Highlights from St. Louis
- macbf1994
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 18 minutes ago
The 2025 CBF General Assembly in St Louis felt like both a family reunion and a welcome party for those we long to include. The phrase, You Belong Here was spoken and written all over the event in both Spanish and English. Throughout the Assembly you could feel that CBF is working hard to make belonging more than a phrase. CBF sees diversity as more than inclusion and is taking action to move inclusion into belonging.
For the second year in a row, Late Night Worship took center stage to kick off the assembly. Late Night Worship is hosted by the Pan African Koinonia and calls us back to a time when African Americans worshiped at night for freedom and safety. Devontae Powell, Pastor from Flint Michigan explains, “It was in the stillness of the night that my ancestors would take the risk to go and cry out to God in safety and in Secrecy.” CBF is centering Late Night Worship, not just including it as an add on service. Read more about Late Night Worship here.
Outgoing CBF Moderator Juan Garcia, preached to the assembly in Spanish. An English transcript was projected for most of us to read along. After his sermon, a majority English speaking assembly rose to their feet with thunderous applause. The ovation lasted for quite some time, and it was one of the most moving moments I have ever been a part of. When the congregation began to quiet, Juan remarked, “I definitely feel like I belong here!” You can watch and read Juan Garcia’s sermon here.
More and more I also feel that Mid-Atlantic CBF belongs here. MACBF is well represented in CBF leadership. We have five people from our region serving on CBF’s National Councils and Boards. Carita Brown, Military Chaplain in the Air National Guard, was elected to serve on the Governing Board. Isaac Mwase from University Baptist Church in Baltimore serves on the Mission’s Council and just finished serving as chair. Joby Tricquet from Fairfax Baptist serves on the Nominating Committee and was elected chair for next year. Sarah Marie Lui, University Baptist Baltimore and Emmitt Drumgoole, Montgomery Hills Baptist Silver Spring serve on the Ministry Council.
For the last three years Mid-Atlantic CBF has joined with Baptist Fellowship Northeast (BFN) for the Assembly’s regional gatherings. Together we bring the fun, the energy and excitement! We had a great time of fellowship and sharing with our BFN neighbors. After our fellowship with BFN it was nice to walk with them, joining with CBF Virginia for a meal.
Mid-Atlantic CBF was honored to host a table at The Emmanuel McCall Racial Trail Blazer Luncheon. We also sponsored seats at the La Familia Breakfast, the Advocacy Breakfast and The Baptist Women in Ministry Luncheon. You can read more about these events with the links below.
Next year’s General Assembly is in Jacksonville Florida, June 17-19. I hope you can join the fun!
You can read more about the 2025 General Assembly from the CBF Blog or click on the links below.