ABWM OF VNH LINKSPRING 2016

. . .let God transform you inwardly. . .Romans 12:2a

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Table of Contents Page President’s Words 2 Spring Association Meetings 3

Chris Marziale Bio 4 ABW Ministries/USA Annual Meeting 5 Events for Girls 6 Personal Development 6 White Cross 6 Women and Girls Fund 7 ABW/VNH Annual Spiritual Retreat 8 Annual Retreat Registration 9 Mission and Service 10 Treasurer 11 Scholarship 11 Nominating Committee 12 Officers 15-16 12 Report from Jo Clark 14

“SEE” scripture

Psalm 34:8 “Find out for yourself how good the Lord is. Happy are those who find safety with

Him.”

Psalm 139 “. . .You see me whether I am working or resting. . . “

Luke 10:29-37”. . . the Good Samaritan. Who was the neighbor? The one who was kind. Go and do

likewise. . . “

ABWMinistries Mission Statement: American Baptist Women’s Ministries is Christ centered, committed to encourage and empower women and girls to serve God.

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From the Front

I am looking forward to the Spring Meetings April 10-13 with Chris Marziale talking to us about the White Cross changes. It will give me a chance visit churches and areas that I have never been to before and an opportunity to get to know more of you induvially. Chris will be able to answer your questions about White Cross and International Ministries. There is a flyer with times and places included in the Link.

We need to be also getting ready for the ABCVNH Annual Gathering that is May 19-20 in Salem, N.H. at the Center Point Church. The ABW will have a meeting Friday afternoon. This is not a business meeting but a gathering to get caught up and share what has been happening and our concerns. Learn more details about our Annual Conference that is June 13-14 at the Coolidge in White River Junction, VT. It will start at 1:00 pm Monday and end at about 3:00 pm Tuesday.

The National ABWM 2016 Event will be in Washington, D.C. this year which is the closest it has been recently and next year it will be in Portland. OR. So this year would be a good time to consider going. It is July 21-24th, the theme is 3D, Dwelling with God and one another, Come and Discover how God calls us to build beloved community in our world. Go to deepen your Discipleship and walk with your sisters along their discipleship journey. The facilitator and preacher is Rev. Trinette McCray. Music coordinator is Valeria Foster.

There will be:

Dialogue and discussion groups for Bible Study and topics critical to women today.

Intergenerational conversation to build relationships

Worship experiences to help us grow closer to God in times of sorrow and joy.

Registration for early registration is due before May 1st. To register or learn more you need to go to the ABWM website www.abwminestries.org if you do not have a computer or access to one you can call 601-768-2288.

As spring arrives maybe all be reminded of God’s faithfulness in all nature that is waking up and budding and blossoming as well as in our hearts and minds.

Blessings,

Celia Taylor, ABWM VNH President

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Spring together!CHRISTIAN WOMEN COMING

TOGETHER!ASSOCIATION GATHERINGS

Featured speaker: Chris Marziale INTERNATIONAL Ministries/USA

WHITE CROSS

Just what is happening around the world??!!

April 10 – 13, 2016: ScheduleApril 10, Sunday, WHITEFIELD COMMUNITY, Green & White,

3:00 p.m. April 11, Monday, NEW LONDON FB , Central, 9:30 a.m.

MANCHESTER FB, Southern/Monadnock, 5:30 p.m.April 12, Tuesday,CAVENDISH BAPTIST , Southwest, 9:30 a.m.

BURLINGTON FB, Northwest, 4:00 p.m.April 13, Wed, STRAFFORD BOW LAKE BAPT, Southeastern 9:30

a.m.MILTON COMMUNITY, Lakes, 3 p.m.

Isaiah 61:1-3 and Luke 4:18-19- 4 -

Chris Marziale

I have been part of the American Baptist Churches USA family since 1982, working in Educational Ministries with Judson Press. In 1985, I joined International

Ministries (IM) as the secretary for Public Relations, assisting in the White Cross and Special Interest Missionaries ministries. I was then transferred to the Finance Team and became the Administrative Assistant to both the Treasurer and

Associate Treasurer. In 2005, I was appointed as the IM Consultant to American Baptist Women, and today I am on the Development Team and

the Partnership Coordinator for Women’s Ministries—White Cross—Mission Projects. I also represent IM on the Executive Board of AB Women’s Ministries.

I have had the privilege to lead four AB Women’s Ministries Encounters: in August of 2007 to the Czech Republic, Bulgaria and the Republic of Georgia; in February of 2009 to Nicaragua and Costa Rica; in April of 2011 to South Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in December of 2013 to Myanmar and Thailand. All of these trips have been life-changing experiences. In March 2014 I was part of my first Discovery Team to Costa Rica and helped to put a playground together for the Mansion Light Church.

