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The June 30 - July 4, 2007 Annual Conference was held in the Cleveland Convention Center located next to Lake Erie, the Cleveland Browns Football Stadium, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame promoted by 9 foot Guitars on most street corners. Lake fronts provide an attractive place for Weddings and more Weddings, and in Cleveland the customary transportation is a Stretch Hummer. The Convention Center has over 278,000 square feet of exhibition space, a 10,000 seat Auditorium, a 3,000 seat Music Hall, a 600 seat Little Theater, and a spacious 21,000 square foot Registration Lobby. Year by year, Whole Families are taking advantage of the open area behind the main conference floor. Children love to run and this open area permits a freedom that would otherwise be hindered by regular connected chair seating. Tuesday evening worship is the traditional time for the Children Singing. Two words go together at Annual Conference - Delegates & Rush. With a post 2000 Conference shorter time frame for business it has forced the Officers and Delegate Body to work harder in order to process the usual amount of business. This year it was necessary to convene a special two hour business session immediately following the Tuesday evening worship service. Accessibility and sensitivity issues continue to be respected: persons in wheelchairs found special niches in the seating area, an odor free zone for persons with allergies, closed-circuit captioning for the hearing impaired, and Spanish Translation for those not understanding English. This convention center is an aging facility. Plaster is hanging loose from walls and ceilings. Fixtures are heavily worn. Ramp paving blocks have numerous chips and cracks. Springs are pushing up through the padding of balcony seats. And entrance to the facility is confusing. One entrance is above ground, a second is below ground, and the registration lobby is underneath both. City Planners have been seeking to replace it for several years, yet it is one that is rich in history. HISTORICAL NOTES: In 1957, two denominations met in this very Auditorium Hall to form a new denomination of about two million members. The Evangelical Reformed Church and the Congregational Christian Churches became the United Church of Christ. History was made again this year when Belita Mitchell, pastor of Harrisburg First COB, became the first African-American women to preside as Conference moderator. (The first women to serve as moderator was Elaine Sollenberger in 1989, and the first African-American man to serve as moderator was William Hayes in 1988.) Mitchell has achieved a milestone which reflects a growing openness among Brethren to diversity and cultural issues. Her Sunday Morning sermon emphasized the need for prayer in every avenue of our life. She encouraged members to be intense about the work of Christ: “I don't believe declining membership was a part of Christ's mission!” SPECIAL NOTES: A pleasant drive south on Interstate 71 from Cleveland is the city of Ashland which is headquarters to our sister denomination The Brethren Church and home to the University of Ashland founded in 1878. Administrative control and hence the future mission of this university (then a college) was hotly contended by two major factions in The Brethren Church during the 1930s. Thousands left to form the Grace Brethren denomination and those remaining in The Brethren Church were sometimes referred to as the Ashland Brethren. Continuing south along the Interstate is the city of Mansfield and the Bible Walk museum and Cathedral which portrays biblical stories through numerous scenes of Wax Figures*. Just around the corner is the former Ohio State Reformatory whose Castle Like structure has been film location for several movies including the emotionally charged Shawshank Redemption. It is now a museum and open to the public for scheduled events such as meetings, parties, and receptions, as well as regular guided tours. *(Note: These wax figures are in the lobby where photography is not restricted.) INSIGHTS SESSIONS: Numerous opportunities abounded for Conference attenders to be enriched by these classroom type sessions, and several agencies offered more than one. Enhancing Worship with Digital Stained Glass or Multimedia Worship explained how technology is enhancing the worship service and also how to stay focused on the essence of worship so that technology does not become a distraction. Awards were given for the best submitted presentations. EXHIBITS:. Agencies, Colleges, special interests, and the General Board were well represented. Ohio Northern District and Ohio Southern District were the host districts which typically provides a Hospitality Center where people can relax, enjoy Puzzle Working, play games, and chat. Bible Visit encouraged Brethren to reexamine their biblical connections with a strong emphasis on reading the Bible and understanding their biblical heritage. Free DVDs were passed out to further explain their purpose, especially the historical contributions of the Christopher Saur family. An original Saur Bible printed in 1763 along with accompanying Framed Pages and interpretative text was on display. REPORTABLE AGENCIES: A first for Conference this year was the public use of Wi-Fi (pronounced why-fye) or wireless internet connection offered by Bethany Theological Seminary. Conference goers having wireless enabled devices could pick up the SSID of Bethany when inside the broadcast perimeter of their Access Point. Bethany also provided Laptop Computers for anyone to stop and check their e-mail. President Eugene F. Roop announced his retirement last year and has been succeeded by Ruthann Knechel Johansen. OFFICERS: 2007 Conference Officers were Fred Swartz, secretary, Belita Mitchell, moderator and pastor of First COB, Harrisburg, PA, and James Beckwith, moderator-elect and pastor of Annville COB in Annville, PA. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
