wfn.org | [LCMSNews] Black Lutherans attending 'mini-convos'

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	August 2, 2005 .................... LCMSNews -- No. 57

	Lutherans in Black ministry attending 'mini-convos'

	Ten regional Black ministry convocations are being held this
summer and fall to give Lutherans involved in Black ministry
opportunities to discuss local issues and hear about the "vision" of the
Synod's Board for Black Ministry Services.

	The local events also are designed to promote attendance at the
next national Black ministry convocation, according to Dr. Phillip
Campbell, executive director of the Black ministry board. That event is
scheduled for July 19-23, 2006, at Concordia College in Selma, Ala.

	Campbell and his associate, Dr. Willie Stallworth, are attending
the regional convocations to share the board's Ablaze!-related vision of
sharing the Gospel with a million African Americans in North America by
2017.

	Tied to that vision is a stewardship emphasis designed to raise
$1 million over the next three years. That $1 million figure can be
reached, Campbell said, if each of the Synod's 70,000 members of
Black-ministry congregations contributes $5 annually to the effort.

	"The amazing thing is [the vision] is so well-received,"
Campbell said. "People say, 'We can do this.' And I'm happy about that."

	The regional convocations replicate the national convocation,
but on a smaller scale. Like the larger event, which is held every two
years, the "mini-convocations" include worship, choirs, presentations by
Black ministry leaders, and workshops for sharing ministry ideas.
Attendance ranges from 50 to several hundred people at each event.

	Campbell described the regional convocations as "celebrations of
local accomplishments and local dreams" for Black ministry.

	The events are planned locally by congregations, he said, which
"helps raise up new leaders" for Black ministry, and most include
sessions for teenagers. Planners for the regional convocations are
receiving funding assistance from a $30,000 grant from Thrivent
Financial for Lutherans.

	The first three events were held last month in New Orleans;
Orlando, Fla.; and Chicago. Others are planned for Aug. 12-14 in
Houston, Sept. 23-24 in Detroit, and Oct. 7-9 in the Southeastern
District (city to be determined). Dates and cities still are being
finalized for gatherings in the Synod's Indiana, Mid-South, Missouri,
and Pacific Southwest districts.

	For more information about the regional convocations, contact
Campbell at (800) 248-1930, Ext. 1755, or phillip.campbell@lcms.org.

	****************************************

	If you have questions or comments about this LCMSNews release,
contact Joe Isenhower Jr. at joe.isenhower@lcms.org or (314) 996-1231,
or Paula Schlueter Ross at paula.ross@lcms.org or (314) 996-1230.

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