Page 1 - 2026 April / May Newsletter

Southern Pennsylvania District

Church of the Brethren

You’re Invited to the
2026 SOPA District Conference!

Join us at the Chambersburg Church of the Brethren on
September 18–19, 2026, for a meaningful and uplifting
District Conference. Together, we’ll celebrate our Breth-
ren heritage, reconnect with familiar faces, and form new
friendships and traditions grounded in faith.

Our theme for this year, drawn from Psalm 34:1, is:
“With Every Breath That I Am Able”
I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall contin-
ually be in my mouth.
This powerful reminder calls us to live lives filled with

gratitude and continual praise.
CONTENTS
We are blessed to welcome Pastor Gretchen Sortzi as our keynote speaker. A life-
long member of the Church of the Brethren, Gretchen has faithfully served in
ministry for over 25 years. She currently pastors the Front Royal Church of the

Message Pg. 1 Brethren in Virginia and previously served on the plural ministry team at
——————————–————- Chambersburg Church of the Brethren as Associate Pastor of Christian
Education and Youth Ministries.
District Info Pgs. 2-5
_______________________
Gretchen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication
Upcoming Events Pgs. 6-7 from Clarion University and a Master’s degree in
_______________________ Sociology from Arizona State University. Her experience
as a pastor, educator, and speaker reflects her deep com-

mitment to transforming lives through God’s love. Her
District News Pgs. 8-19
personal stories of perseverance and faith continue to
_______________________ inspire those she serves.

Learning Opportunities
CEU’s Pgs. 19-23 Throughout the weekend, Gretchen will share a powerful Friday evening message,
——–—————————–——— lead a Friday morning seminar on worship, and guide a Saturday insight session to
help us grow in faith and devotion.
Ministry News Pgs. 24-25
_______________________
As your 2026 Moderator, Nicholas Wingert, I warmly
invite you to be part of this joyful gathering of faith and
community. Let’s come together to honor our shared
heritage, be renewed in spirit, and look with hope
toward the future.
April / May
Mark your calendars—September 18–19, 2026.
2026
We look forward to praising God with every breath that
we are able!