TrueCity Conference 2008 HAMILTON, ONTARIO - ‘Waging Peace’ was the theme of the TrueCity Conference 2008 held at Philpott Memorial Church in downtown Hamilton February 22-23.
Ninety churches were represented at the conference, up from 65 in 2007. The conference featured the “Sounds of the City” concert by Peter Tigchelaar and his band, Random Act and Eclectislav and a “Visions of the City” art exhibit.
“Unity among churches is the primary apologetic,” said plenary speaker Bruxy Cavey, teaching Pastor of The Meeting House in Oakville. Cavey reminded the 350 conference attendees that while it’s easier to intellectualize needs, Jesus calls us to action. Instead of being drawn into a theological discussion about the cause of the blind man’s disability (John 9:5), Jesus healed the man. He met the man’s needs.
“Our responsibility is to partner with the Spirit to go and make a difference,” Cavey said.
Many of the conference attendees are already making a difference. Bethany Gospel Chapel, for example, organized a group of volunteer teachers who tutor at King George P.S., a school ranked among the lowest in the province according to the Fraser Institute.
In September, Bethany sponsored a community block party on the playground of this school. 300-350 neighbours enjoyed a BBQ while representatives from the Hamilton Fire Department and a magician entertained the crowd.
“Last April, a group from The Meeting House organized “Impact Africa”, a benefit concert and silent art auction that raised more than $6000. for the Mennonnite Central Committee to help fight HIV/AIDS in Africa,” said Karyn Black, an event organizer and one of the artists exhibiting at the TrueCity conference.
Thirty breakout sessions at the conference covered such topics as “Missional Church 101”, “Acting Justly in an Ecologically Connected World” and “Grace and Reality: Addictions and Our Church Communities”.
Presenters encouraged conference attendees to collaborate with other churches and to adopt a lifestyle that pursues God’s shalom-peace for their neighbourhoods and for our world. BLM
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HAMILTON, ONTARIO - ‘Waging Peace’ was the theme of the TrueCity Conference 2008 held at Philpott Memorial Church in downtown Hamilton February 22-23.
In September, Bethany sponsored a community block party on the playground of this school. 300-350 neighbours enjoyed a BBQ while representatives from the Hamilton Fire Department and a magician entertained the crowd.