I understand that there is a rather large, $75.00 per person banquet going on at the very beginning or before the General Conference starts. What is the banquet about? Is it just an opening banquet? Is there going to be a speaker and if so, does any one know who? Is it after 5, formal, etc. I need "packing" details. The funny thing is that no one that I have come in contact with seems to know much about it, so please don't ask me to go and speak with my pastor or presiding elder because neither are sure about the details. Thanks.

-- Anonymous, May 22, 2004

Answers

Yes...there will be an opening banquet for the General Conference. The price per ticket is $75.00. The speaker of the hour will be (tentatively) US Senator John Kerry (Mass. D). It has been the custom that a presidential candidate visit and bring words of greeting. The attire is formal. However, don't go out and buy something special to wear, just wear your "Sunday go to meetin'" duds. That would suffice!

-- Anonymous, May 22, 2004

Thanks Ray. Just when I was running to Ray's Formal wear, I am saved and can now just grab something from my closet. God bless!

-- Anonymous, May 24, 2004

Will the banquet be held on the 29th or 30th? The conference program speaks of a 4th district banquet on the 29th. I am assuming that it is one and the same. Thanks

-- Anonymous, May 24, 2004

The "banquet" on the 29th has got to be the one, since the 4th district is hosting the General Conference. Thanks.

-- Anonymous, May 25, 2004

Can someone answer the first question, i.e., "What is the banquet about?" In view of the current issues that touch our faith, our people, our families, our country, and our world, what's the purpose and what do we expect? Thanks.

-- Anonymous, May 27, 2004

The purpose of the banquet is to mark the beginning of the General Conference. It is just a time for all persons and delegates to gather and fellowship as a general body in a calm setting, other than arguing and debating during the legislative sessions.

-- Anonymous, May 27, 2004

What a waste of $75.00 why aren't we having a pre-conference praise and worship session that will allow the holy spirit entrance into our confab? Oh that would be too low brow. Instead, rubber chicken, protocol and dullness. Oh happy day!

-- Anonymous, May 27, 2004

Harold, that is an excellent opportunity. Why don't you plan to do that and let us know when, what, and where?

-- Anonymous, May 28, 2004

Thanks Al, its too late for 2004, I certainly would not want to disrupt the party but 2008 sounds like a winner.

-- Anonymous, May 28, 2004

There will be an opening worship service to open the General Conference. The banquet falls within the the "pre" activities. The General Conference is not opened with a banquet, but in worship. One of the Bishops of the church is presented the honor of preaching the message which helps set the tone of the conference. In 2000, Bishop Cousin, while still the Bishop of the 1st District, delivered the sermon.

-- Anonymous, May 28, 2004

That's very true Brother Allen. But if what I have heard about General Conference is true, we need more than an opening worship service replete with the associated protocols etc. etc. We need an old fashioned revival.

-- Anonymous, May 28, 2004

Since you were talking about an old fashined revivial -- come and be a part of the RAYAC nightly worship to be held July1,2,3 at 10:00 each evening. Go to www.ame-church.com and look for the general conference schedule for the event.

-- Anonymous, May 30, 2004