I have the awesome privilege to travel around the U.S., speaking at conferences, association meetings, women’s groups and churches, sharing the message of IM and how God continues to work through our missionaries and partners, as well as of how we partner together in sharing the message of Jesus Christ.

Working in IM is not just a job, but also a ministry to which God has called me. I am grateful and thankful to be part of an organization that puts Christ and missions first.

I am a member of GraceCrossing Community Church in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, where I serve as financial secretary. I have been chairperson on the Worship Ministries team, chaired the Pastoral Relations Team, served on Church Council and Outreach/Family Ministries teams and been part of the Praise Team.

In my spare time, I love to cross stitch, crochet, collect teddy bears, travel, work out, swim and try not to miss an Eagles or Phillies game on TV.

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The Best Vitamin for a Christian is “B1”.Try our Sundays. They are better than Baskin-Robbins.You are not too bad to come in. You are not too good to stay out.Can’t sleep? Try counting your blessings!Try Jesus. If you don’t like Him, the Devil will always take you back.Aspire to inspire before you expire.Where will you be sitting in eternity? Smoking or Non-smoking!Under the same management for over 2000 years.

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National events for Women and Girlssponsored by American Baptist Women's Ministries Come Dwell with God and one another.Come Discover how God calls us to build beloved community in our world.Come deepen your Discipleship and walk with your sisters along their journey.

invited! you areDwellingFor information and registration: www.abwministries.orgHilton Washington Dulles Airport HotelHerndon, VA (Washington D.C.)Event for women: July 21-24, 2016Facilitator and Preacher: Rev. Dr. Trinette McCrayMusic Coordinator: Valeria Foster• Dialogue and discussion groups for Bible study andtopics critical to women today• Intergenerational conversation to build relationships• Worship experiences to help us grow closer to Godin times of sorrow and joy• Special opportunities for young adult womenAfter-events for women: July 24-27, 2016Want to extend your opportunity for growth? Youmay also register for one of four optional additional

experiences from Sunday through Tuesday evening!• Connecting Faithful Women: Experiencing Baptist-Muslim Dialogue• How, Then, Shall We Lead? A Leadership CapacityDevelopment Experience• "I'm Hungry...Feed Me" Mission Encounter Tour• Women in Professional Ministry: The Soul ofLeadership

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Event for Girls: July 21-27, 2016Facilitated by the national leadership team of AB GIRLS• Shared experiences with women as well as time withjust girls• Bible study, worship, workshops, and fun• Two days of hands-on mission in the D.C. area

* * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * *Karen Adnams, PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

I had what many Christians call a "born again" experience. It was an Amazing Grace moment "I once was lost, but now am found; twas lost, but now am found; twas blind but now I see." This dramatic conversion does not in any

way make me superior to other Christians who can't remember a time in their lives when they didn't love God. I look at the kids who come to worship

today and pray that all of them love Jesus right now. Not later, but at this very moment in their young lives.

Father. thank you for smiling on me today. Show me your favor so I can walkin your strength today. Thank you for equalizing me with everything I need

to live as an overcomer. I bless You and honor You in everything I do inJesus name. Amen Joel and Victoria Osteen

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WHITE CROSS, Sylvia Seitz

Happy Easter to all White Cross Participants in VT/NH.

     Perhaps your White Cross Quota's have all been fulfilled for this current year, 2015-2016, or perhaps you have a couple of items to attend to, as our  Women do at my church in Brattleboro! But it's time to take out your year end reports, which are due in to your Association White Cross Chairpersons, by April 30, 2016.  Also I  still need to hear from Southern Monadnock, Southeast and Green and White regarding last year's reports, those are 2014-2015 thru April 30, 2015..     I received recently a report of our gifts received, October 1, 2015-to Feb. 29, 2016, from our region, Vt/NH.  Total Contributions to the International Ministries amount to, $1,893.00, and from the National Total, the figure is $71,019.26.       Soon we shall enjoy our Association Speaker, Chris Marziale from Valley Forge, who is Partnership Coordinator for Women's Ministries, and get the most up to date "scoop" from her.     Blessings and Peace, Sylvia Seitz, White Cross Region VT/NH

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WOMEN’S AND GIRLS FUND, Dona BlaisAre there women that have helped you develop into the person that you are and/or inspired you to become all that you can be? Could one of them be your mother or grandmother, neighbor, Sunday or public school teacher, sister or aunt, deacon or other person from your church, friend and/or her mother? The list is endless when we consider the women God has placed in our “life path”. The term MENTORING comes up a lot lately, but this process has been around for decades going by different lab else such as: leading, teaching, guiding, caring, loving, sharing, discipling, and being there for others!