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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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The July 2-6, 2005 Annual Conference was held in the Peoria Civic Center located in downtown Peoria, Illinois. The center comprises three separate venues under one roof: an Arena with a total seating capacity of 12,145, a performing arts Theater, an Exhibit hall offering 63,668 square feet, plus additional small meeting rooms. Business and worship convened in the large Carver arena, also home of the Peoria hockey team the Rivermen. Some conference attendees joked about sitting in the penalty box. Leisure activities were plentiful along the riverfront, including a flea market with local Artisans demonstrating their trade, Street Musicians entertaining passersby, and children jumping around in this animal Air House. Especially refreshing to Adventurous Brethren was the afternoon cruise on the resident paddle wheel The Spirit of Peoria. Special words of greeting were expressed to the delegate body on Tuesday afternoon from Ken Hunn, Executive Director of The Brethren Church, especially remarking that their past Conference theme centered on Evangelism, and their current theme centers on Evangelism, and that their next theme will center on Evangelism. Also during the Tuesday evening worship the traditional Children's Choir blessed worshippers with several songs. Immediately before each worship service the Christ Candle was lit. A new technological innovation for the deaf and hearing impaired this year was the use of Closed-Circuit Captioning instead of Sign Language. People regularly met in front of the Civic Center for Eating & Fellowship or Prayer & Singing. COB-NET is now offering Brethren Wallpapers and Annual Conference 2005 is our debut issue. Reportable Agencies: Bethany Theological Seminary celebrates their 100th Anniversary with a large exhibit of archived material including former student desks, paraphernalia, and numerous photographs covering their different ministry phases: Hastings Street Mission, Bible School and the Seminary on Van Buren Street. Brethren Benefit Trust, the people with the green logo encouraged us to Think Pink, in an effort to create awareness concerning good health (taken from the common slogan of being “In the Pink”). Unfinished Business: One year extensions were granted to both the Doing Church Business Study Committee and the Intercultural Study Committee for additional time that would enable them to deliver a more complete report. New Business: New Mandate for the Review and Evaluation Committee purpose is expanded to include an examination of the entire denominational structure. This committee meets every ten years for a two year review process. General Board Polity Revisions were minor changes in wording that would make all documents and subsections conform to current practice. Functions of the General Board were amended to “provide leadership in prophetic social policy development for the denomination.” Annual Conference Polity Revisions included expanding the rotating location of Annual Conference from the current three geographic areas (Eastern-Southeastern, Central, Western-Pacific) to six:
Also see the new Rotation Map. This rearrangement offers greater traveling consideration to the heavier concentration of Brethren in the eastern half of the nation. Duties of the Moderator to convene and review were also curtailed since program agencies are now conducting their own reviews as well as the Review and Evaluation Committee. Brethren Benefit Trust announced disappointing growth in the Brethren Medical Plan (a health insurance plan for pastors, church employees, district staff, and affiliated institutions or agencies) that has brought the Plan to a financial crossroads. Various reasons were cited such as younger pastors choosing lower cost, more competitive plans that unfortunately diminishes the pool of payers to the Plan that largely supports typically older pastors whose utilization is generally higher. BBT had previously asked the twenty-three Districts to target a minimum of seventy-five percent enrollment to keep the Plan financially solvent. In an effort to resolve the current financial crisis, Brethren Medical Plan Resolution called for a one year study committee that would examine the situation in greater detail. Report of Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee was accepted that recommended a cost of living adjustment of 2.8%. Additional Notes:
