Spiritual Care and Education
The Methodist Hospital
Proudly Presents
Celebrating a Call to Lay Ministry
A Unique Conference for Laity and Clergy
FEATURING
Kathleen Norris – Nationally renowned author
Ben Witherington, Ph.D. – Esteemed New Testament scholar
Rev. Vance Ross – Innovative leader for the United Methodist Church
PLUS INSPIRING WORSHIP SERVICES
Leah Taylor – Lay leader, Texas Annual Conference, UMC
Dr. James Bankston – Senior Minister, St. Paul’s UMC, Houston
Conference Location
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
5501 Main Street
Houston, Texas
In the Museum District
Map and Directions
Endorsed by: Texas Annual Conference, United Methodist Church
Conference Schedule
February 4, 5 & 6, 2010
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
5501 Main Street
Houston, Texas
Thursday, February 4
6:00pm – 8:00pm
“An Evening with Kathleen Norris”
Dinner and Conversation
Friday, February 5
9:00am
Kathleen Norris
“Story Telling as Witness”
Ben Witherington
“Laying it on the Line:
The Role of Laity in Ministry”
12:00 Noon
Lunch
1:00pm
Kathleen Norris
“Hope and Healing”
Vance Ross
“Ministry Of, By, and For the People – In Jesus’ Name”
Worship
Leah Taylor, preaching
6:00pm – 8:00pm
“An Evening with Ben Witherington and Vance Ross”
Dinner and Conversation
Saturday, February 6
9:00am
Ben Witherington
"We Are All Laity; We Are All Clergy"
11:00am
Worship
Jim Bankston, preaching
Kathleen Norris is the award-winning poet, writer, and author of the New York Times bestsellers The Cloister Walk, Dakota, and Amazing Grace. Ms. Norris is a rare talent. She combines a lively writing style with a personal transparency and intellectual rigor. Her latest book entitled Acedia & Me is another example of this engaged approach which captivates the reader.
Widowed in 2003, Ms. Norris now divides her time between South Dakota and Honolulu, Hawaii, where she volunteers and helps teach a spirituality class for teenagers.
Ms. Norris is eminently qualified to speak about the spiritual journey with its differing contours as one seeks to live the life of faithful service to God. She will bring keen insight, unflinching candor, and refreshing wit to our conference.
Dr. Ben Witherington is the Amos Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Durham in England.
Dr. Witherington has written over thirty books, including The Jesus Quest and The Paul Quest, both of which were selected as top biblical studies by Christianity Today. In addition, he has authored six biblical commentaries, ranging from the synoptic gospels, Paul’s writings, and the book of Revelation.
His encompassing expertise has been sought by a numerous national media outlets including NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, and The Discovery Channel.
An outstanding biblical scholar, Dr. Witherington will bring a vital biblical and theological dimension to the conference. He combines scholarly insights with an engaging presentation style.
The Rev. Vance Ross serves as the Deputy General Secretary of the General Board of Discipleship for the United Methodist Church.
Before joining the GBOD, Vance served as senior pastor of First UMC, Hyattsville, Maryland, and other pastoral appointments in West Virginia. In addition to several conference leadership duties in the West Virginia Annual Conference, Vance was elected as a delegate to numerous Jurisdictional and General Conferences.
A native of Bluefield, W.V., Vance has earned degrees from West Virginia Wesleyan College and Gammon Theological Seminary, graduating with honors.
Rev. Ross is a commanding speaker whose experience as a pastor and commitment to lay ministry will provide an essential perspective for the conference.
Conference Preachers
Leah Taylor serves as the Lay Leader of the Texas Annual Conference. Leah has given exemplary service through her membership of the Conference Extended Cabinet, the Conference Core Leadership Team, and the Advancing Pastoral Leadership Board.
As a lay person of deep religious faith and articulate Wisdom, the conference is extremely fortunate that Leah will preach at Friday’s worship service.
Dr. James Bankston is the Senior Minister of St. Paul’s UMC, an appointment he has held with distinction for almost 15 years. Jim is a highly respected member of the Texas Annual Conference and has been a delegate to six Jurisdictional Conferences and three General Conferences.
Jim has actively facilitated lay ministry throughout his distinguished career. The conference is privileged that Jim will preach on Saturday because of his theological insight, in-depth perspective, and good humor.
