Sunday, July 10
Intercultural Ministries Gathering & Reception
4:00 p.m.
“Time of Refreshing”
Speaker: Sheila Wise Rowe
Come and join us for the Intercultural Ministries Gathering and Reception as we share together with music, song, words of encouragement from across cultures. Our special guest will be author Sheila Wise Rowe, author of Healing Racial Trauma: The Road to Resilience and her latest book Young Gifted and Black: A Journey of Lament and Celebration. We look forward to gathering together as we begin Annual Conference Together. All are welcome!
Hors D’oeuvres
Tickets $-price to come
Open Table Mix and Mingle
4:00 p.m.
Tickets – No ticket required
Monday, July 11
Clergywomen’s Breakfast
7:00 a.m.
“Holding on to God’s Call in the Midst of Storms”
Speaker: Amy Gall Ritchie
Pastor and Spiritual Director Amy S. Gall Ritchie will host a panel of clergywomen exploring the challenges of remaining centered on God’s call when ministry contexts are full of chaos and uncertainty. Come to listen, share, and offer mutual support as/with women in leadership today.
Tickets $10*
*The ticket price for this meal is being partially subsidized by the Part-time Pastor; Full-time Church program
Brethren Volunteer Service Luncheon
12:00 p.m.
“Peace Through Music: A Musical Journey to the World Friendship Center”
Speaker: Michael and Carol Stern
Michael and Carol Stern will share a musical journey to a historical Brethren Volunteer Service project site that works for peace in Hiroshima, Japan – The World Friendship Center.
Michael is a folksinger, songwriter and resource leader from Seattle. As a songwriter and inspirational speaker, he incorporates a deep appreciation for scripture, faith and action into his songs and creative presentations. A former BVSer, Michael frequently appears at a wide variety of venues including churches, schools, folk festivals, retreats, camps, and conferences; and for groups such Fellowship of Reconciliation, From Hiroshima to Hope, Habitat for Humanity, Veterans for Peace Golden Rule Project, and the World Friendship Center in Hiroshima – to name just a few. For more info about Mike and his music, visit www.mikesongs.net Raised in the Fresno COB, Carol contributes an invaluable artistic eye and experience in education to every one of Mike’s performances, recordings, and publications. She creates slideshows that are integral to Michael’s presentations and has contributed to the design of each of his albums and songbooks. Carol is a retired early childhood teacher who taught for decades in diverse educational settings. She is a member of the American Committee for the World Friendship Center in Hiroshima.
Tickets $28
Womaen’s Caucus Luncheon
12:00 p.m.
“Taking Our Turn in Line”
Speaker: Bobbi Dykema
We renew our relationships with one another and with the work of Womaen’s Caucus as we gather in person! Gathering at tables is a sacred setting to share powerful stories, recalling the feminists whose heavy lifting changed our world – and then we’ll consider ways to take our own places in line. A bucket brigade, a picket line, a parade: we write history together now. Whether you are a long-time affiliate of Caucus or simply curious, you are welcome to these tables!
Tickets $28
El Almuerzo (by invitation only)
12:00 p.m.
Tiempo de conversación y comunión para todos aquellos que están involucrados en el trabajo con ministerios Latinx (Hispanos, Latino, Latina). Ser un tiempo para compartir alegrías, preocupaciones, ideas y retos; as como también llegar a conocerse mejor y aprender mutuamente. Nota: Esta conversación se llevar a cabo principalmente en español. Para solicitar un boleto: Randi Rowan at rrowan@brethren.org
A time for conversation and fellowship for all those who are involved in working with Latinx (Hispanic/Latino/Latina) ministries. It will be a time to share joys, worries, ideas and challenges, as well as getting to know each other better and learn from each other. Note: This conversation will be conducted primarily in Spanish. To request a reservation, please contact Randi Rowan by June 24 at rrowan@brethren.org
Discipleship Ministries Dinner
5:00 p.m.
“Pathways to Healing”
Speaker: Sheila Wise Rowe
While these are unprecedented times, many are trying to find their footing while overwhelmed by the pandemic, grief, emotional trauma general, and racial trauma specifically. Sheila Wise Rowe will share how Christ offers pathways to healing and shalom. She also shares how we can be Christ’s heart, hands, and feet regardless of the times we are living.
Tickets $32
Tuesday, July 12
Brethren Disaster Ministries/Children’s Disaster Services Meet & Greet
7:00 a.m.
Join us for an informal gathering to connect with Brethren Disaster Ministries and Children’s Disaster Services volunteers. We also welcome anyone interested in learning more about our ministry in service to disaster survivors in the U.S. and around the world. Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome.
Tickets – No ticket required
Outdoor Ministries Camp Celebration Luncheon
12:00 p.m.
“Camp Celebration and Recognition”
Speaker: Bekah Houff
Camps everywhere share the message, “Come join us to reconnect with old friends, and leave with new friends.” This luncheon features the traditional “roll call” of camps, presentation of awards and grants, honoring or retirees, and information about new programs and trends in outdoor ministry. And, of course, camp fellowship!
Tickets $28
Bethany Theological Seminary and Brethren Academy Luncheon
12:00 p.m.
