American and Foreign Christian Union

The Bridge Newsletter

The Summer 2010 edition of the Bridge is now available.

Many interesting articles appear in this issue. In addition to reports from the churches in Paris Berlin, and Vienna, there is an inspirational message from the AFCU President, a report on the AFCU annual meeting held in April in Tucson, an article introducing 5 new AFCU Board members and several other articles of interest.

To download this issue of the AFCU Bridge, press here.

To read previous editions of the newsletter go to the Newsletters link in the top border.

THE HERITAGE SOCIETY AND PLANNED GIVING

Planned Giving opportunities exist for donors interested in leaving a legacy and aiding charities that have significant ongoing financial needs. These are very turbulent times in our economy and the needs of the non-profits are now greater than ever. In times like this, the challenges have expanded and it remains important that these organizations continue to carry out their missions and serve their constituents.

The Heritage Society of the AFCU consists of members who have included the American & Foreign Christian Union in their estate plans. Current financial gifts as well as future gifts are welcome and are greatly appreciated. Planned giving opportunities in support of the AFCU and our three member churches in Europe are listed on this web site Support link in the top border. Also Bridge Newsletters have articles on the Heritage Society.

The AFCU has a 501 (c) 3 status with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service as a not-for-profit charitable organization. In all cases it is important to obtain the professional legal and accounting assistance of a qualified person while doing your estate planning.

If we can be of assistance, please contact us at: afcuheritage@afcubridge.org

Ben Coltvet - ACB

Ben Coltvet has completed eight years of service at the American Church in Berlin and is returning to the US.

While in Berlin Ben and his wife, Margit, shepherded the return of the ACB to downtown Berlin at the Luther Kirche. The ACB had not been near the center of Berlin since World War II. While in Berlin they initiated several successful outreach
and service programs which are ongoing. Included in these programs were activities to obtain and offer food to those in need and tutoring for nearby children who needed academic help.

Pastor Stephan Kienberger has accepted a call from the ACB to be the new Senior Pastor. He will arrive in Berlin in August.

All of us of the AFCU thank Ben and Margit for their service at the ACB. We welcome Pastor Kienberger and wish him a fruitful stay in Berlin.

AFCU Bridge Going Green

What is eight pages long, full of important information and a few black and white pictures? The Bridge, sent by snail mail. What is more than eight pages long, full of important information and lots of pictures in color? The Green Bridge, sent electronically!

If you currently receive the Bridge though email you do not have to do anything. If you are not receiving it through email, please send your email address to AFCUEmail@afcubridge.org with a note saying that you would like to go green with the electronic Bridge.

Of course the hard copy of the Bridge will continue to be sent to anyone who prefers it.

In addition, current and past copies of the Bridge can be obtained on this website by using the Newsletters link in the top border.

Visit Churches

If you are visiting Berlin, Paris, or Vienna, and your schedule permits, plan on worshiping at the American Church in Berlin, the American Church in Paris, or the Vienna Community Church. The websites of the churches may be found by clicking on their pictures to the left. We think that you will find the diversity represented by Christians from throughout the world will bring to you an added dimension in your worship and an increased appreciation of worldwide Christianity.

If you are traveling in other areas of the world, there are many English speaking international churches where you can experience the diversity and richness of global Christianity. Plan on worshiping at one of them. Click here to find a directory of these churches.

Contributions

If you wish to contribute to the ministries of the American Church in Paris, the American Church in Berlin, and/or the Vienna Community Church, you may mail your contributions to:

Treasurer
American & Foreign Christian Union,
P.O. Box 1254
Summerfield, Florida 34492-1254

Additional information is available by clicking on the Support link above.

The American and Foreign Christian Union (AFCU) is a US-based 501(c)(3) organization that supports the American Church in Paris, the American Church in Berlin, and the Vienna Community Church. Focusing primarily on alumni and friends of these churches, the AFCU manages endowment funds to support these churches, stimulates donations to grow these funds, and offers consultation and direct support to assist these churches in their operations. See the above link, About the AFCU for more detail.