Special Invitation to a Unique Educational Event in Cuba in February 2010

It’s not too soon to plan for the new church year.
You know you’ll want a break once February comes around, a chance to see the world with news and gain some inspiration. Yes, as winter approaches, with its darkness, dying light and cold chills, you’ll be looking south to find new hope.

Here’s your special invitation to just such an opportunity. John Dominic Crossan is speaking at the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Matanzas during the second week in February 2010. (Feb 7/8 to 14/15) His subject is taken from the title of his recent book: The First Paul, Reclaiming the Radical Visionary Behind the Church’s Conservative Icon. and his audience will be Cubans, Canadians and Americans. The question: What does it mean to rescue Paul from the conservative stained glassed prison in which he’s been imprisoned. Can Paul speak to our current political and social context as we live faithfully within the shadow of empire? The conference will be hosted by Reinerio Arce Valetnin, the rector of the seminary and professor at the University of Habana and he who will respond to Crossan from the Cuban perspective.

This will be a small conference. There are places for 35 Canadian/Americans/Dominicans. An equal number of Cubans will attend. And while it is open to anyone who wants to attend, we wanted to make sure that you were specifically invited. Our hope is to gather leaders from Christian communities in such a way as to have the maximum impact: transforming our churches and the world. Besides the Crossan event, we will be visiting la Habana, schools for special needs, agricultural projects and a small grass roots churches. This will be a unique look into a lively and lovable country. Given the recent hurricanes that ravaged Cuba, this is also a chance to show solidarity and perhaps build bridges across which aid and good will can continue to flow

Did I mention we’d spend a day at the beach …hot sand!

The seminary is promising to suspend classes for this event. There will be translation for all who need it. Participants will live on the campus of the seminary and have a unique opportunity to experience Cuban culture—loving and working with Cuban Christian leaders.

· The cost is $2100 (CAN) per person and includes the conference with Crossan, airfare, accommodation and meals, tours of Habana, visits to rural social programs and unique educational projects, translation services and unique cultural events. (the choir in Matanzas is world class!) All this and you add the stunning view of the habour from the seminary steps and you can’t go wrong

To hold a place fill out the attached registration form and send a $500 deposit (non refundable).

Give us a call or e-mail if you have any questions.

Christopher Levan (506-454-7303, rivendel [at] nb [dot] sympatico [dot] ca)
Vallerie Ross (403-246-0364) v [dot] ross [at] shaw [dot] ca