A review of the first day of the 2017 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren, held in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Today in Grand Rapids – Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Annual Conference
Standing Committee agrees to new process for its deliberations this year, recommends adoption of new business items from Brethren Benefit Trust
The Standing Committee of district delegates has begun its work ahead of the 2017 Annual Conference. Standing Committee meetings began Sunday evening, June 25, in Grand Rapids, Mich., and continue through Wednesday morning, June 28. The meetings are presided over by Annual Conference moderator Carol Scheppard, with moderator-elect Samuel Sarpiya and Conference secretary James Beckwith.
Remember when: Church of the Brethren statements on care for Creation
As early as 1991, the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference adopted a statement titled “Creation: Called to Care.” “Why should Christians care about the environment?” the statement reads, in part. “Simply because we learn in Genesis that God has promised to fulfill all of creation, not just humanity, and has made humans the stewards of it. …”
Annual Conference 2017 offers special programming, opportunities for spiritual enrichment, continuing education
Organizers of the 2017 Annual Conference highlight special programming for this year’s annual meeting of the Church of the Brethren, taking place in Grand Rapids, Mich., June 28-July 2. In addition to business sessions for delegates, all attendees will have opportunities for spiritual enrichment, continuing education, fellowship, and family oriented activities.
Statement from Annual Conference moderator, general secretary mourns cycle of violence in Syria
As citizens under the reign of God, we mourn the violence of these days…
Jubilee afternoon will be a breath of rejuvenation for Annual Conference
For a second year in a row the 2017 Annual Conference schedule will include a Jubilee break from business on Friday afternoon. To understand how Jubilee came to be a part of Annual Conference, it is helpful to look at its origins in scripture.
Remember when: The Brethren Service Committee finds its charter
This week’s Newsline “remember when” moment from Brethren history is the decision that created the Brethren Service Committee, the forerunner of the Brethren Service Commission. The BSC went on to become the main implement for the Church of the Brethren’s extensive service activities and witness for peace in Europe and elsewhere following World War II.
Denominational leaders request prayer for upcoming meetings
Partnership in prayer is requested Jan. 22-27 as the Council of District Executives, the Church of the Brethren Leadership Team, and the Inter-Agency Forum hold their annual January meetings.
‘We Rejoice This Advent Season’: Annual Conference Moderator Sends Christmas Letter
By Carol Scheppard Dear Brothers and Sisters, Grace and Peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. We rejoice this Advent season as we celebrate the incarnation–God’s astounding act of love to become human, live among us, and lead us out from our darkness. “And the Word became flesh and lived among
Creation Care Study Committee Invites Responses to Survey
The Creation Care Study Committee was created at the 2016 Annual Conference in response to a query that challenges us to respond more fully to two resolutions on climate change (1991 and 2001). Our charge is to catalyze action, particularly in relation to transitioning to renewable energy and reducing fossil fuel* usage (www.brethren.org/news/2016/creation-care-study-committee.html .