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The Conference children's choir brought smiles to the congregation with several songs in Tuesday's worship.
Weather: More sunny skies, high in the upper 80s.
Key Events: On Earth Peace breakfast, business sessions, Ecumenical Luncheon, Bethany Luncheon, Association for the Arts quilt auction, Congregational Life Ministries Dinner, evening worship, age-group activities, ice cream social
Quotes of the Day: "I feel that I have grown more in my prayer life and in the vitality of prayer during the past year than I have throughout the several previous decades." — Owen Stultz of Virlina District, during a business session sharing time of prayer experiences
"You and I both know the ultimate answer to life's problems is Jesus Christ." — Idaho State Treasurer Ron Crane, addressing the Conference body
"God loves a cheerful giver. Allow Him to love you!" — Worship leader Jim Hardenbrook, in Tuesday's night offertory introduction
Bonnie Kline Smeltzer preached "Rise to New Life" Tuesday evening.
Business: Delegates dove back into the agenda Tuesday morning, giving lengthy discussion to the General Board recommendation on India relationships. The recommendation, which recommends a "fresh approach" to relate to both the Church of North India and Brethren groups that have separated from CNI, ultimately passed with a large majority. The Call for a Living Peace Church also passed easily after one amendment — the only successful amendment offered during the Conference — was added. It encourages fostering dialogue on peace issues in congregations, especially among those who have differing viewpoints. Study committee members were elected for the Congregational Disagreement with Annual Conference Decisions query (see below). Annual Conference Program & Arrangements Committee announced Richmond, Va., as the Conference site for the 300th anniversary in 1998, contingent upon approval by the Brethren Church at its assembly later this month. Dates will be July 12-16, 2008. A special citation and loud applause was given for Howard Royer, retiring from the General Board next month after 50 years of service with the agency. The rest of the time was dedicated to reports of various ecumenical groups related to Annual Conference and sharing of the blessings prayer has brought in the past year. Several people talked about the impact of newly started prayer meetings.
Idaho State Treasurer Ron Crane brought greetings to Tuesday afternoon's business session.
Worship: The gathering time began with a moving video of ministry through the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund and Emergency Disaster Fund, accompanied by a soloist. Newly called moderator-elect Jim Hardenbrook served as worship leader, weaving several images of his home state of Idaho into his remarks. Brethren folksinger Andy Murray performed a former National Youth Conference theme song, "Goodbye, Still Night," on its 25th anniversary, and the Conference children's choir shared several songs with hand motions. In the evening message, pastor Bonnie Kline Smeltzer of State College, Pa., talked about the ministry and miracle of healing. Drawing from the scripture where Peter and John healed a lame beggar, she looked at the contemporary practice of this ministry — including her own son's battle with cancer. "There is a growing body of evidence that connects the power of prayer with healing," Kline Smeltzer said. She urged Brethren to let go of "all the things that cripple us." "We are called to be instruments of God's healing power," she said. The service ended with a time of anointing, as people flowed from all parts of the arena to spots where people were stationed on the arena floor.
Standing Committee member Ron McAdams anoints a Brethren sister on the Conference floor during worship.
Election results: Delegates elected Phyllis Noland Carter, Larry M. Dentler, Cathy Simmons Huffman, Robert Kettering, and Tom Zuercher to the study committee that will address the query on Congregational Disagreement with Annual Conference Decisions. . . . The General Board appointed Brandy Fix to the Committee on Interchurch Relations and Nelda Roades as a National Council of Churches representative. . . . The Ministers' Association elected Sharon Cobb Hutchinson chair, Christy Dowdy vice chair, and Tim Sollenberger Morphew treasurer.
Other Highlights: Tuesday's Association for the Arts in the Church of the Brethren quilt auction raised $25,550 from the auction of 10 quilts, plus an additional $2,000 donation. . . . Through Tuesday morning, registration stood at 843 delegates and 1,991 non-delegates, for a total of 2,834. . . . Monday's Un-Luncheon raised $2,243.65 for the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund. . . . Tuesday evening's worship offering totaled $11,184.50. . . . Monday's worship was attended by 1,797 people; the offering was $6,196.52. . . . The Brethren Witness office and Washington Office of the General Board organized a petition signing Tuesday evening for "The Urgent Call to End Nuclear Danger." . . . Public appreciation was given Tuesday to the good work done this week by the Boise State University staff. . . . Easton (Md.) Church of the Brethren received this year's Ecumenical Award from the Committee on Interchurch Relations. . . . The 2003 Outdoor Ministries Association awards went to Marty Cole and Sandra Kopp.