July 11-16, 2026

Dear Brethren,

Greetings of peace and joy in Christ our Lord.

The Bible Students General Convention Committee has begun preparations for the 2026 convention. We are excited to be planning a West Coast convention at the unique facility of The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. It is a beautiful and secluded campus at the southern end of Puget Sound. Please note the change in dates for 2026 as the convention will be held a week earlier this coming summer. The dates are Saturday, July 11 through Thursday, July 16, 2026. It is our hope that the earlier timing will permit brethren who plan to attend the International Convention, or one of the summer youth camps, to also join us in Washington State. We encourage you, and the brethren in your area, to prayerfully consider uniting with us in Olympia, hopefully for the entire week.

The selected Convention Theme Text for 2026 is taken from the Emphatic Diaglott translation of 1 Timothy 4:12. “Become a Pattern of the BELIEVERS in Word, in Conduct, in Love, in Faith, in Purity.” The practical applications of this Scripture regarding our privileges, responsibilities, joys, and challenges in the service of the Lord and His people will be examined.

A symposium based on Matthew 7:7-11 entitled “Ask, Seek, Knock” is scheduled for Saturday evening. The program also includes a panel discussion on “Light Versus Darkness” based on 2 Corinthians 4:4. It is intended to probe the advantages of leading an enlightened life and the disadvantages of walking in darkness.

Two special discourses are also planned. On Sunday evening a hybrid discourse/vesper service (perhaps outdoors under the stars) with a family-oriented message entitled “Teach These Things To Your Children” based on Deuteronomy 6:6,7 will be presented. Through devotional meditations and congregational singing we aim to strengthen families in the blessed hope our faith affords. Wednesday afternoon’s special discourse derives from 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 “We Are Of The Day” counselling us be alert and sober.

Monday evening’s discussion topic is “Then Cometh The End” and will examine Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 15:24-26. The questions, “Who or what are the enemies that Christ must put under His feet, and what is ‘the end’?” will be addressed. Other planned dialogue sessions include “The Two Resurrections” and “Grace And Works” – a consideration of how God works in us to both will and do His good pleasure.

We believe that the 2026 General Convention will be a special season of blessing from the Lord.  We hope to see you there!

By Grace,

Br. O. B. Elbert, Secretary

Bible Students General Convention Committee

E-mail: oscarelbert213@gmail.com