Convergence
- a strategic organization of The ACTS Group -
Are Refugees a Threat or a Treasure?
President Trump’s executive order stopping admission of all refugees to the United States for four months has created another furious storm of debate about what and how refugees are vetted and admitted to the United States. The arguments often boil down to seeing refugees as either a threat or a treasure. Refugees have been coming to America since the country’s inception. These most vulnerable have sometimes been preyed upon, sometimes marginalized and sometimes embraced. Undeniably, they have come out of places and situations that are deeply chaotic. They are plunged into a radically different, orderly and hard to understand new world. They are relieved. They are afraid. We want to take this cultural moment to consider again the human reality of refugees in a talk given by Joy Justus of World Relief Sacramento.
Who is Joy Justus?
Expert Voices: Kirt Lewis, Field Office Director for World Relief
Since the late 1970’s, Sacramento has welcomed over 40,000 refugees as their newest neighbors, including approximately 7,500 in the last three years. The Church has played a critical role as agents of hospitality and support over those many years. All involved, including both refugees and the Church, have been forever changed by this beautiful opportunity for the true heart of the gospel to shine in loving relationships. That opportunity is being challenged in a historically unprecedented way by the new Administrations Executive Order. As the Church has been the “hands and feet of Jesus”, now is the time for the Church to be the voice of Jesus for the weary sojourner in search of a new home and hope for the future. We hope that the Church across the US will rise up to this moment and that the legacy of continuing to welcome the stranger as if they were Christ himself will continue (Mt. 25: 27-40).
Real Life Example: Portland, Oregon
Welcoming a refugee is not complicated! Portland area churches are taking simple actions by supplying “restart kits” for those who are arriving. Learn more about the Refugee Care Collective
"The Gospel in a Pluralistic Society" - Convergence "Live"
Convergence “Live” is happening on Friday, March 24 in Sacramento, CA. The theme for this one day gathering of leaders is “the Gospel in a Pluralistic Society.” Topics addressed in expert 9 minute topics will include “Good News for Millenials”, “The Hindu Next Door”, “Jesus at School”, “Cubicle Conversations,” “Talking with My ‘No Religion’ Neighbor”, and “Miracles Can Really Help”. You will have an opportunity to process these talks with other leaders at round tables on how to engage the diversity of people in our lives in ways that lead to spiritual conversations and change. You will have the opportunity to go deeper in questioning the speakers about their content. There will be a morning session from 8:30am-Noon and afternoon session from 1pm-4:30pm. You can register for the morning or afternoon session or for the Full Day, including lunch
To register for Convergence "Live" click HERE
My City
My City Conference has been created to inspire pastors and students to impact their circles of influence for God. February 23-25, 2017, youth and young adults from across Northern California will come together to answer the call that God gave Solomon in 2 Chronicles 7:14.
Get event details HERE
Q National
At Q you will experience thirty curated 9 or 18 minute talks, featuring the state of American culture and ways Christians can navigate the complexity of our changing society. With dedicated space for constructive debate, expert interaction and lively experiences.
Get event details HERE
THRIVE Leadership
THRIVE Leadership is a 3 day conference in Granite Bay, CA that promises to recharge, refresh, and renew for an inspired vision of ministry. Learn from a variety of breakout speakers who have practical insights on church ministry, leadership, communications, worship and more.
For more information and to register, click HERE!
We are building the Convergence team- Interested?
We were excited to add two new members to our Convergence team in January and we have room for a few more. Are you interested in helping Convergence build and connect gospel centered leaders? We are seeking individuals to help with curation, advocacy and event planning. If you are interested, please let us know by emailing us at info@actsonline.net. Our next meeting is in late February.
Leaders Together, Talking, and Transforming Cities & Culture.
Email: info@actsonline.net
Website: https://www.convergence.world/
Location: 1100 Blue Ravine Road, Folsom, CA, United States
Phone: (916)836-7123
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/convergenceworld
Twitter: @convergencewrld