Central's 2008 Missions Conference

Speak Justice: The Language That Can Change the World

November 9, 16, 22, 23, 2008

Conference theme verse:

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;
    ensure justice for those being crushed.
Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless
    and see that they get justice." Proverbs 31:8-9 (NLT)

• To engage the Central community in justice issues which are essential to faithful Christian discipleship
• To build bridges to those in our community who care about justice, but do not have ties to a Christian faith-based community that shares these concerns

Worship on November 9 sets the stage for our conversations about justice by focusing on how the God defines justice and what His heart is on this matter.

There is no love which does not become help. ~Paul Tilllich

Worship on November 16 will help us consider what it means to live out God's call to justice within the church community and within the larger body of Christ.

This focus will be augmented during adult classes at 10 & 11:30 when learning about ministering within the Church in Baltimore, the Middle East and China.

God has a plan to bring justice to the world - and his plan is us. ~Gary Haugen

Worship on November 23 hearing from International Justice Mission (IJM) staff member, Jim Martin, will help us bridge the secular pursuit of justice with an understanding of God's heart. IJM is a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. Jim Martin is the National Director of Church Mobilization for International Justice Mission. Before joining the staff of IJM this year, Mr. Martin served as the Pastor of Compassion Ministries at The River Church Community in San Jose, CA, where his focus included teaching and developing opportunities to mobilize the church in its mercy and justice ministry. He led projects that intentionally blurred the lines between giver and receiver, transforming both his own church and the partners with whom it worked in the developing world. Prior to his nine years as pastor, Mr. Martin and his wife, Jenna, served with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at U of Massachusetts.

At 10 & 11:30 the adult class will emphasize Next Steps, as a response to our focus on justice issues.

All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. ~Edmond Burke

--- --- Schedule --- ---

• 11/9
  • How to Get God's Attention, George Antonakos, preaching
    Worship on November 9 sets the stage for our conversations about justice by focusing on how the God defines justice and what His heart is on this matter.
• 11/16
  • Justice in the Life of the Church, John Schmidt, preaching
    Worship on November 16 will help us consider what it means to live out God's call to justice within the church community and within the larger body of Christ.
  • "Justice Issues Within The Body Of Christ"
    10 & 11:30 am Adult Class in Courtyard
    Lou Dicker: Baltimore; Larry & Stephanie K.: Middle East; Paul & Carolyn W.: China
• 11/22
  • 6 pm Justice Awareness Dinner, Courtyard Sign up at Connection Central. Seating is limited.
  • 7:30pm Message from Ambassador Tony Hall*
• 11/23
  • "The Unfamiliar Passions of God", Jim Martin*, preaching
  • "Responses To Global Justice Issues"
    10 & 11:30 am Adult Class in Courtyard
    Julie Hindmarsh: giving the working poor a chance
    Rick Boucher: IJM Next Steps

Personal Preparation

• Define JUSTICE
• Read Isaiah 58
• What is God criticizing in the life of his people?
• What expectations does He have for them?
• What message does this prophecy have for contemporary believers?
• Who are identified as likely victims of injustice?
• Which groups in society today have the hardest time receiving justice?
• What are implications in this passage for conditions in the city of Baltimore?
• What are your biggest barriers to doing more to seek and "speak justice"?

See also:

• Conference brochure, (PDF)
• Tony Hall event flyer, (PDF)
• "Speak Justice" sermon series
• Missions at Central Presbyterian