Annual Session 2024

Saturday, October 5, 2024 | APA Hotel Woodbridge, Iselin, NJ

We are delighted to invite you to ABCNJ’s 54th Annual Session on Saturday, October 5th, at the APA Hotel Woodbridge, 120 S Wood Avenue, Iselin, NJ 08830

Our theme is “HOPE.” Our scripture focus comes from Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” In a world often shadowed by uncertainty and challenges, our hope in Christ becomes a beacon of light guiding us through.

Our Hope Learning Sessions, starting October 1st, aim to educate, inspire action, nurture hope and compassion, and cultivate a sense of belonging in our communities. Each of these sessions invite our congregations and leaders to embody Jesus' teachings through expert speakers and interactive discussions, providing practical tools for local and global impact. We invite everyone to join us in this journey of growth and transformation. Whether you are a longtime participant at the Annual Session or a newcomer, there is a place for you at our Hope Learning Sessions.

Our Annual Session is a wonderful time when the whole ABCNJ family gathers in person to celebrate God's work within us, through us, and among us. Join us and witness the amazing things the Lord is doing!

Meet the Annual Session Speaker

Rev. Dr. Gina Jacobs-Strain

General Secretary

American Baptist Churches USA

  • Rev. Dr. Gina C. Jacobs-Strain was called as General Secretary of American Baptist Churches USA by the Board of General Ministries on November 4, 2023, and her service in this role began on February 1, 2024.

    Dr. Jacobs-Strain’s devotion to the Lord began in her elementary school years when she committed her life to Christ. Previously, she served as Executive Director of American Baptist Women’s Ministries (ABWM) for six years. Under her guidance, ABWM introduced the AB GIRLS program, “Building Bridges and Gateways to Girl’s Future/Hie-STEAM,” an initiative connecting AB GIRLS Christian Curriculum with local STEAM providers, empowering girls to recognize God’s creative potential within them. ABWM has also broadened its Beloved Community and Domestic Violence ministries and now offers seminars and webinars tailored for young adult women nationwide.

    Dr. Jacobs-Strain has held various pastoral roles including Transitional Pastor at First Baptist Church of New Market in Piscataway, N.J., Interim Pastor at St. Paul Baptist Church in Atlantic Highlands, N.J., Associate Regional Pastor for Women in Ministry for American Baptist Churches of New Jersey (ABC-NJ), and serves as an Associate Minister of Christian Education at St. Paul Baptist Church in Montclair, N.J.

    Rev. Jacobs-Strain has been invited as a guest preacher/lecturer at institutions such as Drew University Theological School, New Brunswick Theological Seminary, ABC-NJ Academy, and the Wellness Lounge Webcast. She also contributed to the “Testify: ABC-NJ Devotional” book, published in 2015. In 2016, she co-launched the Christian Education Workshop Series, “Leading Interactive and Engaging Bible Studies (L.I.B.S. TM)” at the ABC-NJ annual Church Officers and Leaders Conference (COAL). In 2017, she initiated a conversation series, “The Intersection of Leadership and Healing.”

    Rev. Dr. Jacobs-Strain earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rutgers University and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Master of Divinity degree from Drew University’s Theological School. She was also honored with the Old Testament Studies Scholar Award from the Biblical Studies Department. In 2015, she received a Certificate of Excellence from Palmer Theological Seminary & ABC-NJ Academy, and in 2017, she completed the Nehemiah-Leadership Program. In May 2020, she attained a Doctor of Ministry from Duke University. She is married to Clifton Strain, and together they have three sons. They currently reside in Morristown, N.J.

Worship Team

Talented leaders from three of our ABCNJ congregations will lead the worship and music at this year’s Annual Session. They deeply love the Lord and take joy in praising God with their voices and their lives. Come and be a part of this Annual Session, where hearts and voices join together in a harmonious celebration of faith and fellowship. Meet the ABCNJ Annual Session musicians... Iglesia Bautista Ebenezer - Xaviel Moronta, Marcos Torres, Damaris Goyanes, Andrea Carrazana-Perez, Catherine Goyenes, Jessica Carthy; Iglesia Bautista la Gracia - Daniel Rodriguez; Primera Iglesia Bautista de Ledgewood - Andres Eduardo.

 

Webinar Leaders: Hope Learning Sessions

Hope and Hospitality: Listening to the Children

Elizabeth Conde-Frazier

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

7:00-8:30 p.m.

