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The June 29 - July 3, 2002 Annual Conference was held in the Kentucky International Convention Center, 400 South First Street, just a few blocks from the Ohio River and the State of Indiana on the other side. Brethren enjoyed the use of a 1999 renovated facility that covers 300,000 square feet of total space, including a 200,000 square foot exhibit hall with an ample number of smaller meeting rooms. Moderator Paul Grout opened the Saturday evening worship service by erecting his Cross of Jesus. He implored conference goers to recognize that sincere repentance is an extremely important segment of preparation before conducting and processing denominational business. Following the Old Testament custom for repentance, Grout provided several tables of Ashes & Sackcloth. And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes - Daniel 9:3. Following the service and under inspirational music, Willing Penitents spread ashes over their heads and set patches of sackcloth on their shoulders to outwardly express their inward spiritual need. Children Singing before the Tuesday evening worship service is always one of the main highlights of the Conference. They were also observed Walking around the streets of Louisville. Perhaps they were returning from the nearby Science Museum? The main 2002 Logo Quilt has the Conference logo prominently centered and surrounded by patches from congregations, districts, camps, and agencies. Unfinished Business witnessed delegates offering strong approval to a resolution that would seek healing of relationships with the Brethren Church, headquartered in Ashland, Ohio. This Brethren Group, headed by Henry Holsinger, was the first to split from the original German Baptist Brethren in 1881. New business entertained discussion on two queries calling for a denominational name change and licensing for ordination of homosexual persons. A name change study committee of Jeff Carter, Ben Barlow, Alberto Gonzalez, Shirley McCracken Spire, and Shawn Kirchner was assigned the task of engaging denominational dialogue on the issue and report back to the 2003 Conference. Licensing issue was heavily debated with delegates accepting the recommendation of Standing Committee that it violated the spirit of the 1983 Human Sexuality paper. General Board recommendation on Church of India relationship gained prolonged discussion with the matter eventually being tabled without a further timeline. The query "A Call to Prayer" was affirmed with the delegates asking that resources be further developed, plus establishing a time for reflection at the 2003 Conference. Duties and Relationship of Moderators to the Church of the Brethren Organizational Structure received a call for revision. Discipleship and Reconciliation polity will have a Shalom Team model that will respond in the form of assessment and consultation. Report of Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee was accepted that recommended a cost of living adjustment of 1.2%. Additional Notes:
Sermons:
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