July 2003 Int'l LLL Convention to Sport New Name-New Look-International Atmosphere
Christian entertainment, conferences, worldwide outreach exhibits and servant events planned
St. Louis, Mo., March 9, 2003 —Lutherans from more than 50 nations will gather this summer in Peoria, Ill., as the International Lutheran Laymen's League (Int'l LLL) meets for its 86th annual convention. Set to convene July 17-20 at the Peoria Civic Center, the convention this year will feature a new name and a host of new activities aimed at inspiring, empowering and equipping Christians of all ages. In addition, Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) will announce the kickoff of its new international outreach campaign. An audience of 4,000 is expected for the four-day event.
The "Lutheran Hour Ministries 2003 Outreach Expo and Convention" will include Christian comedy, Christian music, motivational speakers, train and equip workshops, enriching family seminars, Christian celebration, worship and study opportunities, as well as faith-based community service events. The centerpiece of the convention - an unprecedented arena-size International Expo to showcase LHM outreach efforts in more than 50 nations. At the Expo, LHM's worldwide staff will greet and share stories of Christ's love for the nations with visitors, in addition to discussing the challenges facing Christianity today.
"In keeping with our mission to proclaim the Gospel worldwide, every few years Lutheran Hour Ministries brings together representatives from our international ministry centers," says LHM Executive Director Rodger Hebermehl. "Our representatives prove to be an ideal sounding board for new ideas and often a driving force behind new and more effective outreach opportunities."
In a night designed especially for Christian families, LHM supporters, guests and friends are expected to attend July 18 festivities as "Lutheran Hour Ministries Presents Ken Davis and Friends." Capping the evening at the Peoria Civic Center, www.peoriaciviccenter.com, will be a special concert by the Christian rock band, Echelon. Known for his zany humor and inspirational Gospel message, Davis is a favored presenter among Christian groups and is back by popular demand before a Lutheran Hour Ministries' convention audience. Viewing Peoria as their major concert of the summer, Echelon, www.echelonministries.com, recently was chosen the official band of the 2004 LCMS National Youth Gathering slated for next year in Orlando, Fla.
Two of the nation's most-requested Christian family and parenting experts - child psychologist Dr. Kevin Leman and nutritionist David L. Meinz - will top the list of quality presenters at LHM's first-ever "Celebrate the Healthy Christian Family Conference." In addition, religious training and empowerment workshops will feature such noted speakers as historian and author Dr. Paul Maier and Christian mental health educator Ruth Koch. Conference and workshop topics range from Dr. Leman's popular "Making Your Child Mind without Losing Yours," to Meinz's "Today's Healthy Woman," to "Christian Conflict Management" and "Equipping the Saints for Evangelism."
Other scheduled presenters include Honorary Lutheran Hour Speaker the Rev. Dr. Oswald Hoffmann; Lutheran Hour Speaker the Rev. Kenneth Klaus; and Phyllis Wallace, host of the syndicated "Woman to Woman" radio talk show.
Community servant events for Christians of all ages and youth activities currently are being planned. For information on service opportunities in the Peoria community, contact Polly Gregali at polly.gregali@lhm.org.
"God's Grace in Peoria - A Celebration Event!" presented by Lutheran Hour Ministries will climax three full days of festivities, celebration and learning on Saturday, July 19. More than 2,000 members of local Lutheran congregations, clergy, LHM supporters and guests are expected to join in 90 minutes of praise to God.
The theme for the 86th annual Int'l LLL convention is "Ripe for Harvest," and is based on John 4:35 scripture. Convention registration currently is under way. Registration is $50 per person for adults ages 19 and older. Attendees 18 and under are free, except for a nominal activities cost. The $50 convention registration includes all business sessions, entrance to the 2003 Outreach Expo exhibits, train and equip workshops and the "Celebrate the Healthy Christian Family Conference" presentations. Log on to www.lhm.org/convention for further information or to register online.
The walk-up price to "Lutheran Hour Ministries Presents Ken Davis and Friends" - plus a special concert by Echelon, is $10 per person; $5 for children ages six to 12; children age five and under are free.
Lutheran Hour Ministries is the media outreach ministry
of the International Lutheran Laymen’s League, an auxiliary of The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and Lutheran
Church—Canada. The ministry airs TV, radio and Internet programming
in 44 countries and has ministry centers in 41 countries. It is based in St. Louis,
MO. Its flagship radio program in North America is “The
Lutheran Hour,” the world’s oldest continually broadcast Gospel
radio program, airing since 1930.
For more information, please contact:
Kathy Bernard
(800) 944-3450, ext. 4152
