Harriet Finney, the 2003 Annual Conference moderator hands off the gavel to Chris Bowman for 2004.

Weather: Sunny and hot, afternoon high near 100.

Key Events: Closing business session, closing worship service and consecration of moderator and moderator-elect, farewells, Ministers’ Association Conference.

Quotes of the Day: "I live in hope for a new world coming because of Jesus Christ." – moderator Harriet Finney, in her closing remarks

"I am keenly aware of how small I feel. I am resting on the promise that God’s grace is sufficient, and that in our weakness God’s power is made perfect." – Christopher Bowman, upon accepting the moderator’s gavel for the coming year

Business: Little remained on the agenda for Wednesday. The time began with singing and some Brethren humor, then moderator Harriet Finney introduced her family. "I believe there has been a spirit of respect and caring among us," she said in her closing remarks, while also acknowledging that the denomination has some way to go to "experience completely the fullness of living in Jesus’ name." The delegate body gave Finney a standing ovation of thanks, and the Association for the Arts in the Church of the Brethren presented her with a colorful quilt that included the Conference logo. "You’ve touched my heart," Finney said. The meeting closed in prayer.

Sunday morning preacher Larry Dentler urges Conference participants to stay focused on Christ.

Worship: Rich and uplifting music again set the tone, beginning with a group singing, an oboe interlude, and a song from the Taize’ tradition. The choir provided a powerful anthem weaving together several familiar songs, including "When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder." The service also incorporated times of silence and prayer, including the Lord’s Prayer. Bermudian Church of the Brethren pastor Larry Dentler delivered the sermon, centering on the post-resurrection scripture text when the fearful disciples locked themselves inside a room. “Are we a lot different?” Dentler asked. The trouble, he said, comes when Christians “get their eyes off Jesus.” He urged the congregation to let Jesus fully into their lives and not to leave the arena until they had taken an honest look at the things in their lives separating them from Christ. The service ended with the consecration of Christopher Bowman as moderator and Jim Hardenbrook as moderator-elect for the coming year, surrounded by prayer. The Conference choir closed with a choral benediction.

Chris Bowman and Jim Hardenbrook are consecrated for service in the coming year.

Other highlights: Final registration figures stood at 843 delegates and 2,001 non-delegates for a total of 2,844—just short of the initial projection of 2,900 for Boise. . . . Annual Conference executive director Lerry Fogle expressed a special word of thanks for all the volunteers needed to make the Conference possible. . . . Brethren next meet for Annual Conference July 3-7, 2004, in Charleston, W.Va.