Frequently Asked Questions
- Accessibility
- Auction
- COVID Safety
- Live-streaming
- Local Project
- Meals
- Parking
- T-shirts
- Volunteering and Stipends
Q: Is the layout of First UMC mobility accessible?
Onward to Perfection is a welcome place for the whole people of God, including people of all physical abilities and conditions. Except for the sanctuary balcony, the facilities at FUMC are accessible to those using assistive mobility devices.
Q: What will the auction be like?
This year, RMN’s annual auction is going live in Charlotte on Saturday, October 14th, at 8pm ET. From riveting chess lessons to a relaxing weekend getaway, and from an ally-focused book basket to gorgeous jewelry and stoles, there’s something for everyone at this year’s fundraiser. You can register now so you don’t have to when the auction and the action get underway.
Your auction purchases help RMN to keep working for LGBTQ+ justice by funding Convocation programming, and the expense of Reconciling witness at General Conference.
Q: How is RMN handling COVID safety at Convocation?
RMN and First Methodist Church of Charlotte are aware that COVID cases are rising in some parts of the U.S. The following points describe how we plan to address COVID in the interest of your health and safety.
- First United Methodist Church is a beautiful old church with a sanctuary that seats over 1,000 people. Most of our time together will be spent in that space. We estimate 350 attendants at Convocation, some of whom will be online. So, there will be plenty of room to spread out.
- Everything in the sanctuary will be livestreamed for online participants. It will also be live streamed into the Fellowship Hall and the Gym for those who want to be more distanced from others.
- Meals will be held in the Fellowship Hall, but you are welcome to take plates to conference rooms or to outside tables to space out.
- We will have hand sanitizer in all rooms and masks at registration for those who’d like to wear one.
If a COVID booster is available in your area, please consider getting your booster before coming to Convocation in order to keep us all as healthy as possible.
Q: What is available through the live-stream option?
Plenary sessions, Bible study, worship, and some workshop sessions will be live-streamed. Stay tuned for instructions on accessing the live-stream.
Q: What is RMN’s local project for this Convocation?
“Time Out Youth Center is a place where you can experience a sense of belonging and community. Whether you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, a straight ally – or just don’t want to be labeled, you will be welcomed here. Some of our youth are out, some are partially out, and some are not out at all. Time Out Youth Center offers a safe space for all and fully respects the journey of each individual. While at Time Out Youth, you are not expected to be anyone or anything except who you are.” – Time Out Youth Center
At every Convocation, RMN invites attendants to get involved with a local LGBTQ+ serving organization in the city where Convocation and General Conference take place. This year, we’re undertaking a gift card drive to create Welcome Home Baskets for youth.
Welcome Home Baskets are a collection of the essentials that youth need when they move into their new apartment. By donating a gift card, you help ensure that a youth has a smooth transition from houselessness to their new home. Each Welcome Home Basket costs about $350. You can donate gift cards to Amazon, Target, Walmart, or Food Lion. You can also purchase Visa or gas gift cards. Gift cards can be dropped off at the Time Out Youth information table at Convocation.
Q: Which meals are included with my registration?
All meals on Friday and Saturday, and lunch on Sunday, are included with the registration fee. A ticket will be required for breakfast Friday-Saturday for those who chose the registration option that included breakfast. Those who registered for the LYNC leadership meeting have lunch included. A ticket will be required for that lunch.
Q: Where do I park my car?
Memorial UMC has kindly offered 50 parking spots to Convocation attendants. Please fill out this form in advance if you’d like to park there!
Memorial UMC Parking
Parking is available in the garage next to FUMC each day of the conference. Please bring your ticket to the registration
table each day (except Sunday) to receive parking validation.
Q: Where can I find the Convocation schedule?
You can find the schedule here.
Q: Will there be a Convocation t-shirt this year?
To commemorate your time at Convocation 2023: Onward to Perfection, you can order your 2023 Convocation t-shirt here at Bonfire!
Q: How can I get more involved while at Convocation?
We’re looking for more volunteers to help with various parts of Convocation on the ground in Charlotte. If you’re coming to Charlotte and are willing to volunteer at worship, help with registration, or assist with various other tasks, please let us know by completing this form.
We also need help putting together slideshows and doing basic video editing in the coming two weeks. Some stipends for this work are available! If you’re willing to help, please email admin@rmnetwork.org and let us know. You don’t have to attend Convocation to help in this way!