sergeant Kroll did a masterful job sharing valuable information on this challenging topic in a non-threatening and interactive format. The class was especially significant, as everyone remembers the Tree of Life Synagogue shoot that took place just one year ago.

Our own ABCOPAD Regional Ministry Associate for Protect My Ministry Minister Valerie Black was in attendance as she helped coordinate the event. It was great seeing so many ABCOPAD Churches represented at the training.

Hope Beyond Disappointment

Hope Beyond Disappointment retreat with Marie Monville held today at Parkesburg Baptist Church. There were 110 women present representing 4 Associations (Central Union, Delaware, Reading and Harrisburg) with 16 churches represented.

Marie reminded us that God can bring beauty into our lives beyond the disappointments of this life. (Marie Monville was the wife of Amish Schoolhouse Shooter and author of One Light Still Shines.)

Hughesville Baptist Church Installation

Hughesville Baptist Church conducted an installation service as they officially welcomed Pastor Debbie Marker. Many clergy and guests from the Northumberland Baptist Association and ABCOPAD joined in the celebration as Pastor Debbie ( a graduate of our ACTS program and a Certified Lay Minister) begins her first call as a lead pastor. Numerous pastoral leaders from the NBA including the pastor of her home church, Pastor Ron Wagner (Montandon BC) participated in the service.

Following the installation service for Pastor Debbie Marker at the Hughesvillle Baptist Church, the congregation held a reception in the Berger Fellowship Hall, providing an opportunity for everyone to greet Pastor Debbie and congratulate her on her call.