Thursday, July 4
Clergywomen’s Breakfast
“Holy Ramblers: How 3 Pastors Navigate the Struggles and Joys of Being Women in Ministry”
There are so many downsides to being a woman in ministry. Good news is, there’s some pretty cool stuff too. Audrey Hollenberg-Duffey, Britnee Linton, and Jennifer K. Scarr became fast friends studying together at Bethany Theological Seminary. When graduation rolled around, they decided to keep meeting together once a month. Come and hear how 10 years of monthly Skype calls helped these three women survive and thrive.
Clergywomen’s Breakfast 2024 flyer
Brethren Volunteer Service Luncheon
“The Times They Are a-Changin’”
In the 1960s, when hundreds of BVS volunteers were sharing their lives as a message of peace, the song “The Times They Are a-Changin’” reflected the counter-cultural values of BVS. While this message of peace and service remains a focus for BVS, the times…they really are changing! Join us in fellowship as BVS director Chelsea Goss Skillen speaks about the innovative ways that BVS staff are adapting to the changing times, while still staying true to the BVS ministry that we all love.
Spanish Speaking Brethren Leaders Luncheon
Opening remarks by General Secretary David Steele; 2024 Annual Conference Moderator, Madalyn Metzger; Discipleship & Leadership Formation Executive Director Nate Polzin. We will finish with a Question-and-Answer session led by Director of Intercultural Ministries, Founa Augustin Badet. The Bittersweet Gospel Band will provide gospel music to open and close our gathering.
*The ticket price for this meal is being partially subsidized by Church of the Brethren Discipleship and Leadership Formation
Discipleship and Leadership Formation Dinner
“(W)holistically Engaged – The Church in the Community”
Jesus’ restoring work is happening all around us. Lorenzo Watson, executive director of the Chrisitan Community Development Association, will introduce us to vision and principals of church-based community development. Discipleship and Leadership Formation will connect congregational leaders to CCDA resources through our denominational membership.
Womaen’s Caucus Dinner
“Her Words, My Voice”
Heidi Ramer’s mother, Karen, was raped for the first time in 1979. She was sexually assaulted at least twelve more times by the same man over the next three years and emotionally tormented by him for the next twenty. After harboring her secret for years, she eventually sought help through counseling and her faith. After Karen’s untimely death in 2001, Heidi’s father handed her a canvas bag full of handwritten journals. In that bag, Karen left a story that needed to be told. Her Words, My Voice merges the journal entries of a victim of sexual assault with her daughter’s journey of self-discovery to share an authentic, inspiring story of survival, hope, faith, and unwavering love. We know there are many others who carry the trauma of sexual abuse; their own stories or the stories of those they know and love. Womaen’s Caucus is here to walk with you…to stand with you. We invite you to join us in building a healthy culture in which to heal. We encourage you to read Heidi’s book prior to the dinner.
Friday, July 5
Brethren Disaster Ministries and Children’s Disaster Services Volunteer/Supporter Breakfast
This breakfast is open to all current and past BDM & CDS volunteers and supporters, and those interested in becoming volunteers. Attendees must register with Brethren Disaster Ministries to participate in this free meal. Pre-registration by June 10, 2024 is necessary to reserve a seat by contacting the BDM/CDS offices (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, although this is not guaranteed. Please make a BDM or CDS staff member aware of your interest.
Outdoor Ministries Association Breakfast
“Celebrating 100 Years of Outdoor Ministries”
We will be remembering the simple beginnings of our camps and marveling at how far we’ve come. There will be a special focus on the stories of Camp Harmony and Camp La Verne as they celebrate their centennials this year!
Bethany Theological Seminary Lunch
“How Will Bethany Flourish?”
Join President Jeff Carter and guests for an exploration of Bethany Theological Seminary’s next chapter. This is an opportunity to learn about the Seminary’s commitments and future plans in three key areas: Strengthening the connection to Brethren heritage and witness, increasing generosity in student financial aid, and empowering all students to think globally and act locally to address issues of community concern. Enjoy a delicious lunch and find out what all Annual Conference attendees can do to help Bethany and the Church.
Brethren Press/Messenger Dinner
“The Power of Words to Form Identity”
What words do you use to describe yourself to others? What labels do others place on you? Words have the power to affect who we are, where we belong, and what we are capable of. The right words can alter perceptions; the wrong words can damage lives. Words shape our identities. Come hear how we harness language to create and to confine.
