Three new groups were recognized during Annual Conference business on July 5 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
New project
Madtown Church of the Brethren, the name chosen by the group, is a new project in the Illinois/Wisconsin District. The house church in Madison, Wis., began meeting monthly in 2022. Members come together from around the Madison area. They meet on the first Sunday of the month at various members’ homes, with at least one person joining virtually. The gatherings include devotional time, sharing, discussion of current events from a faith lens, and fellowship. Plans continue to grow, and members look forward to beginning service projects as part of their life together. Leadership is Everett Teeter, Austin Weaver, Ken & Diane Weaver, and Krista Benassi. The Illinois/Wisconsin District Executive Minister is Walt Wiltschek. Leonard Matheny serves as the Church Revitalization and Development Team Chair for the district.
New fellowship
East Dayton Fellowship, in Southern Ohio/Kentucky District, was formed from a merger between Shepherd’s Table, a Brethren in Christ mission, and the East Dayton Church of the Brethren. They are situated in an area of Dayton challenged with much drug addiction, alcoholism, and homelessness in the surrounding community. Through their presence and ministries, the church impacts lives and the community being Jesus in their neighborhood. Zach Spidel and Susan Liller are the pastoral leaders of the church. Nick Beam is the Interim District Executive Minister.
New congregation
Gordonsville Chapel, of the Shenandoah District, began as Knight’s Chapel Church of the Brethren in Barboursville, Va. Knight’s Chapel outgrew its facility and eventually purchased an abandoned church building in the neighboring town of Gordonsville. The church began worshiping in its purchased facility in November 2016. In 2020, an intentional effort was initiated to create two fully functioning congregations, Knight’s Chapel and Gordonsville. After COVID delayed the process, Shenandoah District Conference delegates unanimously acclaimed Gordonsville Church of the Brethren as a congregation in 2022. Gordonsville is pastored by Terry Jewell. John Jantzi is the District Executive Minister.