University of La Verne, Calif., was the institution highlighted this year at the General Secretary’s Luncheon with Higher Education. Keynote speaker Dr. Jonathan Reed addressed the luncheon on the topic of “Who Was Jesus?”
Conference Welcomes New Fellowship in North Carolina
One joy of the first day of Annual Conference business is the time when new fellowships and congregations are introduced. This year, Jonathan Shively, executive director of Congregational Life Ministries, introduced one new group. Rios de Agua Viva (Rivers of Living Water) is a fellowship in Leicester, N.C., started by pastor Mario Martinez and his wife, Evelyn. They have been working since Sept. 2013 and were granted fellowship status in 2014 by Southeastern District.
Ken and Ted: Awesome!
Sunday night… 7 p.m. End of a long day. People gather in Tampa convention center, East Hall. Ken Medema and Ted & Co are presenting “Heart to Heart.”
Today in Tampa – Sunday, July 12, 2015
A review of the day, Sunday, July 12, at Annual Conference 2015 in Tampa, Fla.
Standing Committee Calls for New Study of Vitality in the Church
The Standing Committee of district delegates met in advance of the 2015 Annual Conference in Tampa, Fla., on July 8-11. The meetings were presided over by Annual Conference moderator David Steele, assisted by moderator-elect Andy Murray and secretary James Beckwith. In a decision with potential for far-reaching consequences, the Standing Committee decided to propose a new study committee on vitality in congregations, districts, and the denomination, in response to a query on future district structure. It also held conversations in closed session about concerns related to same sex marriage.
Today in Tampa – Saturday, July 11, 2015
An overview of the day as Annual Conference 2015 gets underway
Wenatchee Wildfire Affects Pacific Northwest Brethren
Brethren Disaster Ministries reports that a wildfire on the outskirts of Wenatchee, Wash., has destroyed 24 homes and 4 businesses. No lives have been lost. “We need and appreciate your prayers for my home town,” said Colleen Michael, executive minister of the Church of the Brethren’s Pacific Northwest District.
Nigerian Brethren Send Letter of Condolence to Emanuel AME Church
A letter of condolence has been sent to Emanuel AME Church from leadership of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). The letter, sent through the General Secretary’s Office of the Church of the Brethren in the United States, expresses caring on behalf of the entire membership of EYN, following the shooting attack in which nine members including the pastor of Emanuel AME were murdered during a Bible study.
Mission 21 Adopts Resolution on Nigeria Crisis
The Mission 21 assembly unanimously approved a resolution on June 12 clearly condemning terror by Boko Haram, reaffirming the obligation of Christian organizations to assist the people of Nigeria, and making a point to state that the support and aid should benefit all people in Nigeria–Christians as well as Muslims.
Dominican Brethren Receive Support for Effort to Naturalize Haitian Members
Brethren Disaster Ministries has directed a grant of up to $8,000 from the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) supporting the work of Iglesia de los Hermanos (the Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic) to assist the naturalization of ethnic Haitians living in the DR. This grant is in addition to funding of $6,500 from the budget of Global Mission and Service, for a total of up to $14,500.