American Baptist Women Ministries set up the Women & Girls’ Mission Fund to ensure we can thrive as mentors to the females that God is putting in OUR lives. Money is being used as scholarships for ladies who are answering God's call to work with youth, minister to those that are trafficked and/or abused in numerous ways, work with impoverished women to become self-sufficient, or to help women determine where their talents and efforts would be best utilized. Funds are available to supply groups and regions with speakers, leadership training, and/or materials for events such as conferences, retreats, and meetings. Many new church plants and Women's projects have received money and resources from the ABW Women & Girls’ Fund in the US and throughout the world.

A “3D” Dwelling, Discovering, and Discipling” national event is planned for women and girls in Washington, DC during the last week of July. It will be a great place to go Dwell with God and one another - Discover how God calls us to build beloved community in our world - deepen your Discipleship and walk with your sisters

along their journey! Visit www.abwministries.org for information if this Women's Conference/Gathering interests you.When you have an opportunity to contribute to the ABW Women & Girls’ Mission Fund think thankfully of those who have influenced your life and pray about what you can give to this fund and how God can use you to reflect Jesus to others.

In God's Service and with Jesus’ Love, Dona Blais* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it!!If God had a wallet, your picture would be n it!He sends you flowers every Spring!He sends you a sunrise every morning!Whenever you want to talk, He listens!He can live anywhere in the universe, yet He chooses your !Face it, Friend –He’s crazy about you!

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AMERICAN BAPTIST WOMEN’S SPIRITUAL RETREAT

and

ANNUAL MEETING for Vermont / New Hampshire

Dear American Baptist Ladies:Our 2016 Spiritual Retreat is coming soon and it is time to invite friends and family members to join us on Monday, June 13th and Tuesday, June 14th, 2016. Once again we will meet at Hotel Coolidge located in White River Junction, Vermont. You can go on-line to visit their site at: www.hotelcoolidge.com. Their physical address is: 39 South Main Street, White River Junction, Vermont, 05001.The retreat will begin on June 13th, 12:00 PM through 1:00 PM for registration, with the main event kicking-off at 1:00 PM in the Coolidge Room. Dress comfortable and casually, bring your Bible and a notebook, wear something purple if you can, and prepare yourself for a blessing and spiritual renewal in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.Why attend, you may ask? How can I take two days off from work? How can I leave my husband who needs me right now? How will I pay for the retreat? There is too much on my plate right now.

I’m too old, I’m too young! I can’t be around a group of people. I won’t know anyone there. The list goes on, doesn’t it, life is real!Have you ever felt alone, as if you were living day to day trying to figure everything out and get through it on your own, but it just wasn’t (or isn’t) working? Ladies, God is in control, don’t forget that. When we feel as if we are wandering in the wilderness, His hand is in the situation. We are put in trials we don’t like, but God knows the outcome, and He is beside us through the whole experience. That is why you need to take this retreat to prayer and God will open the door for you to attend!Our theme this 65th year is, ‘Dwelling, Discovering, Discipling,’ where are you today, right now, in your Christian walk? Are you dwelling in the joy of your salvation, discovering new wisdom in the Word daily, whom are you discipling? These are the messages we will explore as we, together, walk in our wilderness as American Baptist Women. You will be encouraged and empowered to serve, right where you are. In His Service, Susan J. Whittemore, Chair

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American Baptist Women’s Ministries Spiritual Retreat and Annual MeetingVermont & New Hampshire

“Dwelling, Discovering, Discipling”

Monday, June 13th & Tuesday, June 14th , 2016Hotel Coolidge in White River Junction, Vermont

**Registration Deadline: June 3rd2016**

Name ___________________________________________Phone_______________________

Mailing Address________________________________________________________________

E-Mail Name for Name Tag_______________________________________________________

Church________________________________________________________________________

Are you a 'First Timer'?________ How many years, in all, have you attended this event?_______

Please describe any handicap, health or dietary considerations we should address:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please request roommates: _______________________________________________________

(Rooms are double, triple, quads) All bed linens are supplied!Bring: Casual clothing, Bible Notebook, Something Purple and a Friend!

