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.
The 225th Annual Conference (July 2-6, 2011) of the Church of the Brethren was held in DeVos Place, located at 303 Monroe Avenue, NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. The conference center features a 162,000 square foot column free space for exhibits or conventions, a performance theater, four ballrooms, and 26 meeting rooms. DeVos is home to the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra and the Grand Rapids Ballet Company. Michigan is the eleventh largest state and the eighth most populated. Education is a premium offering with 22 colleges and 29 universities. Grand Rapids is the second largest city in Michigan, and a three time All-American City. It gets its name from the Grand River which is the states largest inland river. Before roads and railroads provided faster travel, the 225 navigable miles of the Grand River served as a major transportation route. The city was built next to a large rapids (thus its name) much of which has disappeared from the installation of a low-head dam and fish ladder. The current rapids is actually a series of Smaller Ripples. Grand Rapids hosts several noteworthy museums, such as the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum and the Van Andel Public Museum. Fountains and Water Art are possible from the Grand River's rich supply of water. Lengthy River Walks on both sides permitted conference goers easy access to a Relaxing Stroll. The usual catered buffet dining was served indoors and Al Fresco.
Annual Conference was previously held twice in Grand Rapids: 1950 and 1955. It was then held in the adjacent Civic Auditorium, a neo-classical building completed in 1932 which still remains apart of DeVos Place. The anchor hotel for this year was the Amway Grand, a 1981 renovation of the 1913 Pantlind Hotel offering 682 guest rooms, spas, gift shops, Meeting Rooms, and 5 restaurants. Skywalks above street level traffic offer greater safety. Many of the other downtown hotels also Connect to the same Walking Network that also includes Parking Garages. Some Brethren took advantage of Horse Carriage transportation. The Amway hosted numerous Insight Sessions and provided several ball rooms for Reserved Dinners. Monday evening (July 4) the downtown area was treated to a brief yet enjoyable Fireworks display.
SPECIAL NOTES:
Registration took place in the immense lobby where Attendees frequently stopped at the Bulletin Board and the Prayer Board. What would a Brethren gathering be without Four Square. Lunch & Dinner buffets were also served in the main lobby, and beautiful weather made Outside Dining especially enjoyable. Unfortunately, sound on the main conference floor was disappointing as reverberation was strong from the middle backward, and especially near the back wall of the large room. The suspect unlowered Middle Partition may have contributed to the poor sound quality. People seated in front of the Partition were able to sense better sound quality. Thus, seats at the front of the hall became a premium. During the Saturday evening worship service, and immediately following the receiving of the regular offering, worshippers brought forward School Kits that had been assembled and collected during the previous months. Church World Service will distribute these to needy children. Each of the twenty-three districts were asked to bring a Comforter (similar to a quilt) that would be sold during a silent auction to also benefit Church World Service. Tuesday evening continues to be the traditional time for the Children's Choir to precede the evening worship. Reflecting on the Conference Theme of Extending the Table, Moderator Alley arranged for a Special Table at each worship service. Each evening/morning, worship participants sat around this table to express harmony and unity of spirit.
Brethren Benefit Trust arranged for Free WiFi throughout the conference building. Technology is becoming more important to the Brethren as numerous Laptops and hand mobiles were seen on the main conference floor. WiFi first appeared at 2007 Cleveland in a very limited area. Bethany Theological Seminary again provided Webcasts through LiveStream.com which made it possible for anyone with a computer and Internet connection to view worship and business sessions.
OFFICERS:
2011 Conference Officers were Moderator Robert E. Alley, pastor of Bridgewater COB, Bridgewater, Virginia; Moderator-elect Tim Harvey, pastor of Central COB, Roanoke, Virginia; and Secretary Fred Swartz.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
A Statement of Confession and Commitment & Language on Same Sex Covenantal Relationships are two queries of business from AC 2009 which have been treated as one item. These queries initiated the Special Response Process for Controversial Issues, of which an upgrade to the original Special Response paper of AC 1988 was also adopted at AC 2009. For the past two years, districts and congregations have been following this Special Response framework to discuss the issues of homosexuality, same-sex relationships, and the relevancy of the 1983 Human Sexuality Paper.
Standing Committee's recommendation was to return both queries to their place of origin with the following: “In light of the Special Response process, as outlined by the 2009 paper ‘A Structural Framework For Dealing with Strongly Controversial Issues,’ the Standing Committee recommends to the 2011 Annual Conference that ‘A Statement of Confession and Commitment’ and ‘Query: Language on Same-Sex Covenantal Relationships’ be returned. (Amendment) It is further recommended that the 2011 Annual Conference reaffirm the entire 1983 ‘Statement on Human Sexuality from a Christian Perspective’ and that we continue deeper conversations concerning human sexuality outside of the query process.”
AC 2011 is the first time that the five step Special Response Process was followed at Annual Conference. Sunday evening during Steps 1 & 2 the Forms Reception Committee (a subcommittee of Standing Committee) gave a report summarizing the Special Response hearings. This amounted to over 1,200 pages of material representing 6,638 people who participated in 121 hearings. Their conclusion was that about two-thirds of the Church of the Brethren supports the “Statement of Confession and Commitment,” and about one-third reject it; and that about two-thirds reject “Language on Same-Sex Covenantal Relationships,” and about one-third accept it.
During the Monday afternoon Step 3 discussion on the two items, Moderator Alley cautiously guided the delegate body through the Special Response Process with the additional help of suspending Robert's Rules of Order. Time limit for speaking from the floor was reduced to one minute and no amendments could be offered. Conference secretary Fred Swartz explained to the delegate body what is meant by Return an item of business. “It is one of seven possible responses to new business. To return an item may indicate several things, he said, among them that the concern already has been answered, that the concern may not be appropriate, or that it has prompted another way of responding other than a simple yes or no. In this case, he said, Standing Committee felt the concern was answered in another way. To return an item of business is not synonymous with rejection, he added, saying the Forms Reception Committee report indicated both query and statement served valuable functions.”
Step 4 of the Special Response Process began Tuesday morning with delegates having their first opportunity to offer amendments and motions. Moderator Alley tested each by asking the delegate body if they wished to process the matter before them. A simple majority was necessary to proceed or dismiss. Several amendments and motions were offered by Delegates before the time of voting on the Standing Committee recommendation. Frequent calls for clarification, points of order, and questions or challenges to the Special Response process extended debate into the afternoon. During this extended period is was easy to sense that the Church of the Brethren is “not of one mind” on the matter of homosexuality. There was tension. There was disunity. There was unhappiness by almost anyone's definition of the term. One person condemned a national news network with blatant lying. Some appealed to science instead of the Bible. Some appealed to the Bible in place of everything. During the week a serious threat to an individual was made outside of the conference facility. General Secretary Stan Noffsinger was called to express dismay for the Leadership Team: “We in the Leadership Team are grieved by this, especially if it is someone within our gathering who is responsible for the violence of this threat.” Grand Rapids police began an investigation. Comments by delegates in the hallways and exhibit areas concerning the general mood of this years Conference were disheartening. Previous calls to forbearance were largely ignored. The desire to win overshadowed the desire to love.
The recommendation of Standing Committee with one amendment was adopted. A tally of the votes was not much different that the two-thirds originally cited by the Forms Reception Committee. Step 5 was a period of closure and reflection of the process. See also the following resources.
Guidelines for Implementation of the Congregational Ethics Paper was a query adopted at AC 2010 and referred to a study committee that brought the following recommendations: “The 1993 Ethics in Congregations paper be reviewed, revised, and updated; ... the revised document would also include guidelines and suggestions for a denominational process of accountability ... that these revisions be facilitated by Congregational Life Ministries staff in collaboration with the Council of District Executives and the Office of Ministry.” The revised paper will return to a future Annual Conference for delegate approval.
NEW BUSINESS:
Guidance for Responding to the Changing of Earth’s Climate was adopted which asked, “...what is the position of Annual Conference on climate change, and how can we as individuals, congregations and as a denomination take concrete action to live more responsibly and offer leadership in our communities and nation? Standing Committee’s recommendation asked that the query: “be adopted and that it be referred to the Washington Advocacy Office of the Global Mission Partnerships.” Discussion and proposed amendments required the delegate body to return after the evening worship.
Proper Decorum (orderliness, politeness) was returned as recommended by Standing Committee who stated that the query “be returned with appreciation and that the district be referred to the section in the Annual Conference booklet entitled ‘Accountability to One Another.’” One person questioned the history behind this section of the Conference booklet, particularly its source of origin and when it came to be included. No one was able to fully respond, although Conference Secretary Fred Swartz noted that it had been included for many years.
This query was largely in response to the wearing of specially crafted rainbow clothing or accessories which first appeared at AC 2009 that signaled ones position on certain issues both theological and political. Some regarded these colors as divisive while others contended they presented opportunities for open discussion. Adoption of this query would have requested Annual Conference to implement rules of appearance and behavior that may prove to be unworkable and unenforceable.
OTHER BUSINESS:
New Vision Statement was recommended by Standing Committee to AC 2012 for adoption. It reads: “Through Scripture, Jesus calls us to live as courageous disciples by word and action: To surrender ourselves to God, to embrace one another, to express God’s love for all creation.”
Four New Congregations were received by the delegate body: Peace Covenant Church near Raleigh, NC; Renacer in Roanoke, VA; Light of the Gospel Fellowship, Brooklyn, NY; and Mountain Dale Church in West Marva District.
Afghanistan Resolution accepted from Ministry and Mission Board calling on the US President and members of the US Congress to withdrawal combat troops from Afghanistan, and contribute resources to restore and develop that country and its people.
Report of Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee was accepted that recommended a cost of living adjustment of 3.6%.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Total registered attendance was 3,200 comprised of 861 Delegates and 2,339 Non-Delegates.
Moderator Consecration took place Wednesday morning. It was an Emotional Moment for Moderator Alley during the traditional passing of the gavel to Moderator Tim Harvey. It would have been a difficult task for any moderator to preside over such an emotionally tense and politically charged Conference. In his closing remarks Moderator Harvey said: “...being called as moderator of the 2012 Annual Conference has made me realize the depth of the body of Christ. During this past year (and especially during the week at Grand Rapids) I’ve learned how deeply you love the church.”
Robert Krouse was nominated from the delegate floor (even though two candidates were already on the prepared ballot) and then elected as Moderator-elect. He lives in Fredericsburg, PA, and pastors the Little Swatara Church of the Brethren. Krouse will serve as Moderator of the 2013 Annual Conference in Charlotte, NC.
Blood Drive endeavored to reach their goal of 200 units, assisted by Count Dracula who roamed the building searching for willing volunteers.
Association for the Arts Quilt Auction raised a total of $5,085 to benefit the Global Food Crisis Fund. The silent auction for the District Comforters was $3,240.
Program & Arrangements Committee announced that GREENSBORO, North Carolina, will be the location for AC 2016.
WORSHIP SERMONS:
SATURDAY EVENING, JULY 2 :
Robert Alley, A TALE OF TWO TABLES, Moderator and Pastor of the Bridgewater COB in Bridgewater, Virginia
SUNDAY MORNING, JULY 3 :
Craig Smith, THIRD DAY PEOPLE, District Executive of Atlantic Northeast District
MONDAY MORNING, JULY 4 :
Samuel Sarpiya, WE ARE A GIFT WITH A PROMISE, Rockford Community Church, Rockford, IL
TUESDAY EVENING, JULY 5 :
Dava Hensley, THE INVITATION LIST, First Church of the Brethren, Roanoke, VA
WEDNESDAY MORNING, JULY 6 :
Stan Noffsinger, LET’S PARTAKE: CALLED TO..., General Secretary, Church of the Brethren
The 224th Annual Conference (July 3-7, 2010) of the Church of the Brethren was held in the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, located at 1000 Fort Duquesne Boulevard, immediately adjacent to the Allegheny River, and in the very heart of the downtown area. Decades ago, the city of Pittsburgh had the unfortunate reputation of being a polluted city that was usually covered with a blanket of smoke due to the numerous Steel Mills in the area. That has dramatically changed over the years, as mayors, city planners, and vested interests have striven to produce an environmentally friendly city with Clear Blue Skies. The conference center is touted as a Green 1ST facility. Not only was it constructed with environmentally responsible innovations such as more than 75% of the building using natural light through Moveable Sail Panels and open walkways with Glass Walls, but that natural light is then reflected from Brightly Colored Walls. Its daily operation incorporates policies such as Recycling and conservation. The Light Weight Roof is suspended by cables attached to Huge Anchors that were also seen inside the Conference Center. Brethren were Welcomed to a structure that also reflects many of their simple living values. The adjacent Westin Hotel served as the primary base for attendees. It is connected to the Center through a Skywalk that reminded some Brethren of the many similar Skywalks of the Des Moines 2006 Annual Conference.
SPECIAL NOTES:
Also known as the City of Bridges, at a total of 446, Pittsburgh has three more bridges than Venice, Italy. Persistence could have been learned by Conference goers from this tree that was growing from a bridge abutment. The downtown area is a mixture of different Building Styles, cultural flavors, and the opportunity to get wet on a hot afternoon at the PPG Complex. Along both the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers which parallel the city, one can see a wide variety of River Craft. Coinciding with the Brethren event was the annual Three Rivers Regatta that garnered even more boats and thousands of people to the riverfront. Saturday evening the hometown Pittsburgh Pirates lost to the visiting Philadelphia Phillies, 12-4 at PNC Park. Sports fans in this town are stridently loyal. Hometown colors of Gold & Black are prominent everywhere. Late Sunday evening, the July 4th Fireworks entertained most of the city and surrounding river-front districts. River Construction also provided attendees with side-enjoyment.
This is a great place to dine with friends. Two hundred and one Pittsburgh restaurants have national reviews. Friends, Relatives, and District Groups had no trouble finding a nice place for their annual get-to-gether. Lunch & Dinner were again offered to attendees in the Exhibit Hall.
Children & Youth were often seen going to activities. Tuesday evening is the traditional evening for the Children's Choir to perform. After singing, the Children presented Moderator Replogle with a Special Quilt that had been uniquely signed by each child with their painted hand. Presenting evening worshippers with a nice range of music was the Adult Choir. The Message Board held many notes, and the Prayer Board had a few requests. This year a new face gave official announcements. Chris Douglas assumed responsibilities as the new Conference Director in September 2009, from the retiring Lerry Fogle who had served Conferences 2003-2009. Standing Committee member John Shelly found time to have some fun.
INSIGHTS SESSIONS:
A total of 63 sessions gave attendees a wide range of topics and interests from which to choose. Many attended the Special Response Committee. During this same time frame, Youth Activities gave younger Brethren a chance to similarly grow, learn, and interact.
EXHIBITS:
The very low ceiling of the San Diego 2009 exhibit hall returned to the customary High Ceiling of most Conferences
(20082006). The 2010 Exhibit Hall represented a wide array of Brethren concerns and interests. Spacious walkways and unused areas provided ample room for the traditional Brethren game of Four Square and the new innovation of Nine Square. While youth waited for the Sunday evening July 4th fireworks display, Four Square was enjoyed on the roof top walkway of the Center.
REPORTABLE AGENCIES:
A first for the Church of the Brethren. Webcasts of many Annual Conference events were streamed by Bethany Theological Seminary through the services of LiveStream.com. Brethren "back home" and elsewhere were able to view live televised events over the Internet. This worldwide offering gave non-attending persons the opportunity to, at least, feel as though they were apart of the event.