“Growth in the Midst of a Changing World”
Speaker: Jeff Carter
Bethany Theological Seminary is currently focused on four major priorities: keeping our exceptional biblical and theological education affordable and accessible to all qualified students; encouraging innovation and creativity among faculty, particularly in the development of new programs and in classroom technology; building on our mutually beneficial partnership with EYN to provide graduate education for Nigerian students; and providing a hospitable and welcoming educational environment to our students, whether they take part in the residential program, visit Richmond for intensive courses, or participate in distance learning opportunities. In this session, President Jeff Carter will share the good news of Bethany’s growing enrollment, decreasing student debt, and new and growing programs that respond to the needs and interests of our diverse student body.
Tickets $28
Brethren Revival Fellowship Luncheon
12:00 p.m.
“A World-Wide Tour from the Brethren Mission Fund”
Speaker: Carl Brubaker
An overview of how the Brethren Mission Fund began and how it functions, along with a description of those who have been supported over the years.
Tickets – Available at no cost from the Brethren Revival Fellowship exhibit.
Brethren Press and Messenger Dinner
5:00 p.m.
“Turning the World Upside Down: The Distinctive Way Brethren Read the Bible”
Speaker: Christina Bucher
Brethren have a countercultural way of reading the Scriptures, which is rooted in our Anabaptist and Radical Pietist traditions. Historically we’ve found the Gospel of Matthew to be a key interpretive lens, with its focus on nonviolence and reconciliation. Recent study has led two Brethren scholars to claim the Luke-Acts narrative as equally vital and transformative to our life of faith. Come and learn how personal study led to a forthcoming book from Brethren Press, and why our distinctive Brethren way of reading the Bible should be celebrated and shared.
Tickets $32
Wednesday, July 13
Brethren World Mission Breakfast
7:00 a.m.
“What is Happening in Brethren Overseas Missions”
Speaker: TBD
The Brethren have returned to Europe! Mission work there began in Spain and the Spanish Brethren are taking the church into other parts of Europe, even into some of the places where it all began. Join us for some exciting updates on the work of our overseas brothers and sisters.
Tickets $21
Bridgewater College Reception & State of the College
12:00 p.m.
“State of the College”
Speaker: David Bushman
Join Bridgewater College President Bushman and Senior Administration in a reception to celebrate Bridgewater College’s longstanding tradition with the Church of the Brethren. President Bushman will provide an update on the state of the College today.
Tickets $28
Elizabethtown College Luncheon
12:00 p.m.
“Elizabethtown College’s Founding Values, Living Anew”
Speaker: Mark Clapper
Join fellow Elizabethtown College alumni and friends for this special luncheon event. Hosted by the College’s Executive Director of College Engagement Mark Clapper ’96 and featuring a presentation titled the “Elizabethtown College’s Founding Values, Living Anew,” this event promises to be an insightful and delightful part of your Annual Conference experience!
Tickets $28
Juniata College Luncheon
12:00 p.m.
“Juniata Reflections”
Speaker: David Meadows
The Juniata Luncheon will be a wonderful opportunity to visit with others who have a connection to, or interest in, the College. Together, we will share in fellowship and storytelling about the Juniata experience. Representatives from the College will bring greetings and updates from campus. All are welcome. We hope you’ll join us!
Tickets $28
Manchester University Luncheon
12:00 p.m.
“Manchester University Updates”
Speaker: Bekah Houff
Church relations staff will share updates on the University. Enjoy networking and sharing memories of our beloved Manchester.
Tickets $28
McPherson College Luncheon
12:00 p.m.
“Ventures in Christian Discipleship – Continuing education for a changing church”
Speaker: Monica Rice
The Ventures in Christian Discipleship program has been sharing quality continuing education programs through virtual courses on a variety of enriching topics for the last decade. The founders of the program could not have anticipated the urgent need for digital community brought on by the pandemic but did foresee the value of participants connecting across the distance for relevant courses. The program continues to grow and at the same time seeks to share content that is timely and adaptive. Hear about the Ventures program from a panel of participants who are all current members of the Ventures Committee. This committee includes Joe Detrick, Enten Eller, Mark Godfrey ’00, Eleanor Hubbard ’62, Colleen Michael, Andrew Sampson, and Carolyn Schrock ’67. Monica Rice, Director of Alumni and Constituent Relations at McPherson College, will moderate this panel conversation about the past, present, and future of the Ventures in Christian Discipleship Program.
Tickets $15*
*The ticket price for this meal is being partially subsidized by McPherson College office of Alumni
University of La Verne Luncheon
12:00 p.m.
“New Horizons at the University of La Verne”
Speaker: Julia Wheeler
La Verne has lots of “New” to celebrate. New Deans, new Provost, and now a new college: The College of Health and Community Well-being. Come celebrate our shared memories and learn about the future plans of our alma mater.
Tickets $13*
*The ticket price for this meal is being partially subsidized by La Verne’s Office of Alumni Engagement
Brethren Revival Fellowship Dinner
5:00 p.m.
“What Are You Doing Here?”
Speaker: Eric Brubaker
God asked this question of Elijah twice and sent him on a journey to get some perspective and reconnect with his calling. God reminds the prophet that He will accomplish His work, but not always in the way expected (1 Kings 17-19).
Tickets – Available at no cost from the Brethren Revival Fellowship exhibit.
Global Mission Dinner
5:00 p.m.
“Embracing the Global Church of the Brethren”
Speaker: Eric Miller and Ruoxia Li
Co-Executives of Global Mission Ruoxia Li and Eric Miller will share updates about the global Church of the Brethren and sponsored projects around the world. International guests will also be introduced.
Tickets $32