• "...to bring good news to the poor... proclaim release to the captives... let the oppressed go free..."
  • (Luke 4:18-19)
  • EVENTS:

    Shalom Retreat


    When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

        In God, whose word I praise—

    in God I trust and am not afraid.

        What can mere mortals do to me?

    Psalm 56:3-4

     

    Join us for our Shalom Retreat, October 6-8, 2023, in Euclid, Ohio. This will be a beautiful, life-changing experience where you have the opportunity to meet and learn from like-minded women. Relax, reflect and reconnect with yourself and God. Our Shalom Retreat is an unforgettable journey of transformation that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired. We invite you to join us for this unique experience! Register now to begin your journey towards inner peace.

     
     
    Location: 
    The retreat will be held at the Restoration Ministries of Greater Cleveland, Inc., where Rev. Dr. Christine Smith, our national president, is the senior pastor. 

    Address: 140 Richmond Road; Euclid, Ohio 44143
    (Enter through the school building across the parking lot, far right door.)




    Registration


    Register Now! 
    $200 fee, which includes the program registration, Friday dinner, Saturday lunch, and Saturday dinner; all other meals are on your own ($225 after Sept 1). Click here to register.
     
    COVID-19 and Mask Policy – ABWM encourages vaccination for attendees; however, it's not requested. Attendees may wear a mask if they prefer and should follow CDC guidelines if recently exposed to Covid-19. Attendees will complete a wellness form and have their temperature taken on the day of the event. 

    Cancellation Policy – Refunds forfeit a $30 processing fee. Written cancellation notice must be received by September 15, 2023. No refund notification requests will be honored after September 15, 2023. Written cancellation notices should be emailed to info@abwomensministries.org.



    Schedule


    Friday, October 6, 2023
    2:00 PM – Registration
    3:30 PM – Welcome/Orientation and Bible Study with Rev. Dr. Martina Moore
    7:30 PM – Movie Fundraiser
     
    Saturday, October 7, 2023
    9:00 AM – Bible Study, Wellness Workshops, and Self-care Panel
    1:30 PM – Financial Workshop, Community Service Project, and Personal Retreat Time    
    7:00 PM – Evening Plenary Session
     
    Sunday, October 8, 2023
    9:30 AM – Prayer in the Garden               
    11:00 AM-12:30 PM – Closing Worship with Rev. Dr. Gina Jacobs-Strain



    Community Service Project

    For our community service project, we will be making hygiene kits for The Haven Home, located in Cleveland, Ohio. The Haven Home works to eliminate family homelessness by providing housing and community resources to women and children experiencing homelessness and/or poverty. Sign up to bring items with you, or if you don’t have room in your suitcase, make a monetary gift by October 1, and we’ll purchase items that we need.

    Workshops

    The Discipline of Saving: How to Achieve Your Financial Goals with Ania Norori
    In this workshop, you will learn the importance of financial discipline and how to set and achieve your financial goals. We will discuss the following topics:
    • The importance of setting short and long term goals
    • How to go from where you are to where you want to be financially, given your current situation and reality
    • The importance of having an emergency fund – the different types of savings accounts and how to avoid debt
    • How to save for retirement
    • Proven strategies for staying on track with your savings goals
    The workshop will be interactive with dedicated time for questions and answers. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a clear understanding of the importance of setting a savings plan and have the tools and resources they need to get started.

    Ania Norori's professional career path has taken her through some of the major banks, Lehman Brothers, Barclays Capital, Morgan Stanley, and Merrill Lynch, where she has served in both business operations and financial advising. Ania is delighted to be serving now as Director of Lilly Programs at The Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board (MMBB), where she is integrating her financial education and experience with Christian ministry. Click here to read Ms. Norori's full bio.


    Mental Health & Coping with Alisha Gilmore
    Alisha will provide psychoeducation of the causes of anxiety and depression, the impact of ongoing stress, and maladaptive forms of coping. The highlight of her presentation will focus on teaching healthy coping skills to navigate life challenges, build self esteem, and improve relationships.

    Alisha Gilmore is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of Ohio and Florida. She is a graduate of Kent State University with a bachelors in psychology and a masters of education in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Akron. Alisha began general practice counseling at Summit Psychological Associates treating personality disorders, mood disorders, trauma, addictions, grief, couples, families, sexuality and identity issues, relationship issues, parenting, foster care, and children. She has worked with diverse cultures and people of all ages. Click here to read Ms. Gilmore's full bio.
     

    First Things First: Soul Care and Self Care with Rev. Dr. Gina Jacobs-Strain
    Together we will explore soul-care, self-care, Sabbath, prayerful pauses, burnout, and collaborative leadership.
    Rev. Dr. Gina Jacobs-Strain is the executive director for American Baptist Women's Ministries (ABWM) and is a member of the National Executive Council for American Baptist Churches, USA. Click here to read Rev. Dr. Jacob-Strains' full bio.
     



     

    Programming Just for Girls!


    Hie-STEAM Programming 
    Our Hie-STEAM programming combines STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and Bible Study for AB GIRLS to learn that they are God’s masterpieces while creating masterpieces.

    Driana Arceneaux
    Driana Jamila-Lesan Arceneaux graduated Reynold's Community College with her associate degree in Psychology (2021) and from Norfolk State University with her bachelor's degree in psychology (2023). She is currently working as the Community Outreach Manager with Benay’s Creative Counseling, LLC where she facilitates groups geared towards the rehabilitation of those formerly incarcerated and individuals with substance abuse disorder. Click here to read Ms. Arceneaux's full bio.

