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2007 Logo  |
The July 1-5, 2006 Annual Conference was held in the Iowa Events Center located in four-time “All American City” Des Moines, Iowa. Finished only about two years ago at a price tag of $217 million, this complex is the most costly public project in the state's history. It consists of the renovated 7,200 seat Veterans Memorial Auditorium, the 250,000 square-foot Hy-Vee Hall, and the 17,000 seat Wells Fargo Arena. When the Auditorium was first constructed in 1954, it was one of the largest auditoriums in the nation, rivaling those of New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Especially appropriate for the gathering of a peace church was the Veterans Peace Memorial which stands just outside the Auditorium. Two Hands reach skyward beaconing passersby to Pray For Peace. Worship services and business sessions were held in the Auditorium. Registration, Exhibits, Insight Sessions, Message Boards, and the Cash Buffet were located in Hy-Vee Hall. Iowa leads the nation in the production of corn, soybeans, pork, and eggs. Alternative fuels proponents will be happy to know that at 1.2 billion gallons annually, Iowa produces more ethanol per year than any other state. It is also the birthplace of television and movie star John Wayne. The capital is Des Moines and boasts nearly Three Miles of enclosed climate-controlled overhead walk-ways called Skywalks. It was especially nice for Conference Goers to be sheltered from both rain and traffic. It's the most extensive such system “per capita” in the world. Monday evening after services a beautiful Rainbow blessed worshippers as they walked back to their hotels. Conference is also that time of year when Brethren are blessed with the opportunity of renewing friendships. In addition to regularly scheduled agency luncheons and dinners, many Brethren arrange private group get-to-gathers such as the members of Southern District, Northern Zone at the Spaghetti Works. Tuesday evening is the traditional time for the Children's Choir. Of special appreciation are two items: Shuttle Buses run a regular loop from all hotels to the Auditorium and a Cash Buffet permits good dining without leaving the building. This year Brethren had the opportunity to post special prayer requests on the Prayer Square board. Historical Note: It was in 1908 Des Moines that the German Baptist Brethren decided to change their name to the Church of the Brethren. The divisions of twenty years earlier had left them groping for a new identity. The conservatives departed in 1881 and the progressives one year later. Few members spoke German anymore and their agrarian subculture was slowly disappearing. They simply were not who they used to be. No longer distinctly German and eschewing the word baptist, the label Brethren was the only thing left, so, they became the Church of the Brethren. In 1958 in this Same Auditorium, the Church of the Brethren celebrated its 250th Year of Existence and 172nd Annual Conference. Several Brethren who had attended that 1958 Conference posed for a commemorative Group Photo. Reportable Agencies: Association of Brethren Caregivers sponsored a wellness campaign this past year called Lighten Up, Brethren! It challenges members to re-examine their lifestyles and adopt behaviors that would promote better physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Posters throughout the complex reminded Brethren to consider healthier living practices. Brethren Benefit Trust promoted this theme by constructing a working Miniature Golf course in their exhibit area. Bethany Theological Seminary president Eugene F. Roop will be retiring after fifteen years of leadership. Exhibits: The spaciousness of HY-Vee Hall provided Ample Room for Exhibits. Brethren agencies and related organizations were well represented such as Church World Service. At the booth of Fellowship of Brethren Genealogists Thomas Liby explains their work and provides tips on research. Northern Plains District was the host district which typically provides a Hospitality Center. SERRV had a special table for Nativity Scenes. Officers: 2006 Conference Officers were Fred Swartz, secretary, Ronald Beachley, moderator and district minister of Pennsylvania Western District, and Belita Mitchell, moderator-elect. Unfinished Business: The Doing Church Business study committee overwhelmed delegates with a report filled with sweeping changes and suggestions including a return to the previous Annual Conference (pre-Kansas City, 2000) schedule. In immediate response, a representative of the Annual Conference office reminded delegates that planning and arrangements for AC 2011 is already in place and that a return to the previous schedule before that time would be difficult. Several delegates spoke in affirmation of the report but questioned the complexity and cost of implementation. The report was referred to the Annual Conference Program Feasibility study committee for reconsideration in 2007. Review and Evaluation study committee gave an interim report. Extensions for one year were granted to both the Intercultural and Brethren Medical Plan committees. New Business: A General Board Resolution on Iraq to end the war was narrowly accepted with a strong negative vote. It called upon all nations to implement other ways of bringing peace to that region. Resolution to Divest in companies selling products as weapons was somewhat muted by the fact that Brethren Benefit Trust had already sold their stock in Caterpillar Corporation, the real focus of the action. Resolution from the Association of Brethren Caregivers Commitment of Accessibility and Inclusion was accepted. ABC had introduced a similar resolution in 1994 calling upon the denomination to make facilties more accessible to the physically disabled but most congregations have not followed suit. A good example of one congregation that has constructed a new facility which is completely accessible is Bunkertown COB in Pennsylvania Southern District. Accepted was a General Board resolution on A Call to Reduce Global Poverty and Hunger. A query on Call to Stewardship Education was referred to the General Board. Together: Conversations on Being the Church invited delegates into Small Group Conversations to Discuss Reflections. Report of Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee was accepted that recommended a cost of living adjustment of 4.2%. Additional Notes:
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