Swords into Plowshares

Big Tent Registration Extended

The registration deadline for the Peacemaking Pre-conference Gun Violence, Gospel Values:   Mobilizing in Response to God’s Call and Conference Growing Christ’s Peace at the Big Tent is extended to JUNE 15.  Peacemaking registration scholarships funds are still available on a first come, first serve basis through June 15.  Scholarship applicants need to register for the Big Tent while awaiting scholarship approval.  No registration funds will be required, simply select the scholarship option.   Although registration for the children and youth programs is closed, a few spaces are available; parents/guardians can contact the G. A. Meeting Service.   Please register online, or download a registration form to complete and return. Contact the G.A. Meeting Service by email or at (800) 728-7228, 2417 if you have difficulties registering.

The cut–off date for reservations in the Big Tent hotels is JUNE 3.  Rooms may continue to be available after this date, but to ensure access to the conference rates ($99/night at the JW Marriott, $97/night at the Marriott Downtown), reserve lodgings as soon as possible online or by calling (800) 266-9432 and specifying “Presbyterian Church Big Tent” as you speak with a reservations agent.

Under the Big Tent

Join Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations staff under the Big Tent - June 30-July 2 in Indianapolis.

Ryan will be taking part in the Presbyterian Peacemaking Conference.

Mark will be with World Mission Matters.

We will co-lead one of the shared workshop; each of us will lead a conversation during the Peacemaking Conference.

Register now!

See you in Indianapolis.

Big Tent to stay in Indianapolis

Learn more about the Peacemaking Conference and Pre-Conference at the Big Tent

From the Presbyterian News Service:

Location finalized after examination of new Indiana immigration bill

LOUISVILLE—The Big Tent will be pitched in Indianapolis.

The decision to keep the Big Tent event in Indianapolis this summer was made after church leaders examined the final text of the newly passed Indiana immigration bill (Senate Bill 590) and confirmed that it does not contain elements that would have necessitated a change of venue.

Church leaders were compelled to consider the change after the 219th General Assembly (2010) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) voted to “refrain from holding national meetings at hotels in those states where travel by immigrant Presbyterians of color or Hispanic ancestry might subject them to harassment due to legislation similar to Arizona Law SB 1070/HB2162.”

The assembly’s action was in response to Arizona legislation that includes provisions that allow law enforcement officers to check a person’s immigration status in some situations and make illegal the harboring or transporting of an undocumented immigrant in some cases.

“While the Indiana bill still contains objectionable language that we consider inhospitable and unjust toward immigrants, we are encouraged that the legislation in its final form falls short of the extreme measure of racial profiling,” said Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly.

Kerry Rice, one of the managers of General Assembly Meeting Services, is pleased with the decision to remain in Indianapolis.

“It’s a perfect location for the Big Tent event,” Rice said. “The facilities are excellent and the hospitality of local Presbyterians in Indianapolis is incredible.”

Thousands of Presbyterians from across the country are expected to attend the Big Tent, to be held June 30-July 2, 2011. Participants will have the option to attend one of nine different partner conferences or design their own experience by attending workshops from any of the nine.

Learn more and register for the Big Tent.

Register for Peacemaking Conference and Pre-Conference at the Big Tent

Register NOW for the Peacemaking Conference

and Pre-Conference at Big Tent

June 30-July 2, 2011 in Indianapolis, IN

The Big Tent ― the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s biennial celebration of ministry and mission ― will be pitched in Indianapolis June 30-July 2.  Register Now!

The Big Tent provides an opportunity to experience the exciting ministries of the PC(USA) at the same time and in the same location as we Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide. As a Big Tent partner conference, the Peacemaking Conference is nested in the schedule of events  and invites participants to join in Growing Christ’s Peace.  Peacemaking is a journey that grows over time and flourishes in community. The conference will focus on planting seeds for peacemaking as essential to servanthood, discipleship, diversity and evangelism. Through inspired worship, poignant presentations, sharing “best practices” and conversations on peacemaking issues including public witness, Sudan, the environment, trafficking, supporting military and their families, the United Nations and Israel/Palestine  to conversations with church leaders.

Come early to the Big Tent and attend an action oriented Peacemaking Pre-Conference   Gun Violence, Gospel Values:  Mobilizing in Response to God’s Call.  Co-sponsored by the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program, Presbyterian Peace Fellowship, and Heeding God’s Call.

Peacemaking Scholarship Application deadline for the Peacemaking Conference has been extended to Monday, May 16.   Scholarship applicants should register for the Peacemaking Conference and choose the “Scholarship” option for registration payment while you wait for scholarship confirmation.

For more information, please contact Nancy Eng MacNeill or Dayna Oliver at 800-728-7228 ext. 8700.

Your gift to Peacemaking Intergenerational Conference Scholarship assists in reducing overall costs for all participants and provides additional scholarship assistance for individuals and especially families.