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The July 3-7, 2004 Annual Conference was held in the Charleston Civic Center located in downtown Charleston, West Virginia. The CCC is a megaplex of four venues: the Coliseum, the Municipal Auditorium, the Little Theater, and the Convention Center. Additionally, there are numerous conference rooms, parlor rooms, a large Banquet Hall, and a Convention Hall that offers over 50,000 square feet of exhibition space, plus on site paid parking that can accommodate up to 2,000 vehicles with adjacent paid parking for more than 4,000 vehicles within a three-block area. Spacious Hotels with nice Dining Facilities were easily within close walking distance. A huge Shopping Mall enabled Brethren to pickup traveling necessities and souvenirs. The Water Fall became a favorite meeting place. Brethren agencies displayed and interpreted their ministies in the Exhibit Hall. Art enthusiasts had an opportunity to express their ideas for peace through the Living Peace Church Art Project Worshippers had plenty of room for seating in the Coliseum. The uppermost blue section was originally roped off but the volume of attendees forced it to be open throughout the week. Talented Musicians enhanced the spiritual atmosphere of each service. A Brass Ensemble performed for the Saturday evening worship and also in the convention lobby. On Sunday morning, worshippers were blessed to hear the Palmyra Canticle Bell Choir. Tuesday evening worship offered the traditional Children's Choir and this year one song involved Coordinated Movement. Officers: Business convened under the leadership of Moderator Christopher Bowman, Moderator-Elect Jim Hardenbrook, and Conference Secretary Fred Swartz. Innovations: New for this year was a special “fragrance free” section located at the front right to accommodate persons suffering from allergies. Another innovation this year was Live Updating of business on the projection screens, allowing delegates to visualize more clearly how amendments would affect the reading of the original draft. Unfinished Business: Duties and Relationship of Moderators was accepted following minor revisions such as annulling the requirement that Moderators hold no other office in the congregation over which they preside. This would effectively hamstring many western congregations that do not have a neighboring Brethren church for hundreds of miles. Denominational Name study committee related their efforts and methods to hear the membership express their views about the denominational name (Church of the Brethren) and announced that there was overwhelming support for the current name that was established in 1908. The committee recommended that the 1988 “Structural Framework for Dealing with Strongly Controversial Issues” be updated and used as a future tool to process such controversial issues. Report was accepted though a minority of voices expressed dissatisfaction. Statistical information regarding degree of support was not revealed by the Committee. Our Voting Booth showed 79% of respondents in support of the current name. Congregational Disagreements with Annual Conference received Lengthy Discussion with many voices representing different theological and ideological perspectives vying to produce a final draft that would be more favorable to their causes. Paper was finally adopted following an amendment removing a stipulation that district conferences not seat delegates from such congregations. New Business: Standing Committees recommendation on Doing Church Business was accepted that formed a study committee to investigate alternative methods of processing denominational business while enhancing the spiritual side of things which desires to seek the Mind of Christ in ecclesiastical matters. Becoming a Multi Ethnic Church and Need for Cross-Cultural Ministries were recommended by Standing Committee to be grouped as one item of business. Several voices, including the existing Cross Cultural Ministry team, asked that each one be dealt with separately, claiming that the original intent of either query was not addressed by the recommendation. In other words, Standing Committee's approach was to deal with the issue through the existing district structure, whereas ethnic voices prefered a study committee that would help identify particular areas for improvement.
A couple of speakers expressed feelings that pockets of racism in the denomination have frustrated past efforts to attain greater ethnic harmony. Delegates finally accepted an amendment that would create a seven member culturally diverse study committee with the stipulation that one be an ex officio member of the American Baptist Church. (This denomination has achieved notable gains in cultural matters). Report of Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee was accepted that recommended a cost of living adjustment of 3% to keep pace with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Additional Notes: 
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The July 5 - 9, 2003 Annual Conference was held on the campus of Boise State University in their 13,000 seat, 17,472 square foot sports complex called The Pavilion. With a population slightly over 403,000 at an elevation of 2,842 feet and nicknamed the “City of Trees,” Boise straddles the Boise River which has become a haven for Rafting Enthusiasts. Parks and Fountains offered relief from the hot dry climate. This move to a campus environment is in keeping with increasing requests to lower the cost of Annual Conference by utilizing the facilities of universities or second-tier cities. New AC Executive Director Lerry Fogle of Frederick, Maryland, assumes the helm from Duane Steiner who resigned in 2002. Meals were served in either the Student Union cafeteria or under outside tenting. Exhibits were housed in both the Pavilion or the adjacent Kinesiology Center. Messages awaited friends or colleagues. In Jesus' Name was the theme and logo of the Conference but Prayer was the