For adults age 50 and older, it is time to register for the denomination’s 2013 National Older Adult Conference (NOAC), held Sept. 2-6 at Lake Junaluska, N.C. The theme of the conference will be “Healing Springs Forth,” with the scripture verse, “Then you will be refreshed in the Lord” (Isaiah 58:14).
Register online with a credit card at www.brethren.org/NOAC or by mail with a check or credit card. The NOAC registration form is available in the registration brochure, which has been mailed to previous participants, or can be downloaded and printed from www.brethren.org/noac/documents/2013-noac-registration-form.pdf .
This year’s NOAC features outstanding preachers, speakers, and performances. Dava Hensley of First Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Va., will preach for opening worship on Monday evening, Sept. 2. Edward Wheeler, president emeritus of Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Ind., will deliver Wednesday’s sermon. Kurt Borgmann of Manchester Church of the Brethren in N. Manchester, Ind., will preach for the closing worship service Friday morning.
Author Phyllis Tickle is Tuesday’s keynote presenter, with Richard Mouw of Fuller Theological Seminary speaking Wednesday morning, and the Kroc Institute’s John Paul Lederach presenting Thursday morning. Dawn Ottoni-Wilhelm, a member of the faculty at Bethany Theological Seminary, will present a series of morning Bible studies focused on the conference theme.
Ted Swartz of Ted & Co. Theaterworks will perform “Laughter is Sacred Space,” a poignant look at his theatrical ministry with former partner Lee Eshleman, on Tuesday evening. Thursday evening will feature the piano performance “From Chopin to Sacred Songs to Show Tunes: A Musical Journey” by Josh and Elizabeth Tindall.
In addition to workshops, arts and crafts, and recreation, the conference features evening ice cream socials hosted by the Fellowship of Brethren Homes, Bethany Seminary, and the six Church of the Brethren-related colleges and universities. Bethany Seminary is hosting Tuesday’s golf outing. The Brethren Press bookstore will join exhibits by Brethren-related ministries in Harrell Hall.
Conference goers will have the opportunity to donate items and assemble school and hygiene kits for Church World Service, and raise funds for the Youth Peace Travel Team ministry by walking around Lake Junaluska.
NOAC appreciates the financial sponsorship of the following conference events: Morning Bible Study and “NOAC News” sponsored by Brethren Benefit Trust; Tuesday afternoon’s native American flutes program sponsored by the Peter Becker Community in Harleysville, Pa.; Wednesday’s birds of prey demonstration sponsored by Pinecrest Community in Mt. Morris, Ill.; and Thursday’s folklore program sponsored by Brethren Hillcrest Homes in La Verne, Calif.
NOAC is brought to you by the Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren. For more information see www.brethren.org/NOAC . Contact Kim Ebersole, NOAC coordinator, at 800-323-8039 ext. 305 or kebersole@brethren.org for information or a registration brochure.
— Kim Ebersole is the NOAC coordinator and director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministries for the Church of the Brethren.