To this end Bishop Henderson has issued an invitation to everyone, especially delegations from African-American churches, to attend "The Bishop’s Call To Excellence: Strengthening The Black Church" October 15-17 at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church in Gainesville.

Bishop Henderson writes: "The 1996 General Conference of The United Methodist Church called the church to accept the responsibility of strengthening the black church.

"In 1998, in a response to this call, a group of 100 church leaders, lay and clergy, journeyed to Atlanta to learn from leaders of dynamic African-American churches in that city. We came away inspired and encouraged to continue to grow in our effectiveness to share the Good News with our brothers and sisters.

"I invite you to join me at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church in Gainesville…for ‘The Bishop’s Call to Excellence: Strengthening the Black Church.’ This is the second phase of FACE II, part of the General Church-sponsored Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century initiative at Mt. Pleasant."

Offering powerful teaching by outstanding pastors and lay persons, the three-day event will feature visionary leadership, music, dynamic Spirit-filled worship and servant evangelism. Leadership will be provided by the Rev. James Jennings, senior pastor of First United Methodist Church, Sarasota; the Rev. Dr. Otis Pickett, senior pastor of Capital View United Methodist Church, Atlanta, Ga.; Mrs. Laura Pickett, an evangelist and minister of music at Capital View; and the Rev. Dr. Elston Perry, pastor of Simpson Memorial United Methodist Church, Jacksonville.

Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, led by the Rev. Geraldine McClelland, has been designated one of the nation’s 25 Congregational Resource Center congregations as part of the General Council on Ministries’ Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century initiative.