I'm breaking my own rule and blogging this morning to let you know I accepted one speaking engagement during my sabbatical and its TONITE. Because its easy and natural and makes me happy: me and Byron Davis get to talk about our cross-racial, cross-denominational friendship, and how that's blossoming in our congregations, as just one part of tonight's musical and inspirational 25th Anniversary celebration of Mecklenburg Ministries at Belk Theater in uptown Charlotte. Its at 7:30, and below is how to reserve a free ticket.
It was no accident I chose Byron to preach at Lake Forest on the first Sunday of my sabbatical. His friendship is dear to me, but even more so the possibilities of racial reconciliation that lie latent within our two predominantly Anglo- and African-American congregations of Jesus followers. Anyway, our friendship went from professional to personal and congregational when we took Mecklenburg Ministries' challenge to engage in a sermon exchange last year (and this year we've continued it). We will be talking about that, framed by I Thessalonians 2:8 “…we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” Byron and I connected as ministers of the gospel, but once we exchanged pulpits we began to share our lives as well, as have members of our congregations.
At tonight's celebration, several others will share about the good work of understanding and relationship across denominations, races and religions that Mecklenburg Ministries has fostered over the years. The music will be FABULOUS - gospel choirs, solos. And did you know that this group, Inspire the Fire, an urban type of 'Glee' is from Charlotte and is currently on America's Got Talent? I can't wait to see them tonite.
Here’s one Observer article on the 25th Anniversary Celebration and how to get tickets. They are free, but all 2,000 are almost all reserved already: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/05/30/3278033/mecklenburg-ministries-celebrates.html#storylink=misearch
Tickets to “From Common Grounds to Higher Ground,” a celebration of Mecklenburg Ministries’ 25th anniversary, are free. The celebration is 7:30 p.m. June 5 at the Belk Theater at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. For tickets and information about Mecklenburg Ministries: www.meckmin.org
