Volume 7, number 11
June 2, 2003
10,000 expected at MC USA Assembly in Atlanta
Atlanta, Ga.—When an expected 10,000 Mennonites meet for Atlanta 2003 in July at Mennonite Church USA’s first churchwide assembly, they will reach beyond the convention walls at the Georgia World Congress Center.
Mennonites of all ages will extend the invitation from Atlanta 2003—“God’s Table, Y’All Come”—within the urban community. They will carry God’s welcome into the streets during the July 3-8 gathering when they participate in a March for Reconciliation to the Martin Luther King Center; a hymn sing at Centennial Olympic Park; citywide servant projects; and a Freedom Prayer Walk through the historic Sweet Auburn district.
Jimmy Carter, former U.S. president and Nobel Peace Prize winner, has been invited to speak for the opening joint worship service July 3, but he has yet to confirm his availability.
The table theme for Atlanta 2003—with five conventions including the adult assembly and conventions for young adults, youth, junior high and children—is based on Luke 13:29, “Then people will come from the east and west, north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God.”
Delegate business includes voting on whether to approve churchwide statements on abortion, access to health care and immigration. Delegates are representatives from Mennonite Church USA’s 21 area conferences and 992 congregations with about 114,000 members.
The largest performing arts event—“Many Voices, One Spirit”—will be a concert celebration July 4 of worship through music, drama and voices lifted together in praise. Solo and ensemble will reflect the diversity of the new Mennonite Church USA through performances given by Anglos, Hispanics, African-Americans and Native Americans.
For more information on Atlanta 2003 go to www.atlanta2003.org.
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