The 2024 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren is planned for July 3-7 in Grand Rapids, Mich. Moderator Madalyn Metzger has chosen the theme “Welcome and Worthy” (Romans 16:2, CEB).
“In today’s society, we spend a lot of time wondering if we’re worthy,” she wrote in a theme statement. “And, whether we admit it or not, we spend a lot of time assessing others based on our own standards. We do this, because we’ve set up so many ‘rules’ for ourselves since before we can remember–rules that have been influenced by our families, neighbors, teachers, and experiences. These rules are how we make sense of the world. They help us interpret and navigate our complex social constructs.
“But, when taken to the extreme, they also can limit our understanding of the infinite worth of every human being. They can painfully and disruptively fracture our relationships. And they can run contrary to God’s Word and the Holy Spirit’s leading.” (Find a link to the full theme statement at www.brethren.org/ac.)
Daily scripture themes
Wednesday, July 3: Romans 16:1-4 (CEB) with supporting scriptures from Matthew 5:1-16 (CEB) and Revelation 7:9-10
Thursday, July 4: Luke 1:46-49 (NIV) with supporting scriptures from Jeremiah 1:4-10 and 2 Samuel 9:1-10a
Friday, July 5: Romans 12:3-10 with supporting scriptures from John 15:9-13 and 2 Chronicles 30:18-21
Saturday, July 6: Acts 2:42-47 with supporting scriptures from Ephesians 4:1-6 and 1 Peter 4:8-11
Sunday, July 7: Philippians 2:1-11 with supporting scriptures from Micah 6:8, Zechariah 7:8-10, and Galatians 6:2 and 6-10
The preachers
Wednesday, July 3: Annual Conference moderator Madalyn Metzger
Thursday, July 4: Greg Broyles of Roanoke, Va., and Germantown Brick Church of the Brethren
Friday, July 5: Brandon Grady of Glenville, Pa., and Black Rock Church of the Brethren
Saturday, July 6: Leonard M. Dow, vice president of Community and Church Development for Everence® and previously pastor of Oxford Circle Mennonite Church in Philadelphia, Pa.
Sunday, July 7: Cindy Laprade Lattimer of Huntingdon, Pa., and Stone Church of the Brethren
The worship team and musicians
Nathan Hollenberg of Broadway, Va., is serving as the Program and Arrangements Committee liaison to the worship team, which also includes Founa Augustin Badet of Delray Beach, Fla.; Calvin Park of Knoxville, Md.; and Amber Harris of Winston-Salem, N.C.
The music coordinator is Seth Crissman of Harrisonburg, Va.
The choir director is Julie Richard of Finksburg, Md.
The pianist is Jocelyn Watkins of East Peoria, Ill.
The organist is Robin Risser Mundey of Frederick, Md.
The children’s choir director is Stephanie Rappatta of Elkhart, Ind.
Advance registration starts on March 1, 2024, online at www.brethren.org/ac where more information about the Conference is available.
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