Photo from Indydt.org

I hope you’re planning to come to Indianapolis June 8-11 for the Southern Baptist Convention!

I’ve gathered a few links to help you enjoy your stay:

Why come to Indy? Diana’s Fresh Ideas article lists reasons

Downtown Indianapolis 

About Indy—videos and travel tips

 Crossover Indiana  - Arrive early and help with evangelistic events to plant 8 new Indy churches!

Youth Children Preschool Childcare

Convention Schedule 

 Ministers Wives Luncheon    come! 

Pastors Conference

 WMU Celebration (They’re having a booksigning for my new book at 4pm on June 8 + I get to lead a breakout class)

Find a Church for Sunday worship: Indiana Baptist Website

Guidestone Wellness Walk on the Canal Walk - gorgeous site! 

TIPS:

And here are a few more convention-going tips I sent in a letter to Indiana pastor wives:

• Register. When you register, say hello to our volunteers there. You’ll receive a  name tag, voting ballots and book of reports.
• Daily Schedule. Pick up the daily schedule as you enter.  It’s full of important announcements.
• Ministers Wives luncheon– Don’t miss this great event. Purchase tickets ahead at olivebaptist.org. It’s in the Sagamore ballroom in the convention center near the mall. You’ll be blessed. 
• Enjoy the whole convention.  You’ll enjoy all the program elements. I love the missions report for IMB because they always have a spectacular program. The reports from NAMB, LifeWay, seminaries, etc. are really eye-opening and inspiring. You’ll be proud to be a Southern Baptist!  It’s really amazing what we accomplish together. Even the business segments are interesting.  Music is fabulous. You’ll hear inspiring preaching. And you’ll still find time to loiter in the hallways and visit with new and old friends. 
• Pastor’s Conference June 8-9 – Usually has great conferences for women, too. Worth a trip.
• WMU Convention June 8-9 www.wmu.com(Hoosiers Traci Newland, Sharon Beck, Sharon Barrett and Diana Davis will be on program)
• Indiana Baptist Boothin main hallway. Look for it and say “Hi” to whoever’s volunteering there.-  Picketers. Don’t be alarmed when you see a few paid picketers outside. Be nice to them. -  As you walk around, say hello to Indiana volunteers at welcome center, childcare, youth area.
• Restaurants. Need help? Check ahead on indydt.org for a restaurant map. 200 are downtown! It might be wise to call ahead for reservations.
•  Crossover Events – Great evangelistic events all around the Indy area on the weekend before SBC. You are needed! These will help strengthen our churches and help plan eight new churches around Indy! Register ASAP at www.scbi.org 
•  To register for childcare or youth or children’s events  – www.sbcannualmeeting.com 
• Parking - http://www.indydt.com/dtmap.html  Click on map to see prices (i.e. White River State park garage, 650 W. Washington, says $10 per day.) Meters are free weekends and after 6pm.
• Represent your church!  Plan ahead so your church clerk can pre-register your church messengers online at www.sbc.net.

DON’T MISS THE EXHIBIT AREA! Some tips:

•  First, find the booth where they provide a bag. You’re going to have lots of stuff to carry.
•  Go by booths early to pick up lots of freebies. Your kids will love these.
•  Pick up information from every booth, and you’ll have wonderful reading for months. 
• Whatever ministry you enjoy at your church, you’ll find lots of helpful info here.
• Ask questions at all booths that interest you. The true experts are there and they’re anxious to chat.
• Take a free photo at the Olan Mills Booth.  They’ll mail it to you. 
• Be sure to do free medical testing at the Guidestone booth. It’s really free.
• If your teen will go to college or seminary soon, this is the time to visit booths and ask questions.
• Take your children by the IMB and NAMB booth to talk to real missionaries. 
• Bookstore – LifeWay has a mega-store here. I believe they’re planning a book-signing time for my new book, too! And before you leave Wednesday, check sales.

This Fresh Idea was posted on Sunday, April 13th, 2008 | Book News, Indiana Baptists, Ministers Wives, Missions, Speaking; Travel, Women's Ministry.