This year the officers of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference invited On Earth Peace to expand its Ministry of Reconciliation (MoR) presence. The expanded presence included the entire Conference, not just the business sessions. As On Earth Peace prepares a report for the Annual Conference officers to help in planning for next year, we welcome feedback.
Newsline for July 26, 2012
“With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation” (Isaiah 12:3). NEWS 1) Disaster projects in New York, Alabama, Virginia are extended. 2) BVS summer unit begins work at project sites. 3) Brethren leader sends update on violence in Nigeria, interfaith delegation issues report. 4) Ministry of Reconciliation seeks feedback on expanded Conference
Brethren Bits for July 26, 2012
Brethren bits remembers Philip West, a son of Dan West, and former New Windsor staff Wolfgang Spreen, and marks several anniversaries of congregations, announces a job opening with the BHLA, new district and retirement community staff, new resources available on the brethren.org website, and much much more.
Barkley Resigns from the Brethren Historical Library and Archives
Terry Barkley has announced his resignation as archivist and director of the Brethren Historical Library and Archives (BHLA) at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Oct. 31 will be his last day at the BHLA, allowing him to complete two full years in the position. His resignation is due to family changes in Alabama, which require his daily assistance at home.
New Brethren Press Resources Include Advent Devotional, ‘Brethren Beliefs,’ Guide and Covenant Studies
New from Brethren Press are a host of resources for personal devotions, for Bible studies and small groups, and for maintaining connection with Church of the Brethren ministries and Annual Conference. Order any of the following by calling 800-441-3712 or going to www.brethrenpress.com . A shipping and handling charge will be added to the listed price.
BVS Summer Unit Begins Work at Project Sites
Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) Unit 297 has completed its orientation and begun work at a number of project sites in the United States, Ireland, and El Salvador. The summer unit held orientation on June 10-29 in Chicago and Elgin, Ill. Following are the new BVS volunteers, their home congregations or home towns, and projects sites.
A Thank You Letter from Plowsharing Crafts
Annual Conference director Chris Douglas has shared the following letter from the staff of Plowsharing Crafts, sent in response to the generosity of Conference-goers after the SERRV store suffered a robbery during the Conference. The store lost some $1,000 worth of jewelry merchandise, but donations given by concerned Conference-goers virtually made up for the loss.
Annual Conference 2012 – Bits and Pieces
Lots more information about the Conference in St. Louis includes statistics on attendance and offerings, service project and blood drive results, the Quilt Auction, and much more.
Delegate Seating at Round Tables Facilitates Face-To-Face Conversation, Prayer
“Watching you all hold hands around the tables and pray is one of the most beautiful things I have seen in my life,” said Annual Conference moderator Tim Harvey to the delegate body after one morning’s devotions during the 2012 Conference, held July 7-11 in St. Louis, Mo. This is the first year in recent memory that the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference has used table groups for face-to-face discussion, giving feedback on items of business, and prayer in small groups.
Conference Approves Variety of Polity Changes, Discontinues the CIR
In other business, the Annual Conference approved a variety of polity changes for districts and the Program and Arrangements Committee, approved a recommendation to discontinue the Committee on Interchurch Relations (CIR) in anticipation of a new vision for ecumenical witness, gave two groups additional time to work on revisions to the Ethics for Congregations document and response to climate change, and recommended a cost of living increase for pastor salaries.