‘For Such a Time as This’

Greetings Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

God is working in and through us to be about the Good News of Jesus Christ. DCBC, we are blessed to be united as we equip, engage and empower our churches, leaders and communities. During the American Baptist Churches USA Biennial Mission Summit in June, four different preachers explored the theme, “For Such a Time as This.” The sermons call us to consider our place in this time of history. During the Baptist World Alliance Annual Gathering in July, we were challenged in all areas of life and ministry to love Jesus and love each other as we are sent to share the Good News of Jesus.

In the heat and humidity of a DC summer, it is difficult to imagine that in the next few months, the hours of daylight will begin to get shorter and the air will cool as the rhythm of autumn normalizes. Some of us will find ourselves gathering under Friday Night Lights, reigniting weekly Bible studies, raking leaves or craving comfort food. Ihope you will find yourself at Fort Washington Baptist Church on Friday and Saturday, October 28–29, for the DCBC Annual Gathering (AG). For such a time as this, we will explore “STREAMS of Justice” as we grow in our love for Jesus and one another. You will not want to miss this time of fellowship, study, worship and so much more. You are also invited to attend the inaugural Friends of DCBC Breakfast and Silent Auction where we will celebrate all that God is doing among us and provide an opportunity for all of us to join together in giving thanks. You’ll be touched to hear and learn about this new initiative! See page 35 for more information.

As always, I truly would enjoy an opportunity to visit with you over a cup of tea (or coffee), a meal, or at a place of your choosing!

Please be sure to register today for the AG! See you there, if not before.

Joy and Grace,

Rev. Dr. Trisha Miller Manarin Executive Director/Minister

Join us for the DCBC 147th Annual Gathering of Churches as we dive into the transformative power of justice from both Biblical and societal perspectives. Inspired by the words of Amos 5:24, “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream,” this year’s theme, STREAMS of Justice, explores the essential aspects of justice represented by each letter of STREAMS:

S – Spirituality and Justice

T – Transformative Justice

R – Restorative Justice

E – Environmental Justice

A – Adjudicated Justice

M – Mental Health and Justice

S – Social Justice

Throughout our event, you’ll be immersed in captivating discussions, thought-provoking masterclasses, and engaging global justice interactive experiences led by renowned speakers, experts, and practitioners in each field of justice. Gain new insights, forge meaningful connections, and leave inspiredtomakealastingdifferenceinyourcommunity.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this empowering gathering as we rally together — October 27–28 at Fort Washington Baptist Church in Fort Washington, Maryland — to make justice flow like a mighty stream. Register now for the “STREAMS of Justice!”

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• T - Transformative

• R - Restorative Justice

• E - Environmental Justice

• A - Adjudicated Justice

• M - Mental Health and Justice

• S - Social Justice 2:30 p.m.