OFFICERS:
2010 Conference Officers were Moderator Shawn Flory Replogle, Co-Pastor of the First Church of the Brethren, McPherson, Kansas; Moderator-elect Robert E. Alley, pastor of the Bridgewater Church of the Brethren in Bridgewater, Virginia; and Secretary Fred Swartz. Moderator Replogle drew attention to the captioning that appears at the bottom of the large screens, to inform delegates that this service was actually being done by a firm in his native state of Kansas. Everyone laughed when the captioneer responded by stating that they were actually located in Topeka. He replied by saying: “That's where my taxes go.”
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
A Statement of Confession and Commitment was bound to a two year process by AC 2009 as a Special Response Statement. This was the first time that such a process was set in motion whereby hearings will be held in each of the twenty-three districts, for members to voice their opinions concerning the issue at hand. Two such hearings took place during the Conference which gave attendees an opportunity to see what their own district hearings would be like.
Language of Same Sex Covenantal Relationships this query was also bound to a two year process by AC 2009 as a joint Special Response Query with Statement of Confession and Commitment. Standing Committee member Larry Dentler of Pennsylvania Southern District described the hearings as modeling Acts 15. He describe it as a “wonderful process” in which Brethren may express themselves. Each district hearing will last about two hours, comprise ten to twelve people, and require a facilitator and scribe. During this hearing, Church of the Brethren members will be able to express what they would like Standing Committee to hear.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Structure of Annual Conference was adopted per Standing Committee recommendation, and the concerns of the query be referred to the Annual Conference Revitalization Task Force, a recent creation of the Annual Conference Officers. Standing Committee member Vicky Ullery, of Ohio Southern District, related the quest of pastors from her district wanting to discover additional ways in which to “enhance” the effectiveness of Annual Conference. It is not designed to change the traditional manner of dealing with business, but to “uncover new” avenues that would strengthen unity and better fulfill the mission of Annual Conference: “To unite, strengthen, and equip the Church of the Brethren to follow Jesus.”
Guidelines for Implementation of the Congregational Ethics Paper was adopted per Standing Committee recommendation and referred to a committee consisting of Congregational Life staff and persons appointed by the Annual Conference officers, and then confirmed by Standing Committee. The query asks for a “uniform denominational process” to deal with congregations involved in unethical behavior, since the “Ministerial Ethics Paper” (see AC 2008) now stipulates a uniform process for dealing with ministers engaged in questionable behavior.
Appeals of Program and Arrangements Committee Decisions was adopted “as new polity” per Standing Committee recommendation by more than the necessary two-thirds majority, and that Standing Committee would be the body that would hear appeals from the Program and Arrangements Committee.
Church of the Brethren Against Torture was adopted per Standing Committee recommendation that the Church of the Brethren have an official statement on the issue of Torture, since the practice is so widespread and routine throughout the world, and alarmingly becoming more acceptable and even justifiable to some Americans in reaction to threats of terrorism. An amendment to define Torture was defeated, mainly because of concern that any definition would effectively narrow and weaken the force of the paper. In other words, if certain words are used to define Torture, then by assumption, Torture may not necessarily mean other words that were not included. Some noted that Annual Conference statements already voice opinion on a few of the words that were suggested for inclusion in a definition.
Church of the Brethren Bylaws Revision was adopted per Standing Committee recommendation by more than the necessary two-thirds majority, that the document presented to the delegate body “supersede” all previous documents. The original bylaws were first adopted by AC 2008 when the General Board and the Association of Brethren Caregivers merged into one body. AC 2009 delegates received a brief revision, and made appeals for greater clarity and textual consistency. Questions were raised regarding membership composition of the newly created Mission and Ministry Board, especially the call for one at-large member with expertise who may not be a member of the Church of the Brethren. General Secretary Stan Noffsinger replied that the original committee wanted: “to provide for the opportunity if needed.”
OTHER BUSINESS:
Report of Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee was accepted that recommended a cost of living adjustment of 2.0%.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Total registered attendance was 3,381 comprised of 793 Delegates and 2,558 Non-Delegates.
Chris Douglas assumed responsibilities as the new Conference Director in September 2009 from the retiring Lerry Fogle, who had served Conferences 2003-2009.
Moderator Consecration took place Wednesday morning. Tim Harvey, pastor of Central Church of the Brethren, Roanoke, Virginia, was elected as Moderator-elect and will serve as Moderator in 2012 at St. Louis, Missouri. Moderator-Elect Robert Alley Accepted the Gavel and the office of Moderator for the coming year. He will preside at AC 2011 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Leah Hileman, pastor of A Life In Christ, Cape Coral, Florida, led the music during evening worship services and business sessions. During the evening worship service, she was accompanied by Singers and Musicians from the Atlantic Southeast District.
Blood Drive participants were successful in donating exactly 200 units of blood for the American Red Cross.
NO ICE CREAM this year as the proposed cost would be $8 per bowl with the stipulation that a minimum number would need to be purchased, and that the Annual Conference Office would need to pay the difference, if that amount was not reached.
Program & Arrangements Committee announced that TAMPA, Florida, will be the location for AC 2015.
SERMONS:
SATURDAY EVENING, JULY 3:
Shawn Flory Replogle, WHEN HEAVEN AND EARTH TOUCH, Moderator and Co-Pastor of the First Church of the Brethren, McPherson, Kansas
SUNDAY EVENING, JULY 4:
Marlys Hershberger, EXPECTANT LIVING, Pastor of Hollidaysburg COB, Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania
MONDAY EVENING, JULY 4:
Earle Fike, Jr., MEASURABLY NEW, Former Moderator of Annual Conference, and former professor at Bethany Theological Seminary
SUNDAY EVENING, JULY 4:
Nancy Fitzgerald, ALL WE CAN BE, Pastor of Arlington COB, Arlington, Virginia
SUNDAY EVENING, JULY 4:
Jonathan Shively, IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL, Executive Director of Congregational Life Ministries ~ Church of the Brethren
The 224th Annual Conference (June 26-30, 2009) of the Church of the Brethren was held in the Town & Country Resort & Convention Center located at 500 Hotel Circle North, in the Mission Valley district or the heart of San Diego. Extending over 32 acres, guests are accommodated in 996 rooms in either of Two Main Towers or many ranch style Garden Bungalows. Unlike most Conference venues with a large city auditorium in the midst of several downtown hotels that requires walking on unfamiliar streets at night, this location is better described as a walled Campus that offered attendees meeting space, accommodations, eateries, and shopping, immediately surrounded by a treasure of beautiful scenery, all in one place without the incursion of walking at night on city streets. There were several very good campus Restaurants, a few providing Alfresco Dining.
Personal security afforded by this type of location was overheard in not just a few conversations. Additional delights of the Town & Country Resort were spacious Brick Walkways surrounded by Flowers. There were Tiny Pools,
Large Pools, and Ornate Pools. There were Short Trees, Tall Trees, and Banana Trees. Conference is a time for chatting and there was
Lady Chatting, Group Chatting,
Dinner Chatting, and Puzzle Chatting. Security was a blessing for young as well as old. Frequently one would see Children & Youth going about their activities in Complete Safety of the campus confinement. Tuesday evening remained the traditional time for the Children's Choir. Saturday evening, worship leader Jonathan Shively told a Children's Story on the main floor.
SPECIAL NOTES:
Across the San Diego River was a huge Shopping Mall complete with many familiar stores and great restaurants. The Metropolitan Transit System, referred to by locals as The Trolley, completely encircles the city of San Diego with its pleasing mixture of Old & New. Any visit to this region begs to also include a side trip to the world famous San Diego Zoo. Confusing for at least a few Brethren was the fact that the city of San Diego has its own Convention Center adjacent to the harbor. Presuming this venue to be the correct location for Conference, they had reserved rooms in one of the nearby Towering Hotels without going through the Annual Conference office. Landing at the San Diego airport from the east includes one of the steepest descents in the nation. Airplanes must clear the ridge of Balboa park and then drop over 250 feet to the runway in less than one mile, further complicated by a parking garage immediately under the flight path. Ex-military pilots now in commercial aviation enjoy the extra challenge and passengers facing west get a spectacular view of the Downtown Area.
The Main Entrance to the Conference Center from the city was seen by fewer Brethren as most entered from the opposite Campus Side of the building. Registration took place in the lobby inside from the the city entrance. First greeting inside the campus doors was the host Pacific-Southwest District's Hospitality Room. Technology has not replaced the old fashioned Bulletin Board which is always a mixture of personal contact requests and mini-announcements.
2009 Conference Officers were Moderator David Shumate, District Executive of the Virlina District; Moderator-elect Shawn Flory Replogle, pastor of McPherson COB, McPherson, Kansas; and Secretary Fred Swartz.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
There was none for this Conference but delegates still received a full schedule of business, discussion, and reports.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
A Structural Framework For Dealing with Strongly Controversial Issues was adopted that would upgrade the 1988 Paper (same name) to a more complete process for denomination-wide conversation on special issues, because the 1988 Paper only called for resources to be provided for such wide Area conversations and lacked direction over how to process the responsive information that would be gathered from such discussions.
Statement of Confession and Commitment from the AC 2008 Standing Committee expressed concern over the continuing division and tension within the denomination over the issue of homosexuality. They affirmed that the 1983 Human Sexuality paper has “honest tension” wherein the paper calls for open conversations with homosexuals but also views covenantal relationships between them as unacceptable. “We own this tension. We acknowledge that in our fallenness we may not reach uniformity on this issue. But may we strive for unity in love, mission, ministry and witness in Christ. We also confess and ask forgiveness. For over 20 years we have allowed the Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee to be a lightning rod for controversy on this issue. There have been many mean-spirited, unkind attacks leveled against these faithful servants. This unchristian behaviour must stop.” (Annual Conference booklet, p. 206.)
Language on Same Sex Covenantal Relationships questioned if the language of the 1983 Human Sexuality paper should continue to guide the church. Delegates spent many hours on two afternoons speaking to both this query of business and the overall issue of homosexuality. Opinions were sharply divided between maintaining status quo and full acceptance. There were several persons who expressed weariness over the entire matter. A few even wanted to reopen the 1983 Statement for revision. Some expressed that there never can be unity from two such vastly diverse points of view. Some recommended a denomination wide conversation, while others pointed out that the denomination has already been in conversation for more than twenty years. A few cited that at the heart of the real issue is a lack of biblical authority in the life of the believer.
Conference finally accepted both documents jointly as “Special Response” items that would call for a Two Year denomination wide conversation of these issues. In order to fully implement the Structural Framework paper, Standing Committee appointed a Special Response Resource Committee that would gather information for denominational use in the conversation process.
Secret Oath-Bound Societies was returned to the District with a reaffirmation of the 1954 Membership in Secret Societies decision. A special three member resource team was appointed by the Conference Officers to gather resources that would better inform Brethren on this issue.
OTHER BUSINESS:
A new eight member VISION COMMITTEE was created by Standing Committee to formulate and establish long-range goals for the Brethren in each upcoming decade. Each Vision Committee will be appointed by Standing Committee in the fifth year of a decade and charged to report their progress to Annual Conference in the eighth year of that same decade. Four members will be selected, one from Mission and Ministry Board or Staff, one each from Bethany Theological Seminary, Brethren Benefit Trust, On Earth Peace, and four at-large members from the denomination.
Bylaws of the Church of the Brethren, Inc. from AC 2008 was submitted for informational purposes with action expected at AC 2010. Following the 2008 merger of the General Board and the Association of Brethren Caregivers plus the absorption of the Annual Conference Council into the newly incorporated Church of the Brethren, Inc., it became necessary to revise the bylaws that would govern the new corporation. However, the bylaws revision that was adopted in 2008 and now in operation was deemed so lengthy and complex that corporate attorneys urged simplification.
Report called for by Child Abuse Prevention from AC 2007 recommended three goals: (1) districts, camps, agencies, congregations, and related ministry programs adopt and implement child abuse prevention policies, (2) the Church of the Brethren gather information that would assist these entities to develop such policies, (3) the Church offer to strengthen families with knowledge and skills for protecting children.
Report of Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee was accepted that recommended a zero cost of living adjustment, based on the fact that the Consumer Price Index actually decreased this year.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Total registered attendance was 2,077 comprised of 670 Delegates and 1,407 Non-Delegates.
Lerry Fogle is retiring as Annual Conference executive director. He assumed office at AC 2003 in Boise, Idaho.
Robert E. Alley, pastor of Bridgewater COB (Virginia), was elected as Moderator-elect and will serve as Moderator in 2011 at Grand Rapids.
Erin Matteson of Modesto COB (California) led and coordinated the music during worship each evening.
Blood Drive participants were successful in donating 121 units of blood for the American Red Cross.
Association for the Arts Quilt Auction raised a total of $6,275 from seven Wall Hangings to benefit the Global Food Crisis Fund. There were no large quilts this year.
Program & Arrangements Committee announced that COLUMBUS, Ohio, will be the location for AC 2014.
WORSHIP SERMONS:
FRIDAY EVENING, JUNE 26 :
David Shumate, FROM NOW ON, Moderator and District Executive of the Virlina District
SATURDAY EVENING, JUNE 27 :
Richard Shreckhise, THE RISK OF HOLY GROUND, Pastoral team member of Lancaster COB, Lancaster, PA
SUNDAY MORNING, JUNE 28 :
Eric H.F. Law, LOOKING BEYOND FEAR-FINDING INTIMACY WITH OTHERS AND GOD, Episcopal Priest & Author
TUESDAY EVENING, JUNE 29 :
Nancy Heishman, HOW DEEP IS YOUR LOVE, Church of the Brethren mission coordinator for the Dominican Republic
WEDNESDAY MORNING, JUNE 30 :
Jaime Diaz, TOGETHER IN UNITY THOUGH UNIQUELY DIVERSE, Pastor of Iglesia de los Hermanos, Castańer, Puerto Rico.
The 222nd Annual Conference (July 12-16, 2008) and the 300th Anniversary of the Church of the Brethren was held in the Richmond Coliseum, 601 East Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219. The facility opened in 1971 at a cost of $24 million with 10,000 seats and was upgraded in 1993 with additional seating for 2,500, all on Five Levels. Nearly 180,000 square feet was available for Brethren Exhibits that were displayed in the Greater Richmond Convention Center, located just across the street from the Coliseum at 403 North 3rd Street. Registration took place in the massive front lobby. The second floor Food Court was one of several on site eateries. Smiling Faces and happy tummies were easy to find. As in other years, Contracted Buses assisted Brethren moving back and forth from their hotels and the Conference site.
HISTORICAL NOTES:
This year marked an historic event as two of the largest Brethren denominations that emanated from the original Schwarzenau Brethren, the Church of the Brethren and The Brethren Church, jointly worshiped and fellowshiped in a spirit of unity. A unity that had not occurred at the denominational level since the year 1882 when H.R. Holsinger was repudiated or disowned by Annual Conference (then Annual Meeting). His progressive wing of Brethren members quickly joined together the very next year to establish The Brethren Church.
