Mission education: The quest for racial justice

Mission education: The quest for racial justice

From August 12-15, 2024, Memphis, TN, will host the Lott Carey Annual Session, featuring a series of Mission Education classes. These classes, guided by Dr. Evans L. Spagner, Lott Carey mission education coordinator, will be led by various facilitators and focus on the critical theme of racial justice.

The primary text for these sessions will be Silencing White Noise: Six Practices to Overcome Our Inaction on Race, by Rev. Dr. Willie Dwayne Francois III. This book explores systemic and structural racial issues that persist in society. Dr. Francois, Senior Pastor at Fountain Baptist Church of Summit, NJ, and Associate Professor of Liberation Theology at New York Theological Seminary, delves into the reasons behind our collective inaction on race and provides practical steps to address and overcome these challenges.

Dr. Francois’s work examines the prevalence of racial practices, policies, programs, systems, and structures that contribute to ongoing racial disparities. Through the rubric of what he calls “White Noise,” he addresses several critical questions and statements that often arise in discussions about race, including “I don’t see color. We are all the same in Christ,” “It’s not my fault. Slavery was so long ago. Get over it,” “I’ve had it hard too, but I worked hard,” “Why does everything have to be about race?” “It’s not my job to fix racism,” and “I’m scared of the backlash.”

These discussions will explore the implications of colorblindness, the long-lasting impacts of slavery, the differences between individual hardships and systemic racial barriers, the importance of ongoing conversations about race, the role of individuals and communities in combating racism, and the fear of backlash.

The Mission Education classes aim to equip participants with a deeper understanding of racial issues and practical tools to foster racial justice in their communities. By engaging with Dr. Francois’s insightful analysis and participating in guided discussions, attendees will be better prepared to confront and dismantle racial inequities.

This year’s Lott Carey Annual Session promises to be a transformative experience, empowering individuals to take meaningful action toward racial justice.

127th Annual Session Registration Now Open

127th Annual Session Registration Now Open

We’re delighted to invite you to the 127th Lott Carey Annual Session, taking place in Memphis, Tennessee, from August 12 to 15, 2024. This event, held in the hometown of our esteemed President, Rev. Dr. Gina M. Stewart, is centered around the theme “Proclaim!” drawn from Mark 16:15’s directive to share the gospel globally.

This year’s session is particularly momentous as Dr. Stewart will be passing the presidential baton to Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Williams. Attendees can look forward to a variety of registration options, including for adults and youth, as well as virtual attendance which provides access to a worship arts concert featuring Maurette Clark Brown.

The conference will offer mission opportunities, a special luncheon dedicated to mission work, an entertaining comedy night, a soulful jazz evening, and the S.A.L.T Awards Dinner to celebrate outstanding service and leadership.

Parents and guardians are specially invited to a joint meeting for Hope Missionaries and International Youth Development on Sunday, August 11. Hotel reservations are currently open, with a one-night deposit required at booking.

Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to explore Memphis’s rich history and culture through city tours, with more details to come.

2024 Annual Youth Seminar Canceled Due to Low Registration

It is with regret that we announce the cancellation of the Lott Carey Annual Youth Seminar for the year 2024 due to insufficient registration numbers. Despite our best efforts and enthusiasm for this event, the response fell short of the required threshold to make it a successful and enriching experience for all participants.

The Lott Carey Annual Youth Seminar has always been a beacon of knowledge, empowerment, and community for young minds across the Lott Carey network. We deeply appreciate the ongoing support and interest shown by our participants, sponsors, and partners. especially our IYD Team.

While we are disappointed by this turn of events, we remain committed to our mission of nurturing and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Therefore, we are excited to announce that the Lott Carey Annual Youth Seminar will return in full force in 2025.

We encourage all interested individuals to mark their calendars for the eagerly anticipated 2025 Lott Carey Annual Youth Seminar, scheduled to take place in June 2025.