Brethren Press/Messenger Dinner flyer
Brethren Revival Fellowship Dinner
“The Advantage”
Everyone seems to be looking for an advantage, an edge. For the Christian, Jesus Christ is the Advantage (John 10:22-38).
Saturday, July 6
Brethren World Mission Breakfast
“Church Growth in East Africa”
Expert Bukene from Burundi will share the exciting ways the Lord is blessing and expanding the Church of the Brethren in Burundi with an estimated 6,000 members in 50 congregations and reaching out to plant the Church of the Brethren in Kenya and Tanzania.
Brethren World Mission Breakfast flyer
*The ticket price for this meal is being partially subsidized by Brethren World Mission
On Earth Peace Breakfast: Celebrating 50 Years
“Legacy & Hope: Resisting War, Making Peace, and Pursuing Justice”
Join On Earth Peace in celebrating our 50th Anniversary! Hosted by Marie Benner-Rhoades and Matt Guynn, we will reflect on the theme of “Legacy & Hope.” The breakfast will include an opportunity to share memories from OEP’s 50 years. Peacemaker Awards will be presented in recognition of recipients’ impact on the work of On Earth Peace and in the faithful and persistent call for justice and peace.
Multicultural Gathering & Leaders Luncheon
“What It Means To Be People Of Color In the Church of the Brethren Today”
Everyone is welcome to join this lunch celebrating the many different cultures from which Brethren originate. In addition to the meal, several speakers will share their perspective and experience in the Church of the Brethren. The Bittersweet Gospel Band will be providing worship music in addition to the speakers.
*The ticket price for this meal is being partially subsidized by the Church of the Brethren Discipleship and Leadership Formation
Bridgewater College Luncheon
“State of the College”
Engage with Bridgewater College leadership as we discuss the current State of the College, including exciting details and updates surrounding the recent public launch of the Connections Campaign.
Elizabethtown College Luncheon
“Reimagining Anabaptist Heritage Through a Master’s Program in Musical Peacebuilding”
Featuring the fascinating story of how Elizabethtown College embraced and reinterpreted Anabaptist heritage to build one of the leading Master’s programs in the country in musical peacebuilding, Dr. Kevin Shorner-Johnson will take you along on the journey of how the College’s program drew upon its Anabaptist heritage of presence, witness, humility, and “lived walks of faith” as practices of a peace tradition to become a leading voice in translating the field of peacebuilding into practices of social emotional learning, trauma-informed education, and diverse cultures. Hosted by the College’s Executive Director of Legacy Planning and Engagement Mark Clapper ’96, this event promises to be a captivating component of your Annual Conference experience!
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. All are welcome. We hope you’ll join us!
Manchester University Luncheon
“State of the University”
Hear about what’s new at Manchester University from President Stacy H. Young ’96. Enjoy connecting and reminiscing about our beloved Manchester with fellow alumni.
McPherson College Luncheon
“Building the Bridge”
Receiving future estate commitments totaling more than $1.5 billion has raised expectations for McPherson College. So, how do you manage these expectations, especially when the timing of these gifts is uncertain? You start Building the Bridge. Learn about the long-term vision for McPherson College and the role our alumni and other supporters can play in helping construct a remarkable future for McPherson College.
*The ticket price for this meal is being partially subsidized by McPherson College office of Alumni
Part-time Pastor; Full-time Church Dinner
“Multi-Vocational Ministry: Restorative Practices to address Clergy Burnout”
The demands of multi-vocational ministry are endless, and many of the pastoral leaders in the Church of the Brethren are either part-time or multi-vocational, yet pastors know that there is no such thing as part-time pastoral ministry. Pastors who are considered less than full-time are still expected to meet the needs of their congregations whenever they arise, balance the needs of their family, and in many cases seek additional sources of income by holding down an additional job. Through all of this, pastors are also tasked with taking care of their own personal needs, developing patterns of rest and renewal in their schedules. During this session we will discuss ways that pastors can reclaim and make these rhythms of rest and renewal a priority in their ministry, so that they may be able to fully face the unique challenges of pastoral ministry.
Global Missions Dinner
“Celebrating 80 Years of Heifer International”
Heifer International CEO Surita Sandosham will keynote the Global Mission dinner. Come and learn more about the work started by the Church of the Brethren 80 years ago! /p>