It was auspicious that this Conference of Unity took place in the historic city of Richmond, Virginia, for it was here that Abraham Lincoln came on April 4, 1865, immediately following the evacuation of the Confederate government and only five days before the surrender of the Confederate Army at Appomattox Court House. Then, it was a time and place for healing national wounds. Now, both the Church of the Brethren and The Brethren Church would seek to heal denominational wounds that have left scars since their split more than a hundred years ago. Lincoln's visit was more symbolic than substantive. Some residents looked upon Lincoln with disdain. He was greeted mostly by Freed Slaves. Much of the city Lay In Ruin, either from bombardment or set afire by fleeing Confederate soldiers. The mercantile Shockoe District (pronounced SCHOCK-ohh) was immediately rebuilt and still retains the same pre-war appearance. Shops along its Cobblestone Streets make it a great walking tour. It is especially noted for shopping, dining and entertainment. You'll be greeted by an occasional Cannon Barrel which now serves as a depository for cigarettes. President Lincoln came to Richmond “To Bind Up the Nations Wounds.” It would be many years before genuine reconciliation occurred between the North and the South, but Richmond was a beginning. Likewise, it will be many years before both Brethren denominations stand in full reconciliation with each other, but Annual Conference 2008 in Richmond was a step in that direction.
SPECIAL NOTES:
Also sharing space in the front lobby was the 300th Anniversary Quilt, composed of 4,779 two inch squares made from 223 different fabrics, intricately pieced together by artist Rachel Brown. On a Convenient Table was a large book detailing all the submitted Patch Work. This quilt represents the Colors and Textures of people that are bound together by common threads. The more diverse are the colors the more beautiful the overall appearance. Brown reflects on her project: “At every step of the way, I found myself wondering how grand the church of Jesus Christ could be if we would begin to treat each other as pieces in a quilt ... If a block seems out of place, think about the people in your community that might feel out of place in your church ... The church needs to be the model for a world unraveling.”
Wide Pedestrian Areas between the Coliseum and the Exhibit Hall provided room for spacious exhibits such as the Eyes Wide Open peace exhibit. Each pair of boots represented a fallen US service man or women and each pair of shoes represented a civilian Iraqi casualty. The presentation was organized by the American Friends Service Committee and sponsored by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and On Earth Peace. This wide area also gave opportunity for presentation of The John Kline Horses. Newly released Business Session Delegates happily stopped to enjoy some “hands-on” interaction with the horses, even Little Hands. Tuesday evening is the traditional time for the Children's Choir, and solid color T-shirts are an instant give-away that Our Youth are involved in a well planned schedule of indoor and outdoor activities. The Adult Choir delivered inspiring musical selections for worship services.
UNITY NOTES:
It has been almost 126 years since members of the Church of the Brethren and members of The Brethren Church last worshipped together at their Annual Meeting in a field in Kosciusko County, Indiana. On Sunday July 13, 2008, members of both denominations worshipped together again, to mutually celebrate their 300th Anniversary. It was only appropriate that they sang that historic hymn: “Brethren, we have met to worship and adore the Lord, our God.”
A highlight ceremony of unity was the mixing of Waters. Poured into a Common Pool was symbolic water from: the Eder River (scene of the original European baptisms), both denominations, numerous districts, congregations, agencies, and church camps. It exemplified a spirit of reunification as they mixed their differences into a Final Commonness.
First Sermon: Arden Gilmer, pastor of Park Street Brethren Church, Ashland, Ohio, titled,
“No Root; No Fruit.”
Second Sermon: Shanthi Edwin, pastor of Brush Valley Brethren Church, Adrian, Pennsylvania, titled, “Power In Unity.”
Third Sermon: Chris Bowman, pastor of Oakton COB, Vienna, Virginia, titled, “Well Grounded Grain Brings Phenomenal Fruit.”
The 2008 Annual Conference officially began the previous Saturday evening with Moderator Jim Beckwith, pastor of Annville Church of the Brethren, Annville, Pennsylvania, calling all Brethren to unity with the sermon title: “Begin With Surrender.” Beckwith spoke of the challenges faced by Alexander and Anna Mack as they sought to do the Lord's will at a time when European state churches were hostile to people seeking their faith mission outside of their established protocols. He was 27 and she was 25 but they risked everything to count the cost of radical discipleship, by surrendering all they had known and fleeing their home. Beckwith also revealed his personal genealogical connection to the original founding eight Brethren, “My great-grandmother, was a Vetter, descended from Lukas Vetter, one of the first 8 Brethren baptized in the Eder River at Schwarzenau in 1708.”
PREDICTABLE NOTES:
Brethren are partially defined by their Fellowship around mealtime. Richmond was no different. Numerous Groups related by congregation or district sought nice restaurants to celebrate another year together. Eugene had exceeded his gastronomic limits but ordered desert anyway, thinking that there was still room for Chocolate Cake. He was wrong. Several people gratefully came to his rescue. This eatery was one of several great restaurants in the historic Shockoe part of Richmond.
Technology is becoming more a part of the Brethren lifestyle. Use of personal Laptops during Annual Conference is increasing. Business sessions are accompanied by a greater dependency on the digital side of things, and occasionally you may see Two Laptops in the same row. These conference goers might be researching the history surrounding a current item of business on the conference floor, or searching for a good restaurant, or perhaps using a map program to better navigate the city -- but certainly not playing games.
EXHIBITS:
As membership of the Brethren continues to diminish, it would appear that their Exhibit Space at Annual Conference continues to increase. Much of the increase this year was certainly due to the 300th Anniversary Celebration. Brethren Memorabilia of all types from Several Collections were on display, including the first and second edition Christopher Saur Bibles. The Saur editions are actually reprints of church reformer Martin Luther's German Translation. Of special trivia note is that some leaves were reversed: Psalm 38 before Psalm 23. Note: Slideshow of exhibits is now under reconstruction.
OFFICERS:
2008 Conference Officers were Moderator James Beckwith, pastor of Annville COB, Annville, Pennsylvania; Moderator-elect David Shumate, District Executive of the Virlina District; and Secretary Fred Swartz.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Implementation of the New Denominational Structure was adopted. This resolution was presented by the Implementation Committee, elected at AC 2007, to create a plan for merging the Association of Brethren Caregivers and the General Board into one legal corporation, finally labeled Church of the Brethren, Inc., following discussion to drop the original suggestion of Church of the Brethren USA. The Annual Conference Council, created at AC 2001, is now dissolved as its functions will be included in this new organizational body that will be called the Mission and Ministry Board. Lengthy discussion surrounded the detailing and examination of articles of incorporation and modification of bylaws for the new entity. The result is one board called the Mission and Ministry Board. This does not affect Annual Conference or its reportable agencies: Brethren Benefit Trust, Bethany Theological Seminary, and On Earth Peace.
Selection and Function of the Process Committee for Discerning Uses of the Doing Church Business Recommendations from AC 2007 installs a one year term three-member Process Committee to work with Conference officers and the Program and Arrangements Committee, to review options for enhancing how church business is done.
NEW BUSINESS:
Update to Ministerial Ethics was adopted with amendments. It is the culmination of twelve years of following the implementation of the 1996 Statement of Ethics for Congregations in the Church of the Brethren. The new version will prohibit the intervention of former ministers into ministerial relationships of current pastors, which has apparently been a frequent issue. An amendment was adopted to permit former pastors to perform ministerial services for a former congregation with the approval of the current pastor. Supporting the amendment were several pastors who expressed their appreciation of former pastors in mentoring.
Resolution on Minister's Medical Insurance Crisis was adopted. This finalizes the action of AC 2007 to formally end the Brethren medical Plan which suffered chronic years of high draw-down from older members, coupled with low contributions from younger and healthier plan members.
Resolution on Slavery in the 21st Century was adopted with a Standing Committee amendment that added: “to change our personal lifestyle habits that support it (slavery).”
Resolution Urging Forbearance was adopted with considerable opposition. The resolution came from the Association of Brethren Caregivers, On Earth Peace, and the General Board. It is an attempt to maintain unity and civility among Brethren especially in the wake of deep and strained interchanges between individual Brethren and congregations involving wide differences concerning interpretation of scripture and practices, the latter of which had escalated to district intervention. A few of these districts, embroiled in the midst of these conflicts, questioned if this paper would rescind previous district decisions, and or, would reinterpret long withstanding denominational polity.
Conference Witness to Host City was adopted with little discussion and referred to the Program and Arrangements Committee for future implementation with hosting Districts.
Child Abuse Prevention interim report given by the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) as requested from AC 2007. ABC was disappointed with a poor response from a survey to congregations. “Out of 1,128 requests sent out by ABC, 193 completed surveys were received--only 143 congregations responded, she said. Of the congregations that responded, only 35 percent had a child protection policy in place.” A final report will be presented at AC 2009.
A Statement of Confession and Commitment adopted by Standing Committee on Monday morning (July 14) to be considered at AC 2009. The statement is the result of a plea from the Program and Arrangements Committee for guidance on how to best handle warring factions that have made the Annual Conference exhibit hall a battleground between pro and anti homosexual camps. Pro-groups want exhibit space to explain their views and anti-groups fear that such an exhibit may appear to some as legitimizing that lifestyle. The one page statement expresses “an honest tension,” over the issue and states that the 1983 Human Sexuality From A Christian Perspective remains “our official position”.
Report of Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee was accepted that recommended a cost of living adjustment of 4.2%.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Total registered attendance was 6,184 comprised of 864 Delegates and 5,320 Non-Delegates.
Shawn Flory Replogle, pastor at McPherson, Kansas COB, was elected as Moderator-elect who will serve in 2010 at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Leslie Lake coordinated the music during worship and also served as a member of the 300th Anniversary Committee.
Association for the Arts Quilt Auction raised a total of $19,200, much of which benefits the Global Food Crisis Fund.
Total registered attendance was 6,184 which included 864 delegates.
Blood Drive collected a total of 247 units from 275 donors.
The 221th Annual Conference (June 30 - July 4, 2007) of the Church of the Brethren was held in the Cleveland Convention Center Public Auditorium, 500 Lakeside Avenue East, Cleveland, OH 44114, located next to Lake Erie, the Cleveland Browns Football Stadium, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the latter 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. Unfortunately, this facility was not as modern as Brethren have enjoyed recently. Construction of this neoclassical edifice began in 1920 and received a few upgrades, the last being in 1964. But as of 2007, this auditorium 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. Entrance to the facility is confusing. One entrance is above ground, a second is below ground, and the lobby is Underneath Both. City Planners have been seeking to replace it for several years, yet it is one that is rich in history. Despite its drawbacks, the convention officials were accommodating and rolled out the Welcoming Banner.
HISTORICAL NOTES:
The word Cleveland brings to mind one of the all-time great football legends, Jim Brown, who played professional football for the Cleveland Browns from 1957 until 1965. His lifetime statistics are overwhelming, especially considering the league's expansion to 16 games in 1978. In National Football League history, Brown is the only rusher to average more than 100 yards per game for a career. Brown's record of scoring 100 touchdowns in 93 games withstood all challengers until the 2006 season. He was the rusher who could not easily be tackled. Brown's lifetime rushing record was an astonishing 5.2 yards per carry. Sometimes it required three or four opponents to bring him to the turf. One surely must wonder what his lifetime stats would have been if he would have played 16 games per season instead of 12. Jim Brown is rated by the NFL as the #2 Player of all-time (as of the 2009 season).
Another milestone took place in 1957, when two denominations met in this very Auditorium 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 Annual Conference moderator. (The first African-American man to serve as moderator was William Hayes in 1988, and the first women to serve as moderator was Elaine Sollenberger in 1989.) 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 Ashland University, 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. (Note: These wax figures are in the lobby where photography is not restricted.) 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.
With a post 2000 Conference shorter time frame for business it has forced Conference Officers and the Delegate Body to work harder in order to process the usual amount of business. The long times of conversation following business sessions of many years ago have been exchanged for Rushing and Running. This year it was necessary to convene a special two hour business session immediately following the Tuesday evening worship service, in order for Delegates to process the load of business. Many other particulars seemed to continue as usual: persons in wheelchairs found special niches provided for them in the main seating area, persons with allergies congregated to the odor free zone, closed-circuit captioning was again provided for the hearing impaired, and Spanish Translation was available for those not understanding English.
Year by year, Whole Families are taking advantage of the unrestricted open area behind the main conference seating. Children love to run and this open area permits a freedom that would otherwise be hindered by regular connected chair seating. Conference-goers were happy to make friends with Fuzzy Dog who gave warm hugs and hand-shakes. Tuesday evening worship is the traditional time for the Children's Choir to sing.
INSIGHTS SESSIONS:
Numerous opportunities abounded for Conference attendees 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.
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. Bethany president Eugene F. Roop announced his retirement at AC 2006 and has been succeeded by Ruthann Knechel Johansen.
OFFICERS:
2007 Conference Officers were Moderator Belita Mitchell, pastor of First COB, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Moderator-elect James Beckwith, pastor of Annville COB, Annville, Pennsylvania; and Secretary Fred Swartz.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Brethren Medical PlanAC 2005 study committee called for the phasing out of the Brethren Benefit Trust Medical Plan due to decreasing membership and the inability to spread costs over a large pool of users, plus the increasing cost of health care in general. Membership in the plan was at 3,119 in 1993 but dropped to 796 in May, 2005. Insurance consultants advised BBT that stability was urgently needed. The report of BBT at AC 2004 announced that the Plan was in a “death spiral.” December 31, 2007 was announced as the beginning of the phasing out period for ministers and retirees. Although the imminent demise of the plan had been expected for the past two years, it was still discomforting to some pastors and it left others disillusioned. The report was amended to include that BBT continue to determine if the Plan could be retained for agencies who have 100 per cent participation, and that BBT assist plan participants to find alternate coverage.
Review and EvaluationAC 2005 study committee recommended ten changes to improve denominational consistency, financial considerations, and ministry, the first of which called for the merger of the General Board and the Association of Brethren Caregivers into a new entity labeled The Church of the Brethren, U.S.A. Some delegates felt these trailing letters to be more of a political statement than a geographical reference. All instances of U.S.A. were removed by amendment. This proposed merger would not affect Bethany Theological Seminary or Brethren Benefit Trust.
Merger of General Board and Association of Brethren Caregivers including Annual Conference Council
Leadership roles examined and enhanced for consistency
Core values should be promoted through identity and heritage curriculum
Evangelism needs to be strengthened
Stewardship education with necessary staffing
Professional growth and sabbatical to alleviate burnout. Review calling out process
Stagger denominational conferences so as not to convene in the same year
Technological methods should be explored to better communicate information and activities
Congregational Life Teams need to promote their mission to congregations
Encourage churches to be more welcoming to diverse cultures and ethnic backgrounds
Doing Church BusinessAC 2004 study committee presented delegates with a broad brush of suggestions to improve how we process business. A one year extension had been granted from AC 2005. Some observations of the committee were: the adequacy and fairness of Roberts Rules of Order, pain and loss from elections which produces winners and losers, Holy Spirit inspired preparation of delegates before Annual Conference, lack of training in some areas of leadership, and the AC 2000 initiated shorter business time frame has challenged delegates to properly discern the mind of Christ. The committee enumerated and explained several possible tools and methods for delegates. The large scope of their suggestions invited a motion that the report be received “as resource and study information” and to be viewed “as possible options for future Annual Conferences.”
