The Church We Can See from Here
350 Presbyterians from around the country gathered at Cleveland’s Church of the Covenant for the 2009 Covenant Conference, “The Church We Can See From Here,” November 5 – 7. A fifteen minute video ‘montage’ of the conference can be viewed here.
Four distinguished plenary speakers shared eye-opening addresses:
- Mark Achtemeier traced the evolution of his understanding of God’s intentions for sexuality, on the basis of his deepest theological convictions, in “And Grace Will Lead Me Home: Inclusion and Evangelical Conscience.” To view the video of Mark’s plenary, click here.
- (Dr. Achtemeier developed some similar themes in an earlier address at Austin Seminary, to which he alluded in his conference presentation.)
- Kenda Dean described a vague “moralistic therapeutic deism” embraced by many young adults and urged Christians to help young people meet Jesus, in “Hope for a Mutant Mickey: Is Ministry with Emerging Adults the ‘New’ Youth Ministry?” The video of Kenda’s presentation can be see here.
- Eddie Glaude urged Americans to re-examine history, especially around race, in order to understand the present moment, in “A Prophetic Witness in Trying Times.” View a video of this challenging plenary here.
- Dawne Moon provided a sociologist’s overview of attitudes toward sexual minorities and offered means for hopeful encounter, in “Relating, ‘Knowing One,’ and Politics in the Church.” View the video of Dawne’s presentation here.
Worship services ranged from a joyful jazz combo accompanying the choir from neighboring Forest Hill Church, to a meditative sharing of scripture and stories led by Coe College students, to a glorious celebration with antiphonal organ and brass and combined choirs from Church of the Covenant and Fairmount church. In stirring sermons,
- Melva Costen offered “A Few Words to Church Folks in Exile: Roll Up Your Sleeves!”. The video of her sermon can be viewed here.
- Gregory Bentley called on Presbyterians to go “Farther and Deeper“. Check out the video of his sermon.
- Ted Smith, who had led Q&A after each plenary presentation, touched on themes from all parts of the conference in his closing sermon, “The Body We Can See From Here.” Watch the videotape of Ted’s sermon here.
All plenary addresses and worship services are available on CD or audio cassette through our e-store.
