Alliance of Baptists Convocation

2009 Alliance of Baptists Convocation April 17-19, 2009, Park Road Baptist Church, Charlotte, North Carolina As a skilled artisan, a weaver gathers threads of varied hues and textures, weaving them into a beautiful pattern. As the weaver gathers materials, the final work of art can only be seen in the dreams and creativity of the weaver. Only as the threads are woven together does the weaver s vision become a tangible creation, a work of beauty. As a masterful weaver, the Spirit works among varied people, weaving them into God s dream. So has gone the story of the Alliance of Baptists. For over twenty years the people of the Alliance of Baptists have gathered together to celebrate the work of the Spirit within and through us individually and collectively. Join us April 17-19, 2009 for the annual Convocation of the Alliance of Baptists at Park Road Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC as we explore what it means to be Weaving with the Spirit. Beginning with creative worship on Friday night, convocation attendees will celebrate the movement of the Spirit in the past as we look toward the Spirit s continued weaving. Saturday morning, attendees will hear about ways the Alliance is weaving with the Spirit into the future as we explore the Alliance s new initiatives. Attendees will have a chance to give their input on these initiatives and explore ways to spread the news of the Alliance s good work with local congregations. During a banquet Saturday evening, we will celebrate the invaluable work of Stan Hastey who has served on the Alliance staff for more than 21 years. Sunday, the Convocation will conclude with community worship, with Diana Butler Bass as the proclaimer. Join us for this exciting event as we weave our stories, our pasts, presents, and our futures together! Ken Meyers, Katherine Amos, Paula Dempsey, Anne Hunter Eidson, David Jordan, Zach Roberts, Maria Stinnett, 2009 Convocation Task Group 1328 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 866.745.7609 allianceofbaptists.org

Highlights Convocation Schedule Friday, April 17, 2009 3:00 p.m. Registration at Park Road Baptist Church 5:30 p.m. Welcoming Reception for Children, Youth and Adults 6:00 p.m. Nursery open 7:00 p.m. Worship for all ages 8:30 p.m. Fellowship for all ages Saturday, April 18, 2009 8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast Nursery open 8:15 a.m. A Service of Taizé Music and Prayer 9:00 a.m. Baptists for a Changing World - Presentation of Strategic Initiatives Children s Gathering Youth Gathering 9:45 a.m. Break 10:15 a.m. Listening Session I 11:30 a.m. Listening Session II 12:30 p.m. Lunch Interest Groups Gather 2:00 p.m. Annual Meeting 4:00 p.m. Free Time Banquet Honoring Stan Hastey On January 1, 1989 Stan Hastey became the first full-time executive director of the Alliance of Baptists. Since that time he has served the Alliance in an exemplary manner, bringing to the organization both his skills as an executive and his passion for ministry and for justice. Stan will retire on June 30, 2009. On Saturday night, April 19, we will gather for a banquet and program honoring the ministry of Stan Hastey. Make plans to attend this historic event in the life of the Alliance. 6:00 p.m. Nursery open 6:30 p.m. Banquet & Program Honoring the Ministry of Stan Hastey 9:00 p.m. Fellowship for College & Theology Students Sunday, April 19, 2009 8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast Nursery open 9:30 a.m. Forum on the Future of the Church with Diana Butler Bass Children s Gathering Youth Gathering 11:00 a.m. Worship for all ages with Park Road Baptist Church Diana Butler Bass, proclaimer 12:30 p.m. Informal Lunch and Conversation with Diana Butler Bass for clergy and theology students Worship Leadership by Diana Butler Bass We welcome Diana Butler Bass to the Alliance Convocation and are grateful for her leadership during the weekend as facilitator of a forum on the church, as proclaimer in worship on Sunday morning, and as conversation partner during an informal lunch for clergy and theology students. Diana is an author, speaker, and independent scholar specializing in American religion and culture. She holds a Ph.D. in religious studies from Duke University and is the author of six books including the best-selling Christianity for the Rest of Us. She is Senior Fellow at the Cathedral College of the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Diana is currently working on a book to be published in March 2009 just before the Convocation, A People s History of Christianity, a history of Christian spirituality and social justice. We are privileged to have Diana share her varied gifts and knowledge with the Alliance of Baptists at the Convocation. Through worship, Convocation attendees will weave their stories together with the story of God. Some of the threads of worship will include vibrant Charlotte Alliance churches form gospelstyle choir with sister churches to enliven worship Friday evening community engaging the senses C o m m u n i o n A l l i a n c e C h o i r Sunday morning weaver opening ourselves to God s presence one what is God s call at this time?...diverse voices central Diana Butler Bass for the living of these days celebration gratitude discernment Lunch for Clergy and Theology Students All clergy and theology students are invited to attend an informal lunch with Diana Butler Bass to discuss her newest book, to ask questions, and to converse about the church and congregational life. Don t miss out on this unique opportunity! A Weaving Forum FOCUS: Challenges of today s American church demand some generativity for both real-time relevancy and praxis-based spirituality. Transformation is needed. How does the church s worldview need to change in order to weave the transformation of our selves, our congregations, and our communities? Based on sound theological foundations, how does this transformation and hoped-for worldview come to pass in specific terms in the local congregation? PARTICIPANTS: All of us practitioners and parishioners along with Diana Butler Bass as our featured resource person together will re-imagine the church. FORMAT: Actual church circumstances will be solicited for conversion to succinct case studies. These will be submitted to Diana Butler Bass. At least three of these will be selected by Diana to be included in her forum leadership. She will present based on her most recent work and with an inclusion of the case studies. Each presentation/case study will be open for dialogue by all present.

