A review of the final day of Annual Conference 2022
Today in Omaha – July 14, 2022
Category: Church of the Brethren Newsline
Today in Omaha – July 12 and 13, 2022
A review of business and events at Annual Conference in Omaha
Young adults visit Tri-Faith Initiative in Omaha
On Wednesday afternoon, a group of nine Brethren young adults carpooled to Tri-Faith, a spacious campus home to Temple Israel, Countryside Community Church, and American Muslim Institute. The three independent religious communities are all connected by a circular walkway known as Abraham’s Bridge, surrounded by native plants and near a community garden and orchard tended by all three groups. It’s the only place of its kind in the world.
Leadership Team proposal to update polity for Annual Conference agencies is adopted
The one unfinished business item coming to the 2022 Annual Conference was adopted on Wednesday, July 13. The item, “Update to Polity Regarding Annual Conference Agencies” (unfinished business 1) was brought by the denomination’s Leadership Team, which includes the Conference officers, the general secretary, a representative of the Council of District Executives, and the Conference director as ex-officio staff.
Chris Douglas and James Beckwith are honored for their years of service
Annual Conference celebrated the service of Chris Douglas, who retired as Conference director last year, and James Beckwith, who is completing 10 years as Conference secretary, with presentations during the Tuesday afternoon business session. A reception followed.
Conference adopts concerns of ‘Query: Standing with People of Color,’ sets in motion two-year study/action process
The delegate body on Tuesday, July 12, took action on “Query: Standing with People of Color” (new business item 2) from Southern Ohio and Kentucky District, which asks, “How can the Church of the Brethren stand with People of Color to offer sanctuary from violence and dismantle systems of oppression and racial inequity in our congregations, neighborhoods, and throughout the nation?”
Delegates adopt new documents to guide pastors’ salaries and benefits, set COLA commensurate with rate of inflation
The Annual Conference on Tuesday, July 12, adopted a new “Integrated Annual Ministry Agreement and Revised Guidelines for Pastors’ Salaries and Benefits” (new business item 5) and a “Revised Minimum Cash Salary Table for Pastors” (new business item 6) as presented by the Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee (PCBAC).
Today in Omaha – July 11, 2022
A review of the day at Annual Conference in Omaha, Neb., on Monday, July 11, 2022
Madalyn Metzger to serve as moderator-elect, David Shumate to serve as Conference secretary, among election results
New officers of the Church of the Brethren have been elected by the 2022 Annual Conference in Omaha, Neb. Madalyn Metzger of Goshen City (Ind.) Church of the Brethren in Northern Indiana District will serve as Annual Conference moderator-elect. She will serve as moderator for the 2024 Annual Conference. David K. Shumate of Daleville (Va.) Church of the Brethren in Virlina
A dozen churches are welcomed into the denomination
At the opening business session, Stan Dueck, co-coordinator of Discipleship Ministries, introduced church groups accepted into the denomination. Twelve groups are being recognized in 2022. Also, four groups were reintroduced that were formally recognized at the 2021 virtual Annual Conference.
