Wednesday, July 5
Clergywomen’s Breakfast
“Claiming Power or Confessing Privilege: Framing Tough Topics”
Complicated issues of race, gender, and class arise when we work to create a more peaceful and just world. How do we get unstuck or not get stuck in the first place? Let’s talk about the possibilities and pitfalls of confessing privilege and claiming power.
Outdoor Ministries Association Breakfast
“Camp Celebration and Recognition”
Come join us to connect with old friends, share with others and leave with new friends who love to be at camp. This breakfast features the roll Call of camps, presentation of the OMA awards and grants, honoring retirees, and updates on new programs and trends in the outdoor ministry. We share a favorite camp song or two!!
El Almuerzo / Latinx Lunch
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.
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.
*The ticket price for this meal is being partially subsidized by Church of the Brethren Discipleship Ministries
Brethren Volunteer Service Luncheon
“A Year of Living Differently: Celebrating 75 years of Brethren Volunteer Service”
Jim Lehman, author of A Year of Living Differently: How Brethren Volunteer Service Changed Our Lives Forever, may know BVS’s history better than anyone. His book, which is being released by Brethren Press this summer, compiles stories and articles that celebrate BVS’s rich legacy of service around the world and the life-changing experiences of its volunteers. Join us to discover new stories, connect with former and current BVSers, and hear about the future of Brethren Volunteer Service.
Discipleship Ministries Dinner
“Breaking the Silence about Mental Illness with Children and Teens”
Being able to be honest and real about the challenges youth face can help parents, teachers, youth pastors provide stability to children facing mental health issues, remove barriers of stigma and shame, and allow them to flourish. Our youth need to know they are not alone. Come for education and inspiration, as well as the chance to meet others who care deeply about our young people. Rev. Dr. Sarah Griffith Lund is the senior pastor at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Indianapolis and serves on National Staff of the UCC as Minister for Disabilities and Mental Health Justice.
Thursday, July 6
Brethren Disaster Ministries and Children’s Disaster Services Volunteer Breakfast
This breakfast is open to all current and past BDM & CDS volunteers and supporters, and those interested in becoming volunteers. Pre-registration by June 5, 2023 is necessary to reserve a seat for this free event by contacting the BDM or CDS office (800-451-4407; bdm@brethren.org; cds@brethren.org). During the conference a limited number of spaces may be available for those who have not pre-registered—please make a BDM or CDS staff member aware of your interest.
Bethany Theological Seminary Lunch
“Bethany’s BOLD Future”
It’s an exciting time at Bethany Theological Seminary, with six years of continuous enrollment grown, a sustained commitment to longstanding core values, and a spirit of innovation that leads to new programs and avenues for learning. Join us for a panel discussion touching on what’s new in the theopoetics program, how Afrofuturism is being incorporated in the Bethany curriculum, and our exciting new Bethany BOLD initiative — funded by a $1M grant from the Lilly Endowment. The panel will include the most recent additions to the Bethany teaching faculty: Dr. Maggie Elwell, assistant professor of peace studies and director of Bethany BOLD; Dr. Joelle Hathaway, assistant professor of theological studies and director of the theopoetics program; and Dr. Tamisha Tyler, visiting assistant professor of theology and culture and theopoetics. Dr. Jeff Carter, president of Bethany Theological Seminary, will moderate the conversation.
Womaen’s Caucus Luncheon
“Who is Mentoring Who?”
We are excited to offer our annual luncheon! Come for fellowship, our annual report and a panel of young voices. While everyone agrees that pastoral ministry is a difficult calling, it is not always clear what structures and support systems would be most beneficial to help pastors navigate their unique challenges. How best might we support one another in walking the path of shared ministry, both providing and receiving the encouragement necessary to fulfill calling with healthy and authentic practices? We will hear the voices of younger women who living the reality of ministry, sharing their challenges and their hopes for what might be in front of them. We will have the opportunity to explore and learn together.
Brethren Press/Messenger Dinner
“Tell Me Stories”
We’ve been telling each other Bible stories for hundreds of years. Even as the medium has morphed from spoken word to the page to the digital age, we return captivated over and over again by the story of God. Come, listen to a few Bible stories you maybe haven’t heard before and see how God continues to use ancient stories to inspire people of faith today.
Brethren Revival Fellowship Dinner
“A Heavenly Home”
We will walk through the book of Revelation noticing the heavenly place Jesus Christ is preparing for His followers.
Friday, July 7
Brethren World Mission Breakfast
“The Emerging Church of the Brethren in East Africa”
The purpose of Brethren World Mission is to help the Church of the Brethren fulfill the Annual Conference mandate to become a world church. The most rapid growth in the international Church of the Brethren is in the Africa Great Lakes region. The 2023 Brethren World Mission Breakfast will focus on church growth in this region including in the countries of Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, DRC, Kenya, and Tanzania. Join us and share in the excitement!
*The ticket price for this meal is being partially subsidized by Brethren World Mission
Intercultural Leaders Luncheon
Join us for a time of sharing and encouragement across cultures. We invite leaders from across cultural contexts and ministries who share a passion in seeing the Church of the Brethren reflect the heavenly vision of all nations and all peoples gathered around the throne of God (Rev 7:9).
*The ticket price for this meal is being partially subsidized by the Church of the Brethren Discipleship Ministries
Bridgewater College Luncheon
“State of the College”
Join Bridgewater College leadership for an update on the State of the College.
Elizabethtown College Luncheon
“One Student’s Elizabethtown College Educational Experience Through Words and Music”
Featuring insightful stories and memorable melodies, you are invited to enjoy this special luncheon celebration of one student’s Elizabethtown College educational experience! Hosted by the College’s Executive Director of Legacy Planning and Engagement Mark Clapper ’96 and featuring the words and music of current Etown student Micah Bidgood Enders ’25, this event promises to be a captivating component of your Annual Conference!
Juniata College Luncheon
“Juniata Reflections”
Enjoy the 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. Vice President Jim Watt and David Meadows, Exec. Director of Career Development & Alumni Engagement, will bring greetings and updates from campus. All are welcome. We hope you’ll join us!
Manchester University Luncheon
“Manchester University Updates”
Join Director of Alumni Relations, Megan Sarber ’07, and other university representatives for an update on campus happenings. Enjoy networking and sharing memories of our beloved Manchester.
McPherson College Luncheon
“Celebrating Success at McPherson College”
McPherson College is experiencing unprecedented growth and opportunity this year. With the expectation of receiving a matching gift of $500 Million toward endowments, MC intends to grow campus spaces and programs in the next years that will continue its student-centered focus and draw from its three pillars of Scholarship, Participation, and Service. Join the McPherson College Luncheon to connect with fellow Bulldogs, enjoy fellowship together, and learn about the new opportunities available on campus through this extraordinary financial support.
*The ticket price for this meal is being partially subsidized by McPherson College office of Alumni
University of La Verne Alumni
“Update on University of La Verne”
ULV is on an exciting trajectory with a new president coming on board, a new College of Community Health and Well-Being and other developments happening across campus. Please join us for a Lunch n’ Learn to hear all about it!
Global Missions Dinner
“Celebrating 100 years in Nigeria”
Join our celebration of 100 years of the EYN and Church of the Brethren Mission in Nigeria. Begun in 1923, the EYN is now an independent church and the largest Church of the Brethren body in the world. Hear from guests about the Centennial celebrations held earlier this year in Nigeria and about the history and state of the church in Nigeria. The story of growth and faithfulness in the face of adversity is an inspiration.