The 2015 African American Convocation was held at Rickman Center on Saturday, April 11th. Thirty-two people, including three youth attended the event.
Several speakers presented on a variety of topics. Regional Moderator Guy Adams brought a State of the Region address. Janice Legg brought greetings from the Executive Committee and relayed information about the Pro-Reconciliation/Anti-Racism initiative. Jay Stevenson led a stewardship workshop entitled 'The Art of Giving.' Regional Ministry Team member Rev. Dr. Kris Tenny-Brittian brought greetings from the Northwest Area. Rev. Jacqua Brown Williams shared about her mission trip to the holy land. Rev. Cedric Harris spoke about 'The Trouble with You.'
The keynote speaker was Rev. Dr. Reginald W. Calhoun, Sr., Executive for Evangelism and Congregational Transformation and Director, Office of Black Ministries. He brought with him special guests Rev. Sheila P. Spencer, Director of Christian Education and Faith Formation and Assistant to the President of Disciples Home Missions, and Rev. Chesla T. Nickelson, DWM Program Director and Merger Staff. He invited the group to let them know what they could be doing to help them.
The event's planning committee was Rev. M. Faye Vaughn, Coordinator, Dolly Leo Salmon, Inez McPike, Sue Brown, Jeff Miller, Joe Miller, Jane Miller, LeWanda Jackson, JoAnn Allison, and Paula Holliday. They would like to thank Master of Ceremony Lillie Gardner, pianist Talya Mayfield, and crafts/youth leader LeWanda Jackson.
The day closed with worship including an offering to be donated to DHM.
The tentative date for next year's event is April 16th.
The next National Convocation will be July 21-24, 2016 in Kansas City.