Welcome First Timers! We extend a warm greeting to those who will be attending their first Alliance of Baptists Convocation. The Coffee House will be open to all throughout the weekend, and especially for first time attendees to meet folks and learn more about the Alliance and its partners. We look forward to welcoming you to Charlotte as we discover the ways the Spirit is weaving your story into the story of the Alliance of Baptists! Welcome Students! Students in undergraduate and graduate programs are warmly invited to experience the coming together in worship and fellowship of the Alliance of Baptists. Registration for the Convocation is free for students as is student housing upon request. Students will gather after the banquet on Saturday night for a time of fellowship to build community and connections. If you need any financial assistance to attend the Convocation, please let us know at convocation@allianceofbaptists.org. Pre-Convocation Event Contemplative Day Apart Friday, April 17, 9:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m. Spend a day of reflection prior to the Convocation on Developing a Rule of Life at Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte, N.C. (mpbconline.org), just minutes away from the Convocation location. Stephen Shoemaker, senior minister at Myers Park Baptist Church, will guide participants in examining the patterns of spiritual practice in their daily living that nurture spiritual well being. Participants will be challenged to discover how a Rule of Life can become a liberating force in spiritual practice. The day s schedule also provides opportunities for the refreshing of mind, body and spirit that results from quiet time spent with God. The registration fee of $50 includes lunch. For more information, contact Paula Dempsey of the Advent Spirituality Center, adventcenter@verizon.net or 828.689.8320. Baptists for a Changing World Listening Sessions In lieu of traditional workshops at the Convocation this year, we will feature listening sessions. These listening sessions will be opportunities for Alliance folks to dialogue about the six new initiatives that the Alliance is embarking upon as we shape our future as Baptist for a Changing World. In the next five years, the Alliance will: implement an intentional strategy for numerical growth, midwifing new Alliance congregations, welcoming existing congregations, enlisting new individual members, and affirming and supporting those called to this ministry of growth and nurture; be alert to and encourage the development of new national and international mission partnerships, humbly claiming our place in a worldwide movement of progressive Baptist Christians; serve as a catalyst for a new spiritual entrepreneurship which links our members and churches together to develop vital ministry resources for Alliance congregations; in cooperation with academic institutions, training centers, and Alliance congregations, develop service and learning opportunities for students and recent graduates, assisting them in discerning the call of God; foster deeper relationships among Alliance clergy, chaplains and pastoral counselors, encouraging existing opportunities and creating new opportunities for continuing education and spiritual renewal; and responding to the many and varying needs of Alliance folk to gather, enhance the value of our annual Convocation as a resource for individuals and congregations and offer new and creative ways to come together apart from the Convocation. Service of Taizé Music & Prayer Silence, scripture, and song ancient spiritual practices of the church - compose the core of daily reflection and rhythm three times a day in the Taizé Community, nestled in the south of France. The brothers in this contemporary, non-denominational monastic order cultivate a relationship between communion with God in reflective prayer and an experience of solidarity in the global community. The hope is a fusion for inner life and global responsibilities. The Saturday morning Taizé-style prayer and reflection will offer an experience of this pilgrimage of trust on earth. Come be changed. Children & Youth Children and Youth ministers will weave together experiences and projects throughout the weekend for our young people. The Youth Convocation will be led by Garrett Vickrey, Minister of Youth at Myers Park Baptist church and Michael Kellett, Minister with Youth & Children at Park Road Baptist Church, both of Charlotte. Alliance Coffee House It was a smashing success last year, so we re back for more the Alliance Coffee House returns! All are invited to relax with sofas, free wifi, and fair-trade coffee and tea at the Coffee House, open all weekend as THE place to hang out. This year the exhibits and bookstore will be part of the Coffee House experience so enjoy a hot beverage, check your email, browse some books, and learn more about our ministry partners. Post-Convocation Events Youth & Children s Leaders Retreat Sunday, April 19 Tuesday, April 21 Join with colleagues in ministry with children and youth for a retreat of spiritual renewal, collegial connection, sharing of resources, and discussion of a current book on ministry with young people in a progressive context. This will be the fifth year of this retreat and is always a highlight of the Convocation for participants. This year s retreat will be held at The Oratory in Rock Hill, SC, which is less than an hour from Charlotte. The cost will be $125 which includes all meals and lodging. For more information, contact Beth Honeycutt, beth@binkleychurch.org; Libby Stephens, lstephens@pullen.org; or Maria Stinnett, maria@knollwood.org. Chaplains & Pastoral Counselors Retreat Sunday, April 19 Tuesday, April 21 Chaplains and pastoral counselors will gather for their second annual retreat to build community, experience rest and renewal, and to offer service to the Charlotte community. All chaplains and pastoral counselors are invited to build your collegial support for your important ministry. Contact the Chair of the Endorsing Committee, Lynn Hyder, linney64@aol.com, to learn more about the retreat.

