LARCUM
2023
Theme: Evangelism?
LARCUM 2023 gathers 8-10 May 2023, at John XXIII Pastoral
Center, Charleston, WV, under the title, "Evangelism?"
This title should give you a clue that this will not be
your typical evangelism conference. Rather than focusing
on the how of evangelism—there are plenty of other
conferences and events that do that—we will be focusing on
the why of evangelism.
Theological traditions bring their own ideas about
missiology, ideas that are rooted in their respective
notions around soteriology, theological epistemology,
theological anthropology, etc. All these can
affect how we evangelize, but, at a much more fundamental
level, they shape why we evangelize or even if we
evangelize at all. Additionally, theological convictions
unique to each tradition may or may not support this or
that method of evangelism.
Bishop Riegel (Lutheran), responding to a question online
wrote, "We have no shortage of techniques, but we do seem
to have a shortage of motivation." He also pointed out
that the mainline churches already share many of the same
resources related to the how of evangelism, but
whether they share the same rationale behind evangelism
between them or even across their own individual histories
is something to be explored.
Evangelism was selected as the theme for this coming LARCUM
by the attendees of LARCUM 2019.
Method
As with most of out WV LARCUMs, each tradition will bring
its own presenter, and each presenter will be given
two-three hours in formal session. Outside of formal
session, there are meals, social hours, and free time for
more conversation among participants (or, as in the case
of free time, a chance for private prayer, refreshment,
study, etc.). There is also worship, with each
tradition taking its turn leading services from its own
tradition.
Logistics
Times
Details are still being worked out—this is our first
LARCUM since the pandemic began. We will be providing
updates on this page and on our Facebook page. We will
convene in the afternoon on Monday, May 8, exact time TBD.
We wrap up with lunch on Wednesday, May 10.
Boarding
Meals and socials are included in the registration.
Lodging
You have the option of lodging at St. John XXIII or
arranging for your own lodging off-site. Charleston has
many hotels scattered across the price spectrum.
Cost
The registration fee schedule has not yet been set.
Registration
We will announce once on-line registration is open.
Keeping Up with Updates
There are four ways to keep up with updates as our
planning process develops the details.
- You can pester your pastor—we are not guaranteeing
that your pastor will know, but it will keep it on your
pastor's radar.
- You can check back at this page on a regular basis.
- You can follow our LARCUM Facebook
page and join (either indicate "going" or
"interested") the LARCUM 2023 Facebook event—hopefully
the Facebook algorithms will keep you informed.
- You can pre-register—this is not the registration—using
our on-line RSVP
form.
Spread the Word
How appropriate for a conference on evangelism! Invite a
friend, tell a co-parishioner, reach out to your
ecumenical counterpart. Don't hesitate to share on social
media. Ask information to be placed in your congregation's
newsletter or Sunday bulletin.
What Is LARCUM WV?
LARUCM WV is a four-partner conference held annually
(except when there is a pandemic) in WV. The partners are
- Lutheran — West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod,
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
- Anglican — The Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia, The
Episcopal Church
- Roman Catholic — The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston,
Roman Catholic Church
- United Methodist — The West Virginia Conference,
United Methodist Church
It's origins are rooted in the ARC (Anglican-Roman
Catholic Dialogue) in West Virginia more than four decades
ago. The Lutherans were invited to join, making it LARC,
the longest running LARC at that time in the USA, at three
decades. Roughly ten years ago, the United Methodist were
invited to join.
LARCUM planning is a joint activity of the four
traditions. The topic for each LARCUM Conference is
selected by the participants of the preceding LARCUM
Conference.
Who Can Attend LARCUM?
One does not need to be a member of the participating
judicatories nor even the traditions more generally. If
you are interested in the topic, want to enjoy
conversation with folk from different traditions, or look
forward to experiencing another tradition's worship, you
are most welcome. LARCUM is open to laity and clergy.
LARCUM is also open to folks from outside WV.
LARCUM and Social Media
Yes, we do have a social media presence. Check out out "WV Larcum" Facebook page—follow
and/or like us while you are there. Lutherans can even
join Team Wittenberg,
a subgoup attached to the page—if you are jealous,
convince your tradition's planners to set up a
tradition-specific group. We also create Facebook events
for specific conferences, e.g., "LARCUM 2023."
Since we have a social media presence, don't be shy about
sharing.
Questions?
If you have any quesitons or would like to speak to
someone about LARCUM, call West Virginia-Western Maryland
HQ at 304-363-4030 or email Bishop@WV-WMD.org.
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