WEDNESDAY, JULY 19

Weather: Partly to mostly cloudy and slightly cooler, high in the 80s.

Key events: Numerous breakfast events including one by On Earth Peace Assembly and one for international visitors; spiritual development and Bible study sessions, final session of business; closing worship and consecration of moderator/moderator-elect.

Outgoing moderator Emily Mumma, center, prays for 2001 conference officers Moderator Phill Carlos Archbold, right, and Moderator-Elect Paul Grout, left, during the consecration service.

Quotes of the day: "I would like this to be the revival year for the Church of the Brethren. I would like to lift up the cross of Jesus, who said, 'If I am lifted up I will draw all men unto me.' " -- Phill Carlos Archbold, following his consecration as moderator of the denominatin for the coming year. He will serve as moderator at the 2001 Conference in Baltimore.

Business: Reports from Standing Committee and Program & Arrangements Committee, with the announcement that the 2005 Annual Conference will be held in Peoria, Ill. An open microphone time allowed people to share views, thoughts, and opinions. A time capsule, wall-hanging from Association of the Arts, and a book called "The Quiltmakers" were presented to 2000 moderator Emily Mumma.

At final worship, Thomas Troeger gives a colorful sermon in three parts - Seeded In the Stars; A Spindly, Twisted, Tangled Coil; Prize Grapes.

Worship: Speaker, Thomas Troeger; worship leader, Marilyn Lerch Scott

Troeger brought a unique style with a meditative sermon drawing on mental imagery, particularly that of a vineyard. He delivered it in three parts, with interpretative dance, music, and prayer in between. The prayer asked for people to be "pruned with the shears of God's forgiveness."

"You must keep a connection to (Jesus') grace, hope, and love, 'You must abide in me'," Troeger said. He later complimented the Brethren for their social witness and urged Brethren to go out and live the love that they celebrated during Conference. "Do you think that will happen?" he said. "Wouldn't it be wonderful if it did?"

The worship also included testimony from Brandon Grady of Harrisburg (Pa.) First church. He shared about the people important to him in his childhood seeing with their hearts rather than their eyes. He concluded with a song, "I Give My Soul," by Joseph Martin.

The Conference congregation waved hankies to
send out the Brethren in the work of Jesus. It
reflects a past tradition of sending out missionaries.

Worship concluded with the consecration and laying-on of hands for new moderator Phill Carlos Archbold and moderator-elect Paul Grout, as the people surrounding them prayed. Emily Mumma passed the gavel to Archbold, who said his "platform" would be "lifting up the name of Jesus" and asked everyone to keep praying for him.

Other news & notes:

• A few post-Conference activities remain. The Ministers' Association will hold its conference today and Thursday, and Brethren Benefit Trust will hold its golf outing Thursday.