Colleen Burroughs, at podium, leads breakout group discussion of proposed CBF annual budget.

HOUSTON (ABP) -- The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship adopted a $16.1 million budget July 3, but will begin the 2009-2010 fiscal year spending at 80 percent of projected income, anticipating continued reduced giving due to the economy. 

The Mass Choir of Missouri City (Texas) Baptist Church sings July 2 at the CBF General Assembly in Houston (CBF photo)

HOUSTON (ABP) -- Attendees to the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship General Assembly heard a visceral call to embrace the world -- and all their neighbors -- in worship July 2.

About 2,000 registered attendees and guests on the first night of the group’s annual meeting, gathering in Houston, participated in a multicultural worship service focused on the story of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10. It featured an African-American choir, a largely Anglo praise team singing worship songs written by a Latino composer, two young pastors meditating on the text and the “Embrace the World -- Welcome to Your Neighborhood” theme and an exploration of the ways CBF partners are implementing the U.N.’s Millennium Development Goals.