Reasons I/We Are Grateful for ABCORI
A series of brief testimonies from individuals and churches
A series of brief testimonies from individuals and churches
January 2, 2025
There are many reasons (and perhaps more than I could have ever imagined) why I’m grateful for ABCORI. Chief among them is Elder Care Ministries. Over the past several years I have taken advantage of the opportunity to attend several workshops/retreats and have never been disappointed with the presenter (Rev. Kathryn Palen) and the topic being presented.
Finding a New Sense of Balance, a Third Third of Life retreat I attended in March 2023, is an event that stands out for me. This presentation helped me see new possibilities as to how I live my life and serve in my church, the community, and even at home. Having been blessed to live long enough to proudly claim I am in the third third of life, this workshop enabled me to more fully understand and appreciate the importance of not having to say “yes” each time I am asked to do something but rather ponder the request prayerfully before giving a response—especially when it turns out that my response is going to be “no”—without feeling guilty. This workshop further helped me understand the importance of finding JOY in whatever task I engage so I may bring JOY to others.
Yes, I am indeed grateful for ABCORI and its ministries that have afforded me opportunities to learn and grow as a part of God’s kingdom building and sharing.
Ann McGloshen
Olney Street Baptist Church
There are many reasons (and perhaps more than I could have ever imagined) why I’m grateful for ABCORI. Chief among them is Elder Care Ministries. Over the past several years I have taken advantage of the opportunity to attend several workshops/retreats and have never been disappointed with the presenter (Rev. Kathryn Palen) and the topic being presented.
Finding a New Sense of Balance, a Third Third of Life retreat I attended in March 2023, is an event that stands out for me. This presentation helped me see new possibilities as to how I live my life and serve in my church, the community, and even at home. Having been blessed to live long enough to proudly claim I am in the third third of life, this workshop enabled me to more fully understand and appreciate the importance of not having to say “yes” each time I am asked to do something but rather ponder the request prayerfully before giving a response—especially when it turns out that my response is going to be “no”—without feeling guilty. This workshop further helped me understand the importance of finding JOY in whatever task I engage so I may bring JOY to others.
Yes, I am indeed grateful for ABCORI and its ministries that have afforded me opportunities to learn and grow as a part of God’s kingdom building and sharing.
Ann McGloshen
Olney Street Baptist Church
December 20, 2024
One of the reasons we at the First Baptist Church in America are grateful for the American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island is for the facilitation of a congregational retreat by the Rev. Dr. Courtny Davis Olds at the Meeting House last year. During the session, she helped us to hold space to recall our best practices from the past while leaning into our common vision of how we intend to continue to live as church in this moment and going forward. This workshop enabled us to clarify our common call as a congregation consistent with the throughline of our church’s mission of religious liberty and hospitality over time. At the end of the day, participants left emboldened to lean more wholeheartedly into where we discerned the Spirit leading our congregation.
We recognized the value of inviting someone in to facilitate who was not a member of our congregation, yet found many consultants sought to engage in a process that was either too intensive or cost prohibitive. Church leadership was able to tailor a day long retreat with Courtny that best suited our needs and her particular skills. We are grateful for the support extended to our congregation in this capacity by our local denominational leadership.
Rev. Dr. Jamie P. Washam
Minister, First Baptist Church in America
One of the reasons we at the First Baptist Church in America are grateful for the American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island is for the facilitation of a congregational retreat by the Rev. Dr. Courtny Davis Olds at the Meeting House last year. During the session, she helped us to hold space to recall our best practices from the past while leaning into our common vision of how we intend to continue to live as church in this moment and going forward. This workshop enabled us to clarify our common call as a congregation consistent with the throughline of our church’s mission of religious liberty and hospitality over time. At the end of the day, participants left emboldened to lean more wholeheartedly into where we discerned the Spirit leading our congregation.
We recognized the value of inviting someone in to facilitate who was not a member of our congregation, yet found many consultants sought to engage in a process that was either too intensive or cost prohibitive. Church leadership was able to tailor a day long retreat with Courtny that best suited our needs and her particular skills. We are grateful for the support extended to our congregation in this capacity by our local denominational leadership.
Rev. Dr. Jamie P. Washam
Minister, First Baptist Church in America
November 15, 2024
I arrived in Rhode Island as a permanent resident in July 2022, having served for about 20 years as an ordained Baptist minister in Jamaica. I was unsure of how God would use me, but I made sure my steps were ordered by God.
