AWAB Board Members with special guest lecturer Rev. Dr. Brandon Crowley
Dear Rainbow Circle,
Merriam-Webster defines retreat as: an act or process of withdrawing especially from what is difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable. Well, your AWAB staff and board of directors definitely took some time to withdraw together for three days in Cambridge, Massachusetts. And what a rich and meaningful time we shared. Our annual in-person staff/board retreat began with this year’s lecture by Rev. Dr. Brandon Crowley. His topic was “Black Queer Homiletics and Hermeneutics.” It was a powerful presentation and you’ll soon be able to view it on AWAB’s website.
With Brandon’s provocative words stirring in our minds and hearts, staff and board members engaged in one and a half days of intentional meetings reflecting on AWAB’s accomplishments and achievements in reference to the organization’s current strategic plan. We also considered the goals and objectives we want yet to reach over the next 2 years. These are exciting and energizing times for AWAB.
While no organization is without its challenges, as you know I’m sure, AWAB has organizational momentum in this season which I believe will continue to help us grow and expand even further across the Baptist landscape.
Per Webster’s definition above, AWAB’s staff and board wasn’t withdrawing, per se, from difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable situations, quite the contrary, we did take a breather from the fast-paced nature of AWAB’s work, but as we retreated, I was reminded of some of the social, religious, and denominational realities of our times which, to be frank, can be difficult, dangerous, and filled with disagreeable individuals.
Pictured Above: James Rice III, Communications Coordinator for AWAB leads one of the retreat sessions
Pictured Below: Bob Sittig, Chair of the Board of Directors standing in
Harvard’s Memorial Church site of this year’s Annual Lecture
The ministry of inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals within Baptist life, while energizing, can be hard. Recent letters and statements coming out of American Baptist life have reminded us that welcome and affirmation is not wanted by some. The words in writing by those who believe LGBTQ+ realities are contrary to scripture and tradition, thereby concluding that LGBTQ+ folk are less than human and are outright sinful in nature, are incredibly, deeply hurtful. They are demoralizing.
So yes…I suppose our AWAB staff and board of directors did need to “retreat from some dangerous rhetoric and actions.” But, with a dynamic staff, an amazingly dedicated board of directors, and with generous Rainbow Circle supporters such as yourselves, we will carry on with passion for the welcoming and affirming ministry to which we’ve been called.
I can’t say enough how important and valuable your monthly support is for us. You’re helping make our shared and collective ministry happen. You are contributing to the momentum we’re experiencing. Thank you for being you. Thank you for giving as you do. You are the encouragement we need to move from moments of “retreat” to months of action ahead. Please don’t ever hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or curiosities about our work. You can email me at: brian@awab.org. I can’t wait for next year’s retreat to come around so we can see how much more AWAB has expanded in size and scope.