Virginia Baptists will gather in Roanoke Nov. 11-12 for Connect:2008, the annual meeting of the Baptist General Association of Virginia.
Although preregistration has now closed, churches that have not preregistered all of their eligible messengers may register messengers on-site. On-site registration information and forms are available online at www. bgavconnect.net.
People who are not representing churches as messengers may attend as visitors. Although visitors have no voting rights during business sessions, they may participate in all other aspects of Connect:2008, including general sessions, breakout sessions, and the ministry fair. Visitor registration is encouraged, but not required.
Visitors are especially invited to attend the Tuesday evening worship service, which will feature special music by the Highlands Fellowship Praise Band, a time of worship and praise with singer/songwriter Kate Campbell, and messages from Tony Campolo and J. Larry Holland, senior pastor of Franklin Heights Baptist Church in Rocky Mount.
The hours for on-site registration of messengers and visitors, as well as for check-in of preregistrants, are Monday, Nov. 10, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday, Nov.11, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Wednesday, Nov.12, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Attendees are encouraged to check in on Monday and then visit the Ministry Fair, which will open a day earlier this year. The Ministry Fair highlights exhibitors who provide a variety of ministry-related resources and services.
Also at this year's Ministry Fair, attendees can volunteer to help package dehydrated meals for Stop Hunger Now, a nongovernmental organization that provides direct food relief around the world. Organizers hope to package 10,000 meals during the BGAV annual meeting.
On Tuesday, box lunches will be available for $11 at the Roanoke Civic Center. Attendees can take advantage of this convenient lunch option and then network with others or visit the Ministry Fair before the breakout sessions begin at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center.
Free shuttle service between the two venues will be provided from 12 noon. to 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Parking at the Civic Center is free. Parking at the Hotel Roanoke costs $2 per hour, with a maximum daily charge of $6. Limited free street parking is also available nearby until 4 p.m. only.
Additional information about Connect:2008 is available online at www.bgavconnect.net.