HOLY CONVOCATION 2026
THE RIVER IS RISING
"And every thing shall live whither the river cometh."
Ezekiel 47:9 (KJV)
A Faith Year journey flowing from formation to alignment, commitment, and expression.
A SACRED GATHERING
Holy Convocation marks the beginning of our Faith Year.
Before we organize, we gather.
Before we serve, we listen.
Before we move, we worship.
Before we labor, we seek the mind and movement of God.
Every ministry...
Every initiative...
Every act of service...
Every expression of Kingdom life...
begins not with activity, but with the presence of God.
Holy Convocation is our annual sacred assembly—a time to pause, pray, worship, learn, and realign ourselves with God's purpose before stepping into another season of ministry.
This is not merely a conference.
This is not merely a revival.
This is a holy gathering.
Because a people must first be gathered before they are sent.
WHY THIS RIVER?
Every year God gathers a people.
Every year God speaks.
Every year God leads.
But God does not always lead in the same way.
This year we are invited beyond the shoreline—not merely to admire the river,
but to trust the One who measures us deeper.
For the river does not begin with us.
It still flows from the presence of God.
The river is measured.
The invitation is trust.
THE RIVER IS RISING
The prophet Ezekiel is led to a river flowing from the presence of God.
At first the water reaches the ankles.
Then the knees.
Then the waist.
Finally, the river becomes waters too deep to cross—waters in which one must swim.
The river never retreats.
It only deepens.
So it is with the life of faith.
God continually invites us beyond what is familiar, beyond what is comfortable, and beyond what we can control.
The invitation of Holy Convocation is not simply to observe the river.
It is to enter it.
To trust the current.
To surrender to its movement.
To discover that wherever God's river flows, life follows.
WHY HOLY CONVOCATION MATTERS
Holy Convocation is one expression of New Unity's continuing commitment to equip and empower the people of God for the work of the Kingdom.
Every Faith Year must begin with formation before function.
We believe that healthy ministry begins with healthy disciples.
Faithful service begins with faithful worship.
Kingdom work begins with Kingdom alignment.
Holy Convocation is where we
• worship together
• listen together
• learn together
• discern together
• commit ourselves anew to God's call upon our lives.
Here we prepare the vessel.
Here we enter the waters.
Here we begin carrying the vision.
THE VISION BEFORE US
Holy Convocation calls us beyond attendance into alignment. As The River Is Rising, we gather to discern more clearly who God is calling us to become and how we are to embody the Kingdom vision entrusted to New Unity.
“The nation we must build is the one Heaven has spoken.”
Read New Unity Nation: Our Vision before Holy Convocation, and come prepared to remember, realign, and respond.
WEEKEND OVERVIEW
SATURDAY • SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
Morning Altar Gathering
Our Convocation begins at the altar.
Together we enter a sacred time of prayer, consecration, worship, and listening as we prepare our hearts for what God desires to do among us.
Teaching & Formation
Conference Teacher
Rev. Johnny N. Golden, Sr.
Pastor-Servant-Leader
New Unity Baptist Church
Through biblical exposition, thoughtful reflection, and practical application, we will explore Ezekiel's vision of the rising river and discover what it means to live as a people continually invited into deeper waters.
Shared Fellowship Meal
Following our morning session, we will gather around the table for a Shared Fellowship Meal.
More than simply lunch, this is an opportunity to continue the conversation, deepen relationships, and celebrate the sacred gift of Christian community.
Afternoon Formation Session
The afternoon session invites us to move beyond inspiration toward faithful application through conversation, reflection, prayer, and practical engagement.
The goal is not merely to hear the Word, but to embody it together.
SUNDAY • SEPTEMBER 13, 2026
Holy Convocation Worship
11:00 a.m.
Guest Preacher
Rev. Michael Lee Golden
Pastor
Limestone Missionary Baptist Church
Gaffney, South Carolina
Our Convocation culminates in joyful worship as Rev. Golden proclaims the Word of God, challenging and encouraging us to step confidently into the new Faith Year.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Holy Convocation is intentionally designed to engage the whole person.
You can expect
• Spirit-led worship
• Biblical exposition
• Practical teaching
• Prayer and consecration
• Personal reflection
• Authentic fellowship
• Kingdom formation
• Prophetic encouragement
Whether you have attended for many years or this is your first experience, we pray you will leave refreshed, challenged, and renewed.
HOW TO PREPARE
We encourage you to prepare spiritually before arriving.
• Pray throughout the days leading to Holy Convocation.
• Read and reflect upon Ezekiel 47.
• Bring your Bible.
• Bring something with which to write.
• Come with an open heart.
• Come expecting God to speak.
• Come ready to respond.
The anointing is in the preparation.
Read and prayerfully reflect upon New Unity Nation: Our Vision.
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
Location
New Unity Baptist Church
2908 Hamilton Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21214
Attire
Because Holy Convocation is among the most sacred gatherings of our Faith Year, attendees are invited to wear business, business-casual, or traditional worship attire.
Parking
Convenient parking is available on and around our campus. Our Hospitality Team will be present to welcome you and assist with directions upon your arrival.
(Replace this paragraph with the Mother's Day parking language once found.)
Childcare
Childcare will not be provided during Holy Convocation.
Additional Information
For updates, directions, and additional information, please visitwww.newunitybaptistchurch.org/events/holy-convocation
REGISTER FOR HOLY CONVOCATION 2026
JOIN THE GATHERING
If you sense God inviting you into deeper waters, we invite you to join us for Holy Convocation 2026.
Together we will gather around the vision of Ezekiel 47:3–5 and follow the God who still leads His people from ankle-deep faith into waters that cannot be crossed.
Whether you have worshiped with us for years or will be visiting for the very first time, there is a place for you in this gathering.
We would be honored to welcome you as together we enter the river that still flows from the presence of God.
Not Every Invitation Is To The Shoreline
Some Are To Waters That Cannot Be Crossed.
Your registration helps us prepare well and extend the warmest possible welcome to every guest.
Which Holy Convocation sessions do you plan to attend?
Please select all that apply.
☐ Saturday, September 12
☐ Both Saturday and Sunday
☐ Sunday, September 13
Will you be joining us for the Saturday Fellowship Meal?
☐ Yes
☐ No
If yes...
How many people should we prepare for?
Church / Organization
(Optional)
How May We Pray With You?
(Optional)
How may we pray for you?
Confirmation Message
Thank you for registering for Holy Convocation 2026.
We are honored that you will be joining us as together we seek the presence of God and journey into deeper waters.
As Holy Convocation approaches, we'll send additional information to help you prepare for the weekend.
The River Is Rising.
We look forward to welcoming you to New Unity Baptist Church.
COVENANT OFFERING
Throughout Scripture, God's people prepared for sacred moments not only with prayer and worship, but also with generous hearts.
The River Is Rising
Convened by,
Rev. Johnny N. Golden, Sr.
Pastor-Servant-Leader
Live Steaming
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