Our congregation has been blessed with a major opportunity!
The Church Council of Hamilton Park UMC unanimously voted to bring Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century (SBC 21) to our congregation at its January 22, 2018, meeting. Hamilton Park UMC will participate in a one-year training with SBC 21 to become a “Resource Church.”
Once we reach this level, we will assist local and national churches who seek revitalization.
SBC 21 is a national initiative of the United Methodist Church designed to assist African American UM congregations become effective in mission and ministry. It does this by linking successful congregations known as “Resource Churches” with congregations that are in search of new ideas and revitalization. SBC 21 was created in 1992. It is not a program arm of Black Methodists for Church Renewal (BMCR). Rather, it is housed in Nashville, TN, under the leadership of Dr. Fred A. Allen.
The one-year training program is directed by Rev. S. Dianna Masters, who serves as the director of the North Texas Annual Conference SBC 21 office. Rev. Masters led leaders of our church in a workshop on Saturday, to prepare us for the work ahead.
As the SBC 21 committee makes strides, it will keep the congregation informed.
Great things continue to happen for us! Give God praise!
Your Pastor,
Dr. Sheron C. Patterson