Becoming a Multi-Ethnic Church & Need for Cross-Cultural MinistriesAC 2004 chose its theme scripture from Revelation 7:9: “of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues.” The 41 page report was one of the longest reports in the Conference booklet. AC 2004 combined these originally two separate queries into one and required that committee membership be purposefully composed of an ethnically diverse representation of those cultures presently in the Church of the Brethren. Committee activity included establishing definitions to resolve confusing terminology, identifying denominational barriers that hinder the fulfillment of Rev. 7:9, exposing unwillingness of some to share power across cultural boundaries, observed congregational inertia to explore cultural opportunities, and questioned structures that intentionally inhibit recruitment of minorities. “After much prayer, study, research, and deliberation, our committee concluded that one essential part of the answer to that question is for us to be Separate No More”.
NEW BUSINESS:
Reverse Membership Trend adopted per Standing Committee recommendation to reexamine solutions and reverse the current declining membership in the Church of the Brethren. It was a lengthy recommendation that called for taking the Great Commission of Matthew 29:19-20 more seriously, a fresh reading of the 1981 Diminishing Membership paper, and identifying actions for congregations and districts.
Annual Conference (New) Schedule was referred to the Conference leadership. Financial burdens and stress of meeting on an annual basis coupled with the general acceptance by Brethren of new communication technologies prompted a reexamination of the current schedule and its real effects.
Child Abuse Prevention to examine how Annual Conference statements regarding prevention are actually implemented was referred to the Association of Brethren Caregivers.
Annual Conference Polity adopts a recommendation from the Annual Conference Council to change the rotation schedule so that Annual Conference is held more frequently in areas where there is a higher population of Brethren.
Christian Churches Together recommendation adopted that the Church of the Brethren become a full participant.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Report of Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee was accepted that recommended a cost of living adjustment of 2.7%.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Total registered attendance was 3,578 comprised of 831 Delegates and 2,747 Non-Delegates.
David Shumate, District Executive/Minister of Virlina District, was elected as Moderator-elect to serve as Moderator in 2009 at San Diego, California.
Association for the Arts Quilt Auction raised a total of $7,558.58 from several wall hangings, worship tapestries, plus a special Moderator autographed 300th anniversary calendar. Volunteers donated lots of personal time in order to finish the quilts in the shortened post 2000 Conference time frame. Serious Bidders helped raise funds which also benefits the Global Food Crisis Fund.
Blood Drive participants were successful in donating 212 units for the American Red Cross.
Program & Arrangements Committee announced that ST. LOUIS, Missouri, will be the location for AC 2012.
WORSHIP SERMONS:
SATURDAY EVENING, JUNE 30 :
Jeff Carter, (not available) Pastor of Manassas COB in Manassas, Virginia
SUNDAY MORNING, JULY 1 :
Moderator Belita Mitchell, (not available), pastor of First COB in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
MONDAY EVENING, JULY 2 :
Duane Grady, BUILDING WELL RELATIONSHIPS, member of General Board Congregational Life Team
TUESDAY EVENING, JULY 3 :
Tim Harvey, WHEN SHAME MEETS GRACE: THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JESUS, Pastor of Central COB, Roanoke, Virginia
WEDNESDAY MORNING, July 4 :
Ataloa Woodin, SERVANTS ENABLED WITH A GREAT POWER, Pastor of Community Brethren Church, Fresno, California
The 220th Annual Conference (July 1-5, 2006) of the Church of the Brethren was held in the Iowa Events Center, 730 Third Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309, a four-time “All American City.” 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 beckoning 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.
HISTORICAL NOTES:
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 two 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. Madison County to the southwest has many Covered Bridges that have been featured in books and movies.
SPECIAL NOTES:
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. Just a few miles south is the little town of Winterset, birthplace of television and movie star John Wayne. The house is, naturally, located on Wayne Drive. The capital of Iowa is Des Moines and boasts nearly Three Miles of enclosed climate-controlled, overhead walk-ways called Skywalks. You see them all over town. There are Short Spans, Long Spans, and Inside Building spans.
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. After Monday evening 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 were the Shuttle Buses that operated on a regular loop from all hotels to the Auditorium. Lunch and dinner were again served with a Cash Buffet which permits good dining without leaving the convention complex. This year Brethren had the opportunity to post special prayer requests on the Prayer Square board. A small textual change to the Conference Theme added Spanish to the common English version.
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.
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.
OFFICERS:
2006 Conference Officers were Moderator Ronald Beachley, District Minister of Pennsylvania Western District; Moderator-elect Belita Mitchell, pastor of Harrisburg First COB, Harrisburg Pennsylvania; and Secretary Fred Swartz.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
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 at AC 2007.
NEW BUSINESS:
Brethren Benefit Trust to revise their Articles of Organization was adopted. Moderator Beachley guided the delegate body through this large item of business that would permit BBT to provide additional services to the Brethren Medical Plan and assume oversight of the Church of the Brethren Credit Union. Standing Committee requested that the ability of BBT to seek funding beyond fees might lead to conflicts of interest and privacy violations with other Brethren agencies.
Call to Stewardship Education was referred to the General Board.
Resolution on an End to the War in Iraq: from the General board calling for an end to the war in Iraq was narrowly accepted with a strong negative vote. It called upon all nations to implement other ways of bringing peace to that region.
Resolution on Divestment: from the General board was accepted calling for companies to refrain from selling products that would be used as weapons of war in Israel and Palestine. The resolution also asks individuals to reconsider their own investments goals, to not include weapons of war or related matters.
Resolution on A Call to Reduce Global Poverty and Hunger from the General Board was accepted calling on all Brethren to pursue the Millennium Development Goals developed by the United Nations.
Resolution on Commitment of Accessibility and Inclusion: from Association of Brethren Caregivers was adopted that calls on congregations and organizations to be more intentional about be fully accessible to the handicapped. ABC had introduced a similar resolution in 1994 calling upon the denomination to make facilities 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 that is completely accessible is Bunkertown COB in Pennsylvania Southern District.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Annual Conference Council responded to the Michigan District which presented questions in the query Clarification of Confusion at AC 2003. The matter centers on an incident in that District where a practicing homosexual man was seeking ordination, but the AC 2002 decision on the query Licensing for Ordination of Homosexual Persons resulted in delegates accepting Standing Committees recommendation that it violated the spirit of the 1983 Human Sexuality paper: “...it is inappropriate to license or ordain to the Christian ministry any persons who are known to be engaging in homosexual practices.” The Annual Conference Council stated that the AC 2002 decision was based on polity. Delegates received this as a report without discussion.
Review and Evaluation study committee gave an interim report.
Intercultural and Brethren Medical Plan study committees were both granted one year extensions.
Report of Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee was accepted that recommended a cost of living adjustment of 4.2%.
James Beckwith, pastor of Annville COB, Pennsylvania, was elected as Moderator-elect to serve in 2008 at Richmond, Virgina.
Association for the Arts Quilt Auction raised a total of $13,240 from twin-bed size quilts, wall hangings, and worship tapestries. Some of the money raised benefits the Global Food Crisis Fund.
Wallpaper 2006 summarizes the essence of this years experience.
Program & Arrangements Committee announced that GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan, was announced as the venue for the 2011 Annual Conference.
WORSHIP SERMONS:
SATURDAY EVENING, JULY 1 :
Kelly Burk, IN LIGHT OF SCRIPTURE, Pastor of Richmond COB in Richmond, Indiana
SUNDAY MORNING, JULY 2 :
Moderator Ronald Beachley, WOVEN TOGETHER BY PRAYER, Executive Minister of Pennsylvania Western District
MONDAY EVENING, JULY 3 :
Myrna Long Wheeler, AEROBICS FOR THE SOUL ... NO PAIN, NO GAIN, Chaplain at Brethren Hillcrest Homes in La Verne, California
TUESDAY EVENING, JULY 4 :
Dennis Webb, WALKING BY FAITH...AGAIN, Pastor of Naperville COB, Naperville, Illinois
WEDNESDAY MORNING, JULY 5 :
Brian Maguire, RUNNING HOME, Pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Xenia, Ohio
The 219th Annual Conference (July 2-6, 2005) of the Church of the Brethren was held in the Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Avenue, Peoria, IL 61602. The Center comprises three separate venues under one roof: the Carver Arena with a total seating capacity of 12,145, an Exhibit Hall providing 63,668 square feet of display space, and a Performing Arts Theater, 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. It is the largest convention facility anywhere in mid-state Illinois. Peoria is the third most populated city in the State, and the largest on the Illinois River. It was named after the Peoria Tribe. Because of references to Peoria in Horatio Alger's novel “Five Hundred Dollars” and perceiving Peoria to be a good representation of an average American city, Vaudeville entertainers would often say that succeeding in Peoria, meant succeeding anywhere. That phrase or question “Will it play in Peoria?” has now become common place in American mainstream conversation. Peoria is also known as the home of Caterpiller, Inc., the world's largest manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel engines, and gas turbines.
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 wheeler The Spirit of Peoria that offered Comfortable Seating, refreshing mist from the Paddle Wheels, calm river breezes, and Friendly Faces, lots of Friendly Faces. Can you see Mother Duck? This female mallard sat quietly and motionless as People Waited to board the Paddle Wheeler. The Convention Center Grounds was more like a city park, with ample room to sit on the warm grass or under an Umbrella Table. Families and Special Groups frequently used the ornate Pedestal Clock as a meeting spot.
SPECIAL NOTES:
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. Meals were served at lunch and dinner from a buffet. There was a large area of tables and chairs, where Brethren had no difficulty in Fellowshipping with other Brethren.
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, Bethany Bible School (1905-1909), Bethany Bible School (1909-1931), and the Bethany Biblical Seminary (1931-1963) 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”).
OFFICERS:
2005 Conference Officers were Moderator Jim Hardenbrook, Idaho District Executive; Moderator-elect Ronald Beachley, Pennsylvania Western District Executive Minister; and Secretary Fred Swartz.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Doing Church Business Study Committee and the Intercultural Study Committee were granted one year extensions for additional time that would enable them to deliver a more complete report.
Cross Cultural Ministries Team presented a report as requested by AC 2000. The Delegate Body gave the team another year extension in order to complete their work and then present their findings at AC 2006.
NEW BUSINESS:
Review and Evaluation Committee: New Mandate, created in 1971 to evaluate and report on the work of the General Board, was handed another and much larger responsibility. Delegates expanded their scope to include an examination of the entire denominational structure. This committee (presently) meets every ten years for a two year review process.
General Board Polity Revisions were numerous 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:
1. EAST
2. MIDWEST (east of the Mississippi)
3. MIDWEST (west of the Mississippi)
4. SOUTHEAST
5. MIDWEST (east of the Mississippi)
6. FAR WEST (alternating between north and south)
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.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Brethren Benefit Trust announced continued disappointing growth in the Brethren Medical Plan (a health insurance plan for pastors, church employees, district staff, and affiliated institutions or agencies) that has moved the Plan beyond a financial crossroads to a “death spiral.” Various reasons were cited such as a steady increase in health care costs and specifically younger pastors choosing lower costing and more competitive plans which unfortunately diminishes the pool of payers into the Brethren Medical Plan that increasingly supports 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:
Total registered attendance was 3,341 comprised of 858 Delegates and 2,483 Non-Delegates.
Belita D. Mitchell, pastor at Harrisburg COB, Pennsylvania was elected as Moderator-elect who will serve as Moderator at Cleveland in 2007.
Keith (pastor at York First COB) and Beth Hollenberg Coordinated Music with organist Marilyn Mason. The Adult Choir performed under the direction of Joan Fyock Norris.
Quilt Auction of the Association for the Arts Church of the Brethren raised a total of $21,450 from two twin-bed size quilts and five wall hangings. Some of the money raised benefits the Global Food Crisis Fund.
Program & Arrangements Committee announced that PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, will be the location for AC 2010.
WORSHIP SERMONS:
SATURDAY EVENING, JULY 2 :
Moderator Jim Hardenbrook, I LOVE TO TELL THE STORY, Pastor of Nampa COB in Nampa, Idaho
SATURDAY EVENING, JULY 3 :
Galen Hackman, BY FAITH . . . EXPERIENCING THE SMILE OF GOD, Pastor of Ephrata COB, Ephrata, Pennsylvania
MONDAY EVENING EVENING, JULY 4 :
Sandy Bosserman, DUTIES, DEVILS, & DISTRACTIONS, Executive Director of Missouri and Arkansas District
TUESDAY EVENING, JULY 5 :
Anastacia Bueno Beltre, LET’S LOOK TOWARD OUR HEAD, WHO IS JESUS CHRIST, Pastor in the Dominican Republic
WEDNESDAY MORNING, JULY 6 :
Chris Douglas, ABUNDANT LIFE - DISCIPLESHIP - DON'T LOSE HEART, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
The 218th Annual Conference (July 3-7, 2004) of the Church of the Brethren was held in the Charleston Civic Center 200 Civic Center Drive, Charleston, West Virginia 25301. The CCC is a megaplex of four venues: the the Municipal Auditorium, the Little Theater, Convention Center, and the Coliseum with a seating capacity for up to 13,500. 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. The original 1959 facility completed at a cost of $3 million offered 6,000 seats. In February, 1966 Wilt Chamberlain broke the NBA’s all time scoring record at the Civic Center. National Hotels were nearby with Spacious Room with nice Dining Facilities that offered comfortable features as well as great food. A huge Shopping Mall enabled Brethren to pickup traveling necessities and souvenirs. Near the middle was a Water Fall that became a favorite meeting spot for Brethren groups.
HISTORICAL NOTES:
The issue of slavery is the reason for the existence of the State of West Virginia. Following the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 who was a strong advocate of freedom, Southerners became enraged that the previous 32 years of Jacksonian-Democratic control might come to a halt in the US Congress, and that would jeopardize their heritage and industry built on slavery. Eleven states quickly seceded from the Union and the State of Virginia, voted to join them on April 17, 1861. However, 26 northwestern counties refused to go along with them, for the rugged terrain of this area made slavery unprofitable, and social development year by year only increased the differences between these two parts of Virginia. At the Wheeling Conventions they repealed the Ordinance of Secession passed by Virginia, and became known as the “Restored Government of Virginia,” and later, West Virginia.
SPECIAL NOTES:
The Coliseum gave Worshippers plenty of room. The uppermost blue section was originally roped off but the volume of attendees eventually forced convention officials to open it, and it remained open throughout the week. Talented Musicians enhanced the spiritual atmosphere of each service. A Brass Ensemble performed for the Saturday evening worship service, and also for passersby in the convention lobby, a wide area that depicted many Historical Items of Charlestown. On Sunday morning, worshippers were blessed to hear the Palmyra Canticle Bell Choir. Tuesday evening worship is the treasured moment to hear the Children's Choir, this year one song involved Coordinated Movement. New for this year was a special “fragrance free” section located at the front-right of the convention hall to accommodate persons suffering from allergies or similar health related issues. Live Updating of business on the projection screens, allowing delegates to more clearly visualize how proposed amendments from the floor would affect the reading of the original draft. This is a welcome improvement
EXHIBITS:
Brethren agencies displayed and interpreted their ministries in the Exhibit Hall. Art enthusiasts had an opportunity to express their ideas for peace through the Living Peace Church Art Project
OFFICERS:
2004 Conference Officers were Moderator Christopher Bowman, pastor of Memorial COB, Martinsburg, Pennsylvania, and former General Board Chairperson; Moderator-Elect Jim Hardenbrook, Idaho District Executive; and Secretary Fred Swartz.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Duties and Relationship of Moderators report from the Annual Conference Council 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 have effectively hamstrung 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. Committee members indicated that they did not witness broad support or compelling need to change the denominational label that is almost a century old.
