July 31, 2006

More than 1,000 young people from across the United States are arriving today at Abilene Christian University as the 55th annual National Youth Conference of the Churches of Christ kicks off today on campus. It is the second time ACU has served as host for the conference.

"We thoroughly enjoyed hosting the National Youth Conference in 1996, and we are delighted to be hosts again, especially during our Centennial year," said Dr. Royce Money, university president. "ACU has a rich Christian heritage, and we support the efforts of the National Youth Conference to educate and encourage Christian youth and youth workers from all over the United States for the cause of Christ."

The purpose of the National Youth Conference is to:

• Motivate youth to be faithful, loyal and true to the work of the church.
• Guide youth in the right direction that will lead to strong leadership for the cause of Christ.
• Associate with young people from other geographical areas who share the same interests.
• Give youth the privilege of self-expression.
• Give youth an opportunity to work together, exhibiting their personal worth, abilities and God-given talents.
• Stimulate youth to become involved in their communities and to extend a youthful Christian influence in confronting contemporary issues.

Registration continues throughout the day today, and the opening session takes place in Moody Coliseum, starting at 7 p.m.

Featured speakers this week include Orlando Thomas of Los Angeles, W. Lamont Ross or Austin, John Bradshaw of Dallas, Dr. Jerry Taylor of Abilene, James Kelvin Murray of Los Angeles, and Narleski Wyrick of Dallas.

Key events throughout the week include Song Fest featuring The Melodyaires, the National Youth Conference Pageant and the All Conference Chorus Concert.

Schedule highlights include:
Monday (today)
7 p.m. – Welcome/devotional/evening presentation, Moody Coliseum

Tuesday, Aug. 1
9-9:30 a.m. -- Morning devotion, Moody Coliseum
9:30-11:30 a.m. -- Workshops
1:30-3 p.m. -- Workshops
3-4:30 p.m. -- National Youth Conference American Ideal, Cullen Auditorium
7 p.m. -- Devotional/Evening presentation, Moody Coliseum

Wednesday, Aug. 2
9-9:30 a.m. -- Morning devotion, Moody Coliseum
9:30-11:30 a.m. -- Workshops
1:30-3 p.m. -- Workshops
3-4:30 p.m. -- NYC American Ideal, Cullen Auditorium
7 p.m. -- Devotional/Evening presentation, Moody Coliseum

Thursday, Aug. 3
7:30 a.m.-8p.m. -- Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington, Texas
9:30 p.m.-midnight -- Song Fest, Cullen Auditorium

Friday, Aug. 4
9-10:30 a.m. -- Rally, Larry Sanders Intramural Field
10:30 a.m.-noon -- Community service projects, Abilene
1:30-3:30 p.m. -- Talent Show, Hilton Room, McGlothlin Campus Center
6-11 p.m. -- Devotional/Pageant, Moody Coliseum

Saturday, Aug. 5
7 a.m. -- Chorus rehearsal, Band Practice Room, Williams Performing Arts Center
9:30-11:30 a.m. -- Community service projects, Abilene
10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. -- Basketball tournament, Gibson Health & Physical Education Center
7-10 p.m. -- Devotional/Chorus Concert, Moody Coliseum

Sunday, Aug. 6
9-10:30 a.m. -- Devotional/Worship service, Moody Coliseum
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