By Torin Eikler
The Council of District Executives (CODE) started off the new year with the first of their two annual meetings. As with so many events in the past 10 months, these meetings were moved to a virtual format. While many expressed a strong desire to sit together in person, the executive leadership of 23 of the 24 districts in the Church of the Brethren persevered through the meetings with willing spirits.
Across the four days from Jan. 25-28, CODE members worshiped and prayed together, heard reports from denominational agencies and the Mission and Ministry Board, and engaged the denomination’s Leadership Team in conversation.
In addition, CODE spent several hours thinking together about the future of district ministry and how districts can adapt and transform in order to continue providing support, encouragement, and connection to congregations.
Members also spent time remembering Terry Grove, former Atlantic Southeast District executive minister, who passed away suddenly in December. Sonja Griffith, executive minister of Western Plains District, led the closing worship as her final gift to CODE before retiring in March.
— Torin Eikler is executive minister of Northern Indiana District.
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