2025 Display Tables
Showcasing Our Greater Community
Every year at Convention, we are treated to some delightful displays from our church membership from across the continent, usually with a regional focus to wherever Convention is being held each year. These displays showcase the various communities, endeavors, and organizations within the denomination’s membership.
This year, the displays will be located in the Columbia Falls ballroom and will be available to visit in the evenings. Here is a sample of some of the tables you will see this year.
Charity, Change, and Community: Frankford’s Swedenborgians and Their Circle, 1817–1971 by Gail McCormick
Spurred by a family discovery, Gail McCormick embarked on a decades-long historical journey to uncover the story of the New Jerusalem Society of Frankford, the home church of four generations of her maternal grandmother’s family.
In her new two-volume history Charity, Change, and Community: Frankford’s Swedenborgians and Their Circle, 1817–1971, McCormick describes the society’s experiences and impact not only within its historic Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood but also on city and national affairs. An active member of the General Convention for nearly all its history, the Frankford society also influenced local business and industry; art, literature, and music; science and medicine; social and political reform; and even communication technology.
McCormick has used a wide variety of sources to highlight this special community of faith, whose historic trajectory reflects that of the neighborhood it sought to influence and inspire.
“The book is more than just the complicated and fascinating history of the Frankford Swedenborgians. The author ties the history of Philadelphia and the nation. She brings to life many personalities who built the Frankford community over generations. This truly is a labor of love. I don’t know how she tied together all of the various pieces. Now, I can’t wait to read Volume two.”
— Rev. Rich Tafel
Signed copies of both volumes will be available for sale at the Annual Convention in Portland at a special convention price of $20 per volume or $35 for both. Gail and Mike McCormick look forward to meeting Convention attendees at their table, which will include a display of materials from the recent exhibit on the New Jerusalem society at the Historical Society of Frankford (HSF). Book sale proceeds will be donated to HSF.
Swedenborgians in Action Against Racism
Swedenborgians in Action Against Racism (SAAR) was formed in response to the increase in awareness and action around racial justice during the summer of 2020, and out of a desire to be able to learn and act together in community within the Swedenborgian tradition. An ecumenical leadership team of clergy and lay people from around the country formed in order to create educational and formational programming to offer to the denomination (and beyond).
Would you like to join us in this work? There are multiple ways!
1. The SAAR newsletter continues to be published on an approximately tri-weekly schedule, offering useful content for walking the path of learning how to be anti-racist. Sign up for the newsletter (https://mailchi.mp/6df1018da19a/sign-up-for-the-newsletter) and if you would like to catch up on recent issues you can do so here.
2. Point us in the direction of useful content for the newsletter, like books, articles, workshops, prayers/reflections, and groups that are helping you on your own journey. Email Co-editor Rev. Shada Sullivan (revshada@gmail.com) with your suggestions.
3. Join our monthly meetings on Zoom, on the third Monday of the month, 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT. Email our chair, Rev. Dr. Jim Lawrence at (president@swedenborg.org) for the invite.
Come visit us at Convention! We will be sharing a table with…
The Social Justice Committee
The Social Justice Committee table will highlight the work of the committee this year, as well as offer resources for getting involved.
Wilmington’s Church of the Holy City
Wilmington’s Church of the Holy City is undertaking a major restoration of our historic building and we’ve recently been recognized by the National Fund for Sacred Places with a $100,000 grant. Stop by our table to learn how you can become part of this exciting effort!
The Helen Keller Spiritual Life Collaborative
The Helen Keller Spiritual Life Collaborative (HKSLC) will have a display table sharing info on what is emerging in our work since becoming incorporated as a unique body of Convention as of January 2025. Information on our upcoming collaborative series on Regeneration, plans for our March 2026 BE Honest Celebration of Helen Keller’s Spiritual Birthday, as well as plans for an HKSLC Pilgrimage to the National Cathedral 2028 will be available. Details on the variety of ways for individuals and congregations to be involved, including in-person retreats and a new virtual community platform. We’ll have some BE Love, BE Honest, BE Useful stickers we hope you’ll come by, take, and display through convention to show your support!
Wayfarers Chapel
Find out what has been happening at Wayfarers Chapel! We have a new proposed site to build on, with renderings to see on display. A new website, logo, and fundraising platform have taken shape this year which we are sharing with you at Convention. Wayfarers Chapel has also launched an exciting new digital ministry offering called “Exploring New Earth.” Come by and check them out!
That’s not all! You will have to come see for yourself all of the people and organizations represented there this year. We look forward to creating community with you all at Convention!
Read all about Convention 2025 in the full issue of the June Messenger
Meet Jim Lawrence
Rev. Dr. Jim Lawrence is the president of the Swedenborgian Church of North America. He was the dean of the Center for Swedenborgian Studies for 21 years prior to being elected President in 2022.
