GROUNDED IN LOVE

PAD Conference 2017 Videos! 
The 2017 MCC People of African Descent, Friends and Advocates Conference theme was “Grounded in Love.” The conference theme reflected a journey that cast a bright light on the ethics of love. Be inspired by the PAD Conference again and again through the video recordings of the plenary sessions and worship services.
Plenary Sessions:
Keynote Speakers: Dr. Jamie Washington, Rev. Sam Offer, and Evangeline Weiss of the Washington Consulting Group
Friday, August 4, 2017 – https://vimeo.com/243390543
Plenary One – It’s ALL about LOVE (Loving Our Valuable Experiences)
Plenary Two – Positioning Our Black Experience in Love
Plenary Three – Bringing It All Together
Saturday, August 5, 2017 – https://vimeo.com/243392251
Worship Services:
Opening Worship, Thursday, August 3, 2017https://vimeo.com/239848793
Morning Worship, Friday, August 4, 2017https://vimeo.com/239870309
Evening Worship, Friday, August 4, 2017https://vimeo.com/239873284

Morning Worship, Saturday, August 5, 2017https://vimeo.com/239888644
Closing Worship, Saturday, August 5, 2017:  https://vimeo.com/239893245
Theme: Grounded in Love: Procuring Strength for the Journey
Rev. Traci Blackmon, Executive Minister of Justice & Witness Ministries, UCC and Senior Pastor of Christ The King, UCC

Check out the most current updates from the PAD planning team: 

Last PAD Update

June Conference Updates

Dear White People & Sponsorship Information

PAD Conference Schedule 

Workshops and Testimonies 

Early Bird Rate EXTENDED until 28 April! 

Announcing PAD Speakers!

Announcing the PAD conference team! 

Access PAD Promotional Materials for your church and community

Joint Letter from Rev. Elder Rachelle Brown and Rev. Elder Darlene Garner 

Check back here for more announcements as the planning for the 2017 Conference for People of African Descent, Friends, and Advocates draws nearer.


Conference Goals

We are excited to share these conference goals which were created in community with the conference planning team.

Overarching Goal: All conference participants will become equipped and empowered to engage in ministry within a racially-diverse, mutually-respectful community of faith in ways that honor the gifts, skills, experiences, and lives of people of African descent.

Goals for People of African Descent 

  • People of African descent will experience safe space and affirmation of who they are in MCC and in the world and
  • Gain vital skills to thrive in the present-day context, both internal and external to MCC.

Goals for People of European Descent

  • People of European descent will experience being within an African-American cultural context; and
  • Gain vital skills to become effective advocates.