Tuesday, July 6, 2004
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Cross Cultural Ministries luncheon was more a worship service with musicians taking to the stage photo by Jesse Reid

Cross Cultural Ministries Luncheon gathers the church of Rev. 7:9

“You won’t hear any boring sermons here,” warned Duane Grady, a member of the Congregational Life Teams, as he greeted people arriving at the Cross Cultural Ministries Luncheon, held Tuesday at the Marriott Town Center Pavilion. He was right. Grady is active in facilitating such ministries, and one of the most important things is sometimes to get all the players on the board and step out of the way.

There were many familiar faces and lots of first timers as Gilbert Romero, James Washington with James Washington, Jr., Jaime Diaz, and Joe Vecchio took the stage to lead the assembled in what was more of a worship service than a luncheon, but it wasn’t long before the stage was packed with the likes of Linda K. Williams and Shawn Kirchner. More than 20 individuals took their turns on stage leading the congregation through “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me,” “Guide My Feet,” “Amen, Amen,” “Come Now Is the Time to Worship,” and many other songs.

The words were primarily in Spanish and English. Faces were black, white, and every shade of brown. Participants were reminded of the theme of the most recent meeting, taken from Rev. 7:9, in which God’s true church is revealed as one that includes believers “from every nation, from all tribes and people and languages, standing before the throne....” Once the plates were cleared, the chairs were emptied too as attendees took to their feet in praise. “We need crazy,” Romero said, as he invited Brethren to move their hands and feet.

During a few breaks in the music many took time to catch up on what has happened since the last Cross Cultural Ministries meeting in Castaňer, Puerto Rico. The next one is in early April 2005 at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind.

Womaen's Caucus held a silent auction to fund its work photo by Jesse Reid

Womaen’s Caucus hears challenge to love that transcends boundaries

The Womaen’s Caucus luncheon was held Monday, July 5. As the feminist network in the denomination, the group of men and women works against the violence and pain related to gender inequality. The luncheon focused on the Annual Conference theme, “Loving God and neighbor and with heart, soul, mind, and strength.”

Guest speaker Wanda Will Button from the Ivester Church of the Brethren in Grundy Center, Iowa, addressed the luncheon guests with a challenge to work toward a love that transcends theological boundaries. Button told her audience, “We hurt one another and make mistakes in the church when we demand conformity and uniformity.”

Womaen’s Caucus business covered at the luncheon included announcing new co-conveners and steering committee members, as well as honoring this year’s “Friend of the Caucus” recipient, Myrna Long Wheeler, long time Caucus supporter, educator, and ordained minister.

Throughout the luncheon was a silent auction; attendees were encouraged to bid on a plethora of donated items, ranging from hand-woven scarves to quilts. Nearly $1,400 was raised through the auction, with all proceeds going toward continuing the work of the Womaen’s Caucus. The spirit of the Caucus and its commitment to bringing forth unheard and underrepresented voices in the denomination and beyond was felt by all who attended.

It was standing room only at the On Earth Peace breakfast featuring JOYA photo by Regina Bryan

Bethany Theological Seminary began its celebration of 100 years of education for ministry photo by Regina Bryan

Groups celebrate anniversaries

On Earth Peace celebrated its 30th anniversary at its annual breakfast Tuesday morning, July 6. The original JOYA (Journey of Young Adults) quartet members Luanne Harley, Shawn Kirchner, Brian Kruschwitz, and Barb Sayler performed a variety of songs. The team of singers, who are recording a CD due out in March 2005, first came together in 1994 and has reunited to help OEP celebrate its anniversary at congregations across the country. One of the weekend anniversary celebrations, which include concerts and workshops, has already taken place, and there will be three more over the next year.

On Earth Peace staff member Matt Guynn and supporter Jim Gibbel shared reflections of their experiences with the organization and the work it has done. To continue its work in peace education, OEP is aspiring to provide every youth with the opportunity to participate in significant peace learning experience and to give every pastor a chance to participate in conflict transformation training in the next year. All are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities provided by OEP in this year of celebration.

Other groups celebrating anniversaries at this Annual Conference are quilt auction, celebrating its 30th year, and Bethany Theological Seminary, beginning the celebration of its 100th year.

Members of the 2004 Annual Conference news team, a ministry of the General Board, contributed to this report: Regina Bryan and Jesse Reid, photographers; Kathleen Campanella, Jill Kline, Frank Ramirez, Frances Townsend, and Sarah Leatherman Young, writers; Amy Heckert, technical support; Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, editor.