In response to the changing demographics of our communities, the committee has chosen the theme, “Who Is My Neighbor?” echoing the question of the lawyer in the Gospel of Luke. Virginia Baptists will be inspired to reach beyond the church doors to meet new neighbors and minister to those neighbors in the spirit of Christ.

Breakout sessions on Tuesday afternoon will have an array of opportunities for messengers to learn about addressing the concerns in their churches and communities. There are planned trips to hands-on missions sites for those who are interested in learning how some local ministries are carried out here in the Roanoke area.

The breakout sessions are being held in the Hotel Roanoke Conference Center. The Program Committee faced the challenge this year of trying to provide comfort and convenience for attendees and staying within budget. By having the general sessions in the Performing Arts Center, rather than the Hotel Roanoke, we realized a savings of $60,000.

Virginia Baptists are fortunate to have two highly regarded leaders for worship this year in Dr. Tony Campolo and Rev. Larry Holland. Kate Campbell will bring music and spoken words for further interpretation of the theme, “Who Is My Neighbor?”

The Program Committee is grateful for the expert guidance and support of the staff of the Virginia Baptist Mission Board in preparing for this meeting, especially John Upton, Paige Peak, Tom Ingram, Penny Jenkins and Marilee White.

The committee encourages messengers to give feedback on the meeting through the evaluation form. This form is instrumental in planning for future meetings.

The Program Committee makes the following recommendations:

That the program, as printed, be adopted as the agenda of the 2008 meeting of the Baptist General Association of Virginia.

That times on the program are indicated merely for guidance.

That, in order to expedite discussion, debate on all matters will be limited to three minutes per speaker, and that speakers, pro and con, be alternated.

That the 2010 meeting be held November 9-10 (Tuesday-Wednesday) in the Virginia Beach/Hampton area.

That the report of the 2007 Program Committee, previously adopted, be amended to reflect new dates and place for the 2009 annual meeting as follows:
2009 Annual Meeting
November 17-18
(Tuesday-Wednesday)
Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center

Kathy Melton, Chair
J. Lytle Buckingham
Travis Collins
Ralph Duke
Betty Harrow
Tommy McDearis
Phil Mitchell
Jeff Raymond
Curly Sellers
Mila Spaulding

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