Dear CBWOQ sisters, friends, members and supporters,

In this past year, we have been sharing with you about the work the CBWOQ leadership team has been doing to position this ministry for the future. It is our deep desire to continue to equip and empower the women of our churches to bring transformation to the world around them today and in the years to come. The rich legacy and examples of all the bold, courageous, faith-filled Baptist women of our past inspire us to rise up to the task of discipling new generations of women to share the gospel in a world that is vastly different than it was even twenty years ago.

This year, we have taken several steps toward fulfilling the ministry priorities that were identified through a lengthy discernment process. One of these steps has been to restructure our staff roles and to redistribute our resources in order to meet the challenges. While we are excited about the possibilities that have opened up and we anticipate great things, our excitement is tempered with the sadness of saying good-bye to Renee James, a dearly valued, long-time member of our staff team, as a result.

Renee served as our Director of Communications for more than sixteen years. Her contributions to the work of CBWOQ have been significant and we will always be thankful for her impact. We also know that Renee developed special friendships with many of you, and her absence on our staff team will be a great loss to you. Please be assured that we understand this. These were incredibly difficult decisions to make, but they were bathed in much thought and prayer so we trust God to continue to use Renee in new ways as she moves forward and to lead and guide us as we continue in our journey.

We invite you to send a card or letter to convey your prayers and best wishes for Renee and to honor and celebrate her contributions to Baptist Women by sharing a story of how you’ve been impacted by her ministry. We will gladly receive these at our mailing address and forward them to Renee on your behalf. Mail cards and letters to 5 International Blvd., Etobicoke, Ont., M9W 6H3) or emails to ([email protected]).

Grace & peace,

Helena Bergen

Executive Director, CBWOQ