emphasis. Youth from each District made drawings of what prayer meant to them and was displayed on a Prayer Wall. Tuesday evening provides worshippers with another opportunity to enjoy the Children's Choir. Business Sessions convened under the leadership of Moderator Harriet Finney, Co-District Executive of Indiana South-Central District, and Moderator-elect Christopher Bowman. Unfinished Business: Duties and Relationship of Moderators which was sent to the newly installed Annual Conference Council for redrafting, and India Church Relationships recommendation for a fresh approach to resolving the disunity between Churches of Northern India (CNI) and Brethren churches that have withdrawn from that coalition. New Business: Clarification of Confusion was also given to the new AC Council to provide greater interpretation of last years delegate action to the sponsoring Michigan District. Redemptive Work of Jesus Christ was returned to the sponsoring Eaton COB / Ohio Southern District as delegates feared a creedal statement may be the result. Living Peace Church was accepted that calls for continued efforts toward peace. One delegate questioned the Conference to explain why abortion, the war in the womb, was not included. Denominational Name study committee requested an additional year to listen and encourage dialog. Congregational Disagreements with Annual Conference Decisions was given to a new study committee that will seek to advise congregations and districts with guidelines concerning disagreements. One delegate noted that this situation is nothing new to the Church of the Brethren. He cited that women were permitted to enter the ministry in 1922 and yet many congregations will not accept women in the pastorate. Additionally, he observed that the COB was a founding member of both the World Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches, yet many Brethren still object to participation in each body. Reportable Agencies: Brethren Benefit Trust celebrates 60th Anniversary of Pension Plan. Report of Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee was accepted that recommended an increase for the 2004 pastoral scale of 2.1 percent. Additional Notes:
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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:
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The June 30 - July 4, 2001 Annual Conference was held in the Baltimore Convention Center, 1 West Pratt Street, located about three blocks from the Inner Harbor complexes which includes the National Aquarium and the Baltimore Maritime Museum. The theme of the Conference was “Revive Us Again” taken from Psalm 85:6. Intending to light the fire of revival, Moderator Phil Carlos Archbold gave a stirring call for the Church of the Brethren to be “Helpers instead of Hinderers” toward revival during the kickoff Saturday evening worship service. He further reminded us that God stirs people to accomplish great tasks for His glory, as when Nehemiah was moved to revive building on the Jerusalem city wall. A procession of District Banners entered to the music of “Shall We Gather at the River” during the opening part of Brethren Ministries Live on Sunday afternoon. Conference business sessions began with the usual reports from the five reportable agencies. New business included the following. Ethnic Representation to increase diversity in leadership roles, both in the local congregation and at the denominational level. Evangelism and Church Planting to heighten awareness of our need to fulfil the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Responding to The Brethren Church following their initial appeal to the Church of the Brethren, requesting sensitivity and forgiveness over the denominational splits of the late 19th Century. Unfinished business returned the following. Process of Calling Denominational Leadership from 1999 to make the ministerial calling process more consistent in all districts, and especially the acceptance and certificating of ministers coming from other denominations. Litigation, also from 1999 asked for greater allegiance to non-litigious means of settling disputes (1 Corinthians 6:1-10), and explore mediative resources when possible. Review and Evaluation Committee Report sought to establish a uniform panel to mitigate administrative and procedural conflicts arising from the General Board Redesign of 1997, and serve to relieve delegate overburden by interpreting polity and resolving misunderstandings between reporting agencies. Acceptance by delegates creates the Annual Conference Council, headed by current officers, the past moderator, another former moderator, and one District Executive. Earl Zeigler and Sandra Bosserman were elected to four year terms. There were additional reports from the Annual Conference Anniversary Committee, Program and Arrangements Committee, Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee, Committee on Interchurch Relations, and Standing Committee. A Tuesday morning Fire Alarm during a business session witnessed the orderly and respectful egress of delegates from the building, which gave a memorable witness to the Brethren way of doing things. Additional Notes:
Presentation:  2001 Annual Conference Report created in Power Point by Michael D. Martin of Phoenix First COB in the Pacific-Southwest District. One hundred and twenty different slides explain Annual Conference business, elections, and committee reports. Great for presenting information to your local congregation.
