Page 1 - 2026 October / November Newsletter

With Every Breath That I Am Able
October/November
2026
Contents
Message:…………..Pgs. 1-2
District Info:………Pgs. 2-5
Upcoming Events:...Pgs. 6-7
District News:..........Pgs. 8-18
Denominational
News…………...….Pgs. 19-21
Learning Opportunities
CEU’S:………..........Pgs. 22-24
Ministry News:........Pgs. 25-26
DOOR — A door
symbolizes our invitation to
engage in prayer and a
personal relationship with
Jesus: “Knock and the door
will be opened to you”
(Matthew 7:7, NIV). A door
can also represent Jesus’
loving invitation to open our
hearts to him: “Here I am! I
stand at the door and knock”
(Revelation 3:20, NIV).
When we welcome him in,
we receive the joy of
fellowship and life with
Christ.
VISIT US ONLINE WWW.SOPADISTRICT@BRETHREN.ORG
District Conference Moderator’s Reflection
As I have traveled throughout the Southern Pennsylvania District and had the
opportunity to visit our 26 churches, I have been reminded of what a blessing it is
to be part of this church family.
I have met so many wonderful people along the way. At every stop, I have seen
people who are working hard to be Jesus in their neighborhoods. I have seen it
on bulletin boards and in bulletins—collecting items for those in need, special
offerings to help families, providing meals for neighbors, praying for one another,
and so many other acts of kindness that often happen quietly and without much
recognition.
There is a lot of love in our churches.
And I have certainly experienced the welcome! So many congregations truly
rolled out the welcome wagon when I walked through their doors. As a visitor,
there is something special about being greeted by people who are genuinely glad
you are there. Those moments have meant more to me than you probably realize.
I have also enjoyed experiencing the incredible variety within our district. I have
worshiped in services that were very traditional and structured and others that
were relaxed and informal. I have heard organs, pianos, praise teams, brass
instruments, choirs, a cappella singing, and even music played from YouTube.
We don't all worship the same way, and we don't always do things the same way.
But we have so much in common.
My visits have also made me more aware of the challenges we face. We are small.
Many of our congregations are getting older, and there are fewer young families
and younger leaders to carry the work of the church into the next 20, 30, or 40
years. That is a reality we cannot ignore.
But I don't believe that reality should cause us to lose hope.
I believe it should cause us to lean on one another even more.
As we become smaller and older, I believe it is more important than ever to focus
on what unites us rather than what divides us. We need to pull our resources
together. We need to share what we have learned. We need to celebrate one
another's successes. We need to help carry one another when a congregation is
struggling. And perhaps most importantly, we need to enjoy one another's
company.
The world around us is too big, too complicated, and moving far too fast for each
congregation to try to do everything on its own.
We need one another.
This year, our district theme has been “With Every Breath That I Am Able.”
After visiting these churches, that phrase has taken on an even deeper meaning
for me.
Continued on Pg. 2