Wrap-up, Page 3

Photo by Keith Hollenberg Flutist Marc Rittle was among many instrumentalists to share their talent during Conference worship services.

Spirit of revival fills worship
Arts and creative elements add to vibrant services

Moderator Phill Carlos Archbold
Zuercher	Carter
Ramirez	Waltersdorff

Expounding on the theme, "Revive Us Again," worship services at Annual Conference employed a variety of components to uplift the spirits of attendees and keep attention focused on God's presence at the event and in the lives of God's people.

Saturday's opening worship began with a trumpet chorus of "We Praise Thee, O God," and the presentation of a candle and wash basin for the front of the convention hall. A procession of banners from each district followed.

Emphasizing the all-important need for constant prayer for the successful completion of God's work, moderator Phill Carlos Archbold in his message laid out two descriptions to cover all Christians: hinderer or helper in the work of Jesus Christ.

Speakers Tom Zuercher, Dr. Harold Carter, Frank Ramirez, and Christy Waltersdorff touched on other aspects of revival during the week.

Sunday morning worship, which included many area congregations that suspended their own services to attend Conference, drew more than 5,000 people.

A variety of choirs and instrumental music, songs, litanies, drama, dancers, children, and youth, added energy and creativity to the services. Paul W. Roth was worship coordinator.

Photo by Keith Hollenberg A little bait went a long way as Brethren fishermen David Bibbee and Dan Petry hooked a fish in the flowing "river."

Shall we gather at the river?
Continuing with the Annual Conference theme of revival and renewal, this year's Brethren Ministries Live presentation opened with a drama depicting a baptism in the river of life, which "flowed" throughout the worship hall in the form of long, blue rolls of cloth.

Interspersed among skits, videos, and music, agency representatives told attendees about new and existing programs that sustain and nourish both the church and its work in the wider world.

The presentation included all five of the Annual Conference agencies: the Association of Brethren Caregivers, On Earth Peace, Brethren Benefit Trust, Bethany Theological Seminary, and the General Board. Highlights from the work of each agency were showcased during the lively multimedia report.

Short vignettes provided laughs between segments.

CONFERENCE AT A GLANCE

Site: Baltimore (Md.) Convention Center and surrounding hotels.
Moderator: Phill Carlos Archbold
Registrants: 5,000+ (includes 913 delegates)
Format: Second year of holding Conference from Saturday to Wednesday.