October 12, 2007   Third Annual Convocation 

The 3rd Annual Convocation for the Making Connections Initiative will take place on October 12, 2007 at Wesley Theological Seminary. This is an invitation only program for the general and jurisdictional delegates elected during annual conference this past summer along with Making Connection conference coordinators and the Bishops from the seven participating Mid-Atlantic conferences. We will begin at 8:00am and end by 4:30pm - it will be a full day.  

The Council of Bishops and heads of major UMC agencies are advancing four provocative proposals as we prepare for General Conference and they will be the focus of our discussions: Leadership, Global Health, Elimination of Poverty and Congregational Development.  The purpose is not simply to brief delegates for general conference.  Like Tip O'Neill once said about politics, all church renewal is local.  We are interested in provoking a discussion of these propositions as they relate to life within the church in our region as much as we are to prepare delegates for General Conference. 

We have an impressive lineup of presenters to provide us with solid content for our discussions. Bishop Bickerton and Elizabeth McKee from the United Nations Foundation will address Global Health; Barry Carpenter, the newly named pastor of Frazier Memorial UMC, will speak to us about Congregational Development; Lovett Weems from the Lewis Leadership Center will talk about Leadership; and Mike McCurry, former press secretary for President Clinton will focus on Elimination of Poverty.

Each delegate attendee will be responsible for arranging travel to and from the Washington DC area.  Please complete the registration form (link supplied in the letter you received) .  We have arranged a room block at a local hotel and will make reservations for all who need them via a rooming list.  Wesley will pick-up the cost of your room for Thursday night October 11, 2007 and travel expenses to and from the convocation.  If you indicate the need for housing, we will contact you with specifics.

Wesley Theological Seminary is located at:
4500 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016

Driving Directions

Questions?  Please contact Sara Sheppard - 202-885-8688.