Alabama CBF Enews
May 7, 2020
A Note From Terri
In the past few weeks, we've acquired a lot of new spices in our home. When our son, a graduate student, decided to work and study from our home for the rest of the semester, he brought all of his cookbooks with him. (Both of our kids are incredible cooks!) Immediately, my husband focused on a cookbook called Indian (-ish) by Priya Krishna. To try the recipes, we had to explore and find spices that were unfamiliar to us; but, with them, we've been introduced to Roasted Aloo Gobhi, Bhindi, Green Pea Chutney, and have pretty much mastered a basic Dal. Honestly, as the least-adventurous eater in our family, some recipes I've liked and others I haven't cared for. However, I will say that the very best thing has been adapting to being together at home and trying new things.
I've gained such an appreciation for our ministers and church leaders during these unusual days of adapting during our pandemic. They have learned new skills, been introduced to unfamiliar technical challenges, have struggled to provide pastoral care from a distance, and have, I'm sure, worried about financial challenges and how to care for the lonely. Some of those new skills have worked so well that they are thinking about keeping them as a part of their regular menu and others, well, they can't wait to get back to what feels familiar. Yet, through it all, our ministers have loved their congregations by adapting to change, sown hope through mission engagement in our communities, and have found ways to make us feel like we're part of a larger family. As we worship God together and learn to care for each other in new ways, my prayer is that you will feel God's presence and know you are welcome at the table.
Covid 19-Resources For Churches
Sowing Seeds Of Hope Kept Raising The Bar On Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday, a day set aside to do good and to celebrate generosity, was celebrated this week. Alabama CBF encouraged our fellowship to give to Sowing Seeds of Hope, our rural development partner in Perry County. The goal for the day was $500 and, after that was met, it was raised to $750, and then to $2000. When we went to print, Sowing Seeds of Hope had raised the bar to $1250!
However, Sowing Seeds of Hope, has been raising the bar throughout these weeks in response to the pandemic. SSOH has engaged in incredible acts of ministry - advocating for and securing COVID-19 testing throughout Alabama's Black Belt, providing food for families who are hungry because of loss of work, providing medical care and prescriptions, and helping people pay for their utilities. They've also provided masks for healthcare workers and the vulnerable people in their community.
New CBF Global Resource for Churches
CBF has created resources for resuming to help churches in the process of planning to return to gathering in spaces together. Alabama CBF took part in helping to develop these resources. I hope you will take a look. https://cbf.net/resuming
CBF Podcast
Dr. Sonya Heath, infectious disease specialist and professor from UAB, was featured on the CBF Podcast this week! That important conversation on health and safety as we return to gathering will post this week to the CBF Podcast site: https://soundcloud.com/user-13081408.
CBF Weekly Gatherings
Support Your Local Church
Celebrations
Brad Mitchell
We are excited to announce that Brad Mitchell has accepted a new position in Eufala, AL as a chaplain for Tyson foods. Brad has served these past several years as pastor of Alpine Baptist Church in Alpine, AL. We celebrate Brad and will be praying for him and Cynthia during this time of transition!
This month marks the beginning of Lucas Dorion's 7th year of service as the Associate Coordinator of Alabama CBF. We are thankful for the gifts he brings to the team and the contributions he has made. We celebrate Lucas, his ministry among us and pray for many fruitful years of partnership ahead!
Contact Us
205-835-8117
Lucas Dorion, Associate Coordinator
205-718-9443
Website: www.alabamacbf.org