Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, July 22, 1990 TAG: 9007220059
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: D-12 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CODY LOWE RELIGION WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Ninety-five congregations from Western Virginia were included in the Roanoke convention region. Half were designated to attend last weekend, half this weekend.
This is the first year that two weekends have been required, according to Walter Kammerer, the administrative assistant for the convention. He attributed the expanded program to rapid growth in the denomination. Identical programs were provided.
A highlight of the annual conventions is a baptism and ordination ceremony held at a motel across the street from the convention center. The services, in which 61 people were baptized, were conducted Saturday at the Holiday Inn, Civic Center.
Unlike many other denominations, Witnesses conventions center on education and worship rather than business and theological debate, according to member Richard Carr. The convention program includes educational talks, discussions, personal testimony and drama.
This year, the theme of the 142 conventions being held in the United States is "Pure Language." Carr said the reference was taken from the book of Zephaniah.
Family was the focus at Friday's gathering, as speakers addressed the responsibilities of parents and modern distractions from wholesome family relationships.
The convention will conclude Sunday with a 2 p.m. address entitled "Become United by the Pure Language."
All sessions are free and open to the public. No collections are taken.
Kammerer said no door-to-door mission work is planned this year. Jehovah's Witnesses are well-known for such proselytizing, as well as distributing Bibles and such literature as the Watchtower magazine.
by CNB