Cleveland, TN–As the calendar turned over into a new year and a new decade this week, Church of God constituents around the globe can anticipate a busy year, starting with several events in January.
This Sunday, January 5 has been designated as Declaration Faith Sunday, an annual observance where congregations are encouraged to learn more about the denomination’s central document of core beliefs. The Declaration of Faith was adopted at a General Assembly in the 1940s.
On Monday, January 6, 2020 the International Offices will begin three days of prayer revival with Agree ’20. This will be the fourth consecutive year for the prayer convocation which consists of a daily morning chapel service followed by an evening of concentrated prayer focus on areas of ministry within the church. Special guest speakers include Loran Livingston, Tony Suarez, Joey Rogers, and Tony Stewart. Visit churchofgod.org for full details.
In 1920, the Church of God founded its first orphanage in Cleveland, an initiative that has grown over the past century to include Church of God homes for children around the globe. Later this month, the Smoky Mountain Children’s Home in Sevierville, Tenn. will commemorate that founding with a reception to kick off a year-long celebration of Church of God benevolence ministry to children.
On January 20, the International Executive Council will convene their regularly-scheduled session and begin the process of formulating the agenda for the 78th International General Assembly later this year. A day prior, administrative bishops will meet in a leadership “summit” culminating in a joint session with the department leaders of the International Offices and the Council on January 21.
January also launches the first gatherings of the annual Winterfest youth events sponsored by the Department of Youth and Discipleship. January Winterfest dates and locations include January 17-19 in Pismo Beach, California, Arlington, Texas January 24-26, and Ocean City, Maryland January 31 – February 2. For more information, visit mywinterfest.org.
Events in January are a prelude toward the highlight of 2020, the International General Assembly scheduled for July 21-24 at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. A fully-functional website launches later this month, which will delegate and hotel registration, schedules and other information. The site will also feature items to be added later, such as featured speakers, and an April release of the final General Council Agenda.