by Pat McCaughan
Convention-goers will be invited on Saturday, Nov. 14, to take a deep dive into its theme: “Living In Love and Truth / Viviendo en Amor y Verdad,” with a bible study led by the Rev. Dr. Lincoln E. Galloway, the K. Morgan Edwards Professor of Homiletics at the Claremont School of Theology.
Bishop Antonio José Gallardo Lucena has said he chose the theme, for both his episcopate and his first diocesan convention from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians (4:15) because the apostle addresses Christian identity and loving and living as community.
“He (Paul) said that love without truth is shallow. Truth without love is harsh. That the spirit and love will move us, help us to accomplish everything that we want People talk about growth. There’s absolutely no way we’re going to grow without embracing the spirit of love and truth. So, I wanted to be able to portray that, in a brand or a logo,” Gallardo said.
Galloway is scheduled to lead the bible study as the first part of the traditional Bishop’s Address to convention, followed by small group discussions. Galloway is a well-known CST professor, and an elder in the California Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
He grew up on the Caribbean island of Montserrat and has served as pastor/interim pastor of Highgrove UMC in Riverside; Lynwood UMC; Dominguez UMC; First UMC of Compton; First UMC of Redondo Beach, Bellflower UMC; and Valencia UMC.
He holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Candler School of Theology and a Ph.D. in New Testament Studies from Emory University in Atlanta. He has served as president of the Academy of Homiletics – an international organization with over 400 members who teach preaching in Seminaries & Theological Schools in the United States, Canada and other schools around the world.
Additionally, Galloway is the author of Freedom in the Gospel: Paul’s Exemplum in 1 Corinthians 9 in Conversation with the Discourses of Epictetus and Philo. The book explores the concept of freedom in 1 Corinthians 9, where Paul asks, “Am I not free?” He is also a contributor to such academic articles and books, including Feasting on the Word, Feasting on the Gospels and Preaching God’s Transforming Justice.
Gallardo’s address will follow the bible study.
A variety of workshops will also be available from 11:00 AM to 2:15 PM.
Friday workshops planned for 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM will address the topics of:
- Bishop Eric Bloy, a Man and His Vision, presented by Eric Miller, Bloy House Acting Dean;
- Immersed in Worship: What We Believe, What We’re Learning, What’s Possible, offered by Missy Morain, Diocesan Missioner for Formation, Children, Youth;
- Wardens’ Gathering: A Model for Sharing and Support, presented by Kathy Eisel of St. Luke’s, Monrovia and featuring Lucy Jones (St. James, South Pasadena); Harry Allen (St. James, South Pasadena); Leticia Santos (St. Bartholomew’s, Pico Rivera); Melody James (Church of the Transfiguration, Arcadia) and Lester Eisel (St. Luke’s, Monrovia).
Friday, from 1:15 to 2:15 PM
- Peace Be with You: Building Solidarity Beyond Church Walls, presented by guest preacher the Rev. Lauren Grubaugh Thomas.
- Congregational Discernment Committee Training, presented by Cameron Johnson, co-chair, diocesan Commission on Ministry; and
- The Art of Spiritual Direction, presented by Jasmine Bellamy, Executive Director, Stillpoint: The Center for Spirituality
Saturday, Nov. 14 workshops from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM will include:
- Disaster Preparedness, Spiritual Resilience, Ecological Faith, presented by Grace Wakelee-Lynch, the Rev. Payton Hoegh, and Whitney White, Diocesan Disaster Recovery & Resilience Team.
- Girls Friendly Society, presented by Klaire Harris, Executive Director, GFS Los Angeles.