Black convocation to offer ‘inspiring, helpful’ sessions

Registration is now open for the 2017 LCMS Lutherans in Black Ministry Family Convocation, set for July 12-16 in Birmingham, Ala. Its theme is “All for Jesus — Know Him. Confess Him. Serve Him.”

“Historically, our convocations have been important gatherings for those involved in Black Ministry as we encourage, equip and empower each other to serve our congregations and communities with the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” said the Rev. Dr. Roosevelt Gray Jr., director of LCMS Black Ministry. “In keeping with this tradition, this year’s event will include many inspiring speakers and helpful workshops from different areas of our Synod.”

Speakers will include:

• the Rev. Bart Day, executive director of the LCMS Office of National Mission;
• Leevones Gillespie Dubose-Fisher, executive director and housing coordinator for the Bay Area Women Coalition Inc. in Mobile, Ala.;
• the Rev. Dr. Leopoldo A. Sánchez M., the Werner R.H. and Elizabeth R. Krause Professor of Hispanic Ministries at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis;
• the Rev. Dr. John A. Nunes, president of Concordia College—New York, Bronxville;
• the Rev. Dr. Gregory P. Seltz, speaker of “The Lutheran Hour”; and
• the Rev. Dr. Dien Ashley Taylor, pastor of Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Bronx, N.Y., and first vice-president of the LCMS Atlantic District.

The convocation also will offer a wide variety of workshops on topics like outreach to Muslims, community development, reaching out to young people and responding after a natural or man-made disaster.

The registration fee is $145 per adult, $50 for the first child (ages 5 and up) and $40 for each additional child. Additionally, the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel is offering a discounted room rate of $119 per night for conference attendees, subject to availability, through May 30.

“We are excited to join the church at-large in celebrating 500 years of the Lutheran Reformation as well as 140 years of Black Ministry in the LCMS,” Gray said. “Please make plans to join us in this historic time, at a historic site, with our historic faith.”

Register online Conference details

Posted February 20, 2017

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