More than 220 Virginia Baptists have registered so far to attend the Baptist World Alliance's Centennial Congress, slated for July 25-30 in Birmingham, England.
The BWA is expected to approve the Baptist General Association of Virginia for full admission into the global organization at the July meeting.
A reception to celebrate Virginia's membership in the BWA is slated for Wednesday, July 27, from 9:30-11:30 p.m., following the evening worship service.
The reception, to be held in Birmngham's International Convention Center, is hosted by John Upton, executive director of the BGAV, and Charles Wade, executive director of the Baptist General Covention of Texas.
The Texas convention also is expected to be admitted to the BWA.
The reception is free and open to all Virginia and Texas Baptists and their world mission partners. RSVPs should be made to Linda Terry at 1-800-255-2428, extension 7327.
The North American Baptist Fellowship will host a luncheon on Friday, July 29, from noon until 2 p.m.
Virginia Baptists recently joined the NABF, one of the BWA's regional fellowships.
For more information about the luncheon and to register, contact Ruby Burke at the BWA, 405 N. Washington St., Falls Church, VA 22046; phone (703) 790-8980.
Reservations are required and limited to the first 300 people. Cost is $22 per person by mail and $23 per person using a credit card over the phone.
Information about other BWA activities is available through the official Congress website, www.bwacongress2005.org.uk, or at (703) 790-8980.
Special to the Herald