November 3-5, 2011
First Presbyterian Church, Durham, NC
Preachers/Speakers, Hotel Information, Transportation – below
The Presbyterian Church (USA) is moving through a period of deep discernment. The literal language of G-6.0106b is now a thing of the past, while the conflicted history associated with this issue of inclusivity is still very much with us. Many people are celebrating the passage of Amendment 10-A, while others are grieving the direction in which the church is moving. All are pausing and wondering what the future holds.
The change in ordination policy, as well as the approval of the New Form of Government, means Presbyterian congregations and governing bodies need to rely more than ever on skills of mutual respect, civility, and spiritual forbearance. We have tremendous resources from our history to draw upon. And scripture is quite clear that God has “entrusted to us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:19). Can we seek together a spiritual maturity that is more proactive than reactive? Can we learn how to let our light shine in the midst of difficult conversations? Can the practice of reconciliation become a condition of our daily lives, rather than simply an ideal end toward which we strive?
Join us at the 2011 Covenant Network Conference as we ask these important questions. Guest speakers, preachers, and workshop presenters will help us seek answers faithfully and respectfully. In this season of the church’s life, it is clear that our present calling and future aspirations depend upon the ability to live into true reconciliation with our sisters and brothers in Christ. Come see what the grace and spirit of God is leading us to be and do as people of faith!
Speakers include:
Scott Anderson,
Executive Director, Wisconsin Council of Churches
James C. Davis,
Professor of Religion, Middlebury College,
author of In Defense of Civility, WJKP, 2010
Mary McClintock Fulkerson,
Professor of Theology,
Duke Divinity School
Frances Taylor Gench,
Professor of New Testament,
Union Theological Seminary, Richmond
J. Herbert Nelson,
Director, PC(USA) Washington Office, regretfully, has had to cancel his plans to participate in this year’s conference. He will be in the Middle East during that time, representing the PC(USA).
Mary Lynn Tobin
Pastor, Davis Community Presbyterian Church, Davis, CA
Co-Moderator of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians
Hotel Information:
Covenant Network has reserved a block of rooms at the Durham Marriott City Center, 201 Foster Street, Durham, NC, which is within walking distance of the church. Our special rate of $115 per night is good until October 18, 2011. With your reservation you will receive a $10 coupon and a reduced rate of $10 for the breakfast buffet for each day.
You will need to contact the hotel directly to reserve a room. The number is 800.909.8375. Or you can make your reservation online at Durham Marriott City Center. If you will have access to a car during the conference and would like other hotel options, please contact Lou East.
Transportation:
Durham is served by the Raleigh-Durham Airport, (RDU).
A Chartered Bus will leave from the church to go directly to the airport at the end of the conference. The cost per seat is $16.00.
For $25 total, the charter service will make this a round trip offer. (Name, arrival flight information and cell phone number must be provided.)
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Transportation to the hotel can be arranged with SuperShuttle (www.supershuttle.com) or 800.258.3826. (average cost: $40.00 round trip)
