By Russ Matteson
On March 1, 47 leaders from the Church of the Brethren districts west of the Mississippi River gathered by Zoom for the first of several planned meetups designed to enhance connection and relationships across the western Brethren.
The gathering included district moderators and moderator-elects, Standing Committee delegates, board chairs, members of denominational staff and boards, and the district executives.
Conversation focused on how people came to be Brethren and to serve in the leadership roles they are in, as well as the hopes and concerns that they have for the church today.
Northern Plains District executive minister Tim Button-Harrison opened the time with a devotional that shared about the 300th anniversary of the sending of Brethren from the first congregation in Germantown, near Philadelphia, to reconnect with the newer Brethren communities that were scattered throughout Pennsylvania.
A second gathering is planned for May 17 via Zoom. A Western Brethren gathering also will be held after worship on the first night of Annual Conference in Greensboro, N.C., on July 2.
— Russ Matteson is district executive minister for Pacific Southwest District of the Church of the Brethren.
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