Structural Framework for Dealing with Strongly Controversial Issues The committee recommended that the 1988 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.
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:
Doing Church Business was adopted per Standing Committees recommendation that would form a study committee (report at AC 2005) 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 preferred a study committee that would help identify particular areas for improvement.
“Standing Committee recommends to Annual Conference that the concerns of the queries be approved and that we direct their implementation to the district leadership, through the district executives, in consultation with the Annual Conference agencies, Standing Committee, congregations, and individuals, so that an increased priority to do cross-cultural ministry might be pursued. We further recommend that Congregational Life Teams provide training for district leaders and pastors in understanding the dynamics of cross-cultural ministry. We further recommend that a written and oral report on progress in this area be made each year to Annual Conference for the next five years, and that Annual Conference in 2010 reassess the future direction of cross-cultural ministries in the denomination.”
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).
When the names of the study committee were announced it was embarrassingly noticed that no African-Americans had been elected, the very type of subtle discrimination which previous business discussion had identified and sought to reverse. Business was reopened and delegates passed a motion that required the study committee to add an eighth member from the original African-American nominees.
OTHER BUSINESS:
General Board resolution on Iraq was adopted that calls for districts and congregations to be “...a constant witness to Christ as a living peace church of today against all war and the violence of its nature.”
Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee report was accepted that recommended a cost of living adjustment of 3.1% to keep pace with the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Total registered attendance was 4,038 comprised of 920 Delegates and 3,118 Non-Delegates.
Ronald Beachley, Pennsylvania Western District Executive Minister, elected as Moderator-Elect who will serve in 2006 at Des Moines, Iowa.
Quilt Auction conducted by the Association for the Arts Church of the Brethren raised a total of $20,400 from three twin-bed size quilts and three wall hangings representing 167 churches. AACOB is also celebrating its 30th Anniversary.
300th Anniversary Committee announced their new web site at www.churchofthebrethrenanniversary.org. A joint Annual Conference will be celebrated with other Brethren denominations in 2008 at Richmond, Virginia. COB-NET was honored to be recognized by the Committee for their having borrowed and posted some of our literary resources at this new site.
Blood Drive succeeded in Conference-goers donating 164 pints for local blood banks.
Program & Arrangements Committee announced that SAN DIEGO, California, will be the location for AC 2009.
WORSHIP SERMONS:
SATURDAY EVENING, JULY 3 :
Moderator Christopher Bowman, LOVING GOD AND NEIGHBOR, Pastor, Martinsburg, Pennsylvania
SUNDAY MORNING, JULY 4 :
Dena Pence Frantz, GOD IS A LIVING GOD, Associate Professor of Theological Studies, Bethany Theological Seminary
MONDAY EVENING EVENING, JULY 5 :
James Washington, LOVINGLY LIVING TOGETHER, Pastor of Faith Center Fellowship, Whitehouse, Texas
TUESDAY EVENING, JULY 6 :
Tim Button-Harrison, LESSONS FROM LOVE FEAST>, Pastor of Ivestor COB, Conrad, Iowa
WEDNESDAY MORNING, July 7 :
Andrew Murray, ARE WE THERE YET, Director of Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies, Juniata College
The 217th Annual Conference (July 5-9, 2003) of the Church of the Brethren was held on the 175 acre main campus of Boise State University in their 13,000 seat, 17,472 square foot sports complex called The Pavilion (later renamed Taco Bell Arena). The university has an enrollment over 19,000 students pursuing 190 fields of interest with degrees of undergraduate, graduate, technical programs within the scope of seven colleges. Their football stadium, home to the Broncos, is the only such stadium with a Blue Field playing surface. Earl Boen and a few other Boise State alumni have become famous motion picture stars.
Idaho produces more potatoes than any other state in the nation. Approximately 400,000 acres are planted every year and accounts for about 34% of the nation's consumption. More than thirty varieties are grown in regions from high elevations to the low flat lands. What makes this area of the country so unique is that Idaho enjoys the warmest mean temperatures in the Northwest. Every year farmers can expect about 90-100 growing days within a 180 frost-free day window. Potato Souvenirs are to be found in most Boise Gift Shops.
Nicknamed the City of Trees, Boise has a population slightly over 403,000 and rests at an elevation of 2,842 feet. Straddling the Boise River, it has become a haven for water sports and recreational pursuits such as Rafting. There are many city parks and Court Fountains that offer relief from the hot dry climate. This shift 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.
Ice-Blocking is a fun sport in the Boise foothills. Visitors to this area usually ask: “What's Ice-Blocking?” It's sort of like sled-riding, except without snow or a sled. You sit on a block of ice and glide down a hill of grass. You won't have trouble finding a hill of grass. Just look towards the foothills and it will be the only Green Hill visible. Potato magnate J.R. Simplot lived in the mansion on that green hill, but donated the entire hill to the State of Idaho to be used as the governor's mansion. Children in the area soon discovered that they were welcomed to play on its slopes and that's when Ice-Blocking was invented (in this area anyway). Local residents were about the friendliest of any recent Annual Conference venue. Many Brethren were surprised to discover being waved at from across the street. Boise shows its religion on its arm-sleeve. Rescue Missions and charity minded associations were noticeable everywhere. Transportation around the city often had a Western Flair.
SPECIAL NOTES:
There is a new Annual Conference Executive Director this year. Lerry Fogle of Frederick, Maryland, assumes the helm from Duane Steiner who resigned at AC 2002. Traditional buffet meals were served in the Student Union cafeteria, and the western bar-b-que style under outside tenting. Groups had no difficulty locating a place for their Annual Dining get-together. Judging by the photographs in the COB-NET photo album, the Message Boards contained more notes than any other Annual Conference, before or after. 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 Prayer Walls. Each one expressed their deepest Heart Feelings of what they such prayer would accomplish. Tuesday evening provides worshippers with another opportunity to enjoy the Children's Choir.
2003 Conference Officers were Moderator Harriet Finney, Co-District Executive of Indiana South-Central District; Moderator-elect Christopher Bowman, pastor of Memorial COB, Martinsburg, Pennsylvania; and new Secretary Fred Swartz beginning his first term, as Cathy Huffman finished her service at AC 2002.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Duties and Relationship of Moderators was referred by delegates to the newly installed Annual Conference Council (formed at AC 2001, Baltimore) for redrafting, and to also include suggestions made by this Conference.
Denominational Name study committee of AC 2002 requested an additional year to listen and encourage dialog among the denomination. Extention was granted and a full report will be presented at AC 2004 in Charleston, West Virginia.
India Church Relationships recommendation calls for the Church of the Brethren to maintain its existing relationship with Churches of Northern India (CNI), and also establish new ties with the Brethren churches that have withdrawn from that coalition.
NEW BUSINESS:
Congregational Disagreements with Annual Conference Decisions from Indiana South-Central District was given to a new five person study committee that will seek to advise congregations and districts with guidelines concerning disagreements, and report their findings at AC 2004. 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.
Clarification of Confusion from Michigan District was also given to the new Annual Conference Council to provide greater interpretation and answers to questions of last years delegate action that rejected the licensing and ordination of homosexual persons.
The Person and Redemptive Work of Jesus Christ was returned per Standing Committee recommendation to the sponsoring Eaton COB congregation and Ohio Southern District as delegates feared a creedal statement may be the result. Discussion centered on referring the scriptures themselves instead of a position paper or statement.
Living Peace Church resolution from On Earth Peace and the General Board was adopted that calls for continued efforts toward peace through prayer and studying the scriptures. One delegate questioned the Conference to explain why abortion, the war in the womb, was not included as a part of this peace effort.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Report of Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee was accepted that recommended a cost of living adjustment of 2.1%.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Total registered attendance was 2,844 comprised of 843 Delegates and 2,001 Non-Delegates.
Jim Hardenbrook, pastor of Nampa COB in Nampa, Idaho, elected as Moderator-Elect who will serve as Moderator at Peoria in 2005.
Brethren Benefit Trust celebrated the 60th Anniversary of its Pension Plan.
Stan Noffsinger was consecrated as general secretary for outgoing Judy Mills Reimer.
Howard Royer was recognized for 50 years of service with the General Board. He will be retiring in August.
American Red-Cross was on hand for the annual Blood Drive.
Quilt Auction of the Association for the Arts Church of the Brethren raised $25,550 for world hunger relief, plus a $2,000 donation.
Program & Arrangements Committee announced that RICHMOND, Virginia, will be the location for AC 2008 and the 300th Anniversary of the Brethren.
WORSHIP SERMONS:
SATURDAY EVENING, JULY 5 :
Moderator Harriet Finney, In Perfect Harmony”, Co-District Executive: Indiana South-Central District
SUNDAY MORNING, JULY 6 :
Stephen Breck Reid, The Big Empty is Awake, Professor at Bethany Theological Seminary
MONDAY EVENING EVENING, July 7 :
Dan Ulrich, A Well-Connected Church, Professor at Bethany Theological Seminary
TUESDAY EVENING, JULY 8 :
Bonnie Kline Smeltzer, Rise to New Life, Pastor of University Baptist & Brethren, State College, Pennsylvania
WEDNESDAY MORNING, JULY 9 :
Rev. Larry Dentler, Opening the Door to New Life, Pastor of Bermudian COB, East Berlin, Pennsylvania
The 216th Annual Conference (June 29-July 3, 2002) of the Church of the Brethren was held in the Kentucky International Convention Center, 221 Fourth Street, Louisville, KY 40202, just a few blocks from the Ohio River with the State of Indiana on the opposite side. Brethren enjoyed the use of a 1999 renovated facility that covers 300,000 square feet of total space, including 200,000 square foot of exhibit space, 145,000 of which is column-free, plus 52 meeting rooms. Additionally impressive were the terrazzo flooring which depicted many of the important events in Kentucky history. The settlement that later became the city of Louisville was founded in 1778 by George Rogers Clark and named after King Louis XVI of France. Locating the convention center was very easy as three major Interstates I-64, I-65, and I-71, all pass within a few blocks of the facility and surrounding Hotels. Downtown atmosphere was enjoyable, residents were friendly, and many notable figures of Kentucky were easy to engage in Conversation.
HISTORICAL NOTES:
Louisville is naturally home to the Louisville Slugger Factory and Museum, easily located by its mammoth 120 foot tall Baseball Bat leaning against the building. Since 1884 they have been literally Turning Out Bats for all major league baseball players, a few of which have been retired to their Baseball Museum following an impressive player career or one-time event. The river walk permitted Conference-goers an opportunity to relax, take a quick river tour on a Paddle-wheel Boat, or adjust their time to the gigantic 40 foot Colgate Clock at the Colgate-Palmolive factory across the river. It has been featured as a backdrop in several motion pictures. For those who like side trips, it's only a few blocks south to Church Hill Downs, famous for the Kentucky Derby, or several miles south to the United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox.
SPECIAL NOTES:
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 as found in Daniel 9:3, “And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes,” Grout provided several tables of Ashes & Sackcloth. Following the main worship service but still 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. Candles on the Worship Table were lit before each service to continually emphasize the theme of repentance. The Children Walking in their monitored groups were often observed around the city, and Tuesday evening is the treasured moment to hear the Children Singing before the evening worship service. Volunteers Quilted hundreds of patches sent in from districts and congregations. Finishing touches are given to the main 2002 Logo Quilt, featuring the Conference logo prominently centered and surrounded by patches from congregations, districts, camps, and agencies. A technological innovation permitted delegates to visually see Proposed Admendment Changes on screen, instead listening to them being read by the Conference Secretary. It was a welcome change.
OFFICERS:
2002 Conference Officers were Moderator Paul Grout, pastor of Genesis COB, Putney, Vermont; Moderator-elect Harriet Finney, Co-District Executive of Indiana South-Central; and Secretary Cathy Huffman.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Resolution Of Healing with The Brethren Church headquartered in Ashland, Ohio, received strong approval. This Brethren group was the second to split from the original German Baptist Brethren in 1883, when headed by prominent denominational figure and publisher Henry Holsinger.
NEW BUSINESS:
Denominational Name Change was sent to a study committee of Jeff Carter, Ben Barlow, Alberto Gonzalez, Shirley McCracken Spire, and Shawn Kirchner, assigned the task of engaging denominational dialogue on the issue and reporting back to AC 2003 in Boise, Idaho.
Licensing for Ordination of Homosexual Persons was heavily debated with delegates finally accepting by a narrow two-thirds majority the recommendation of Standing Committee that it violated the spirit of the 1983 Human Sexuality paper: “...it is inappropriate to license or ordain to the Christian ministry any persons who are known to be engaging in homosexual practices.”
A Call to Prayer was affirmed with the delegates asking that resources be further developed, plus establishing a time for prayerful reflection at AC 2003.
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.
Church of Northern India Relationship, a General Board Recommendation gained prolonged discussion with the matter eventually being tabled without a further timeline. The paper had called for cooperating with two groups, the Church of North India (CNI) and also with other Brethren who have separated to form their own identity. Questions over land issues and foreign protocols left delegates confused on how best to respond.
OTHER BUSINESS:
New Life Ministries Request for Reportability to Annual Conference was tabled by the Annual Conference Council until their August meeting. Secretary Cathy Huffman stated: “The council was not of one mind.”
300th Anniversary Theme was announced by the Annual Conference 300th Anniversary Committee to be celebrated until AC 2008: “Surrendered
to God, Transformed by Christ, Empowered by the Holy Spirit.”
General Board Deficits reviewed by the Board and its Executive Committee prior to Conference. Financial officers raised a yellow light for the next several years. The remainder of 2002 appears to be stable but the ensuing years will present difficult challenges.
Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee report was accepted that recommended a cost of living adjustment of 1.2%.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Final registration was a total of 3,802.
Christopher Bowman, pastor of Memorial COB in Martinsburg, Pennsylvania, elected as Moderator-Elect who will serve at AC 2004 in Charleston, West Virginia.
Fred Swartz from Manassas, Virgina, was called as Conference secretary. This will end twenty-three years of service as editor of the Conference Journal. Swartz will begin serving at AC 2003 in Boise, Idaho. This year will be the last year of service for Cathy Huffman who began as Conference secretary at AC 1998 in Orlando, Florida.
AC Executive Director Duane Steiner resigns after ten years of service and is succeeded by Lerry Fogle from Frederick, Maryland. Fogle will also begin his duties at AC 2003 in Boise, Idaho.
Music coordinator was Andrew Wright, pastor of New Carlisle COB, Ohio, who was a late stand-in for the scheduled coordinator.
Association for the Arts Church of the Brethren quilt auction raised $18,400 from four twin-bed size quilts, four wall hangings, and one Returned Quilt from AC 2001. One quilt garnered a single-sale record of $6,000.
Moderator Grout lamented that a US Flag was prominently displayed on the back wall of the convention area and asked to have it removed during the Conference stating: “I face another banner, and I'm not sure quite what to do. I find myself in conflict even as we begin. When we focus on the kingdom of God, these become confusing symbols.” After convention center officials flatly refused to remove the US Flag, Grout later apologized if his remarks had offended anyone.
