• By RJ Walters, Editor •
Just as Jesus called 12 disciples away from the hectic schedules of their everyday lives to achieve something great for the glory of God, the West Michigan Annual Conference is still searching for thousands of “disciples” to be part of a groundbreaking conference movement at Calvin College on June 4.
Miracle Saturday is hoping to draw in “12 disciples” or more from each West Michigan Conference local church for a day of encouragement, instruction, interaction and spiritual growth featuring the internationally renowned teachings of the Rev. Rudy Rasmus and the Rev. Thomas Kemper.
Up to 5,000 spots are available for Miracle Saturday and $18 is the cost for all day admission, including a boxed lunch, workshops, and ice cream party to close out the conference. People can sign up for Miracle Day through May 18 at www.westmichiganconference.org.
The conference’s programming committee developed the event with a special regard for people who have never attended annual conference, but are essential to the next generation of leadership in the church.
“The focus is the value to the local church in bringing people together for something bigger,” said Mark Doyal, director of communications for the West Michigan Conference. “It is about individual growth and building relationships that people can take back to their church and share with others.”
Once the final legislative session of the 2011 conference is complete Saturday morning — which Miracle Day attendees are welcome to observe — the festivities will kick into high gear with a worship service led by Rasmus at 10:30 a.m.
Rasmus, who ministers to over 12,000 people (4,000 of the total are 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.
Doyal said he is one of the foremost preachers in America when it comes to engaging in ministry with the poor, a key focus of the 2011 conference.
After lunch, Miracle Day will be enthused by the teachings of 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 the church’s work with the poor from charity to engagement.
Following Kemper’s lecture, everyone will be invited to attend one of more than 50 mini-events that will focus on 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.
Full details and registration information are available at www.westmichiganconference.org.
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