My first exposure to the acronym ABCORI came via a visit and discussion with Rev. Dr. Jamie Washam, pastor of the First Baptist Church in America, for which I am thankful. Within days after contacting the ABCORI office, the executive minister, Rev. Dr. Courtny Davis Olds, sent me an email asking me to join her for a Zoom meeting. During the Zoom conference, Rev. Dr. Courtny gave me a warm welcome to Rhode Island, allowed me to share my call journey, and explained the steps I would need for recognition of standing of my ordination.
I am appreciative of the opportunity to participate in events organized by ABCORI, such as the Clergy Ethics and Healthy Boundaries workshop and the August 2023 weekend mission retreat, which gave me a greater understanding of my context. My inclusion on the ABCORI pulpit supply list and ultimately being invited to share before the Standing Committee on Ordained Ministry gave me so much confidence and reassurance that God’s call to ministry was still on my life, as I received recognition of my ordination.
ABCORI and its officers have been great facilitators in the process of my spiritual growth and renewed self-discovery; to which I am eternally grateful.
Rev. Michael A. Campbell
Pastor, Congdon Street Baptist Church, Providence
I arrived in Rhode Island as a permanent resident in July 2022, having served for about 20 years as an ordained Baptist minister in Jamaica. I was unsure of how God would use me, but I made sure my steps were ordered by God.
My first exposure to the acronym ABCORI came via a visit and discussion with Rev. Dr. Jamie Washam, pastor of the First Baptist Church in America, for which I am thankful. Within days after contacting the ABCORI office, the executive minister, Rev. Dr. Courtny Davis Olds, sent me an email asking me to join her for a Zoom meeting. During the Zoom conference, Rev. Dr. Courtny gave me a warm welcome to Rhode Island, allowed me to share my call journey, and explained the steps I would need for recognition of standing of my ordination.
I am appreciative of the opportunity to participate in events organized by ABCORI, such as the Clergy Ethics and Healthy Boundaries workshop and the August 2023 weekend mission retreat, which gave me a greater understanding of my context. My inclusion on the ABCORI pulpit supply list and ultimately being invited to share before the Standing Committee on Ordained Ministry gave me so much confidence and reassurance that God’s call to ministry was still on my life, as I received recognition of my ordination.
ABCORI and its officers have been great facilitators in the process of my spiritual growth and renewed self-discovery; to which I am eternally grateful.
Rev. Michael A. Campbell
Pastor, Congdon Street Baptist Church, Providence
November 1, 2024
One of the reasons we’re grateful for ABCORI is because of the wonderful support they gave us at Cross Mills Baptist Church during a very challenging year. Our pastor, Rev. Linda Moore, has had two serious back surgeries and a life-threatening infection during the past 12 months. This caused her much suffering, and she needed many weeks of recovery and healing time.
During those times of worry and prayer and planning for supply pastors, Rev. Kathryn Palen and Rev. Courtny Davis Olds were both very supportive and helpful to us. Both offered to find pulpit supply ministers for us if we needed help. Rev. Palen volunteered to preach for us several times, and we were grateful for her loving support, understanding, and messages. Thankfully, our dear minister is back with us and is healing well, but it is wonderful to know ABCORI is there to offer guidance and support whenever we need it.
Nora Safford
Moderator, Cross Mills Baptist Church, Charlestown
One of the reasons we’re grateful for ABCORI is because of the wonderful support they gave us at Cross Mills Baptist Church during a very challenging year. Our pastor, Rev. Linda Moore, has had two serious back surgeries and a life-threatening infection during the past 12 months. This caused her much suffering, and she needed many weeks of recovery and healing time.
During those times of worry and prayer and planning for supply pastors, Rev. Kathryn Palen and Rev. Courtny Davis Olds were both very supportive and helpful to us. Both offered to find pulpit supply ministers for us if we needed help. Rev. Palen volunteered to preach for us several times, and we were grateful for her loving support, understanding, and messages. Thankfully, our dear minister is back with us and is healing well, but it is wonderful to know ABCORI is there to offer guidance and support whenever we need it.
