Church dignitaries and ministry leaders will gather for the 47th Annual Business Meeting and Rally of the Essex Association of the American Baptist Churches of New Jersey on Saturday, June 10, from 8 a.m. To 2 p.m. at Bethany Baptist Church, located at 275 West Market Street in Newark, NJ. 

The theme for this year's event is "New Beginnings: Growing Where God Has Planted You."   The annual program brings together Baptist churches throughout Essex County.  The keynote speaker for the occasion will be Rev. William Derek Lee, pastor of Imani Baptist Church of Christ in East Orange, NJ.  The workshop leaders include Mrs. Teresa Oniyama, Rev. Dr. Valerie Griffin and Rev. Dr. Terry L. Richardson. The event will also feature health screenings by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey.

This past year we have focused on immigration, domestic violence, foster and adoption care and community outreach.  Under the leadership of Rev. Geraldine Clark, Essex Association Moderator, the association has expanded its commitment to various social issues and community outreach initiatives.

Each year, the Association strives to have new speakers and fresh topics of interest.  "The goals of our workshops are to identify potential pitfalls that hinder our spiritual growth with God, church community, family and friends, " said Rev. Clark.

Registration cost is $10 for adults, $5 for youth (ages 13-19) and free for children 12 and under, which included all conference sessions, breakfast and lunch.  The event is sponsored by the Essex Association of the American Baptist Churches of New Jersey and supported by New Jersey Department of Children and Families, Razac and Stop N Shop.  To register and for more information about the event, please contact Marsha Wilkerson at jenell47@aol.com.