Wrap-up, Page 4

Photo by Eddie Edmonds Theologian Walter Wink interviews Carrie Weller in one of several role plays at the Messenger dinner.

Schedule offers host of options for participants

No one at Annual Conference complained of a lack of options to occupy the day.

Along with business sessions and worship services offered every morning, afternoon, and evening, the majority of Conferencegoers found time to take advantage of Bible studies and insight sessions, and other programs before, in between, and after these main events.

A Spanish-language Bible study was offered each morning, along with three other options, plus one each evening.

Insight sessions were plentiful, with topics allowing choices for family fun, daily issues addressed from the Christian perspective, and church issues. Paul Grout's address to Brethren Revival Fellowship drew more than 400 people.

Meal events also drew crowds during the week, with major events like the Cross-Cultural Luncheon, Un-Luncheon, Outreach Dinner, Messenger dinner, Deacons Luncheon, and others offering speakers and entertainment.

Photo by Eric Miller Sunday's free ice cream social and concert by Joseph Helfrich, sponsored by Bethany Theological Seminary, drew big crowds in the convention center.

Age-group activities, an ice cream social, spiritual formation sessions--including a guest from Scotland's Iona Community, exhibits, and concerts were also offered.

BALTIMORE BITS

PEOPLE: This year's total registration of more than 5,000 marked a sharp increase from the 2000 total of 3,458 in Kansas City. In previous years, 3,528 registered in 1999 in Milwaukee, and 3,509 in 1998 in Orlando.

PLACES: Annual Conference Program & Arrangements Committee announced Des Moines, Iowa, as the 2006 Conference site. Next year's will be held June 29-July 3 in Louisville, Ky.

THE WINNER IS: The Beacon Heights (Fort Wayne, Ind.) and Imperial Heights (Los Angeles) congregations received 2001 Ecumenical Awards for breaking down cross-cultural and racial barriers; Outdoor Ministries Association awards went to Ken Kline Smeltzer and Jan Hurst; ABC presented four caregiving awards previously announced.

Photo by Eric Miller The "Singing Sisters" of the York (Pa.) First congregation gave a unique early-evening concert.

BLOOD DRIVE: Some Brethren truly gave of themselves during the week, providing more than 260 pints of blood.

WELCOME!: Six new fellowships and churches--Nuevo Amanecer and Good Shepherd Fellowship (Atlantic Northeast), Eel River (South/Central Indiana), Open Circle (Northern Plains), Yorkana (Southern Pa.), and Mountain View Fellowship (Shenandoah)--were officially welcomed to the denomination at the Saturday worship service.

OFF TO THE RACES: Top finishers in the annual Brethren Benefit Trust 5K Fitness Challenge were: Male runners overall, Aaron Lahman; female runners overall, Jordan Henley. Walkers overall, Bev Anspaugh.

SQUARE DEAL: Seven quilts and hangings were sold during the annual quilt auction, raising a total of $11,225.

---

The 2001 Annual Conference Wrap-up was produced by the news services team, a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board. Team members are: Walt Wiltschek, editor; Amy Heckert, Kathleen Campanella, Keith Hollenberg, Angie Mountain, Eddie Edmonds, Eric Miller, Beth Rhodes, and Chris Detrick. Wrap-up is available for purchase from Brethren Press at $12.50 per 50 copies. Call 800-441-3712. Additional coverage is available at at www.brethren.org, via video done by David Sollenberger, or in the September issue of Messenger.