Dr. Michael Guido will be the guest speaker at the 128th Annual Sunday School Convention.

Stuart Exley, secretary for the Sunday school association, said he was happy to have Guido, who is known as the Sower, speaking at the convention.

“We are fortunate to have him as our speaker,” he said.

The convention will take place May 6 at 10 a.m. at the Methodist Campground in Springfield, with a nursery provided.

The convention began in 1879 to emphasize the importance of Sunday school.

He said at that time a day was set aside, and the convention was held on Wednesdays. Schools were closed.

“It was a time for the community to come together,” Exley said.

He said each year another denomination hosts the convention. This year the convention will be hosted by the Lutherans.

He said the program includes singing from local Sunday schools, the keynote speaker, lunch and activities.

Exley said half of the Sunday schools participating will sing before the keynote speaker and the other half will sing after the address.

There will be a picnic lunch on the grounds after the service, and there will be activities for children beginning after lunch with the days activities ending by 4 p.m. The children's activities will include volleyball, kickball, inflatable games and horseshoes.

“The convention is inclusive of all denominations,” Exley said.

Any Sunday schools that would like to participate should contact Exley at 754-3402.