Program & Arrangements Committee announced that CLEVELAND, Ohio, will be the location for AC 2007.
WORSHIP SERMONS:
SATURDAY EVENING, JUNE 29 :
Moderator Paul Grout, NEW SIGHT, Former pastor of Genesis COB, Putney, Vermont
SUNDAY MORNING, JUNE 30 :
Eugene F. Roop, TWO SONGS TO SING, President of Bethany Theological Seminary
MONDAY EVENING EVENING, JULY 1 :
Valentina Satvedi, THE HEART OF THE MATTER, Pastor of South Bay Community congregation
TUESDAY EVENING, JULY 2 :
Dr. Tex Sample, THE UPSIDE DOWN KINGDOM, United Methodist author and pastor
The 215th Annual Conference (June 30-July 4, 2001) of the Church of the Brethren was held in the Baltimore Convention Center, 1 West Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, located about three blocks from the Inner Harbor complex which includes the National Aquarium and the Baltimore Maritime Museum. The City of Baltimore owns the facility and built it in two phases. An opening date of 1979 at a cost of fifty-one million offered over 425,000 total exhibition and meeting room space square feet with a ceiling height of thirty feet. Just in time for the Brethren, a second building phase completed in April 1997 increased the Center's total space to 1,225,000 square feet. Nearby hotels and the Inner Harbor are accessible by elevated open air skywalks. Annual Conference has previously visited the State of Maryland thirteen (13) times:
Pipe Creek, (moderator unknown) in
1778,
1783,
1787,
1799,
1804,
1814,
1830,
and 1867 H.B. Davy, Moderator;
Beaver Dam, 1842 (moderator unknown) and 1853 George Hoke, Moderator;
Hagerstown, 1891 Daniel Vaniman, Moderator;
Frederick, 1897 L.W. Teeter, Moderator;
and Baltimore, 1983 Paul W. Hoffman, Moderator.
HISTORICAL NOTES:
There were historical things that happened at this conference
Messenger, the Church of the Brethren flagship publication celebrates its 150th anniversary. During the Tuesday morning business session Henry Kurtz (portrayed by Lee
Krahenbuhl) was invited to share his views on the need for a denominational publication during the 1850s. The real Henry Kurtz started the Gospel Visitor in 1851 in a spring house on a small farm in Ohio. It later merged with the Christian Family Companion and renamed The Primitive Christian. In 1876 it absorbed the Pilgrim. J.T. Myers and L.A. Plate started the Brethren's Messenger from Germantown, Pennsylvania and then moved it to Lanark, Illinois, with a new title, Brethren at Work. In 1883, these two papers were merged to form the Gospel Messenger. The word Gospel was dropped with the January, 1965 issue and the frequency of publication changed from weekly to monthly. All these publications were on exhibit under the title, In The Midst of You.
SPECIAL NOTES:
A Tuesday morning Fire Alarm during a business session witnessed the orderly and respectful egress of delegates from the building, which gave an impressive and memorable witness to the Brethren way of doing things. Thankfully the cause was due to an electrical short-curcuit which present no actual danger to anyone. Some delegates expressed their need for a welcome break. Friday evening is the treasured night to hear the Children's Choir.
SHALL WE GATHER AT THE RIVER:
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.” Moderator Archbold further reminded us that God stirs people to accomplish great tasks for His glory, as when Nehemiah was moved to revive building of the Jerusalem city wall. During the opening part of Saturday's evening worship, a slow procession of worshippers carried District Banners from most of the twenty-three districts. They entered to the music of Shall We Gather at the River,” a traditional hymn written by Robert Lowry in 1864. Its poetic call to final rest with God was stiring.
2001 Conference Officers were Moderator Phil Carlos Archbold, pastor of Brooklyn First COB, Brooklyn, New York; Moderator-elect Paul Grout, pastor of Genesis COB, Putney, Vermont; and Secretary Cathy Huffman.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Process of Calling Denominational Leadership from AC 1999 to make the ministerial calling process more consistent in all districts, and especially the acceptance and certificating of ministers coming from other denominations. Annual Conference balloting procedures will attempted to create greater balance and fairness in the biographical information. Additonally, fifteen (15) General Board members will be elected by the districts, three (3) will be selected by the General Board with affirmation by Annual Conference, and three (3) will be elected by Annual Conference. Process will be in effect for AC 2003.
Litigation also from AC 1999 was adopted following considerable discussion. Delegates affirmed the basic intent of the item, there were numerous questions over the clear definition of words and the nuances of language. The central issue is the biblical admonition from 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 where Apostle Paul upbraids spiritually minded people who use legal and secular processes of the world to settle spiritual conflicts. This resulted in several amendments, many of which were accepted. The final draft called for “Brethren in all careers, including legal careers, to examine what it means to be conformed to Christ in our occupations and daily living”.
Review and Evaluation Committee Report (committee created at AC 1997 to review the continued process of General Board redesign) 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.
NEW BUSINESS:
Ethnic Representation was adopted per Standing Committee recommendation. The Castaner COB of Puerto Rico in Atlantic Southeast District petitioned Annual Conference to essentially make good on its original 1979 Annual Conference Elections paper that sought to encourage more equal representation of men and women in denominational leadership, and the 1991 Brethren Black Americans paper that acknowledged: “the devastating effects of racial discrimination within the church and society, generally we have failed to implement those statements.” Standing Committee also praised the efforts of the General Board's Cross Cultural Ministries Team to address these issues.
Responding to The Brethren Church, was unanimously adopted per Standing Committee recommendation of a General Board resolution asking the denomination: “to repent of the stubbornness that has caused brokenness between our denomination and The Brethren Church of Ashland, Ohio, since the Split In 1883.”
Evangelism and Church Planting was adopted. The Virlina District, in view of its AC 2000 query being returned, asked the denomination for: “increased attention to evangelism and church planting in the Church of the Brethren,” and to heighten awareness of our need to fulfil the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). This year the Virlina District's concerns were met.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Report of Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee was accepted that recommended a cost of living adjustment of 3.6%.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Total registered attendance was 5,029.
Harriet Finney, Co-District Executive Minister of Indiana South-Central District, elected as Moderator-Elect who will serve as Moderator at Boise in 2003.
Program & Arrangements Committee announced that DES MOINES, Iowa, will be the location for AC 2006.
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.
WORSHIP SERMONS:
SATURDAY EVENING, JUNE 30 :
Phil Carlos Archbold, REVIVE US AGAIN, Brooklyn, New York
SUNDAY MORNING, JULY 1 :
Tom Zuercher, AND LET IT BEGIN WITH ME, District Executive/Minister, Northern Ohio District
MONDAY EVENING EVENING, JULY 2 :
Harold Carter, BREAK OUT, O CHURCH IN EVANGELISTIC VICTORY, Pastor of New Shiloh Baptist Church, Baltimore, Maryland
TUESDAY EVENING, JULY 3 :
Frank Ramirez, REVIVE US AGAIN... IN SOUL WINNING EVANGELISM, Pastor of Elkhart Valley Church of the Brethren, Elkhart, Indiana
WEDNESDAY MORNING, JULY 4 :
Christy Waltersdorff, REVIVE US AGAIN... TO GO FORTH TO SERVE, Pastor of York Center COB, Lombard, Illinois
The 214th Annual Conference (July 15-19) of the Church of the Brethren was held in Bartle Hall of the Kansas City Convention Center, located at 301 West 13th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64105. This huge multilevel convention center houses six different multipurpose facilities which encompasses over eight city blocks and 388,800 square feet of Column Free presentation space. This is achieved with roof mounted cables attached to towers called Sky Stations that support the entire roof, permitting extremely large display constructions which companies now expect of exhibition centers. It was a feat almost necessary since Interstate 670, a six-lane highway, passes directly underneath the center. To permit steady flow of interstate traffic, four 300 foot pylons called Sky Stations to support the center by cables. Bartle Hall claims to be the largest, column free convention environment in the world. Total cost of the project was 91.7 million. It opened in 1994 on schedule. Movement throughout the building is intuitive and enhanced by several well placed escalators and elevators.
Kansas City has more fountains than any city in the world except Rome, Italy. Kansas City is known as the City of Fountains. There are slightly over 200 Fountains within the city limits. The nearby Missouri River provides no shortage of water for these fountains, most of which continuously recycle their own water supply. Green conscious Brethren will be happy to know that the League of American Bicyclists has awarded Kansas City, Missouri, with a Bronze Level rating as a Bicycle Friendly Community.
HISTORICAL NOTES:
Several miles west on Route 40 one can visit what is left of the Oregon Trail, a 2,000-mile east to west wagon route that linked the Missouri River to Oregon and California. The early trapper footpath of the 1810s was improved enough for wagons by 1840. The Gold Rush of 1849 found it also being called the California Trail. However, the advancing Union Pacific Railroad gradually displaced its usefulness by the 1870s, especially after the completion of the Transcontinental Railway at Promontory Summit, Utah, May 10, 1869.
Annual Conference has previously visited the State of Missouri, five times:
St. Louis, 1988 William A. Hayes, Moderator;
Sedalia, 1920 I.W. Taylor, Moderator;
St. Joseph, 1911 D.M. Garver, Moderator;
Carthage, 1904 H.C. Early, Moderator;
Pertle Springs, 1890 Enoch Eby, Moderator.
Brethren are not new to this part of the nation, for Annual Conference has also visited the State of Kansas, nine times:
Wichita, 1994 Earl K. Ziegler, Moderator; 1982 Earle W. Fike, Jr., Moderator; 1976 A. Blair Helman, Moderator; 1917 H.C. Early, Moderator;
McPherson, 1943 W.W. Peters, Moderator;
Lawrence, 1938 V.F. Schwalm, Moderator;
Ottawa, 1896 D.E. Price, Moderator; 1887 Enoch Eby, Moderator; and
Bismark Grove, 1883 Enoch Eby, Moderator. This is a first time, though, for the city of Kansas City, which happens to be on the Missouri side of the Missouri River. An easy way to explain the difference between Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas, is that all the tall buildings are on the Missouri side of the river. Kansas City on the west side is mostly flat row-homes, factories, schools, and parks.
SPECIAL NOTES:
A new Annual Conference schedule begins this year commencing with Saturday evening worship, followed by Sunday morning worship, Sunday evening business sessions (a first), and continuing with regular daily business sessions, luncheons, insight sessions, and age group activities finishing with closing ceremonies on Wednesday morning. Brethren Ministries LIVE is a new innovation for Annual Conference reportable agencies to present their reports through imaginative use of drama. It was hoped that a storytelling / dramatic approach would create greater interest and appreciation, instead of the traditional often stale monotone reading of reports.
Moderator Emily Mumma ended her Saturday evening message The Most Excellent Way by telling of a woman in her congregation who experienced continuous, intense pain. Carol telephoned pastor Mumma to say that she had had enough. She was going to end it. The phone call was just her way of saying goodbye. Out of that true life story came Fuzzies. Not the warm, fuzzy experiences to provide comfort and emotional stability that is too often shattered by the cold prickly events of daily life. No, real Fuzzies that you can hold in your hand, stroke, and feel the intimacy of knowing that someone loves you. With a challenge to serve and love from Moderator Mumma, Carol committed herself to making 10,000 Fuzzies by the time of Annual Conference. Someone has suggested that: “For every Prickly experience, it generally takes about eight Fuzzies to compensate.” Mumma announced to worshippers that she wanted to share Fuzzies from her friend Carol. During the last of her message, Mumma would occasionally throw a Fuzzie out into the audience from the stage area. It was a positive expression of love to compliment the Annual Conference theme: Love as I have Loved You, which is taken from the Gospel of John 15:12. Later, ushers carrying boxes filled with Fuzz Balls roamed the aisles and gingerly tossed them into the worshippers. It was a barrage of Fuzzies. It was a love fest. Many recipients thankfully remembered those precious moments of celebrating the warm, fuzzy feeling of receiving Christ's love, as demonstrated through Carol.
OFFICERS:
2000 Conference Officers were Moderator Emily Mumma from Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania; Moderator-elect Phil Carlos Archbold, pastor of Brooklyn First COB, Brooklyn, New York; and Secretary Cathy Huffman.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Congregational Structure was adopted “to evaluate and study our current congregational structures, and propose other congregational options that also maintain the integrity and biblical precedences of our Brethren heritage.” Acceptance contained a provision that congregations may adjust options to suit their own unique circumstances.
Caring for the Poor was adopted with a small number of changes.
Calling Denominational Leadership study committee was extended another year to complete their duties, with their current information received as an interim report.
NEW BUSINESS:
1981 Diminishing Membership Report was returned per Standing Committee recommendation. 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.
District Executive/Minister Relationship to the Council of District Executives was returned per Standing Committee recommendation. The Pacific Southwest District Board asked for additional enlightenment on the role between the District Executive (called District Minister in some districts) and the Council of
District Executives in the Church of the Brethren organizational structure.
Update Discipleship and Reconciliation Polity was accepted and a study committee created.
OTHER BUSINESS:
World Council of Churches’ Decade to Overcome Violence invitation to join was accepted. Districts and congregations were empowered to decide at the local level as how best to implement their efforts.
300th Anniversary Committee in 2008 at Richmond, Virginia is created to plan and develop a year long celebration of the founding of the Church of the Brethren in 1708 at Schwarzenau, Germany.
Report of Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee was accepted that recommended a cost of living adjustment of 3.1%.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Total registered attendance was 3,458 comprised of 883 Delegates and 2,575 Non-Delegates.
Paul Grout, pastor of Genesis COB in Putney, Vermont, elected as Moderator who will serve as Moderator of the 2002 Annual Conference in Louisville, KY, and Fred Swartz, Secretary.
Association for the Arts Church of the Brethren Quilt Auction raised $11,525 from seven twin-bed size quilts and wall hangings.
Program & Arrangements Committee announced that PEORIA, Illinois, will be the location for AC 2005.
WORSHIP SERMONS:
SATURDAY EVENING, JULY 15 :
Emily Mumma, THE MOST EXCELLENT WAY, Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania
SUNDAY MORNING, JULY 16 :
Joel Nogle, BRAND NEW THING, SAME OLD ME?, Pastor of Gettysburg COB, Pennsylvania.
MONDAY EVENING EVENING, JULY 17 :
WALK IN LOVE, Los Angeles, California>
TUESDAY EVENING, JULY 18 :
Emanuel Cleaver, WIDE MARGINS OF LIFE, St. James United Methodist Church in Kansas City, MO
WEDNESDAY MORNING, JULY 19 :
Thomas Troeger, SEEDED IN THE STARS, Professor at Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado
The 213th Annual Conference (June 29-July 4, 1999) of the Church of the Brethren was held in the Milwaukee Arena which is now the U.S Cellular Arena, 400 W. Kilbourn Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203. The exhibition center opened in 1998 with 188,695 square feet of contiguous exhibit space along with a 37,506 square foot ballroom. The arena seats 12,700 people and offers 41,000 feet of floor space. 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. According to legend, Milwaukee gets its name from Algonkian Indians who called this area Millioki: “gathering place by the waters” (Lake Michigan and three converging rivers). It's a culturally diverse city with restaurants serving a broad taste of ethic groups: French, Irish, German, Norwegians, Poles, Czechs, Russians, Yugoslavs, Italians, and Greeks. Preferences also differ from Lake Michigan fresh seafood, cuisine-focused bistros to cheap bohemian college cafes.
