• Español
  • Historical Archives
  • Convention
  • Contact Us
Support the Ministry Give
Mennonite Church USA Mennonite Church USA Mennonite Church USA Mennonite Church USA
  • About
    • What We Believe
      • Statements and Resolutions
      • Confession of Faith In a Mennonite Perspective
    • History
    • Find a Church
    • FAQ
      • FAQ about Mennonites
      • FAQ about MC USA
    • Executive Board Staff
    • Church Structure
      • Area Conferences
  • Ministry
    • Church Vitality
      • Women in Leadership
      • Church Planting
      • Wellbeing in Ministry
      • Ministerial Inquiry Form
    • Faith Formation
      • Children and Families
      • Faith Formation with Youth
      • Faith Formation with Adults
      • Christian Practices
      • Deep Faith Conference
    • Peacebuilding
      • Learn Pray Join
      • Israel/Palestine Initiatives
      • Undoing Racism
      • Undoing Sexism
    • The Corinthian Plan
      • Corinthian Plan Staff
      • History of the Corinthian Plan
      • Why Mutual Aid Matters
      • Corinthian Plan Subsidies
      • Wellness Incentives
  • Agencies
    • Everence
    • Mennonite Education Agency
    • Mennonite Mission Network
    • MennoMedia
    • Mennonite Health Services Alliance
  • Resources
  • Events
  • News & Media
    • News & Media
    • MenoTicias
    • Publications and Newsletters
  • Blog
Mennonite Church USA Mennonite Church USA
  • About
    • What We Believe
      • Statements and Resolutions
      • Confession of Faith In a Mennonite Perspective
    • History
    • Find a Church
    • FAQ
      • FAQ about Mennonites
      • FAQ about MC USA
    • Executive Board Staff
    • Church Structure
      • Area Conferences
  • Ministry
    • Church Vitality
      • Women in Leadership
      • Church Planting
      • Wellbeing in Ministry
      • Ministerial Inquiry Form
    • Faith Formation
      • Children and Families
      • Faith Formation with Youth
      • Faith Formation with Adults
      • Christian Practices
      • Deep Faith Conference
    • Peacebuilding
      • Learn Pray Join
      • Israel/Palestine Initiatives
      • Undoing Racism
      • Undoing Sexism
    • The Corinthian Plan
      • Corinthian Plan Staff
      • History of the Corinthian Plan
      • Why Mutual Aid Matters
      • Corinthian Plan Subsidies
      • Wellness Incentives
  • Agencies
    • Everence
    • Mennonite Education Agency
    • Mennonite Mission Network
    • MennoMedia
    • Mennonite Health Services Alliance
  • Resources
  • Events
  • News & Media
    • News & Media
    • MenoTicias
    • Publications and Newsletters
  • Blog
Home / Convention News / A word from a convention junkie
Apr 28 2017

A word from a convention junkie

Tim Blaum lives in Goshen, Indiana and is technical director at River Oaks Community Church. He is a 2010 graduate of Goshen College and is serving as technical director for youth worship at Orlando 2017.This post originally appeared at The Gathering Place.

Orlando 2017 will be my eighth convention in a row. That will make 16 years of my life that I’ve been participating in, serving at or planning for a convention in some capacity. One doesn’t just do something for 16 years if it doesn’t mean a lot to them. The first two conventions that I participated in were incredibly pivotal experiences as a young person trying to navigate my personal faith walk. Powerful calls to action from speakers like Brenda Matthews, Jimmy Carter, Mike Yaconelli and Toni Campolo, catapulted me into critical thinking about who I wanted to be as a Christian and a servant of the church.

Fast forward to San Jose in 2007, and I knew that I felt called to use my gifts to help make convention the same great experience for our youth that I found so beneficial to my formation. I’ve been technical production assistant, social media manager, res life staff (“go to bed kids!”), assistant to the Children’s Ministry director, and for the last two conventions, technical director. God has provided me great opportunities to pour back into this convention in a way that uses my gifts for great things! And I have no doubt that Orlando 2017 will be any different.

I may be biased, but I actually think this will be the best convention yet. Every year, the team who helps plan our worship services pours hours of prayer, discernment, discussion, laughter and hard work into seeking to meet our youth and sponsors where they’re at. This year’s theme of Love is a Verb could not be more applicable, right?

How are we called to be the beacon of Love in a world so rocked by visible examples of hate? How are we called to be the love that God calls us to be, to our family and friends, our neighbors and communities, our churches or even (gasp) our enemies?

I’ve now been a part of two worship planning gatherings, leading up to Orlando 2017, and the conversations we’ve had about this convention have been so uplifting. The hearts of those in the room during these sessions are keenly fixed on our theme. We’re motivated to spread love as servants of God. We’re energized to see our youth on fire for Christ and eager to get out into their circles to live their lives, loving all those who need it most. We desire to see our adults eager to build up the next generation of the church through their abundant love and support. We are, so excited to come together in July and learn what it is to live out Love is a Verb and I can’t wait to see you there! Come say hi if you see me around.

  • Posted in Convention News, Menno Snapshots
  • Tagged Convention, Convention 2017, Love is a Verb, Orlando 2017, The Gathering Place, Tim Blaum
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Tumblr
  • Pinterest
  • Google+
  • LinkedIn
  • E-Mail
Official comments policy for users of Mennonite Church USA’s websites and other social networking tools. We reserve the right to remove any comment that violates this policy.
  • The purpose of comments is to engage in constructive dialogue.
  • Please provide your own full name.
  • Be respectful. If you’re offering criticism, focus on others’ ideas — not their motives, person, character or faith. Consider the log in your own eye before pressing ‘Enter.’
Comments are moderated. Comments with any content that is deemed obscene, libelous, defamatory or hateful toward an individual or group will not be approved. Comments will remain open for 10 days.
    --
Política de comentarios oficiales para los usuarios de los sitios en Internet y otras herramientas de redes sociales pertenecientes a la Iglesia Menonita de EE.UU. Nos reservamos el derecho de eliminar cualquier comentario que viola esta política.
  • El propósito de los comentarios es entablar el diálogo constructivo.
  • Por favor brinde su propio nombre completo.
  • Sea respetuoso. Si ofrece críticas, enfóquese en las ideas del otro, no en sus motivos, su persona, su carácter o su fe. Considere la viga en su propio ojo antes de apretar ‘Intro’
Los comentarios son analizados. Aquellos comentarios que contengan contenido que se considere obsceno, calumnioso, difamatorio u odioso hacia algún individuo o grupo no será aprobado. Los comentarios permanecerán abiertos por 10 días.

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Explore categories

Search

3145 Benham Ave. Suite 1
Elkhart, IN 46517

718 N. Main St.
Newton, KS 67114
Phone: (866) 866-2872
  • News & Media
  • Español
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us
  • Convention
  • Resources
  • Give
  • Staff
  • Employment
©2020 Mennonite Church USA   |   Subscribe to PeaceMail to receive news and blogs compiled into one weekly email.   SUBSCRIBE