The second national convocation of the Mainstream Baptist Network will meet Feb. 7-8 in Birmingham, Ala., under the theme "Effective Missions in the 21st century."

The program will include state Baptist executive directors, Charles Wade of Texas and John Upton of Virginia, talking about their new missions initiatives designed to cooperate across the Baptist spectrum and around the world. Others include Keith Parks, William R. (Bill) O'Brien, Ralph Langley, Patrick Anderson, Jack Brymer Suzanah Raffield, Al Sutton, Sarah Shelton and Fred Loper.

It will also include induction of the second class of the MBN Hall of Fame to follow-up the inaugural one last year in Charlotte. ,/p .

Meanwhile, here are some facts for anyone who is interested:

--The convocation convenes at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, and closes at noon on Saturday. at the Radisson Birmingham Hotel, 808 South 20th St., Birmingham, AL 35205

--It has no registration fee.

--The discounted room rate is $85 per night for a single or double, with an additional $10 charged for each person beyond two in the room.

--A banquet is set for 6 p.m. Friday and a breakfast for 7 a.m. Saturday. Tickets cost only $5 per person.

--The current cut-off date for the guaranteed room rate is January 17

--Make reservations by calling 800-333-333 or 915-659-4102

--Identify yourself as being with the Mainstream Baptist Network to get the discounted rate.