SPECIAL NOTES:
Annual Conference was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, once before in 1990 with Moderator Curtis W. Dubble presiding. It may have seemed unusual to some Brethren that the Program & Arrangements Committee would have picked Milwaukee as location for Annual Conference, since Milwaukee has enjoyed and even touted its city acclaim of being: “The Beer Capital of the World.” Some of the most famous breweries, Pabst, Schlitz, and Miller have contributed to its fame. Actually it was the other way around. Lack of 4th of July holiday business drove the Milwaukee convention association to invite the Brethren to come back at very reasonable rates, explained Duane Steiner, Annual Conference Director. He further addressed questions from delegates as to why Annual Conference is held over this holiday since traffic accidents pose an increased risk. Steiner explained that Annual Conference receives extremely good rates on convention space and hotel accommodations nation wide because most other groups rarely meet over this holiday; an important consideration for the Annual Conference Office that struggles to make financial ends meet. On Friday evening, National Youth Conference Speech Contest Winners presented their messages. Linetta Alley, a student at Bridgewater College, spoke to the title: “Living in Community.” Cindy Laprade, a high school student from Franklin County, Virginia, addressed evening worshipers with the title: “Staying Reconciled.”
Friday evening is the treasured night to hear the Children's Choir. The groups consists of about 140 children under the direction of Peg Lehman from Elgin, IL. Next to the Conference Arena is the Midwest Express Center (now Frontier Airlines Center) which hosted all the agency and special interest exhibits. But what seemed to attract the most attention for Conference-goers and vacationers was the incredibly lifelike house Security Guard who stood right inside the 4th Street tower entrance. Many people stood for several minutes to admire the intricate attention to detail of this plastic and wax creation. Detail of perhaps a sixty year old man that showed freckles, skin deformities, protruding veins, fuss arm hair, naturally looking hands, and the most lifelike facial features.
OFFICERS:
1999 Conference Officers were Moderator Lowell Flory, chairman for business and economics at McPherson College; Moderator-elect Emily Mumma from Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania; and Secretary Cathy Huffman.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
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.” The study committee was granted another year to complete its work.
Standing Committee Tenure query to extend the length of service from three to five years was rejected.
Unfunded Mandates was adopted per Standing Committee recommendation that offered a new process for considering the financial impact of unfunded mandates. The recommendation calls for a review committee to assess the magnitude of future mandates.
Caring for the Poor study committee was granted another year to complete their work and develop a recommendation.
NEW BUSINESS:
Ministerial Leadership Statement was adopted with several amendments 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. More than nine years in development, this paper sought to achieve consistency among the districts which had dissimilar methods of training, licensing, and ordination. Additionally, pastors from other denominations were received into Brethren ministry in different ways. The paper is the result of years of studies and conversations with ministry commissions from all twenty-three districts, that involves polity and procedural changes. Following the vote Moderator Lowell Flory said: “This statement establishes a far clearer set of guidelines and moves us toward consistency from district to district.”
Children and Violence was a General Board approved statement drafted this week that requests congregations to: “actively work to change the current culture of violence in communities and schools and to reaffirm the 1978 Annual Conference Statement Violence and the Use of Firearms in its call to eliminate all weapons used for human destruction.”
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. Many people rel ted how gun violence had touched them or their families in a very personal way.
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 AC 2001 that would include such guidance.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Delegates were given a preview of the new conference schedule change that will begin on Saturday and end on Wednesday morning, instead of the current Tuesday to Sunday morning format. The Program and Arrangements Committee explained that the intent is to save one whole day of Conference, and thus permit delegates to take off one less day of work.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Total registered attendance was 3,528 comprised of 868 Delegates and 2,660 Non-Delegates.
Phil Carlos Archbold of Brooklyn First COB was elected as Moderator-elect who will will serve as Moderator of the 2001 Annual Conference in Baltimore, Maryland.
Blood Drive participants were successful in donating exactly 302 units of blood for the American Red Cross.
On Earth Peace Assembly celebrates its 25th birthday in October, 1999.
Ice cream reigns with the Brethren who consumed about 80 gallons at the Hilton Hotel from Tuesday to Friday. Not to be outdone, Brethren at the Hyatt Hotel vanished 50 gallons per night. Someone calculated that would total about 2,500 cones and about 1,000 sundaes.
Program & Arrangements Committee announced that CHARLESTON, West Virginia, will be the location for AC 2004.
WORSHIP SERMONS:
TUESDAY EVENING, JUNE 29 :
Lowell Flory, WHO, ME?, 1999 Annual Conference Moderator, Professor at McPherson College
WEDNESDAY EVENING, JUNE 30 :
Nancy Faus, THE TIMELINESS OF AN ANCIENT MESSAGE, Retired professor of Bethany, Theological Seminary,Richmond, Indiana
THURSDAY EVENING, JULY 1 :
Patrick Mellerson, THE GREAT SERVANT, Pastor of Butler Chapel, Orangeburg, South Carolina
FRIDAY EVENING, JULY 2 :
Linetta Alley, LIVING IN COMMUNITY, Student at Bridgewater College
Cindy Laprade, STAYING RECONCILED, Student at Franklin County High School, Virginia
SATURDAY EVENING, JULY 3 :
Kurt Snyder, WHAT'S THAT SMELL?, Pastor of Roann Church of the Brethren, Roann, Indiana
SUNDAY MORNING, JULY 4 :
Paul Mundey, SOARING SERVANTS, Pastor of Frederick Church of the Brethren, Frederick Maryland
The 212th Annual Conference (June 30-July 5, 1998) of the Church of the Brethren was held in the Orange County Convention Center,
9800 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819, the second largest convention/exhibition facility in the nation (just behind McCormick Place in Chicago). Spanning over a half-mile in length, this three story building comprises six huge convention halls and seventy-four meeting rooms, individual reception rooms, plus Gigantic Hallways that converge into spacious atrium's with large amounts of glass for natural lighting. Although not open to outside traffic, the central hallway is wide enough to accommodate four coach buses, side by side. The entire complex would provide 1.2 million square feet of exhibition space within a building totaling 4 million square feet. If you like to walk, you've found the right place. In fact, many physically challenged Brethren without the benefit of scooters did express disappointment at the long walking distances which also included another three to four hundred yards from the convention complex to the two closest hotels. The convention center was completed in four phases between 1983 and 1996, two short years before the Brethren arrived. The newness of the facility was noticeable and appreciated.
Seven quick miles southwest on Interstate 4 toward Tampa is Disney World, the world's largest and most-visited recreational resort having four major theme parks, twenty-three on site hotels, camp grounds, fitness centers, and spas. The park opened in 1971 with the Magic Kingdom and its towering castle. Epcot Center was added in 1982, Hollywood Studios in 1989, and Animal Kingdom in April 22, 1998, just two short months before the Brethren arrived. Twelve miles northwest is the host Atlantic Southeast district's outdoor ministry Camp Ithiel and its motto: “A Quite Space ... near a Busy Place.”
HISTORICAL NOTES:
Conference-goers participated in two major historical celebrations that were observed this year: “75th Anniversary of Nigerian Church of the Brethren” and “50th Anniversary of Brethren Volunteer Service.” On Friday morning, July 3, delegates were treated to a re-enactment of that 1948 historical moment when 22 year-old, 4' 10" Ted Chambers mounted a strategically placed orange crate in front of a microphone, to introduce a new business item that was not on the regular agenda. In his place, Matt Stauffer, assistant director of BVS orientation stood on a similar crate as did Chambers in 1948, but this time proposing another 50 years of volunteer service projects. Moderator Sollenberger asked for all BVSers and future prospective inductees to stand in recognition. The motion to continue BVS for another fifty years was adopted with a concert of applause.
SPECIAL NOTES:
Moderator Elaine Sollenberger is the first woman to serve as Annual Conference moderator in 1989 and again in 1998, thus completing two historical firsts. She was appointed by AC 1997 delegates to fill the position of Moderator vacated by Moderator-elect Jimmy Ross who resigned for health
reasons. The new General Board web site Brethren.Org is now online and conference business, news, tid-bits, and sermons will go immediately from the News Service to this new web presence, instead of through COB-NET.
OFFICERS:
1998 Conference Officers were Moderator Elaine Sollenberger from Everett, Pennsylvania; Moderator-elect Lowell Flory, chairman for business and economics at McPherson College; and Secretary Cathy Huffman.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
New Testament as our Rule of Faith and Practice was adopted per Standing Committee recommendation with little discussion, since there were very few changes to its content when presented to AC 1997 as a draft statement.
World Mission Philosophy and Global Church Mission Structure was adopted with near unanimous approval. The Virlina District requested that Annual Conference more clearly define district responsibilities for their congregations outside of the United States, because complications and uncertainty have arisen especially in the training of persons to those areas of ministry.
NEW BUSINESS:
On Earth Peace Assembly Request for Reportability to Annual Conference was adopted without serious objection.
Association of Brethren Caregivers Request for Reportability to Annual Conference was adopted with near unanimous approval.
Congregational Structure was adopted that included appointing a three-person study committee to present a report at AC 1999 on the most efficient ways for congregations to reorganize according to their own membership size and uniqueness.
Caring for the Poor was overwhelmingly adopted per Standing Committee recommendation which included appointing a three-person study committee to explore ways that congregations may become more involved in alleviating poverty.
Fetal Tissue Use was returned per recommendation of Standing Committee following discussion and some confusion regarding the original and larger request for a study committee to examine this issue when updating the 1987 Genetic Engineering Statement.
Process Regarding Unfunded Annual Conference Mandates was adopted per Standing Committee recommendation.
Plural Non-Salaried Ministry report by the Polity for Free Ministry task force was adopted per Standing Committee recommendation. This paper seeks to clarify the status of the free ministry in the professional pastor dominated arena of ministry, and requests that possibilities if the free ministry model not be overlooked by congregations.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Relationship with the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) report was given to Standing Committee by the Committee on Interchurch Relations who were charged by AC 1997 to explore the financial costs and implications of a relationship with the NAE, including a lesser role as observer status. The CIR report to Standing Committee was accepted with a recommendation to appoint a visitor to the next NAE convention. In a following session, Standing Committee rescinded the visitor recommendation, but encouraged the CIR to seek Brethren who participate with NAE and gather information for a future report.
Inter-Agency Forum was founded at AC 1997 to work with the Annual Conference agencies so that the mission of each one might be more effective and in greater harmony with the others. IAF asked to continue working on the organizational issues related to the ongoing restructuring of the General Board.
Proposed Changes to the Brethren Benefit Trust Articles of Organization was adopted that would broaden the scope of the Retired Church Workers Fund (to include active pastors) and change its name to: the Church Workers Assistance Plan.
300th Anniversary of the Church of the Brethren was anticipated by Standing Committee and requested that the Inter-Agency Forum create an anniversary committee to coordinate efforts among the different agencies and explore networking with other Brethren groups, to jointly celebrate the 300th Anniversary at during the entire year of 2008 and especially at AC 2008.
Role of Standing Committee Subcommittee suggested that, due to increased responsibilities of Standing Committee, it might be advisable to lengthen the term of service of members from three to five years. Opponents voiced concern that a longer term may deny fresh perspective from new members. Since this would also be a change in Polity, Standing Committee accepted the report as a tool for continued guidance.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Total registered attendance was 3,509 comprised of 893 Delegates and 2,616 Non-Delegates.
Emily Mumma of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, was elected as Moderator-elect to serve in 2000 at Kansas City.
Judy Mills Reimer is elected as the new executive director of the General Board to fill the vacancy of outgoing board chair Chris Bowman.
Celebrated 75 years of Brethren presence in Nigeria.
Blood Drive participants were successful in donating 221 units of blood for the Central Florida Blood Bank.
AACOB quilt auction totaled near $14,000 from its regular and silent auctions to benefit people in Nicaragua, Korea, and the Washington, D.C. Soup Kitchen.
Program & Arrangements Committee announced that BOISE, Idaho, will be the location for AC 2003.
WORSHIP SERMONS:
TUESDAY EVENING, JUNE 30 :
William Willimon, FAITHFULNESS: KEEPING ON SEEING, Professor of Christian Ministry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
WEDNESDAY EVENING, JULY 1 :
Elaine Sollenberger, LIVING THE CONNECTION, 1998 Annual Conference Moderator, Everett, Pennsylvania
THURSDAY EVENING EVENING, JULY 2 :
Fred Swartz, MAKING THE REAL SACRIFICE, Pastor of Manassas COB, Manassas, Virginia
FRIDAY EVENING, JULY 3 :
William S. Coffin, TO SET AT LIBERTY THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED, Retired Pastor of Riverside Church, New York City
SATURDAY EVENING, JULY 4 :
Donna Forbes Steiner, FAITHFUL PEOPLE WITH A HEART FOR WORSHIP, Associate District Executive, Atlantic-Northeast District
SUNDAY MORNING, JULY 5 :
Robert Alley, GOING WITH A PROMISE, Pastor, Bridgewater COB, Bridgewater, Virginia
The 211th Annual Conference (July 1-6, 1997) of the Church of the Brethren was held in the Long Beach Convention Center, 300 East Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, California; consisting of a convention center, a performing arts center, and an arena nicknamed the Fish Tank because the exterior wall is covered with the worlds largest mural of any type. The city gets its name from a land deal involving the Long Beach Land and Water Company when it was incorporated as a city in 1888. Originally the six mile long ocean front was planned to be a resort community but its proximity to the ocean eventually gave way to shipping interests. Long Beach is the nations second busiest container port and one of the world's largest shipping ports. It is the fifth largest city in California and the nations largest municipally owned marina comprised of 3,400 boat slips. The waterfront marina and especially Terminal Island has been host to literally a boatload of movie sets.
SPECIAL NOTES:
Annual Conference was held only once before at Long Beach (1961) in the former 8,000 seat Municipal Auditorium, a classical 1932 building which hosted some the greatest entertainers in show business. In 1961, the Fish Tank arena was still under construction. The rear of the old Municipal Auditorium can be seen at the far right. It was demolished in 1975 to make room for the new convention facility. That former auditorium is not the only thing that has been descending. 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”.
This year also commemorates the 50th anniversary of the General Board. To begin the process the board appointed a Vision Discernment Team and after receiving their report, established a Redesign Steering Committee to gather information from all corners of the denomination, and to develop the initial elements of the new design of the General Board. From July 1995 through October 1996 the committee worked hard to sort out what can be done to restore momentum to the program and mission of the Church of the Brethren General Board. A sometimes overlooked aspect of this redesign is the changes of staff persons who are employed by the various departments of the 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. The process continued as a Transition Team worked to bring the new organizations into existence. Here's what they found (submitted by then board chairman Christopher Bowman).
OFFICERS:
1997 Conference Officers were Moderator David Wine, then president of Mutual Aid Association; Moderator-elect Elaine Sollenberger from Everett, Pennsylvania; and Secretary Anne Myers.
