From John W. Johnson, APCE President
It seems hard to believe that I am writing my final "Alert" to you as your president. The year has certainly flown by, and I consider it such an honor and a privilege to serve you and the church in this capacity.
As I write this, my mind also turns to Philadelphia where we will gather in just over a week for our 2007 Annual Event. To those of you who will join us for this exciting conference, I'm sure you are getting excited as well as you make your preparations to be away. May we be united in our prayers that this event will be one that will be spiritually uplifting, educationally challenging and enlightening, and collegially enriching. All indications are that this event will equal or better our usual numbers, as we have had to acquire additional hotel space to accommodate all who have registered. What a fabulous problem to have!
I trust that you all had a meaningful Chris tmas season, and that your New Year has been filled with promise. May our common resolution be that we do all that we can to uphold and support educators and education in our church.
As noted above, our 2007 Event is right around the corner. To remind you, the the me is "Sankofa! Flying Forward - Reaching Back." Our keynote speaker will be Frances Taylor Gench, Professor of New Testa me nt at Union-PSCE in Richmond. She is a noted author and educator, and a me mber of the PC(USA) Task Force on Peace, Unity, and Purity of the Church. The worship and music leader will be Rev. Bill Carter, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Clarks Summit, PA. Bill not only is a highly regarded preacher and writer, but is a noted jazz pianist who integrates faith and the arts in his ministry. His jazz quartet, The Presbybop Quartet, will be with him in Philadelphia.
You may see a flyer about this event by clicking on the link below, or by simply visiting the APCE website at www.apcenet.org.
Speaking of the APCE website, we are so excited about the launch of the new and updated site. Our webmaster, Paul Jamieson (who will be leading a workshop in Philadelphia ), has worked hard in making the site more user-friendly, easier to navigate through, and more aesthetically pleasing. We think he has done a fabulous job, and think you will also. Please browse the site at www.apcenet.org to see what's new (and to register for Philadelphia !).
Other APCE happenings:
Reservations are Open for PPC's Annual (Complimentary) APCE Breakfast!
Call now! The Presbyterian Publishing Corporation (PPC) APCE Breakfast: This annual compli me ntary breakfast will be at 7:00 A.M., Friday, February 2. The program will include: guest speaker, Michael Lindvall, Pastor of Brick Presbyterian Church, New York, NY, author of A Geography of God: Exploring the Chris tian Journey, and a new study for Lent 2007 at TheThoughtful Chris tian.com; updates on PPC's groundbreaking online resource center, The Thoughtful Chris tian ( www.theTheoughtfulChristian.com); and a review of PPC's newest books and resources that will enhance the educational ministry of your congregation. Seating is limited. To make a reservation, participants should call (888) 728-7228 ext. 8160. PPC looks forward to seeing you in Philadelphia !
APCE Regional Officers Lunch and Conversation Group will be held Wednesday, January 31, 2007, the opening day of the Annual Event in Philadelphia. Two officers from each region are invited as guests of the APCE cabinet. Other regional officers are welco me to attend @ $23 per person. Our guest speaker is Reverend Dr. Elizabeth Caldwell, professor at McCormick Seminary and author of Shelter, Nurture and Spiritual Fellowship of the Children of God. Following Lib's address, officers will discuss creative communication, program ideas, and effective ways to connect with the me mbership. For more information contact Susan Penrod susanp@missionpby.org.
The Presbyterian Publishing Corporation will be offering a special APCE Study Pack consisting of any 3 studies from The Thoughtful Chris tian for $25. PPC will be donating 10% of each purchase to APCE for its ongoing work. You will be receiving more information about this wonderful offer soon. In the me anti me, be sure to check on www.thethoughtfulchristian.com for many great resources!
Make your plans now to join your friends for the annual Christian Education Conference in Montreat, May 29-June 2. Once again, APCE will have the "APCE House" which this year will be at the Glen Rock Inn. The Mid-South Region is acting as hosts this year. For further information, CLICK HERE! Or contact Peggy Owens, Mid-South rep at owens987@bellsouth.net.
The 2007 Annual Event Endowment Fund Emphasis is "$2007 in 2007!" As participants in the 2007 APCE Annual Event "Sankofa!" the Endowment Fund will provide an opportunity for honoring those educators in our past while looking forward to the educators of the future. A special display will be at the event and everyone is invited to come and honor an educator from the past or future with a contribution to the APCE Endowment Fund. Each honoree will have their name added to the display as we add to our goal of collecting $2,007 during the 2007 event in Philadelphia. All donations are tax-deductible and can be made by check or cash. This is a great way for individuals and regions to honor those educators from the past while providing funds for educators of the future! For more information on how you can be a part of this special emphasis, contact Krista Lovell, APCE Treasurer at kristablovell@aol.com or 615-354-9203.
Thank you for your continued support of and interest in APCE and its work, and especially for your service to the church. As you continue through your many and varied activities to begin the new year, may we all remember to take a break for ourselves, so that we may be renewed and refreshed. If you are traveling to Philadelphia, may your travels be safe. If you are not, please keep this conference and all those involved in its leadership in your prayers. Otherwise, see you in Philly!
