Hi Friends,  Below is an article by Rev. Soozi Ford.  You can use the link following the article to learn more about the Generous Disciples E-Newsletter.

  Welcome to GENERO$ITY, an American Baptist e-resource for pastors and church leaders, as together we consider what it means to be "nurturing generous disciples to serve as the hands and feet of Christ."
  Several years ago I was invited to lead an ecumenical retreat for women in a small, mid-western community.  I invited them to share with me using the theme, Living Life in the Key of G as we explored the topics of grace, gratitude and generosity in our lives.  The planning team really enjoyed putting the theme into action as they offered only foods that began with the letter "G."  Likewise, they encouraged the worship leaders to find songs that began with "G" or could easily be sung in the key of "G."
  Throughout the experience, we explored and reflected on our experience of God's grace in our lives and our gratitude for all of God's goodness and blessing.  We considered how we might be generous in all areas of our lives, first with God and also with those around us, both near and far.  We were challenged to make generosity a defining mark of our character and lifestyle.
  When I consider the task before us of "nurturing generous disciples to serve as the hands and feet of Christ," I often think that it is as simple - and as difficult - as Living Life in the Key of G.  What could it mean for our families, our communities, our churches and our world if followers of Jesus were known as those who served as the hands and feet of Christ, and whose lives exemplified grace, gratitude and generosity?  Perhaps Paul's words (selected from 1 Corinthians 9:10-15, NRSV) to the church at Corinth would be both shouted and sung, "...you glorify God by your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ and by the generosity of your sharing...Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!"

 Entire Genero$ity E-Newsletter

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Latest Regional News
	Rev. Charles Mercer Honored As Pastor Emeritus: On July 18th the Picture Rocks Baptist Church bestowed the honor of Pastor Emeritus on Chuck Mercer who later that day baptized two of his grandsons.
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	Invitation To Retirement Celebration For Rev. Don Rockwell.  The family of Rev. Don Rockwell has extended an invitation to attend a retirement party on Aug 15th at the Fassett Baptist Church.
	Asian American Baptist Conference And Caucus Offer Inspiration And Enrichment:  News article from the American Baptist News Service.
	Middlebury Baptist Church "Test Drives" Outflow Material: Middlebury Baptist Church (Tioga Association, Northeast Area), led by Pastor Alex Perednia, took the Outflow material for a "test drive" in June.  On July 4, they "left the building" and did outreach during the local fireworks display. Check out the results
	Haiti Mission Trip:  January 15-24, 2011:  Denise Veselicky has published the Registration Application and Information regarding the Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief Mission Trip taking place in January.  Space is limited.
	2010 ABCOPAD Biennial:  The ABCOPAD 2010 Biennial Packets have been mailed to churches as well as families in our Region.  All the information is available on-line including the on-line registration form.  Register soon to take advantage of the free Outflow material being offered.
Upcoming Events Added To The Calendar Please Remember, there are many events on our calendar.  Events occurring this month and additional events can be found on our home page,  www.abcopad.org in the News and Upcoming Events Section
	2010 AB Girls Houseparty:  July 23 -25 in Shinglehouse, PA.  Downloadable registration info, bulletin board flier and more
	Olive Branch Baptist Church Hosting Light the Fire Revival:  Olive Branch Baptist Church will be hosting a three night "Light the Fire Revival" on July 25th, 26th, and 27th starting at 7:00pm each night. Pastor Scott Fairman from Apollo First Baptist Church will be the guest speaker.
	2010 AB Men's Retreat:  Registrations are now being taken for the AB Men's Retreat taking place at Shippensburg University August 6 - 8, 2010.  All you need to register is available on-line.
	Opportunities To Serve In Upcoming Mission Trips Through IM  This news article highlights the many mission trips being offered by International National Ministries.  Maybe there is a trip just right for you.

God Bless.  Mark