“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.
Brethren Revival Fellowship Dinner Considers Story of Zacchaeus
Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF) has existed since 1959 with a mission to revive the Church of the Brethren and hold the denomination to scripture. The BRF sponsors an annual dinner meeting at Annual Conference for fellowship and edification.
Today at Annual Conference – Wednesday
Today at Annual Conference – Wednesday
VOS Celebrates 10 Years, Holds Final Dinner
Jim Lehman, who planted the seeds for Voices for an Open Spirit (VOS) at Annual Conference 10 years ago, invited guests at the group’s yearly banquet to take a look back, but also to look forward.
Up for the Challenge, Weather or Not
The St. Louis pavement was steamy Sunday morning, July 8, as runners and walkers gathered at Forest Park for the Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) Fitness Challenge. Despite the humidity, 81 athletically-minded Brethren turned out at 7 a.m. to participate in this popular Annual Conference event.
Today at Annual Conference – Tuesday
Photo by Regina Holmes Candles on some cloth formed the worship center for this evening’s young adult drum circle. Quotes of the day Photo by Regina Holmes Jennifer Leath preaches for Tuesday evening worship. She is a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and a leader in the National Council of Churches’ young adult
Elections Query Is Returned, Call to Accountability Reaffirmed
The delegate body of the 2012 Annual Conference has acted on a query about elections. The body adopted a recommendation from the Standing Committee of district delegates that “the query respectfully be returned and that the 1979 statement, ‘Call to Accountability,’ be reaffirmed.”
Recommendations for Revitalization of Annual Conference Are Accepted
If Annual Conference is to survive and thrive, planners will need to make some changes according to a Revitalization Task Force report. One of the most significant is that economic realities will limit the number of future Conferences held west of the Mississippi.
Delegates Affirm Need for More Equity on Mission and Ministry Board
Addressing a business item requesting more equitable representation for districts on the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board, the 2012 Annual Conference adopted the query and referred its concerns to the denominational board.