The fourth triennial National Lutheran Hispanic Convention will be held June 19-22 at Concordia University, Ann Arbor, Mich. The theme for the convention is “Celebrating Our Vocation.”
The “family friendly” event — which will be conducted primarily in Spanish — includes a children’s program as an option for attendees and their families.
All ordained and commissioned church workers and laypeople who serve a Hispanic ministry — as well as seminary students enrolled in the Center for Hispanic Studies at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and LCMS mission executives — are encouraged to attend the conference.
“Of course, any person interested in Hispanic ministry in the LCMS is welcome to participate,” said the Rev. Aurelio Magariño, president of the convention and a staff member of the Hispanic Lutheran Mission Society of Metro Washington, D.C.
Organizers of the event include Magariño; the Rev. Dr. Leopoldo Sánchez, vice-president of the convention and director of the Center for Hispanic Studies; Deaconess Teresita Rodriguez, secretary and treasurer of the convention; and Deaconess Ligia Morales de Borges and the Rev. Laerte Tardeli Voss, convention members at-large.
The convention will provide opportunities to discuss issues that are relevant to those who serve Hispanic ministries and will offer worship, fellowship, networking, plenary sessions and workshops sponsored by the Center for Hispanic Studies. Voting delegates also will elect officers for the Fifth National Hispanic Convention in 2015.
Plenary speakers — who will share their perspectives on the convention’s vocation emphasis — include Lorna Virgili, owner of the National Hispanic Communications Group in Washington, D.C.; the Rev. Giacomo Cassesse, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in Miami; and the Rev. Dr. Douglas Rutt, director of International Ministries for Lutheran Hour Ministries in St. Louis. LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison will address the convention during its opening worship service.
“At the end of the convention, participants will return to their ministries refreshed and empowered to continue their mission,” said Magariño.
In reference to the convention children’s program, Magariño said, “Hispanics value family and community. Children are very important in the life of the Latino church. We believe they need to have educational and recreational programs that will enrich their spiritual lives, even as their parents participate in the convention.” Plans for the children’s program include Bible study in the morning and outings to local attractions in the afternoon.
Convention planners say they are grateful to the Synod’s Michigan District for inviting the convention to use the campus of Concordia University, which allowed them to keep registration costs low. The convention also received funding from the LCMS Office of National Mission and the Synod’s Texas and Michigan Districts.
Registration is $50 for each Hispanic church or mission, which includes two voting delegates and their family members. Lodging and meals are extra. Registration for nonvoting attendees is $35.
For more information about the convention, visit www.facebook.com/4cnhl or send an email to convencionhispana@att.net. For a preliminary agenda, visit http://4cnhl.wordpress.com. To download a PDF of registration materials, click here.
Posted April 11, 2012
