BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
X-WR-CALNAME:Blog
PRODID:-//Sitemason, Inc//Sitemason Calendar//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
BEGIN:VEVENT
UID:http://www.sitemason.com/element/7q5oci3/id/113266
SUMMARY:Affiliate Highlight - Noank Baptist Church in Noank\, Conn.
DESCRIPTION:  If you cross the trestle bridge into the quaint village of Noank\, Conn.\, you will see the steeple of the Meeting House where Noank Baptist Church gathers. The sight of it offers a point of needed reference\, especially for a seafaring traveler. At night\, the steeple’s light reassures boaters of their location in relation to Noank and the mouth of the Mystic River.\nThis image represents well the ministry of the church\, with light generated from this church reaching far and wide throughout the shoreline area. What we do and who we are serves as a light of Christ to a world that often seems to be in the dark when it comes to valuing people and expressing mercy\, justice and peace.\nNoank Baptist has been in existence since 1843\, denominationally tied to the American Baptist Churches USA. Our life together over the years has been fairly normal for a village church centered in the community. In recent decades\, however\, the church has broadened its ministry and become a niche for those seeking a progressive Christian community devoted to social justice and peace.  In remarkable ways\, the church has put its faith into action. \nThe Noank Group Homes and Support Services were established by the church in 1972 to help serve adolescent girls in state foster care. A decade later\, the congregation helped create Mystic River Homes — independent and congregate low-income housing for seniors and those living with disabilities. Over the past year\, we helped launch a new community-based program for seniors who need support to remain in their own homes.  \nThe church has addressed significant issues of concern within society. In the early 1990s\, the “Church Street House” was organized to provide low-income housing for those afflicted with HIV/AIDS. In 1992\, the church joined the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists\, becoming one of the first to do so in New England. A few years ago\, the Coalition for the Prevention of Hate Crimes was organized to address discrimination against LGBT people\, and a regional chapter of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays was formed\, now meeting monthly at the church. \nNoank Baptist has also maintained a steady peace presence. In the shadows of General Dynamics and the Navy submarine base in Groton — where several church members work or served — Noank has advocated for nonviolence and peace. Cal Robertson (in connections photo) is well known for his daily vigil outside the gates of the sub base. Several people have been active in the BPFNA and the congregation is a partner congregation. Even the vision for organizing the 2009 Global Baptist Peace Conference in Rome had its genesis in Noank.\nIn January\, Noank Baptist voted to formally affiliate with the Alliance. We will maintain our ties to the ABCUSA\, but this dual affiliation is a way to reinforce our relationship with Baptists who share our vision for ministry and passion for social justice. Our 2010 contribution to the Alliance will be $5\,000 in addition to the “Bridges of Hope” offering. We hope that by plugging into the AOB\, the light we offer along the Connecticut shore will shine even more brightly. 
URL;VALUE=URI:
CLASS:PUBLIC
SEQUENCE:10
DTSTAMP:20100820T105419
CREATED;TZID=US-Central:20100210T101236
LAST-MODIFIED;TZID=US-Central:20100308T131949
DTSTART;TZID=US-Central:20100208T111000
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR