The 127th Lott Carey Annual Session is calling all mission-minded individuals to Memphis, TN, from August 12-15! It promises a journey of inspiration, engagement, and the chance to make a real difference.
Those arriving early may attend worship on August 11 at the Christ Missionary Baptist Church, where our esteemed president, Dr. Gina M. Stewart, is Senior Pastor, followed by an orientation for Mission Blitz participants.
The official sessions open with a Missions Prayer Breakfast, leading into the opening ceremony featuring Dr. William F. Wright, Senior Pastor of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Throughout the week, attendees can participate in a variety of activities designed to deepen their faith and commitment to service.
These include a First-time Attendee Orientation, informative Mission Education Classes, and an uplifting Worship Arts Concert featuring Maurette Brown Clark. Inspiring General Sessions will feature prominent speakers like Dr. Marcus Cosby, Senior Pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, Rev. Brittany D. Mingo, IYD Team Leader, Dr. Howard-John Wesley, Senior Pastor of Alfred Street Baptist Church, Dr. Keith Norman, Senior Servant Leader of First Baptist Church-Broad, and Dr. Cynthia Hale, Founder and Senior Pastor of Ray of Hope Christian Church.
Special evening events will add to the spirit of community, with an “Evening of Soul” featuring The Tribe with KJ Willis, an “Evening of Laughter” with Comedian Marcus Wiley, and an Evening Worship-President’s Night featuring Dr. Stewart, president.
Additionally, persons may participate in the Benefit Golf Tournament on August 16 to support the High School in Bopulu, Liberia.
The Lott Carey Annual Session offers more than just activities; it’s an opportunity to be transformed. Attendees can deepen their faith through worship services and inspirational speakers, gain valuable knowledge through mission education classes, connect with like-minded individuals who share their passion for service, and contribute to meaningful causes through mission opportunities.
Lott Carey President Dr. Gina M. Stewart invites us to the Lott Carey 127th Annual Session from August 12-15 in Memphis, TN. It is hosted by Christ Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Stewart.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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Lott Carey is pleased to announce the continuation of its mission to empower congregations through the Thriving Congregations Initiative. With a focus on nurturing the capacities of congregations for impactful and faithful witness, this initiative supports faith communities striving to enhance their spiritual vitality.
Thanks to generous funding from Lilly Endowment Inc., the Thriving Congregations Initiative is set to support selected congregations across the United States. This program offers technical assistance, training, and mentoring to help congregations discern their unique context, clarify their purpose, and boost their overall vitality.
While the initiative will work intimately with approximately 60 congregations, the insights and learnings gleaned from this experience will be documented and shared. This dissemination of knowledge aims to inspire and inform the work of thousands of churches and partners within the Lott Carey network.
The upcoming cohort, focusing on the Northeast Region, is scheduled to undergo an 18-month training program starting in the fall of 2024. This comprehensive training will blend in-person sessions with virtual learning, ensuring a robust and flexible educational experience.
Who Should Join?
The Thriving Congregations cohort is ideal for congregations that:
Seek to deepen their understanding of their community context, identify their strengths, and rejuvenate their ministry.
Are committed to engaging their pastoral leaders and laypersons in a series of six quarterly in-person training sessions and monthly virtual gatherings.
Serve primarily within the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania.
Lott Carey pledges to cover all costs related to instructional materials, including books, access to thought leaders, mentors, and meals during in-person sessions. Participating congregations will be responsible for their lodging and transportation expenses.
We invite you to seize this opportunity to enrich your congregation’s journey. For those interested in learning more about the Thriving Congregations Initiative, please reach out to us at thriving@lottcarey.org.
Thank you for considering this transformative experience.
Key Dates for the Northeast Region Cohort:
September 13-14, 2024
November 8-9, 2024
March 14-15, 2025
May 2-3, 2025
September 19-20, 2025
October 17-18, 2025
For more information or to join the cohort, contact Lott Carey at:
Phone: 301.429.3300
Email: thriving@lottcarey.org
Website: www.lottcarey.org
Lott Carey is dedicated to fostering thriving congregations that can recognize and adapt to the evolving social and cultural landscapes. Through this initiative, we aim to equip church leaders with the tools necessary to clarify their mission and cultivate practices that enhance their community’s faithfulness and effectiveness. Join us as we embark on this journey of growth and transformation.
At the Lott Carey annual Spring Missions Conference held on April 18-19, Rev. Dr. Christophe Ringer, associate professor of Theological Ethics and Society at Chicago Theological Seminary, delivered a presentation on the impact of public policy on society. His talk, titled “How Public Policy Impacts People,” was his second presentation at the conference and offered reflections on social problems and challenges.
Dr. Ringer presented a framework for thinking about public policy, focusing on four critical aspects: benefits, fairness, fidelity, and legitimacy. He emphasized that effective policies must not only provide tangible benefits but also uphold fairness, remain faithful to the community’s trust, and maintain legitimacy in the eyes of those they serve.
Reflecting on the recent influx of Venezuelan asylum seekers in Chicago since August 2022, Dr. Ringer discussed the resulting social crisis and its implications for public theology. He highlighted the resistance from the local community, which stems from a history of school closures and unfulfilled promises by city officials. This situation has prompted a reevaluation of the role of place in public theology.
Dr. Ringer shed light on the campaign to end cash bail in Illinois, underscoring the criminalization of poverty and the racial disparities in the jail population. He stressed the importance of public awareness regarding the presumption of innocence and the communal harms inflicted by the inability to afford bail. The story of Lavette Days, an early leader in the movement to end cash bail, was shared to illustrate the campaign’s significance.
The summary of Dr. Ringer’s presentation delved into the role of public theology in tackling societal issues such as the elimination of cash bail, the rise of nationalist movements, and the misconstrued concept of “black on black violence.” He called for the construction of community networks to resolve disputes and highlighted the success of the movement against cash bail, which led to a reduction in jail populations.
Dr. Ringer also emphasized the importance of coalition-building and maintaining trust within movements, particularly in the context of rising nationalist sentiments. He challenged the term “black on black violence,” advocating for a reevaluation of public theology to address stereotypes and assumptions about black communities.
Dr. Ringer underscored the critical role of public theology in shaping public policies and addressing social problems.
During morning devotions at the Lott Carey annual Spring Missions Conference, Minister Brenda Troy of the New Salem Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio, called for Christians to embody the essence of being the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world.”
Minister Troy emphasized the profound metaphors used by Jesus Christ, urging believers to not only embrace their faith internally but to also express it externally through impactful actions. She highlighted that Christians are entrusted with a dual role – they are recipients of divine light, grace, and mercy, and simultaneously, they are distributors of this celestial illumination.
The world, as Minister Troy noted, is in a state of moral and spiritual decay. It is the responsibility of Christians to act as preservatives, much like salt, slowing down this degradation by actively spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. The metaphor of light further extends this duty, encouraging believers to shine forth in the darkness, guiding others toward the path of righteousness.
Drawing from her personal journey, Minister Troy shared how she has answered the call to be a beacon in her community. Her endeavors in aiding the needy and introducing them to the teachings of Jesus are a testament to her commitment to living her faith out loud, a demonstration of faith in motion.
She reminded conference participants that Christianity is not a passive belief system to be taken for granted. It is a dynamic and living faith that calls for active participation.
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