Sunday, June 28
Opening Gathering Dinner
Come meet, greet and eat with other conference goers in the Atrium of the Hilton Hotel. Questions on table tents will encourage conversation and fellowship. Come join us!
Monday, June 29
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 learning more about our ministry. This is an opportunity to receive updates on our work; meet or reconnect with others in the BDM family; and hear first-hand accounts from our disaster leaders, volunteers, and partners. ATTENDEES MUST REGISTER WITH BRETHREN DISASTER MINISTRIES TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS FREE MEAL. Pre-registration by Monday, June 1, 2026, is necessary to reserve a seat. Contact the BDM/CDS offices at 800-451-4407; bdm@brethren.org; or cds@brethren.org. During the conference a limited number of spaces may be available for those who have not preregistered, although this is not guaranteed. Please make a BDM or CDS staff member aware of your interest.
Outdoor Ministries Association Breakfast
“Celebrating our Church of the Brethren Camps”
This breakfast is a time to join with fellow camp staff, volunteers, and supporters and celebrate the life-changing ministry of camp. There will be recognition of staff and volunteer award recipients, camp songs, and fellowship with those who value the impact of outdoor ministry in our denomination.
Bethany Theological Seminary Luncheon
Bethany Theological Seminary invites alumni and friends to join a celebration of the successful completion of the Flourish fundraising campaign. Join President Jeff Carter for exciting updates on the wonderful things generous financial support is making possible.
Brethren Volunteer Service and FaithX Luncheon
“Service in Troubling Times”
Faith shapes how we choose to live and express our values in troubling times. Cliff Kindy, Bob Gross, John Hartsough, and Mary Jane Shearer joined Brethren Volunteer Service in 1969, a period of deep conflict in American history. Hear from this panel of former volunteers as they share how the historical moment affected their entrance into voluntary service, and how that commitment affected the rest of their lives. Through personal stories, they will explore service as a faithful response to wartime realities and consider how resistance to the Vietnam War can continue to inform how we serve today.
Discipleship and Leadership Formation Dinner
“Leadership from the Inside Out: Nurturing our Identity as Children of God”
A quote by William O’Brien is as follows: “The success of an intervention depends on the interior condition of the intervenor.” If this statement is true, then the implications for faith leaders and peacebuilders are profound. What do we mean by our interior condition and how does our interior condition influence the work we do? Dr. Pries will offer a robust understanding of our personhood in relationship with one another, proposing a metaphor of selfhood as a vehicle for understanding and transforming ourselves, our relationships, our spirituality, and the conflicts we seek to heal.
Tuesday, June 30
Clergywomen’s Breakfast
“Clergywomen as Change Agents amidst Conflict’s Transformation”
Differences are normal even essential for healthy human interactions and for listening carefully for God’s leading. Disagreeing well becomes challenging when clashing values thrust congregations and societies into discord. Dr. Pries will focus on celebrating the unique gifts women bring as change agents – particularly in traditionally patriarchal male-dominated spaces – while equipping women leaders as they navigate complex congregational and social dynamics, finding their solid ground amidst conflict’s transformation.
Intercultural Ministries Luncheon
“Imagine God’s Love Overflowing”
Experience the overflowing love of God at the 2026 Annual Conference Intercultural Luncheon, where we will gather to build, share stories, and connect with one another. “And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy.” Acts 2:17-18 NKJV
*The ticket price for this meal is being partially subsidized by the Church of the Brethren Intercultural Ministries
Brethren Revival Fellowship Dinner
“A Solid Foundation”
Looking to the building blocks of Brethren heritage may renew our faith in the changeless Gospel and refresh us in its proclamation.
Womaen’s Caucus Dinner
“Healing Power of Music”
Every month Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren’s fellowship hall is full of women, moms and children laughing, playing, and potlucking. The women then circle up for simple, profound music that heals, strengthens and connects (while the kids play with a chaperone). We don’t use instruments or sheet music. We learn by ear and teach each other favorite songs. Sister Song Circle is a collaboration of Beacon Heights CoB, Sophia’s Portico and Bridging Worlds. This model could be a ministry for your own congregation, and an opportunity to serve moms, children, and women of all ages. Even if you can’t imagine trying a sister song circle back home, our annual dinner will be a joyful and rejuvenating time.
