The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
UNITY THROUGH ART
Tabernacle Conference builds arts ministry
A weekend of inspiring others to arts education and faith began on July 27 in Lorain with a three-day conference.
Tabernacle Conference 2018 is hosted by the Misión Cristiana El Faro Disciples of Christ Ministries with events taking place at 1852 E. 29th St.
The outdoor conference is spearheaded by Pastor Crucita Marrero and her son Kenny Marrero, a Lorain native who is an actor, writer and producer.
The outdoor conference aims to create a performing arts ministry, helping at-risk youth explore and express their identity through the arts. All proceeds of the conference go to support the performing arts ministry.
“Working with kids and their families we found that sometimes they don’t believe in what they can do,” said Crucita Marrero. “But once you give them a script, and give them a stage,
“It allows people to connect and get some of the culture and lan.”
— Pastor Crucita Marreo
there might be a little shyness in the beginning, but you’d be surprised you create something.”
Crucita Marrero purchased the home a few years ago to build on their vision of offering different ways to help youth and families connect. She said the conference embodies family, unity, respect and trust in God.
Seeing families becoming disconnected emotionally over the past few years, Crucita has seen transformations take place with the power of the arts.
She added writing and developing a play in Spanish brings together parents and their children and creates new connections.
“It allows people to connect and get some of the culture and language back,” Crucita said.
“So that’s created a little bit of unity.”
Day 2 on July 28, entitled a “day of song and inspiration,” will be an outdoor block celebration and will feature a pig roast. It also will have numerous performances and remarks from keynote speaker De’Niel Phipps, an Emmy awardwinning director cinematographer and post-production editor.
The festivities get underway at 11 a.m. and last until about 7 p.m.
Day 3, July 29, the “morning of worship and thanksgiving,” will begin with a worship service at 11 a.m.
Festivities will continue until 2 p.m.