Finally, Mennonites get to meet in Columbus, Ohio. Jorge Vallejos, director of convention planning, says his office hoped to hold conventions in Columbus previous years, and now that wish has come true.

For many convention-goers, the advantage of Columbus is the location. Also, downtown Columbus is “very walkable,” he says.

“Attendance declined by 2,000 in San José, Calif., and most of us attributed that to location,” he says.

Registration numbers for Convention 2009 (see below) are higher than for San José but lower than for Charlotte, N.C. We’ve anticipated from the beginning to have a higher turnout than we did in San José because about two-thirds of Mennonite Church USA constituents live within a day’s drive of Columbus, Vallejos says. But numbers are not as high as Charlotte, we believe, because of the severe economic recession we have been living under.

We are thankful for the commitment of the many thousands who continue to support churchwide gatherings of Mennonite Church USA despite the economic downturn, he says. We may have many daily registrants, since many will be within a couple of hour’s drive of Columbus, but we won’t know that until the end of convention.

Some youth who live near the city may feel disappointed by the limited travel to within their home state, or a nearby state, he says.

Vallejos says finding a balance with continuity between conventions and offering fresh elements at each convention remains an ongoing challenge for the convention planning office.

“We want people to have reasons to return and yet feel comfortable and familiar with the format of the week,” he says.

The first-ever Pastor’s Day, on June 30, offers a new element for Convention 2009. (Worship sessions for youth and adults begin June 30 in the evening. Pastors should arrive the evening of June 29.)

Participants will experience the theme of “Pastoral Ministry from a Missional Perspective.” The day offers a time for pastors and spouses to connect, network and learn.
Vallejos says the day’s purpose includes affirming and connecting pastors.

“We want the convention to be a delegate gathering to discuss the business of church and God’s will,” he says. “But we want it to be a time for pastors to come and be resourced.”

Registration for Convention 2009 (as of May 1)
Adults: 1,546
Youth and sponsors: 3,942
Jr. youth and sponsors: 197
Children K-5: 113
Preschool: 33
Infants/toddlers: 41
Volunteers: 161
Total: 6,033