The Lititz (Pennsylvania) Church of the Brethren was a busy place last week as more than 200 deacons, pastors, chaplains and other caregivers attended this year's Caring Ministries Assembly. The theme “Being Family: Reality and Renewal” was explored through keynote presentations, workshops, Bible study and worship.

The Assembly began Thursday evening with worship and the first of two keynote presentations by David H. Jensen, associate professor at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, who explored family life in our 24/7 society. Friday morning, Dr. Jensen continued his look at family life with a presentation called “Marking Time Together: Christian Faith, Brethren Tradition, and the Renewal of Our Days.”

Friday afternoon, participants attended their choice of workshops about family, including a look at step-families, end-of-life spiritual care, healthy aging, strengthening marriage, creatively handling conflict, and self-care for care givers. An hour-long “Time for Renewal of Body, Mind and Soul” provided the opportunity for silent reflection, walking a labyrinth, prayer, journaling, meditative movement, and massage.

Marilyn Lerch led the Friday evening worship and communion service, sharing stories about family, and Jim and Jean Strathdee, internationally known musicians and song-writers, performed in concert music of compassion, justice, healing and hope.

Saturday, Donald Kraybill and Kate Eisenbise, authors of The Brethren in a Post Modern World, enlightened conference-goers about changes in society over the centuries and shared a multi-generational look at how their own families have changed as they interviewed each other. Afternoon workshops again provided the opportunity to learn about communication, healthy relationships, bridging multi-cultural differences, and deacon visitation etiquette.

The Assembly concluded Saturday afternoon with worship, with Belita Mitchell, immediate past Annual Conference Moderator, challenging worshippers to “go and tell” others what the Lord has done and about what they learned at Caring Ministries Assembly.

Other highlights of the conference included Bible study by Steve Reid, academic dean of Bethany Seminary, musical leadership by the Strathdees throughout the entire Assembly, and the gracious, welcoming hospitality of the Lititz church people as they shared their wonderful facility with the conference.