Bridges to (the) Cross
This year’s convention theme—”Bridges to (the) Cross”—is inspired by 2 Corinthians 5:16-20 and the 446 bridges that span Pittsburgh. The theme is twofold: First, as instruments of Christ’s reconciliation, we, too, have many “bridges to cross.” Second, God calls us to shape our culture as ambassadors for Christ instead of continuing to have our culture shape us. We are called to serve as “bridges to the cross.”

“We Are the Church”
Convention planners hope to foster an increased sense of belonging and ownership for racial/ethnic constituents during convention. Throughout the week, convention-goers will have opportunities to experience the diverse ethnic and cultural traditions of Mennonite Church USA, as racial/ethnic constituents serve as speakers and leaders of worship, music and seminars for youth and adults.

On “We Are the Church” Day (July 6), the events and activities will have a multicultural focus. That evening, the main events will be the racial/ethnic constituency group gatherings, the Intercultural Gathering of the People dinner and a youth concert featuring ASON.

“As Mennonite Church USA explores racial healing through restorative justice, the committee recognizes the importance of coming to God’s table not as guests, but as owners,” says Glen Guyton, associate executive director for constituent resources for Mennonite Church USA and a member of the Intercultural Relations Reference Committee.

“While the initial vision was to have multicultural programming on one day of the convention, this ‘day’ has become a central theme in the planning for the entire convention,” says Rachel Swartzendruber Miller, director of convention planning for Mennonite Church USA. “Instead of having a day that has a drastically different feel from the rest of the week, we are choosing to better incorporate racial/ethnic gifts and talents throughout the week.”

A “green” convention
The David Lawrence Convention Center (DLCC) is the first “green” convention center in the world and the only meeting venue to be awarded the Gold LEED® Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (see www.greenfirst.us). Also, convention planners are working with Mennonite Creation Care Network to consider sustainability and environmental stewardship issues in planning the gathering. For tips on “greening” convention, go to www.mennoniteusa.org/ convention and choose Why come? and Sustainability.

Servant projects

Participants will be transported to different sites throughout the city to provide services such as working with community children or elderly/nursing home residents, doing yard work/trash pickup or building repair, or serving at a food bank/homeless shelter/soup kitchen.

MennoNight Fun Run 5k/10k
A 5K/10K MennoNight Fun Run will be held at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 7. The course will take participants on the Three Rivers Heritage Trail System with aid stations along the way. Everyone is welcome to participate: competitive runners, recreational walkers, seniors, baby joggers and wheelchair athletes. Prizes will be awarded to the top two male and female finishers in each 10-year age group.

Evening events

• Wednesday: “Common Threads” with Tony Brown and John Sharp
• Wednesday: Racial Healing Task Group vignettes and immigration film screening
• Wednesday concert: ASON
• Thursday: Trash fashion show
• Thursday: Hymn sing
• Friday concert: Stellar Kart, a Christian pop punk band from Phoenix, Ariz. The single “Me and Jesus” from their 2006 album We Can’t Stand Sitting Down hit number 1 for seven weeks on the Hot Christian Songs chart and won the 2007 Dove Award for “Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song.”
• Friday: Ryan and Friends

Coffeehouse
Traditional Indonesian dancers, California hip-hop, local Pittsburgh recording artists along with comedy, history, a cappella and a rock band or two are some of the acts planned for the nightly coffeehouse.

Recreation hall
Daily “Minute to Win It” contests, Ping-Pong, volleyball and basketball are among recreation options for convention participants.

Exhibit hall
Mennonite Church USA agencies, colleges/ seminaries and other Mennonite-related organizations will have booths in the exhibit hall.

Financial aid
Congregations are encouraged to consider giving a tithe to the financial aid fund to assist those who are unable to raise enough funds for their convention expenses. Participants can donate via the registration form or by contacting the convention office. Participants needing financial assistance can download an application from www.mennoniteusa.org/convention (under “Forms’) or call 574-523-3048. Note: Financial aid may be used only to cover registration fees.

Volunteering
At Columbus 2009, more than 250 volunteers donated their time to help the gathering run smoothly. Depending on the number of hours served, volunteers may receive a full or partial refund of their registration fees. Those interested should indicate their availability when registering.

Many adults come to convention year after year to worship, go to seminars, participate in delegate sessions, attend special dinners and receptions, socialize, work on servant projects and enjoy recreation, concerts and other activities.

Delegates
Congregations, area conferences and constituency groups of Mennonite Church USA are encouraged to make their voices heard by sending delegates—including young adults—to convention. Free registration is available to congregations who have not sent delegates since 2003. Young adult delegates are invited to take part in the YODA (YOung adult Delegate to Assembly) program, which is designed to help them become more involved in the work of the church.

Young adult activities
Special activities are being planned where young adults (ages 18-30) can connect with their peers. There will be a young adult lounge, late-night gatherings, and special servant projects.

Seminars
More than 180 seminars, including some in Spanish, will be offered at convention. A list of adult, youth and intergenerational seminars is available at www.mennoniteusa.org/ convention.

Pastors Day (Monday, July 4)
Leading communities of healing and hope: Participants will explore stories of ministry with people of faith from various socioeconomic backgrounds. Speakers will include Mary Thiessen Nation, affiliate professor at Eastern Mennonite Seminary, and John Stahl-Wert, author and president/CEO of Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation.

AMBS on-site seminary courses
Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, Ind., will offer for credit two graduate-level courses (Principles of Youth Ministry and Thirteen Ways of Looking at Zacchaeus: Luke’s Quest Stories and Transformational Bible Study) and one undergraduate course (Pastoral Studies Distance Education, Unit 1: Church and Ministry) at Pittsburgh 2011. Participants will have several face-to-face sessions at Pittsburgh 2011, with reading and writing assignments to be completed before and after convention week. See: www.ambs.edu/Pittsburgh2011

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