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The July 15-19, 2000 Annual Conference was held in Bartle Hall of the Kansas City Convention Center, Kansas City, Missouri. This huge multiple convention center houses six differnet multipurpose facilities which encompasses over eight city blocks and nearly 400,000 square feet of column-free space. Conference goer's adjusted to a new schedule that began with Saturday night worship and continued with business sessions, luncheons, and insight activities commencing on Sunday, and closing ceremonies on Wednesday. Brethren Ministries Live was a first time attempt to incorporate all AC reporting agencies in one live stage production to emphaize the work that has been accomplished over the past year. New business offered several queries. The Virlina District Board asked the delegate body to reaffirm the intent of the 1981 "Diminishing Membership" report which Standing Committee recommended be returned. Delegates affirmed its intent but voted to return it. A query from the Pacific Southwest District Board asking for additional enlightenment on the role between District Executives and the Council of District Executives plus a query on district staff guidelines was also returned. The conference delegates voted to approve: a motion to form a 2008 Anniversary Committee, a request to join the World Council of Churches' Decade to Overcome Violence, and a query to update the discipleship and reconciliation polity. Unfinished business included the 1996 query on "Congregational Structure" that was initiated "to evaluate and study our current congregational structures, and propose other congregational structure options that also maintain the integrity and biblical precedences of our Brethren heritage". It was approved with provision that congregations may adjust it to fit their own requirements. Caring for the Poor was adopted with a few changes. The Calling Denominational Leadership study committee was extended another year and their current information received as an interim report. Additional Notes:
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The June 29 to July 4, 1999 Annual Conference was held in the Milwaukee Arena of the Midwest Express Center, located on Kilbourn Avenue. Extensive activity has recently surrounded this convention center with renovation and new construction, as the city is erecting a new exhibition hall that will cover four city blocks at a projected cost of $172 million. Business this year included the approval of a "Ministerial Leadership Paper" that calls for historic changes in polity regarding the licensed and ordained ministry, defines consistent guidelines for advancement within the ministry, and outlines clear expectations and requirements for ministerial training. "Standing Committee Tenure" query to extend the length of service from three to five years was disapproved. "Litigation" query from the Haxtun COB (Colorado) asked for "clarification regarding litigation and appropriate Christian response." Brethren have historically endeavored to settle personal disputes by avoiding legal entanglements (1 Corinthians 6:6-7), but our modern litigious society presents complications for Brethren when they are sued by parties outside of the faith walk. The delegate body elected a study committee to present a draft position paper to the 2001 Annual Conference that would include such guidance. "Non-Violence" resolution drafted by General Board was approved that would encourage congregations, districts, and individuals to recommit themselves to stressing our heritage of peace in the wake of school killings. Unfinished business included a 1996 query on "Congregational Structure" requested delegates "to evaluate and study our current congregational structures, and propose other congregational structure options that also maintain the integrity and biblical precedences of our Brethren heritage." A request to extend the study committee for another year was granted. "Unfunded Mandates" recommendation from Standing Committee offered a new process for consideration that was accepted. "Caring for the Poor" study committee also given another year for a recommendation. Additional Notes:
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The June 30-July 5, 1998 Annual Conference was held in the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida, the largest contiguous such facility in the world. Spanning over a half-mile in length, this three story building comprises six large convention halls, numerous separate meeting halls, reception rooms, plus Gigantic Hallways that converge into spacious atriums. This was the first Annual Conference to receive daily updates to the official web site of the Church of the Brethren General Board. Attendees participated in two major celebrations were observed this year: "75th Anniversary of Nigerian Church of the Brethren" and "50th Anniversary of Brethren Volunteer Service." Major items of business were: "New Testament as our Rule of Faith and Practice," "Fetal Tissue Use," "Congregational Structure," "Review of the Process of Calling Denominational Leadership," "Caring for the Poor," "Crisis in Transition Fund Guidelines Revision," "Association of Brethren Caregivers Request for Reportability to Annual Conference," On Earth Peace Assembly Request for Reportability to Annual Conference," Proposed Changes to Brethren Trust Articles of Incorporation," "Brethren Benefit Trust Retired Church Workers Fund Proposal to Expand," Unfunded Annual Conference Mandates," "Polity for Free Ministry." Additional Notes:
