A national gathering inviting God's healing grace on the journey to justice. November 4-7, 2015 | Hilton Los Angeles Airport How does God’s grace work in you?
Race, religion, culture and class still divide our world. We are all too familiar with the repercussions of the resulting alienation and polarization—protests such as the “die-in” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (pictured above) following last year’s Ferguson and Staten Island grand jury decisions. Space for Grace, sponsored by American Baptist Home Mission Societies, seeks to restore the human
connection among all people by gathering intentionally diverse voices committed to exploring different perspectives about contemporary issues that affect congregations and communities across the United States today. How can Christians live out faith in the midst of today’s racial, religious and cultural dynamics? When can God’s grace become teachable moments that lead to transformed spirits? These questions, and more, will be answered in afternoon Learning Experiences in which ministerial practitioners will share lifetimes of experience through dialogue and transformative practical tools. Preachers, speakers and musical artists from across the country—Brian McLaren, Susan Sparks, Ralph Warnock, Marvin McMickle, Ken Fong and Jacqueline Thompson, to name just a few—will bring God’s Gospel of grace to life. From sunrise to sundown, Space for Grace will feature opportunities for memorable and meaningful worship, engagement and reflection that participants will carry home as better reflections of God’s kingdom because of the Space for Grace experience. In the midst of daily worship and engaging Learning Experiences, Space for Grace will host participants in an atmosphere of “Spirit-filled Hospitality”—cultivating physical and interpersonal spaces where Scripture, insights and reflections can be processed and pondered, digested and discussed, without a sense of urgency to rush to the next programmed event. Indoor and outdoor spaces will offer opportunities to learn about ministry partners, purchase Judson Press books and resources, peruse exhibitions of photography and art, listen to poetry and live music, or simply sit and reflect. The concluding gala banquet celebrates the grace-filled 24-year ministry of Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III, ABHMS retiring executive director. Renowned speakers such as Dr. J. Alfred Smith Sr. will mark Wright-Riggins’ legacy to the life and ministry of American Baptist Home Mission Societies. Music will be provided by exceptional, well-known artists, and recollections will be shared by longstanding friends and colleagues. Come to Los Angeles in November! Learn from top-notch educational keynote speakers. Participate in dynamic worship with powerful preachers. Walk the labyrinth lost in God’s word. Share innermost hopes and dreams in Conversation Corners. Discover Spirit-filled inspiration in the creativity and passion of innovators and artists in Innovators Hall. Expand personal boundaries by engaging in grace-filled conversations with participants who hail from different backgrounds and hold various perspectives. Register today for Space for Grace! There will be gracious space for introverts and extroverts, for friends and strangers, for people of every culture and theological leaning to listen, learn and grow in love for God and for one another.
“The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.” (2 Corinthians 13:14, The Message)
