NTC Confirmation classes invited to Jan. 15-18 civil rights bus tour

Editor’s Note: Associate Director of Connectional Ministries for Life Stages Ministry Rev. Andy Stoker will host an informational meeting on the Jan. 15-18, 2010 Confirmation Civil Rights Bus Tour via conference call at 10:00 a.m. Oct. 27.

On Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, Confirmation students from all over the NTC will embark on the Civil Rights Bus Tour. Participants will travel from North Texas to Montgomery, Birmingham, Selma and Memphis.

This bus trip to Selma, Montgomery and Birmingham, AL, and to Memphis, TN, to retrace the steps of Dr. King and other civil rights heroes will be a memorable one. This area of the country was the setting for many history-making achievements by African Americans and courageous supporters.

During the visit, the confirmands and their sponsors will relive the experience of the bravery of the people who endured Bloody Sunday, then made the harrowing Selma to Montgomery march for voting rights.

The experience will offer a context for better understanding of the inspiring words of Dr. King, who led the March, as well as an introduction to the unsung heroes, ordinary men and women who risked their lives to register African Americans to vote.

Rosa Parks’ nonviolent protest in Montgomery inspired a movement that helped give Blacks equal access to public facilities. Birmingham and Memphis are also two meccas of civil rights history.

This journey will stress the importance of civil rights to Christian discipleship and what it means to be a part of the transformation of the world.

In order to comply with Safe Sanctuary policies, each participating church will need to send one adult per one to five students. Contact Rev. Stoker to begin the paperwork process for all adults planning to participate.

For more information on the conference call and trip, contact Rev. Stoker at 972-526-5000 or
e-mail: stoker@ntcumc.org.