Wednesday, July 1
Brethren World Mission Breakfast
“Steadfastness Through Adversity”
Plan to attend the Brethren World Mission breakfast to hear about the resilience and faithfulness of our sister churches in Haiti (Églises des Frères d’Haïti ). The church leaders and 4,500 members continue to live through multiple crises that include economic and political, gang violence, gender-based violence, kidnapping, a cholera outbreak, high inflation and destruction left by Hurricane Melissa in fall 2025. A time of prayer will be held at the conclusion of the presentation.
On Earth Peace Breakfast
“A Biblical Basis for Resisting Tyranny”
Dozens of OEP folks have joined in a study called OUTWIT with Dana Cassell. While we dug into biblical stories of regular people taking down tyrants, the present-day headlines became more and more eerily similar to what we read in ancient scripture. What tools can we learn from these sacred stories to use in our modern-day resistance to tyranny? Join On Earth Peace for breakfast to hear from Dana (speaking via ZOOM) and learn about OEP’s work offering a Christian nonviolent response to political violence and building capacity in local communities around the United States.
Bridgewater College Luncheon
“State of the College”
This presentation will provide an overview on the current state of the College, highlighting recent achievements, today’s students and programs, and emerging priorities.
Elizabethtown College and Young Center Luncheon
“Elizabethtown College and the Young Center: Continuing to Boldly Live Our Brethren-Rooted Mission and Values”
Church of the Brethren-derived values have shaped the foundation of Elizabethtown College throughout its history and continues to drive the school’s mission today. In this 40-year anniversary of the College’s Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies, join Director of the Young Center and Senior Scholar Dr. Steve Nolt as he explores the story of pioneer Etown Professor Elizabeth Myer’s journey for religious liberty in the early 1900s and how it was motivated and informed by the College’s founding educational tenets. Joining Nolt will be Executive Director of Legacy Planning and Engagement Mark Clapper, who will be contributing insights into how Etown’s founding values of peace, nonviolence, social justice, and human dignity continue to inform current and emerging initiatives.
*The ticket price for this meal is being partially subsidized by Elizabethtown College
Juniata College Luncheon
“Juniata Reflections”
Enjoy the opportunity to visit with others who have a connection to or an interest in Juniata College. As the College celebrates its 150th Anniversary, we will share in fellowship and storytelling about the Juniata experience. All are welcome. We hope you’ll join us!
Manchester University Alumni and Friends Luncheon
“University Update”
Join the alumni office, current students and President Stacy Young ’96 for good food and fellowship as we connect over our shared love and support of Manchester University.
McPherson College Luncheon
“From Cradle to the Arch – the Lifecycle Approach to Enrollment at McPherson College”
Over 70% of higher education colleges and universities consider student enrollment as a major challenge. This is especially true for small colleges. Having doubled full-time student enrollment at McPherson College over the past 20 years, MC has defied the odds in the small college sector. Learn more about how Mac is addressing the future of student enrollment.
*The ticket price for this meal is being partially subsidized by McPherson College office of Alumni
Global Missions Dinner
“EYN President Daniel Mbaya brings the Word”
Global Mission is honored to have EYN President Daniel Mbaya speak to us about being a peace church in the context of religious violence in northern Nigeria. Other international guests will be introduced and Global Mission Executive Director, Sharon Norton, will bring greetings and updates as well.
Rural and Small-Town Initiative Dinner
“Discovering God’s Gifts-Connecting Your Congregation and Community”
Has your congregation struggled to make meaningful connections with its neighbors? Are the current ministry programs in your congregation not as effective as they once were? Join us as we discover how to find the gifts that exist in your congregation and how to use them to more effectively engage with the community around you.