Nora Safford
Moderator, Cross Mills Baptist Church, Charlestown
October 18, 2024
One of the reasons I am grateful for ABCORI is that our leadership provides amazing resources and training opportunities to the Rhode Island church communities. In June, Greenville Baptist Church sent representatives from our Christian caregivers group to participate in the Called to Care workshop at Phillips Memorial Baptist Church.
We were greeted by the warmest of hosts at Phillips Memorial and met dozens of other excited participants from churches around the state. Under the expert guidance of Rev. Kathryn Palen, we learned the characteristics of caregivers; the basics of compassionate congregational care; and, in coming together, learned how we are not alone in our needs or in our caring. As we listened to one another, we knew that we were united and surrounded by Christ’s love.
We shared the many ways that we as individual Rhode Island churches are caring for our congregations and our communities. Since each church has their own unique ministries, we left with a huge collection of new ideas and renewed respect for one another. We shared resources, contact information, and gratitude for the opportunity to learn and grow together.
I am grateful to our sister churches who participated; to Rev. Palen for her expertise and generosity; and to ABCORI for always looking for ways to bring us together and raise us up as we shine Christ’s light in the world.
Paula DiLuglio
Chair, Ministry of Christian Caregiving
Greenville Baptist Church
One of the reasons I am grateful for ABCORI is that our leadership provides amazing resources and training opportunities to the Rhode Island church communities. In June, Greenville Baptist Church sent representatives from our Christian caregivers group to participate in the Called to Care workshop at Phillips Memorial Baptist Church.
We were greeted by the warmest of hosts at Phillips Memorial and met dozens of other excited participants from churches around the state. Under the expert guidance of Rev. Kathryn Palen, we learned the characteristics of caregivers; the basics of compassionate congregational care; and, in coming together, learned how we are not alone in our needs or in our caring. As we listened to one another, we knew that we were united and surrounded by Christ’s love.
We shared the many ways that we as individual Rhode Island churches are caring for our congregations and our communities. Since each church has their own unique ministries, we left with a huge collection of new ideas and renewed respect for one another. We shared resources, contact information, and gratitude for the opportunity to learn and grow together.
I am grateful to our sister churches who participated; to Rev. Palen for her expertise and generosity; and to ABCORI for always looking for ways to bring us together and raise us up as we shine Christ’s light in the world.
Paula DiLuglio
Chair, Ministry of Christian Caregiving
Greenville Baptist Church
October 4, 2024
Calvary Baptist Church in Providence has had some recent internal struggles, which led to engaging a consultant to help the church institute new practices and a behavioral covenant. Before establishing a pastoral search committee (PSC) to begin looking for a new pastor, we sought help from God and ABCORI. God is with Calvary, and through prayer, discernment, and faith to God, ABCORI played an important role in assisting the PSC in its process to find the pastor God wanted to lead our ministry.
We are grateful to ABCORI for their counsel, guidance, prayers, information, and materials that helped the PSC be successful in finding the pastor God wanted to lead the church. ABCORI’s guidance kept the committee focused on prayer while providing a step-by-step process to engage in this important work.
Throughout the process, questions and concerns were addressed in a spiritual way by ABCORI, which helped the church find a new pastor who we believe was sent by God. We are grateful to ABCORI for its leadership and counsel during a long process that is proving to be God-worthy. We continue to give thanks for this connection to ABCORI and pray that others will seek their guidance when needed.
Pastoral Search Committee
Calvary Baptist Church, Providence
Calvary Baptist Church in Providence has had some recent internal struggles, which led to engaging a consultant to help the church institute new practices and a behavioral covenant. Before establishing a pastoral search committee (PSC) to begin looking for a new pastor, we sought help from God and ABCORI. God is with Calvary, and through prayer, discernment, and faith to God, ABCORI played an important role in assisting the PSC in its process to find the pastor God wanted to lead our ministry.
We are grateful to ABCORI for their counsel, guidance, prayers, information, and materials that helped the PSC be successful in finding the pastor God wanted to lead the church. ABCORI’s guidance kept the committee focused on prayer while providing a step-by-step process to engage in this important work.
Throughout the process, questions and concerns were addressed in a spiritual way by ABCORI, which helped the church find a new pastor who we believe was sent by God. We are grateful to ABCORI for its leadership and counsel during a long process that is proving to be God-worthy. We continue to give thanks for this connection to ABCORI and pray that others will seek their guidance when needed.
Pastoral Search Committee
Calvary Baptist Church, Providence
