Imagine spending a week with Jesus - following him on his journeys, listening in on his conversations, observing his actions and reactions.
Well ... imagine no longer!
The theme of Focus this year is "Meeting Up With Jesus". In our main sessions we will explore key interactions of Jesus with various people - unclean outcasts, hardened skeptics, disbelieving disciples. From them we will learn more about Jesus, more about the gospel, and more about our response! A series of break-outs throughout the week will further equip us in the work of evangelism, as we move out to be His disciples in the world.
Week 1: May 12–17
Bloomsburg University, Bucknell University, Cedar Crest College, DeSales University, East Stroudsburg University, Gettysburg College, Lebanon Valley College, Muhlenberg College, Penn State University, Shippensburg University
Week 2: May 19–24
Kutztown University, Albright University, Dickinson College, Lafayette University
Focus Plus: May 17–19
The Passion & Romance of the Song of Solomon
Believe it or not, from the time of the early church fathers down through the Middle Ages, the Song of Solomon was one of the most popular books of the Bible. Many scholars wrote about it, numerous pastors preached on it regularly.
How different in our day! For many, the Song of Solomon is both mystifying and intriguing. Is it about passionate romance with a human lover? Is it mostly about our relationship with God? What does it mean, and ... how do I apply it?
Join us for Focus PLUS for in-depth study of this wonderful book. You won't be disappointed! Focus+ is a special limited-registration add-on event for students that takes place between the two main Focus weeks. It will start at 4pm on Friday, May 17th and will conclude at 11am on Sunday, May 19th. Cost is $60.
An Evening of Spoken Word at Focus with Chris Webb!
Wednesday Night at Focus every year is special. This year we holding an Evening of Spoken Word with Chris Webb and Joshua Surita.
Chris Webb is an poet, filmmaker, and content creator from Cleveland Ohio. He attended the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, Scotland, and is a graduate of the California Institute of the Arts in Los Angeles, California. Currently, Chris is touring internationally with the "Poet's In Autumn" tour; a faith-based poetry collective that travels to Africa, the U.K., the Caribbean, and 40 U.S. cities in a calendar year. Recently, Chris has moved back to Cleveland with hopes to utilize his art to impact marginalized communities locally. In 2019, Chris was named among the 30 most interesting people in Cleveland by Cleveland magazine. His most recent film, "Justice for Jamilio" is set to premiere in 2019 and tour festivals across the country.
We’ll also be joined by DiscipleMakers Alumnus Joshua Surita!
Joshua Surita was born and raised in eastern Pennsylvania, where he first discovered his love for poetry in a high school classroom. After graduating in 2010, he continued to refine his craft by writing in between classes at Penn State and presenting pieces at many schools, community conferences, and countless open mics. This passion eventually led to Joshua being invited to California for Rhetoric 2018, one of the largest Spoken Word Poetry events in the country. But when he’s not crafting poetry, he’s crafting lesson plans as a Special Education teacher. And while his audience may change from poet enthusiasts to middle school students, Joshua’s underlying goal is the same: to glorify Jesus Christ.
Registration Details
When you register, you will receive an email containing important information about Focus 2019. If you do not receive this email, please email registrar@dm.org as soon as possible so we can get it to you!
PAYMENT
The cost of the conference is $260. This covers materials, housing and meals (Sunday dinner through Friday lunch).
To reserve your spot at the conference, you must make a payment of at least $20 at the time of registration using a credit or debit card. You can pay the remaining balance:
• online during the registration period,
• by sending a check or cash by mail,
• by paying when you arrive at the conference.
If sending payment by mail, please make checks out to DiscipleMakers and write either “Focus Week 1" or “Focus Week 2" in the memo line. Please send payment before the registration deadline (Friday, May 3rd at 11:59pm for Week 1 and Friday, May 10th @ 11:59pm for Week 2). Mail your payment to: DiscipleMakers, 365 Science Park Rd, State College, PA 16803.
CANCELLATION POLICY
You may cancel your registration at any time by emailing registrar@dm.org. Whether you are eligible for a refund depends on when you cancel.
If you cancel before the registration deadline (Friday, May 3rd at 11:59pm for Week 1 or Friday, May 10th @ 11:59pm for Week 2):
You will be refunded the amount you paid when you registered.
If you cancel after the registration deadline but before 48 hours prior to the event (Friday, May 10th at noon for Week 1 or Friday, May 17th @ noon for Week 2):
You will not be refunded your minimum payment, but you will not have to pay any remaining balance.
If you cancel after 48 hours prior to the event OR you never cancel:
You will not be refunded your minimum payment, and you will be responsible for paying any remaining balance.
WHAT TO BRING
A Bible and a notebook. We will be studying the Bible throughout the week, and you’ll want to take notes!
Recreational items such as frisbees, board games, etc.
Bedding, a pillow, and a towel for your room at the conference site.
ARRIVING AT THE CONFERENCE
Please plan to arrive at Doubling Gap between 4:00pm and 5:00pm for registration and unpacking. Registration will be located just inside the main entrance of the gym. Please check in and pick up your conference materials, which will inform you of your room assignment and other important information. It is expected that you will participate in the entire conference (Sunday afternoon through Friday lunch), and we know you will be glad you did!