****************************************************************************RETREAT FEESRegistration Fee: $ 15.00__________________

Full Retreat: (3 meals, overnight, events) $125.00__________________

Monday Only: (dinner and events) $ 40.00__________________

Tuesday Only: (lunch and events) $ 40.00 _________________

Total included w/form:_________________

Please make checks payable to: ABW Ministries/VNH 2016Mail to: Mary Hamblett, 20 Beaver Lake Avenue, Derry, NH 03038-4003

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American Baptist Women’s Ministries ABC/VNHMISSION AND SERVICE MINISTRIESNorma Taatjes, Coordinator

I was recently reading in the Gospel of Luke about the time Mary and Joseph travelled to Jerusalem with the then 12 year old Jesus to celebrate Passover. They were fulfilling the Law. But, as you know, on their way home they noticed that Jesus was not with them. When they finally located him . . . teaching in the Temple . . . Mary gives him a talking-to. Jesus answers, “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”

This had to bring confusion to Mary’s mind. Whatever could he mean? Jesus knew and he was living out his larger purpose. He had come to fulfill the law for them and for us. The plan was to win eternal salvation through his death and his rise again removing the penalty of our sin forever.

You and I as American Baptist Women have a part in bringing to the Good News of it to others. The AB Women’s Ministries is a Christ-centered Relationship that spans the US and extends across the world. One of its primary focuses is Leadership Development, women serving in their churches, communities, and training and encouraging leadership skills. Mission is the heart-beat of the AB Women’s Ministries. Women and Girls work side by side doing the mission of Christ.

We don’t always understand life’s zigs and zags, but we can lean on the promises of our God whose love for us never changes. We don’t always know what our future holds, but we do know the One who holds it . . . . and us. . . . in His Nail-scarred Hands;!!

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A Word from your Treasurer

! As you may know, we are no longer collecting Love Gift and sending it on to the ABCUSA (not ABW). ABWM does not have a say in how the money is distributed;ABWM does not get any of it. We used to get a small percentage to use in our nationalwork. However, 65% of it went to the Regions, including ABCVNH. Since we are notsending money to Love Gift, our Region is not receiving what it used to get--about$5000 a year. If you look at the form I have put together for suggested uses for ourgiving, you’ll see that there is a line for ABCVNH, giving us an opportunity to replace themoney lost from Love Gift.! Another line item I would like to stress is the one for our ABW/VNH. A largeshare of that money is used to send our president to the National Gathering and AnnualMeeting. Celia represents us at that meeting. She also has the opportunity to be partof the planning of what ABW/USA does. She also gets updates on programs and

events that she passes on to us.! if you have any questions about the form or about how the various monies areused, please ask. Checks sent to me should be made out to “ABW Ministries/VNH”.Mary Hamblett603-437-3813bmhamblett@comcast.net20 Beaver Lake Avenue,Derry, NH 03038-4003

The American Baptist Women/VNH Scholarship Fund is sustained by your donations and, also, is now enhanced a bit from four Funds invested many years ago. The names of those funds are the Daggett, Towart, Chase, and Reith. Contact Mary at the address above, email, or tel. # above for the treasusrer’s form or questions, or send donations to her.

ABWM/VTNH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM - 2015-2016

Eleven students were awarded scholarships for this academic year, listed as follows: NAME MEMBER CHURCH COLLEGE

Rebecca Calder First Baptist, Burlington, Vt Cornell University of Vet Med

Emma Dubay Community, Huntington, Vt St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN

Kendra Eldridge First Baptist, Wolfeboro, NH Plymouth State, Plymouth, NH

Zoe Ferrin First Baptist, Keene, NH Colby-Sawyer, New London,NH

Benjamin Hamblett First Baptist, Chester, VT Lehigh Univ., Bethlehem, PA

Benjamin LaFlam Community Bap, Whitefield, NH White Mt Comm College, NH- 12 -

Heather Little First Baptist, Burlington, Vt Tulane Univ., New Orleans, LA

Abigail Phillips Antrim Baptist, Antrim, NH Husson Univ., Bangor, ME

Alyssa Soucy New Fellowship Baptist, Nashua, NH Newbury College, Brookline,MA

Breanne Thomas New Fellowship Baptist, Nashua, NH Berklee College of Music,Boston

Breanna Vittum Calvary Baptist, Springfield, VT Univ. of Maine, Farmington, ME

Ten ladies have already signed up and are currently sending little notes of encouragement to their students. It makes a BIG difference in these young peoples’ lives when they receive word that someone is praying for them while they are away from home. If you can help,

please either call me at 802-257-0048 or e-mail me at jgarrecht@comcast.net. You can also request applications for next year at this time. JEAN GARRECHT

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PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT: Karen AdnamsLord, you have the common cures for my common cares.

When I cast all my cares upon You, You will carry me and my cares.THANK YOU! Amen

Lord, I am surrounded by miracles of life, waking up, seeing the sunshine, birds soaring, flowers blooming.

