Photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh Cayford
The Intercultural Ministry office, advisory committee, and Virlina District have announced the 2013 Intercultural Gathering, titled “The Great Multitude: A Symposium Bringing Us Together.” The gathering will be held Oct. 25-27 at the Skelton 4-H Center, 775 Hermitage Rd., Wirtz, Va.
The theme scripture comes from Revelation 7:9: “After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands.”
The event is a new way of bringing together those who are passionate about intercultural work within the denomin
ation and their communities. It builds on the former Intercultural Ministries Celebration and Consultation and a partnership with districts. Participants from all walks of life and all districts are invited for an intercultural experience of prayer, study of the theological basis for an ethnically diverse church, conversation about contemporary trends in intercultural ministry, fellowship with new people and neighbors in the region, and worship with the Bittersweet Gospel Band and one another.
Speakers for the event include Barbara Daté, Daniel D’Oleo, Dava Hensley, Samuel Sarpiya, Dennis Webb, and Jonathan Shively, executive director of Congregational Life Ministries. Participants are invited to join host congregations Roanoke (Va.) First Church of the Brethren and Roanoke Renacer Fellowship for the Sunday morning service at 2001 Carroll Avenue in Roanoke.
Early registration (by Sept. 1) costs $199 for those staying onsite, or $99 for commuters. (After Sept. 1 the registration fee will increase). Resident participants will have hotel-style lodgings, linens and towels provided, in shared double rooms at the 4-H Skelton Center. The registration fee will include meals from Friday dinner through Sunday brunch. Continuing education credit is available.
Find a schedule and printable brochure at www.brethren.org/intercultural/greatmultitude . For more information or if you need financial assistance to attend, contact Gimbiya Kettering, Intercultural Ministries coordinator, at gkettering@brethren.org or 847-429-4387.