More than 2,000 delegates from Northeastern Ontario are expected to attend an annual gathering of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Sault Ste. Marie in late June.

Be Courageous is the theme of the Bible-based program that runs June 22-24 at Essar Centre.

The convention is one of 52 held in 29 communities across Canada. The Sault was chosen as one of the sites by the Canadian headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Georgetown, said program overseer Wayne Holroyd.

This is the third consecutive year the Sault has hosted one of the conventions.

Attendance, projected at about 2,400, is expected to be down from 2017 because last year 45 conventions were held.

“ With more conventions, a few congregations that had attended the convention in Sault Ste. Marie in the past have been reassigned to other locations,” Holroyd told The Sault Star in an email. “Our conventions create an opportunity to meet and associate with Witnesses from other congregations.”

He calls this year’s theme “timely.”

“ People of all ages are dealing with more anxieties and fears than ever before,” said Holroyd. “It takes courage to face these challenges. We are inviting everyone to join us and benefit from the practical advice contained in the Bible.”

Members of participating congregations will head most of the sessions at the downtown arena.