220th Annual Conference Des Moines, Iowa July 1-5, 2006

Index	Theme	Friday	Saturday	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Wrap Up

Jim Hardenbrook, interim director of the General Board's Sudan mission initiative, spoke for the International Welcome Dinner. - photo by Jesse Reid

A young Conference-goer enjoyed the General Board's miniature golf course, part of the Passport to Wellness activity series. - photo by Becky Ullom

Miniature golf was only one of the wellness activities available at the Conference. Participants who complete 12 or more activities receive a t-shirt. - photo by Becky Ullom

INTERNATIONAL WELCOME DINNER HONORS DOMINICAN BRETHREN IN ABSENTIA

About 150 Brethren gathered at the Marriot Hotel in Des Moines, Iowa, to welcome Annual Conference’s international guests from the Dominican Republic. Unfortunately, none of the Dominican Brethren were able to attend the Conference, due to problems obtaining visas.

However, Brethren working around the globe were recognized, including Brethren workers from the Dominican Republic and Nigeria as well as various Brethren Volunteer Service workers. Although its guests of honor were not in attendance, the International Welcome Dinner was still a great time for good food, fellowship, and reflection.

The evening started off with music by the Praise Group at Ivester (Iowa) Church of the Brethren, who performed songs from places ranging from Puerto Rico to Zimbabwe.

Jim Hardenbrook, interim director of the Sudan mission initiative of the Church of the Brethren General Board, was the keynote speaker, giving a message entitled, “Don’t Let This Harvest Pass.” The title was inspired by his trip to Sudan last year. Hardenbrook strongly challenged the Brethren to rethink the way that the church does mission, with more of an emphasis on sharing the love and good news of Jesus.

“Folks, quite honestly, we have forgotten how to do mission in the Church of the Brethren in a holistic way,” said Hardenbrook. He challenged Brethren to have more of a focus on the people being witnessed to, saying, “Each one has a name and each one is loved by God almighty.”

The evening concluded with a benediction by Beth Gunzel, consultant for the General Board’s Community Development Program in the Dominican Republic.

-- Jake Blouch is a Ministry Summer Service intern with Messenger magazine

PASSPORT TO WELLNESS--FIT FOR THE JOURNEY

Wellness is a trip everyone needs to take, and Annual Conference attendees are getting started with a passport and great information on how to live a healthier life. This new Wellness Ministry of the Church of the Brethren is supported by Brethren Benefit Trust, Association of Brethren Caregivers, and the General Board.

Passport to Wellness is designed to be fun for all ages, nurturing both body and soul. Passports listing 20 wellness activities are available in any of the three sponsoring agencies’ exhibit areas. A stamp is placed in the passport when an activity is done. The first 500 people completing 12 or more activities receive a “Fit for the Journey” t-shirt.

There is something for everyone, no matter what level of health. A popular activity has been the miniature golf course featuring ministries of the General Board. A blood pressure screening is available at the Brethren Benefit Trust exhibit. Association of Brethren Caregivers has a prayer walk focusing on spiritual health.

(At the end of the Sunday afternoon business session, a very special Passport to Wellness promotional video will be shown.)

-- Kathleen Campanella is director of public relations and hospitality at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.

Members of the 2006 Annual Conference news team, a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board, contributed to the Annual Conference web pages: Jake Blouch, Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, Kathleen Campanella, Eddie Edmonds, Karen Garrett, Clara Glover, Amy Heckert, Keith Hollenberg, Jill Kline, Sarah Kovacs, Frank Ramirez, Jesse Reid, Regina Roberts, Frances Townsend, and Becky Ullom.