The Fellowship of Brethren Genealogists (FOBG) held their Annual Meeting on July 2, 2011. Featured speaker Emmert Bittinger is one of the persons working on studying nearly 300 families of Rockingham County, Va., and their experiences during the Civil War. Their research is being published in a six volume set.
Pregunta: Decoro Apropiado (Annual Conference 2011 business item: Query proper decorum)
Pregunta: Decoro Apropiado (Annual Conference 2011 business item: Query proper decorum) Considerando que la Iglesia de los Hermanos tiene una historia y una práctica para buscar la mente de Cristo juntos, y Considerando que la Iglesia de los Hermanos ha comprendido su sentido de comunidad como abarcar la responsabilidad unos a otros como hermanos y hermanas de la fe misma, y ….
Standing Committee Accepts New Vision Statement, Afghanistan Resolution, Responds to Queries
The Standing Committee of district delegates ended its pre-Annual Conference meetings today. The committee has accepted a vision statement for the Church of the Brethren for the decade, and recommended it to the 2012 Annual Conference for adoption. Standing Committee also recommended a resolution on the war in Afghanistan received from the Church of the Brethren’s Mission and Ministry Board. Recommendations were made on queries on climate change and proper decorum.
Pregunta: Directrices para la aplicacion del documento paparetica congregacional (Annual Conference 2011 business item: Query guidelines for implementation of congregational ethics paper)
Pregunta: Directrices para la aplicacion del documento paparetica congregacional (Annual Conference 2011 business item: Query guidelines for implementation of congregational ethics paper) Considerando que: un código de ética para las congregaciones de la Iglesia de los Hermanos fue adoptada por la Conferencia Anual en 1996; Considerando que: el documento, “Ética para las Congregaciones” fue originado en una recomendación en el documento “Ética en el Ministerio”, aprobado inicialmente por la Conferencia Anual en 1992 ….
Offering the Table
Offering the table. Offerings taken during worship services are often assumed to be only money, but during the July 2 worship service of Annual Conference, attendees offered much more than that.
As a way of tangibly “extending Jesus’ table,” moderator Robert Alley suggested a special opportunity for Brethren to offer gifts other than their dollars to people around the world. So a special offering of comforters and school supply kits was taken during worship, and many people participated.
Una declaración de Confesión y Compromiso (Annual Conference business item: Statement of Confession and Commitment)
Una declaración de Confesión y Compromiso (Annual Conference business item for 2011: Statement of Confession and Commitment). El tema de la homosexualidad sigue aportando la tensión y la división dentro de nuestro Cuerpo. No somos de la misma opinión sobre este asunto. Creemos que es tiempo para el nombre del quebrantamiento. Un intercambio abierto entre las personas con perspectivas y creencias diferentes acerca de la homosexualidad a menudo parece imposible. Con demasiada frecuencia los debates en la vida del Cuerpo sobre esta cuestión ….
Board Sends Afghanistan Resolution for Conference Approval, Sets Reduced Parameter for 2012 Budget
In a partial-day meeting on July 2, the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board approved a resolution on Afghanistan, sharply reduced the budget for 2012, heard several reports, and participated in presentation of this year’s Open Roof Award. The resolution on Afghanistan was forwarded to Standing Committee for Annual Conference consideration.
Conference Business Addresses Issues Related to Sexuality, Church Ethics, Climate Change, Decorum.
The 2011 Annual Conference taking place in Grand Rapids, Mich., on July 2-6 will have on its business agenda items related to human sexuality, along with a report from a committee studying the need for new guidelines on congregational ethics, and two new queries on climate change and proper decorum for discussions of church business.
Group is Encouraging Local CPS Anniversary Celebrations
A group that has set up a new website to tell the Civilian Public Service (CPS) story is also encouraging local celebrations of 70th anniversaries of CPS camps around the country. Nearly 12,000 conscientious objectors to war chose Civilian Public Service during World War II, performing “work of national importance” rather than bearing arms.
Ministries of Reconciliation and Listening Will Offer Assistance at Conference
Many who have attended Annual Conference in past years are familiar with the yellow “On Earth Peace MoR (Ministry of Reconciliation) Observer” badges worn by skilled practitioners during Conference business sessions. This year as particularly sensitive business is discussed, these volunteer “Ministers of Reconciliation” will offer assistance not only during business sessions but throughout the Conference, mediating conflict, facilitating communication, navigating misunderstandings, and in general helping to make sense of the proceedings.