In anticipation of this future gathering, we will be redoubling our efforts to ensure a robust and engaging program that exceeds expectations. Stay tuned for updates on speakers, workshops, and registration details as we prepare to make the 2025 Seminar an unforgettable experience for all participants.

For further inquiries or information, please contact the Lott Carey office at lottcarey@lottcarey.org.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we navigate these circumstances together. We look forward to welcoming you to the 2025 Lott Carey Annual Youth Seminar.

 

Save the Date: 127th Lott Carey Annual Session

Save the Date: 127th Lott Carey Annual Session

We are thrilled to announce that the 127th Lott Carey Annual Session will take place from August 12 to 15, 2024, in the vibrant city of Memphis, Tennessee – the hometown of our esteemed President, Rev. Dr. Gina M. Stewart! This year’s theme is “Proclaim!”, inspired by the scripture reference from Mark 16:15, where Jesus instructs His disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

At the Annual Session, Dr. Stewart will pass on the baton of the presidency to Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Williams.

Registration Details:

  • Adults (18 and older): Registration fee is $185.00.
  • Children and Youth (ages 6-17): Registration fee is $150.00.
  • Virtual registration is also available at $150, granting you access to the worship arts concert featuring the talented Maurette Clark Brown. Prepare for a musical extravaganza like no other!

Mission Opportunities:

  • Explore mission opportunities on Monday and Wednesday during the conference.

Conference Highlights:

  • Mission Luncheon: Join us for a special luncheon dedicated to mission work.
  • Comedy Night: Get ready to laugh and unwind during our entertaining comedy night.
  • Jazz Evening: Immerse yourself in the soulful rhythms of jazz at our evening event.
  • S.A.L.T Awards Dinner: Celebrate outstanding service and leadership with us.

Special Invitation:

  • Parents and guardians, mark your calendars! On Sunday, August 11, we invite you to a joint meeting for Hope Missionaries and International Youth Development.

Hotel Reservations:

  • Hotel reservations are now open. The cost per night, including taxes, is [insert cost].
  • A one-night deposit is required at the time of reservation, and cancellations after [insert date] are nonrefundable.

Memphis City Tours:

  • Explore the rich history and culture of Memphis with our city tours (additional cost). Stay tuned for more information!

For additional details, please visit our website at www.lottcarey.org.

2024 Youth Seminar Registration open

2024 Youth Seminar Registration open

Join us for an empowering five-day experience at Lott Carey’s 66th Annual Youth Seminar, themed “Disrupt.” Open for registration from May 1-31, the event will unfold at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, from June 22-27.

This seminar is a transformative journey for young individuals aged 14-24. It’s an opportunity to connect with God and fellow participants in meaningful ways, with the ultimate aim of fostering positive change in homes, communities, and beyond. Attendees will delve deeper into their faith, inspired to follow the path of Jesus more closely.

We’re calling on the youth to challenge norms, to dream beyond the conventional, and to ignite a wave of transformation among their peers. The seminar is designed to reveal new perspectives on everyday life, provide hands-on experiences to discover one’s divine purpose, and empower participants to make a tangible difference in their communities upon their return.

We also invite spirited volunteers to lead our Family Groups. As a Family Group Leader, you’ll guide 15-20 youth through daily sessions of discipleship, friendly competitions, and mission-oriented service. This role is pivotal in creating a nurturing environment for growth, spiritual deepening, and the forging of lasting bonds. While no official church role is necessary, a heart for God, spiritual insight, and a dedication to youth development are essential.

The week is filled with camaraderie-building competitions across missions, classes, recreational activities, and worship services. And let’s not forget the Ministry Expo! It’s a vibrant evening where churches can exhibit their unique ministries through dance, mime, song, drama, and more, celebrating the diverse ways we serve in our faith communities.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of something extraordinary. Sign up, volunteer, and prepare to “Disrupt” for the better!

Click this link to register Downloadable Registration Form (PDF) Health History and Emergency Authorization Form