Report from Pastor Anne about the Evergreen Association ABC-USA Annual Gathering, Oct. 8-10, 2026

Beyond me, our other Calvary representative was congregant Morgan Fletcher, who also serves as Evergreen’s Budget Chair, concluding her service after this year’s financial report. Morgan presented a wonderful 2027 budget, including a narrative budget (a first for Evergreen), and it passed by consensus by all four caucuses. She also updated us on financials for 2026 through August. It is critical for Evergreen congregations to continue to give annual and support our ministry together, especially as Evergreen is experiencing growth and expansion.

Held at CrossWalk Community Church in Napa, CA (formerly, First Baptist Church of Napa)

Heard about their name change process and branding and their ministry in the community. Similar size to Calvary – 125 on a Sunday in person; 100 or so online or who view the service later. Building used a lot by the community. Involved in a current capital campaign related to property. Have a beautiful outdoor courtyard space.

Attended a workshop led by their pastor Rev. Pete Shaw about the changes they have made, and how they host 45 recovery groups weekly, hold immigration clinics to help people become citizens, and serve as the first-to-open/last-to-close evacuation center for hosting large number of people in crisis on their campus with the Red Cross. They are known as the ‘place to meet’ by many non-profits in the area when they host meetings, as they offer space at low cost or often no cost. They have a clear, inviting way of communicating their mission and vision:

The food and hospitality was amazing! The best we’ve ever had at a gathering. The offered a wine tasting the first evening with a member of their community who has a vineyard/winery and it was lovely exploration of theology + vineyard—reminded me a lot of our Abide & Grow focus. Even Buster the stuffed monkey enjoyed a tasting!

My colleague and friend, Rev. Dr. Jamie Washam—pastor of the First Baptist Church in America in Rhode Island (Roger Williams’ meeting house), preached powerful messages around the theme of “See I am doing a new thing…” (Isaiah 43:19).

Music was led by grammy nominated Michael Gungor, who you may recognize from the song we sing every Ash Wednesday at Calvary called Beautiful Things. He sang some of his newest songs from his project Mystic Hymnal; the theology and spiritual practices integrated in his music is a breath of fresh air.

My favorite workshop was led by Rev. Bianca Luna of Urban Grace Church in Tacoma, WA who talked about the Tacoma Joint Youth Group which is a shared youth group between five theological aligned congregations—including monthly gatherings, annual retreats, and shared mission trips. I have great practical resources and ideas from this to share with Minister Angela and our staff. And it’s a model that can be applied to all kinds of ministry areas.

Executive Minister. Rev. Doug Avilesbernal announced that Evergreen welcomed three new churches this year: The First Baptist Church of McMinnville, Oregon; Montesano Community Church in Montesana, WA; and Pine Street Church in Boulder, CO, where one of Calvary’s former pastors, Rev. Andrew Daugherty, is pastor. This means we now have three Evergreen churches in our area (First Baptist, Pine Street, Calvary) and a few more in our mountain region (including Salt Lake City). I learned this weekend that Evergreen is the American Baptist region with most female clergy and it’s also the only region that is growing in number every year, adding churches. Evergreen is in a season of adjusting to this growth and planning accordingly to continue to serve our churches in the best way possible. It’s exciting to be a part of a region that is vibrant, growing, and focused on innovative ministry and the future of ministry in the local church.

Also, Evergreen announced a new partnership and collaboration with Costa Rica Ministries. This has been discussed in quarterly meetings the past year, and was affirmed by all four caucuses.

Thank you Calvary, for supporting pastors attending our Evergreen events. It’s soul-filling to be around Baptists who share similar values even across our diversity. Remember…Evergreen meetings and events are open to all people in Evergreen, congregants and pastors. Mark on your calendar the next quarterly meeting dates, which you can attend on zoom: March 13, May 15, August 14, October 9. Evergreen only works as designed when churches from all four caucus (Euro, Black, Asian, Hispanic) are represented and participating!