Photo by Jesse Reid Eugene Roop attends his last Conference as president of Bethany Seminary.

Photo by Jesse Reid The young adults enjoyed the beauty of the botanical gardens in Cleveland.

Quote of the Day

“When the sins of the world meet the grace of God…Jesus will be on the scene.”
--Tim Harvey, pastor of Central Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Va., preaching for Tuesday evening worship

“I’m glad to announce that as far as Sunday’s schedule is concerned, we’re finished!”
--Annual Conference secretary Fred Swartz reviewing the business schedule late on Tuesday morning, as delegates were still continuing discussion of the Doing Church Business report originally scheduled for Monday morning.

A Bit About Cleveland
1920--Cleveland is the 5th largest city in the nation with a population of 796, 841 people. The Cleveland Indians win their first World Series.”
--From the website of the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Greater Cleveland, www.travelcleveland.com.

Overview of the Day
An On Earth Peace breakfast and Brethren World Mission breakfast opened the day, along with Bible and theological studies, a spiritual formation session, and early morning insight sessions.

Business sessions took place in the morning and afternoon, and a special evening session was called after worship--lasting until 10:45 p.m.--to take care of a backlog of business.

The blood drive continued in the Exhibit Hall, where booths and exhibits were open throughout the day.

Mutual help groups met over lunchtime, which also featured the Ecumenical Luncheon, the Bethany Theological Seminary Luncheon, the Outdoor Ministries Association Luncheon, and the Un-Luncheon. Insight sessions were held on topics such as “Sudan Initiative: Where Are We Now?” and “Are You a Faithful Investor?”

The afternoon was highlighted by the annual Quilt Auction.

More mutual help groups met over dinner, along with the Congregational Life Ministries/Global Ministries Dinner and the Brethren Revival Fellowship Dinner. A concert was led by pastor Thomas Dowdy of Imperial Heights Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles.

Evening worship was led by preacher Tim Harvey, pastor of Central Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Va. Insight sessions following featured topics such as “One District’s Efforts at Congregational Transformation” and “Can We Talk? A Muslim and an Evangelical Christian Come Together.”

Age group activities and an ice cream social ended the Conference day.

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