• By Mark Doyal, West Michigan Conference Director of Communications •
More than 2,000 years ago Jesus called upon 12 disciples to help Him spread the Good News. Today, that call is being celebrated through the invitation of 12 members from every church in the West Michigan Conference to attend the final day of Annual Conference.
“We are planning to witness a miracle on Saturday, June 4,” commented the Rev. Bill Johnson, the Annual Conference Program Committee Chairperson. “We are praying for the arrival of 5,000 new faces to join us for an extraordinary day of worship, fellowship and connection with Jesus Christ and the Church.”
Pastors are being asked to attend “Miracle Saturday” with their designated lay member to Annual Conference and then extend the invitation to 10 or more congregants they feel are ready to grow in faith.
The conference has arranged for the extra people, so local churches are encouraged to invite even more than 12 to attend.
The theme of the day is “Take My Hand: Engaging the poor in ministry”
It features worship with the Rev. Rudy Rasmus, the dynamic pastor of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Houston, Tex.
Rasmus, who ministers to over 12,000 people (4,000 of the total were homeless or formerly homeless) is also an author, regular contributor to Oprah Winfrey’s O Magazine and hosts a street ethics program on SiriusXM radio.
Rasmus has also worked with singer and actress Beyonce’ Knowles, a member of his congregation, to create a multi-million dollar program to address poverty and starvation.
Also featured on Saturday will be Thomas Kemper, a former missionary in Brazil and current General Secretary of the General Board of Global Ministries.
Kemper has strong United Methodist roots in his native Germany and broad ecumenical and international experience. He will speak on how to transform our work with the poor from charity to engagement.
Following the talk, everyone will be invited to attend one of more than 50 mini-events that will focus on how putting faith into action. The events have local, regional, national and international themes, depending on the interests of each attendee.
A ministry fair will also take place simultaneously, introducing new members to the hundreds of mission areas of the church.
Pastors and church leaders are being asked to personally invite individuals they feel are ready for spiritual growth.
These may be individuals who are new to the church or who have only been involved in activities at the local church level.
Organizers are particularly seeking those who have not been to district or conference events before.
Groups or individuals can register at www.westmichiganconference.org.
The cost of the day is $18 per person, which includes meal accommodations.
The day is included for anyone registered for Annual Conference. The Program Committee is encouraging local churches to support attendance through scholarships or grants and to consider joining other local churches to rent buses to reduce transportation costs.
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