Celebrating Together at the 55th Annual Session of the American Baptist Churches of New Jersey

With over 300 individuals registered, the 55th Annual Session of the American Baptist Churches of New Jersey proved to be a Christ-centered, spirit-filled celebration. 

Leading up to the Saturday gathering, a series of three webinars was held throughout the week. These sessions aimed to spiritually and intellectually prepare attendees, covering important topics such as aligning with God's mission rather than personal ambition, fostering unity in Christ amid diversity, and addressing contemporary parenting challenges from a faith-based perspective.

Special thanks to MMBB and Sovereign Insurance for co-sponsoring this year’s Annual Session. Their support, along with the generosity and tireless efforts of ABCNJ leaders, was vital in making the event a success.

Together in God’s Work

Under the theme "Together in God’s Work," Rev. Miriam Mendez, Executive Minister and Senior Region Pastor, warmly welcomed attendees and encouraged them to open their hearts to the Spirit as the liturgical dancers, led by Rev. Dr. Malachy Williams, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church Cranford/Elizabeth, performed the opening worship dance. Their performance filled the gathering with the breath of the Spirit.

Every part of the Annual Session was filled with a spirit of worship and gratitude for God's work in the past, present, and future through ABCNJ. 

This year’s gathering featured the ABCNJ Choir, led by Damaris Figueredo from the Iglesia Bautista Hispano Americana in Elizabeth, bringing the theme song “The Church” to life. The choir, made up of members from Memorial Baptist Church, The Cathedral Church, and Iglesia Bautista Hispano Americana, was supported by talented guest musicians such as pianist David Caldwell Mason and violinist Peter Pezzino, along with drummer Leonardo Lazo and guitarist Norberto Ross from Iglesia Bautista Hispano Americana. Additionally, women from the Haitian Baptist Church at the Crossroads performed a melodic song written for the occasion. 

A notable first for this year was the Emerging Scholar Graduate Panel, featuring recent graduates Emely Maradiaga (First Baptist Church, New Brunswick), Lionel Quaynor (NextGen Church) and Rev. Damion Parron (Shiloh Baptist Church, Trenton). Facilitated by Rev. Dr. Christopher Jones, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Hillside, the panel highlighted the fresh insights of emerging leaders within our faith community.

Mission partners received a “Together in God’s Work” certificate to recognize their invaluable contributions. Additionally, the top 20 mission-giving ABCNJ churches were awarded certificates of appreciation for their generosity and commitment.

Rev. Miriam Méndez delivered a powerful, Spirit-filled message rooted in 1 Corinthians 3, posing the urgent question, "Are we working together in God’s work?" Her call to action was clear: "We can’t harvest together if we don’t plant together. Our mission transcends building individual ministries; it’s about uniting in God’s purpose.” She reminded us that our identity is more than just a region — we are a movement, a covenant people bound by the Spirit and tasked with a mission larger than ourselves. Rev. Mendez challenged us to embrace our identity as a "Spirit-filled, Scripture-rooted, justice-pursuing, Christ-centered, multiethnic family of churches.” We are not meant to survive culture; we are meant to transform it! 

This Annual Session was more than just a gathering—it was a strong affirmation of faith, unity, and our shared journey in God’s work.