Black Ministry Convocation set for July in St. Louis

Registrations are now being accepted for the 2004 Black Ministry Family Convocation, July 7-11 at the Millennium Hotel in St. Louis.  Theme of the convocation is “King of Kings.”

The convocation brings together LCMS members involved in Black ministry for worship, business sessions, Bible studies, idea sharing, inspirational speakers, workshops and fellowship.

Serving as keynote speaker at this summer’s event will be Eric Kendall Banks, a trial lawyer and partner with Thompson Coburn LLP, St. Louis.  Banks is a member of Transfiguration Lutheran Church in St. Louis.

Also addressing delegates and guests will be Synod President Gerald Kieschnick.

The convocation will offer more than a dozen workshops on topics such as reaching African-American males, using schools and early-childhood centers for outreach, creating partnerships among congregations, using the media to get the message out, parenting and developing worship styles.

“Early-bird” registration fees, which must be received by April 7, are $100 for adults and $60 for youth and children, ages 5 and older.  Registration includes materials, workshops and activities for children.

Registration between April 8 and June 6 is $125 for adults and $70 for youth; and late registration, June 7 or later, is $150 for adults and $80 for youth.

Rooms at the Millennium Hotel are available for the special rate of $79 per night, single or double, plus taxes.  Reservations must be made directly with the hotel at (314) 241-9500.

Online registration forms, conference information and links to the hotel are available on the Board for Black Ministry Services Web site at http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=4216.

For more information, or to request registration forms, contact Willamae Winston, administrative assistant for the Board for Black Ministry Services, at (800) 248-1930, Ext. 1751; willamae.winston@lcms.org.

January 2004