Seeks ‘an ecumenical, educational experience’
By Gerald Pace
For the St. Louis American
“In These Changing Times” is the theme of the 2005 Men and Women’s Conference at Shalom Church City of Peace. The church’s first conference will convene October 28 through October 30 at the Adams Mark Hotel Downtown.
“The vision for this conference is to connect with a broader community that pulls people from all walks of life and denominations,” senior pastor of Shalom, Pastor Freddy Clark, said. “I want to see an ecumenical response to make this conference an educational experience.”
Rather than just hosting a church event, Clark wants to inspire the community to take responsibility for lost values and declining morals.
“Pastor Clark desires to attract people that have a national presence to address local issues,” conference chairman Frank Foster said. “We plan to reach all people and be inclusive, and we’ve got the headliners that reflect that.”
The conference is packed with worship services, seminars and concerts. The guest list includes Tavis Smiley, Carol Daniel, Mike Roberts, Byron Cage and Tonex.
Smiley is a nationally renowned author, radio and TV personality and NAACP Award winner. Daniel is a KMOX radio anchor, talk show host, and St. Louis American columnist. Both will speak at a luncheon during the conference. Famed worship leader Byron Cage will perform with an opening spot by local recording artists Chris and Kyle and True Spirit.
One of the most anticipated highlights of the conference is the Jazz Cool Down featuring comedian Rickey Smiley and Gregg Haynes. This event will kick off at 3:30 p.m. Sunday following the Sunday worship celebration. Rickey Smiley, a former host of BET’s ComicView, will perform comedy segments while Haynes, a local favorite, will play his “happy” guitar accompanied by a live band.
“We’re putting a strong emphasis on young people,” Clark said. “The church is the instrument in molding and shaping our young people to take over leadership in these changing times.”
Clark hopes to draw a younger crowd with the late Friday night Youth Praise Party, which will feature Tonex, New Direction, Illuminated Praise and other local artists.
Clark said he wants the conference to inject some excitement into the local community by involving civic leaders and pastors. Several seminars and panel discussions will delve into local issues. According to Foster, the classes are tailored for interactive dialogue. The Youth Track, classes for registered youth, will focus on problems facing the next generation of leaders.
“We certainly hope to partner with other churches in the future to invite some powerful personalities to our area,” Clark said. “We want to shape a community, stay in fellowship and developing lasting friendships.”
To register for the conference, visit www.shalomccop.org. Adult registration is $225 and youth can register for $100. Registration includes all seminars, concerts, and events. Some events can be purchased ala carte. For more information, contact the Shalom Church City of Peace office at (314) 731-8080 or shalomconference@shalomccop.org.