FIRST ANNUAL CONFERENCE MODERATOR ON THE WEB:
Moderator David Wine also has the distinction of being the first “Moderator on the WEB.” Moderator Wine and the Program & Arrangements 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). Moderator Wine is the president of Mutual Aid Association, a Church of the Brethren oriented insurance company located in Abilene, Kansas. He is the first Moderator to significantly participate in the electronic age by using e-mail, list servers, and COB-NET to augment his desire to reach as many Brethren as possible, with news and information about this years Annual Conference in Long Beach. Get to know him and his vision by reading the following issues of his newsletter, The MODCOB. Included in these several issues are business items of the Conference, the redesign of the General Board, and basic information about how questions from districts and congregations are sent to the denominations highest ruling body. The theme of this years Conference is taken from Luke 28:14 where Jesus admonishes His disciples to “Count the Cost” of following in His footsteps. The price of salvation has been paid by Christ's substitutionary death on the cross, but the cost of sacrificing personal desires and behavioral patterns is enormous.
Moderator Wine, a graduate of McPherson College, Bethany Theological Seminary, and General Board chairperson from 1991 to 1995, has issued a call for all Brethren “to become more deeply grounded in faith by renewing our investment in prayer and the things of the Spirit ... Let us count well the cost of spiritual discipline” (Agenda Newsletter, January/February, 1997). Brother Wine has raised the bar for all Brethren by taking meditative strolls and praying an hour each day.
World Mission Philosophy and Global Church Mission Structure progress report was presented to delegates. This item looks at structural problems faced by congregations who administrate congregations outside the United States. It will return to AC 1998 for acceptance.
New Testament as Our Rule of Faith and Practice was presented to Standing Committee and copies will be made available to Conference attendees. This item will return as unfinished business at AC 1998.
Denominational Polity Statement on Property and Stewardship Issues was adopted. This regards the authority of each district to preserve congregational property and other assets in the case that a congregation may neglect such or default on loans.
Fetal Tissue Use was a firebrand issue that put delegates into lengthy and forceful debate. Some voices feared that approval of this business would promote the abortion industry which is the only source of fetal tissue. Other voices attempted to champion the benefits of fetal research related to alleviation those experiencing pain and suffering. After a moment of prayer and thoughtful consideration, Moderator Wine suggested: “God has not spoken to us in uniformity on this issue, but has spoken to us as a body” The item was returned to Standing Committee who were charged to formulate a recommendation to be presented at AC 1998.
Human Genetic Engineering was adopted with little discussion.
NEW BUSINESS:
Proposed New Design of General Board was delayed by questions, concerns, unsuccessful attempts to table, repeated calls for clarification, and more notably that the entire process of adjusting the structure of the Board is taking place too quickly for many members who do not yet fully understand the lasting implication of such a process. Delegates also saw need for a Review and Evaluation Committee to study the new design and how it would be implemented. This committee would be elected at AC 2000 and present their conclusions to AC 2001. Polity will requires the new committee to be reorganized every ten years, so the next review of the General Board would take place in AC 2007. The final wording also clarifies the role of the General Board's accountability to Annual Conference. During the General Board's annual reorganization, Chris Bowman of Martinsburg, PA, was elected as Chairperson. It will be his task to guide the Board through the uncertain waters of redesign.
Deacon Ministry in the Church of Brethren was adopted to update the 1983 Office of Deacon Statement. The issue of calling divorced people to serve as deacons received lengthy discussion. Some felt that those who failed in the marriage relationship would not be effective in ministering as deacons, while others felt equally strong that God accepts people who have made mistakes and that they may be even better equipped to foresee pitfalls of the marriage relationship. Moderator Wine reminded delegates that; “the denomination position on divorce and positions of leadership can be found in the 1977 Annual Conference statement on Marriage and Divorce.”
Defining Ministry Limits of Licensed Ministers was adopted and given to the General Board and the Council of District Executives. The query as sent by the Oregon/Washington District, “...asks for a study to widen our designation for standing to include additional categories for ministry such as those commissioned for service in specific situations.” Standing Committee and the delegate body requested that the Board and the Council follow the recommendations that were included in the AC 1996 Statement “Calling and Forming Quality Ministerial Leadership within the Church of the Brethren.”
Relationship with the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) was adopted and referred to the Committee on Inter-church Relations, for them to study the financial costs, and gather information concerning the potential relationship. A report will be brought to AC 1998.
Domestic Violence was adopted with an amendment. Standing Committee preferred that General Board staff gather resources for the denominational, but delegates voted that the matter be given to Association of Brethren Caregivers because they already have resources on this issue. Delegates also requested for additional resources that might include the prevention of domestic abuse.
Statement on Child Exploitation was adopted to educate Brethren on the plight of children around the world and call for them to take actions. An ammendment states: “We call on the United States government to ratify and support international treaties that protect children from exploitation as this is understood by this paper, and discerned by
the Church.”
OTHER BUSINESS:
The Review and Evaluation Committee presented its final report and was adopted. The committee had also decided at the 1995 Annual Conference to study and review the work of the General Board over the past decade.
The delegate body was reminded during business sessions that the Congregational Structure issue, though still an item of business, has been deferred until AC 1998 when it will be received as a new item of business.
Report of Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee was accepted that recommended a cost of living adjustment of 3.2%.
Due to health reasons, moderator-elect Jimmy Ross is vacating his position. Delegates accepted per Standing Committee recommendation that Elaine
Sollenberger be appointed to serve as Moderator in 1998 at Orlando, Florida.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Total registered attendance was 3,325 comprised of 826 Delegates and 2,499 Non-Delegates.
Lowell Flory of McPherson, Kansas, was elected as Moderator-elect to serve in 1999 at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Flory is a professor and chairman for business and economics at McPherson College.
Retiring Annual Conference secretary Anne Myers of North Manchester, IN, received a standing ovation from the delegate body for her ten years of service to the Conference. Association for the Arts presented her with a quilt that included the ten Annual Conference logos of each year of her service.
Cathy Simmons Huffman of Rocky Mount, Virginia, was elected Annual Conference Secretary and will serve for five years.
Jonathan Shively served as Music Coordinator.
Brethren were joined on July 4th in downtown Long Beach by a crowd of more than 20,000. The city of Long Beach has a reputation of offering the great fireworks, second only to Disneyland.
The First Church of the Brethren Annual Conference on the WEB
A cooperative effort of COB-NET and the News Service of the General Board
The 210th Annual Conference (July 3-7, 1996) of the Church of the Brethren was held in the (then named) Albert B. Sabin Convention Center, 525 Elm Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202. When the convention center opened in 1968, it was named after Dr. Albert Sabin who developed the polio vaccine. Over the years it has been renovated several times and experienced three grand openings, the last being in 2006 as the Duke Energy Convention Center. There is over 750,000 square feet of exhibit hall, meeting hall, and entertainment space. Duke Energy, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a Fortune 500 company supplying 35,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity in the Carolinas and the Midwest, and natural gas distribution services in Ohio and Kentucky. Brethren will be happy to know that Duke Energy is a green company that is focusing on renewable sources of energy.
HISTORICAL NOTES:
Annual Conference has been held in the State of Ohio seventeen times and twice before in Cincinnati: 1987 with Moderator Guy E. Wampler, and 1972 with Moderator Dale W. Brown. In 1790, the city (more of a settlement) was named after Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus, the retired Roman consul who was entreated from his farm to save the Republic by Senators who promised him unchecked authority. He saved the city of Rome from plunder by the Sabines from one direction and the Aequi from another. He humiliated both foes with incredible wisdom and iron-fisted resolve. Rome welcomed their hero with a gigantic celebration, but after enjoying the unquestioned power of a dictator for only sixteen days, he relinquished that power and returned to his farm and family. Cincinnatus is regarded as the virtuous politician who truly serves the people by completing his term and then leaving office to go back home, instead of the modern career politician who feathers his/her nest with exemptions, privileges, favors, pensions, and most of all - tenure. What an inspiration for the delegates this year as they tackle a mountain of business.
1996 was the first year that Annual Conference enjoyed a cyber home “ON THE WEB,” a technological milestone for the Church of the Brethren. The COB News Service of the General Board worked directly with Church of the Brethren Network, by providing special communication about news, daily journals, and sermons to be uploaded each day of the week. Non-conference going Brethren were able to keep updated on Conference business and worship as the News Service of the General Board sent information directly to COB-NET for posting. In the middle 1990s this achievement was of little notice to many Brethren, for only a three churches, two colleges, and one camp had a web site. Nonetheless, this is history.
1996 was also the first year that Habitat For Humanity enjoyed a simultaneous presence with Conference attendees. In what has been described as a “blitz-build,” hundreds of volunteers labored to construct and completely finish, “Three Houses in Ten Days.” This was also the tenth anniversary for Habitat for Humanity in the city of Cincinnati. Millard Fuller, the founder of Habitat for Humanity was present at a Friday luncheon to personally congratulate the workers and encourage all Brethren to: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
OFFICERS:
2011 Conference Officers were Moderator H. Fred Bernhard, then pastor of Oakland Church of the Brethren, Gettysburg, Ohio; Moderator-elect David Wine of Abilene,
Kansas and then president of Mutual Aid Association; and Secretary Anne Myers.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Ministerial Leadership final report from the committee will be presented to delegates. As it waited for a final report, last year's Conference called for a five year emphasis on ministerial leadership to begin immediately in preparation for the final report on the denomination's ministerial structure.
The Simple Life Study Committee will present its paper to Conference delegates. The committee, which was named at the 1994 Annual Conference, was chosen to study ways to re-emphasize the Brethren tradition of the simple life and to discern its full meaning in our time.
Congregational Ethics final draft from the Study Committee will be presented to delegates. The paper, which grew out of the 1992 “Ethics in Ministry Relations” statement, reviews the ethical guidelines of congregations in such areas as church responsibilities to its pastors and the denomination at large.
Nonviolence and Humanitarian Intervention from the General Board will be presented for final approval. The paper, which was a congregational study document during the past year, questions the use of armed forces to deliver humanitarian aid. According to Tim McElwee, director of the Washington Office, this business item is an example of a paper that had its origin from congregational inquiries.
End of Life Decision-Making final draft will be submitted to Conference delegates by the General Board. The paper includes last year's query on Assisted Suicide. Although this statement began as a rewrite of the 1975 Annual Conference Life Stewardship paper, the committee instead chose to present a brief faith statement because so much has happened with 'end-of-life' issues since 1975. Thus, a rewrite of an existing paper seemed insufficient, the committee said.
Office of Deacon statement will be given by the drafting committee as it aims to bring recommendations to the 1997 Conference. The committee's work centers on reviewing and updating the 1983 statement on the Office of Deacon.
Human Genetic Engineering and Fetal Tissue Use study committee on will give a report of its review of the 1987 statement as its prepares for its final report in 1997.
The Review and Evaluation Committee will give its interim report, and will return to the 1997 Annual Conference with its final evaluation. The five-member committee has spent its first year reviewing the General Board and its programs.
NEW BUSINESS
Congregational Structure from the Atlantic Northeast District after an appointed task committee concluded that all congregations cannot fit into the present denominational structure system. According to District Executive Allen Hansell, the committee found that the current structure is not flexible enough with a board and three commissions, and ministry issues should mold ministry teams, not vice versa, as is done in the current structure. Hansell added that Annual Conference has not addressed the issue of congregational structure in more than 30 years.
How Christian Faith Should be Expressed in the Political Process, from Northern Indiana District. This query originated in a Crest Manor Church of the Brethren, South Bend, Indiana, Sunday school class. The class determined that the church's involvement in politics is an issue for denominational study. According to District Executive Herman Kauffman, the concern is over various groups taking a political stance in the name of the church.
The New Testament as our Rule of Faith and Practice, from the Middle Pennsylvania District Board which questions the recurring issues that have come to Conference in recent years concerning this basic denominational tenet, said District Executive Randall Yoder. The query asks Annual Conference for a statement of interpretation on our understanding of the New Testament.
The Ethics in Ministry Relations statement revision was initiated by Standing Committee after Conference adopted the paper in 1992. The paper has been revised and expanded, especially in the area dealing with allegations of sexual misconduct. The final report will be brought to Standing Committee, and, if approved, to Annual Conference delegates.
Statement on Child Exploitation, originating from the 1995 Christian Citizenship Seminar. It received General Board approval in March and is being sent to Annual Conference with the recommendation that it become a study paper for one year, returning in 1997 for final approval. The paper deals with ethical behavior of multinational corporations, and consumers who buy goods made by children in developing countries.
Guidelines for Developing and Recommending Curriculum in the Church of the Brethren, from the General Board. If approved by Conference, the guidelines will be available for use throughout the denomination. The last set of guidelines were approved by the 1986 Annual Conference.
Church of the Brethren's Pastors' Insurance Package. A proposed change will be brought by the Annual Conference Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee. The committee recommends that the maximum Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefit be increased from $40,000 to $50,000.
World Mission Philosophy and Global Structure, from Virlina District asking that Annual Conference determine district responsibilities with congregations outside the US, define set-apart ministry and calling in other countries, and develop a better system to include these congregations in the actions of Annual Conference.
Denominational Polity: Property and Stewardship Issues was repackaged into a substitute motion: “a committee be appointed to review and recommend revision on polity to allow districts and the General Board to assume ownership of real property in cases of default and report their recommendations to the 1997 Annual Conference.”. Originally, Standing Committee had recommended that each district take responsibility for legal agreements and loans to congregations.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Total registered attendance was 4,935 comprised of 918 Delegates and 4,017 Non-Delegates.
Andrew Wright served as the Music Coordinator, and introduced contemporary music, along with a group of talented musicians from Ohio Southern District.
Jimmy Ross of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, was elected as Moderator-elect to serve in 2000 at Kansas City, Missouri.
A first for Annual Conference. A Habitat For Humanity house was built by Conference attendees. Founder Millard Fuller was present on Friday at its completion.
Tuesday Evening
Worship Leader ~ David Wine - Moderator-elect and president of Mutual Aid Association
Evening Speaker ~ Fred Bernhard - O give me a home - Annual Conference moderator and pastor of Oakland Church of the Brethren, Gettysburg, Ohio
Wednesday Evening
Worship Leader ~ Bob Kurtz - Pastor of Potsdam, Ohio COB
Evening Speaker ~ Robin Wentworth Mayer - Come as you are - Pastor of Kokomo, Indiana, Church of the Brethren
Thursday Evening
Worship Leaders ~ Mary Jane and Tim Button-Harrison, team pastors of Ankeny (Iowa) COB
Evening Speaker ~ Pete Kaltenbaugh - Who is welcome at the table? - Pastor of Hartville, Ohio, Church of the Brethren
Friday Evening
Worship Leader ~ Jim Chinworth, pastor of Mountville COB
Evening Speaker ~ Joyce Stoltzfus - An honest welcome - Pastor of Glade Valley Church of the Brethren, Walkersville, Maryland
Saturday Evening
Worship Leader ~ Elizabeth Kee, interim pastor of Covington (Ohio) COB
Evening Speaker ~ Richard Schreckhise - Someone's knockin' at the door - Pastor of Annville Church of the Brethren, Annville, Pennsylvania
Sunday Morning
Worship Leader ~ Keith Funk, pastor of East Chippewa COB
Morning Speaker ~ Stafford Frederick - Living or dying, glorify God - Pastor of Olathe Church of the Brethren, Olathe, Kansas and General Board member
“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
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.
June 30, 1997
July 2, 1996