Open my eyes that I may see Your miracles! Amen* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Officers needed: Treasurer, Personal Development, Scholarship, White Cross, Conference Chair, Ass’t Conference Chair, Nominating member. Pray where you can share your leadership skills received from the Lord. In Jesus’ Love, Mary Calder, Nanette Roina, Tonnette Richardson

ABW MINISTRIES/VNH OFFICERS 2015-2016

President (2018)/Virtual Partners Celia Taylor kaela@tds.net 122 Bean Hill Lane, Perkinsville VT 05151

802-263-5254

Secretary (2018) Janet McFaul office@abcvnh.org 610 Country Land Drive, N. Haverhill, NH

603-989-5153 03774 Treasurer (2016) Mary Hamblett bmhamblett@comcast.net

20 Beaver Lake Ave, Derry NH 03038603-437-3813

- 13 -Coordinator of Norma Taatjes rtaatjes@myfairpoint.net

Mission & Service P.O. Box 526, Milton NH 03851Ministries (2018) 603-652-4407

Coordinator of Karen Adnams frameit@vermontel.net Personal Development 119B Mountain View Dr., Springfield, VT

802-885-2734 05156

Coordinator of Florine Hilson ladyhil@aol.com Church & Community Ministries 2 Joffre Terrace, Portsmouth NH 03801Ministries (2017) 603-433-7343

Chair, Scholarship (2016) Jean Garrecht jgarrecht@comcast.net

106 Buck Hill Drive, Guilford VT 05301802-257-0048

Chair, White Cross (2016) Sylvia Seitz sylseitz@ gmail.com 70 Winter Street, Brattleboro VT 05301802-257-4216

Women and Girls Fund (2018) Dona Blais donablais53@yahoo.com 314 riverside Ave., Manchester NH 0103 603-858-3901

Directory/LINK (2018) Marsha Omand mhomand@juno.com 284 Hill Road, Brookline, VT 05345

802-365-7938

Conference chair (2016) Susan Whittemore beachwood56@gmail.com PO Box 275, Perkinsville VT 05151

802-263-9349

Ass’t Conference Chair (2016) Renee Brewer-Durkee rmbrewer1958@yahoo.com To become Chair of 2017. 68 Bolton Road, Winchester NH 03470 (H) 603-239-6350, (C) 603-763-3289

Nominating Committee (2018) Tonnette Richardson tonnette.richardson@ge.com 180 Rogers Road, Kittery ME 03904

Nominating Committee (2016) Mary Calder calder50@comcast.net 76 Sadler Lane, Williston VT 05495802-872-0930

Nominating Committee (2017) Nanette Roina icebox418@yahoo.com 199 Turkey Mt Rd, Jamaica VT 05343

802-444-0406Past President (2018) Marsha Omand Info above

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ASSOCIATION PRESIDENTS OR CONTACTS

Central Amy Maughan donami2@comcast.net 88 Hilltop Place, New London NH 03257

603-625-2534

Green and White Janet McFaul Info above

Lakes Area Norma Taatjes Info above

Northwest Mary Calder Info above

Southeast Royaline Edwards rbe10@aol.com 12 Mendum Ave., Kittery ME 03904 207-439-9646 Southern/Monadnock Mary Hamblett Info above

Southwest Karen Adnams Info above* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR COLLECTIBLESStamps, flip tops, Campbell labels, glasses, card fronts

Josephine Clark, 938 Shelburne Rd., Apt.2, South Burlington VT 05403802-735-3455 hjclark64@gmail.com

Alys Martinson, 1 Luneau Court, Northfield, NH 03276603-286-4669 ajmartinson@myfairpoint.net

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Josephine Clark’s Report: 520 pair eyeglasses,40 hearing aides, They go around the world to help the needy.50 large boxes of card fronts I deliver to Adult daycare centers.600,920 Campbell points $5,720.80 sent Rainbow Acres and Upstate Home.820 pounds of canceled stamps, money from this goes to stamp out hunger .Brethren Home this enables them to purchase special recliners  to be used in the Beauty Shop, defibrillators, up and go walking systems, oxygen concentrators, prime air mattresses, wide wheelchair scales, wide wheel chairs and donations to Samaritan Fund.20 books of S+H,, Plaid, Blue stamps @$3.00 book this moneyhelps the elderly who have run out off money these go to the Brethren Home.9,825 pounds of flip tops divided between David's House=St Jude.They cash them in and this helps families in need.  Donations are way up keep them coming .All this from  what we throw out.      I enjoy doing this knowing how many people it helps

                   Josephine Clark.  God bless, Jo