Hotel Information Church Information Park Road Baptist Church 3900 Park Road Charlotte, NC 28290 704.523.5717 parkroadbaptist.org You are encouraged to book your room early since rooms will be in high demand. Please mention the Alliance of Baptists group when making your reservation to get the discounted rate. Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel 5501 Carnegie Blvd Charlotte, NC, 28209 704.501.2510 marriott.com/hotels/travel/cltrp-renaissance-charlotte-southpark Group Code: aobaoba Rate: $99 Available Until: April 3, 2009 The Renaissance Hotel is located in the SouthPark area of Charlotte, 2.5 miles from Park Road Baptist Church. A shuttle service will be provided between the hotel and the church. Childcare A nursery will be provided Friday evening, Saturday morning through lunch, Saturday evening, and Sunday morning for children from birth through pre-k. The nursery is provided at no charge, but parents must register children in advance to provide for adequate childcare. Care for the Earth In an effort to reduce the environmental impact of the Convocation, we are working to create the greenest Alliance gathering ever. We are working to reduce paper, provide recycling, and reuse as many resources as possible. As a partner with the non-profit environmental group Carbon Fund, the Alliance is purchasing carbon offsets that will provide resources for the development of sustainable, renewable energy. We encourage you as you plan your participation in the Convocation to be mindful of your environmental impact. If you would like to reduce your carbon footprint, purchase carbon offsets at carbonfund.org Creative Excursions The Convocation Task Group has gathered a list of opportunities to interweave the gift of who we are with the gifts already present locally through visual art, music, food, and cultural narrative. These unique experiences include such opportunities as a children s museum, folk music club, art museums, Afro-American Cultural Center, a prayer room, and botanical gardens. Visit allianceofbaptists.org/connect/events to learn about these creative excursions to interweave with your time at the Convocation. 09 Alliance of Baptists Convocation Registration Participant Information Please print your name as you would like it to appear on your name tag. Name 1 Name 2 Address Phone E-mail Congregational Membership (Name, City, State) I have the following dietary restrictions: This is my first Alliance of Baptists Convocation. I give permission for the Alliance to use any photographs or video taken of me during the Convocation to be used in promotional materials, publications, and online. Payment Enclosed is my check made payable to Alliance of Baptists. Please charge my credit card (circle type) Visa Mastercard American Express Discover Account # Expiration Date CVV2 Code Name on Card Signature Cancellations Fees will be refunded with written notice prior to March 15, 2009 less a $25 processing fee. Refunds will not be available after March 15, 2009. Special Needs If you have mobility, visual, or hearing needs, please enclose a description with your registration. For any other special needs, concerns, or to arrange a payment plan, please contact the Alliance office at 866.745.7609 or convocation@ allianceofbaptists.org. Registration Registration fees include the Friday reception, Saturday and Sunday morning continental breakfast, Saturday lunch, Saturday banquet, and snacks. Early Bird Registration before January 15, 2009 Participants @ $80 each Regular Registration between January 15 & March 15, 2009 Participants @ $95 each Late Registration after March 15, 2009 Participants @ $110 each All Registration Periods Preschoolers @ $0 each Children (Grades K-5) @ $40 each Youth (Grades 6-12) @ $40 each College & Theology Students @ $0 each Name of College / Theology School Graduation Year I am a current student and would like free housing in the Charlotte area. I need transportation between student housing and the church. Lunch with Diana Butler Bass, for clergy @ $10 each and theology students @ $0 each Pre-Convocation Event Clergy Day Apart @ $50 each Post-Convocation Events Youth & Children s Leaders Retreat @ $125 each Chaplains & Pastoral Counselors Retreat @ $25 each Scholarship Assistance Please receive my tax-deductible gift to offset the cost for college and theology students registration, transportation, lodging, and meals. Total Enclosed Send this completed form and payment to Alliance of Baptists, 1328 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 or submit registration and payment online at allianceofbaptists.org/connect/events.

2009 Alliance of Baptists Convocation April 17-19, 2009 1328 16 th Street NW Washington, DC 20036 Come to Charlotte April 17-19 and join together in weaving with the Spirit at the 2009 Alliance Convocation!