by Sharon Williams, ’14 Conference Assembly Coordinator
On Friday, November 14, worshipers from all Eastern District and Franconia Conference congregations and conference-related ministries are invited to gather in Penn View’s auditorium at 7 p.m. to honor our Lord and reflect together on the theme “Esperando: Waiting and Hoping.”
The worship time will kick off United Conference Assembly, which will take place November 14-15 at Penn View Christian School in Souderton, Pennsylvania.
The theme for the evening is based on the Spanish word esperando, which translates to a hope that is active and expectant. As we read God’s Word and turn our hearts toward God’s ways, what do we long for? What promises of Jesus are yet to be fulfilled in our lives, our congregations, our communities, and our world? What turns hope into reality?
Longtime Franconia Conference missionary Bob Stevenson will preach at the Friday evening worship service. Franconia Conference credentialed Bob in 1988 for service among our churches in Mexico, where he and his wife Bonnie have faithfully served several congregations. Warren Tyson, executive minister for Eastern District Conference, says, “Bob is a passionate speaker and an effective, respected leader.” Bob is currently the senior pastor of Iglesia de la Tierra Prometida Monte Maria, located just outside Mexico City. We look forward to Bob’s ministry among us.
A gifted team of worship leaders from both conferences is preparing to lead us in an intercultural worship experience. The service will be translated into English, Indonesian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
The worship team includes: Bambang Tribuwono (Philadelphia Praise Center); Bob
Halverson (Salem); Dede Andri (Philadelphia Praise Center); Larry Diener (Franconia); Lynne Rush (West Swamp); Oliver Cabrera (Nueva Vida Norristown New Life); Rodger Schmell (Deep Run West); Samantha Lioi (Whitehall); and Stevanie Theresia (Philadelphia Praise Center).
Everyone is welcome. Childcare is available for ages 2–10. The worship will be live-streamed for those unable to attend. The conferences’ board members will host an ice cream social following the worship.
The opinions expressed in articles posted on Mosaic’s website are those of the author and may not reflect the official policy of Mosaic Conference. Mosaic is a large conference, crossing ethnicities, geographies, generations, theologies, and politics. Each person can only speak for themselves; no one can represent “the conference.” May God give us the grace to hear what the Spirit is speaking to us through people with whom we disagree and the humility and courage to love one another even when those disagreements can’t be bridged.