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The July 1-6, 1997 Annual Conference was held in the Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, California. It is known as the Fish Tank because the exterior wall is covered with the worlds largest mural of any type. First “Moderator on the Web,” David Wine and the Program & Arrangments Committee worked in cooperation with Church of the Brethren Network to issue eight special web publications directed toward denominational and congregational leadership. It was called the MODCOB (Moderator + Church of the Brethren). Each issue may also be found in our Brethren Literature Document Bin of this web site. Moderator Wine is also the president of Mutual Aid Association, a Church of the Brethren oriented insurance company located in Abilene, Kansas. Queries of business this year were: Relationship with the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), Domestic Violence, Human Genetic Engineering and Fetal Tissue Use Statements, Deacon Ministry Review, Denominational Polity Statement: Property and Stewardship Issues, New Testament as Our Rule of Faith and Practice, Statement on Child Exploitation, World Mission Philosophy and Global Church Mission Structure, Defining Ministry Limits of Licensed Ministers, and Proposed New Design of General Board. New Business: In March of 1995 the General Board was given the news that significant budget shortfalls were expected for the foreseeable future. In wrestling with the implications of this news, the board discerned that the problem involved something deeper than finances. While the financial realities had brought our situation to our attention most forcefully, this deeper problem had more to do with vision and identity. The Board appointed a Vision Discernment Team and after receiving their report, established a Redesign Steering Committee. Over the past several months the committee has been working hard to sort out what can be done to restore momentum to the program and mission of the Church of the Brethren General Board. The committee has been listening to hundreds of people describe what is going on, what has happened in the past, and what their aspirations are for the church tomorrow. Here's what they found (submitted by then chairman Christopher Bowman). General Board Redesign:
Moderator:
1997 Annual Conference Moderator David Wine, then president of Mutual Aid Association, a Church of the Brethren oriented insurance company located in Abilene, Kansas, is also the first moderator to take the COB onto the Internet. He uses e-mail, list servers, and this web site to augment his desire to reach as many people as possible, with news and information about Annual Conference. Get to know him by reading the following issues of his newsletter, The MODCOB (Moderator + Church of the Brethren). Included in these several issues are business items of the 1997 Annual Conference in Long Beach, California, redesign of the General Board, and information about how questions from districts and congregations are sent to the denominations highest ruling body. MOD-COB Newsletter:
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First Annual Conference on the Web through a cooperative effort of COB-NET and the News Service of the General Board. 
The July 3-7, 1996 Annual Conference was held in the Albert B. Sabin Convention Center, Cincinnati, Ohio (now renovated and called the Cinergy Center). Moderator was Rev. Fred Bernhard of Oakland COB in the Ohio Southern District. This was the first Annual Conference to be “On the Web.” The COB News Service of the General Board worked directly with Church of the Brethren Network providing special communication about news, daily journals, and sermons to be uploaded daily througout the week. The year 1996 was a time when only a couple of churches had web sites and most of the general public had little awareness of the Web. It was an historic milestone for non-conference going Brethren at home to be able to keep updated on happenings at the conference, almost as quick as the delegates! Major items of business were: "Congregational Structure," "How Christian Faith Should be Expressed in the Political Process," "The New Testament as our Rule of Faith and Practice," "Office of Deacon," "World Mission Philosophy and Global Structure," "Ethics in Ministry Relations," "Simple Life," "Ministerial Leadership," "Statement on Child Exploitation," "Congregational Ethics," "Nonviolence and Humanitarian Intervention," "End of Life Decision Making," "Guidelines for Developing and Recommending Curriculum in the Church of the Brethren," "Church of the Brethren's Pastors' Insurance Package." Additional Notes:
Sermons:
“They determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain other of them,
should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders (about this question).” Acts 15:2 Activity || Information || Churches || Education || Literature || Genealogy || History || Greeting Cards || Site Map European Origin || Brethren in America || Antietam Dunkers || Brethren Groups || 19th Century || Voting Booth || FAQS |
rethren regularly meet to corporately discuss issues of faith and practice as well as renew friendships. The earliest denomination wide gathering was convened by Martin Urner and George Martin in 1742 to discuss matters that could have affected the unique identity of the Brethren. About thirty-five years later the Brethren began meeting every year during the celebration of Pentecost, to especially emphasize their need of spiritual guidance in deciding matters of faith. Early members first referred to this event as Annual Meeting until around the turn of the Twentieth Century when they started calling it Annual Conference. Records and minutes of business proceedings were not kept until 1778. Delegate representation started in 1848. Majority rule was instituted in 1880. Online availability first began in 1996 through a cooperative effort of Church of the Brethren Network and the News Service of the General Board, since we had preceded the General Board's own web site (www.brethren.org) by several years. This technological innovation permitted non-conference goer's the opportunity to personally share in the activities of the Conference. The News Service would send daily postings about Conference activities including regular news items, sermon texts, and the daily Journal. When the General Board established their own web site and began uploading live Conference information, we shifted our emphasis toward a brief archive of the event itself. Here you will find a pictorial highlight, business history, pertinent web addresses, and links to evening sermons. Conferences are listed starting from the most recent to the earliest.
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