    Wendy Clemmer 
    Wendy Clemmer is the Project/Business Manager of American Baptist Women's Ministries. She began her journey with American Baptist Women’s Ministries in September 2006, working as the Administrative Assistant. Wendy has a Bachelor of Science in Technology Management and two Associate of Applied Science degrees in Web Design Emphasis and Office Information Emphasis from Pennsylvania College of Technology. 



    Marketing Workshop for AB GIRLS with Erin Davis
    Join us for our hands-on marketing workshop designed specifically for AB GIRLS! We will delve into the world of strategic marketing, compelling branding, and memorable taglines. Whether you're dreaming of launching a start-up, own a business or want to become a marketing professional. Gain insights from a seasoned expert with 20 years of experience. This is your chance to get a sneak peek behind the scenes.

    Erin Davis is a marketing executive and serial entrepreneur. Erin serves as the social media ambassador for American Baptist Women's Ministries. She has over 15 years of experience in the marketing industry, beginning her career at Radio One of Atlanta as a Marketing Research Associate. There, she conducted marketing research studies for 61 broadcasts in 13 markets. Click here to read Ms. Davis' full bio.


     

    Self-Care Panel

    Participants will have the opportunity to hear from a panel of women from around the country and in various stages of life and ministry. The panel will discuss self-care, strategies, and self-care tips that you could use! Participants will have a chance to ask questions. Come join the conversation!

    Driana Arceneaux
    Driana Jamila-Lesan Arceneaux graduated Reynold's Community College with her associate degree in Psychology (2021) and from Norfolk State University with her bachelor's degree in psychology (2023). She is currently working as the Community Outreach Manager with Benay’s Creative Counseling, LLC where she facilitates groups geared towards the rehabilitation of those formerly incarcerated and individuals with substance abuse disorder. Click here to read Ms. Arceneaux's full bio.
     
    Dawn Doerr-Johnson
    Dawn Doerr-Johnson received her undergrad degree from William Penn University and was an educator for 17 years before entering the mental health field. Dawn is a licensed marriage and family therapist, currently working at the elementary schools in Bondurant, Iowa as a school based therapist. Dawn serves American Baptist Women's Ministries as the Coordinator of Events. Click here to read Ms. Doerr-Johnson's full bio.
     
    Rev. Kathryn R. Johnson 
    Rev. Kathryn R. Johnson is a native of Cleveland, Ohio. Rev. Johnson has extensive experience working with the senior population; has served as a member of the African American Outreach Committee (A Hospice of the Western Reserve Advisory Committee) and as a panelist for the HWR’s World Hospice & Palliative Care Day Program. Click here to read Rev. Johnson's full bio.

    Dr. Laura Miraz 
    Dr. Laura Miraz is the associate executive director of Human Resources Management Services at American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS). Miraz is also the principal for HRMATTERS, a human resources management consulting service for American Baptist national and regional partners. Click here to read Dr. Miraz's full bio.
     
    Lovena Van Haaften 
    Lovena Van Haaften is a retired certified hospice and palliative care nurse, a previous certified gerontological nurse, a certified instructor for American Heart and Red Cross CPR and First Aid, Water Safety Instructor, and Lifeguard. Lovena current serves the the Coordinator of the Midwestern Section for American Baptist Women's Ministries. Click here to read Ms. Van Haaften's full bio.


    Personal Retreat Time

    Personal retreat time is time for you to take time to rest, spend alone time with God, or spend it as you please. Here are some personal retreat time activities American Baptist Wome’s Ministries has arranged, if you choose to participate: 
    • Appointments with a Life Coach
    • Craft activities
    • Massages 
    • Prayer walk in the garden

       
    Spiritual Director: Dr. Wanda M. Coleman
    Dr. Wanda M. Coleman is a 3X Amazon Best-Selling author and considers the ministry of family her first and foremost ministry. Wanda is the founder of Wanda M. Coleman Ministries, whose mission is to reach the masses through books, workshops, conferences and retreats, and the airwaves with the Word of God. She ministers weekly on her online devotional, “Empowered by the Word,” on Facebook Live, YouTube, and other social media outlets. Click here to read Dr. Coleman's full bio.



    Speakers

    Friday Bible Study and Saturday Evening Plenary Preacher: Rev. Dr. Martina S. Moore
    Dr. Martina S. Moore holds a Ph. D. in counseling, education, and supervision. She is the President and CEO of Moore Counseling & Mediation Services, Inc., an organization with six locations throughout Ohio, providing outpatient mental health and substance abuse counseling.
         Dr. Moore is currently a professor at John Carroll University and an instructor at The Gestalt Institute of Cleveland. She is on the board of directors for Serving and Learning Together (SALT), a non-profit organization where she works on philanthropic activities to provide such services as building dispensaries, schools, and libraries in underdeveloped countries. In 2015, Dr. Moore traveled to Tanzania, Africa, to provide financial assistance for the completion of a medical dispensary. In 2017 and 2018, Dr. Moore traveled to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where she taught students and professionals best practices for treating substance use and mental health disorders. Click here to read Rev. Dr. Moore's full bio.
     
         
    Sunday Morning Preacher: Rev. Dr. Gina Jacobs-Strain
    Reverend Dr. Gina C. Jacobs-Strain is the executive director for American Baptist Women's Ministries (ABWM) and is a member of the National Executive Council for American Baptist Churches, USA. Rev. Dr. Gina served as the Transitional Pastor for First Baptist Church of New Market in Piscataway, New Jersey; Interim Pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church, Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey; Associate Regional Pastor for Women in Ministry for American Baptist Churches of New Jersey (ABCNJ); and is an Associate Minister of Christian Education at St. Paul Baptist Church in Montclair, New Jersey. Click here to read Rev. Dr. Jacob-Strains' full bio.
     
     

     


    Po Box 851 · Valley Forge, PA · 19482-0851
    (610) 768-2288 · info@abwministries.org