  • What does life look like for a child of immigrant parents? What conversations are necessary not only with each other, but also with those who are most vulnerable and least empowered—the children? This webinar will help participants shed light on the reality of life as a child of immigrant parents.

Strengthening the Faith of Parents - Panel Discussion

Denise Janssen, Carmichael Crutchfield, Jessica Young Brown, Virginia A. Lee

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

7:00-8:30 p.m.

  • When parents and congregations help shape the spiritual lives of children together, they are shaping the spiritual landscape of the future. Responding to the challenges confronting our children and those who care for our children today and in the future will require us to seek creative ways to help parents’ faith flourish while resourcing our congregations.

Conversations on Hope with Emerging Scholars

Karen Jackson-Weaver and ABCNJ Emerging Scholars

Thursday, October 3, 2024

7:00-8:30 p.m.

  • Our ABCNJ Emerging Scholars will share their unique perspectives on hope, weaving together narratives of resilience, dreams, and aspirations. Each emerging scholar brings a distinct voice shaped by personal experiences and a deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs that define this season. Through their stories, we will gain insight into the power of hope to inspire change, foster connection, and drive progress.

Abondance D'Espérance : Une Étude de Romains 15:13

La Esperanza Llena Nuestra Historia

monday, september 30, 2024 - 7:00-8:30 P.m.

  • Nous explorerons la signification de l'espérance telle qu'elle est présentée dans Romains 15:13. Nous pencherons sur la prière de l'apôtre Paul pour que les croyants soient remplis de joie, de paix et d'espérance par la foi en Christ. Nous examinerons le vocabulaire critique, le contexte et la signification théologique de la prière de Paul, en découvrant comment le Saint-Esprit nous permet de vivre dans l'espérance. Nous découvrirons comment cette espérance nous unifie et transforme nos vies, en nous donnant confiance dans les promesses de Dieu. Cette étude vous inspirera et vous équipera pour expérimenter la plénitude de la joie et de la paix qui vient de la confiance dans le Dieu de l'espérance.

    Dr. Kenslio Ojentis will help us explore the meaning of hope as presented in Romans 15:13. We’ll delve into the Apostle Paul’s prayer for believers to be filled with joy, peace, and hope through faith in Christ. We’ll examine the critical vocabulary, contextual background, and theological significance of Paul’s prayer, uncovering how the Holy Spirit empowers us to live in hope. We will discover how this hope unifies us and transforms our lives, providing confidence in God’s promises. This study will inspire and equip you to experience the fullness of joy and peace that comes from trusting in the God of hope.

  • Ponentes: Rev. Dr. Joaquín Cruz, Rev. Eduardo Rodríguez

    Moderador: Rev. Dr. Luciano Márquez Jr.

    En este taller, exploraremos los elementos fundamentales de la historia de la iglesia cristiana y los principales puntos del pensamiento cristiano a lo largo de los años. Esto contribuye a comprender mejor las características de la iglesia contemporánea y aumentar la comprensión de nuestra realidad con la esperanza de fortalecer y desarrollar ministerios más firmes y consecuentes. En este taller, contaremos con dos ponentes y un moderador que compartirán su conocimiento sobre momentos significativos y decisivos en la trayectoria del Cristianismo en términos teológicos y eclesiológicos. La presentación se realizará en español.

    In this workshop, we will explore the fundamental elements of the history of the Christian church and the main points of Christian thought throughout the years. This contributes to a better understanding of the characteristics of the contemporary church and increases the understanding of our reality in the hope of strengthening and developing stronger and more consistent ministries. In this workshop, we will have two speakers and a moderator who will share their knowledge about significant and decisive moments in the trajectory of Christianity in theological and ecclesiological terms. The presentation will be in Spanish.

 

General Schedule for Saturday, October 5

Place: APA Hotel Woodbridge, 120 S Wood Avenue, Iselin, NJ 08830

7:30 AM: Registration, Breakfast, & Exhibits

Come early and enjoy a great breakfast as you meet with friends and explore the exhibits!

8:30 AM: Annual Session Program

Clebrate what the body of Christ is doing around the Region and beyond.

12:00 Noon: Visit Exhibits

Spend some time with friends and explore the mission exhibits.

12:45 PM: Banquet Luncheon

Finish our day together with a delicious banquet luncheon and conversations around the table.