"On: Now is the Time for the 48th!"
Luke 22:7

 

“Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”
– Luke 22:7 NIV

 

Okay! My thoughts are far reaching. At this writing, it’s Tuesday of Holy Week. You know the story, and the truth, of the “The Last Supper.” Jesus knew what was ahead of him. There would be no turning back. He was determined to fulfill his purpose for coming into the world. He fulfilled his purpose by suffering and dying on an old rugged cross. And was resurrected!

There are no theological comparisons between the Festival of Unleavened Bread and the 48th Biennial Conference of the NBPC. But it has given me thoughts about the 47th Conference and its success. I have been thinking about the sacrifices and contributions of many who are making the 48th Conference possible. Truly, it’s been almost two years since a very competent and professional team of volunteers, the 48th Biennial Meeting Planning Committee, have been sent to: “Go and make preparations.”

The prayerful approach to the preparations gives we comfort that the spirit of Christ Jesus, the Risen Lord, will be there. Good food will be there, more than bread and wine. Good worship and fellowship will be there. Good information, training and celebrations of significant individuals who have make great contributions to Black/African American Presbyterianism will be there. When Jesus chose that upper room, he chose enough space to accommodate ALL twelve Apostles. According to Luke 22:14, All had graduated from being Disciples.

The 48th Planning Committee chose Charlotte, North Carolina, June 19-21, 2025. The hotel? I visited it myself. It has enough room to accommodate All who will accept the invitation to come and be at the table. Here is my hopeful prayer, that whatever role you fulfill in your local congregation: Disciple, Apostle, Pastor, Elder, Deacon, Trustee, Young Adult, Youth and/or Active Member sitting in the pews on Sunday mornings, you will set your GPS for the 48th Biennial Conference of the NBPC. Attendance at the 48th could and will resurrect personal commitments to Christ and even resurrect a congregation’s life.

You’ve finished reading? Go ahead. To the website. Register and make reservations now. Just like Resurrection Morning, when it is all said and done: “You’ll be glad you did!” Now is the Time for the 48th!

Rev. Dr. Charles C. Heyward, Sr.
President, NBPC
04.15.25