WHAT DO THESE STONES MEAN?
Witness, Power, and Hope
Cincinnati, OH
March 2-4, 2020
Joshua 4:1-9
OUR THEME
The twelve stones placed in the middle of the Jordan River served as a memorial to God’s faithfulness. They witnessed to through the trials and tribulations overcome by the people of God. The stones also testified to future generations that God, who made a way where there was no way, will once again lead us to redemption and transformation.
We are called to remember our forebears, the great distances they covered and the faith that carried them. Their memory inspires us and challenges us to move forward in our own faith journey. Their memory calls us to stay the course, to wade in the waters of life, to continue to struggle for the Kin-dom of God where justice, love, and peace flow freely. When we are willing to sacrifice the comfort of what we know for the gift of new life promised by God, we become living stones that witness and testify to God’s provision, promise, and power that transform our hope into reality.
Let us meet by the river in Cincinnati for the 2020 NEXT Church National Gathering, to remember, pray, sing, and testify to God’s power that transforms us and our work to reflect God’s faithfulness.
CALL FOR WORKSHOPS
The planning team is seeking workshops that are engaging and thoughtful, spark new ideas and approaches to ministry, and are rooted in practical application with an eye for context. These workshops can be held on-site at the Hilton Netherland Plaza Hotel or off-site in Cincinnati. Consider the theme (“What Do These Stones Mean?”) and the story of Joshua 3-4 when proposing workshop topics. Workshops do not need to explicitly name the theme; rather, use it as a starting place when you consider a proposal. Workshop blocks are 90 minutes in length and there will be two blocks of workshops.
Do you have a workshop you would like to offer at this year’s National Gathering? Fill out this online form by Wednesday, July 31 to submit a proposal.
If you have any questions, contact Kate Morrison, our workshop team lead.