DULUTH — Georgia Baptists will gather in the Arena at Gwinnett Center Nov. 13-14 for the 185th annual session of the state convention. Under the theme “Back to the Basics,” messengers will cast the second and final vote on the dissolution of the relationship with Mercer University, worship and focus on the need to reach Georgia for Christ, and formally dedicate the new state convention headquarters across the street from where sessions will be held.

“I want to make a personal appeal to every Georgia Baptist to come to this years’ convention meeting,” said GBC President Wayne Hamrick, who is completing his first term. “We want you to get a glimpse of how His Spirit is at work in Georgia Baptist life.”

A Sunday pre-convention rally at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 12 will set the tone for the two-day meeting in the same facility as where the sessions will be held. O.S. Hawkins, president of GuideStone Financial Resources (formerly the Annuity Board) from Dallas, Texas, will deliver the rally sermon.

The convention session will open with a piano prelude and pre-session music at 6:10 p.m. on Monday evening and will be called to order at 6:30 p.m. Following the 9:15 p.m. benediction, messengers will be transported across the street for the 9:45 p.m. dedication of the new missions and ministry center at 6405 Sugarloaf Parkway.

For the closing session on Tuesday evening a 500-voice choir from Atlanta area churches will provide special music prior to the convention message, which will be delivered by former SBC President Jerry Vines. Vines, who retired last year as pastor of First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Fla., now resides in Canton.

The entire program, as well as driving instructions and related material, can be viewed on the GBC home page at www.gabaptist.org.