Patrick Starkey preaches to close meeting

Board member Patrick Starkey brought the closing message at the meeting. He spoke of the future of the Church of the Brethren with hope, and told of his expectation for God's miracles, coming out of his recent experience as a Brethren Volunteer Service worker. He and his wife had spent a year serving in a home for children in Texas, caring for a number of young foster children.

Brian Messler leads singing

Board member Brian Messler led out in a number of praise songs.

Board members lead in closing worship

A group of board members led a closing worship service for the Fall meeting of the Mission and Ministry Board.

Vision statement to come to 2012 Annual Conference

The board received a packet of information about the proposed denominational vision statement that will be acted on at the 2012 Annual Conference: "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."

Report on Global Christian Forum

Michael Hostetter brought a report from a recent Global Christian Forum--by Skype connection. Hostetter serves as the Church of the Brethren representative to the World Council of Churches, and attended the forum in Indonesia on behalf of the denomination.

District executive representative Don Booz is honored

Don Booz (at right), who is completing a term representing the district executives on the Mission and Ministry Board, was honored during the meeting. At left is general secretary Stan Noffsinger, who presented Booz with an illustrated copy of the Psalms as a thank you gift.

A graph displays Conference Center financial situation

The board received financial information about the situation of the New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center prior to making a decision to cease operation of the Conference Center. The decision was made on the basis of the board's determination that the Conference Center does not align with directional goals in the denomination's strategic plan, and that it is not financially sustainable.

Mission presentation prompts hallway conversation

Global Mission and Service executive Jay Wittmeyer (at left) in a hallway conversation with Brethren Press publisher Wendy McFadden (center) and board member Frances Townsend (at right). Wittmeyer had made a presentation on a new mission relationship that is being explored with a Christian group in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Food and fellowship

During an afternoon snack time, Congregational Life executive Jonathan Shively (left) talks with executive committee member Pam Reist (right).

Messenger editor Randy Miller with board member Don Fitzkee

A break in the meeting gives an opportunity for Messenger editor Randy Miller (left) to fellowship with a former Messenger intern, and now board member Don Fitzkee (right).

Board and staff chat during a break

Mary Jo Flory-Steury (right), associate general secretary who presented proposed revisions to the Ministerial Leadership Paper, chatted with a couple of board members during a break.

Youth and Young Adult Ministry director Becky Ullom

Youth and Young Adult Ministry director Becky Ullom lit candles during a worshipful report on the ministry's recent efforts, including a very successful National Junior High Conference and a full summer of workcamps. Upcoming events include the National Young Adult Conference next summer in June 2012.

Board members engage in discussion

Board member Janet Wayland Elsea (at center) asks a question during discussion of a business item. The board engaged in lengthy discussions of several of the items on their agenda this fall.

Hymn singing

The board meetings featured many moments of worship and devotion, including prayer, silence, and the singing of hymns. Shown here, Mary Jo Flory-Steury (at right) leads a hymn during the meeting, while board members Keith Goering and Wallace Cole (from left) join in the singing.

Ken Frantz preaches for Sunday morning worship

Ken Frantz, a Bethany Seminary student and a minister in Colorado, preached for the Sunday morning worship service during the board meeting. He was one of the class of Bethany students who led the board in worship, each offering a part of the service.

Brethren Disaster Ministries staff

BDM staff Roy Winter (at right) and Zach Wolgemuth work on a project during a break in the board meetings. The two reported to the board about the Church of the Brethren domestic disaster relief projects rebuilding and repairing homes, as well as earthquake relief in Haiti, and the famine in the Horn of Africa.

LeAnn Wine appointed treasurer

LeAnn Wine has been appointed treasurer for the Church of the Brethren. The appointment was made by the Mission and Ministry Board, at the recommendation of the Executive Committee. Also, Ed Woolf was appointed assistant treasurer.

Meal fellowship at board meetings

Guests, Bethany Seminary students, staff, and board members enjoyed meal time as opportunities for fellowship during the Fall meetings.

Bethany Seminary students

A group of Bethany Theological Seminary students attended the fall board meetings, as one of the educational experiences required for those seeking a master of divinity degree.

Rex Miller of Camp Mack

Rex Miller of Camp Mack gave a report from the Outdoor Ministries Association (OMA). OMA has an upcoming event featuring leadership by Mary Jo Flory-Steury of the denomination's Ministry Office.

Annual Conference moderator Tim Harvey

Annual Conference moderator Tim Harvey gave a report to the board, including an analysis of where the denomination's center is currently, and his encouragement to move into more Christ-centered discussion across the church.

Encouraging financial picture for Annual Conference

In a report on Annual Conference, director Chris Douglas displayed a slide showing a remarkable financial turnaround for the conference fund, and projection into the next year's event in St. Louis in 2012.

Moments for devotion, singing, and prayer

The meetings of the Mission and Ministry Board include time set aside for worship and devotions, along with moments for singing and prayer. Shown here from left: general secretary Stan Noffsinger, chair Ben Barlow, and Bob Gross of On Earth Peace.

Board meets new BVSers

Brethren Volunteer Services workers were among the guests and visitors introduced at the start of the Mission and Ministry Board meeting. The group shown here are working in positions at the church's General Offices and youth and young adult ministry. Standing at left is Becky Ullom, director of youth and young adult ministry.

Ben Barlow serves as chair of Mission and Ministry Board

Ben Barlow is beginning a term of service as chair of the board with this Fall 2011 meeting. Also beginning her term of service as chair elect is Becky Ball-Miller.

The full board meets

Following Executive Committee meetings, the full Mission and Ministry Board meets at the Church of the Brethren's General Offices in Elgin, Ill.

Executive Committee starts out Fall meetings of the board

The Fall board meetings of the denomination's Mission and Ministry Board start with the Executive Committee. Shown here from left are executive committee members Andy Hamilton, Becky Ball-Miller (chair elect), Pam Reist, Ben Barlow (chair), Stan Noffsinger (general secretary), and Tim Harvey (Annual Conference moderator).