Program & Arrangements Committee Policy

Catered Meal Event Guidelines

Download this document: Meal Event Guidelines (PDF)

Following are the Program & Arrangements Committee (P&AC) guidelines for planning and scheduling meal events:

Category Definitions

Church of the Brethren, Inc., Districts and Reportable Agencies

The Annual Conference agencies and groups that serve the church and/or are reportable to it by election of Board Members and financial accountability.  These groups are integral to the structure and programing of the Annual Conference event.

  • Church of the Brethren, Inc.
  • Bethany Theological Seminary
  • Eder Financial
  • On Earth Peace/Ministry of Reconciliation
  • Districts/Council of District Executives

Other Groups

Groups relating to the Church of the Brethren for whom Program and Arrangements Committee only provides space for meal events in conjunction with Annual Conference.  If your agency is not reportable to the Annual Conference, you are a part of this listing.

Logistical Guidelines for Planning Meal Events

Church of the Brethren, Inc., Reportable Agencies and Districts 

  1. Meal events must be scheduled through the space request process and all event information forms must be submitted.
  2. Planner may use information packet posted on the Annual Conference website to promote meal event.
  3. Event will be included on the Ticket Order form during the registration process.
  4. Services provided by the Annual Conference office include: assistance with menu selection, ticket printing, and ticket sales.
  5. Planner is required to provide an advance guarantee for the number of expected participants.
  6. Meal events will be included in the daily schedule of the Conference Booklet.
  7. Musical or other groups who perform at meal events and wish to sell CDs, DVDs, or other items must seek the permission of P&AC.

Other Groups

Same as above, except that the listing for meal events in the daily schedule of the Conference Booklet will include some notation that the sponsoring group is not reportable to the Annual Conference.

Program Guidelines

The following guidelines should be considered by all groups planning the program for meal events:

  1. Programs should give witness to our denominational commitment to continuing the work of Jesus
  2. Programs for meal and other special events should align with the mission of Annual Conference to unite, strengthen, and equip the Church of the Brethren to follow Jesus.
  3. Programs should be in harmony with Annual Conference statements and decisions.
  4. Programs should not lobby for Annual Conference to adopt a particular action in relation to any item on the business agenda.
  5. Programs should encourage connection and build community.
  6. Programs should promote unity, rather than division, within the body.

Revised by P&AC September 1997, July 1998, July 1999, November 2007, August 2009, November 2021