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Thursday, September 5, 2002 Page 2
TOPICS OF INTEREST NOAC participants could choose from nearly one dozen "interest groups" (seminars/ workshops) each afternoon, covering a wide range of topics. A different slate of groups was offered each day. Topics included caregiving, leadership, Hispanic ministry, Brethren Volunteer Service, spiritual direction, a "labyrinth" reflection experience, demographic issues, death and dying, political questions, church conflict, nutrition, and worship. Some featured speakers from the conference's main sessions also spoke at interest groups to delve deeper into their material and answer questions. Many of the optional sessions were very well attended, some drawing overflow crowds despite competing with recreation and handcrafts classes. One group--a Wednesday meeting on peace and reactions to September 11--was even stirred to action. Group members drafted a petition against possible military strikes against Iraq, asking for non-military means to deal with the concerns. The petitions were circulated at spots around NOAC, and more than 700 signatures had been gathered through Thursday evening.		Above left: Grace LeFever talks about healthy lifestyles; above, from top: Jonathan Shively of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership leads a session on contemporary worship issues; Vera Kline of Virginia experiences a station of the "labyrinth" exercise; Ray Miller of Seven Valleys, Pa., and Ed Gilbert of North Manchester, Ind., discuss their stories of peace.

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Daily Coverage
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